One Art
Chapter 1
One Art
The art of losing isn't hard to master;
so many things seem filled with the intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.
November 21, 1998
Ran stood outside the Koneko. The rain pouring on his back was not all that unwelcome. It felt like it was cleansing him from all the anterior bloodsheds. He just stood there with his hands in his coat pockets deciding if he should go in. [I can still get out of this. Not really I sold my soul to the devil after that day]
April 24, 1996
" Hey buddy! where the hell have you been?" asked Goushi draping an arm around Ran's shoulders.
" Busy," was all Ran would say. Today was Aya's birthday. She was becoming 16 that age when a girl starts blooming to become a woman. It was a good day and it was making Ran nervous. He thought that the minute Aya turned 16 she would be surrounded by men.
" You are an idiot sometimes. You know that?" said Kahori giving Ran a glare. Goushi had been feeding on Ran's fear making the guy more paranoid.
" No he is not. Once girls turn 16 they become crazy. It's like guys know they are mature," said Goushi leaving a lot of things to wonder. " Just because it doesn't happen to you goes to prove that you are an ogre."
Kahori blushed furiously hitting Goushi on the head with her backpack. Ran snorted at this.
" Oh you think it's funny?" asked Kahori maliciously. " I should crack your head just like that baka's."
" I was laughing at Goushi," said Ran. " You are not ugly Kahori you know that."
" Of course I do!" said Kahori smiling triumphantly.
" He is just saying that because he doesn't want you to eat him," said Goushi jumping out of Kahori's reach. Ran didn't say a thing, a tiny smile playing on his lips.
" Oniichan! Have you been waiting long?" said Aya reaching them. " I was detained because this guy passed me a note in class. I got into trouble because of him."
" Was it a looooove note?" crooned Goushi eyes full of humor. Ran's head snapped at that. The guy really needed to loosen up.
" Stop putting ideas into my brother's head," said Aya seriously. " You make him think I am in some mortal danger."
" But you are. Such an innocent flower at the mercy of all those hungry eyes," said Goushi leaning on Ran.
" And that wouldn't include your wandering eyes?" asked Kahori grinning evilly. Oh Ran was going to get Goushi for that.
Ran whipped around to see Goushi. Goushi laughed nervously lifting in hands in surrender.
" Hey man I don't check out your sister," said Goushi rapidly. " The monster is lying."
" No I am not. I saw you checking out her ass the other day," said Kahori quickly. Both Aya and Goushi blushed.
" Why. Are. You. Checking. Out. My. Sister?" asked Ran dangerously. " I am killing you for that." Kahori laughed as she saw Ran running after Goushi who was attempting to escape the situation.
April 27, 1996
" Ran, there is someone to see you," said the nurse. Ran had fallen asleep again. It wasn't a peaceful sleep. His dreams were full of images of his dead parents, of screams, and of Aya. Rubbing a hand over his eyes he could feel them swelling. [Not enough sleep]
" Ran? Are you okay?" asked the nurse again.
" Who is it?" said Ran. The nurse eyed him curiously. He repeated the question. " Who's looking for me?"
" Oh, a lady. She says she is with the police department," said the nurse. Ran crouched to kiss Aya on her cheek before walking out of the room. He saw a well-dressed woman with red hair. She looked very professional.
" Ran?" asked Manx looking at the boy. The poor kid looked all beat-up. Well the explosion explained that.
" Hai," said Ran trying to stand straighter in an attempt to make himself look better than he actually did.
" Have you eaten?" asked Manx seriously. Ran shaked his head eyeing her with distrust. Couldn't blame him.
They went to the cafeteria right across the hospital. Ran didn't want to go farther, he was afraid for Aya.
" I understand there was an accident at your house," said Manx while she sipped coffee. Ran's hands tightened on his cup of tea.
" It wasn't an accident. My parents were murdered and my sister may be on her way to join them," said Ran dangerously low.
" I see," said Manx putting down her cup. " Would you want to avenge them? Prevent this from ever happening to anyone else?"
Ran stared at her not comprehending. The change in topic had been so abrupt.
" What do you mean?" asked Ran anger leaving his features for a moment.
" I work for a company. We ensure that these things don't happen again by bringing justice to those who have gotten away with this thing before," said Manx eyeing Ran seriously.
" Like vigilantes?" asked Ran surprised.
" You could say that. We would train you and pay for your sister's hospital bills. You have racked up quite a bill in these past few days," said Manx watching Ran tense up.
" I-I can pay that. Otoosan opened bank accounts for all of us in case something happened," said Ran rapidly.
" They don't exist Ran. Do you understand the situation you are in?" asked Manx.
Ran was about to respond but didn't know what to say.
" Your father was suspected of laundering money and fraud. All of his assets have been frozen. You are not going to be able to touch that money," said Manx in a detached tone. " You are on your own."
Manx could see all of this sinking in with Ran because the boy's face became pale. He dropped the spoon he had been holding.
" That-that means I can't pay for Aya," said Ran almost hyperventilating. " It can't be. My father never did anything wrong.Why?" He dropped his head in his hands and pulled.
" He was forced to do it. If he didn't do it they would kill him, at the end he refused to do it and was killed. You and Aya were supposed to be dead also," said Manx signaling the waiter for the check. She went through her purse getting a card out.
" This is my phone number. I am giving you two days to make up your mind after that I will remove my offer. Think about it, you can help other people and avenge your parents. Do it for them, do it for Aya." And with that the red head left the table leaving Ran alone with his thoughts.
[For Aya.]
November 21, 1998
" For Aya." whispered Ran quietly to himself.
" Who are you?" asked Ken from behind the stranger that stood at their door.
" Oi, who is this new member we are getting?" asked Yohji for about the sixth time. Omi rolled his eyes. He was just getting tired of hearing it.
" I wish it were a woman. How about you joining us instead Manx?" said the lanky blonde while he started taking out a cigarette.
" Not in the house Yohji!" said Omi when he saw Yohji about to contaminate the air for him once again.
" You are getting a guy Balinese. He is very capable and does his job perfectly" said Manx looking at her watch once again.
" Why are we getting him again?" asked Yohji putting an unlighted cigarette on his lips.
" The other group he was on didn't reach his expectations," was all Manx contributed to the case. Which meant either the guy was important or the other groups might be put in danger.
" Another kitty," mused Yohji looking at the ceiling. " He certainly is late."
" He is never late," said Manx starting to get angry with the guy for being late. It was then that they heard it. The sound of someone crashing into trashcans in the back alley. They all looked up at the same time and ran towards the alley. Running toward the back door they saw Ken fighting with somebody.
" Ken!" screamed Omi causing the other guy to become distracted. Ken punched Ran in the jaw causing his head to snap back and hit against the brick wall. They all heard the crack.
" Siberian! Stop that!" snapped Manx. " That is your new team member."
Ken stopped chest heaving in short gasps. Unclenching his hands from their curled up position he noticed that the guy wasn't moving. Ken hit Ran's leg with his foot and saw how he didn't respond.
" Shit! You already killed him," said Yohji amused. " What the hell did he do to you?"
" Guy's a prick," was all Ken said bending to get a look at the face. Omi was crouching beside him in no time.
" He's okay," said Ken picking up the redhead using himself as a crutch. Ran's head lulled to a side.
" Well this is interesting," said Manx going inside the house again.
" Rain is not for people like me. I prefer sunny days," said Yohji racking a hand through his hair.
" What? Does it make your hair frizz?" asked Ken obviously still angry at the guy he was carrying. " I am putting the idiot on your bed."
" What?" asked Yohji. " No, no, you are not putting that wet person on my BED."
" Yeah I am," said Ken dragging Ran into Yohji's room. " I don't want him in my bed and what if he wakes up and tries to kill Omi?"
" Seeing that this didn't work out the way I planned, I leave you in charge of Abyssian," said Manx addressing Yohji. " I will come back tomorrow morning."
" Umm Manx?" asked Omi when he saw the redhead starting to leave. Manx turned to him raising an eyebrow.
" Is he dangerous?" asked Omi seriously. " My advice is not to provoke him. He is really good with sharp objects," said Manx and left. " Who isn't?" snorted Yohji. Yohji watched the young man that was lying on his bed. The face seemed familiar but he couldn't place it. Maybe he knew him on his PI days but it was sad the amount of people he remembered. The guy's hair was so red, almost like Manx but more wine colored.
" Aya." sighed Ran. Yohji frowned when Ran started murmuring the name like it was some sort of mantra.
" Is that your name?" whispered Yohji. "Is it someone you lost?"
" Aya."
Ken was sitting in the kitchen fuming. The prick had acted all self- righteous and Ken just couldn't take that. He could see Omi looking at him, concerned.
" Are you okay Ken-kun?" asked Omi setting a cup of tea in front of him.
" Yeah, I am fine. I was angry before I saw him, he was the perfect outlet," said Ken smiling faintly.
Omi looked at him and touched his jaw where he had a developing bruise.
" It's okay," said Ken. " Didn't think he knew how to fight. It's funny I thought he was some psycho or something. Just stood there muttering to himself."
" He has problems," said Omi smiling at Ken. " We all do."
" No shit," snorted Ken and started drinking his tea.
Ran could feel the pain behind his skull. He could also feel the warmth under his body, of course he was still wet but at least it felt soft. The thought almost brought tears to his eyes remembering since when he had allowed himself to enjoy simple things. [Not since she left]
He couldn't bring himself to smile or laugh when he hadn't even laughed that much with her. He could smell the faint odor of cigarettes. Cigarettes? He didn't know anyone that smoked.
He opened his eyes and almost bolted out of bed.
" Hey, seems you got knocked out." said Yohji stopping when he started to notice the color of his eyes. " It's you."
Ran's eyes widened when he recognized the guy. " Yohji?"
" Oh gods Ran. I thought you were dead. I looked you up and found out your house had been blown to bits," said Yohji before he caught himself. Ran was their new team member, a killer. Manx had even warned them not to bother him. What had Ran been doing with himself all this time?
" I don't go by that name anymore," said Ran getting up. " If you must call me anything, call me Aya."
" Aya? Isn't that your sister's." said Yohji until he saw the look of anger Ran gave him.
" I am here to do a job nothing more," said Ran picking up his coat as he started to walk out of the room.
" Ran? I mean Aya why are you here? Why are you a killer?" asked Yohji seeing the portrait of the sweet boy he had met two years ago shatter.
" Life happened," said Aya walking out of the room.
Chapter 1
One Art
The art of losing isn't hard to master;
so many things seem filled with the intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.
November 21, 1998
Ran stood outside the Koneko. The rain pouring on his back was not all that unwelcome. It felt like it was cleansing him from all the anterior bloodsheds. He just stood there with his hands in his coat pockets deciding if he should go in. [I can still get out of this. Not really I sold my soul to the devil after that day]
April 24, 1996
" Hey buddy! where the hell have you been?" asked Goushi draping an arm around Ran's shoulders.
" Busy," was all Ran would say. Today was Aya's birthday. She was becoming 16 that age when a girl starts blooming to become a woman. It was a good day and it was making Ran nervous. He thought that the minute Aya turned 16 she would be surrounded by men.
" You are an idiot sometimes. You know that?" said Kahori giving Ran a glare. Goushi had been feeding on Ran's fear making the guy more paranoid.
" No he is not. Once girls turn 16 they become crazy. It's like guys know they are mature," said Goushi leaving a lot of things to wonder. " Just because it doesn't happen to you goes to prove that you are an ogre."
Kahori blushed furiously hitting Goushi on the head with her backpack. Ran snorted at this.
" Oh you think it's funny?" asked Kahori maliciously. " I should crack your head just like that baka's."
" I was laughing at Goushi," said Ran. " You are not ugly Kahori you know that."
" Of course I do!" said Kahori smiling triumphantly.
" He is just saying that because he doesn't want you to eat him," said Goushi jumping out of Kahori's reach. Ran didn't say a thing, a tiny smile playing on his lips.
" Oniichan! Have you been waiting long?" said Aya reaching them. " I was detained because this guy passed me a note in class. I got into trouble because of him."
" Was it a looooove note?" crooned Goushi eyes full of humor. Ran's head snapped at that. The guy really needed to loosen up.
" Stop putting ideas into my brother's head," said Aya seriously. " You make him think I am in some mortal danger."
" But you are. Such an innocent flower at the mercy of all those hungry eyes," said Goushi leaning on Ran.
" And that wouldn't include your wandering eyes?" asked Kahori grinning evilly. Oh Ran was going to get Goushi for that.
Ran whipped around to see Goushi. Goushi laughed nervously lifting in hands in surrender.
" Hey man I don't check out your sister," said Goushi rapidly. " The monster is lying."
" No I am not. I saw you checking out her ass the other day," said Kahori quickly. Both Aya and Goushi blushed.
" Why. Are. You. Checking. Out. My. Sister?" asked Ran dangerously. " I am killing you for that." Kahori laughed as she saw Ran running after Goushi who was attempting to escape the situation.
April 27, 1996
" Ran, there is someone to see you," said the nurse. Ran had fallen asleep again. It wasn't a peaceful sleep. His dreams were full of images of his dead parents, of screams, and of Aya. Rubbing a hand over his eyes he could feel them swelling. [Not enough sleep]
" Ran? Are you okay?" asked the nurse again.
" Who is it?" said Ran. The nurse eyed him curiously. He repeated the question. " Who's looking for me?"
" Oh, a lady. She says she is with the police department," said the nurse. Ran crouched to kiss Aya on her cheek before walking out of the room. He saw a well-dressed woman with red hair. She looked very professional.
" Ran?" asked Manx looking at the boy. The poor kid looked all beat-up. Well the explosion explained that.
" Hai," said Ran trying to stand straighter in an attempt to make himself look better than he actually did.
" Have you eaten?" asked Manx seriously. Ran shaked his head eyeing her with distrust. Couldn't blame him.
They went to the cafeteria right across the hospital. Ran didn't want to go farther, he was afraid for Aya.
" I understand there was an accident at your house," said Manx while she sipped coffee. Ran's hands tightened on his cup of tea.
" It wasn't an accident. My parents were murdered and my sister may be on her way to join them," said Ran dangerously low.
" I see," said Manx putting down her cup. " Would you want to avenge them? Prevent this from ever happening to anyone else?"
Ran stared at her not comprehending. The change in topic had been so abrupt.
" What do you mean?" asked Ran anger leaving his features for a moment.
" I work for a company. We ensure that these things don't happen again by bringing justice to those who have gotten away with this thing before," said Manx eyeing Ran seriously.
" Like vigilantes?" asked Ran surprised.
" You could say that. We would train you and pay for your sister's hospital bills. You have racked up quite a bill in these past few days," said Manx watching Ran tense up.
" I-I can pay that. Otoosan opened bank accounts for all of us in case something happened," said Ran rapidly.
" They don't exist Ran. Do you understand the situation you are in?" asked Manx.
Ran was about to respond but didn't know what to say.
" Your father was suspected of laundering money and fraud. All of his assets have been frozen. You are not going to be able to touch that money," said Manx in a detached tone. " You are on your own."
Manx could see all of this sinking in with Ran because the boy's face became pale. He dropped the spoon he had been holding.
" That-that means I can't pay for Aya," said Ran almost hyperventilating. " It can't be. My father never did anything wrong.Why?" He dropped his head in his hands and pulled.
" He was forced to do it. If he didn't do it they would kill him, at the end he refused to do it and was killed. You and Aya were supposed to be dead also," said Manx signaling the waiter for the check. She went through her purse getting a card out.
" This is my phone number. I am giving you two days to make up your mind after that I will remove my offer. Think about it, you can help other people and avenge your parents. Do it for them, do it for Aya." And with that the red head left the table leaving Ran alone with his thoughts.
[For Aya.]
November 21, 1998
" For Aya." whispered Ran quietly to himself.
" Who are you?" asked Ken from behind the stranger that stood at their door.
" Oi, who is this new member we are getting?" asked Yohji for about the sixth time. Omi rolled his eyes. He was just getting tired of hearing it.
" I wish it were a woman. How about you joining us instead Manx?" said the lanky blonde while he started taking out a cigarette.
" Not in the house Yohji!" said Omi when he saw Yohji about to contaminate the air for him once again.
" You are getting a guy Balinese. He is very capable and does his job perfectly" said Manx looking at her watch once again.
" Why are we getting him again?" asked Yohji putting an unlighted cigarette on his lips.
" The other group he was on didn't reach his expectations," was all Manx contributed to the case. Which meant either the guy was important or the other groups might be put in danger.
" Another kitty," mused Yohji looking at the ceiling. " He certainly is late."
" He is never late," said Manx starting to get angry with the guy for being late. It was then that they heard it. The sound of someone crashing into trashcans in the back alley. They all looked up at the same time and ran towards the alley. Running toward the back door they saw Ken fighting with somebody.
" Ken!" screamed Omi causing the other guy to become distracted. Ken punched Ran in the jaw causing his head to snap back and hit against the brick wall. They all heard the crack.
" Siberian! Stop that!" snapped Manx. " That is your new team member."
Ken stopped chest heaving in short gasps. Unclenching his hands from their curled up position he noticed that the guy wasn't moving. Ken hit Ran's leg with his foot and saw how he didn't respond.
" Shit! You already killed him," said Yohji amused. " What the hell did he do to you?"
" Guy's a prick," was all Ken said bending to get a look at the face. Omi was crouching beside him in no time.
" He's okay," said Ken picking up the redhead using himself as a crutch. Ran's head lulled to a side.
" Well this is interesting," said Manx going inside the house again.
" Rain is not for people like me. I prefer sunny days," said Yohji racking a hand through his hair.
" What? Does it make your hair frizz?" asked Ken obviously still angry at the guy he was carrying. " I am putting the idiot on your bed."
" What?" asked Yohji. " No, no, you are not putting that wet person on my BED."
" Yeah I am," said Ken dragging Ran into Yohji's room. " I don't want him in my bed and what if he wakes up and tries to kill Omi?"
" Seeing that this didn't work out the way I planned, I leave you in charge of Abyssian," said Manx addressing Yohji. " I will come back tomorrow morning."
" Umm Manx?" asked Omi when he saw the redhead starting to leave. Manx turned to him raising an eyebrow.
" Is he dangerous?" asked Omi seriously. " My advice is not to provoke him. He is really good with sharp objects," said Manx and left. " Who isn't?" snorted Yohji. Yohji watched the young man that was lying on his bed. The face seemed familiar but he couldn't place it. Maybe he knew him on his PI days but it was sad the amount of people he remembered. The guy's hair was so red, almost like Manx but more wine colored.
" Aya." sighed Ran. Yohji frowned when Ran started murmuring the name like it was some sort of mantra.
" Is that your name?" whispered Yohji. "Is it someone you lost?"
" Aya."
Ken was sitting in the kitchen fuming. The prick had acted all self- righteous and Ken just couldn't take that. He could see Omi looking at him, concerned.
" Are you okay Ken-kun?" asked Omi setting a cup of tea in front of him.
" Yeah, I am fine. I was angry before I saw him, he was the perfect outlet," said Ken smiling faintly.
Omi looked at him and touched his jaw where he had a developing bruise.
" It's okay," said Ken. " Didn't think he knew how to fight. It's funny I thought he was some psycho or something. Just stood there muttering to himself."
" He has problems," said Omi smiling at Ken. " We all do."
" No shit," snorted Ken and started drinking his tea.
Ran could feel the pain behind his skull. He could also feel the warmth under his body, of course he was still wet but at least it felt soft. The thought almost brought tears to his eyes remembering since when he had allowed himself to enjoy simple things. [Not since she left]
He couldn't bring himself to smile or laugh when he hadn't even laughed that much with her. He could smell the faint odor of cigarettes. Cigarettes? He didn't know anyone that smoked.
He opened his eyes and almost bolted out of bed.
" Hey, seems you got knocked out." said Yohji stopping when he started to notice the color of his eyes. " It's you."
Ran's eyes widened when he recognized the guy. " Yohji?"
" Oh gods Ran. I thought you were dead. I looked you up and found out your house had been blown to bits," said Yohji before he caught himself. Ran was their new team member, a killer. Manx had even warned them not to bother him. What had Ran been doing with himself all this time?
" I don't go by that name anymore," said Ran getting up. " If you must call me anything, call me Aya."
" Aya? Isn't that your sister's." said Yohji until he saw the look of anger Ran gave him.
" I am here to do a job nothing more," said Ran picking up his coat as he started to walk out of the room.
" Ran? I mean Aya why are you here? Why are you a killer?" asked Yohji seeing the portrait of the sweet boy he had met two years ago shatter.
" Life happened," said Aya walking out of the room.
