Ante-Mortem
By: Wildfire Sky
I was very inspired by the excellent reviews, so I hopped right on it and began writing Chapter 16. So I'd like to take this introduction time to thank everyone for being my muses!! I really appreciate it!! BTW, I would like to ask: do readers find this 'introduction section' unnecessary? But besides that, hope ya'll enjoy this next chapter...R&R por favor!!
Ante-Mortem
Chapter Sixteen
The attack was taking longer to start than Diablo expected. He'd watched Oreru enter the ship, timed his departure to the exact second, but he still expected some sort of signal to attack. The vessel now lay quiet at the dock, shifting side to side with the current. Rain fell down around him in thick sheets, his hair matting to his forehead, clothing hanging from him in loose rolls. But he remained sitting there, eyes watching and unwavering, not missing a beat.
It reminded him of Cuba...this waiting. Sometimes they'd send in a spy, years earlier, allowing them to get a chance to get close to the target. Sometimes they'd succeed...most times they didn't. These battles...these fights of hatred and revenge were simply a pastime for warlord and drug runners. A chance for them to prove their worth in the world, to make people quake in fear. He'd felt obligated to participate then as well.
However, tonight was different. Tonight, he had many things to do. He did not trust Oreru...the son of a bitch was dangerous, even to him. Of course, his pathetic knives and guns would inflict little damage to his manufactured body, but he could still destroy his mission. Diablo didn't doubt that he'd pissed Tagasuki off...wouldn't be surprised if Oreru was here as nothing more than a hit man. The fat bastard knew he'd be interested in finding the target...in capturing him...but what Tagasuki didn't know was that Diablo already knew where he was. In fact, Diablo had already formed a plan and the wheels were set in motion.
Tagasuki would not be handed the target...would not be handed any amount of money or glory. All Tagasuki would get, is a blade in the ribs and two bullets in the head, each perfectly aimed through his eyes. His yakuza would crumble once everything was complete...the name Tagasuki no more than a blemish in the Tokyo police files.
A streak of lighting screamed across the sky, momentarily bathing the peer in light. It was then he saw the shadows in the porthole. Diablo leaded forward, glazing at the tiny opening carefully. Then he saw it again...the shadows throwing themselves...or at least they looked like they were.
Son of a bitch! Diablo cursed mentally. Oreru had gone and taken the ship himself, fighting against the crew. And did it matter to him that the alarm would be raised the moment that drunken fool returned from wherever he was going?? Did he forget that the cyborgs would be coming back with the captain?? Did he forget that the element of surprise was essential for both their parties? How the hell was he going to take the target if the target was on alert?!? He would surround himself with his fucking friends and it would be impossible to get at him easily, now.
He quickly stood up, glancing around for any of Oreru's hidden men. The last thing he needed was for them to start charging in like the idiots they were, making things worse. Diablo grinned, pulling out his gun. Time to clear out the trash...
One of the Black Samurai spotted Diablo's shadow moving across the pier floors, to him, an unknown intruder. The man lifted his automatic, taking aim at the shadow's chest. Suddenly, as if an illusion, the shadow disappeared, as if it was only a mere fragment of his imagination.
"What the...?" he lifted his head, squinting into the dark. "There's no way in hell..." The man reached for his radio, "This is Watch 14...I've got some suspicious activity going on here..."
There was a pause of static before the reply came, "Repeat. Suspicious activities? Elaborate Watch 14."
The man scrunched his face in annoyance, "I don't know what I saw...there was a guy one moment and then he was gone the next!"
"Watch 14, go in to confirm, copy?"
"Hai. Watch 14, out."
The shadow descended upon his unaware form as fast as a striking cobra, the blade slipping between his ribs smoothly as the hand wrapped around his face, jerking his head around with a sickening snap. The sentry let out a pained groan, sliding limply from his killer's grip and collapsing to the ground.
"...14? Come in Watch 14...have you confirmed?"
Diablo picked up the black radio, listen to the pointless chatter in disgust. Gripping the radio in one hand, he gave a mild grunt, the useless box shattering to pieces in his hand. A mix of blood and oil dripped from his palm where the metal bit into his skin. He tossed the crumpled heap away from him, wiping his hand on his pant leg.
Turning away from the bleeding body in front of him, Diablo swiftly and quietly moved on to his next victim, dispatching each man with a swift thrust and a vicious snap of the neck. Finally, when none were left, and the blood was so thick it began to soak into the dock wood, Diablo made his first move towards the fishing ship.
Baretto slammed against the far wall, a cry escaping from his throat as his hand flew to his bleeding side. His breathing came in short, heaving gasps, his eyes already glazing over as blackness began to over take his vision. Bloodstains sprayed across the walls and pools ran across the floor, even dripped from the ceiling in thick, dark raindrops.
The bodies of Yangsu and Oromo decorated the room, Yangsu's decapitated form lay splayed across the wood, arms askew and his leg bent beneath his body, the chest trampled from the many times Baretto was forced to step on him to evade Oreru's vicious attacks.
Oromo's limp corpse stood, pinned to the wall, the assassin's blade shoved through his throat like a bug collector. The man stared out through glazed, half-lidded eyes, a blank, dead stare as he watched his friend struggle to survive. There was a small tick in one hand as Oromo's body nerves continued to try and revive his dead remains. His blood had long ago stopped its pouring; the only thing left was the stream flowing towards Bajito's feet.
Kumu was no where to be found, his frightened self darting from the room the moment Yangsu went down. Only God knew where Kumu had gone to...or even if he was still alive. There was an army waiting out there, yet, the recognizable sound of gunshots had not yet cracked through the air. Maybe Kumu would be able to find Soto and Kinto...maybe they'd have a chance.
Oreru stood over Yangsu's body, reaching down and picking up the man's head. He grinned savagely through his blood covered face, as he picked up the deceased man's gutting blade. With a single, fluid slice, he cut away a lock of hair, letting the head fall to the floor again. Oreru reached into his pocket and pulled out a thin ribbon, tying it around the lock of hair.
"I always collect the hair of my victims," Oreru explained, pulling out a small black case from his jacket. Flipping open the shiny lid, he deposited the hair and snapped the case closed, "I consider it a way to remember my sins and my life." His insane smile grew, "It will be a souvenir I take with me to Hell."
Baretto blinked back the blank fringing his vision, "You...you insane son of a bitch..."
Oreru let out a harsh laugh, "You shouldn't state the obvious...it makes one look incompetent and naïve." The assassin took a step forward, his teeth bared in a crazed grin, "Tagaskui forced me to control my fury...told me I could not lose myself in battle because I was too dangerous...but it's that insanity that I enjoy when I fight...I love allowing myself to be showered with the blood of my enemies." Oreru paused and turned towards Oromo's hanging body.
"Leave him alone!" Baretto shouted, struggling to his feet, "Don't you dare touch him!"
Oreru chuckled, caressing the dead man's cheek, "Leave him alone? I think he would be honored to become apart of me..." The sound of ripped flesh filled the air as Oreru's teeth broke through Oromo's throat, blood gushing from the wound. The assassin pulled back, opening his mouth to drink in the man's blood.
Bile filled Baretto's throat at the sight of the man drink the blood of his friend like a vampire. He watched in numb horror as the man straightened, turning towards him and wiping his hand across his mouth. Blood trickled from his grinning jaws as Oreru started towards him again.
"Your friend's blood is very fresh and sweet...I'm glad I got to him before the fluid turned bad." He stopped in front of the trembling fisherman, "Blood is best right after a kill. It still retains the flavor of fear that a man feels when his body begins to die."
Baretto shook his head in disbelief, "You...how could you...his blood..."
"I am perfectly aware that our blood type might be different, but I've solved that problem long ago." Oreru smirked, "Even as a child I ate raw meat, never bothering to cook it...enjoying the freshness of it and the tang of blood. Slowly, my body adapted to having three blood types flowing through it, adjusting to accept all of them." The assassin kneeled in front of Baretto, "I became an invincible monster...the true form of Death...I am his body with which he preys on the weak and helpless. I became stronger, faster, an efficient killer born from Hell..."
Baretto's chest heaved, "You're a youkai! A blood thirsty youkai!"
Oreru nodded in agreement, "I am youkai...the perfect example of immortality. I've trained my body to take any physical abuse...and trained my mind so that I might fool others. Tagasuki is a fat slob whom I never enjoyed serving...I should be the one feed by woman, not him. He's never seen battle, controlling others with his money. Once I finish here, I'll return to Tagasuki and drink his blood as well."
The dark eyed assassin reached out, gripping Baretto's trembling face in his hand. Slowly he pulled the unresisting form forward until they were nearly face to face. "Tagasuki always asked me why I didn't kill with a gun...obviously he's never had the satisfaction of being face to face with your victim as they slowly die. Bullets end everything too quickly...but a blade...a blade prolongs the suffering and makes your victim's demise all the more better."
He pressed his blade against Baretto's throat, "I'm going to enjoy watching your blood flow over my hands...I'm going to enjoy feasting on your flesh and stealing your strength for my own..." Oreru grinned, his grip tightened on the hilt of his killing blade. "Try not to scream too loud..."
Wham!!
Oreru flew across the room, slamming against the far wall, the wood work cracking under the force of his hit. The blade clattered across the floor from his lax grip as he slid down; remaining slumped on the floor, the shock of the attack stunning him. Finally, he shook his head, groaning as he reached up a hand to massage the back of his skull. His hard eyes looked up, widening in shock as he took in the fuming figure before him.
"You!"
Bajito stood in front of his brother, white knuckled fists clenched in fury. Blood trailed down his forehead and into his eyes, but the large man didn't seem to notice as he glared at his opponent. Slowly moving into a fighting stance, Bajito's face remained cold and hard.
"You will never touch my brother again, assassin!"
Oreru ground his teeth together in fury, leaping to his feet, eyes narrowed like a stalking wolf's, "You son of a bitch. It would have been in your best interest to stay in your corner and wait your turn..." he sneered, fisting his hands, "But if you want to cut in line...I'm game for that...I'll kill you first and then slowly torture your brother to death, peeling the skin from his flesh piece by piece..."
Bajito cracked his knuckles in challenge, "That's if you can kill me! I May be a fisherman, but I'm one of the strongest in this city! Try your luck if you're man enough."
Oreru laughed, standing to his full height, "Very well. Just don't beg like a broken bitch when I rip out your heart!"
"Same to you."
Baretto looked up at his brother's back, reaching out a hand towards his protector, "B...Bajito...don't..."
Bajito smiled grimly, never taking his eyes from his opponent, "Don't worry about me, bro...you just sit tight while I deal with this idiot." He stepped forward, facing Oreru, "You caught me off guard when you attacked from the shadows, but now that I can keep an eye on you, things are gonna be a bit different!"
Oreru's eyes shone with mirth, "Then I guess I'll have to rip out your eyes first..."
Kinto and Sotomo sat facing each other in the Dolphin lounge, both sipping hot cocoa from Chang's kitchen. Mumei had been and gone, heading off to explore the large, red warship. The two men conversed in hushed tones, each as cautious around these strangers as the other. They should have been at ease around the good Samaritans, but Mumei seemed extremely tense and unnerved when he appeared, mumbling a quick greeting before disappeared down another hallway.
Kinto scratched the back of his neck as he took another mouthful of cocoa, "I wonder what's wrong with Mumei, Soto...ever since he came back with those two strangers, and he's been acting weird...almost evasive..."
Soto nodded, scratching his beard, "I wonder if he knows these people?"
"You think?" Kinto looked over his shoulder, searching for eaves droppers, before looking back at Sotomo, "Maybe they're the ones who tossed him over board...a kid like that just doesn't get wash out to sea like that...I mean, this battleship is built like a submarine, so it's possible it was underwater when we came along."
Sotomo frowned, "Don't jump to conclusions, my friend. Don't forget that Mumei lost his memory. For all we know, these good people are old friends of his...we can't readily assume that they are our enemies right off."
"Sometimes the betrayal of a friend can be worse than the hate of an enemy, Sotomo." Kinto leaned back against the couch, "But I will listen to what you say and not confront any of them until the time is right."
"Speaking of which," Soto said, glancing around, "I wonder where our hosts get to?"
Kinto shrugged, "Hell, maybe they're just as cautious of us as we are of them. Just because they helped us doesn't mean they aren't scared of us."
Sotomo sighed, "Kinto, I want you to go and find Mumei."
"What? Why?"
"I think we've overextended our stay here." He stood up, "I'm going to go check on Tai while you find him."
Kinto stood as well, "So are we leaving Tai here?"
"Do we have a choice? The hospital's a death trap and the ship isn't adequately supplied for his injuries. Mumei might not like it, but it's the only choice we've got." The old captain groaned tiredly, "I must go back and check on the crew...I never imagined we'd be here for so long."
Kinto clamped a hand down on Sotomo's shoulder, "It's not like we could have done anything about it. Tai's unconscious, would you really have left him in the state he's in?"
"No." Soto admitted, "But that still doesn't mean I don't worry about the crew. Tagasuki's men already attacked once, who's to say they won't do it again?"
"Like I said, Soto, we couldn't prevent this." Kinto grinned, "Besides, Bajito and Baretto are there. If anything, they'll make sure nothing happens...Tagasuki's men will have a handful with those two!"
With that, Kinto turned, heading down the hall, his head turning haphazardly as he took in his surroundings. Sotomo watched until he turned the corner before heading towards the infirmary stairs. The door slid open, casting a warm, buttery glow down the dimly lit steps. He hesitated for a moment, worried that such a poorly lit area might be a cause for caution.
"I assure you that your friend is perfectly safe, captain."
Sotomo turned his head, looking down at the small Russian doctor. He forced a meek smile on his face, hoping to fool the doctor into believing he was, in fact, at ease. "Of course, Gilmore-sensei, I just wanted to peek in before we head back to the ship."
Gilmore blinked, "You're leaving so suddenly? But why?"
Sotomo's smile faltered at the old man's worried gaze. He bowed slightly in apology, "Gomen nasai, Gilmore-sensei, but I must make sure that my crew is safe. As you know, we're having problems with the local yakuza. If they were to attack and I not be there..."
"Oh, don't worry about your crew;" Gilmore said with a smile, "I've already taken care of that little detail."
"You...have?"
"Yes," the Russian nodded, "I set over two of my friends to keep an eye out. They just left not a minute ago and are on their way over right now." 002 and 004 were in fact heading towards Sotomo's ship, opting to walk rather than attract unwanted attention to them. A big submarine was one thing, but when human started fly out of it would cause the real panic.
Sotomo bowed again, "Arigato, Gilmore-san, but it still feel the need to see my crew with my own two eyes. If there's a mechanical problem, I'd like to be on site. No offense to your men, but I don't think they'd know too much about my old fishing boat."
"None taken. But, if you really feel that way, I won't try to stop you. Besides, you'll have 009 with you and that will be good enough."
Sotomo paused, his eyes narrowing, "009? That's the second time I've heard that phrase. Just who is this 009 character?"
Gilmore bit his tongue. Oh great... "It's quite a long story, Mr. Sotomo, and one that you mostly likely wouldn't believe in the first place."
Sotomo gripped the old man's arm, leading him down the stairs and into the infirmary. Sitting Gilmore down in one of the chairs, he brought his closer, staring into Gilmore's old eyes. "Forgive me for being so blunt, but right now, I don't give a damn what you think. We found Mumei in the middle of the ocean, his mind void of all memory. If you have any information that will help me piece together his past, I ask you for it."
Gilmore scratched the back of his head nervously, "Well...it's not as simple as explaining his past...he's more different than you think, captain Sotomo...but if you're willing to listen, I'll tell you everything that I can about him."
Sotomo leaned back in his chair, "I'm all ears, doctor..."
Kinto looked around with wide eyes, taking in every aspect of the massive ship. How in God's name did they manage to pilot this thing? A group of nine in this cruiser? He shook his head in amazement. Such a ship would be an awesome advantage on the fishing grounds. They'd be able to carry ten times as much fish, and bigger sizes too. He itched to explore further, at least glance in at the engine room...
He came to the end of the hallway, the walk branching off to the right and left while a large door stood directly in front of him. Engraved into the plate mounted on the door were the words: Control Room.
Kinto hesitated for a moment, his fingers scratching nervously over his palm. Unsure of whether or not he was allowed inside the control room, he didn't want to proceed and cause trouble. However, Sotomo had ordered him to find Mumei and find the boy he would.
Lighting touching the panel to the left, the door hissed open, the tiny clink signify its locked position. He blinked at the sudden glare from the room, his eyes still accustomed to the dim hallways. Wiping the moisture from his eyes, Kinto glanced around.
The control room was huge, the walls lined with controls, buttons, levers, and flashing lights. The panoramic glass window providing a grand view of his surroundings, allowing him to see the true fury of the storm outside. In the center was a low podium and chair, no doubt where the commander sat, whoever that was.
He stepped forward, descending the two step drop until he was at the front, bending over the controls in front of him. The sight of what looked like a radio caused him to lift a hand to his scarred eye, the memory rushing back to him. The pain of the wires slashing across his face, his form thrown back as the fishing boat radio exploded in his face in an angry mass of sparks and metal. It was storming that day too...
"Are you alright, Kinto-san?"
Kinto spun around, his eyes narrowing on the form. He heaved a sigh of relief, "There you are, Mumei! I've been looking for you."
Mumei stared down at Kinto with his fierce red eyes, "You were?"
"Aa." Kinto nodded at the door, "Soto wants to head back to the crew and the ship. This might be a good idea, considering the way it's storming."
Mumei continued to stand at the top level, "Then we're leaving Tai here, are we?"
"Aa..."
The young man frowned, turning away, "I'm not going with you."
"Eh??" Kinto blinked, "What do you mean you're not going with us? Sotomo said that we're all heading back, and that includes you."
"Forget it...I can't leave..."
Kinto was up the steps in a second, his eyes hard, "Are you really going to disobey Sotomo like that? You're with our crew, Mumei, and that means you listen to the captain when he gives an order! If you're so worried about Tai, don't be. He's in good hands here and out of Tagasuki's reach, alright? Now let's go."
Mumei stepped back, "It's not Tai I'm worried about..."
"Then..." Kinto frowned, his eyes softening, "Then what are you worried over?"
Mumei bowed his head, "Me...I'm worried about me."
"What?"
The young red-eyed boy sighed, "Ever since I met those two men, I...I've had this strange feeling...like I knew them or something..." he shook his head, "But it was impossible considering I'd just met them. And then...and then I met her..."
Kinto's frown deepened, "Her? Who is 'her'?
Mumei's head bowed sheepishly, "The woman with the golden hair...the kind one...when I saw her...I remembered..."
"Remembered what exactly, Mumei? Come on! Spit it out already!"
Mumei squeezed his eyes shut, "I remember her from my dreams...some how...somewhere...I knew her...she would always come to me in my dreams, she was all that I thought about. Sometimes she'd hold me and whisper to me, but I never knew what she was saying. Her hair was always so curly and beautiful, and she was always smiling at me...because I knew...I knew her and..." he lifted his eyes to Kinto, blinking back tears, "...and I loved her..."
Ok, I think I'll stop it right there. stretches wow!! I had a bit of writer's block for almost two days there, but I pushed through it and came out with another product!! Now, I'll bet you all are wondering...has Mumei/Joe finally remembered?? Well, that for me to know and for you to find out in the next chapter. For now, Review Responses!! Huzza!!
GoldAngel2: Ah, my other muse, it's good to hear from you again!! Rat and vermin eh...nice analogy...never heard that one before!! Arigatou for reviewing GoldAngel2-chan!! (God I love butchering other languages!!)
Copperline Kitty: Oh I see...so she's being lazy, eh? Well, that's alright, no biggy!! I'm quite lazy myself (as evident by my long ass "no update" period...) I SALUTE ALL LAZY PEOPLE!! LET US JOIN TOGETHER IN BROTHERHOOD!!..................no?...........................alright.............
Fantasygirl: Yes, yes...I understand the whole school thing. In fact, I apologize to you for being so lazy updating. Damn me and my senior life!! Oh well...meh...
Eva-Freak015: Oro? I didn't mean to make you blush, lol, just paying a compliment to such a wonderful reviewer!! Ah ha!! So I caught another blood-lover...excellent...my web of gore loving, death seeking readers in spreading...so I will take over the world!!!
animefreak5483: Hey hey!! My pal incognito!! What's goin' on, slick?? Pity about the whole joint-partnership thing, but tell me who your pal is and whether or not she'll be willing to assist me. If not, I don't really need the help desperately; I just think it would be a nice way to put a spin on things. And I shall collaborate with you as a beta reader, arigatou!
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR EXCELLENT REVIEWS!!
WATCH OUT FOR MY NEXT CHAPTER!! COMING SOON!!
