YAMI NO MATSUEI – DESCENDANTS OF DARKNESS
THE SHADOWS OF MY PAST
Chapter Seven: A Time to Sow and a Time to Reap
"Punctual and dedicated…. I like it."
I looked up and saw Ishino Toya standing in front of my desk, the man genially smiling at me. "Good morning."
"Three months have flown by and you're still showing the same promise as you've done on your first day. You're quick at your feet and can keep up with my pace – very good traits for a political aide."
After smiling back and then bowing slightly for a couple of seconds as a token of gratitude for his praises, I then told my new employer, "I'm glad to be of service, Ishino-san. Just let me know how I can be of help."
"Keep doing the good job that you've been doing for me, and we'll be fine, Tatsumi-kun. You have a bright future waiting for you. Who knows? You might have a good future as a politician after you've learned the ropes in this environment and how to survive it – that is if you wish to be one. So, are you ready to start our day and let me know what's going on for today?"
I nodded, pulled out the planner that I keep for him, followed him inside his posh office, and sat across from his desk. I then scanned his schedule for today and started the process by telling him, "You have a 10:00 a.m. meeting at the magistrate's office…a lunch meeting with the chief of police…a routine tour of the business district around 2:00 in the afternoon…a routine tour of the market district around 3:00…a 4:00 meeting with the fiscal treasurer to discuss about next year's budget…and dinner with your peers from the political party."
Ishino was quiet in his thoughts for a couple of minutes, and then asked, "Have you secured the reservations for tonight's dinner engagement?"
"It's already been done," was my reply. I gazed at him, a silent inquiry if he had anything in mind to add to his calendar or delegate other matters to the appropriate staff.
"Please take my place for the routine tour at the market district, Tatsumi-kun. After that, I'd like you to meet me at the fiscal treasurer's office and sit in with me for the meeting. I want to hear your thoughts on how to streamline certain items on the current budget and brainstorm about next year's budget. Then if you don't have any plans for tonight, join me for dinner and meet the other elected officials and their aides…that is if Mako-san wouldn't mind dining alone for tonight…."
I told Ishino as tonight's invitation had been extended to me, "I'll put the first two engagements in my calendar and work accordingly around them. However, I regret that I couldn't join you for tonight. It's Mako-san's birthday. I promised to cook dinner tonight at home to celebrate with him. It's been a tradition between us to spend time together for birthdays and holidays for as long as I could remember…starting from the time that Father was still alive. I'm humbled and honored with the invitation, but I regret that I must turn it down."
For a couple of seconds, Ishino gauged to see if I was simply avoiding being with him after work hours or if I was telling him the truth…not that I care or fear about what the man thought. His face was calm throughout the entire conversation, yet it took a while until he really accepted my explanation as fact. I could tell from his eyes when his probing gaze relaxed…a soft smile and a subtle sigh being the signs of his lament that I turned down his invitation.
Finally, Ishino then told me, "Mako-san's fortunate that you're a good son. I keep forgetting that he's been your father since your real father passed away. I don't want you to break the old man's heart or your principles by having you break your word of honor. The party tonight's important, but not that important. So instead of tonight, would you be able to join me for another dinner appointment two weeks from now with the same group? I'll introduce you to them once you join me."
"Yes, yes of course. Thank you, Ishino-kun," was my reply, apology and relief laced in my voice.
"All right, Tatsumi-kun. We have much to do today, so let us get to work," said a calm Ishino with energy. "I'll read the speaking points that you've prepared for today's meetings. If I don't come back and see you before I leave, that means that they're fine the way they are."
"And after you talked to everyone at the market and gathered their concerns, feel free to help Mako-san with your stall. Just don't be late for our meeting at the fiscal office."
"Thank you, Ishino-kun. Of course I won't be late."
I then rose from my seat, taking the schedule and notes with me. After giving my employer a genial bow, I excused myself, closed the door to give him privacy, and went about with my work once I returned to my desk.
As usual, time flew by so quickly for me. By the time that I got the chance to look at the clock, it was already two-thirty in the afternoon…no wonder that I was getting hungry after I thought that I just ate my packed lunch at my desk a little while ago.
I prepared what I needed to bring for the meeting at the fiscal office later on, and then left shortly after I tidied everything that was on my desk.
Life had been different since I worked for Ishino. As his aide, people mostly have varied demeanors whenever they spoke to me.
Others who were not kind towards my family suddenly became accommodating and thoughtful, but of course I knew better that their tongues continued to wag as they weaved gossip.
The smaller group of others who have been kind towards my family and were oblivious as to how corrupt Ishino truly was now saw a brighter glimmer of hope as they now know someone "with connections."
There was also a group of people who have been friendly towards me and had an idea as to what type of person Ishino was now eyed me with suspicion – keeping a modicum of civility towards me yet maintaining their distance. They probably thought that anyone who worked for a corrupt man – no matter how principle-oriented that person might be – also reeked of corruption.
What warmed my heart were the others who were happy for me…those who wished me well all these years. Their numbers were few but they were hard-working, good-hearted people. They saw me as a person and not as a means to an end…or someone who could "make things happen" for them. Whenever I see them at the marketplace during these random visits, they treated me as if nothing had changed…that I was still the same Tatsumi Seiichiro that grew up before their eyes.
Yet out of all the changes that had happened in my life, the only person that became a stable and trusted loved one was Mako-san…and as usual, he was busy working at the market. It made me feel good returning every now and then to my professional origins, seeing the activity and the rewards reaped out of a good day's work.
I have changed…that I know. I knew the main reason as to why I went to work for Ishino, and that was to avenge Inari and Mother's deaths by destroying the man and all who participated in covering up the truth.
I tread in dangerous waters, and that I know as well. Any wrong move could cost me my professional career and even my life, for some politicians could be vindictive and deadly…Ishino definitely being one of them. He could send lies that would affect not only my business with Mako-san but also jeopardize my employability if matters go sour between us. He could also order my execution and bury any evidence once he thought that I become more of a liability rather than a tool for him and his agenda.
There was one thing that I learned about me when I took on this job with Ishino's office. I did not realize how adaptable I was in an environment where your ally today could be your enemy the next minute, and be your best friend the minute afterwards…an environment that there was no sense of permanency or stability. That one fact about me made me question as to how steadfast my morality was and if I was becoming the man that Father had always wished me to be.
Or in order to destroy the monster who killed my sister and drove my despairing mother into suicide, was I slowly but surely turning into a soulless and immoral monster too?
Business acumen and good instincts have been by best tools throughout this time. Everyday, I have longed for the time where I could set matters right. Everyday, I aimed to do some good while I occupied the position that I currently have in Ishino's office – maybe it was my form of atonement for what I planned to do.
As to when that day of retribution might be, only the gods and Fate knew the details.
Yes, my conscience visited me every now and then as if it wanted to ensure that I would not turn back from my plan.
To me, there was no turning back. I would do everything that I could to render the judgment of Hell for those who wronged my family – even if it meant that I would be going to Hell along with them while I do so….
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Timeline – 1948
Time flew by quickly once more…the hours became days…the days became months…and the months became years.
It seemed like it was just yesterday that I started my position as Ishino's aide, but that beginning was actually seven years ago. It was 1948 – the 23rd year of the Showa Period. I was already 29 and I have learned so much from my job and life in general.
The country was still rising from the ashes of World War II, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki still fresh within the minds of everyone.
Mako-san, thank the gods, was still in good health. He knew how to take care of his body, so the only evidence that had been there of the passage of time was his salt-and-pepper hair now having more grays. Nothing had changed in his routine. He worked at the market during the days and ate supper with me at night.
I, on the other hand, had mostly moved in with him. I loved the dear old man. I worked on the fields with him during the weekends and hired help to take care of the fields during the day. Before dawn, he and I worked together harvesting vegetables to sell. After work, I go straight to the market and help him pack and clean up.
And as usual, I cooked for us at night.
As much as I still think that Ishino was a bastard, I was thankful that he allowed me to adopt a more flexible schedule to help Mako-san more. For whatever reason he had for the leniency – whether it was out of empathy for a son who wanted to take care of his father or out of rewarding someone who had been a tool for his office – I appreciated and took that privilege whenever necessary.
However, Ishino was not as kind to his constituents as he had been with me and Mako-san. Although his name and reputation had been purged clean through the passage of time, he had never been dirtier as he had been now. He tampered with public funds, framed many of his cronies to take the fall on his behalf – with the hapless fools not being able to set the facts right because they were as corrupt as he was, and sent to jail many innocent and hard-working people because they did not agree with his actions or his views.
Kidnapping and murder were still Ishino's tools, with some people disappearing for days…even weeks on end…only to show up maimed, insane, or dead.
As to young women, Ishino's men take them for their pleasure or for Ishino's pleasure. If the young woman was fortunate enough to receive this sick form of mercy from them, that young woman was returned to her family by dumping her at the street closest to her home…left there wounded and humiliated so that she could walk back home defiled.
Some of these women have committed jigai because they could not handle the shame of being raped. Some have been thrown out of their homes because they could no longer bring honor to the family by being able to find a husband that would take them. Some have cursed the gods for their misfortune and used their resentment to make a living through prostitution. Some were driven insane and fearful. Some have been fortunate to have their family's support while they heal from the shame and gather the shattered pieces of themselves…never to become whole ever again.
One thing I knew was certain – life would never be the same for those who have been victimized. Every time that a woman disappeared, I could not help but have these sick knots in my stomach. I kept thinking about Inari…about Mother.
For the length of time that I served Ishino, I could tell whenever he was involved in a disappearance or a murder. The lecher's eye roamed more often as he looked for his next conquest. There was a certain element of cockiness in his movements and steps, as if he had been invigorated through some mystical waters.
As a trusted aide, I was privy to a lot of information. I survived this long due to good instinct, sharp judgment, and convincingly playing the oblivious and loyal aide. Through the passage of time, Ishino's watchful eye and suspicious thoughts had relaxed whenever it came to me. Although the trust had settled in after my second year of employment with him, he still guarded some of his secrets.
I went home, following my daily routine. Mako-san and I rode our wagon, with me controlling the horse. We chatted about how our respective days had gone by and any other topics of conversation that we wished to talk about at random.
Passing by the house of a family that Mako-san and I have known all these years as neighbors and customers at the market, both of us fell quiet as we remembered the recent tragedy that had happened to them. The patriarch of the household had been found dead a couple of days ago. The wife was now left behind to care for three young girls – the eldest was eight years old, the middle child was six, and the youngest child was four months old.
Although the local police have been trying to find a suspect, I knew that the authority's declaration of working diligently to find the murderer was a big lie. They did not listen to witness accounts that the now-deceased man had an altercation with one of Ishino's bodyguards days before the man disappeared. A fight broke out between the two as the man defended his wife's honor, with Ishino's bodyguard vowing for revenge after being humiliated at the marketplace.
A heavy burden weighed my heart as I coaxed the horse to pick up the pace back to normal, with Mako-san telling me, "This whole affair leaves a bad taste in one's mouth."
"I know. I can't help but think of the poor woman and her children. I wish that I could've done something…anything…to have prevented it. Everyone's saying that there's no one to pin the crime to, but we all know better."
Mako-san glanced at me and said, "You have nothing to do with any of your employer's and his cronies' unscrupulous affairs. I just wish that justice would come in swift wings once more and set things right…just as it had been doing of late."
What Mako-san had been referring to was the fact that most of these evildoers would be found dead as well…this fact being true now for the past five years. At first, the deaths seemed to be either accidental or natural. A couple of years ago, the scenes where Ishino's men and cronies have been found in were disturbing…gory…brutal – just as their crimes against innocent people have been.
Supper was pleasant as always, the old man telling me stories about what happened at market today and bringing back those nostalgic feelings when I spent most of my days with him after school. Upon my insistence years ago, he now called me by my nickname – Seii.
When the topic of someone's upcoming marriage emerged in our conversations, Mako-san then asked, "So, my boy…you've been meeting many people in your line of work. Did anyone catch your fancy yet?"
My gaze rested on my father figure and then I chuckled. "No… No one yet…."
Shaking his head and giving me a wry grin, Mako-san pried so lightheartedly, "So when are you going to settle down? I do want to see some grandchildren. I'm getting too old for my own good."
Ai…here we go again…
I could not help but take these conversations lightly – an opportunity to tease the dear old man. "Only goats and cows get old, Mako-san…. Remember that you've been telling me that since I was a kid. You're not old."
"Uh-huh… Being oblivious doesn't suit you, Seii-kun. I'm not getting any younger and neither are you."
Letting out a sigh and then chuckling a bit once more, I then told Mako-san, "I promise that once I find a proper mate, you'll be the first one to know."
"I've been holding my breath for a long time, my boy. Don't make me hold my breath for too long."
After the two of us shared meaningful glances and laughed some more, now moving on to other topics, the old man and I cleared the table and picked vegetables outside our garden – with Mako-san holding a torch while I did the picking.
Once our task was done, I coaxed Mako-san to prepare for bed and get a good night's rest while I washed the dishes and pots, cleaned the kitchen, and tidied up the dining area.
I said goodnight to the old man, tucking him in bed and waiting for him to fall asleep.
When that happened, I went inside my room.
I called forth my servant shadows to take me to the void and transport me to where I was going tonight…my near-nightly ongoing date now spanning in its fifth year…my intended being different each spanning night.
Still cloaked in darkness, my shadows brought me to a warehouse where I heard much merriment from a group of drunks. By this time, I have mastered remaining invisible as long as the darkness was there to camouflage me.
My blood boiled as I listened in on their conversation. Vulgarity and bragging dominated the drunken men's merriment, my fists clenching as each minute passed.
Just one word…one word to confirm that the man among them was the killer of that poor man….
Just one word to confirm that the ones around him…that all of them…were involved in recently making a woman a young widow with three children to take care on her own….
And I heard it all…
Those men laughed about how they dragged the man out from the street after beating him up, punching him some more, maiming him, making him scream in pain, forcing him to apologize.
And when those men – all nine of them – could not get an apology from the man, they maimed him some more and made him die a slow and painful death.
Before the laughter died down, I had my shadows strike blindly. They jutted out, destroying all the sources of light around them.
Once the entire warehouse was engulfed in darkness, I emerged from the void. With my blood boiling, I watched as my servant shadows brutally maimed the men.
As the maiming continued, I heard one of them – the one who had the altercation with the man he eventually killed – cried out that I was a demon.
One second later after that bloodcurdling scream, the shadows have dealt their final blow to all nine of them.
I stood in the middle of mutilated bodies and a pool of blood. My eyes, accustomed to the darkness, now scanned my work. All nine were dead, and justice had been served for the man.
Closing my eyes, I prayed silently, "Please give him peace now that he has been avenged."
My shadows now swirled around me, transporting me back to my room. As usual, there was no evidence left on the scene and not a single drop of blood on me or my persons since my shadows enclose me in a protective barrier on these missions.
Before, my nights were sleepless as my deeds haunted me…but as I said, that was before.
Seven years could surely change a man. I could attest to that fact, and so could the shadows. The passage of time made them and me comfortable with each other…any sense of fear that I had about them now gone. I evolved so much and so quickly, and so did my shadows.
And every night, I could never forget how this all started – the fuel to the fire that had been simmering inside me for seven years and counting.
"Soon, Ishino…. I'll be coming after you very soon…" were my nightly words. I could feel it in my bones that the time had finally come. Once retribution had been done and Ishino was dead, I could focus on more pleasant matters. Maybe find the right woman, settle down, have children.
Tonight – just like other nights for the past five years – I had those words echo in my head like a mantra as I changed into flimsier clothing to keep cool in this humid night.
As soon as I laid my body on the bed, I drifted to sleep…the shadows lapping around me and keeping me company while my dreams remained dark and bloody.
End of Chapter Seven
Normal Disclaimer
I do not own Yami no Matsuei and its lovable characters. However, I do own this fic and other original characters.