Chapter 40

It was back to the routine.

The TV shows, the talk shows, the movies and then the tour. Amai Mask was kept on the move and was on the go. His manager arranged everything for him, ensuring he got time to get to where he needed to be, and ensure he also had time for himself to eat and rest in between.

As he traveled though, his manager noticed the odd jacket he wore. "That's not designer!" he protested. "Amai, take that thing off, you should know better, you need to be seen with the best product…" he reached for the jacket yet had his hand brushed off to the side.

"It's perfect for me." He stated defiantly. "Just because it isn't designer, doesn't mean it isn't meant to be wore by me. I do not need the public approval of what keeps me warm."

His manager was stunned, but nodded. "You feeling okay? Did you get knocked on the head again? Normally, you wouldn't be caught dead in something inferior like that!"

Amai paused, as he turned on his heels and confronted his manager. "Why does it matter to you so much?" he asked. "This jacket, was specially tailored. No one else except Snek has one. I do not appreciate you mocking a gift made for me!"

"Damn, what happened to you in those four months?"

"A lot, now, moving on. What's the next appointment?"

"You are to do your number one song live on the talk show Evenings with Jim."

"That I am more than prepared for."

"Good, after that, you are done for the day!"

Amai was looking forward to finishing up. He went on the show and did his song, much to his pleasure. It was a hit. He got every note he wanted and conveyed the emotion he wanted to send out. Women cried, men were stunned silent, all in all a good way to end the day.

He returned home to his flat in City R. It was the first time he was really able to take it all in. Nothing changed. He slipped out of his suit and went into the shower. He savored the warmth and the feeling of his toes once more. When he came out, he found a note on the fridge.

"Figured you needed something good. Melee"

He opened it and found some home cooked meals that needed to be heated. He smiled and was quick to partake in the food.

After a hot meal, he set up his bed, using the massive blanket Pac got for him. It overtook the whole surface of his king size bed, but he smiled to it all. Slipping under the covers he savored the weight and the warmth of it, yet, he wasn't enjoying the silence like he use to.

"Why does this not feel right?" he muttered.

It was only 10:30 at night, and yet he couldn't get himself to sleep. Something was off, Amai picked himself out of bed and walked out to the balcony. He overlooked the city for the first time in four months. "You got a nice view from up here."

He jumped at the voice, but settled when he saw Hunter sitting on the edge of the building. "I should have knocked, but that would have been just as creepy."

"Care to come in?" Amai asked.

"Sure, it's colder out here than I thought."

Hunter jumped down and walked into Amai's flat. He closed the balcony door behind him, yet Sweet Mask sighed. "What has your family done to me?" he asked.

"Huh?"

"What… has your family done to me? Normally I would be jumping at the bit to get back to work, to do everything I usually do, and yet now… I feel… hallow." He said. "I fought your father tooth and nail when this whole thing started and me becoming that snake creature. Now… like Snek… I think I miss it."

Hunter smirked. "Is it that? Or do you miss something else? The friendship? The family?" he asked.

Amai turned away rather embarrassed. "I miss all of it," he said. "For the first time… I felt something more than pleasure for what I did… I felt… like I belonged." He paused. "I know your family wishes I suffered a lot more than what I did. I know your father would have been thrilled to see me fight him all the way and agonize being the serpent. I know my punishment isn't done from them either, I accept that too. And yet, despite it all. You treated me like family, I never felt ostracized, abused, abandoned… I mean out of all the things you could have done, it would have been punishment enough! Yet… you all held back. I thought Garou would have been the first to do everything to make my life a living hell!"

"He was tempted." Hunter said, but smirked. "I just had to remind him that despite what he wanted, what you turned into was temporary. When you became Amai Mask again, it could have started the whole feud over again. And you would have gone for blood to say the least. You aren't the type to forgive or forget."

Sweet Mask gave a half smile. "That is true." Amai paused though. "This has become a worst punishment than me being forced to become the serpent monster…"

"Question is, what are you going to do now?" Hunter asked. "What will the great Sweet Mask make of himself? I know you are still going to be merciless when it comes to justice, but for one moment, you did have a mercy. You showed it and gave it."

"What? When did I do that?" he demanded.

"When you deemed the M Class no longer a threat. My father is in M Class and you wanted nothing more than to kill him. Do you still want him dead?"

"A part of me does, but a greater part of me doesn't."

"Focus on the greater part of that. Besides, I think there is much more to you Amai. I have learned from you. Dare I say it, I even consider calling you a friend!"

He paused. "You… consider me a friend?"

"If that offends you…"

"No… not at all… I consider you a friend too. Hunter, I appreciate what you have shown me, and taught me as well. I now wish it was under better circumstance."

Hunter laughed. "You know, I don't think we would have bonded if it were any other situation." He looked to the clock. "I better head home. You going to be okay?"

He nodded. Hunter stuck out his hand, and Sweet Mask shook it. "Until we meet again." Said Amai.

Hunter nodded as he approached the balcony once more. He opened the door and took off into the night. Amai shook his head to it all. "Friends with the son of Garou… Whoever would have thought…"