Ah…
Tis Winter my friends! A time of joy, peace, and togetherness!
Not to mention…CHRISTMAS!!!! HOOPLA! Sorry it took me so long to update, my bro had to type his big paper this weekend…joy…hoopla…
Kay, kay. Check out the POLLS at the bottom, yo!
Mmm…. don't worry, if you guys are getting totally sick of my story now…leave me…but be forewarned that it shall be much, much more intense! BWAHAHAHAHA!
Shall we step forth? Venture into the unknown?
CHAPTER 12 – DAY 2
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!!!
Drip. Drip. DripThe brown haired child of about seven frowned as she observed the melting snow around her. It trickled from the roofs of houses and the tangled limbs of trees to ever increasing puddles on the frosted ground below her.
Just yesterday, the air had been so sharp and crisp… the world covered in a wonderful white layer of fluff…but now, all that magic and happiness was melting away into nothing but muddy puddles as the cheerful sun peeked from behind dark clouds.
The sunlight danced upon the child's porcelain face as she leaned against the wooden railing of their apartment. Inside, the girl's mother cleaned to blaring stereo melodies, singing aloud with contentment…
But she remained alone and watched as the town slowly came to life before her bright green eyes. People hustled about the streets, huddled in their warm, colorful winter coats and scarves, smiles etched across their faces.
A tear fell down her pale face and dripped onto the railing…
Kaze
Was he melting around her too, just as the snow was?
Drip. Drip. Drip.
The teen clenched her eyes tighter, turning her head from the annoying sound. She shivered upon the cold, dirty concrete floor, brown hair cascading limply across its surface.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
Tohru sighed and slowly opened her eyes. She had fallen asleep beside the back wall, a small puddle slowly forming near her face from the leaky roof. The raggedy teen shuddered and stiffly brought herself into a sitting position, resting her weary head on her thin, dirty knees.
Day 2
Just yesterday, she'd been taken from her brother and the Sohmas, locked away in this dirty, chilling cell. The endless-seeming night brought her no solace and little sleep. Her only source of luminosity in her dark enclosure emanated from a small hanging lamp outside her cell. It was no longer running, as Tohru assumed it must surely be morning. Through the jail's old, crooked walls she could hear birds chirping as they welcomed the new day.
People would occasionally pass, their faces cast in shadow, but none spared her a passing glance as she huddled in the darkness.
A fragment of her dream returned vaguely to her tired mind, and a slight frown tugged at Tohru's thin lips.
How long ago had that been?
Nearly ten years, she figured.
She was such a stupid, naive girl. How ignorant was she, to have been blind to her brother's actions. He'd obviously had something to do with this violent gang, led by the fearsome 'Genma' and his subordinates.
An exasperated sigh escaped her lips.
And what had she been doing? Sitting blissfully at home, unaware or uncaring, while Kaze was off doing God knows what. Was she honestly that bad of a sibling, that bad of a human being?
A soft thud reverberated through her enclosure, and Tohru lifted her head, eyes seeking its source.
Outside the barred front now sat a man. His long, elegant black locks spilled down the back of his wrinkled gray jacket as he slumped against the bars, raggedy pants scuffling against the floor. He did not speak, did not turn to her.
The silence stretched on endlessly.
Finally, the man cleared his throat, calling Tohru's attention. His voice, though soft, rang out clearly in the quiet as he spoke.
"You're Tohru, right?" he asked, still looking foreword.
"Y-yes." Tohru answered, finding her voice nearly inaudible. The man nodded.
"I thought so…you look just like Kaze said you did," he answered.
Tohru's eyes brightened, and she turned her body to face the man, folding her legs beneath her. She reached up, fingering her knotted hair.
"You know Kaze?" she asked, raising her voice slightly. He nodded again.
"Yes…he was a good friend of mine."
"Oh…um..." Tohru fumbled.
"Do you know how much Kaze talked about you?" he asked absently, chuckling softly. "He used to tell me how pretty you were, how much you'd grown, how great you were doing in school…"
"Um…" Tohru answered, ringing her hands at the awkward conversation.
"He did what he did for you, you know," the man said, finally turning and looking at Tohru. She frowned, reading nothing but sadness in his blue orbs. His face was very pale, hard jaw line and elegant nose jutting out obtrusively against the frame of his black hair.
"You were there yesterday, weren't you?!" Tohru cried suddenly, his face triggering the memory. The fleeting image of the man before her stepping out of the black car returned suddenly to her.
"Yes," he answered simply. "Unfortunately, I was involved in your transaction." He finally blinked, and tore his eyes from her face, choosing to eye the wall instead.
"You're name, what was it…um…Judai?" Tohru guessed, frowning. He looked back up at the sound of his name, a minute trace of smile tugging at his lips. He nodded.
The silence returned, and neither spoke.
"So I suppose you…want to know what's going on, don't you?" Judai asked, turning his gaze to Tohru's face again. Tohru felt her heart race, and she eagerly nodded.
Judai turned and leaned again against the cold steel bars, crossing his arms, as he began his story.
"As I'm sure you've realized, this is a gang, headed by Genma Hiroshomo," he began shortly.
"Yes, I've figured as much. But who is this Genma person? I mean, why is he after Kaze?" Tohru asked, brushing back her hair.
"Genma Hiroshomo…well, he's a very…violent man. He grew up in this town with his mother. When he turned ten, his mother committed suicide, and he was left on the streets. He had nowhere to go, no caring relative.
And so he tried to survive, living in poverty on city streets. He took up burglary to provide himself basic necessities. He ruled the streets, and often picked fights, one earning him the dignifying scars across his face. When he was about 18, Genma formed his own gang. He uses sabotage and black mail to force people he sees as having 'redeeming qualities' into his gang. Genma controls every aspect of our lives, and we are completely devoted to his will."
"So what about you, I mean, how did he make you join?" Tohru asked. Judaii stiffened noticeably, and Tohru bit her lip. "Oh! I'm sorry, it's okay if you don't want to talk about it!" she said apologetically, waving her hands comically.
"Genma took my wife from me. She's locked up here, same as you." Judaii answered, his voice short and pained. Tohru could think of no response, no way to comfort the poor man.
But he gathered himself, continuing his story with much effort.
"Anyway, when Genma was about 25, he met a young woman. She reminded him so much of his mother that he instantly fell in love with her. But she eventually was deterred from this wretched life… saved by her one true love. She dumped Genma, quit her gang, and set her life straight. Soon, the only woman Genma had ever loved was married and pregnant, soon to bring a young son into this world. Genma was filled with a never-ending hatred, and, to this day, he still vows revenge.
The woman's husband soon passed away, most unfortunately, and Genma set his eyes on the woman's oldest child…a boy of about twelve, who's heart slowly filled with the pain and suffering of his father's death.
That boy's name...was Kaze Honda." Judaii ended. Tohru gasped, her mind ringing with this unexpected news. Her brain slowly put together the missing pieces…
"But that means my mom was that woman!" Tohru cried in shock. Judaii nodded.
"Yes, Kyoko was the 'apple' in Genma's eye. I remember now, how obsessed he was with your mother. And how…thrilled he was when your father passed."
Tohru's fists clenched with an uncharacteristically coldness at this remark.
"He's devoted his entire life to making your family suffer. He personally deterred your brother, convinced him to join the gang, and forced Kaze to do so terrible things."
"So what happened?" Tohru pursued, leaning foreword.
"Kaze and I gradually became great friends. Eventually, though, Kaze grew up. He told me, nearly everyday, how much he resented his actions…how badly he wanted out…how retched he felt for what he'd done. So I did the only thing I could do…" Judaii answered, pausing expectantly.
"And what was that?" Tohru asked, already knowing the answer.
"I gave up my freedom in return for his," Judaii said softly. Tohru gasped. "I told Genma to let Kaze go, and that I would spend the rest of my days devoted to him. Genma accepted this transaction, and released Kaze, giving him a farewell mission."
"But why!? Why would you do that for my brother?" Tohru asked, her voice rising. Judaii looked back, a sad smile playing on his lips.
"No one deserves this life…I didn't want to see him go through what I've gone through." Judaii answered simply.
Silence.
Tohru shifted uncomfortably, and Judaii sat straighter against the bars. Tohru opened her mouth to speak, but the wave of information was too much for her brain to handle at once.
So she'd been right. Kaze was involved in this gang, and the reason he left them was because he was finally freed. But something still didn't add up…
"Um…this 'mission,'" Tohru started, making Judaii turn. "What was it?"
Bluntly, Judaii replied, "To take someone's life." Tohru jumped, her face paling. "Oh, but don't worry, Kaze didn't kill anybody, and never has. Genma got suspicious, and sent someone out after your brother. She was his cousin, twice removed. Apparently, she spied on Kaze, and even managed to befriend your brother. Alyssa, I think was her name?"
"What? That's my brother's girlfriend!" Tohru nearly yelled. (A.N: if you don't remember, go look back at chapter 4, kay?) Judaii froze, his face falling.
"It's worse than I thought…anyway, Alyssa reported that Kaze had not done his job, and was planning on returning to his home town, to see you and Kyoko again. Genma was furious, so he decided to get even by kidnapping you and demanding money."
They were silent again, and Tohru's brain poured over this information.
"So, now you know." Judaii said, turning to her again, hair falling limply. Tohru met held his gaze, a question surfacing between them.
"Why are you telling me all this?" Tohru finally asked unblinkingly, snaking her fingers through her hair again, trying to straighten it apprehensively.
Judaii paused, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to stare into Tohru's soul as the question hovered in the air. Finally, he spoke, his face emotionless and unreadable. "Because, I'm going to help you, Tohru Honda. I promise, I will get you out, and end this hellish nightmare forever." Tohru gasped again, and Judaii stood, his black locks falling to his waist. "I'll bring you something to eat later, all right?" Tohru did not answer as he turned his back and walked away. Tohru hustled to the entrance, looking after Judaii as he disappeared down the dark hall. Sighing, she returned to her position in the corner, her stomach growling. Tohru tightened her lips and pulled her knees to her chest. Her green eyes sought the ceiling, where she counted cracks to pass the time.
He hurried on, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. Judaii wiped his sweaty palms on his gray jacket, hurrying onward. Advancing up another flight of stairs, he found himself at the top level of the jail. Glancing around, he advanced down the ill-lit walkway, shoes clacking on the cold concrete loudly. People muttered as he passed, their voices not reaching his ears. He stopped finally, at the last cell, and hovered before it, biting his lip.
"Maya? Maya, are you there?" he whispered, again taking precautionary looks up and down the walkway. He turned his attention back to the cell as sounds emanated from it. He could see nothing through the darkness of her cell, but he continued to call for her.
"Maya, please, honey. It's me, Judaii. Maya?" he called, kneeling before the bars, searching through the impenetrable darkness. Suddenly, he jumped, as pale, bony fingers snaked through the bars and to his face. Recognizing his wife's touch, he calmed and leaned in, finding her face with his fingers.
"Judaii?" Maya whispered, her voice soft. God, she sounded so sick.
"Yes, dear. How are you feeling?" Judaii asked, his voice breaking. The woman shifted, bringing herself closer to the bars. Judaii smiled, grasping the woman's hands with his own. God, she was so cold to his touch. The woman slowly came into focus, her face just on the other side of the bars. Maya, his wife, had bright hazel eyes, which had long ago been filled with laughter and joy. Her sultry, pained eyes sparkled as they connected with her husbands. Her once lengthy, well-maintained golden hair was now pale and thinning, framing her thin face. She had well-rounded lips, and how eagerly he earned to kiss her, to hold her once again in his arms.
It had been nearly ten years since their future had been torn apart. They'd met in high school, married after college, and moved into a brand new apartment. A child was first on their list…but that dream soon vanished.
(Flashback)
A much younger Judaii entered the apartment complex, and hastily jumped up the stairs, eager to greet his new wife. Tonight was the night. His young, lovesick heart pounded in his chest as he jumped the stairs, eyes brightening. While hurrying up the stairs, he removed his long work jacket, slinging it and his briefcase over his broad shoulders. Loosening his tie with his other hand, he finally reached his level. Regaining his composure, he straightened the light blue undershirt, pressed just the night before. The young man hustled down the hall to their apartment room, beaming. He stopped before the door, and oddly noticed other pairs of shoes beside the sandals of his wife. How suspicious, Judaii thought. But no matter, he opened the door, also kicking off his shiny black work shoes.
"Maya? Maya, I'm home!' he hollered, resting his briefcase on the shining tile floor. Confused was he, when his ears registered no response. "Maya?" he called again, hanging his coat on the hand-carved coat rack beside his wife's frilly pink overcoat. Silence. His heart now beat very differently in his chest, and a bead of nervous sweat trickled from his forehead. "Maya?" Judaii tentatively stepped onto the threshold, looking around briefly. The kitchen, dining room, and living room sliding doors were all open and the rooms were empty. A nasty, burning odor reached his nose from the burning pot of soup, and he hustled into the kitchen, turning the stove top off. Again, he set off in search of his wife. He checked outside first, and found his wife missing from her favorite chair. She always loved to sit out here, drink tea, and read a nice book…
Now he was truly worried. A note would've been pinned to the fridge had she gone out, but no such luck today… "Maya?" he called once more, his heart pounding as he stepped toward their bedroom. His large hands gripped the sliding door, and he swallowed, wrenching the door open loudly. His eyes widened, and he froze in shock.
Lying on his white bedspread, bound, was his wife. Her hazel eyes were filled with tears and fear as she struggled on the bed, golden locks spilling over the pillows. A shiny, well-used pistil pointed at her head, its owner chuckling evilly from the side of the bed.
"What's going on here?!"Judaii yelled, taking a step foreword.
"Don't move buddy, or the girl gets it." The bald, gruff henchman stated, gesturing with the gun, stretching his finger toward the trigger. Judaii froze again.
"Judaii Kishinto?" Judaii turned. There, beside the bald henchman, stood a very tall, very broad-shouldered man in a black overcoat and wide-brimmed hat. He tilted his head maliciously, proudly displaying the three large scars across his face. His gray, metallic eyes pierced into the man before him, seemingly searching Judaii's soul.
"Yes, that's me. Now tell me what you want!" Judaii yelled abrasively. Genma chuckled.
"I go by the name of Genma, and I run a local gang around here," he spoke, his harsh voice cutting through Judaii. "And you see, I've had my eye on you for quite sometime, Judaii Kishinto." Judaii shook underneath the man's piercing gaze, but angrily glared back at the man. "It'd be a real shame if your girl got hurt, wouldn't it?" Genma teased, nodding to his subordinate. The bald man snickered, shoving the gun up against Maya's head. She screamed against the tape, tears pouring down her ceramic face.
"No! Stop it! Please, don't hurt her!" Judaii yelled, paling. The henchman backed off, and Maya rested as sobs racked her body. "Whatever you want, I'll give it to you, but don't hurt Maya!" he yelled hastily, bargaining.
Genma chuckled again. "I'm not asking you for anything, Kishinto. If you want your wife to keep her life, then you'll join my gang right away."
"Join your gang?"
"Yes. Swear loyalty to me, or let your wife's blood stain your fingers." Genma said harshly. "Do you or do you not accept my offer?" he held out his hand, pudgy fingers yearning for another to shake. Judaii swallowed and looked again to his wife. She was frozen on the bed, tear stained eyes piercing his, the gun held only inches from her face. Another tear dripped from her chin to the bedspread.
Judaii bowed his head as tears trickled from his eyes, and he extended his hand, his nimble fingers just inches from his enemies.
"I accept."
Genma nodded, and grinned evilly, reaching out and shaking Judaii's quivering hand.
(End Flashback)
After that, he'd been forced full-throttle into the gang life. Genma held his wife hostage, locking her away in the farthest cell, forcing him to do his dirty work. She was rarely given food, and Judaii was forbidden from seeing his wife. His heart tinged painfully as she coughed again, violently shivering.
Now she had a life-threatening disease…and Genma refused treatment.
"Judaii, how have you been? How's the new girl?" she asked, her weak voice penetrating his thoughts. Unknowingly, a tear slipped from Judaii's blue orbs as he caressed Maya's cheek.
"She's fine…in here because of her brother, Kaze."
"Oh yes, he was such a nice boy…"
"I'm going to get her out, if it's the last thing I do. I promise Maya. I won't let this hell go on any longer. I will end it." Maya smiled weakly, and reached through the bars, kissing Judaii on the forehead. He pulled himself foreword, kissing her lovingly on the lips, cheeks pressed against the cold metal bars. When finally they broke apart, Maya coughed yet again.
"I'm so sorry Maya…" Judaii spoke, for only the millionth time. She rested a finger on his sore lips, shaking her head.
"There's nothing that you could have done, dear…this is fate…and it's your fate that you destroy Genma, and this gang," she said weakly.
"And I'll get you out too, Maya. Then we can escape, and live again, just you and me! Maybe we'll even have kids and-" Judaii spoke, his voice rising as adrenaline pumped through his veins.
"-Judaii." Maya interrupted, silencing him. "…I don't know how much (cough) longer I can last, Judaii…I must see a doctor…and if Genma found you up here, you would surely be punished…your best choice would be to-"
"-No! Don't say it! That-"
"-is to forget me, and focus entirely on the mission…I'm not going to make it…"
Silence stretched between the torn couple as they ached for each other's warmth.
"Judaii, please, I'm tired…"
"Then rest, Maya. I'll be back soon, baby. Just hold on, please!" Judaii whispered loudly. Slowly, she sunk back, her fingers and face slipping from his grasp.
"Please Judaii…help her…destroy Genma…" Maya spoke, her voice fading into the darkness as she drifted off to sleep. "…For me…"
Judaii stood, turning as the sound of his wife's steady breathing reached his ears. Wiping away tears, he started again down the hallway.
Yes.
For Maya…
For Tohru…
For Kaze…
For himself…
And for everyone else…
He swore vengence eternally upon Genma, his heart filled with an unfillable void, an irrevocable anger.
Even if it killed him, he would rescue Tohru and Maya…
And kill the bastard that had caused him, and so many others, so much pain.
Genma's life belonged to him.
O-O
How was that yall? Didja like it? PLEASE R&R?
O-O, so now you all know that Kaze's girlfriend is ACTUALLY the enemy…just you wait, I'm not through with her yet…she'll show up sooner or later…
I'll TRY to have the next chapter up soon, but this is final's week, so give me a break!
POLLS
#1: Who do you think Tohru is most compatible with?
Kyo
Yuki
Shigure
Other (and list)
#2: Do you know of the band 'Skillet?'
Yes
No (go look them up, they're freaking awesome, and I write to their songs)
#3: Who should be the one that rescues Tohru?
Kyo
Yuki
Kaze
Judaii