Warning: Rated M for violence, swearing and graphic M/M relationships in later chapters
Disclaimer: I do not own all of these lovely characters; I just borrow them once in a while.
Authors Note: This chapter is all of Zack's past, just so you know!
Rain came down softly on the blood soaked street, causing the blood to swirl and run down the cement gutters until falling into the dirty sewer grates. A few shouts off in the distance could be heard; but no one inside the dingy buildings had any concerns. After all, things like this happened all the time.
If anyone had been looking-really looking- they would have noticed a young teenager leaning against a brick wall in an alleyway a hand to his jaw, his breathing laboured and strained. Blood was pooling out of a wound on his jaw and the teen blinked back the water running down his face as he tried to gather his strength.
His other hand held on to a small blade; old and worn. Despite the fatigue and the injury to the male, it would have been impossible to grab the knife from his shaking hands. It was the one thing that he had still, the one item on him that might have just saved his life.
"That was so fucking stupid…" The teen whispered to himself as he wiped away the blood from his cheek, only to have more appear and slide down his neck.
Pushing himself off of the wall, he began to walk slowly towards the area of town he knew, where hopefully everyone else had gone to. He was expecting a few of the members not to show up, after all, they had taken off more then they could chew. He wasn't one for rival gang fights really, but he wasn't the leader, and despite having more brain cells then half of them combined, he wasn't to be listened to.
Continuing on his path, the male stumbled slightly and fell against a black, sleek car accidentally getting blood on it. Swearing, he desperately tried to wipe it clean. You did not want to mess with people in this area who had enough money to afford a car like this. Unfortunately for the teen, his luck had run out for the day as footsteps were heard.
Looking up quickly, a sharp intake of breath was taken as he gazed at the older man before him. Silver hair that came to the man's shoulders hung gracefully around his face while calculating green eyes peered at him from under an umbrella. The man was wearing an expensive suit and it was evident he didn't live here.
"What are you doing so close to my car?" A deep, commanding voice asked.
Standing straighter, the teen tried to appear tough and confident, despite the pain in his side and the cut on his jaw that was starting to sting.
"Just taking a walk and I stumbled," He stated, sliding the pocket knife into his back pocket slowly while his eyes never left the commanding and all together intimidating male before him.
A slow nod was received by the teen as the male inspected the small blood droplets on the car. "Hmm… get in an accident of any kind?"
Shaking his head quickly the teen attempted to make it look like he was okay. "Just fell on the street a few blocks down and cut myself. Look, I should be getting home… to my parents… sorry about your car." He stated as he hurried off down the street.
The silver haired man watched him for a moment before calling out. "What is your name?"
The teen stopped and turned around. "Why do you wanna know?"
"It's just a simple question out of curiosity. Feel free to give me your real name or the name your gang has given you,"
Eyes narrowed as the young man eyes the older male suspiciously. Deciding to go out on a limb he answered carefully but confidently.
"Zack… my names Zack. And yours?" Zack asked, expecting an answer.
The silver haired male simply smiled and pulled his umbrella down as the rain stopped. "How about I tell you when I know I can trust you?" And with that, he got into his car and drove away, leaving Zack irritated.
--XX--
For the next couple of weeks, life went normally for Zack. He woke up in the apartment he shared with his alcoholic father. The wallpaper on the walls was peeling off, cracks in the ceiling caused regular leaks, and the smell of old cat urine and cigarettes were evident. His mother had passed away when he was three, since then his father had fallen into a deep depression. Zack learnt quickly that life would be pretty shitty, but tried to keep optimistic. He stayed wary of most people, but once he got to know them, he opened up quickly and acted like he was a normal kid living in a normal environment.
His Dad loved Zack… sometimes. Most of the time he was too busy gambling and drinking to really pay attention. As a child he spent most of his time at his neighbour Yoko's. She was a kind old woman who had suffered from empty nest syndrome for a while, and was more than willing to look after the excitable child, if not restless. Yoko always commented on how Zack's mind was always racing a mile a minute, and how he was destined for greater things. She believed he had a soul of an artist, always praising him for the small carvings he made for her. She wanted him to go to an art school, but unfortunately, Zack would have never been able to gather the funds.
After she passed away was when Zack decided to join the gang he was currently in.
He joined when he was fourteen, finding it difficult to really survive in an area like this without some sort of 'brotherhood' to be tied to. Now, after five years in the gang, Zack found himself increasingly restless. There had been an increase in rival gang fights, and although Zack had never killed someone, he had come close a number of times, not to mention he had come close to being killed himself.
But ever since the day he met the mysterious male with the expensive suit and all knowing eyes, Zack had an uneasy feeling. Almost like someone was watching his every move.
He had figured the silver haired mystery was from an important family, one of the Yakuza members no doubt. It was every gang's dream to find themselves connected with the crime business that the Yakuza held in the palm of their hands. But it was difficult to really rise in a place like that. Sure, small time gang members could join and be used as expendable crewman, but to really be trusted and accepted… it took skill and a shit load of confidence.
After three weeks, and an increase in paranoia, Zack was approached by another male in a suit.
He was sitting on a ledge in what used to be a green space, but had been turned into another parking lot used to serve the many business men coming in and out of the downtown core. Smoking a cheap cigarette, he eyed what appeared to be an overly cocky and annoying teenager, who looked, if anything else, younger then him.
"That brand is shit, yo." the redhead commented as he got close enough to see the packet sticking out of Zack's backpack.
Zack glared at the teen and snuffed his smoke out. "Sorry, not every ones rich enough for their parents to buy 'em fancy brands and expensive suits."
The redhead made a 'tsk' type sound and stuffed his hands in his pockets. He struck what was supposed to be an intimidating pose, but the look was lost on Zack.
"You probably figured someone was watching you the last couple weeks," He began, locking eyes with Zack. "And that's one of the reasons why I think you should come with me, Zack"
Zack made a sound and slid off of the ledge, intending on using his height as an advantage.
"How do you know my name?" He asked quickly.
The redhead shrugged. "Let's just say someone very important wants to meet with you."
--XX--
Zack went along with it all. He figured it was probably a trap, but at the moment he was up for a little excitement. He kept his distance from the teen and followed behind as they left the gritty, dirty area into a place filled with pachinko parlours, host clubs, and bright lights.
"You live around here?" Zack asked, winking at a scantily clad woman who had walked by.
The lanky teen nodded ahead of Zack and sighed. "Yup, been living here all my life. Although not in the best of places, yo…"
Zack nodded slowly and followed for a while longer until he arrived in front of one of the many parlours in the district. Being led through the skinny hallway that was covered with machines, clinking and blinking as dazed men with greed clouded eyes stared at the silver balls that dropped through the machine, Zack found himself increasingly interested by what was going on around him.
Stepping into a back room, he went up the narrow staircase until he came to a carefully polished, oak door. He tried not to look as a few men walked down the hallways, their eyes on him as he stood at the door of what was expected to be an important person's office.
Knocking twice the redhead shot Zack a cocky grin before opening the door. Walking in, Zack came face to face with the silver haired male he had seen on the streets a few weeks beforehand. He was sitting behind a large desk, a composed look on his face. The corner of his mouth quirked up in what could have been a smile… could have been.
"Come in and sit down, Zackary." He stated, motioning to the chair before him. Zack glared at the 'Zackary' comment, but moved to take a seat, looking around carefully for anything that could spell trouble.
"I'm sure you're wondering why Reno brought you here," He stated as soon as Zack sat down. His gaze flicked over to the red haired teen that was leaning casually against the wall. Well at least he knew one name now.
"Yeah, I think anyone would though." Zack stated, looking back at the older male. For some reason, Zack wanted to act a little nicer and sat up strait, rather then slouched in the chair.
The male nodded slowly and laced his elegant fingers together. "I believe you already know what sort of person I am, and what dealings I do," He began as he leaned back in his expensive leather chair.
"You're a Yakuza member, aren't you? Probably pretty high up guessing by your suit and all this… fancy stuff." Zack waved his hand around the room and felt like an idiot. 'Fancy stuff?'
Reno laughed in the corner and shook his head while the older male shot him a look. The laughter was toned down, and he continued.
"As you know, we have been watching you for the past few weeks. It will come as no surprise that Yakuza families often gain most of their members from gangs and alike despite our better judgement and our higher status from the regular criminal masses. But we also see potential in young people in gangs, such as yourself." Cool, green eyes flicked up to lock on with Zack's. "I am offering you an opportunity to join the family. Learn the ins and outs, and in supporting us, we will support you."
Zack stared back at the male before him, breathing easy despite his increased heart rate. Join the Yakuza… maybe become more then a random street thug. He would have more status and hopefully a better life. Nodding slowly, the corner of Zack's mouth slid up in a smirk.
"What do I have to do?"
--XX--
Zack learnt quickly that his Yakuza family came before anything else. He was at home less and less, and barely even saw his father. It wasn't such a concern for his Dad when he left home to stay in his own apartment. It was in a shabby area, and had one main room, and a small bathroom and kitchen. But it was his.
The 'father' of the Yakuza group he was in, he later learnt, was Sephiroth, the male who approached him that one fateful day. Their previous father passed away unexpectedly, leaving Sephiroth in charge. He was a calculating, intelligent male, and if Zack didn't think he would be shot for saying it, he would have said he was a robot.
"He's kind of intimidating. Like, if I say something wrong, will he shoot me?" Zack asked Reno as they wandered down the street towards another 'lesson'. Reno had taken the liberty to train the new recruit, and Zack had taken a liking to the overconfident and often cocky redhead.
"Hmm, probably not. He would get someone else to do it, like his lap dog, Vincent." Reno responded as he slid a cigarette out of his pocket. "He doesn't like to get his hands dirty."
Zack nodded slowly and rubbed his eyes. The past few weeks had been hard on his body, training with a gun almost every day sent shockwaves through his arms. It was fun though- to shoot and to have that power in his hands… it made Zack feel good.
Really good in fact.
Reno and a few other members were impressed with Zack's quick learning when it came to marksmanship. He aimed well and got the job done, shooting the targets effectively and with little hassle. It was a nice feeling to receive those compliments and to already be known for his sharp eye and quick hands.
"So… how are your parents takin' you being out of the house all the time?" Reno asked. Zack learnt something about Reno quickly; He hated silence.
"My mom's been dead for a while and my Dad's always in a drunken stupor, so he doesn't really notice… besides, I moved out a while ago," Zack said, yawning. "What about your parents?"
Reno scoffed slightly and flicked half finished smoke to the ground. "Never knew my Dad and my Mom's one of the whores at the house the family runs. Who knows, I could be an illegitimate son of one of the members! But I am going to get my mom out of that someday. Thats one of the reasons why I joined the Yakuza, to get more status and help her out." Reno grinned brightly, despite the heavy subject. "I joined when I was pretty young, due to my charisma and quick thinking!"
Zack laughed and shoved Reno gently. "Yeah yeah, sounds like you."
Reno winked and wrapped an arm around Zack's shoulder loosely. "Hmm, you're one of the only members I actually like. If we stick together, maybe we'll run the family soon enough and take this city and soon the whole underworld by storm." He waved his free hand in front as if to paint a scene before them. Zack smiled and laughed.
"Take the underworld by storm…" He liked the sounds of that.
--XX--
Zack's palms were sweaty and his breathing shaky and uneven. The new suit he wore chaffed at his skin and made Zack feel like he was being enclosed. Eyes flicked up at the top of the elevator, scanning the numbers as they increased.
40, 41, 42…45.
The door's made a crisp ting as they opened, bathing Zack in a warm glow as he stepped out into the hallway. Mirrors with mahogany frames lined the walls with a small table under each one, different roses in vases on the tabletops. Expensive carpet cascaded down the floors, making Zack slightly sick to stare at the patterns as he casually walked down the hallway.
The guns on his side felt heavy, like they were burning against his side, trying to dig their way in. They were a gift from Sephiroth, a symbol to represent his first official job… his first official hit.
He was told to take out a man by the name of 'Yasuo Sato', a higher up member of a large cooperation who had been deemed a threat to the family. He had to take out the man and anyone else in the room. There could be no witnesses.
Cameras were located at the front hallway and in different corners throughout the house. Shoot the cameras; take out the man, and leave. Simple enough… except Zack had never killed someone before.
Sephiroth and everyone else seemed to have complete faith in his ability. Zack loved the feeling of the gun in his hand, the power behind it. It was easy to shoot a target, one that didn't breath, didn't have flesh and blood and a mind of its own.
He went over all the possible things that could happen in his head. But it all came down to one thing… it was for the family. It was his loyalty on the line. Sephiroth had taken him in and was offering him a better life, and he needed that life. Needed something else other then being in a gang with no possible future. He had to do it.
Coming to the door, Zack looked at the whitewash finish and the gold leaves decorating the edges of the door. He was surprised by the place, not thinking such an apartment complex existed in Tokyo. It was certainly the most expensive place Zack had ever set foot in. Shaking his head, Zack tried to clear his mind and concentrate on the task at hand and not the door and the price of it. Taking a few deep breaths, Zack's hand closed around the handle, grounding himself on the cool feel of the metal.
Opening the door (which was thankfully open and not locked) Zack stepped in quickly while pulling out his gun in one swift motion. The familiar feel of the handle in his hand made Zack's mind race with the need to shoot. Nothing else mattered but the mission.
Shooting the first security camera, Zack stormed to the living room, where two people were sitting. Mr. Sato and his American wife, her long blond hair tied up in an elegant bun as she turned around, eyes wide.
Two shots were taken, the silencer on the end of the gun absorbing most of the sound. Both of their bodies went limp, the shock on their faces still evident. Zack's blood was pumping as he turned away, unable to look at the people he had killed. Go in and get out; that was the mission.
Until he saw her.
He froze; locking eyes with crystal blue as a little girl, no older then five, stood at the stairs. A teddy bear was clutched close to her chest as her blue eyes wide and full of panic, looked at Zack with such confusion and fear.
'And under no circumstances will you leave any witnesses to the job… do you understand, Zackary?'
Sephiroth's words slithered through Zack's mind as his heart thudded against his chest. His hand slowly raised the gun, the barrel pointing to the little girl before him as the third shot was fired.
--XX--
Zack sat in the meeting room, eyes downcast on the table as he fiddled with the hem of his suit jacket. All eyes and concerns were on him as he stayed rooted in his seat, unwilling to look up until Sephiroth entered the room.
Zack looked up quickly and took a few steady breaths. Sephiroth's eyebrows were furrowed and it was hard to read his face… until he smiled.
"Congratulations, Zackary." Sephiroth patted Zack on the back, and everyone else in the room smiled and a few clapped. "Your mission was a success, and I believe you will become a truly valued member of this humble family."
Zack coughed slightly and nodded, smiling just barely. He thought he should be more… excited about the occasion. But what he had to do to be accepted haunted him in his dreams.
"Your marksmanship is truly astounding and your ability to finish the job is highly valued. Thank you for your service." Zack stood up and bowed to his superior. Sitting back down, Zack let his eyes wander back to the table as Sephiroth went right into business.
Two hours later and Zack found himself up on the rooftop of the parlour, eyes closed as he breathed in the heavy air. Reno was walking around on the roof, talking about different things, his hands waving around enthusiastically.
"-And man, did you see his face? He actually seemed impressed with you! And it wasn't even a hidden impressed or a forced look of admiration. He really thought you did an amazing job! He's making talks of sticking you on these things more often!"
Reno grinned and sighed happily. "I knew you would make it, especially with my amazing help."
When he got no reply, Reno looked over at Zack. "Yo… dude… what's up?"
Zack didn't say anything and as Reno walked over, he realized the raven haired male was crying. Freezing, Reno scratched the back of his head and made an uncomfortable face.
"Shit man… do you have something… in your eye?"
Zack snapped and turned around quickly to look at Reno. "Of course I don't have something in my fucking eye! Why do you think I'm crying?"
When Reno just backed off, his eyes wide, Zack continued.
"I'm crying because I killed someone- no not someone- a lot of people. And do you know what the scary thing about it all is? It's not that their dead… no, it's that I could cut myself off and kill them without hesitation." He stormed towards Reno and grabbed his collar, pulling him close. "I had to kill a little girl, Reno. And I did it… I fucking shot her in the head…"
Reno just stood, rooted in place, his eyes locked with frantic violet as they bore into him, as if looking for the answers. Reno had never had to deal with this. He had grown up with death and crime and all of those things. Zack, although he had been in a gang, didn't really know the true meaning of loyalty and what it took to stay true to those who took you in.
"Dude… I know… but… but it gets easier, trust me."
Zack slumped slightly against Reno, his fists loosening around the male's shirt collar as he rested his head on his shoulder. "Don't you see? That's what terrifies me."
--XX--
Zack's worst nightmare became a reality over the years. Killing people became part of the job. He worked alongside horrible people whose only wish was for more money and not to be caught. His loyalties lay in his family, and to the people who took him in and taught him how to survive in a world that had no care for the human life.
Life moved on for him and that was all that mattered… until he stepped into the meeting room that fateful day and received the file with Cloud Strife's picture, crystal blue eyes staring back up at him.
Authors Note: Hokay! So this chapter is MUCH longer then my usual chapters because I wanted to make it up to you guys for a lack of updates. Truth be told, I had a lot of struggles with this chapter, but I hope it's okay! You get some insite into Zack's character and his past, and maybe see a little into why he suddenly stopped wanting to kill... because he never wanted to do it in the first place! And I hope the child death didn't disturb any of you! Love all of you so much for watching/reading/reviewing! Thanks you!