Welp this crap me over 4 years to complete but it's finally here. This was one of the FIRST story ideas I had when I first started my writing hobby. I can finally check it off of my list. Now I all have to do is write that Goblin Slayer one-shot and write a proper epilogue for Singularity.
Also FINALLY they fixed the traffic stats on this site.
Hayate sighed deeply on his bike, returning home to a cheap apartment where he lives with his . . . parents. He used that term lightly. Ever since elementary school, Hayate lost all affection and respect towards them. His father doesn't work. His mother loved gambling more than she loved him using his hard-earned money, and doesn't work either. Hayate took it upon himself to be the breadwinner, taking as many jobs as possible and lying about his age to get higher-paying jobs. They eventually found out and fired him, just like today.
"I better find a day-to-day job or construction. Maybe a convenience store," Hayate muttered as he locked up his bike. The sun began to set, turning the blue sky wavy orange. He glanced over his shoulder, viewing a group of students walking across the street. They were laughing, smiling, and making memories. Memories and opportunities he never got, thanks to his family. He frowned as he walked up the stairs. "I'm back," He announced his arrival, expecting to see his parents doing nothing again.
But no one was home. The apartment was basic in every definition of the word, designed for a single person either on a budget or didn't have the funds for a proper one. His family fit the latter, thanks to their poor financial habits. Hayate looked around. Did they go somewhere? There wasn't an eviction notice on the door unless they tossed it out. The lights still worked along with the water. He chuckled to himself. Maybe his parents did have a job. Just in time for Christmas. How else could they afford to live here?
There's an envelope on the table. His last paycheck! Hayate snatched it as another paper fled from it. He frowned. That's his mother's writing. She used it again for gambling and fucking failed. What else is new? At least there's something left.
"Another note?" Hayate whispered, grabbing it from the window and opening it. His eyes scanned his parents' childish handwriting as a black van pulled up. It's the Yakuza. Panic rushed through his veins as he tightly gripped the paper. His parents borrowed SEVERAL MILLION from the Yakuza! That would explain why they never worked but still had money to pay for everything else. Did they use his paychecks to pay off their debts? The note detailed how they detested working but loved money, aware it'll take their entire life to pay off their debts. So, they had an immediate solution. Hayate would pay off the debt himself by working for or with very generous people. At the same time, his parents escaped to somewhere in Japan.
Hayate collapsed on the ground. Grief, anger, and horror weighed him down like cement brick shoes during a tsunami.
They abandoned him.
They fucking abandoned him.
Those words looped in his mind as he lay there. Hayate didn't know what to feel. Rage and anguish would be the obvious answers. Who won't be? His parents never worked a day in their lives, relying on their elementary school son to help their finances for years. While the entire time, they were borrowing money from the FUCKING YAKUZA and having fun. Then they abandoned him like he didn't mean anything to them, with a big old smile on their families like they were going on a honeymoon. Hayate sacrificed EVERYTHING to help his family. He doesn't have any friends. No hobbies. He can't go back to school due to his abysmal grades and the financial unreliability of his parents. No certifications, qualifications, or anything that gives him a job. Hell, he doesn't even have relatives that he can run to.
He has nothing.
Nothing to look forward to and nothing to live for. Hayate honestly wanted to laugh at how absurd this situation was. He worked since he was in elementary school because his parents were absolute bums. Then they abandoned him to the Yakuza so they could sell his organs while escaping to god knows where. Tears flowed, but nothing escaped from his hollow eyes. Hayate's dead to the world even as they
"You must be Hayate Ayasaki," One of them started as the others looked around. Hayate nodded. There's no point in running or arguing with them.
"Your parents owe us a lot of money," The scarred one added with a cruel grin. "And they've been late on their payments, but they said you can help us," He continued but paused, witnessing Hayate's void-like eyes. They knew those eyes. Only the people with nothing to lose, drowning in hopelessness, have those eyes. This kid was in high school. He shouldn't have them. "Where are they?" The scarred one resumed the persona.
"They left this note," Hayate answered, handing them their last message. The debt collectors scanned the contents. Wrath and disgust narrowed their eyes and fueled their snarls as they continued to read. WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?! The men comprehend that they're not good people. They've done horrible things, but law-abiding citizens always prove they're worse. Abandoning one's child after he surrendered everything because they didn't want to work. Each man shared a look.
"Pack your stuff; you're coming with us," One of them commanded. Hayate nodded, moving his dense body robotically. They covered all of the exits to prevent his escape. He packed his stuff in a simple but worn-out bag. His parents didn't buy him anything, nor did he buy anything for himself to save money. What a waste of time.
"Let's go," The scarred one directed. Hayate followed without giving his abode a second look as one of them shut off the lights and locked the door.
"Is the bike yours?" Another asked as they went down the creaky stairs.
"Yeah, but given my situation. I don't need it anymore. I'm done," Hayate answered monotone with the weight of a hollowed echo. He used the bike for work, but since his parents threw him the wolves. It's useless to him. The scarred one motioned for one of them to retrieve it. He must be the leader of this force or given authority by their superior. They entered the van and drove off as the sun abandoned the world again.
Night began to fall. Pity washed over the Yakuza members as they watched the silent Hayate. He didn't say anything. Not a single word of bargaining or pleading to release him. Shit, not even a single tear escaped from his eyes. Hayate was on death row awaiting his execution. They pondered what type of parents were the Ayasakis. On second thought, they don't want to know. That letter was all they needed. Fully grown adults leave their children to solve their problems. Pathetic.
They arrived. One of them ushered Hayate out as they entered the building. The members behind him expect the scarred one by Hayate's side. Hayate's eyes scoped the area. Sentries were everywhere, wearing fine suits and armed, ready to defend the base. Cigarette smoke and alcohol filled the air, but he's used to being in bars. All to support his family. What a complete utter waste of time. He thought bitterly. They stopped. Two heavily armed guards with rifles and tantos.
"The boss will see you now," One of them said, opening the door for them. Hayate's eyes glimmered at the exquisite traditional artwork around the room. Paintings, statues, and calligraphy. He always felt poor, but this insults him beyond his comprehension. Hayate didn't know about the prices but understood that was something he could never achieve.
"Sit here," Aoi, the scarred one, ordered, pointing to the center table. He obeyed, waiting patiently as the man slid open a door with the others keeping watch. No thoughts were going through Hayate's head as the clock ticked. There's nothing he can do. Escape wasn't even a logically possible option.
Fleeing from the Yakuza?! Human stupidity is an endless resource, and escaping from it proves that. The police won't help him. Hayate didn't have a hidden base and a pre-planned solution for such an event, like his parents. He wondered. Was that the reason why they gave birth to him? To settle their debts? Where are they? Are they still in the country, but where? Hell, they're probably still in the city, hiding like rats in some random corner.
"You must be Hayate Ayasaki," A woman called out. Her voice was low and slightly gritty. He glanced at the woman. Her face was scarred yet held a lethal beauty to her. He estimated for her to be in her forties.
"Yes-yes, ma'am," Hayate replied shakingly, keeping his head down in fearful respect. Her aura demanded it.
"My name is Rei," She introduced herself with two executives behind her. "Your parents accumulated quite the debt with us. Even more, they're late with their payments," Rei emphasized in her last sentence. "They said you can help us," She crossed her arms, recalling their previous meeting with the Ayasakis. Hayate slowly and pitifully rested the coins on the table. "Is this a joke?" Rei deadpanned at the currency. This was barely around 500 yen.
"No, ma'am, that's all they left from my paycheck," Hayate confessed, averting her gaze.
"Your paycheck?" Rei asked, raising a brow at this. He's a teenager, so why was he paying off his parents' debt.
"They left a note, ma'am," Aoi acknowledged, signaling Hayate to give it. Their eyes scanned the note. Rage narrowed their eyes as they continued to read.
"ARE YOU FUCKING SHITTING ME?!" One of them bellowed in pure rancor at the information. These two abandoned their only son, making him deal with their problems. They wanted him to sell his organs to him to settle their debt!
"Do you know where they possibly go?" Rei asked, holding back her rage. Hayate didn't deserve to be the focus of her wrath. He's a victim. However, she still needed information on their possible whereabouts.
Hayate shook his head. "I'm usually working both day and night. I don't think they have any friends or anyone they can hide with," He answered, as it's always him and his family. They never talked about any friends or colleagues, and they never talked about family members. Some of them whispered as the parents couldn't have gotten far. It's only been a few hours, and they don't have the money for a plane ticket abroad. "Although my mom talked about a woman named Yukariko," He mentioned. They nodded and wrote it down. It's not much, but it is undoubtedly better than other nothing.
"How long have you been working?" Rei probed further. He's a high school student, so he can work in several places.
"Elementary school," Hayate confirmed. Their shocked eyes widened with dropped jaws at this answer. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL?! This was worse than they thought.
"Why?" Rei asked softly.
"It started when I was younger. My dad stole money from my class lunch box. He told me himself," Hayate recalled what started his decision. Several of them clasped their hands over their mouths or clenched their fists. Shun Ayasaki is an S-ranked scumbag! Who the fuck steals from literal children?!
"Ever since then, I stopped caring about my parents. I took as many jobs as possible to help my family, even lying about my age to get some of the higher-paying ones. So I technically never graduated from middle school or elementary," Hayate continued his story as if he was already dead. In his mind, he might as well be.
"What did they do to help?" Aoi quizzed, hoping something was redeemable from these trash people.
"Help?" Hayate asked sarcastically. "My mother took my paycheck to go gambling while I was stuck with a fever numerous times, and my father was a soul-searching bum," He grumbled, listing off the neglect from his parents. "I'm done with everything," Hayate exhaled. The Yakuza shared a knowing glance. Something has to be done about this.
"How about you work for us, Hayate Ayaski?" Rei offered with a small smile. His teary eyes looked up at her with the tiniest rays of hope. Hope. That's an emotion he hasn't felt in years. "Of course, this will cover the interest rate, but your parents will cover the rest as they're supposed to," She continued.
"Why?" Hayate wondered.
"Why not?" Rei shrugged, seeing it as a significant opportunity for the both of them. She's a loyal worker, and he gets a better life. It's a win-win. "We're yakuza, but we have a code of ethics. Something your parents don't seem to have," She avowed as they nodded and muttered words of agreement.
"What-what will I do?" Hayate stammered, unsure about this situation. However, he doesn't have any other options. Besides, he saw the fruits of the blood-stained labor. Some of it can be his.
"You'll simply be one of our errand boys due to your age and situation," Rei clarified the terms of his employment. "Until we have your parents, we're your family now," She declared, opening her arms to him.
"Considering all the shit you've been through, it's an upgrade," Aoi rebutted. They needed more associates to deal with the Lost Decade. A lot of people owe them money.
"Once we find them or you become of age, you can either join us officially or wash your hands," Rei negotiated, giving him a semblance of choice. "But if you show promise, we're going to keep you,"
"Thank you, boss," Hayate muttered. Is this really happening?
"I'm not your boss yet," Rei laughed before clapping her hands. A subordinate entered the room holding a tray with a sake bottle and several cups. She pours a cup for herself, Hayate, and the rest. "A toast to our newest member," She broadcasted, holding up the tiny cup as did the rest. Hayate gingerly drank the burning liquid, holding back a cough as he finished.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it," Some laughed, resting their hand on his shoulder.
"Take him out to eat. I'll prepare his dorm," Rei instructed. The debt collectors obeyed, getting Hayate to follow them.
"Come on, little brother, we're getting some ramen," Aoi ordered with a smile. They cheered about the idea as they went to a nearby restaurant. One of their associates owns it, giving them a safe eating spot. Aoi and his group welcome Hayate with a nice steaming bowl of ramen. He offered to pay for it, but they refused it. Hayate's one of them, so they told him to eat up before it gets cold. He ate slowly as if it savor the warmth on this chilly night, thinking it was a dream. It wasn't. Some patted his back as tears dropped from his eyes. They didn't mock or shame him for it. He deserved to let it all out after everything. They enjoyed the night before escorting him to his new home. He slept in an actual bed for the first time in his life.
Tomorrow, his new life will start.
Hayate's new life has begun. They placed him in one of their dormitories, which others like him call home. His room was basic but utter luxury for someone like him. Hayate has his own bed and bathroom. The Yakuza used his bike to send him on simple delivery jobs throughout the city. He didn't ask what was in there or took a peek. It wasn't any of his business whatsoever. Just get to Points A and B, then return home with a decent paycheck. They took a significant portion to cover expenses like his rent, but he could save beyond what he could've done with his parents.
His parents.
He wondered where they were. Soon, Hayate frowned, wondering why the hell he cared. They abandoned him. Whatever happens to them is up to his superiors. These criminals treated him with more respect and decency in a few short months than his family did in his entire life. Now Hayate has his own place with reliable hot water and full meals. He's going to school again! Something that only existed in his most delusional dreams, but he was. It's a small remedial school, but it's better than nothing, and he has friends now.
Hayate was doing homework in his living room when someone knocked on his door. He opened, revealing Aoi, the scarred one that helped him settle in. Is it another delivery job?
"We found them," Aoi stated grimly. Hayate's eyes widened as his blood froze to cement. They . . . found them. Aoi gestured to follow him. Both entered a car where members were already inside and drove off. Hayate wondered what he was supposed to feel right now. Anger, grief, cruel satisfaction for what's about to happen. He honestly didn't know.
They arrived at their headquarters. Hayate raised a brow to this alternative hallway. This must been the dungeons for those unable to settle their debts or those foolishly enough to attempt to cross them. It's like a prison. The walls were thick, unfeeling stone reinforced with soundproof layering and dense metal doors. Someone can be here for decades without anyone knowing it. The group stopped at one of the doors.
"Hey, you don't have to do this if you don't want to," Aoi remarked gently. The rest nodded, offering words of agreement.
"It's fine. I need to do this. Otherwise, I'll be running away like them," Hayate remarked, clenching his fists with narrowed eyes. They nodded before entering. An utterly pitiful sight was before them. Shun and Hana Ayasaki. They were on their hands and knees towards the big boss, begging and pleading to be let go and to extend their deadlines. Both were dressed in shoddy, filthy rags fit for these living corpses. Apparently, they were found camping near Mount Fuji, stealing and selling whatever valuables from suicide victims. Hayate was repulsed by this, yet it didn't surprise him. These people were willing to sacrifice their own child and steal his money to save their own skins. There's no low they won't go. They found him in the corner of their eyes. His mother reacted first.
"Hayate," Hana screamed joyfully as she crawled towards him."Please save your mother, sweetie," She pleaded while holding his hands. Come on, just play the role, and everything will be fine. "It wasn't my fault. Your father forced me to go along with it," Hana accused, pointing at her husband. She relished in his shocked demeanor as if she won. A boy will always love his mother.
"My fault?!" Shun yelled back with rage glimmering in his eyes from this betrayal. "This was your idea!" He countered, bringing her down with him
"I'm not taking criticism from someone who steals from literal children," Hana sneered, recalling that critical incident.
"Like you're one to talk 'Hana,'" Shun criticized as if Haha was her actual name. She used that same money to go gambling again and still lost. Both continued to argue senselessly, pinning the blame on the other.
"This is so stupid," Hayate mumbled, embarrassedly covering his face. This was his parents' true nature. They are a bunch of greedy, irresponsible dregs who refuse to take any form of accountability for their actions.
"Eh," The parents questioned, stopping their petty argument. They shared a look. "You're right," The Yakuza rolled their eyes at this sudden cooperation. They're just trying to get out of it. "We can-"
"No," Hayate commanded, immediately ending the conversation. Their jaws dropped at his refusal, much to his superiors' enjoyment. "You're going say help us out, you're sorry, or we can be family again," He predicted mockingly.
". . .Um," The two mumbled, unable to counter. Their impulsive plan revolved around him helping them back when they were together. What can they do now?!
"Of course," Hayate rolled his eyes as he turned around. "Whatever, I don't care. Do whatever you want to them," He waved them off as he had more important things to do.
"WHAT?!" They shrieked at his callousness. How can he abandon them like this?! Ironic, isn't it?
"Really, little bro?" Aoi asked with an intrigued brow. "No angry speeches or beating the shit out of them? They deserve it, you know," He gestured to the desperate folks. Anyone would want to release their frustrations on those who willfully abandoned them. They know he's monstrously strong.
"You're right," Hayate admitted, looking over his shoulder. "I simply don't give a fuck about them anymore," He smiled coldly. Fear tightened around the parents' necks, chilling their greedy blood.
"How can you say that?!" Hana sobbed. He didn't know if they were real tears or not. She specialized in disguises, pretending to be someone else. Everything she says must be viewed as a lie.
"We raised you!" Shun shouted, attempting to reassert his meager authority over him
"Are you two fucking shitting me?!" Aoi barked, making the vermin flinch in fear. "You two didn't raise him at all! We did! Hayate has been with us for barely a year. Still, we did more than you two ever did in the last 16 years," He glared furiously at the weak excuses of parents as they huddled together in fear.
"We did some fucked shit as Yakuza, but we have a code of ethics," Rei spoke, her dominating voice bouncing off the walls. "But you," Her eyes narrowed dangerously at the two. "Regular ordinary citizens always manage to be worse than us,"
"Wait, no, we can work something out," They attempted to negotiate again.
"We've waited years for you to pay off your debts," Rei interrupted, lighting a cigarette. She took a quick puff, blowing in their faces. "Only to find out you've been using your son's hard-earned money to pay it off while you did nothing or to gamble," Rei gestured to the teenager. They didn't have the respect to avoid her gaze in shame. These two see nothing wrong with what they did. "You're adults, but you relied on a literal child to do something you should've done years ago," She continued her belittlement before motioning to Hayate. "Therefore, we plan to give him back all the money," Hayate's eyes widened at the announcement. She's going to give him back all of his money. "So you'll have to start all over again," Her sadistic smirk widened at their horrified expressions.
"Let's not forget interest and inflation with several fees," Aoi added with a cruel smirk. "That's an extra several million Yen," He calculated. It should be around double what they owed them.
"You can't do that!" Shun faltered as he turned pale. "That's over 10 years of payments," He whispered as if it was to himself.
"We can't pay that off!" Hana lamented at the absurd debt they had to pay. Their eyes were wide and panicked, attempting to comprehend the ramifications of all their horrible deeds came crashing upon them.
"Who's going to stop me?" Rei gloated, putting out her cigarette. "Come on, we have a ton of work to do,"
"Before all that, I want to give them something," Hayate interjected, digging into his pockets. It gave the Ayasaki's the slightest tinge of hope. Two coins were launched in their faces.
"What is this?"
"The Christmas money you left me last year after taking my paycheck again," Hayate fumed as his haunting words were planted in their draining minds. "This should start you off," He taunted as he opened the door. "Goodbye, Mom and Dad," Hayate didn't look back at them.
"Hayate, wait, we're sorry. Help us," They continued to plead as he walked away. Hayate muted their voices as his new family took care of business. He felt lighter. Free from all the responsibilities his former parents placed on him.
One of them escorted him home after today's event. Hayate resumed his homework as if nothing had happened. Did he care what was going to happen to his parents? Nope. What emotions did he feel from this? Peace and relief were the top answers.
Ironically Hayate thanked his parents for being total scumbags. He wouldn't have had such a great life if they hadn't abandoned him. His phone buzzed. It's a message from his older brother asking if he's free this week ended. Hayate smiled as he agreed. Both brothers were abandoned by their parents, but they found each other.
Those people didn't matter anymore. It's time to move on with their lives.
Welp I finally got this one-shot off my list and off my mind. It's great to reduce my backlog every once in a while.
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