2

Humanity

Chishiya

It was at that exact moment he'd realised it. That moment when the young girl threw the insult at him. Chishiya had hardly heard what she'd said. However he could have sworn he heard something snap inside Niragi.

Leaning against a wall, half hidden in shadows, his hood thrown over his head and his hands buried in his pockets, Chishiya observed. He had a clear view of Niragi's expression. Eyes glazed, focused on something not of this world. Whatever deep dark corner Niragi's mind had slipped into unleashed something in him. Chishiya could see the pain, the hurt and.. was that shame? Yes. He could see it all in Niragi's empty gaze before he turned around to threaten the girl.

And that was when Chishiya realised that Niragi wasn't a monster at heart. Whatever happened to him in the real world had forced him into this role. Forced him to hide behind the mask of a monster. It all happened in a split second. Before he knew it, Niragi stormed past him, Whiskey in hand. He didn't even register Chishiya was back from the game.

He followed Niragi with his gaze until he was out of sight and couldn't help but wonder to what dark parts Niragi's mind had disappeared to.

Chishiya had known Niragi had issues but he'd assumed he was just a psychopath. For the first time since they had met he'd witnessed Niragi's mask slip. And now he knew without a doubt, that Niragi's erratic behaviour was but a coping mechanism. Niragi had been hurt, and it had forced him to become something he wasn't meant to be.

It made Chishiya curious. What awful memories lurked in that snarky head of his? What was he trying to run away from, trying to forget?

He'd find out he promised himself. If he was going to survive, he had to find out. It was clear Niragi was a key player in these games. Behind that fury lurked a clever mind. A dangerous mind. And if Chishiya wasn't careful, it could just mean his death.

Speaking of death. Tonight's game had taken it's fair share of lives. Aguni was most certainly waiting for him to report the game's events to Hatter. Chishiya pushed himself off the wall, his hands still tucked in the pockets of his hoodie and silently made his way to Hatter's office.

As predicted Aguni was leaning in the doorway, arms crossed and only muttered, "what took you so long."

It wasn't a question. Chishiya knew that much. He stopped in front of him and looked up. Aguni was almost a good head taller than him, muscled all over and a hell of a fighter. He'd clearly been through some form of combat training in the real world. Yet where exactly he'd learned to fight like that Aguni kept a closely guarded secret.

"I thought I might give you some time to have that cut looked at," was all Chishiya said with a shrug and slipped into the office.

They had survived tonight's game. But it had been a close one for Aguni. The gash on his face which ran from his forehead, over his left brow down to his cheek was still weeping. Dirt and dust was wedged in the wound and it desperately needed to be cleaned. He'd been lucky though. Any deeper and he would have lost his eye.

Aguni followed him into the room and closed the door behind him.

"Well. Out with it then. What the hell happened?" Hatters gaze flicked over him and locked onto Aguni. Worry swung in his voice as he spoke.

Chishiya zoned out as Aguni began his report. He didn't have anything to add anyway. His presence was a mere formality.

"And where were you in all of this?"

Chishiya's eyes refocused, finding Hatter glaring at him expectantly.

"Observing," was all he offered. Hatter briefly clenched his jaw then released it before dismissing them.

"Before I depart I should let you know there has been an incident with Niragi at the party tonight. It seems to me you are losing control over him," Chishiya challenged. He'd realised Niragi had been so close to losing himself tonight. And if Hatter and Aguni didn't keep him in check he could become very, very dangerous.

Hatter rolled his eyes in annoyance and leaned his elbows on his desk, resting his head in one hand. "I'll deal with him in the morning," was all he mumbled. He didn't acknowledge them as they left his office and parted ways. Aguni off to have his wound treated and Chishiya to his room, eager to get some rest.

Chishiya was violently ripped from his thoughts as someone collided with him in the hallway. He recognised the injured bartender from before now frantically apologising before he kept running. Towards Hatter's office he realised.

"What happened?" Chishiya called after him.

The kid stopped, staring at his shaking hands as he stuttered, "She.. she's dead."

Chishiya didn't reply. The only response he gave the kid was a brief nod before stalking off to his room.

Somehow he knew exactly who the boy had meant. The girl Niragi had threatened tonight.

Guess I'll have to have a word with Hatter in the morning. Preferably before he puts a bullet in Niragi's head.

He slipped into his room and let the door fall shut behind him. Only then did he allow himself to relax and gave in to his exhaustion.