Crimson Fate
Title : Crimson Fate - Part 1
Author :
zeon_avalanthe
Rating : PG-15 (For Violance and Dark Theme)
Genre : AU ; Angst
Pairing : YutoYama
Disclaimer : Everyone knows that I don't own any of those boys, sadly..
Summary : I have always wondered, why does this world have never been fair to the likes of us ? Was it so wrong to be born like this ? Do we have to be blamed for the fate we can't choose ? If so, then why did God created us ? Is there a purpose yet to be known for our existence ? Is there a meaning at all for us to continue living in this world where we could only suffer ?
Author's Note : The story was inspired heavily by anime Tokyo Ghoul.. Some of you who haven't watched or read Tokyo Ghoul might will be a little confused, so I will give a little explanation after the story, along with some other info you might want to know..
This will be my first time to write something gore, so please forgive me if I'm not good enough.. As for you who has weak hearts, I suggest you to stop reading any further.. The gory scene might be few, but it's still there and I'm not going to do an LJ-cut on the scene.. So please, read at your own risk.. Thank you.. >,< *nervousnervous*
*Crimson Fate - Part 1*
I have always wondered, why does this world have never been fair to the likes of us ? Was it so wrong to be born like this ? Do we have to be blamed for the fate we can't choose ? If so, then why did God created us ? Is there a purpose yet to be known for our existence ? Is there a meaning at all for us to continue living in this world where we could only suffer ?
***
"Good morning, Ryo-chan ! Let's work hard today as well !"
I turned my head at the source of voice with a passive look. There he goes again. Being all smiley and happy while humming some melody as he cleans the table. It'd been a week, and he just simply started working here as if that's the most natural thing in the world.
I sighed as I took my place behind the counter. There's no helping it. The owner has told us that he will be a part of us and not to ask questions about it. I tried to ask, but the manager still won't said a thing. I'm not usually one to pry on someone's nose, but for an unknown reason, I feel a strange curiousity to this new guy. It's as if, there is a link which connected us.
***
"Why do I have to share my room with him ?" I looked up at the owner, visually annoyed at the sudden decision.
"I'm sorry, Ryosuke-kun, but the room he occupied was damaged, and since we have no other spare room, and you two are about the same age, I think you could share." The middle-aged man said with an apologetic smile.
"What's with that face ? I bet we can have lots of fun together ! And don't you think that it's lonelier to sleep alone in such a huge room ?" The said man chirped, a wide smile covering his face.
Huge my ass ! I thought to myself. While the room is by no means small, it could only suffice one person, unless people are willing to sleep side by side. And I'm the kind of person who respect my privacy, thank you very much.
"Please, Ryosuke-kun. If you would just spend a few nights with Yuto-kun until his room is repaired, it will be very helpful."
I sighed. Despite everything, I still owed the manager a great deal. Thinking about it, I was partly at fault for what had happened to his room. So, surely sharing a room for a night or two won't be too big of a problem.
"I understand. I'll share the room, Yabu-san."
***
"Hey, can I ask you something ?"
The other man turned back, and make a questioning look at me.
"What is it, Ryo-chan ?"
I felt a vein in my head popped. Does he really intended to call me that for the rest of his life ?
"Where did you come from ? And what brought you here ?"
"Oh, so you're interested in me ? That's cute !" The man laughed instead.
"Hey !" I almost yelled at him. Almost.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He gradually stopped laughing before he fixated his eyes on me. "I came from afar. And the reason why I came here, was because of you."
I widened my eyes in surprise. Was he joking ? Or was he telling the truth ? If he was telling the truth, then was that mean we have some kind of a relation in the past ? But what was it ? What was the thing which connected the two of us ?
"Wha- ?"
"Just kidding." The man suddenly broke off with yet another set of giggles, and I felt my patience left me.
"NA-KA-JI-MA !!"
***
It was stupid of me to think that there's a thread connecting us two after all. And after that day, I stopped trying to figure it out altogether, pushing myself to believe that it was plain curiousity which brought me to think like that about that guy.
Come to think about it, it was natural for me to think so actually. That person called Nakajima Yuto just appeared in front of us a little before a week ago, looking all lost and empty. Even as Yabu-san introduced the guy, he barely said nothing. But then, just as suddenly as his appearance, his behaviour took a a sudden 180 degree change. The moment he stepped into the cafe the next morning, he was smiling and greeted everyone in an overly-cheerful manner. We were taken aback for sure, but when most of the other crew accepted his change easily, I was not. I thought that there was something behind it, that he somehow reminded me of my past, and thus brought me into that suspection.
But then again, perhaps it was just me and there's nothing between us after all. Maybe he experienced something bad the day he came here -that's why he looked so lifeless- but soon after, get over it and returned to his previous endemeanor. Maybe his friends or families were hunted by the doves, it's nothing new after all. Of how the doves had hunted and killed lots of our kins, without regard of their behaviour nor asked of their sins.
I shook my head to pushed the thought away. I have abandoned that memory and decided to start anew. That's why I joined Yabu-san and worked here. I can't let my past dragged me back. One of more reasons why I should stop bugging that Nakajima, just in case he really was someone from my past.
"Are you done ? We're about to go in ten minutes, so-"
I almost jumped in surprise at hearing someone spoke behind me, then turned around to find Yuya-san looking at me with a somehow amused look.
"Don't laugh." I snorted at him, even when he's not moving a muscle.
"I'm not." He defended himself.
"Yes, you are." I insist. "I know that look, Yuya-san. We've been with each other for such a long time, I have long since figured out the meaning behind those expressionless masks of yours."
The man said nothing back at me, a sign that I had won the battle.
"Wait me up. I'll go change in a minute." I told him as I left my post and out of his sight.
In about five minutes, I walked down the stairs and out to the back alley through the back door. As I zipped my overcoat up, I pulled the white mask from within my pocket to make sure that I haven't forgotten about it.
"Hey, Ryo-chan ! We've been waiting !"
I hold my urge to scowl and grumbled at the two guys instead.
On the other hand, Yuya-san seemed to ignore our exchange and lead us out to his car instead.
"Where are we going today ? Hiding in an alley and wait, or simply lure the prey out ?" Nakajima asked in a somehow excited tone which annoyed me more than I already was.
"None of those. We're going to the cliff." Yuya-san told him.
"Why ?" He asked again.
"You'll know soon enough." Said Yuya-san curtly, cutting the conversation short as he left no room for more question.
I felt Nakajima turning at me in an attempt to start a new conversation, but I leaned back on the seat and close my eyes, pretending to sleep. I'm sure that neither Yuya-san nor Nakajima believe that I'm actually sleeping, but I'm just glad that that guy decided to leave me alone and said nothing afterwards.
Not too long after we left, Yuya-san finally came to a stop. He parked the car in such a place that people wouldn't straightly notice if they passed by. He signed us both to follow him outside and to the edge of the cliff.
"Can you see down there ?" He said, more to Nakajima than to me. "This is a spot where most people fell and died, either it was because of an accident, or because they simply got tired of living. Either way, it's a favour for us."
"So your point is, that we're going to feast on these 'dead' people down there ?" Nakajima asked in wonder.
"Exactly." Yuya-san nodded.
"You mean, like, 'dead' people who were already dead even before we saw them ?" He asked again.
"Yes." Came yet another curt reply from Yuya-san.
"Are you say- ?"
"You know, Nakajima ? If you decided to join us, then you follow our rules. This is how we're going to feed ourselves, and our other friends who can't hunt by themselves. If it's something you can't accept, then you're free to leave." I cutted him, getting tired by the minute he spent wasting his breath.
"But those dead people might have been there for days ! Or even weeks ! They're not fresh anymore ! What if we accidently eat some rotten meat ?" He tried to argue.
"Well, we're taking them anyway. And leave the sorting part to the experts." I shrugged.
"But-"
"The thing is, Yuto," Yuya-san interrupted. "We don't go and kill people just because we need to eat. That's just not how we do it here."
Nakajima was silent while taking turns at looking both me and Yuya-san.
"Like Ryosuke had said before, if you cannot accept that rule, you may leave. But only if you're willing to keep silent about us. We don't want one loose end to ruin the web we've threaded for years after all." Yuya-san added while pulling out his gloves from inside his coat.
Nakajima said nothing, and this time, he looked thoughtful. After another minute of silence, he sighed before raising his head and throw me one last look. I looked away as our eyes meet, not wanting to see behind those dark pupils of his. It appears that he gave a silent agreement to Yuya-san because the next thing I know, is that Yuya-san gave the signal to jump.
I spent no time in doing so, pushing on my feet as I leaped to the air. Despite having done this for millions of time, I still feel that jumping and flying are really not my virtue. For some reasons, I always felt this uneasiness when my feet are not touching the ground. Dai-chan, one of our ally and also my bestfriend, often told me that it meant I'm having an acrophobia. Of course I thought that it was nonsense. There's no way that I'm having a fear of heights for God's sake.
If God exists that is.
Just when my mind started to wander, I was brought back to reality as I feel a solid ground once again on my feet. Right after me, Nakajima and Yuya-san stepped down as well. Without waiting for an instruction, I started to scan the area to collect the corpses.
"There are too many corpses today. Let's take the freshest ones." Yuya-san called out from behind me.
I nodded before reaching for the nearest corpse and picked it up. A man in his late twenties. Probably around a couple of hours old. Can't be more than a day.
"Hey, how do you differentiate the new corpse from the one which is a couple of days old ?" Nakajima came behind me and asked.
"The easiest way to tell is from their smell." I told him briefly as I put the corpse inside the plastic bag Yuya-san had prepared.
"Smell ?"
I nodded. "A rotten corpse produced a somewhat stronger odor."
"I see ?" Nakajima tilted his head to the side, clearly still confused by my vague explanation.
"Simply speaking," I sighed as I picked yet another corpse. "Even 'you' can tell whether the corpse is eatable or not." I looked at him looking at me in wonder. "Surely the fresh ones still somewhat smelled tasty, right ?"
"Oh, so that's it ! Thanks, Ryo-chan !" He beamed before disappearing from my sights.
I shook my head, throwing the corpse to the already building up mountain of bodies, thinking that it's enough as I take a seat by the side, waiting for Yuya-san and Nakajima to finish their part.
***
"Yama-chan, look !"
Just as I was told, I looked up at the excited face of my friend.
"What is it, Yuuri ?" I asked him gently.
"I tried to bake this cupcakes this morning, will you try it for me ?" He asked back, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
I smile at him, before looking at the fluffy cupcakes he offered. Chinen Yuuri is my classmate and also somewhat a bestfriend. He aimed to be a patissier someday and will bring along his creation every once in a while. People said that he's a gifted pastry chef and often complimented him for his confectionaries.
"Sure. Let me take this one." I told him as I pick the one in white frosting and colourful sprinkles with strawberry on top.
"Yama-chan sure loves strawberry, eh ?" He commented in which I just laugh.
It's not that I like strawberry in particular, it's just, from every human foods I have ever tasted, strawberry tasted less like puke. I give the treat one last look before forcing it down my throat.
As soon as it went down my digestion though, I feel like vomitting right away. It's the worst thing but I have to hold back for Yuuri's sake. Instead, I give him a compliment.
"It's good. This one tasted better than the last cupcake you made. The texture is somewhat softer so I like it." -More like because that way, I don't have to spend too many times to try and chew the cupcake- "You have improved."
"Really ?! That's great ! Thanks, Yama-chan !" Yuuri looked genuinely happy as he threw his arms at me to give me a quick hug. I could only smile.
"I need to go the toilet. You wait up here, okay." I said as I stood from my seat.
Yuuri just nodded while waving his hand at me, seemingly eager to spread his cupcakes to the whole class already. I wave back at him with a smile, but when I'm out of his sight, I took a dash. As soon as I reach the bathroom, I quickly enter one of the stall and slam the door closed. Once inside, I hold onto my stomach and bit my lower lip to prevent myself from vomitting. It hurts so bad that I found myself crying over it, and I wish that the feeling will be over soon. I swallow back the lump on my throat and urge myself to just digest the food already. And finally, after a few minutes which felt like hours, that sick feeling finally pass and I slid down the wall in relief.
"Look Yuuri, I finally eat the cake you made."
***
I heard someone opening the door and enter the room. Knowing the only person who will enter my room without a knock, I decided to simply ignore him as I stare out of the window.
"Ryo-chan ? Are you awake ?"
Taking a deep breath, I turn around and face the intruder. He knows that I'm awake so why bother asking ?
"Yeah." I answered him nonetheless. "What do you need ?"
"Nothing." He said. "Are you feeling better now ?"
I give him a shrug. "More or less. Don't worry, it'll pass eventually."
"Okay." He nodded. But then I could read from his face that he has something in mind but is hesitating to voice it out. So unlike him, I thought.
"What is it ? I know you have something in mind so just spill." I tell him flatly, feeling somehow annoyed by his hesitation.
He looked mildly surprised, but soon is able to compose himself back. He took a deep breath before asking, "Why did you do that ?"
I frown. "Do what ?" I asked him back.
"That." He pointed out. "Forcing yourself to eat human foods eventhough you knew that it will get you sick."
I sighed. I know that this question is coming sooner or later from him. But I've heard it lots enough, and thus I have an answer prepared for this moment.
"I know. But it's not like I have much of a choice, right ?"
"What do you mean ?"
"The one who baked that cake, he is my friend, Nakajima -a human friend. I can't just tell him that I can't eat human's foods, can I ?"
"But you can make an excuse that you have a stomachache so you don't have to eat his cakes, right ?"
"Once, perhaps. But every single time ? He will start questioning it. He will suspect that I am not a human, and it will danger me -us- and our existence here."
"You can stop being his friend then. Or anyone's friend at that matter. No one will ask you to eat their food or questioning you about not eating a food if you do so." He suggested, much to my frustation.
"I'm enrolling to a human's high school, Nakajima. I have to blend in with them. People will suspect me for hiding something if I've become a loner." I argued back.
"Then stop schooling altogether then !" He yelled at me, face full of exasperation. "I don't want to see you hurt any further !"
I was almost taken aback by his sudden outburst, but then decided that I'm too tired and feeling too sick for that. So I sighed instead and sat up.
"Nakajima-" I called out, all the while phrasing the words I want to convey inside my head. "Why are you like this ? Why do you care about me this much ? We have not known each other that long, so why ?"
Instead of answering, Nakajima hung his head low, avoiding any eye contact.
"If you won't even tell me that, then there's no reason for me to do as you say. So please, mind your own business and stop interfering with mine." I told him before pulling the blanket up my shoulders. "If you will excuse me then, I want to sleep and rest. Please don't disturb me anymore."
Nakajima said nothing to me, but I heard him shuffling around as he stood up and walked away. And soon enough, I heard the door being opened and closed, a sign that he had left the room. I sighed. His behaviour was really a mystery. But again, if he's not willing to tell, then I won't pry. I really am not in the mood of playing detectives, really.
***
I'm not back in my best condition yet when that news came.
"What ? Tell me that again ?" I widened my eyes in disbelief.
Yabu-san looked at me in regret, before repeating his words.
"Yuto-kun was captured by Akanishi from Aogiri yesterday night. Or from what I've heard, he gave himself away."
"But why ? Did he lost a battle or something ?" I demanded. Nakajima was not a weakling. I’ve seen him fight a couple of doves sometimes ago, and he was quite skilled in battle. But against someone of Akanishi's caliber, even Yuya-san will have a hard time. And it was something because Yuya-san is known to be the strongest of us all.
"No. He's not." Yabu-san shook his head.
"Then why-?"
"It was because of you."
I widened my eyes at the words coming from Kei-kun's mouth. He has bandages all over his body, an aftermath from the previous battle. He was the only other one there when Akanishi and the people from Aogiri came last night and made their ambush, so he should know.
"What do you mean, Kei-san ?"
The man looked at me sympathetically before saying, "There was this other man here yesterday. He kept on asking for you while staring at us with this scary look. I don't know his intentions, but from what I saw, I can only predict bad things coming from him. And when he said that he'll search through the building to find you, Yuto-kun tried to stop him."
I hold my breath at Kei-san's explanation. A familiar figure forming on my head.
"They dueled for a while and was in an even ground before Akanishi came to interfere. Yuto-kun was overwhelmed, but refused to give up. I helped him but we were no match to Akanishi's power. I was partly giving up when Yuto-kun screamed out that he'll do whatever they want if only they will stop looking for you. The other guy protested, but Akanishi stopped him. From the first time we saw them, I know that something is wrong. And when his eyes gleamed in excitement when he approached Yuto-kun, I know what Akanishi really wanted."
I stared at Kei-san in horror. We all know what Akanishi wanted. He was famous for this unusual hobby after all.
"He wanted Yuto-kun to be his new experiment."
***
"Ryosuke-kun, why would the guy from Aogiri wanted from you ?"
I refuse to turn back as I fumbled through the buttons of my shirt. I want -no, I need to tell Yabu-kun and the others about this.
"It's not like it was Aogiri that has something to do with me." I started. "It's just that that guy from last night ? He's the one I have some business with."
"Who is he actually ?" Kei-san asked.
"His name is Yamashita Tomohisa." I told him. "He's my brother."
"Brother ?"
I nodded. "We've got different fathers though. His father died when he was young, so he grew up with me when our mother remarried with my father."
"So what does he want from you exactly ?"
"He wanted a revenge."
"What ? But why ?"
"Because I killed his mother. Our mother."
***
Yabu-san told me not to come with them to rescue Nakajima, but I paid him no heed and came along still. Dai-chan, who came a little later with Hikaru-san and Keito, scolded me for being stubborn. And because of that, he forced me to stay back in wait with Keito and Yabu-san while they make their move.
"But when thing went out of hand, I swear I'll jump in no matter what you say." I agreed reluctantly in the end.
Yabu-san made a small chuckle before patting my head in affection.
"Sure thing. But I do hope that things won't go out of hand still. Let's just hope, for everyone to come back safely, okay ? Of course, Yuto-kun too."
I nodded and looked away. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Keito smile.
Other than Dai-chan, he's the closest friend I have here. We barely talk with each other, but for some mysterious reasons I have yet to figure out, he seemed to be the one who understood me best.
The team dispersed the second Yabu-san gave them the words.
***
It's almost morning and none of them have returned. I'm getting anxious, and I know that it's not helping us. Anyone has yet to make a contact with Keito, everyone could be in a greater danger than what we've expected, or worse-
"Everything is going to be alright, Ryosuke-kun. Please stop thinking for
the worst." Yabu-san's voice rang in the silence, and I can only nod.
"Someone's calling." Keito suddenly speak up. "It's, Daiki."
"What is he saying ?" I beat Yabu-san in asking Keito about what had happened. Finally, after hours of waiting and waiting, someone finally made a call.
Keito frowned and said nothing for a few seconds, before nodding his head and turn to us. "It's impossible for them to move forward. They've came across the elites and somehow had everything under control. But they're too occupied they can't move any further. The guards are too persistent in letting them pass. They need some backup."
"I will go." I said more to myself than to the two of them. Yabu-san seemed contemplating the idea before sighing and nod his head.
"I understand. But since it's dangerous to go alone, I believe the three of us should go together. Keito-kun, please stay sharp." Yabu-san instructed us.
Keito hesitated for a while.
"Actually, Yabu-san, there's something more."
"What is it ?"
"Daiki, he said that that Yamashita guy was there as well. Yuya-kun is handling him by now, but I believe that he will turn his attention to Ryosuke when he notice him." A concerned look is on Keito's face as he said this.
"Are you sure about that ?" Yabu-san asked, trying to confirm the news.
Keito nod. "Daiki said that Kei-kun had recognized the man the moment he stepped into the battle. There's no mistaking it. He's the man from the last ambush."
***
"Ryosuke, are you really sure about this ?"
I halted my steps to look into Keito properly, and smile.
"I've known since long that I will have to face him sooner or later."
"But-"
"It's okay. I'll be okay. Trust me."
***
A scream fill the dome-like room, followed by a maniacal laughters from the only two occupants. One being chain-tied to a chair, the other one standing above with a screwdiver in hand.
"That's it, young man. Scream, scream, SCREAM !" The standing man pointed the tool at the other's chest. "Hnn, it's a little crooked, don't you think ? We should fix it."
"AARRGGGGHHHH !"
***
'Nakajima ?'
I jerk when I felt like I heard his voice and turn my head for a second. But that one moment of distraction has made my enemy took the chance and give me a blow to the chest. I gasp at the pain while being flown a few metres back.
"That's no good, Ryo. You have to make sure you're paying attention." Came the mocking voice of my enemy. "Or else you might be killed without even realizing it."
I cringed at the sarcasm he implied at the words. I jump and dodge his attacks while thinking of a way to beat this bastard as soon as possible.
"What's wrong, Ryo ? Why won't you let your kagune out ? Big brother is waiting, you know."
I hold my breath as I dodge yet another attack. I know that the others are starting to look at me the moment he said that words. But I have no time to spare for it.
"I am using my kagune, you stupid." I hissed under my breath, aiming my tail-like kagune to the back of his head.
The man chuckled while catching my tail with his own as if he had anticipated the move.
"Not this one, silly. It's the other one. Don't you remember ? It's the one you used against 'mother'."
At the mention of the word 'mother', for some reasons all I see is red. I yelled before lunging at him full force, sending him to the ground with a loud thud. Instead of surprised, the bastard looked like he's amused with this situation, and it angered me more.
"Come one, Ryo~ I know you can do it~" He whispered before sending me a hard kick.
I cough on my knees, eyes locked on his figure in rage.
"Let your brother see your kagune one more time, Ryo." He smile. "Let me see the thing which has killed mother one last time." His face darkened as he stood and approach me. "Before I crush it to pieces, along with it's bearer who was too incompetent to have it under control."
I barely could react as he pointed his kagune at me. I rolled to the side, with scratches decorating my whole body. I tried to stand and make a run, but he was faster and deliver another attack. I tasted blood as I coughed the pain down. He was ready for another attack, and I was too tired to dodge. I drew a shaky breath before chuckling ironically. Perhaps, this was not a good idea after all.
"I'm sorry, Nii-san."
And so I close my eyes.
~~~End Of Part 1~~~
*Ghoul = A creature with appearance of those of human, who feasts on a human -or even fellow ghoul- to survive. They cannot eat human's food aside from water and coffee for it tasted horrible for their tongue. It is said that eating human's food for a ghoul equals eating animal's poop for a human.
A ghoul also has a very high regenerative system and has a high tolerance of pain. That's why normal attack cannot kill a ghoul. Though, when a ghoul received a very critical injury, it is possible for them to die before they have the chance to heal themselves.
A notable characteristic of a ghoul is their kagune, and blood-shot eyes. But their kagune can be hidden, and their eye-colour can be altered at will.
*Kagune = Somekind of body extension which becomes a weapon of it's owner. Each kagunes has it's own characteristic which differentiate the type of ghoul of it's bearer.
*Dove = Ghoul-hunters. They're human who hunt ghoul down.
*Quinque = A special weapon which was made from a ghoul's kagune. It can be shape-shifted, but it will mostly hold the characteristic of it's original kagune form.
Thanks for reading~ I applause you who have read this through til the end~ >,<
Author :
zeon_avalanthe
Rating : PG-15 (For Violance and Dark Theme)
Genre : AU ; Angst
Pairing : YutoYama
Disclaimer : Everyone knows that I don't own any of those boys, sadly..
Summary : I have always wondered, why does this world have never been fair to the likes of us ? Was it so wrong to be born like this ? Do we have to be blamed for the fate we can't choose ? If so, then why did God created us ? Is there a purpose yet to be known for our existence ? Is there a meaning at all for us to continue living in this world where we could only suffer ?
Author's Note : The story was inspired heavily by anime Tokyo Ghoul.. Some of you who haven't watched or read Tokyo Ghoul might will be a little confused, so I will give a little explanation after the story, along with some other info you might want to know..
This will be my first time to write something gore, so please forgive me if I'm not good enough.. As for you who has weak hearts, I suggest you to stop reading any further.. The gory scene might be few, but it's still there and I'm not going to do an LJ-cut on the scene.. So please, read at your own risk.. Thank you.. >,< *nervousnervous*
*Crimson Fate - Part 1*
I have always wondered, why does this world have never been fair to the likes of us ? Was it so wrong to be born like this ? Do we have to be blamed for the fate we can't choose ? If so, then why did God created us ? Is there a purpose yet to be known for our existence ? Is there a meaning at all for us to continue living in this world where we could only suffer ?
***
"Good morning, Ryo-chan ! Let's work hard today as well !"
I turned my head at the source of voice with a passive look. There he goes again. Being all smiley and happy while humming some melody as he cleans the table. It'd been a week, and he just simply started working here as if that's the most natural thing in the world.
I sighed as I took my place behind the counter. There's no helping it. The owner has told us that he will be a part of us and not to ask questions about it. I tried to ask, but the manager still won't said a thing. I'm not usually one to pry on someone's nose, but for an unknown reason, I feel a strange curiousity to this new guy. It's as if, there is a link which connected us.
***
"Why do I have to share my room with him ?" I looked up at the owner, visually annoyed at the sudden decision.
"I'm sorry, Ryosuke-kun, but the room he occupied was damaged, and since we have no other spare room, and you two are about the same age, I think you could share." The middle-aged man said with an apologetic smile.
"What's with that face ? I bet we can have lots of fun together ! And don't you think that it's lonelier to sleep alone in such a huge room ?" The said man chirped, a wide smile covering his face.
Huge my ass ! I thought to myself. While the room is by no means small, it could only suffice one person, unless people are willing to sleep side by side. And I'm the kind of person who respect my privacy, thank you very much.
"Please, Ryosuke-kun. If you would just spend a few nights with Yuto-kun until his room is repaired, it will be very helpful."
I sighed. Despite everything, I still owed the manager a great deal. Thinking about it, I was partly at fault for what had happened to his room. So, surely sharing a room for a night or two won't be too big of a problem.
"I understand. I'll share the room, Yabu-san."
***
"Hey, can I ask you something ?"
The other man turned back, and make a questioning look at me.
"What is it, Ryo-chan ?"
I felt a vein in my head popped. Does he really intended to call me that for the rest of his life ?
"Where did you come from ? And what brought you here ?"
"Oh, so you're interested in me ? That's cute !" The man laughed instead.
"Hey !" I almost yelled at him. Almost.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He gradually stopped laughing before he fixated his eyes on me. "I came from afar. And the reason why I came here, was because of you."
I widened my eyes in surprise. Was he joking ? Or was he telling the truth ? If he was telling the truth, then was that mean we have some kind of a relation in the past ? But what was it ? What was the thing which connected the two of us ?
"Wha- ?"
"Just kidding." The man suddenly broke off with yet another set of giggles, and I felt my patience left me.
"NA-KA-JI-MA !!"
***
It was stupid of me to think that there's a thread connecting us two after all. And after that day, I stopped trying to figure it out altogether, pushing myself to believe that it was plain curiousity which brought me to think like that about that guy.
Come to think about it, it was natural for me to think so actually. That person called Nakajima Yuto just appeared in front of us a little before a week ago, looking all lost and empty. Even as Yabu-san introduced the guy, he barely said nothing. But then, just as suddenly as his appearance, his behaviour took a a sudden 180 degree change. The moment he stepped into the cafe the next morning, he was smiling and greeted everyone in an overly-cheerful manner. We were taken aback for sure, but when most of the other crew accepted his change easily, I was not. I thought that there was something behind it, that he somehow reminded me of my past, and thus brought me into that suspection.
But then again, perhaps it was just me and there's nothing between us after all. Maybe he experienced something bad the day he came here -that's why he looked so lifeless- but soon after, get over it and returned to his previous endemeanor. Maybe his friends or families were hunted by the doves, it's nothing new after all. Of how the doves had hunted and killed lots of our kins, without regard of their behaviour nor asked of their sins.
I shook my head to pushed the thought away. I have abandoned that memory and decided to start anew. That's why I joined Yabu-san and worked here. I can't let my past dragged me back. One of more reasons why I should stop bugging that Nakajima, just in case he really was someone from my past.
"Are you done ? We're about to go in ten minutes, so-"
I almost jumped in surprise at hearing someone spoke behind me, then turned around to find Yuya-san looking at me with a somehow amused look.
"Don't laugh." I snorted at him, even when he's not moving a muscle.
"I'm not." He defended himself.
"Yes, you are." I insist. "I know that look, Yuya-san. We've been with each other for such a long time, I have long since figured out the meaning behind those expressionless masks of yours."
The man said nothing back at me, a sign that I had won the battle.
"Wait me up. I'll go change in a minute." I told him as I left my post and out of his sight.
In about five minutes, I walked down the stairs and out to the back alley through the back door. As I zipped my overcoat up, I pulled the white mask from within my pocket to make sure that I haven't forgotten about it.
"Hey, Ryo-chan ! We've been waiting !"
I hold my urge to scowl and grumbled at the two guys instead.
On the other hand, Yuya-san seemed to ignore our exchange and lead us out to his car instead.
"Where are we going today ? Hiding in an alley and wait, or simply lure the prey out ?" Nakajima asked in a somehow excited tone which annoyed me more than I already was.
"None of those. We're going to the cliff." Yuya-san told him.
"Why ?" He asked again.
"You'll know soon enough." Said Yuya-san curtly, cutting the conversation short as he left no room for more question.
I felt Nakajima turning at me in an attempt to start a new conversation, but I leaned back on the seat and close my eyes, pretending to sleep. I'm sure that neither Yuya-san nor Nakajima believe that I'm actually sleeping, but I'm just glad that that guy decided to leave me alone and said nothing afterwards.
Not too long after we left, Yuya-san finally came to a stop. He parked the car in such a place that people wouldn't straightly notice if they passed by. He signed us both to follow him outside and to the edge of the cliff.
"Can you see down there ?" He said, more to Nakajima than to me. "This is a spot where most people fell and died, either it was because of an accident, or because they simply got tired of living. Either way, it's a favour for us."
"So your point is, that we're going to feast on these 'dead' people down there ?" Nakajima asked in wonder.
"Exactly." Yuya-san nodded.
"You mean, like, 'dead' people who were already dead even before we saw them ?" He asked again.
"Yes." Came yet another curt reply from Yuya-san.
"Are you say- ?"
"You know, Nakajima ? If you decided to join us, then you follow our rules. This is how we're going to feed ourselves, and our other friends who can't hunt by themselves. If it's something you can't accept, then you're free to leave." I cutted him, getting tired by the minute he spent wasting his breath.
"But those dead people might have been there for days ! Or even weeks ! They're not fresh anymore ! What if we accidently eat some rotten meat ?" He tried to argue.
"Well, we're taking them anyway. And leave the sorting part to the experts." I shrugged.
"But-"
"The thing is, Yuto," Yuya-san interrupted. "We don't go and kill people just because we need to eat. That's just not how we do it here."
Nakajima was silent while taking turns at looking both me and Yuya-san.
"Like Ryosuke had said before, if you cannot accept that rule, you may leave. But only if you're willing to keep silent about us. We don't want one loose end to ruin the web we've threaded for years after all." Yuya-san added while pulling out his gloves from inside his coat.
Nakajima said nothing, and this time, he looked thoughtful. After another minute of silence, he sighed before raising his head and throw me one last look. I looked away as our eyes meet, not wanting to see behind those dark pupils of his. It appears that he gave a silent agreement to Yuya-san because the next thing I know, is that Yuya-san gave the signal to jump.
I spent no time in doing so, pushing on my feet as I leaped to the air. Despite having done this for millions of time, I still feel that jumping and flying are really not my virtue. For some reasons, I always felt this uneasiness when my feet are not touching the ground. Dai-chan, one of our ally and also my bestfriend, often told me that it meant I'm having an acrophobia. Of course I thought that it was nonsense. There's no way that I'm having a fear of heights for God's sake.
If God exists that is.
Just when my mind started to wander, I was brought back to reality as I feel a solid ground once again on my feet. Right after me, Nakajima and Yuya-san stepped down as well. Without waiting for an instruction, I started to scan the area to collect the corpses.
"There are too many corpses today. Let's take the freshest ones." Yuya-san called out from behind me.
I nodded before reaching for the nearest corpse and picked it up. A man in his late twenties. Probably around a couple of hours old. Can't be more than a day.
"Hey, how do you differentiate the new corpse from the one which is a couple of days old ?" Nakajima came behind me and asked.
"The easiest way to tell is from their smell." I told him briefly as I put the corpse inside the plastic bag Yuya-san had prepared.
"Smell ?"
I nodded. "A rotten corpse produced a somewhat stronger odor."
"I see ?" Nakajima tilted his head to the side, clearly still confused by my vague explanation.
"Simply speaking," I sighed as I picked yet another corpse. "Even 'you' can tell whether the corpse is eatable or not." I looked at him looking at me in wonder. "Surely the fresh ones still somewhat smelled tasty, right ?"
"Oh, so that's it ! Thanks, Ryo-chan !" He beamed before disappearing from my sights.
I shook my head, throwing the corpse to the already building up mountain of bodies, thinking that it's enough as I take a seat by the side, waiting for Yuya-san and Nakajima to finish their part.
***
"Yama-chan, look !"
Just as I was told, I looked up at the excited face of my friend.
"What is it, Yuuri ?" I asked him gently.
"I tried to bake this cupcakes this morning, will you try it for me ?" He asked back, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
I smile at him, before looking at the fluffy cupcakes he offered. Chinen Yuuri is my classmate and also somewhat a bestfriend. He aimed to be a patissier someday and will bring along his creation every once in a while. People said that he's a gifted pastry chef and often complimented him for his confectionaries.
"Sure. Let me take this one." I told him as I pick the one in white frosting and colourful sprinkles with strawberry on top.
"Yama-chan sure loves strawberry, eh ?" He commented in which I just laugh.
It's not that I like strawberry in particular, it's just, from every human foods I have ever tasted, strawberry tasted less like puke. I give the treat one last look before forcing it down my throat.
As soon as it went down my digestion though, I feel like vomitting right away. It's the worst thing but I have to hold back for Yuuri's sake. Instead, I give him a compliment.
"It's good. This one tasted better than the last cupcake you made. The texture is somewhat softer so I like it." -More like because that way, I don't have to spend too many times to try and chew the cupcake- "You have improved."
"Really ?! That's great ! Thanks, Yama-chan !" Yuuri looked genuinely happy as he threw his arms at me to give me a quick hug. I could only smile.
"I need to go the toilet. You wait up here, okay." I said as I stood from my seat.
Yuuri just nodded while waving his hand at me, seemingly eager to spread his cupcakes to the whole class already. I wave back at him with a smile, but when I'm out of his sight, I took a dash. As soon as I reach the bathroom, I quickly enter one of the stall and slam the door closed. Once inside, I hold onto my stomach and bit my lower lip to prevent myself from vomitting. It hurts so bad that I found myself crying over it, and I wish that the feeling will be over soon. I swallow back the lump on my throat and urge myself to just digest the food already. And finally, after a few minutes which felt like hours, that sick feeling finally pass and I slid down the wall in relief.
"Look Yuuri, I finally eat the cake you made."
***
I heard someone opening the door and enter the room. Knowing the only person who will enter my room without a knock, I decided to simply ignore him as I stare out of the window.
"Ryo-chan ? Are you awake ?"
Taking a deep breath, I turn around and face the intruder. He knows that I'm awake so why bother asking ?
"Yeah." I answered him nonetheless. "What do you need ?"
"Nothing." He said. "Are you feeling better now ?"
I give him a shrug. "More or less. Don't worry, it'll pass eventually."
"Okay." He nodded. But then I could read from his face that he has something in mind but is hesitating to voice it out. So unlike him, I thought.
"What is it ? I know you have something in mind so just spill." I tell him flatly, feeling somehow annoyed by his hesitation.
He looked mildly surprised, but soon is able to compose himself back. He took a deep breath before asking, "Why did you do that ?"
I frown. "Do what ?" I asked him back.
"That." He pointed out. "Forcing yourself to eat human foods eventhough you knew that it will get you sick."
I sighed. I know that this question is coming sooner or later from him. But I've heard it lots enough, and thus I have an answer prepared for this moment.
"I know. But it's not like I have much of a choice, right ?"
"What do you mean ?"
"The one who baked that cake, he is my friend, Nakajima -a human friend. I can't just tell him that I can't eat human's foods, can I ?"
"But you can make an excuse that you have a stomachache so you don't have to eat his cakes, right ?"
"Once, perhaps. But every single time ? He will start questioning it. He will suspect that I am not a human, and it will danger me -us- and our existence here."
"You can stop being his friend then. Or anyone's friend at that matter. No one will ask you to eat their food or questioning you about not eating a food if you do so." He suggested, much to my frustation.
"I'm enrolling to a human's high school, Nakajima. I have to blend in with them. People will suspect me for hiding something if I've become a loner." I argued back.
"Then stop schooling altogether then !" He yelled at me, face full of exasperation. "I don't want to see you hurt any further !"
I was almost taken aback by his sudden outburst, but then decided that I'm too tired and feeling too sick for that. So I sighed instead and sat up.
"Nakajima-" I called out, all the while phrasing the words I want to convey inside my head. "Why are you like this ? Why do you care about me this much ? We have not known each other that long, so why ?"
Instead of answering, Nakajima hung his head low, avoiding any eye contact.
"If you won't even tell me that, then there's no reason for me to do as you say. So please, mind your own business and stop interfering with mine." I told him before pulling the blanket up my shoulders. "If you will excuse me then, I want to sleep and rest. Please don't disturb me anymore."
Nakajima said nothing to me, but I heard him shuffling around as he stood up and walked away. And soon enough, I heard the door being opened and closed, a sign that he had left the room. I sighed. His behaviour was really a mystery. But again, if he's not willing to tell, then I won't pry. I really am not in the mood of playing detectives, really.
***
I'm not back in my best condition yet when that news came.
"What ? Tell me that again ?" I widened my eyes in disbelief.
Yabu-san looked at me in regret, before repeating his words.
"Yuto-kun was captured by Akanishi from Aogiri yesterday night. Or from what I've heard, he gave himself away."
"But why ? Did he lost a battle or something ?" I demanded. Nakajima was not a weakling. I’ve seen him fight a couple of doves sometimes ago, and he was quite skilled in battle. But against someone of Akanishi's caliber, even Yuya-san will have a hard time. And it was something because Yuya-san is known to be the strongest of us all.
"No. He's not." Yabu-san shook his head.
"Then why-?"
"It was because of you."
I widened my eyes at the words coming from Kei-kun's mouth. He has bandages all over his body, an aftermath from the previous battle. He was the only other one there when Akanishi and the people from Aogiri came last night and made their ambush, so he should know.
"What do you mean, Kei-san ?"
The man looked at me sympathetically before saying, "There was this other man here yesterday. He kept on asking for you while staring at us with this scary look. I don't know his intentions, but from what I saw, I can only predict bad things coming from him. And when he said that he'll search through the building to find you, Yuto-kun tried to stop him."
I hold my breath at Kei-san's explanation. A familiar figure forming on my head.
"They dueled for a while and was in an even ground before Akanishi came to interfere. Yuto-kun was overwhelmed, but refused to give up. I helped him but we were no match to Akanishi's power. I was partly giving up when Yuto-kun screamed out that he'll do whatever they want if only they will stop looking for you. The other guy protested, but Akanishi stopped him. From the first time we saw them, I know that something is wrong. And when his eyes gleamed in excitement when he approached Yuto-kun, I know what Akanishi really wanted."
I stared at Kei-san in horror. We all know what Akanishi wanted. He was famous for this unusual hobby after all.
"He wanted Yuto-kun to be his new experiment."
***
"Ryosuke-kun, why would the guy from Aogiri wanted from you ?"
I refuse to turn back as I fumbled through the buttons of my shirt. I want -no, I need to tell Yabu-kun and the others about this.
"It's not like it was Aogiri that has something to do with me." I started. "It's just that that guy from last night ? He's the one I have some business with."
"Who is he actually ?" Kei-san asked.
"His name is Yamashita Tomohisa." I told him. "He's my brother."
"Brother ?"
I nodded. "We've got different fathers though. His father died when he was young, so he grew up with me when our mother remarried with my father."
"So what does he want from you exactly ?"
"He wanted a revenge."
"What ? But why ?"
"Because I killed his mother. Our mother."
***
Yabu-san told me not to come with them to rescue Nakajima, but I paid him no heed and came along still. Dai-chan, who came a little later with Hikaru-san and Keito, scolded me for being stubborn. And because of that, he forced me to stay back in wait with Keito and Yabu-san while they make their move.
"But when thing went out of hand, I swear I'll jump in no matter what you say." I agreed reluctantly in the end.
Yabu-san made a small chuckle before patting my head in affection.
"Sure thing. But I do hope that things won't go out of hand still. Let's just hope, for everyone to come back safely, okay ? Of course, Yuto-kun too."
I nodded and looked away. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Keito smile.
Other than Dai-chan, he's the closest friend I have here. We barely talk with each other, but for some mysterious reasons I have yet to figure out, he seemed to be the one who understood me best.
The team dispersed the second Yabu-san gave them the words.
***
It's almost morning and none of them have returned. I'm getting anxious, and I know that it's not helping us. Anyone has yet to make a contact with Keito, everyone could be in a greater danger than what we've expected, or worse-
"Everything is going to be alright, Ryosuke-kun. Please stop thinking for
the worst." Yabu-san's voice rang in the silence, and I can only nod.
"Someone's calling." Keito suddenly speak up. "It's, Daiki."
"What is he saying ?" I beat Yabu-san in asking Keito about what had happened. Finally, after hours of waiting and waiting, someone finally made a call.
Keito frowned and said nothing for a few seconds, before nodding his head and turn to us. "It's impossible for them to move forward. They've came across the elites and somehow had everything under control. But they're too occupied they can't move any further. The guards are too persistent in letting them pass. They need some backup."
"I will go." I said more to myself than to the two of them. Yabu-san seemed contemplating the idea before sighing and nod his head.
"I understand. But since it's dangerous to go alone, I believe the three of us should go together. Keito-kun, please stay sharp." Yabu-san instructed us.
Keito hesitated for a while.
"Actually, Yabu-san, there's something more."
"What is it ?"
"Daiki, he said that that Yamashita guy was there as well. Yuya-kun is handling him by now, but I believe that he will turn his attention to Ryosuke when he notice him." A concerned look is on Keito's face as he said this.
"Are you sure about that ?" Yabu-san asked, trying to confirm the news.
Keito nod. "Daiki said that Kei-kun had recognized the man the moment he stepped into the battle. There's no mistaking it. He's the man from the last ambush."
***
"Ryosuke, are you really sure about this ?"
I halted my steps to look into Keito properly, and smile.
"I've known since long that I will have to face him sooner or later."
"But-"
"It's okay. I'll be okay. Trust me."
***
A scream fill the dome-like room, followed by a maniacal laughters from the only two occupants. One being chain-tied to a chair, the other one standing above with a screwdiver in hand.
"That's it, young man. Scream, scream, SCREAM !" The standing man pointed the tool at the other's chest. "Hnn, it's a little crooked, don't you think ? We should fix it."
"AARRGGGGHHHH !"
***
'Nakajima ?'
I jerk when I felt like I heard his voice and turn my head for a second. But that one moment of distraction has made my enemy took the chance and give me a blow to the chest. I gasp at the pain while being flown a few metres back.
"That's no good, Ryo. You have to make sure you're paying attention." Came the mocking voice of my enemy. "Or else you might be killed without even realizing it."
I cringed at the sarcasm he implied at the words. I jump and dodge his attacks while thinking of a way to beat this bastard as soon as possible.
"What's wrong, Ryo ? Why won't you let your kagune out ? Big brother is waiting, you know."
I hold my breath as I dodge yet another attack. I know that the others are starting to look at me the moment he said that words. But I have no time to spare for it.
"I am using my kagune, you stupid." I hissed under my breath, aiming my tail-like kagune to the back of his head.
The man chuckled while catching my tail with his own as if he had anticipated the move.
"Not this one, silly. It's the other one. Don't you remember ? It's the one you used against 'mother'."
At the mention of the word 'mother', for some reasons all I see is red. I yelled before lunging at him full force, sending him to the ground with a loud thud. Instead of surprised, the bastard looked like he's amused with this situation, and it angered me more.
"Come one, Ryo~ I know you can do it~" He whispered before sending me a hard kick.
I cough on my knees, eyes locked on his figure in rage.
"Let your brother see your kagune one more time, Ryo." He smile. "Let me see the thing which has killed mother one last time." His face darkened as he stood and approach me. "Before I crush it to pieces, along with it's bearer who was too incompetent to have it under control."
I barely could react as he pointed his kagune at me. I rolled to the side, with scratches decorating my whole body. I tried to stand and make a run, but he was faster and deliver another attack. I tasted blood as I coughed the pain down. He was ready for another attack, and I was too tired to dodge. I drew a shaky breath before chuckling ironically. Perhaps, this was not a good idea after all.
"I'm sorry, Nii-san."
And so I close my eyes.
~~~End Of Part 1~~~
*Ghoul = A creature with appearance of those of human, who feasts on a human -or even fellow ghoul- to survive. They cannot eat human's food aside from water and coffee for it tasted horrible for their tongue. It is said that eating human's food for a ghoul equals eating animal's poop for a human.
A ghoul also has a very high regenerative system and has a high tolerance of pain. That's why normal attack cannot kill a ghoul. Though, when a ghoul received a very critical injury, it is possible for them to die before they have the chance to heal themselves.
A notable characteristic of a ghoul is their kagune, and blood-shot eyes. But their kagune can be hidden, and their eye-colour can be altered at will.
*Kagune = Somekind of body extension which becomes a weapon of it's owner. Each kagunes has it's own characteristic which differentiate the type of ghoul of it's bearer.
*Dove = Ghoul-hunters. They're human who hunt ghoul down.
*Quinque = A special weapon which was made from a ghoul's kagune. It can be shape-shifted, but it will mostly hold the characteristic of it's original kagune form.
Thanks for reading~ I applause you who have read this through til the end~ >,<