AU Fic: Down The Dark Path 1/2
DOWN THE DARK PATH 1/2
Written for journeystory 2014 and Trope Bingo 2014 for square prompt 'au: fusion'
Free!, Matsuoka Rin/ Nanase Haruka, rated R
Warning: minor character death, gore - but not too graphic
See MASTER POST for more details.
"So Rin's all settled in?" Makoto pushed the straw between his lips and took a sip of his iced tea while peering up at Haruka through his glasses. He wasn't too surprised to see the disinterest displayed on his friend's face. That was Haruka's default expression after all.
"Yeah." Haruka's eyes strayed towards the window and Makoto knew then that it wasn't a topic he was ready to discuss.
His friends, Rin and Haruka, had come to terms with their feelings for each other almost six months ago and they had agreed to move in together, share an apartment and everything that came with the package. It wasn't a whirlwind decision, really. That was the original plan before they left their hometown, Iwatobi, after graduating high school and headed to Tokyo for college. Although now, they weren't doing it as just friends but as a couple.
"Does he still plan to go to Australia?" Makoto asked out of curiosity. Rin received an offer to train with an internationally renowned swimming trainer in that country. He did plan to go, even looked forward to it. But then Haruka happened and now, as far Makoto knew, Rin had been hesitating to leave.
"I don't know." A straightforward, perfunctory response, very much like Haruka as expected.
"Well, I'm sure he'll make the right decision." Makoto knew it was time to take a step back, not push the issue any further. Judging from how Haruka refused to meet his gaze any longer, he could tell Haruka was either close to losing his temper or finding a way to escape the conversation, most likely leave with an illogical excuse.
"Yeah," was all Haruka offered, taking a sip of his own tea, eyes wandering around the coffee shop and stopping right where Makoto knew where the front door was just as Makoto heard the door chime tinkled.
Makoto noticed how Haruka's eyes softened, a noticeable gleam passing through those blue orbs before he heard Rin's familiar voice behind him.
"Hey. Sorry I'm late." Rin tapped Makoto on the shoulder before claiming the seat next to Haruka. "Traffic was unbelievable. I think there was another ghoul-related incident up at Hikarigaoka Park. Vehicles are stuck at the roads surrounding the area so I had to get off the bus and walk all the way here."
Haruka's forehead creased in a frown. "Another one? Wasn't there several victims found just the other day?"
Just the mere mention of ghouls sent chills coursing through Makoto's skin. This was one of the reasons he regretted moving to Tokyo. He should've stayed in Iwatobi, should have applied to one of the local colleges in the prefecture. As far as he knew, ghouls hadn't reached Tottori.
The Commission of Counter Ghoul or CCG, a federal agency responsible for dealing with these creatures, claimed they have full control of the ghoul population and had been working hard to ensure that they were contained in Tokyo. Makoto doubted that were possible considering that ghouls could alter their appearances to resemble humans but he had to believe in CCG somehow.
"I though the twentieth ward was supposed to be peaceful," Makoto muttered under his breath, the steam of hot tea fogging his glasses. Only then did he notice his hand had stilled just as he was about to take a sip of the amber liquid, trembling fingers curled on the cup's handle
"According to CCG director, the binge eater, as they refer to the ghoul who is believed to be claiming countless victims for the past week, possibly hailed from another ward and not from the twentieth ward," a woman's voice filled the small space of the coffee shop, prompting Makoto to raise his eyes over to the television hanging against the corner. Someone must have turned up the volume.
"We request people who reside or frequent in Nerima and nearby areas to be wary. CCG investigators will be patrolling the city but until the binge eater is caught, curfew would be set," the woman reporter continued.
"Curfew, huh? Just great." Rin scoffed.
"Better than being careless," Haruka said, eyes never leaving the television.
The sun was already setting when they went their separate ways, Makoto taking the long trek toward the train station. His apartment was on the other side of the district, opposite where Rin and Haruka's were. He was just a block away from the Nerima-kasugachou station when he ran into an acquaintance from the university.
"Yuzuki-san, on your way home?" he asked, presuming Tomo had been in the library since she was carrying a heap of books
"I am." Tomo adjusted the books in her arms. "I'm taking the Oedo line to Toshimaen. What about you, Tachibana-kun?"
"What a coincidence! So am I." Makoto extended both arms, saying, "Can I help you carry those? We can take the train together."
"Thanks." Tomo handed the books over and she sighed. "But they might be too heavy. I can carry half of them."
"I don't mind," Makoto said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He noticed the books were rather old and out of curiosity, he asked, "What are these for, anyway?"
"Just some stuff I got for a reasonable price from the antique shop nearby. I like collecting old books, preferably first editions of the famous classics." Tomo walked alongside him in a leisure pace so Makoto had to slow down.
"Interesting," was all Makoto could offer. He wasn't much of a book reader, especially classic literature, so.
Tomo seemed eager to talk about it though so Makoto had no choice but to endure a one-sided conversation during the entire train ride. It was dark by the time they got off Toshimaen station, Tomo asked where he was headed.
"Actually, the apartment building where I live is just along this road," Makoto said, pointing ahead.
"Lucky you." Tomo breathed out exasperatedly as she reached out to take the books from Makoto's arms. "I live five blocks from here. I don't mind the distance, really. But with the ghoul and all, it's pretty scary."
Makoto felt a pang of guilt in his chest. Surely, he could manage to walk her five blocks and back without any untoward incident, couldn't he? "I'll walk with you. Besides, walking five blocks with all these books might be uncomfortable," he said, glancing down at her feet to indicate that by uncomfortable, he meant walking on those heels she was wearing.
"Oh thank you, Tachibana-kun." Tomo's lips curved into a smile. Three blocks past was a construction site and Tomo said, "There's a shortcut here. A pathway for pedestrians actually, so it's safe."
The narrow street between the fenced construction site and what seemed like an abandoned building was dark with just a sliver of light coming from the lamp post about ten feet ahead and the moonbeam as their guide.
"Tachibana-kun." Tomo stopped walking so Makoto paused as well, turning to face her.
"Yes Yukuzi-san?" There was a noticeable change in the air that made the hair at the back of Makoto's neck bristle.
"I have a secret to tell you." Tomo has her head bent, eyes trained on the ground. "I don't live anywhere nearby," she said, her voice turning icy that Makoto could feel his blood running cold.
"What do you mean?" His instincts were already screaming at him to run, to get out of there, but Makoto found himself unable to move, his legs felt heavy as lead.
Tomo raised her eyes, no longer the brilliant green as it did earlier. Her irises were as red as blood, sclera black as a starless night sky. The dark aura surrounding her gave off a clear killing intent. "I lied. I needed to lure you here so I could devour you." There was clear malice with he way she spoke, voice sounding hollow and distant in Makoto's ears.
Makoto felt his arms go numb, dropping the books he still held in the process. His heart hammered against his ribcage, gut tightening. He willed his legs to move and he ran, ran as fast as he could. But he could still feel her behind him, beside him, above him. Just as he was about to reach the end of the alley, she appeared before him, as if out of thin air.
"Where are you going, Tachibana-kun? I'm not done with you. How rude," she said, shaking here head. Something crimson spouted from her back, like deformed wings. Once more, Makoto found it difficult to move. And he screamed silently, screamed in his head when she opened her mouth and dove for his neck.
Makoto felt a sharp pain shoot down his arm, could feel something warm trickling down his body. Tomo lifted her head then, snapping Makoto out of the horrified trance. It was out of desperation perhaps, but he pushed her and tried to flee. But she was on him once more, making him lose his balance and trapping him, keeping his back flat on the ground while she continued to sink her teeth in his exposed flesh, her fingers digging painfully on his abdomen.
The last vestiges of sensation throbbing in his body dissipated and before his consciousness left him, Makoto thought he saw a shadow tower above him and Tomo.
*
Makoto could hear voices. But they sounded too far away, as if he was underwater and they were at the surface.
"He's losing a lot of blood," a man's voice said. "There's nothing more I can do. His abdominal organs are beyond repair. I have no choice but to do an emergency transplant. Get the girl over here." ruptured
"But doctor." It was a woman who spoke this time. "Don't you need to check if they're a match? And who will sign the consent?"
"I know what I'm doing. And we don't have time to find someone else to sign the consent. His parents are coming all the way from Tottori. It might be too late for this young man."
And they were fading. Makoto felt like he was sinking, sinking, sinking deeper into the endless abyss.
*
Haruka's fingers felt like they were made of ice that it took great effort to press the end button on his phone. He wasn't sure how long he sat there on the edge of the bed, staring off into space. It was only until he felt a hand on his shoulder, heard Rin say, "Haru, what's wrong?" that he blinked and looked up to meet his boyfriend's gaze.
"Who was that on the phone?" Rin asked when Haruka didn't speak.
"That was Makoto's father," was all Haruka managed to utter.
Rin had to prompt him again. "And?"
Haruka had to take in a deep, shaky breath, still trying to process what Makoto's dad had told him. "They… they received a call from a hospital here in Tokyo. Makoto… he's been attacked."
"What?" Rin's voice rose an octave higher, crimson eyes growing wide. "What hospital?"
*
It was dark, so dark he couldn't see a thing. He could feel the hard ground beneath him as his feet moved, pace increasing. It took a while before he realized his eyes were closed, eyelids seemed to weigh a ton that he couldn't lift them.
No wonder it was dark, why he couldn't see.
Where was he, he wondered.
Then he heard it. Laughter. Growing louder and louder. Something warm brushed against his cheek, like hot breath. And a woman spoke, said, "I'm going to devour you now, Tachibana-kun," before Makoto felt teeth tearing through the skin on his neck, sending scorching pain straight down his gut. Something coiled tight in his belly, making it hard for him to breath.
His eyes sprang open as he screamed.
*
The sound of blood-chilling scream echoed across the hallway, making both Haruka and the nurse he was speaking with jump. It was when the screaming stopped that Haruka realized there was something familiar with it.
"Makoto." Haruka took one step toward the source but a hand coiled around his forearm, stopping him.
"I'm sorry Nanase-san. But I really can't let you in unless you're immediate family," the nurse said and though she did seem apologetic, her eyes held firm resoluteness that told Haruka she couldn't be easily swayed.
"Bullshit!" Rin spat, eyes narrowed to the point he looked absolutely menacing. "We're his close friends, might as well be considered immediate family."
"Rules are rules, Matsuoka-san." The nurse met Rin's gaze head on. "I'm only following orders."
She was right. She was only doing her job.
Rin didn't seem to see her way though. "I don't give a fuck-"
"Rin." Haruka laid a hand on Rin's shoulder, hoping it was enough to calm him down. "We can come back another time. As long as we know he'll be all right. I'm okay with that." His eyes slid over to the nurse and he lowered his head in a slight bow, saying, "Thank you for time," then lead Rin towards the elevators.
It wasn't until they stepped out of the hospital did Rin relax, his hand slipping into Haruka's. "I can't help but worry about him."
"I worry about him, too, but…" Haruka gave Rin's hand a squeeze. "I believe he's strong enough to pull through this." How he wished it was the other way around, wished that it was Rin reassuring him instead. In spite of his words, Haruka felt rather helpless knowing there wasn't anything he could do for Makoto and he didn't want to imagine the trauma his best friend was going through. "Now, aren't you supposed to meet up with the coach who's scouting you for a training program abroad?"
Rin stilled, causing Haruka to stop walking as well. "I'm not going," Rin said, eyes pinned on the ground.
Haruka wasn't too surprise to hear that but he knew it was an opportunity that Rin shouldn' t be throwing away. "You're being stupid. This is what you've always wanted, isn't it? This may be your ticket to stand on the international stage."
"I just…" Rin lifted his gaze, meeting Haruka's with a stubborn determination. "I don't want to leave you here, not when the situation with ghouls going out of control and especially not after what happened to Makoto."
Haruka drew his eyebrows together in a frown. "Are you saying you don't think I could take care of myself?"
"That's not the point!" Rin said in a raised voice, his grip on Haruka's hand tightening. "I trusted Makoto could take care of himself, otherwise, I wouldn't have let him go home on his own last night but look what happened to him."
The truth in Rin's words rang true in Haruka's head. But he couldn't let Rin use the current situation as an excuse. Rin had a dream, something he'd been holding onto for six years. There was no way Haruka would let Rin give up on it. Haruka released Rin's hand and took a step back. "Then I'll go back to Iwatobi where it's safe. Me and Makoto."
Rage surfaced on Rin's face. "What about your fucking training then? I thought we'll both be aiming to make it to the national team. And your studies, what will you do about it?"
Keeping his gaze locked with Rin's was quite a feat. Haruka could feel the heat of Rin's anger, but he didn't falter even as he said, "You'll only be gone for a year at the most, right? I can continue training back home with one of the local coaches then just resume training here with Coach Kurosami when you return. And I can transfer to any local college in Tottori."
That didn't seem to appease Rin though. If anything, he looked angrier. "And you think I'd be too selfish to grab the opportunity given to me while you slow down for my sake?"
This was undoubtedly going to be a long-drawn argument and Haruka was in no mood for it, not when the situation with Makoto still left him uneasy. And he knew how persistent Rin could be so. "Do whatever you like, Rin." He turned to march down the road, not really knowing where to go. There were no telltale signs that Rin was following him and Haruka didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed.
He didn't feel like going home yet knowing Rin would be there, might be there, and Haruka couldn't deal with his stubborn boyfriend at the moment. With a desperate need to clear his head, Haruka made his way to the place other than the pool where he felt at ease: the shrine.
When he came home, Rin was there waiting for him. "I did see Coach James," Rin said without waiting for Haruka to say a word. "He told me that the training program for the next batch of exchange students doesn't start in two months and that would be in time for half the school. He said if I would've decided sooner, I could have made it into the first batch, which started last January."
"So you'll be leaving in two months?" Saying that somehow sent a heavy feeling in Haruka's heart.
"I have two months to decide," Rin corrected, face framed with a firm resolve. If Haruka wasn't so bothered with worry over his best friend right now, he might still have reserved energy to argue but he doesn't. So he just nodded and let his feet lead him to the bathroom. He was dying to soak in the bathtub.
*
For almost two weeks, Makoto stayed at the hospital recovering, both physically and mentally. His mom stayed with him while his dad had to return to Iwatobi earlier to relieve his grandmother of Ren and Ran, knowing that the twins could be a handful. That was, of course, after his dad made certain Makoto would be fine.
His parents tried to convince him to go home to Iwatobi, but Makoto knew he had to put a foot down if he wanted to be independent. Sure the experience could haunt him for the rest of his college life, but Makoto wasn't about to let it defeat him.
"You're not eating again?" His mom said, pushing his plate closer to him. "You haven't been eating much in the hospital either. I thought you'd get your appetite back once you're home."
"I did eat. Just a couple of bites are enough to make me full," Makoto lied. In reality, he really couldn't consume the same food he used to before… before the accident. Or at least that was what the doctor wanted him and his parents to believe. But Makoto could clearly remember what happened; could still see Tomo attacking him in his dreams. He didn't know what the doctor did to him but since he regained consciousness, he felt like an entirely different person.
When he asked the doctor about Tomo, the doctor claimed she died from the accident but refused to give any more details. Makoto didn't bother pushing. He was too busy trying to figure out what was happening to him, anyway.
It was when he was finally allowed to eat that Makoto became even more confused. They often served him steamed fish and steamed vegetables. Somehow, he did expect those to taste bland since they were hospital food after all. What he didn't anticipate was that every bite made him want to puke.
When he was released and was back in his apartment, the first thing he did was take a large bite of the burger steak his mom had prepared for him, only to spit it out because it tasted like mud. He told his mom he had a tummy ache so he wouldn't hurt her feelings. It was incredibly odd because he was certain his mom's cooking wouldn't taste as awful.
What was happening to him? Something was definitely happening to him.
"Haru came by again today," his mom said while washing the dishes. "I just don't see why you refuse to see him. He's worried about you, you know. Rin, too."
"I…" Makoto wasn't sure if he was ready to face either Rin or Haruka just yet. Not when he hadn't been able to figure out why he felt like he was morphing into someone who he wasn't. "I'll call him later," he said, just so his mom would drop the subject.
Except. Makoto didn't call Haruka.
Another week passed.
His mom had to return to Iwatobi. Ran was sick so she had no choice, although she was pretty much reluctant to leave Makoto behind.
It wasn't another three days until Rin came pounding at his door and Makoto knew that if he didn't answer, Rin would no doubt break it down and force his way in. So Makoto opened it, just enough for Rin to see him.
"You look like shit," Rin said, his tone lacking the usual bite that could suggest he was truly pissed. "I know you went through hell and back, but is that reason enough for you to push us away?"
Guilt clawed in his chest and Makoto couldn't help but cringe at Rin's words. "Sorry," he said and though he was sincerely contrite and regretful, his tone sounded otherwise.
Rin stared at him with a raised eyebrow, as if he was studying him. Then he sighed and ran a hand through his burgundy locks. "At least I know you're still alive. Are you feeling okay though?"
Makoto wanted to tell Rin he was fine, that he had completely recovered, anything to get Rin off his back, but then he knew Rin might be able to see through him. "I'm… I'm still getting used to the transplant, still couldn't eat much, but a little more rest and I'm sure I'll be back to normal." Normal, huh? Right.
"That's good, then." Rin shoved a white plastic bag against his chest. "It's from Haru. Don't worry, it's not mackerel. He cooked too much pork curry earlier. There are some crab croquettes and stir-fry veggies there as well. He said you might need them to get your strength back."
Makoto took the bag, said, "Thanks, Rin. And tell Haru, thanks. I'll call you guys as soon as I feel strong enough to go out," without meeting Rin's eyes.
"You better," were Rin's last words before finally leaving Makoto to wallow in self-inflicted anxiety once more.
*
"Well?" was what greeted Rin the moment he stepped into the apartment he shared with Haruka. From the looks of it, it was obvious that Haruka had been pacing around the small space they called living room.
"He looks really bad, like he's still recovering. He didn't let me in and I didn't push it," Rin said, taking his jacket off and throwing it at the back of the sofa before taking a seat. "He clearly didn't want me there and it seemed pointless to hang around longer than I did. But he looked fine, in spite of the dark circles under his eyes and the fact he looked like he hadn't taken a bath for weeks. Give him another week and I'm sure he'll be out and about."
It turned out Rin was right, though it didn't take a whole week. In fact it was only two days after he paid Makoto a visit that they saw him walking along the district where his university was.
Though Haruka appeared impassive, Rin knew he was more than glad to see Makoto. "Are you back in school?" Haruka asked in an awkward manner and it took all of Rin's power not to roll his eyes on Haruka's inability to express sentiments.
"Yeah." The smile that slid on Makoto's lips seemed feigned but Rin chose to let it slide. Rin wasn't used to hearing clipped responses from Makoto either, but he presumed that Makoto could still be suffering from trauma.
"Rin and I are going to the sushi house for dinner. Do you want to join us?" There was a hint of desperation in Haruka's voice. He missed Makoto, no doubt about it.
Normally, Makoto would accept the invitation without question but he declined, saying, "I uh… I have to see some of my classmates. There are a lot I need to catch up with school and all. Maybe some other time?"
There was a pregnant pause and Haruka looked like he wanted to insist but then his shoulders dropped. "Okay. Next time then."
*
Makoto hurried off down the street, hoping to keep a good distance from Rin and Haruka. Brooding in his apartment wasn't helping him get back on his feet so he decided to return to school, glad that none of his classmates probed him about what happened. They did ask where he'd been though and they had accepted his story that he'd been sick and had surgery.
What he didn't anticipate was that he'd run into Haruka and Rin. He was relieved that it didn't take too much of an effort to escape them. But he felt guilty as soon as hopped into the bus.
Whatever.
Makoto sank into the back seat where there were less people, but after two stops, the bus was nearly full. There was a scent in the air that sent his blood rushing through his veins, an aroma that made his mouth water and his stomach growl.
His skin burned, his sense of smell growing stronger. Flesh. Blood. Flesh, blood, flesh, were the thoughts that swirled in his head.
Upon realizing what he was craving for, Makoto sprang from his seat, making all heads turn. It was a good thing the bus stopped not a minute later and he got off in a rush, heading straight into a dark alley.
Memories from that night came flooding into his mind and he could feel every inch of his flesh, every bone in his body tremble.
Flesh. Blood. Flesh, blood, flesh. An inexplicable urge to feed on human flesh twisted in his gut, something he found difficult to resist.
No. It can't be. It can't be. He was so hungry, so hungry that his whole body shivered as he picked up another scent that reminded him of his mother's cooking, of the scrumptious dishes Haruka makes, even Rin's special grilled meat.
So hungry.
So hungry that he stumbled twice trying to find the source of the delicious smell.
For the past two days, he'd been trying to force himself to eat, to wolf down all the food Rin had brought him. But he couldn't. He just threw up soon after swallowing.
He was trailing along the narrow path behind buildings now and when he knew he was getting closer, he picked up the pace and made a sharp turn around the corner. There at the end of the alley laid a man who was clearly dead. Above him was a ghoul, too preoccupied in digging into the man's flesh.
The ghoul lifted his head, eyes dark as night with irises red as blood meeting Makoto's. "Oh," the ghoul said. "Did you come here to feed as well?"
Feed? No, he couldn't possibly have. But looking at the piece of human flesh that the ghoul was offering made something unfurl in his belly, something that urged him to take it, to push it down his throat.
"You shouldn't resist, you know." A girl who might be his age walked out of the shadows that blanketed the adjacent alley. "I don't know when you last fed but you look hungry enough. Why don't you take it then?"
When she was close enough, Makoto noticed her eyes were similar to the ghoul's. "I…" He wanted to tell her he didn't feed on humans, that he wasn't one of them but the girl stopped abruptly, a frown marring her face.
"Why do you have only one ghoul eye?" she asked, taking another step closer.
What? What ghoul eye? Makoto caught a glimpse of a broken glass on the ground near his feet. He dreaded to peer into it, afraid of what he might see. But he did anyway and felt his whole body go numb when he saw his reflection.
No! He screamed in his head, tried to convince himself that it was just his imagination. He couldn't possibly have the same eye as the two ghouls standing before him. His left eye couldn't possibly be black as ebony with blood red iris.
"I don't know exactly what you are, but I can't stand seeing you looking so hungry so." The girl took the piece of flesh from the other ghoul and leaped right in front of Makoto, said, " Here, eat this," and shoved the human part into his mouth.
His head pulsed. His heart throbbed.
It was the most delectable thing he'd ever tasted.
Every sensation that had been weighing him down for the past weeks seeped out of his body, leaving him feeling so much better.
What does this mean? Makoto thought staring at his own hands as if he was seeing someone else's.
What's happening to me? His heart thrummed, beating faster and faster and pumping warm blood through his veins. His knees shook, making him keel over and fall on the ground.
Who am I? He lifted his head to gaze at the two creatures before him. Am I one of them now? He was no longer the same Tachibana Makoto , that was for sure.
Part 2
Written for journeystory 2014 and Trope Bingo 2014 for square prompt 'au: fusion'
Free!, Matsuoka Rin/ Nanase Haruka, rated R
Warning: minor character death, gore - but not too graphic
See MASTER POST for more details.
"So Rin's all settled in?" Makoto pushed the straw between his lips and took a sip of his iced tea while peering up at Haruka through his glasses. He wasn't too surprised to see the disinterest displayed on his friend's face. That was Haruka's default expression after all.
"Yeah." Haruka's eyes strayed towards the window and Makoto knew then that it wasn't a topic he was ready to discuss.
His friends, Rin and Haruka, had come to terms with their feelings for each other almost six months ago and they had agreed to move in together, share an apartment and everything that came with the package. It wasn't a whirlwind decision, really. That was the original plan before they left their hometown, Iwatobi, after graduating high school and headed to Tokyo for college. Although now, they weren't doing it as just friends but as a couple.
"Does he still plan to go to Australia?" Makoto asked out of curiosity. Rin received an offer to train with an internationally renowned swimming trainer in that country. He did plan to go, even looked forward to it. But then Haruka happened and now, as far Makoto knew, Rin had been hesitating to leave.
"I don't know." A straightforward, perfunctory response, very much like Haruka as expected.
"Well, I'm sure he'll make the right decision." Makoto knew it was time to take a step back, not push the issue any further. Judging from how Haruka refused to meet his gaze any longer, he could tell Haruka was either close to losing his temper or finding a way to escape the conversation, most likely leave with an illogical excuse.
"Yeah," was all Haruka offered, taking a sip of his own tea, eyes wandering around the coffee shop and stopping right where Makoto knew where the front door was just as Makoto heard the door chime tinkled.
Makoto noticed how Haruka's eyes softened, a noticeable gleam passing through those blue orbs before he heard Rin's familiar voice behind him.
"Hey. Sorry I'm late." Rin tapped Makoto on the shoulder before claiming the seat next to Haruka. "Traffic was unbelievable. I think there was another ghoul-related incident up at Hikarigaoka Park. Vehicles are stuck at the roads surrounding the area so I had to get off the bus and walk all the way here."
Haruka's forehead creased in a frown. "Another one? Wasn't there several victims found just the other day?"
Just the mere mention of ghouls sent chills coursing through Makoto's skin. This was one of the reasons he regretted moving to Tokyo. He should've stayed in Iwatobi, should have applied to one of the local colleges in the prefecture. As far as he knew, ghouls hadn't reached Tottori.
The Commission of Counter Ghoul or CCG, a federal agency responsible for dealing with these creatures, claimed they have full control of the ghoul population and had been working hard to ensure that they were contained in Tokyo. Makoto doubted that were possible considering that ghouls could alter their appearances to resemble humans but he had to believe in CCG somehow.
"I though the twentieth ward was supposed to be peaceful," Makoto muttered under his breath, the steam of hot tea fogging his glasses. Only then did he notice his hand had stilled just as he was about to take a sip of the amber liquid, trembling fingers curled on the cup's handle
"According to CCG director, the binge eater, as they refer to the ghoul who is believed to be claiming countless victims for the past week, possibly hailed from another ward and not from the twentieth ward," a woman's voice filled the small space of the coffee shop, prompting Makoto to raise his eyes over to the television hanging against the corner. Someone must have turned up the volume.
"We request people who reside or frequent in Nerima and nearby areas to be wary. CCG investigators will be patrolling the city but until the binge eater is caught, curfew would be set," the woman reporter continued.
"Curfew, huh? Just great." Rin scoffed.
"Better than being careless," Haruka said, eyes never leaving the television.
The sun was already setting when they went their separate ways, Makoto taking the long trek toward the train station. His apartment was on the other side of the district, opposite where Rin and Haruka's were. He was just a block away from the Nerima-kasugachou station when he ran into an acquaintance from the university.
"Yuzuki-san, on your way home?" he asked, presuming Tomo had been in the library since she was carrying a heap of books
"I am." Tomo adjusted the books in her arms. "I'm taking the Oedo line to Toshimaen. What about you, Tachibana-kun?"
"What a coincidence! So am I." Makoto extended both arms, saying, "Can I help you carry those? We can take the train together."
"Thanks." Tomo handed the books over and she sighed. "But they might be too heavy. I can carry half of them."
"I don't mind," Makoto said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He noticed the books were rather old and out of curiosity, he asked, "What are these for, anyway?"
"Just some stuff I got for a reasonable price from the antique shop nearby. I like collecting old books, preferably first editions of the famous classics." Tomo walked alongside him in a leisure pace so Makoto had to slow down.
"Interesting," was all Makoto could offer. He wasn't much of a book reader, especially classic literature, so.
Tomo seemed eager to talk about it though so Makoto had no choice but to endure a one-sided conversation during the entire train ride. It was dark by the time they got off Toshimaen station, Tomo asked where he was headed.
"Actually, the apartment building where I live is just along this road," Makoto said, pointing ahead.
"Lucky you." Tomo breathed out exasperatedly as she reached out to take the books from Makoto's arms. "I live five blocks from here. I don't mind the distance, really. But with the ghoul and all, it's pretty scary."
Makoto felt a pang of guilt in his chest. Surely, he could manage to walk her five blocks and back without any untoward incident, couldn't he? "I'll walk with you. Besides, walking five blocks with all these books might be uncomfortable," he said, glancing down at her feet to indicate that by uncomfortable, he meant walking on those heels she was wearing.
"Oh thank you, Tachibana-kun." Tomo's lips curved into a smile. Three blocks past was a construction site and Tomo said, "There's a shortcut here. A pathway for pedestrians actually, so it's safe."
The narrow street between the fenced construction site and what seemed like an abandoned building was dark with just a sliver of light coming from the lamp post about ten feet ahead and the moonbeam as their guide.
"Tachibana-kun." Tomo stopped walking so Makoto paused as well, turning to face her.
"Yes Yukuzi-san?" There was a noticeable change in the air that made the hair at the back of Makoto's neck bristle.
"I have a secret to tell you." Tomo has her head bent, eyes trained on the ground. "I don't live anywhere nearby," she said, her voice turning icy that Makoto could feel his blood running cold.
"What do you mean?" His instincts were already screaming at him to run, to get out of there, but Makoto found himself unable to move, his legs felt heavy as lead.
Tomo raised her eyes, no longer the brilliant green as it did earlier. Her irises were as red as blood, sclera black as a starless night sky. The dark aura surrounding her gave off a clear killing intent. "I lied. I needed to lure you here so I could devour you." There was clear malice with he way she spoke, voice sounding hollow and distant in Makoto's ears.
Makoto felt his arms go numb, dropping the books he still held in the process. His heart hammered against his ribcage, gut tightening. He willed his legs to move and he ran, ran as fast as he could. But he could still feel her behind him, beside him, above him. Just as he was about to reach the end of the alley, she appeared before him, as if out of thin air.
"Where are you going, Tachibana-kun? I'm not done with you. How rude," she said, shaking here head. Something crimson spouted from her back, like deformed wings. Once more, Makoto found it difficult to move. And he screamed silently, screamed in his head when she opened her mouth and dove for his neck.
Makoto felt a sharp pain shoot down his arm, could feel something warm trickling down his body. Tomo lifted her head then, snapping Makoto out of the horrified trance. It was out of desperation perhaps, but he pushed her and tried to flee. But she was on him once more, making him lose his balance and trapping him, keeping his back flat on the ground while she continued to sink her teeth in his exposed flesh, her fingers digging painfully on his abdomen.
The last vestiges of sensation throbbing in his body dissipated and before his consciousness left him, Makoto thought he saw a shadow tower above him and Tomo.
*
Makoto could hear voices. But they sounded too far away, as if he was underwater and they were at the surface.
"He's losing a lot of blood," a man's voice said. "There's nothing more I can do. His abdominal organs are beyond repair. I have no choice but to do an emergency transplant. Get the girl over here." ruptured
"But doctor." It was a woman who spoke this time. "Don't you need to check if they're a match? And who will sign the consent?"
"I know what I'm doing. And we don't have time to find someone else to sign the consent. His parents are coming all the way from Tottori. It might be too late for this young man."
And they were fading. Makoto felt like he was sinking, sinking, sinking deeper into the endless abyss.
*
Haruka's fingers felt like they were made of ice that it took great effort to press the end button on his phone. He wasn't sure how long he sat there on the edge of the bed, staring off into space. It was only until he felt a hand on his shoulder, heard Rin say, "Haru, what's wrong?" that he blinked and looked up to meet his boyfriend's gaze.
"Who was that on the phone?" Rin asked when Haruka didn't speak.
"That was Makoto's father," was all Haruka managed to utter.
Rin had to prompt him again. "And?"
Haruka had to take in a deep, shaky breath, still trying to process what Makoto's dad had told him. "They… they received a call from a hospital here in Tokyo. Makoto… he's been attacked."
"What?" Rin's voice rose an octave higher, crimson eyes growing wide. "What hospital?"
*
It was dark, so dark he couldn't see a thing. He could feel the hard ground beneath him as his feet moved, pace increasing. It took a while before he realized his eyes were closed, eyelids seemed to weigh a ton that he couldn't lift them.
No wonder it was dark, why he couldn't see.
Where was he, he wondered.
Then he heard it. Laughter. Growing louder and louder. Something warm brushed against his cheek, like hot breath. And a woman spoke, said, "I'm going to devour you now, Tachibana-kun," before Makoto felt teeth tearing through the skin on his neck, sending scorching pain straight down his gut. Something coiled tight in his belly, making it hard for him to breath.
His eyes sprang open as he screamed.
*
The sound of blood-chilling scream echoed across the hallway, making both Haruka and the nurse he was speaking with jump. It was when the screaming stopped that Haruka realized there was something familiar with it.
"Makoto." Haruka took one step toward the source but a hand coiled around his forearm, stopping him.
"I'm sorry Nanase-san. But I really can't let you in unless you're immediate family," the nurse said and though she did seem apologetic, her eyes held firm resoluteness that told Haruka she couldn't be easily swayed.
"Bullshit!" Rin spat, eyes narrowed to the point he looked absolutely menacing. "We're his close friends, might as well be considered immediate family."
"Rules are rules, Matsuoka-san." The nurse met Rin's gaze head on. "I'm only following orders."
She was right. She was only doing her job.
Rin didn't seem to see her way though. "I don't give a fuck-"
"Rin." Haruka laid a hand on Rin's shoulder, hoping it was enough to calm him down. "We can come back another time. As long as we know he'll be all right. I'm okay with that." His eyes slid over to the nurse and he lowered his head in a slight bow, saying, "Thank you for time," then lead Rin towards the elevators.
It wasn't until they stepped out of the hospital did Rin relax, his hand slipping into Haruka's. "I can't help but worry about him."
"I worry about him, too, but…" Haruka gave Rin's hand a squeeze. "I believe he's strong enough to pull through this." How he wished it was the other way around, wished that it was Rin reassuring him instead. In spite of his words, Haruka felt rather helpless knowing there wasn't anything he could do for Makoto and he didn't want to imagine the trauma his best friend was going through. "Now, aren't you supposed to meet up with the coach who's scouting you for a training program abroad?"
Rin stilled, causing Haruka to stop walking as well. "I'm not going," Rin said, eyes pinned on the ground.
Haruka wasn't too surprise to hear that but he knew it was an opportunity that Rin shouldn' t be throwing away. "You're being stupid. This is what you've always wanted, isn't it? This may be your ticket to stand on the international stage."
"I just…" Rin lifted his gaze, meeting Haruka's with a stubborn determination. "I don't want to leave you here, not when the situation with ghouls going out of control and especially not after what happened to Makoto."
Haruka drew his eyebrows together in a frown. "Are you saying you don't think I could take care of myself?"
"That's not the point!" Rin said in a raised voice, his grip on Haruka's hand tightening. "I trusted Makoto could take care of himself, otherwise, I wouldn't have let him go home on his own last night but look what happened to him."
The truth in Rin's words rang true in Haruka's head. But he couldn't let Rin use the current situation as an excuse. Rin had a dream, something he'd been holding onto for six years. There was no way Haruka would let Rin give up on it. Haruka released Rin's hand and took a step back. "Then I'll go back to Iwatobi where it's safe. Me and Makoto."
Rage surfaced on Rin's face. "What about your fucking training then? I thought we'll both be aiming to make it to the national team. And your studies, what will you do about it?"
Keeping his gaze locked with Rin's was quite a feat. Haruka could feel the heat of Rin's anger, but he didn't falter even as he said, "You'll only be gone for a year at the most, right? I can continue training back home with one of the local coaches then just resume training here with Coach Kurosami when you return. And I can transfer to any local college in Tottori."
That didn't seem to appease Rin though. If anything, he looked angrier. "And you think I'd be too selfish to grab the opportunity given to me while you slow down for my sake?"
This was undoubtedly going to be a long-drawn argument and Haruka was in no mood for it, not when the situation with Makoto still left him uneasy. And he knew how persistent Rin could be so. "Do whatever you like, Rin." He turned to march down the road, not really knowing where to go. There were no telltale signs that Rin was following him and Haruka didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed.
He didn't feel like going home yet knowing Rin would be there, might be there, and Haruka couldn't deal with his stubborn boyfriend at the moment. With a desperate need to clear his head, Haruka made his way to the place other than the pool where he felt at ease: the shrine.
When he came home, Rin was there waiting for him. "I did see Coach James," Rin said without waiting for Haruka to say a word. "He told me that the training program for the next batch of exchange students doesn't start in two months and that would be in time for half the school. He said if I would've decided sooner, I could have made it into the first batch, which started last January."
"So you'll be leaving in two months?" Saying that somehow sent a heavy feeling in Haruka's heart.
"I have two months to decide," Rin corrected, face framed with a firm resolve. If Haruka wasn't so bothered with worry over his best friend right now, he might still have reserved energy to argue but he doesn't. So he just nodded and let his feet lead him to the bathroom. He was dying to soak in the bathtub.
*
For almost two weeks, Makoto stayed at the hospital recovering, both physically and mentally. His mom stayed with him while his dad had to return to Iwatobi earlier to relieve his grandmother of Ren and Ran, knowing that the twins could be a handful. That was, of course, after his dad made certain Makoto would be fine.
His parents tried to convince him to go home to Iwatobi, but Makoto knew he had to put a foot down if he wanted to be independent. Sure the experience could haunt him for the rest of his college life, but Makoto wasn't about to let it defeat him.
"You're not eating again?" His mom said, pushing his plate closer to him. "You haven't been eating much in the hospital either. I thought you'd get your appetite back once you're home."
"I did eat. Just a couple of bites are enough to make me full," Makoto lied. In reality, he really couldn't consume the same food he used to before… before the accident. Or at least that was what the doctor wanted him and his parents to believe. But Makoto could clearly remember what happened; could still see Tomo attacking him in his dreams. He didn't know what the doctor did to him but since he regained consciousness, he felt like an entirely different person.
When he asked the doctor about Tomo, the doctor claimed she died from the accident but refused to give any more details. Makoto didn't bother pushing. He was too busy trying to figure out what was happening to him, anyway.
It was when he was finally allowed to eat that Makoto became even more confused. They often served him steamed fish and steamed vegetables. Somehow, he did expect those to taste bland since they were hospital food after all. What he didn't anticipate was that every bite made him want to puke.
When he was released and was back in his apartment, the first thing he did was take a large bite of the burger steak his mom had prepared for him, only to spit it out because it tasted like mud. He told his mom he had a tummy ache so he wouldn't hurt her feelings. It was incredibly odd because he was certain his mom's cooking wouldn't taste as awful.
What was happening to him? Something was definitely happening to him.
"Haru came by again today," his mom said while washing the dishes. "I just don't see why you refuse to see him. He's worried about you, you know. Rin, too."
"I…" Makoto wasn't sure if he was ready to face either Rin or Haruka just yet. Not when he hadn't been able to figure out why he felt like he was morphing into someone who he wasn't. "I'll call him later," he said, just so his mom would drop the subject.
Except. Makoto didn't call Haruka.
Another week passed.
His mom had to return to Iwatobi. Ran was sick so she had no choice, although she was pretty much reluctant to leave Makoto behind.
It wasn't another three days until Rin came pounding at his door and Makoto knew that if he didn't answer, Rin would no doubt break it down and force his way in. So Makoto opened it, just enough for Rin to see him.
"You look like shit," Rin said, his tone lacking the usual bite that could suggest he was truly pissed. "I know you went through hell and back, but is that reason enough for you to push us away?"
Guilt clawed in his chest and Makoto couldn't help but cringe at Rin's words. "Sorry," he said and though he was sincerely contrite and regretful, his tone sounded otherwise.
Rin stared at him with a raised eyebrow, as if he was studying him. Then he sighed and ran a hand through his burgundy locks. "At least I know you're still alive. Are you feeling okay though?"
Makoto wanted to tell Rin he was fine, that he had completely recovered, anything to get Rin off his back, but then he knew Rin might be able to see through him. "I'm… I'm still getting used to the transplant, still couldn't eat much, but a little more rest and I'm sure I'll be back to normal." Normal, huh? Right.
"That's good, then." Rin shoved a white plastic bag against his chest. "It's from Haru. Don't worry, it's not mackerel. He cooked too much pork curry earlier. There are some crab croquettes and stir-fry veggies there as well. He said you might need them to get your strength back."
Makoto took the bag, said, "Thanks, Rin. And tell Haru, thanks. I'll call you guys as soon as I feel strong enough to go out," without meeting Rin's eyes.
"You better," were Rin's last words before finally leaving Makoto to wallow in self-inflicted anxiety once more.
*
"Well?" was what greeted Rin the moment he stepped into the apartment he shared with Haruka. From the looks of it, it was obvious that Haruka had been pacing around the small space they called living room.
"He looks really bad, like he's still recovering. He didn't let me in and I didn't push it," Rin said, taking his jacket off and throwing it at the back of the sofa before taking a seat. "He clearly didn't want me there and it seemed pointless to hang around longer than I did. But he looked fine, in spite of the dark circles under his eyes and the fact he looked like he hadn't taken a bath for weeks. Give him another week and I'm sure he'll be out and about."
It turned out Rin was right, though it didn't take a whole week. In fact it was only two days after he paid Makoto a visit that they saw him walking along the district where his university was.
Though Haruka appeared impassive, Rin knew he was more than glad to see Makoto. "Are you back in school?" Haruka asked in an awkward manner and it took all of Rin's power not to roll his eyes on Haruka's inability to express sentiments.
"Yeah." The smile that slid on Makoto's lips seemed feigned but Rin chose to let it slide. Rin wasn't used to hearing clipped responses from Makoto either, but he presumed that Makoto could still be suffering from trauma.
"Rin and I are going to the sushi house for dinner. Do you want to join us?" There was a hint of desperation in Haruka's voice. He missed Makoto, no doubt about it.
Normally, Makoto would accept the invitation without question but he declined, saying, "I uh… I have to see some of my classmates. There are a lot I need to catch up with school and all. Maybe some other time?"
There was a pregnant pause and Haruka looked like he wanted to insist but then his shoulders dropped. "Okay. Next time then."
*
Makoto hurried off down the street, hoping to keep a good distance from Rin and Haruka. Brooding in his apartment wasn't helping him get back on his feet so he decided to return to school, glad that none of his classmates probed him about what happened. They did ask where he'd been though and they had accepted his story that he'd been sick and had surgery.
What he didn't anticipate was that he'd run into Haruka and Rin. He was relieved that it didn't take too much of an effort to escape them. But he felt guilty as soon as hopped into the bus.
Whatever.
Makoto sank into the back seat where there were less people, but after two stops, the bus was nearly full. There was a scent in the air that sent his blood rushing through his veins, an aroma that made his mouth water and his stomach growl.
His skin burned, his sense of smell growing stronger. Flesh. Blood. Flesh, blood, flesh, were the thoughts that swirled in his head.
Upon realizing what he was craving for, Makoto sprang from his seat, making all heads turn. It was a good thing the bus stopped not a minute later and he got off in a rush, heading straight into a dark alley.
Memories from that night came flooding into his mind and he could feel every inch of his flesh, every bone in his body tremble.
Flesh. Blood. Flesh, blood, flesh. An inexplicable urge to feed on human flesh twisted in his gut, something he found difficult to resist.
No. It can't be. It can't be. He was so hungry, so hungry that his whole body shivered as he picked up another scent that reminded him of his mother's cooking, of the scrumptious dishes Haruka makes, even Rin's special grilled meat.
So hungry.
So hungry that he stumbled twice trying to find the source of the delicious smell.
For the past two days, he'd been trying to force himself to eat, to wolf down all the food Rin had brought him. But he couldn't. He just threw up soon after swallowing.
He was trailing along the narrow path behind buildings now and when he knew he was getting closer, he picked up the pace and made a sharp turn around the corner. There at the end of the alley laid a man who was clearly dead. Above him was a ghoul, too preoccupied in digging into the man's flesh.
The ghoul lifted his head, eyes dark as night with irises red as blood meeting Makoto's. "Oh," the ghoul said. "Did you come here to feed as well?"
Feed? No, he couldn't possibly have. But looking at the piece of human flesh that the ghoul was offering made something unfurl in his belly, something that urged him to take it, to push it down his throat.
"You shouldn't resist, you know." A girl who might be his age walked out of the shadows that blanketed the adjacent alley. "I don't know when you last fed but you look hungry enough. Why don't you take it then?"
When she was close enough, Makoto noticed her eyes were similar to the ghoul's. "I…" He wanted to tell her he didn't feed on humans, that he wasn't one of them but the girl stopped abruptly, a frown marring her face.
"Why do you have only one ghoul eye?" she asked, taking another step closer.
What? What ghoul eye? Makoto caught a glimpse of a broken glass on the ground near his feet. He dreaded to peer into it, afraid of what he might see. But he did anyway and felt his whole body go numb when he saw his reflection.
No! He screamed in his head, tried to convince himself that it was just his imagination. He couldn't possibly have the same eye as the two ghouls standing before him. His left eye couldn't possibly be black as ebony with blood red iris.
"I don't know exactly what you are, but I can't stand seeing you looking so hungry so." The girl took the piece of flesh from the other ghoul and leaped right in front of Makoto, said, " Here, eat this," and shoved the human part into his mouth.
His head pulsed. His heart throbbed.
It was the most delectable thing he'd ever tasted.
Every sensation that had been weighing him down for the past weeks seeped out of his body, leaving him feeling so much better.
What does this mean? Makoto thought staring at his own hands as if he was seeing someone else's.
What's happening to me? His heart thrummed, beating faster and faster and pumping warm blood through his veins. His knees shook, making him keel over and fall on the ground.
Who am I? He lifted his head to gaze at the two creatures before him. Am I one of them now? He was no longer the same Tachibana Makoto , that was for sure.
Part 2