|022|
6 months later…
[Kana]
Six months.
Six months in this haven.
Every day, I spent time with Phyu.
I would help her treat the injured, and then we hung around the cafeteria with the weird fire spirit, Alex.
Sounds like a pretty boring schedule, but it wasn't.
I grew fond of Phyu.
And maybe even Fire Boy.
Although they were annoying sometimes, it is good to have some people around me.
During the night, I trained.
I haven't slept at all for the past six months, and surprisingly, I didn't suffer from exhaustion.
Phyu told me that because I am part demon, I am able to withstand long periods of time without any rest.
Not that I am complaining though.
Sleep always brought me nightmares, and I was tired of them.
I always pondered where Jackson was.
I haven't seen him at all, since I threatened him with a knife.
Apparently, being half fox, he did not enjoy staying an enclosed area.
So he wanders off from time to time.
I wonder where he went ?
I was a bit envious about his capability to leave whenever he wanted.
Before, I was eager to leave this haven as soon as possible.
But the longer I stayed, the more insecure I felt.
I wanted to see my family, but would they want to see me ?
They probably hated me.
No.
They did hate me.
Because even with all the love and encouragement they gave…
I was the one who ruined my family.
8 years ago…
[Kana]
"Ow !" I complained as a football slammed into my face.
I staggered backwards by the impact.
"Oops." Magnus murmured sheepishly.
I kicked the football as hard as I could and Magnus fell to the grass.
"Oops." I shrugged and laughed.
|
|
|
|
"Asaku ? Daima ? Are you there ?"
"No need to yell, you big baka !" Baba opened the door to the porch. "Why are you here, Ethan ?"
"I wanted to say hello to the newest family member."
"Are you talking about Koroshi ?" Baba asked.
"Yes, her !"
"I won't stop you. But she's not very… trusting. She has gone through a lot. If she starts crying or screaming, you will be koi fish food."
"Noted."
|
|
|
|
[Kana]
"You're the one who did it first !" I shouted at Magnus.
"It was by accident !" Magnus argued. "You did it on purpose !"
"Children !" Erika exclaimed, putting her hands on our shoulders.
"What did we say about fighting over stupid things ?"
"But Maggie kicked a soccer ball in my face !" I protested.
"And stupid Koroshi threw it at me !"
"Both of you, apologise." Erika sighed.
"What ? Why ?" Maggie wriggled in his sister's grip.
"You need to apologise for kicking the ball and hitting her." Erika explained. "Even if it is by accident, you still need to be sorry for it ! And Koroshi, you apologise for doing it on purpose. That is not a very nice thing to do."
"Sorry." Magnus and I muttered.
"Excellent !" Erika beamed and patted both of our heads. "Now, it wasn't that hard, right ?"
"Kana, is it ?" Someone called.
I turned around and saw a tall man standing across the porch.
He wore a mask and sunglasses, making his face unreadable.
"Hey dad !" Erika waved.
"Hello Erika and Magnus." The man greeted. "Can I talk to you for a second, Kana ?"
I stepped backwards and bumped into Erika.
"It's alright, Koroshi." Erika said softly. "He's not a stranger. He may look like a meanie, but he's actually a big softie."
"Okay." I nodded.
"Come on, Maggie. Let's leave your sister some alone time with dad." Erika steered Magnus away from us.
I walked over and sat down on a bench.
"I am here to talk about your mother." Ethan said.
A bitter expression lingered on my face.
"Oh !" Ethan exclaimed after glancing at me. "I- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so sudden. If you don't want… or can't discuss about it, I will willingly-"
"I- it's fine." I interrupted. "I need to talk about it at some point."
"Your mom and I were married. But because we had different views about our future, we separated. She met your dad, and had you. And four years ago…she died. Your siblings already know this, since I told them yesterday night. She was targeted by an opposing gang…" Ethan stopped and removed his mask and sunglasses.
"…The same gang who permanently scarred my face years ago. They have 57 members. And two days ago, I killed them all. So there's no need for you… to live in fear anymore. They won't hurt you ever again. May Akimi Kurokage rest in peace."
7 years later // Kana was 17
"T- tobias ?" I stammered.
"Oh my goodness !" he gushed. "I've only seen you in your black leather jacket. You look so different in a uniform ! C'mere !"
I rolled my eyes and walked to his car.
"H-hi-"
"Look at you ! All grown up and-"
"It's only been a few months." I snorted.
"Well, long time no see !"
"Yup. Can you let g-"
"Look at my katana ! Looking very exasperated and irritated, but still cute and tiny as hell ! I missed you !"
"I… I missed you too, Tobias." I sighed. "I really… needed someone to talk to. Can you let go now ?"
"Yes, yes, of course." he laughed.
"You seem… pretty popular." He spread his arms at the crowd.
"Oh yeah. You bet. Everyone already despises me, but the news about Erika and Maggie made them whet me even more. This guy and his goons called me a part of a 'serial killer's' family. So I beat them up. They don't even know the truth, and they have the audacity call Erika and Maggie that. They didn't do shit. Fucking dumbasses."
"Why would they even hate you in the first place ?"
"Come on, you know why. I'm not a friendly person."
"Don't think about it too much, katana. The world is full of bitchy idiots who can't do anything about their jealousy. Now get in the car. We're gonna get ice cream."
"Thanks, Tobias." I plastered a fake smile. "But I don't really fell like it."
| |
|
|
"He's worried about you." Tobias said.
"Who ?"
"Your boyfriend. He is worried about you. Like… really worried."
"Oh."
"Since Erika and Magnus were arrested a week ago, he wanted to visit you. But… Ethan and I… we convinced him to leave you alone for the time being. We both know you prefer to be alone when you're going through something. Besides, you uh… You tend to throw, smash, and break things when you're upset…"
"Thanks, Tobias. I don't know what I would've done if he came… I hope he is doin' fine. But to go back on topic… Why did you come, Tobias ?"
"To pick you up-"
"We didn't see each other for months because of your missions, and then we coincidentally bump into each other so you can pick me up ? Ethan ordered you to, didn't he ?"
"Ethan wanted me to tell you…" He paused, an awkward silence filling the car.
"He wanted me to inform you that you can visit Erika and Magnus now."
"They were just arrested. I thought-"
"Normally, it takes a prison 4-6 weeks to endorse the application for a visit… But Ethan is a powerful man. Quickening an approval is nothing to him. If you want to visit them now, we're driving straight to the prison."
"Straight to the- The prison is in California. You're sayin'-"
"Yup ! A super long way to go ! Road trip ! We can party along the way. I have drinks."
"Tobias, I'm drivin'. Plus, you are 18."
"Hey, your brother is the same age as me. And he drinks."
"No."
"Relax, I'm joking. So, is it a yes to prison ?"
I need to explain myself to Erika and Maggie…
They think I framed them.
And I need to clarify what happened that night…
That night I killed the entire Alders gang.
"Yeah, let's go." I uttered, gripping the steering wheel.
|
|
|
|
"How was school, Koroshi ?" Magnus asked, a mischievous gleam dancing in his eyes.
"Bad." I answered, crossing my arms.
"Oh, boo fucking hoo, not as bad as this prison, though !" Magnus mocked. "I know why you are here. Going to tell me that you didn't frame Erika and I. Well, I believe you."
"Look, I know it's hard to believe, but I would never- Huh ? What did you say ?" I widened my eyes.
"I know you didn't report the police about the gang. I know you. You're not the type of person to blame others. Sorry that… I was a jerk to you that night. I accused you straight away, and I should have trusted you."
"Maggie…" I sniffled.
"Are you… Are you crying ?" Magnus backed away portion glass, horrified.
"No." I lied, wiping the tears away.
"You're spending way much time with dad." Magnus chuckled.
"No, I'm not ! Leave me alone, Maggie. Y- you suck. I hate you."
"I hate you, too." He laughed.
"There's no need for you to feel guilty about the Alder's gang… All you did was carry out a mission, like you were supposed to-"
"Inmate ! Time's up." A cop interrupted.
"Bye, Koroshi." Magnus smiled wistfully.
"M-maggie ? Apparently, Erika rejected my visitation, so I can't talk to her… How is she ? Is she okay ?"
"I talked with her this morning. She knows you didn't frame her."
I let out a huge sigh of relief.
"But she's furious. Honestly, I don't know where her anger is directed at. But don't worry, Koroshi. It's not your fault."
"…"
But the person who annihilated the Alder's gang…
It wasn't me…
Tell him.
Tell him what happened.
"Is there a way to talk with you… more ?" I pressed my hands on the glass.
"Don't worry about it, Koroshi…Your big brother isn't going anywhere now, is he ?"
Magnus gave me a reassuring smile before letting the cops take him.
I'm a coward.
I'm a fuckin' coward.
What am I afraid of ?
That he'll look at me differently ?
That he won't view me as her sister, but as a mentally unstable stranger…
… Who struggles with identity crisis ?
But that's not important…
Maggie and Erika don't deserve to be here.
I'll get you two out, whatever it takes.
Magnus knocked on the glass, yelling something but it was muffled.
"Inmate, now !"
Did he say somethin' ?
|
|
|
|
[Magnus]
I hope you heard my warning, Koroshi.
Dad… Ethan is not who you think he is.
|
|
|
|
[Kana]
"I'm stayin' here." I announced to Tobias.
"Why…?"
"No reason." I lied and looked at my shoes.
"Koroshi… I know that look. You're planning something."
"When am I not ?"
"Okay… I'll go. But please don't do anything stupid." Tobias urged.
"I won't. Thanks for everythin'. I appreciate it."
"Take care." Tobias waved and sped away.
"I need my clothes, my knives, and a gun with a silencer. Oh, and some grenades. I don't need a bat this time." I uttered into my phone.
"And if it's possible, a blueprint of the prison Erika and Maggie are in. I'm in Crescent City, California. Thanks, Bye."
|
|
|
|
A gang member carrying a large backpack approached me and looked at me suspiciously.
"Give me." I opened my palms.
"What ?"
"Excuse me attitude, but I'm pissed off and in a hurry. Hand it over." I pointed at the backpack.
"Here you go. Boss insisted to give you a few sleep gas bombs that Magnus made. He wanted to inform you that they may come in handy."
"I never thought of that." I hummed.
"The blueprint of the prison is in here." She showed me the stack of papers underneath the weapons. Also, Boss wanted you to get rid of someone."
"I thought I told him I'm not doin' assassination cases anymore. Plus, it's my day off." I tilted my head and stared at her in confusion.
"Yes, but because the target is here, in this city, he thought it would be convenient."
"Then why won't you do it ?"
"I'm not specialised in assassinations."
"Fine. Who's the target ?"
"The target's information was sent to you."
"Okay. Tell Ethan I say thanks."
"Yes, of course. With pleasure." She walked away.
I changed my clothes and found a razor in the backpack.
I lifted the memo, "Hey katana have you tried shaving your head it will look amazing on you, love, Ethan ?"
…His spelling is givin' me a headache.
But my hair is gettin' pretty long…
Should I…?
Maybe just a bit.
I mean, what's the worst that's gonna happen ?
|
|
|
|
[Kana]
INSTANT LIFE REGRET !!!!!!!!!!
I paced around the dark alley as I stared at my reflection on my blade.
Wait, it actually doesn't look that bad ?
Whatever.
Even if it does look bad, hair grows back.
Life goes on.
"Let's see… Who's the target…" I scrolled down the screen of my phone. "Who's the target…"
Target : Lukas Daehn.
Age : 28.
Last member of the-
…The same gang that killed mom.
So, one survived.
Fuckin' assholes.
Don't worry, Ethan.
I'll finish the job for you.
|
|
|
|
"Wanna help a poor girl out ?"
I grabbed a passerby's shoulder and stuck my blade under his chin.
"Tell me where the nearest prison is."
The boy took a shaky breath and stuttered, "J-Just turn right o-over there-" he pointed to a dark alley.
"Aw, thanks !" I released my grip and smirked.
He started walking but I pulled him back by his collar.
"Tsk tsk not so fast. Now, i'm sorry to do this, but I don't like to leave any witnesses behind."
I slitted his throat and he fell to the floor, blood splattering over me.
"Blood…disgustin'" I murmured and poured a large amount of hand sanitiser over my hands.
Hm…
"This is the place, that's for sure." I murmured aloud while studying the blueprint.
There's nothin' about surveillance in this blueprint.
And there's not a single camera here in sight.
Does that mean the guards are stupid, or security inside is pretty tight ?
I should expect the latter.
But I really hope it's the former…
Hm.
Lots of air vents.
I can move around effortlessly.
If I can just enter the prison without bein' spotted…
This should be easy.
No turnin' back now.
|
|
|
|
I crawled carefully along the air vents, stopping when I reached a dead end.
"This is so boring !" A cop whined below me.
I peered through the holes and discovered I was above the surveillance room.
"I wish someone would break in !" She complained.
Your wish is my command.
I took a gas bomb from my pocket.
Time to try out Maggie's sleepin' gas…
I pulled the snap ring off with my teeth.
おやすみ
I dropped the grenade and put on a safety mask.
The cops coughed and spluttered before going unconscious.
I jumped from the vent and landed on the floor.
Instantly passed out ?
Either they have a low tolerance, or Maggie's a fuckin' genius…
That was quicker than I expected.
Pretty neat.
I plucked the wire connecting the computers and the cameras shut down.
Turnin' the surveillance cameras was easy.
Now I need to head to the cells.
If only the vents went to the cells…
|
|
|
|
"Keys." I uttered, pointing my gun at a guard.
"Ignorin' me ? Fine." I placed my finger on the trigger.
"No ! Wait-"
Bingo.
I smiled at the dead cop and snatched his keys from his waist band.
I walked to Maggie's cell and took out the guard on watch.
"I knew you were pretty ruthless, but I didn't know you were also stupid." Magnus remarked, his eyes closed. "'Oh no ! My siblings are wrongfully in prison ! I shall not let this happen !'"
"I don't sound like that." I scowled.
"Sounds exactly like you." Magnus answered. "Did the sleeping gas work ?"
"How did you-"
"How did I know ? Because I am a genius."
"…"
"I just assumed, that's all. Figured super overprotective dad gave them to you, 'just in case'."
He sat up and stretched his limbs, "Alright, let's go-"
He looked at me with me a terrified expression.
"What ?"
"***WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOU HAIR ?!***"
"Shaved it." I winced.
"W- wh- Huh ? I literally saw you a couple hours ago! When did you have the time to go to a hair salon or some shit ?"
"Shut up ! I didn't go to a god damn hair salon ! "
I jiggled the keys into the keyhole.
"We'll talk about it later. I still need to find Erika. We don't have much time. ***ARGHHHHH WHY WON'T THIS STUPID BITCHY LITTLE DOOR OPE-***"
With a final jiggle, the door swung open.
"Opened." I sighed in relief. "Come on, let's go."
"Y'know, on second thoughts, I think staying in my 'comfy' cell is a lot safer than being with you." Magnus muttered.
"Besides, there's this cute cop-"
"I will smack you upside the head and drag you out. Let's go." I uttered.
"Coming !"
|
|
| |
[Erika]
"If Koroshi didn't do it… So who did ?" I sighed, tapping a finger on my chin.
Magnus was there with her that night; he was involved in the Alders gang assassination.
But I wasn't.
So why frame me, instead of putting the blame on Koroshi ?
Maybe a survivor…?
No.
Normally, they would assume she's a cold-hearted killer with no weaknesses.
They wouldn't even imagine someone like her caring about other people, much less use them against her.
Maybe they read up on her…?
No, that's also unlikely.
Dad wouldn't allow that; he values Koroshi too much.
So…
Someone who wanted to get rid of both me and Magnus ?
Someone who knew about Koroshi's relationship with others…
Someone who knew us personally.
Oh…
That little son of a-
"E-erika…?"
"W- what… What the hell are you two doing here…?"
"Isn't it obvious ? To get you out." Koroshi grinned.
"I'm staying." I uttered.
"But-"
"No." I cut her off. "You probably got here by killing everyone who stood in your way, right ? I don't want to be with you… I don't even want to look at your face."
"You really think I can leave my family here ?"
"Don't worry about that. We're not family anymore…
Next time I see you, I'll kill you."