Chapter 4: A Run-in with the Mob

Aki stood atop a tall building, surveying the city below. His eyes were scanning the streets, calculating potential targets for his next set of thefts. The thrill of the chase always invigorated him, and he relished the idea of outsmarting the authorities once again. "Hmm, might as well get prepared for next month's rent." Aki muttered to himself, his mind already racing with plans for next month. But before he could delve further into his thoughts, a sudden interruption shattered his focus. Out of nowhere, a bag was swiftly thrown over Aki's head, enveloping him in darkness. Panic surged through his veins as he struggled to make sense of the situation. He desperately tried to activate his abilities but he was freaking out too much. As Aki's mind raced, he strained to listen to the chaos unfolding around him. The only sounds that he could hear were a bunch of hurried footsteps and hushed murmurs. He sensed a multitude of presence surrounding him, he realized that he was not dealing with an ordinary kidnapping. Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of an engine revving roared to life, its menacing growl echoing in the distance. Aki's heart sank as he realized he was being swiftly transported away, the jolting motion of the vehicle confirming his worst fears. He could do nothing but surrender to the darkness that enveloped him, slipping into unconsciousness. Time became a blur as Aki drifted in and out of consciousness. Brief moments of awareness were punctuated by disorienting flashes of movement and the muffled sounds of conversations he couldn't comprehend. He was being left uncertain of what was truly going on before he fully slipped into unconsciousness.

 When Aki regained consciousness, he found himself in a dimly lit room, tied to a chair. His head throbbed from the impact, and the bag was still over his head, limiting his vision. He struggled against his restraints but found them too tight to break free. After a few moments, the bag was roughly pulled off his head, temporarily blinding him with the sudden burst of light. As his vision adjusted, Aki took in his surroundings. He was in a small, windowless room, its walls adorned with a lively wallpaper. The air smelled rather well. Before him stood a group of individuals, their expressions unreadable. One of them, a tall figure with a rather anonymously friendly voice, broke the silence. "Hello there Aki." The figure said as he stepped forward he had big glowing yellow circles which Aki assumed were his eyes, and what appeared to be a black flame enveloped the figure's head. Aki almost immediately started to look around the room looking for any way to escape. "Aki, Aki relax, we aren't going to hurt you, I just want to talk about business you might be greatly interested in." The figure said, noticing Aki's intentions immediately. "And what makes you think I want to work with anybody?" Aki replied, gritting his teeth. "Oh Aki, lying isn't a good trait." The figure said taking out a stack of papers. "It says here you're already working with the plague doctor, it says here he heals you when you get injured." The figure said. The figure didn't seem to have a mouth but Aki knew he was smiling. Aki sighed before the figure spoke again. "I suppose I should be a little more formal, you may call me Mr. Kurochi, head of the Kurochi Mafia but most people know me as Mr. Void." Mr. Kurochi said. "So…what business are you talking about?" Aki asked unnerved. "Ahhh glad you asked you my friend, you see I want to bring you into the mafia business you'll still be a thief but you'll steal for us, pretty much stuff from people who owe us money, other families you know the charade." Mr. Kurochi replied "what's in it for me?" Aki asked with a serious expression. "Money, protection, better clothes, a better home than that run down shack you're staying at, and probably what you want the most is a good life for your little sister Chloe, better food, clothes, protection, an education." Mr. Kurochi replied. Aki's blood ran cold. "Shit either these guys have been watching me for a while or this guy can read my mind." Aki thought horrified. "Both Mr. Yakimato." Mr. Kurochi said as a shiver ran down Aki's spine. Aki sighed, "Fine, I'll work for you." Aki replied "not much else i can do." Aki muttered under his breath. "Splendid." Mr. Kurochi said as he held out his hand as he made his goons untie Aki. Aki shook his hand and stood up. "Let's say we get you fitted in a new outfit ay? Your current one is quite dull" Mr kurochi suggested Mr Kurochi lead them to another room. This room was quite fancy. There were nice mirrors around the walls decorated with a nice red wallpaper with darker red swirls and the shelves and tables were a smooth dark oak. Aki was now able to see everyone more clearly. There were two basic masked goons one big masked goon, some girl and Mr. Kurochi. Mr Kurochi now that he was standing up looked to be around six foot seven. He was dressed in a fitted black suit with a dark gray undershirt and black tie. He was standing in a formal position, his face still developed in the black flame with the two white eyes. The girl seemed around five foot three. They were much shorter than Aki. They were also fitted in a black suit but had a white undershirt and no tie.There face was actually viewable as well they had long brown hair and dark green eyes. The goons were in black trench coats with black circle masks. Mr. Kurochi snaps his fingers as his goons start taking measurements of Aki. A bit later the goons left and Aki took a seat Mr. Kurochi took a seat at the table with Aki along with the girl. "You know Aki you're a very valuable asset right?" Mr. Kurochi said, breaking the silence "oh? What makes you think that im just some guy trying to provide a good life for his sister." Aki replied fiddling with his thumbs really off put by the whole situation. The girl finally spoke up "just some guy?! I can't tell if you're being modest or clueless." The girl said full of energy. "Hm? What do you mean? Aki asked, genuinely confused. "Do you know how many warrants there are for your arrest? Well more for "the Golden Bandit" you've made quite the reputation so much so my father wanted to meet you." The girl said. "Haha well i suppose I should introduce you, Aki this is my daughter Kayoko for your time here you will treat her with your utmost respect." Mr. Kurochi said. "Understood Mr. Kurochi." Aki replied. "Hey Mr. Kurochi i just realized something, whenever i'm in my Golden Bandit persona i use my illusion skill to cover myself with golden bandages change my size and ill be wearing black, so how did you find out who I truly am?" Aki asked "we just watched you from afar till you stopped your illusion that simple Aki" Mr. Kurochi replied. They all stayed talking until someone came in and got Aki fitted into a suit. "Tch I hate fancy clothes." Aki said as he unbuttoned the suit jacket and untucked his shirt pretty much making it look like his old outfit. "Aki your sister arrived safely along with your important belongings." one of the goons said. "Here Aki let me show you and your sister around." Mr. Kurochi said as his daughter butted in. "No no father it's fine I could do it so you could relax." Kayoko said as she got up. "Alrighty thank you Kayoko, make sure to show them their rooms as well. Oh And Aki you can use the house as you please just clean up after." Mr. Kurochi said as Aki felt Mr. Kurochi somehow smiled at him. 

Kayoko brought Aki to the entrance of the mansion. As soon as he stepped outside Chloe ran up and hugged him. Chloe's eyes widened as she looked at Aki's new outfit, and her expression shifted from worry to amazement. "Aki, where did you get this suit? It's so cool!" she exclaimed. Aki ruffled her hair, trying to mask his unease with a smile. "Just a little upgrade, sis. We're going to be staying here for a while, so enjoy it." Kayoko grinned, observing the siblings' interaction. "You two are adorable. Come on, let me show you around the mansion. Your rooms are this way." As they walked through the expansive corridors, Aki couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. The mansion was luxurious, yet an air of mystery surrounded it. Kayoko explained the various rooms, from the grand living spaces to the hidden corners that seemed to whisper secrets. Aki's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, he had just become entangled with the mafia, a dangerous and unpredictable world. On the other hand, the prospect of providing a better life for Chloe, free from the struggles they faced on the streets, was tempting. After the tour, Aki and Chloe were led to their rooms. Aki's was surprisingly spacious, adorned with dark wood furniture and a large window overlooking the mansion grounds. It felt like a stark contrast to the life he had known. Later that evening, as Aki and Chloe settled into their new environment, Aki's mind was still clouded with uncertainty. He stood by the window, gazing at the city lights in the distance. Aki then decided to go back to Mr. Kurochi's office. "Ah Aki, what brings you back here?" Mr. Kurochi asked "I could just read your mind but that's no fun~" Mr. Kurochi said eerily. Aki's spine shivered but he shook the feeling away. Aki then proceeded to slam his hands down on the hard wood desk. "Alright spill it, why let me and my sister live in this mansion of yours with you?" Aki questioned aggressively. One of the big goons behind Mr. Kurochi started punching his palm and took a step forward, but then Mr. Kurochi held his hand up and the goon stepped back. "Because Mr.Yakimoto I'm protecting my most valuable asset. Is that such a crime? And I'm giving you what you want, a good life for your sister. Now…i must ask you to leave Mr. Yakimato and enjoy your stay" Mr. Kurochi said with a smile or at least what felt like one. Aki looked like he was about to say something, but he clenched his fist and left the room. Aki then returned to his room "God I hate this feeling it feels like I made a deal with the devil" Aki said as he paced his room "FUCK!" Aki yelled as he punched one of the walls. His door then slammed shut because unbeknownst to him someone was peeking through.