CHAPTER 35

I wake up.

Where…am I?

As my eyes slowly open, I still find my vision blurry and muddled. I blink my eyes over and over, but all I can see are silhouettes and shadows.

“He’s awake.” I hear a voice; it’s distinctly female.

Argh!

I wince in pain, as my ears were ringing a subtle high-pitched tone. Finally, my vision returns to see a familiar face.

“Shion…?”

Shion Masaki, the new transfer student, was examining me intently. I try to move, only to realize I’m strapped to a chair.

“Rise and shine Kazuki-kun.” as she yawns.

“Where am…I?”

Shion swirls her body around, spinning fast enough that her skirt begins to lift slightly.

“Don’t worry about it.” she tries to console me. “If everything goes according to plan, you’ll be out in no time.” she explains.

I look around this darkened room. Except that it seemed to be connected to a dock or something. We must be in some abandoned building, since parts of the wall are missing, leading to open water. The moonlight shines above my head through a small opening, though most of the roof was full of holes anyways.

“Where’s Daisuke?”

Daisuke was the last person I remember seeing before ending up here.

Did he…do something to me?

“Daisuke?” her confused expression raises an eyebrow. “I can’t believe you have me here and all you can think about is him!” Shion sticks her tongue out in annoyance.

“I’d be more worried about your friend over there right now Kazuki-kun…I have you two in the palms of my hand.”

I finally notice that there was another person, also strapped to a chair behind me. It seems they’re still unconscious.

“Al!” I remember.

Shion moves closer to me, one step at a time. Her sultry walk with her heels’ click echoes throughout the room. She eventually sits on my lap, as she wraps her left arm around my neck.

“Don’t I look beautiful under the pale moon light…?” she nibbles at me ear.

“Y’know…you’re exactly my type.” she whispers into my ear.

Shion moves her finger up and down my bruised chest, eventually deciding to stop at my left hand.

Keep it together Kazuki!

Shion takes my hand and places it on her thigh. It wasn’t as soft as Akane’s were, but my body still reacted accordingly to physical contact with a girl.

“Weak and pathetic.” she grins, revealing a small butterfly knife to my face.

Shion gets off my lap, and brushes the dirt off her skirt.

“It’s unfortunate really, but too bad Kazuki.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I personally don’t care about you at all. But it was the only way for me to get Daisuke on my side.”

So he is here?

“You’ve probably guess by now that person behind you is indeed, Al.” she confirms.

“So what are you going to do with us? Kill us?” I ask.

“Kill you?” Shion begins to laugh sarcastically. “Well, maybe when Daisuke gets back but-!” she says under her breath.

“Then why? Why do all this?”

“I could tell you my grand plans, but what’s the point in that? I’m not a big fan of spoilers Kazuki-kun.” Shion comes back dangerously close to my face. “And you’re the one who knows what’s going to happen, right?”

“No…I don’t.” I reply.

“Kazuki, you and I share a special connection. I know all about your ‘power.’”

The hairs on my arms stand up. She must be lying!

“It’s true!” she pouts. “I have these weird dreams where there are two worlds. I don’t think I can interact, but I can view them, almost as if I’m a passenger on a train. In fact, these dreams are almost like nightmares.” she explains. “And it annoys me so much to see you.”

That…can’t be.

“But the problem is, I don’t think you’ve accepted it, have you? I watched you, read you like a book, but one thing really sticks out to me - Don’t you think like, there’s no point to all this? I mean seriously…think about it.”

Shion ponders in thought.

“If my cute half-sister is going to die, then there’s no reason to delay the inevitable right? Why not just get it over with? It’s like ripping off a band-aid! But the main thing is you Kazuki…”

“What about me?” I snap at her.

Shion brings a shiver down my spine with her next statement.

“I’ve already looked ahead for you…and it doesn’t look too good…though I wish I could see mine.” she reveals. “Oh I’ve said too much! Don’t want to spoil the fun.” she smiles sadistically.

Was that a warning…?

*BEEP BEEP*

Shion is interrupted by a notification from a phone. It sounds a lot like mine.

“Ah!” she pulls out a phone. “I’m just borrowing this for a sec ‘kay?”

It is my phone.

“Oh boy! It’s Akane Yuki! How cute…just in the nick of time.” she teases.

She moves her fingers quickly, as I think she’s replying.

“And…sent.” Shion puts the phone back in her pocket.

“What did you do…?” I say with baited breath.

“Told her what’s happening.” she says casually. “I just wished I was able to see that cute face of hers squirm.” she sighs.

Suddenly the door opens, a tall silhouette appears.

“Eep!” Shion puts the knife away.

“Daisuke…?” I mumble.

The figure approaches me. It’s him.

“So he’s awake.” as he stares me down.

“Yep. Yep!” Shion claps her hands. “Did you do what I asked?”

“It’s done.” Daisuke confirms something. “The video’s recorded and sent.”

“You’re the best big brother I can ask for!” Shion jumps for joy.

“Out.” Daisuke looks at Shion and points towards the door.

“Fine, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone…” as she exits.

Daisuke cracks his knuckles. It’s just me, him, and a still unconscious Al.

Someone save us!

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Why exactly are we here again…?

“Remember Aka-nee, just act normal and we’ll be fine.” Mary reassures me.

Our plan seemed ridiculous to be honest. But, we had little to no other options. It is unfortunate that I had to leave Yui alone, but I have no choice.

Forgive me Yui-chan…

After getting that cryptic message from Kaneshiro-kun, I immediately called my brother, Junpei. Apparently Kaneshiro-kun and another person had been strangely missing about the same time, indicating a possibility of the two cases being linked. Especially since Junpei and the police department received a video, with confirmation of two hostages.

And that other person is a prince of a foreign country.

I wanted to come as well, but of course, my big brother came up with some excuse, saying it was “too dangerous.” It did not help that Daisuke had not been responding as well. Maybe if I got to him before my brother did, he would change his mind, before it was too late. There was no way the police would accept their demands of releasing a prisoner.

But I cannot stand idly by and do nothing…not anymore.

Kazuki was missing along with the prince, and so we needed to find his location as soon as possible; the last thing the police wanted was an international scandal. According to Mary, this person was our best shot at finding him. I just never expected our contact to be living in squalor.

“Just play along to whatever I say okay?”

Mary presses the doorbell.

*DING*

No response. Mary presses the doorbell once more.

*DING*

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

No response. Mary takes a deep breath, followed by more doorbell presses in rapid succession.

*DING* *DING* *DING*

Finally, the door swings open.

“Mary…?” greeted a yawning Dr. Mori.

Mary turns her head towards the ground, blushing at Dr. Mori’s risqué appearance. Judging by how unkempt her messy hair looked, we must have awoken her from a nap. She was only wearing a tank top, with the right strap loose, along with panties. In her hand was a can of beer, which probably explained her tired demeanor.

“And Akane Yuki…? What are you two doing here?” she asks.

“W-We were j-just in the neighborhood haha…” as Mary laughs it off.

“Right…” Dr. Mori shrugs and motions us to enter.

As I enter, I see Dr. Mori’s signature white lab coat hung on a coat rack. Looking around, it was a rather messy apartment, in contrast to how mature and elegant Dr. Mori led herself to be. Empty beer cans, half-finished lunch boxes from the convenience store, and instant ramen cups were lying around the floor. In the corner I notice a large bookcase, filled with comics and old classic romance novels. Based on the state of this place, I assume she did not have too many visitors.

“Would you like some tea?” she asks, heading towards the kitchen area.

“Y-Yes.” Mary says anxiously. “No.” I said. We both spoke at the same time.

She turns around and pauses for a moment, but continues pouring some tea. Mary and I exchange uneasy laughter. It seems Dr. Mori was luckily still unaware of our true intentions.

“Here.” as she hands Mary and I some tea.

“So what’s going on?” as she cracks another cold can of beer.

“You see…Akane and I sort of have a problem right now…” Mary says reluctantly.

Dr. Mori puts down the beer and raises her right eyebrow. “What kind of problem?” she says with concern.

“A…” Mary’s face was turning bright red. She takes a deep breath.

“A boy problem…” as I feel a light tap on my foot.

“Ahem…right Akane?” Mary smiles stiffly.

“Y-Yes.” I quickly agree.

“Uh…huh.”

I think she bought it.

“We just wanted to ask you for advice…like why you like your boyfriend. You do have one right?” asked Mary bluntly.

Dr. Mori spits out her beer. It seems we struck a nerve. Although it would be painfully embarrassing to hear Dr. Mori say romantic things regarding my big brother, this is all part of Mary’s plan.

“O-Of course I do! I think he’s Yuki-san’s brother actually.” she pouts.

“What’s he like? What does he do?” Mary continues her questioning.

You could just ask his own sister right here…

“Well…he’s an idiot!” He always manages to outdrink me…without his face turning red or anything! He shows up to school sometimes unannounced during lunchtime, and it’s super embarrassing!” Dr. Mori pouted like a schoolgirl.

Big brother knows quite the troublesome girl…

“In fact, I don’t even know what he does actually. He’s always like “I can’t it’s confidential! Blah! Blah it’ll put your life at risk!” What a jerk!” as she gulps down her can of beer, and opens another one. “He wouldn’t even tell his own girlfriend anything…” she sighs.

Mary’s face lights up. It seems this was the opening she had been waiting for.

“Well, why don’t you ask him right now?” Mary subtly suggested.

Never in a million years would I have expected Mary Kaneko to take advantage of a woman’s low alcohol tolerance. Based on Dr. Mori’s brash and impulsive personality, there was no way Dr. Mori would say no to that.

“Y-You’re right Mary-chan! Why didn’t I ever think of that?” Dr. Mori says with excitement. I barely understood what she said, since she began to slur her words.

Dr. Mori reaches for phone, fumbling around until she managed to dial the correct number. She puts it on speaker, since it was getting difficult for her to hold the phone.

“Hello?” says a girl in a monotone voice.

I recognized that droning voice anywhere. It was Tsubasa Takemi, big bro’s detective-in-training, among other things.

“W-What!!! Who’s this?!?” Dr. Mori says with surprise.

“Uh…my master is away right now. Do you need him for anything?” she says with confusion.

“Master? You homewrecker! Did he leave me for a younger girl?!? That idiot! Where is Junpei?” she shouts bitterly.

“This may have been a big mistake…” Mary whispers to me.

Dr. Mori began to hiccup profusely.

“I can’t right now, we’re about to commence an operation-“

We hear another voice in the background. It was Junpei!

“C’mon Tsubasa! We gotta go down to the docks on the edge of town now. Get ready!”

The edge of town? There is only one next to the abandoned buildings…

“I’m sorry Dr. Mori, but we have to go. I’ll let master know you called. Please refrain from drinking more than you can handle.” she says.

“Wait!-“ Dr. Mori shouts as we hear a dial tone.

She slams her fists on the table. Mary jumps out of her chair from the sudden burst of anger.

“Eep!” Mary whimpers.

Dr. Mori shoots up from her chair and waddles towards her room, swaying side-to-side. After what seems like an hour, she stumbles out of her room, changed into a leather jacket and jeans.

“T-That’s it! I’m gonna teach that Junpei a lesson! Us girls need to stick together!” she drunkenly says.

Dr. Mori grabs the car keys off her table, and heads towards the front door, grabbing onto various furniture along the way to keep her balance.

“This is not a good idea Dr. Mori.” I say to her with no avail.

“Nah…I’m perf-“

In that moment, she runs back towards the bathroom, where we hear what is assumed to be Dr. Mori throwing up her dinner.

This is not going as planned…

“You’re right Akane-chan…” as Dr. Mori tries to compose herself.

Mary and I try to support Dr. Mori stand, arm-in-arm.

“You’ll have to drive Mary…”

“W-What?!? I’ve never driven before. I’ve only played those racing games in the arcade!” Mary said, waving her arms about.

“You’ll be fineeeeeee…just take my car.” said a red-faced Dr. Mori.

“W-What about you Aka-nee? Don’t you know how to drive?” she asks.

“I do not even know how to ride a bicycle Mary.” I embarrassingly let out.

I just never had the opportunity.

Based on the people available, Mary was the most competent person to operate a motor vehicle. With an insistent and drunk Dr. Mori, she was not going to let go, and leaving her alone in this dingy place was probably not the best idea. Every second that passed further risked Kazuki and Daisuke, especially since we finally found out where Shion Masaki had taken them.

“Uwawawawawa!” Mary sighs. “I guess we have no other choice. J-Just don’t be surprised if I crash.”

We head towards the parking lot, where we see a bright red convertible.

“Baby iz brand new…” Dr. Mori laughs.

I recognized the new model car. As I helped Dr. Mori into the back seat, I could still notice the scent of a new car. The leather lining along the seats must have been a premium. There was also a satellite GPS and other features like heated seats installed. For some reason, I could not help but think the car salesman tricked her into getting some of these unnecessary features. I fasten Dr. Mori with the seat belts, and I get into the passenger side. Mary adjusts her driver’s seat and mirrors, nervously looking back and forth. She finally inserts the key, and starts the car.

“W-Woah!”

The engine erupts like a roar. With that, we were on our way. Hopefully we would get there in one piece.

Wait for me…Kazuki and Daisuke!

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“I want you to tell me everything Kaz.”

I’m not asking him, I’m telling him.

“According to the doctors, Yui only has a few hours left at best. The faster you tell me how to save her, the quicker this can be over.”

I try to catch my breath. I can barely breathe to be honest. For the past few minutes, this idiot has been feigning ignorance.

“I…told you…I don’t know.”

Though a part of me at this point is starting to actually believe him; maybe he was telling the truth. In front of me was my former best friend, Kazuki Kaneshiro. His face was bruised, his left eye basically closed. The knuckles on my fists were starting to hurt, as thoughts rush through my head.

Did I piss off God? Why did Yui have to suffer all this time? Kazuki is behind everything.

“Daisuke…”

I turn my attention back at him. Maybe this time he’ll tell me.

“I’m sorry…for leaving you. I’m sorry for everything.”

Every word sounded like it was going to be his last.

“Mary…Yui…I should have been there for you.”

“But you didn’t!” I replied, as I couldn’t hold back my emotions anymore.

Kazuki is the dumbest, densest, and somehow the luckiest guy ever. He deserved nothing! It was like everything was handed to him on a silver platter. He never understood suffering, what it would be like to lose everything worth living for.

Why can’t I be happy too?

I stand behind him. I can’t bear to look at his pummeled face. I place my hands on his chair.

“What are you…?” he lets out.

“You know what your problem is? You’re always too busy playing the hero, proclaiming yourself to be someone striving for truth and justice.” I shouted to him. “But you know what happens? You end up leaving us behind, making decisions for us. Things aren’t so black and white! This is the real world Kazuki! Not some fantasy where you’re the main character.”

He doesn’t know me, even after all this time together.

“I thought of you like my brother Kaz!”

What an idiot I was…

The door opens behind me. It’s Shion.

“Are you finished yet?” she asks.

“No.” I respond.

In her hand was a small plastic bag.

“Here.” she tosses me a bottle of water. “You must be thirsty.”

I take a small sip.

Shion walks up to the other hostage. It seems he’s still unconscious.

“Maybe I put too much of the sleeping stuff?” she wonders.

She then turns her attention back at Kazuki.

“Do you know why we’re here?” she asks.

Shion then turns her attention at me, awaiting a response. I guess that question was open-ended.

“Years…ago.” Kazuki speaks up.

“Years…ago, your mother…was killed here.” as he coughs furiously.

Shion’s eyes light up. “Bingo!”

“I never really remembered what happened, but for some reason, whenever I think about my mom, I just can’t help but get this warm fuzzy feeling.” she wraps her arms around herself.

“Followed by anger…” as she makes a fist.

“Those stupid police, and those stupid Dominos…it’s all because of them that mom…” she stops herself. “It’s ironic how the both of them pride themselves upon protecting the community, yet couldn’t save one single woman.”

Suddenly I feel my body getting weaker and weaker…

“By now the drugs have probably kicked in Daisuke.” Shion reveals.

The water!

I try my best to compose myself, but I can feel my legs giving out. She kneels down to my level.

“Thank you for taking the fall for me.” as Shion bursts into laughter. “And well, I get to kill two birds with one stone.”

“Y-You…” as I struggle to stand up.

“The moment I get confirmation that dad is released, I’ll make these two idiots sleep with the fishes in the docks. Of course, it’ll be you who’s gonna take the blame. It’s so simple! Think about it – a crazed high-school student who wanted revenge for his father and little sister! Then it’ll just be me and papa, running the Dominos together…”

“Why…are you even telling me this?” I ask.

“Because I want to see you squirm.” she says without any emotion.

“It’s the end for you.”

Is this…it?

Suddenly, the door flies open.

“Akane…?”

She appears like an angel here to save us.

“It is over.” Akane says, confidently.

Somehow, seeing her made me feel at ease. Maybe she could save us after all. But I don’t want to be saved. I don’t think Kaz could ever look me in the eyes ever again. It was stupid of me to get caught up in revenge, when I should’ve just…I don’t know. I’m sorry Kazuki.

I think I’m gonna sleep now…

“Save him…Akane.”

I pass out, leaving our fate to Akane.

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“Y-Yuki…san?”

Were my eyes deceiving me? I think Akane Yuki had come to save me. I think she’s struggling with Shion. I can’t really tell given I think I have a concussion. I try to stand up, but collapse out of my chair.

Thanks…Daisuke.

I’m not sure why he loosened up the ropes earlier, but I can’t let this opportunity go.

“Oh Kazuki!” Shion calls out to me.

I finally stand up, though I feel a small breeze could knock me over. Shion has Yuki-san by the neck. I think she’s holding a knife or something?

“Let her go…” I coarsely say.

Shion was teasing me at this point, torturing me further and further. I had zero leverage, yet she wants me to watch.

“I don’t think so Kazuki-kun!” I hear her muddled voice.

My injuries were starting to take its toll. I had a ringing headache, and I could barely keep my balance. If it was the last thing I would do, I needed to save Yuki-san. I take a step forward.

“S-Stay back Kazuki! Or else I’ll do it!” threatens Shion.

She takes a step further back every time I come closer. At any rate, she was going to be cornered back into a wall.

“I can’t forget you Yuki-san. I’m the hero of justice after all.” as I start to cough.

“If this is it…I am sorry Kazuki!”

“Don’t be Yuki-san! It’s my fault for not realizing it! If we get out of this, I promise to make it up to you!” I say to her.

“How romantic! It makes my heart throb. Two lovers separated but destined to come together!” says Shion.

“Too bad life doesn’t have a happy ending tee-hee!”

Shion readies her knife.

“Hey idiot!” a shrill voice shouts from above.

“Huh?” Shion averts her attention to the noise.

Yuki-san takes this opportunity and immediately judo throws Shion onto the ground!

“Yuki-san!” I try to run towards her.

She hugs me tightly like a boa constrictor, as I can barely hear quiet sobbing.

“D-Don’t do something like that again…” she says.

“Y-Yuki-san, I can’t breathe-“

She immediately lets me go and I fall onto my knees.

“S-Sorry Kanshiro-san!” she profusely apologizes.

“It’s okay…”

We both laugh at our awkwardness.

“I think I’ll have the last laugh…”

I look behind me to see Shion was still conscious.

“No!” as I jump to shield Yuki-san.

“Kazuki!” shouts Yuki-san.

The pain courses through my body like fire engulfing inside. I can feel every pump from my pulsating heart, as it gets slower and slower every moment. A second feels like an eternity, with time feeling as though it has completely stopped. I can barely stay conscious. With the last of my strength, I wrap myself around Shion, and we fall into the water. It envelops me, surrounds my body. I feel even colder and colder. I can’t see anything, only darkness.

“Kazuki-kun…” whispers a voice.

Who’s there?

Am I having one of those “near-death” experiences? I open my eyes and suddenly find myself seeing Yuki-san!

“Yu-?”

I only notice at the last second that Yuki-san is wearing a red ribbon. It isn’t her.

“Akane…?” I say confused.

Akane didn’t respond. Her expression is rather cold to be honest, if not enigmatic. She looks like an angel, wearing an all-white dress. I rest my head on her lap, which feel like fluffy clouds. I can’t move any part of my body, no matter how hard I try. For some reason, I felt okay with that, given how comfortable I felt right now.

The being places her index finger on my mouth, keeping me quiet.

“I promise I’ll wake you up Kazuki-kun.” she says.

“The Hero will return soon enough. Until then, just rest easy.”

My vision goes to black and I lose all sense of feeling. There is nothing.