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Hikkomori

Isolated

By Bartavian StantonPublished 3 years ago 47 min read
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Isolated- Chapter 1, Intro

[scene]

A criminal lays beaten and bloodied, begging for mercy from an unknown attacker.

Criminal: P-please, stop. What do you want? The money? Take it! J-just leave me alone.

Through his hazed eyes the criminal, a robber, sees an apparition like figure coming close to him. He feels his heart raise and wants to panic and run away but has used too much energy and lost too much blood.

The apparition gets closer and closer and starts to speak in a ghostly tone. “ 2 women, 3 men, and a child” the spirit says as he looms closer, every time the criminal blinks.

“W-what? I don’t understand.” the criminal mutters as he slowly begins slipping into unconsciousness.

Once again the criminal blinks and the spirit gets closer to him. “Those are the lives that you have destroyed,in your conquest of pleasure, Mr. Tesk.” the assailant states, stopping as the criminal points a gun at him.

“H-how do you know my name?” he questions in terror. The spirit doesn’t respond, but simply stares at the man menacingly. As the criminal stares back at him, looking deep into its eyes, he becomes frightful and fires a shot at the spirit. The bullet seems to pass through its target and before the assailant can fire another round the gun is slapped out of his hand, and he is picked up and slammed against the wall.

“You should have been locked away a long time ago, but your father has pulled so many strings that you’ve never had to answer for your crimes.” the spirit says throwing the man to the ground.

“The system has failed, the police have failed, you have failed!” the spirit exclaims towering over the man. “W-what are you going to do to me?” the man says. “I’m going to give you one last chance. Not that you deserve it. But know this, should you see me again and it will be your last.

The man blinks a few more times, slowly, and the sound of police sirens begin to approach. The criminal feels something around his wrist, and before he can even think about what it can be, he feels the severing of his right hand.

He lets out a sound of great pain, before going completely unconscious. The police outside storm the building looking for the criminal. As they search they follow a trail of blood leading them to the criminal, who lays on the floor out cold.

The police quickly begin trying to seal off his wounds, to keep him alive, until the ambulance arrives.

“What the hell happened here?” one officer treating the criminal questions. “It looks like another ‘Revenant’ case.” another officer replies.

[end scene]

[scene, The Golden Horizon Institute (school)]

There is a small group of students huddled together in a section of the class room by the windows.

“Did you guys hear about last night?”-One student exclaims.

“Yeah some guy robbed a store and got beat up by the ‘Spirit’, right?” another student responds.

“He got more than beat up, check this out” Tori (minor character) replies showing the others his cell phone with a news feed playing.

[Breaking news-

Late last night 26 year old Franklend Tesk, son of Robert Tesk, was rushed to the emergency center, after being brutally assaulted by an unknown assailant.

Suspected of armed-robbery, Mr. Tesk led police on a wild chase before managing to evade capture. When asked about what happened last night the police department issued this statement.

- Due to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Tesk’s capture, we have been left with no choice but to release him to his family and loved ones for health care. While in light of the situation we have chosen to simply put Mr. Tesk on probation at this time. As for the “apparition” who so violently attacked Mr. Tesk, we can and will find him. No one is above the law, this individual will be hunted down and prosecuted for all the offenses he has committed.

Reporter: Is it true that the department has had no luck capturing this "apparition", in the 7 years since his re-emergence in the city?

Supporter of The Spirit: Why are you after him when he’s doing what you can't? You’re letting actual criminals get away because someone else wasn’t delicate enough when capturing him? What about the lives of the people that guy hurt?

Reporter:Yes what about the other victims of last night’s crime?

Police: We have no more statements at this time.

Mr. Robert Tesk, father of Franklend Tesk and C.E.O of Tesk Oil, had this to say.

“I offer my sincerest apologies to all those affected by last night’s tragedies. My son is a good boy who just needs some help. And I know that this will not heal those harmed by my son, but perhaps it can help soften the blow. I am offering my full support both financially and spiritually to those families hurt by my son's actions. If you need anything please contact me.”

End News Feed]

The students begin to mumble in the corner.

“So they still haven’t caught the guy?” one student says in frustration.

“How can they? You can’t catch a ghost.” another student replies.

“Please! It’s just some guy running around in an outfit trying to get himself killed. He thinks he’s making a difference by hurting and killing people but he’s no different than any other bad guy.” Tori replies angrily.

-Takemi sits at a desk two feet away from the students talking by the window. He sits looking out of the window, but actually paying attention to the students conversation.-

“If you ask me things will get better the moment this guy is tracked down and locked up. I mean come on, he’s got people living in fear, he’s no hero!!” Tori states.

-Miyuki enters the classroom-

“ Don’t you get tired of annoying people, Tori?” Miyuki says standing in the door of the class room.

“M-Miyuki, hey.” Tori stammers, bashfully at the site of Miyuki.

Miyuki walks over to the desk Tori was leaning on and stands in front of him.

“You’re sitting on my desk.” she says, slightly annoyed.

“Sorry, I was just hoping to chat with you a bit.” Tori replies, getting up and moving away from the desk.

Miyuki takes her seat and asks Tori what it is he wantswishes to discuss.

“ I just... I just wanted to ask you out on a date!” Tori says loudly, catching the attention of other students as well as Miyuki.

The question shocks Miyuki and causes her to blush.

“Tori, why would you ask me that? I mean we’ve been friends since we were kids. Why-” Miyuki says visibly confused and embarrassedin great confusion and embarrassment as Tori interrupts.

“Well to be honest, it’s probably because we’ve known each other for so long. Miyuki I’ve always liked you and wanted to be with you. You’ve always gotten good grades, you’re kind, tough, honest, and I can just be myself around you. To me you’re the perfect friend and I believe you’d be the perfect girlfriend.” Tori replies sincerely, blushing as he says it.

Miyuki is surprised by this confession, leaving her almost speechless.

She thinks to herself about, how she likes Tori and how they’ve always been such good friends. She recalls memories of them playing together as kids and fighting together. But then she starts thinking of what her ideal partner would be like. She imagines someone who is strong, and yet gentle, dark and mysterious yet open and honest, someone very smart, & romantic, and has great passion andbut isn’t afraid to fight for what he believes in, someone who has an “awesome body” and dresses really nicely and cleanly, ect.

But when she thinks of Tori, she sees almost the exact opposite of all that. She knows he is strong but doesn’t really do gentle, he isn’t dark and mysterious at all but he is a very open person willing to fight for what he believes in (although he does get his butt kicked a lot), he constantly either fails tests or barely passes them, his idea of romance is basically staying at home playing video games, and while she has never seen how Tori’s body looks she does see how he dresses, his clothes are almost always unironed and he hates putting on suits.

“How do I turn him down?” Miyuki thinks to herself. She looks back suddenly noticing Takemi staring out of the window. Her face begins to blush a bit more and she subconsciously begins to admire him. Miyuki has had a long standing hidden crush on Takemi for many years, though she has never acted on these feelings. She doesn’t really know much about him other than what is apparent to everyone. He’s smart, handsome, has nice hair, and doesn’t really care about what people think of him.

She says nothing, for a moment getting lost in thoughts of them together, until she notices Tori walk over and places his hand on Takemi’s shoulder.

“Come on, help me out, Takemi.” Tori says with a big grin on his face, and his hand resting on Takemi’s shoulder.

Not long but for a split second, Takemi glances away from the window and looks at Tori and his hand on his shoulder. It is a look of great disgust, that only Miyuki caught.

“While Takemi is an excellent student, he doesn’t have any friends. At least none that anyone has ever seen him with.” this thought crosses Miyuki’s mind.

“Tori, there you go annoying people again, leave him alone.” Miyuki fusses at Tori.

“‘Annoying?’ I’m not annoying anyone, well apparently besides you. Isn’t that right Takemi?” Tori says jokingly.

With a smile on his face Tori finally makes eye-contact with Takemi, and quickly his facial expression changes. In the moment that he looked into Takemi’s eyes he found himself overwhelmed by a slight feelingsight of fear.

“What’s with this guy? That white hair and those greenish brown eyes, of his, with that expression it looks like the guy wants to tear me apart.” Tori thinks to himself, removing his hand from Takemi’s shoulder.

Miyuki notices what just happened and formulates a plan around it.

“Alright,Tori, I’ll go out with you if-” Miyuki announces.

“Y-you will? Miyuki that’s great! Then-” Tori begins to declare in excitement, but is interrupted by Miyuki.

“But on one condition.” Miyuki states in a very calm and almost triumphant manner.

“Condition? What do you want from me, a box of candy or something?” Tori says confused and jokingly.

“No. I’ll go out on a date with you, if Takemi says you’re not annoying him!” Miyuki exclaims, feeling victorious.

“So everything hinges on Takemi? I don’t get it why would she-” Tori thinks to himself as he looks over making eye contact with Takemi. Once again he sees that look of disgust and annoyance, and realizes he’s screwed.

“Damn it. This isn’t gonna work. I’ve never really talked to the guy, but he seems to have it out for me!” Tori thinks to himself looking at Takemi, and sweat begins to roll down his face.

“Yes! So I was right, Tori knows what that look means as well. I’m sure that eventually he’ll ask me out again but for right now at least I have a scape-goat!” Miyuki begins thinking to herself, claiming a silent victory in her mind.

Tori is nervous, his hands begin to sweat and his heart pounds like drums of war. His throat becomes dry and his body becomes extremely hot as he makes up his mind to jump into the lion’s cage and confront the beast.

He looks at Takemi, with his sweat pouring, thinking to himself “I have to at least try! I have to at least ask, because if I don’t I don’t know when the next time I’ll have what it takes to ask her out!”

Miyuki begins to feel herself become overjoyed and can hardly keep herself from giggling.

Tori stands straight up and bows toward Takemi, as if back in the old days when a person would ask a king for a favor or as if pleading with a father for his daughter’s hand.

“T-Takemi! A-am I-”Tori struggles.

( Takemi’s lips move before Tori can finish, and both Tori and Miyuki’s hearts drop.)

“W-what did you just say?” Tori says in disbelief.

“I said you’re not annoying me at all Tori. And please enjoy your date.” Takemi says with a smile on his face.

Miyuki, sits at her desk unbelieving of what just happened, speechless.

Tori begins looking at Takemi, very confused but thankful.

“I don’t get it, just a minute ago this guy looked like he could care less if I was dying and needed water. Why would he help me?” Tori thinks to himself.

“Al-alright, thanks. Miyuki how about we meet after class and start the date off there?” Tori says still in disbelief.

Miyuki does not respond, she can not possibly think of another excuse at the moment. Tori walks over to her about to shake her shoulder and repeat himself, when the teacher walks in and tells everyone to take their seats.

Tori leaves her alone for the moment, going to take his seat and passing by Takemi one last time. He intended to give him a look of gratitude or a thumbs up or something to convey his appreciation, but as their eyes meet once again he sees the look from before. The look of false niceness was gone and replaced by what Tori believes to be Takemi’s true one.

Tori spent the rest of the class day thinking of both his date and why Takemi did what he did, but mainly his date.

Miyuki spent the rest of the class day, thinking about what happened, why Takemi approved the date, and the fact that she actually has to go on a date with Tori.

And Takemi didn’t think of them or their problems at all.

-scene end

-scene; The Golden Horizon Institute (school), end of school day-

Many hours have passed and it is the end of the school day. The students, teachers, and after school clubs have all gone or are preparing to leave the school.

Miyuki is seen walking with Tori, slugging along, as he laughs and talks about his favorite tv shows and music. As the two begin exiting school, they spot Takemi waving goodbye to a group of three female students.

They walk up to Takemi, to bid him a good day. The moment they approach him they see him sporting another false smile.

“Oh, Miyuki, Tori, has your date already started?” Takemi says with a very convincing innocent smile on his face.

“Y-yeah.” Tthe two say at the same time, suddenly uncomfortable. in a very uncomfortable manner.

Takemi noticed the two with their faces blushing and looking down at the ground, it caused him to chuckle a bit.

Just for a moment, Takemi stands there with the two in a very acquired silence.

“ These two have to be the worst gamblers I’ve ever seen. Miyuki bet everything on a sure thing, expecting to win, and lose. Tori won the bet, but doesn’t even know what to do with his winnings. In the end they’d both have been better off just walking away from the table. People are very interesting.” Takemi thinks to himself, in that moment of silence.

“What are you about to go do?” Tori stumbles to ask.

“Oh, me? Nothing, I’ll probably just go home and study today’s lessons, then take a shower and head off to bed.So what are you two going to do, if you don’t mind my asking?” Takemi inquires tries to inquire.

“Oh...uh. I haven’t really thought of that yet. To be honest I never thought I’d make it to this point!” Tori repliesays with a goofy carefree laugh.

“What!” Miyuki exclaims, “You asked me out and don’t have a clue of what we’re gonna do?” she finishes in outrage.

Tori laughs, smiling, and says “Well to tell ya the truth I didn’t think you’d actually agree. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so stoked that you said yes but it was kinda a spurare of the moment thing ya know?”

Miyuki sighs, planting her face in the palm of her hand. “Of course he didn’t think this through, it’s Tori. (sighs) It’s too late to cry about it now, I just have to make it a couple of hours. Alone. With Tori. On a date!” Miyuki thinks with a sigh. in her mind.

“I could suggest a few places, to check out if you like.” Takemi offers with a smiling face.

‘T-that’d be great!” Tori says accepting graciously.

Takemi pulls out a pen and piece of paper, and begins writing down a few places that might be fun for them to check out. After he’s finished, he hands the piece of paper to Tori and Tori’s smiling face drops to one of unease.y.

“Shit, all these places are great, but... I’m basically broke!” Tori thinks to himself, trying to hold his composure.

“Well, enjoy your date guys.” Takemi says, turning to leave.

However, as he walks away Tori invites Takemi to come with them. This actually shocks both Takemi and Miyuki.

Takemi turns back around and begins talking once more with the two.

“You want to take me out on a date?” Takemi says jokingly.

“Y-yeah.” Tori responds in desperation.

“I’m flattered Tori, really, but you’re not my type.” Takemi replies, attemptingattemting to shrug off the invite.

“Tori, you can’t just ask other people to come on a date with you!” Miyuki says with a completely blush red face.

“It’s not like that! Look Takemi you’re a nice guy and all but I’ve noticed you don’t really have any friends at the school. Sure you know damn near everybody but you never go out with any of us or do anything that you don’t really have to do. Look it’s none of my business but you need some fun in your life man, and we need a third wheel on this date. (“Said no one in the history of dating”, Miyuki, Tori, and Takemi’s inner thoughts) So come on just for one night, be a regular teenager and have some fun with us!” Tori proposes with great energy and confidence.

Another moment of silence passes once again with Tori’s stunning invite.

“Hate to admit it but the guy has a point. Even though I’ve managed to keep up a good student/teenager facade, if I don’t have some kind of personal connection with other students, it could spell trouble later down the road. But-” Takemi thinks to himself.

“What does that idiot think he’s doing annoying other people with our date! But still, it would make things a lot less awkwardacquired having a third wheel.., believe it or not. Oh god, Takemi, please please say YES!!!” Miyuki thinks to herself, confused but hoping.

“I’d love to join you but shouldn’t you have asked Miyuki before inviting me? I mean, after all she’s your date after all.” Takemi questions.

“Y-you’re right, I’m a total dummy” Tori says playfully hitting his head.

“Well, then I guess I’ll have to ask. Miyuki, would you mind if I interrupt your date, just this once?” Takemi asks charmingly.says in a very charming way.

“Y-yes, anytime you like please... Interrupt any of my dates!” Miyuki yells being overly charmed, and regretting it almost immediately after.

Miyuki looks down quickly, her heart pounding, pulse racing, and body feeling like it’s overheating. She feels embarrassed, and many other mixed emotions at this moment, but when she looks at Takemi all she can feel is flustered at why she always gets this way around him.

“Then it’s a date!” Takemi says with a very happy tone. “Since it’s three of us and not just the two of you now, would it be alright if I picked a few less romantic places than the ones I suggested before?” Takemi asks.

“Yes, please do!” Both Miyuki and Tori declare at the same time.

“Alright.” Takemi replies once more with his false smile.

[end scene]

[scene, Places during the date/ or the night out]

-First place Ice Skating Rink-

Takemi bringsbrought Miyuki and Tori to a skating rink in the center of a park. The rink is pretty big, with at least 40 or 50 other people using it at the time. Before entering they notice a fairly long waiting line.

“Well, this sucks. It’ll take forever for us to get in there.” Tori declares disappointed.

“Yeah, it’s gonna take at least half an hour to get to the front of the line.” Miyuki says in agreement.

“Takemi, is that you?” one of the rink’s overseers shouts from inside of the gate.

“Hello, Mr. Tohoma! How are you tonight?” Takemi replies cheerfully.

The three walk over to the gate, to speak with Mr. Tohoma, a man in his late thirties, with a short build, and a medium size beard.

“What brings you out tonight, Takemi? And with other people nonethelessnone the less. Friends, I take it?” Mr. Tohoma questions happily.

“These are two of my classmates, Miyuki, and Tori. We’re out on a date.” Takemi says cheerfully.

“A-a date? The three of you? How does that work?” Mr. Tohoma questions, greatly amused at the statement.

“It’s not what you think!” Miyuki exclaims.

“Ah, forget about it. You guys are with Takemi! I know it’s nothing weird, haha. I’m just yankin’ your chain.” Mr. Tohoma says with a laugh.

“We’ll it’s very nice to see you Mr. Tohoma, perhaps we can talk more once we get inside. Excuse us, the line looks like it might’ve gotten a bit longer since we’ve left.” Takemi replies.

“Are you kidding me, you know you don’t have to wait in a stinking line. Come on over to the back gate, I’ll let you in there. Seriously Takemi, you’re just too straight an arrow!” Mr. Tohoma declares, laughing as he walks them to the emergency exit gate.

As they walk towards the gate, Miyuki begins talking to Mr. Tohoma, questioning him about why he’s letting them skip the line.

“Not that I’m not grateful ,sir, but why are you letting us in front of everyone else?” Miyuki asks humbly.

Mr. Tohoma laughs and explains saying, “ It’s because you’re with Takemi. He basically set this place up.”

“He did? How?” Miyuki questions curiously.

“Well as you might know this ring hasn’t always been here. This place used to be the part of the park that played host to many illegal and criminal activities. Drugs, sex, graffiti, dead bodies, you name it and you could find it here. Because of this many local business and families had started to move out or shut down for fear of safety.” Mr. Tohoma explains reminiscing.

“I remember, one of my fathers friends used to set up shop here. But he had to move after so many break-ins.” Miyuki says in sad memory.

“Yeah, there were a lot of those.” Mr. Tohoma says less cheerfully.

“How did Takemi set this up? Is he really rich?” Miyuki questions with great interest.

“It was about 8 years ago I think, Takemi had apparently just been living here for a few months. He came by this park and saw this place, in all its ‘glory’. I was tending to my food cart that day, and I just remember seeing a young boy in a very nice jacket, standing at the top of the hill overlooking this spot. He didn’t stay very long but the look in his eyes was something, it was like he looked into the abyss and saw what no one else did.”

“And what was that?” Tori says with great focus.

“Hell if I know. But if I was gonna guess, I’d say he saw the end. See the city tried doing stuff about it before, like sending in cops, shutting down the park at a certain time, but none of that work. So eventually they all just gave up, and after a while most people gave up. And those few that didn’t, most of them fell victim to this place.” Mr. Tohoma explains causing a slight depression to Tori and Miyuki.

“But then a couple of months later, the mayor announced that they’d be building this rink here. Now, I know you must be thinking what does that have to do with Takemi, right? Well somehow he managed to find room in the city budget and gather enough support to get the project done. And since he worked with the police, he managed to get them to do free security here until we got our own. At first the ring was met with resistance, graffiti, vandalism, and threats.” Mr. Tohoma says, picking the story up.

“But why? I mean wouldn’t people want something better, something like this?” Tori questions.

“Yeah, good people do, but bad guys don’t. I mean think about it kid, we live in a world with rules and laws we all must abide by. But wouldn’t it be nice if there was just one place where those laws didn’t have to apply? Well this was starting to get to be one of those places. After the rink was built it became open to the public, but not officially until a few weeks later. See, the mayor and the police needed to see how the people would respond to the opening before advertising it to the general public. So it was open ‘unofficially’ for two weeks. Like I said the bad guys didn’t like it, but they didn’t count on Takemi and the Reve both having their eyes on this spot.”

“The Reve?” Miyuki questions confusingly.

“Yeah, the Reve. That’s what we call him at least. You hear alot about him on the news these days. Cutting off bad guys hands, knocking off the bad guys.” Mr. Tohoma explains with great pride.

“Wait! Are you saying Takemi worked with the crazy guy that’s going around killing people?” Tori says in surprise and outrage.

“Hm. I don’t know if I’d say I worked with him, but he did help with getting this place cleaned up. I can’t deny that.” Takemi says lacinglasing his skating shoes on a bench not too far from the rink.

“What? when did-” Tori exclaims in confusion.

“It seems you two got so caught up in the story that you didn’t pay much attention to anything else. I went and got skates for you guys, while you talked. Hope you don’t mind, I tried asking foryou your shoe size but you never replied. So I just gave it my best guess, if they don’t fit we can go get another pair.” Takemi says handing them their skates.

They take the skates not saying anything out of sheersure confusion and curiousness, and proceed to put them on. As they lace the skates Takemi goes ahead of them, entering the skating rink. As he skates Tori and Miyuki begin whispering to each other.

“Can you believe that he has something to do with the Reve?And he works for the police!” Tori whippers trying to keep his voice down.

“I know, I never would’ve guessed Takemi had such an interesting life. I wonder what else he’s got going on.” Miyuki says, also trying to keep her voice hushed.

“I wonder how the rest of the story ends.” Tori states suspiciously.

“Yeah, me too.” Miyuki agrees.

They finish lacing their shoes and turn to head into the rink. They turn around to see Takemi skating circles around everyone else. They stand there in amazement as he does moves such as an Axel jump, Bracket turn, and a Cantilever.

“He makes it look so easy.” Tori says a bit jealously.

“Have you ever skated before?” Miyuki asks, still staring at Takemi in amazement.

While Tori had never skated before, Miyuki had several years ago. However, since it had been such a long time Miyuki has gotten very rusty and is essentially at the same level of Tori. The moment they both hit the ice they begin to stumble, just barely keeping themselves from falling over.

The two while struggling unknowingly start to have a moment, it’s fun. They feel like small children again, playing for the first time in a long time. At first they thought that the date would be very awkwardacquired, but once they lost focus of that and became distracted with Takemi, they unknowingly became distracted enough to have a good time.

“Hold your balance” Miyuki giggles at Tori, barely holding her own.

“C-can I lean on you?” Tori says happily but nervously.

“Go ahead, don’t cha always lean on me?” Miyuki says while smiling.

For a moment the two look at each other in the eyes, time slows, the lights covering the outer edges of the rink seem to be fixated on them, and they realize that they are actually having a moment with one another. The moment while amazing did not last long as the two finally begin to fall down, yet even that seems to happen slowly. To them this small fall that is only a few feet seems like one from a mountain.

But before their bottoms reach the cold hard floor that is the rink Takemi swoops in grabbing them and begins skating with both of them. “What are you doing?” Miyuki questions. “I’m being a third-wheel.” Takemi replies as he takes them both around the rink by the hand.

“We’re not falling.” both Tori and Miyuki say in amazement.

“Of course not, what’s the point of having three wheels if you’reyour just as unbalanced as when you only have two?” Takemi says jokingly.

He spins them around a bit, and makes them do a few other fun tricks while they’retheir there. After some time passes Tori and Miyuki become a bit tired, so Takemi escorts them to their next location. The three leave saying good-bye to Mr. Tohoma, who invites them back anytime.

-Next location, a local small business restaurant named Gon-Ball-

Takemi takes them somewhere to eat and sit down and rest for awhile, knowing their tired. He choices Gon-Ball, a small family owned business, owned by an elderly couple.

“I don’t think we can go in here Takemi, isn’t this place for adult?” Miyuki says scarily.

Takemi laughs reassuring her that it’s fine. He takes her by the hand guiding her through the wooden door. Once inside they find a small humble room with small humble attire, this confuses Tori and Miyuki a great deal.

“I thought this place was like some kind of bar out of hell. I mean the stories-” Tori states very confused.

“Yes? Hello who’s, Takemi is that you?” an very elderly women says from behind the counter of the front desk.

“Hello Mrs. Richards, how are you mama?” Takemi says slightly bowing his head to show respect.

“Oh I’m fine dear. My look how much you’ve grown. But you seem a bit thin, have you been eating enough?” the old woman says squinting very hardly through her thick glasses.

“No mama not nearly enough I’m afraid, that’s kind of part of the reason we’re here.” Takemi says kindly.

“We? You brought company? Who are these... Two? Friends of yours?”

“We’re-”Tori attempts to say but gets interrupted.

“Their my classmates, and we’re all on a date.” Takemi say joking once more.

“No! It’s not like that, mama!” Tori attempts to explain.

“A date, my, how romantic. You know I used to look a lot like you miss.” Mrs. Richards says blindly pointing to Tori. This makes Miyuki giggle a bit, Tori almost corrects her but gets an elbow to the ribs by Miyuki.

“You’re quite the player Takemi, chaperoning two beautiful ladies. We’ll that’s none of my business. Please take a seat dears and older whatever you like.” Mrs. Richards says happily.

The three take a seat at a table in the back of the room, next to a window. Tori and Miyuki seat together on one side of the table and Takemi seats on the other.

“Two beautiful ladies, that old lady must have it out for me or somethin’. What did I do to deserve this?” Tori complains.

“You’re such an idiot.” Miyuki says with her face in one of her hands.

“Mrs. Richards is basically blind. Though she wears those glasses her eyes are still every weak. Unless it’s up close to the point of being inches away from her face, she can’t see it. So don’t take offense at it, you should be happy that in a certain light and with basic blindness, someone considers you pretty.” Takemi explains mockingly.

“I guess” Tori says picking of a menu.

As they skim the menu they find many fine food, however once they look at the prices of those foods they find almost everything is very expensive.

“This all looks great but why the hell is it so pricey?” Tori complains once again, being brought back to the thought of his empty wallet.

“It’s like this because of the regular costumers, the ones that give this place such a bad rap. In order to keep things from getting outta hand, whoever causes trouble here has to order something from the menu. In a normal small restaurant that wouldn’t be to much of a great punishment, but here it’s enough to cost a person a month’s worth of money.” Takemi explains.

“I understand the basic idea, but wouldn’t that just drive off potential costumers? And wouldn’t it also drive off the regular ones they already have?” Miyuki questions confused.

“Yes and no. The prices you see her are just for the regular or routy costumers, there’s a different price for new or peaceful ones. Not to mention that regular guys that come her don’t mind paying the extra fee if they have to.” Takemi explains further.

“And who are the regular guys?” Tori asks.

“A biker gang, called ‘Flaming Skull’.” Takemi says with a smile.

“Y-you mean one of the worst gangs in the city? Those guys are a bunch of killers and criminals!” Tori says trying to keep his voice down out of fright.

“Well they’re not as bad as people think. It’s really just a social stigma that comes with being a biker gang. In all honesty they don’t really do much other than braking a few chairs and being very loud.” Takemi says unconcerned.

“You make it sound like you know them.” Miyuki states with some interest.

“Yeah.” Tori agrees in suspension.

“Well, I guess you could say that. I was the one that got them to become regular costumers here.”

“What!” both Miyuki and Tori exclaim in confusion.

“Some years ago this shop wasn’t doing so well. They had basically no costumers, and on top of that they suffered from break-ins and robberies. To make a long story short while I was working on a few cases with the police I came across the Flaming Skull gang and persuaded them to take this place as one of their new hang outs.” Takemi says with a look of slight seriousness on his face.

“You just made things worse! Now they just have a group of thugs breaking their stuff and beating each other up.” Tori says in critism of Takemi.

“No that’s not it at all.” Miyuki says thinking she understands what Takemi’s plan was.

“Huh? You can’t possible agree with what he’s saying,are you? Tori says a bit worried and very confused.

Takemi says nothing, he just looks at Miyuki, observing her. He has gained a slight interest in seeing if she can put the dots together.

“Since that gang came here, people are afraid. They beat up random people, and ride around on those loud bikes harassing women! How could that be good at all?” Tori complains.

“It might seem that way if you look at it from the point of view of the time we’re in now. But if you look back several years ago before the Flaming Skull arrived, things were a lot worse. Not alot of people came to this place for fear of being robbed, murdered, or worst. There was a bit of a police presence but even that didn’t help much. After the Flaming Skulls arrived most of the really bad stuff stopped or at least deemed down a great deal. As for the way they act if you actually look at the people they attack, their all if not most just people who did something wrong but got off due to some kind of technicality.” Miyuki says trying to justify Takemi’s choice.

“And what about their, behavior?” Tori says flabbergasted.

“Well, they’re still guys so it’s kinda natural they’d be a little creepy. As for everything else, I guess I’d say they’d have to be that way. I mean think about it, would you be afraid of a group of guys that look like nerds that act extremely shy and timid, or would you be more afraid of a group of men who dress like the devil and act like him too. I think it’s kinda like a protective response, that way they prevent more trouble than they cause.” Miyuki explains the best as she can.

“Correct. It is my belief that the community its’ self has to take care of its’ self. The police and the government should help but there is a limit to how much they are able to do so.” Takemi says slightly impressed with Miyuki.

Miyuki looks at Takemi, and starts to admire him, and before she knows it she begins to blush a bit. They all leave the topic alone and begin to order what they want. Miyuki orders a soup, Tori orders a huge stake, and Takemi orders a salad. They eat their food, enjoying each others company, sharing laughs at each other. At the end of the meal Mrs. Richards,brings them the check. Immediately Tori begins to sweat, becoming worried, the bill seems huge.

“Takemi I thought you said that the prices weren’t gonna be as high as they are on the menu!” Tori exclaims.

Takemi laughs saying, “ Yes, but some items are gonna be expressive no matter what and some are gonna be cheap. Why do you think I ordered a salad and Miyuki got the soup?”.

“Honestly, why are you so worried when you were the one that order the most expensive thing?” Miyuki says dotting on Tori.

“Crap, I got so caught up with everything, I didn’t even check the prices. And if I don’t pay for it Miyuki’s gonna think I’m a cheapskate! Damn, but I don’t even have enough to buy a pack of gum, let alone pay for this!” Tori thinks to himself, causing him to start to sweat.

Takemi and Miyuki notices him, and without him telling them understand.

“He’s flat broke.” Takemi and Miyuki think to themselves.

Tori makes up his mind that his going to explain to them what the problem is, but as he begins muttering the words, Miyuki says that she’ll pay for it, pulling out her wallet. While, Tori does feel a bit relieved, he also starts to feel a great deal of embarrassment.

“Honestly, if your going to ask someone out on a date you could at least pay for the dinner.” Miyuki says scolding Tori.

“Actually, I’d like to pay for this, if you don’t mind that is.” Takemi says pulling out his own wallet.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. You were invited on this date just like me, so you don’t need to-” Miyuki says trying to decline Takemi’s offer.

“No. I want to. You invited me out and I’ve had a blast, at the very least, you should let me pay for dinner.” Takemi says laying several large bills on the table.

Miyuki agrees in admiration, as does Tori feeling less embarrassed having Takemi foot the bill. They walk out, saying their goodbyes to Mrs. Richards who invites them to come back any time for a better discount. They leave and start walking, following Takemi’s pace and direction.

“Come back for a better discount my ass, remind me what’s a 10% discount on totally over priced!” Tori complains.

“Shut up, you didn’t even pay for anything, and you’re complaining?” Miyuki fusses.

“I-I would’ve but you guys totally snatched the check from up under me! Yeah, it’s not my fault that you guys wanna just throw your money around.” Tori exclaims trying to save face.

Both Takemi and Miyuki see this and decides to let it go, not finding any reason to kick him while he’s down.

“I feel like I know this part of town, but I don’t remember what for. Where are we going now?” Miyuki says curiously.

“Yeah, me too. Everything looks different when it’s dark.” Tori says continuing to blindly follow them.

“The light shows us what things really are, and the darkness gives cover to deception. Darkness shows us things we didn’t even know we feared, making us see things that aren’t actually there, and obscuring our minds of what is true.” Takemi says changing the mood of their walk.

“T-that’s, kinda dark man.” Tori says a little creeped out.

“ We get so use to seeing the light, that we forget that we were born in darkness. We forget that long before we were scared at the things that go bump in the night, that we were the knight. But living in the light has slowed us down, deeming our sense, making us weak to the darkness. For now as we walk through the shadow, through the ally, our hearts jump and pound hardly at the slightest. The drop of water to the ground, the rush of an unknown creature past our feet as it showers itself once again into the darkness, or even the misconstrued image of random items far away, are enough to make our pulse race and our imagination run rampant.” Takemi continues.

“T-takemi?” Tori says, conveying his worry.

“To revise a great statement of old, ‘taken from the darkness for the darkness that we are...and to the darkness we shall return.’” Miyuki says finishing Takemi’s words.

Takemi is shocked and quickly turns around with a small book in his and a look of sure surprise on this face. In that moment, suddenly, all the lights in the area cut off, leaving Tori completely freaked out.

“What the hell? What happened? What’s going on?” Tori says, and moments after the lights flick back on.

“This area is known for having small blackouts. And what Takemi was saying were lines from a gothic book. Am I right?” Miyuki says with a very pleased look on her face.

“Y-yes. It’s from a story by Twisted Fantasy (authors name), have you read it?” Takemi says seeming very impressed.

“Yep, I’ve read many of her stories. I kinda have a small thing for scary stuff, but Tori here is a complete chick (laughs).” Miyuki says poking Tori.

“What the hell? You read creepy stuff like that? I always knew you were kinda strange Miyuki.” Tori says joking around with Miyuki.

“Well seems I was a bit off about Miyuki, she’s a much better study than I thought.” Takemi thinks to himself.

“I just thought it’d be great for the setting of the walk. But our last destination is right around this corner.” Takemi says with a smile.

“Our destination?” Tori questions.

“I think I know where it is, Tori I think Takemi picked this place out just for you.” Miyuki says wrapping her arm around Tori and rushing him past the corner.

“Hey, wait.” Tori says as he’s pulled around the corner, only to find himself at an arcade.

They enter the shop, walking past several other people playing different games. Almost immediately Tori starts feeling at home, as he starts playing a racing games surprisingly even Miyuki starts having fun, playing the other machine right next Tori. The two start racing and Miyuki takes a bit of an edge on Tori. The two act just as if that don’t have a care in the world as they race across the virtual streets.

“Don’t think just cause your a friend I’ll let you win.” Tori says joyfully.

“I think that’s my line!” Miyuki exclaims taking the lead in their race.

The two play the game for several minutes until it ends and Miyuki comes in first followed by Tori in second.

“Ah man, I forgot how good you were at games like these.” Tori says happily admitting defeat.

“It was nothing, I hadn’t played in a while.” Miyuki says bragging.

They continue playing games, and try to find a few that all three of them can play. It takes a while, but they do find a few games all three of them can play. Once they do Takemi starts to completely destroy them getting high score after high score. After about an hour and a half of playing games they finish one last game and Tori and Miyuki notice something as Takemi submits his name for the high score of their fourth game.

“Takemi, that name, are you 1Truth?” Tori questions.

“Yeah, I’ve been using that name for games for a long time now. Why?” Takemi says smiling.

“You gotta be kiddin’ me, this guy. That name is a legend around here.” Tori says in disbelief.

“Yeah, every gamer that comes here knows 1truth. You have the highest score on every game here.” Miyuki say agreeing.

“Legend? I had no idea, I just come here during my free time.”

“He’s just gonna play this off like it’s nothing big, huh?” Tori thinks to himself.

“Well, that’s gonna change tonight! I’m gonna beat at least one of your scores, and we’re not gonna leave until then.” Miyuki says extremely excited and pumped up.

“Yeah, I’m with ya.” Tori says just as hyped as Miyuki.

“Good luck” Takemi replies smiling.

(Several hours later...)

“I can’t believe we didn’t even come close to beating you or your high score in one single game.” Miyuki says in an exhausted manner.

“Yeah, man you don’t pull any punches. You could’ve at least let us win a game or two” Tori say trying to be nonchalant

“Don’t feel too bad, you guys still managed to come in on the score board.” Takemi replies laughing.

“Geez Takemi, I can’t tell weather your trying to actually cheer us up or just boasting.” Tori says.

“Well, had enough guys?” Takemi say taunting them.

“Yeah, it’s late. We should get home before our parents start worrying.” Miyuki replies.

“You’re right, my old man’s gonna kill me for being out so late and not checking in. This should be fun.” Tori says scratching his head.

“I understand, I just need to go and use the restroom. Meet cha outside?” Takemi says heading to the arcade’s restroom.

Tori and Miyuki head out of the arcade, and stand at the corner of the store waiting on Takemi.

“Well I guess that at least proves that guy is still human.” Tori says.

“What does, him going to the restroom?” Miyuki questions.

“Yeah, all night I’ve been convinced that this guy is some robot or alien or something. Matter of fact, I’m still not ruling out the alien thing.” Tori say.

“You sound jealous, Tori. Don’t tell me that Takemi intimidates you?” Miyuki says taunting Tori.

“Intimidated? By that guy? Please! I was just taking it easy on you guys tonight. Matter of fact if I had gone all out, I would’ve beatin’ that guy in every single game tonight.” Tori declares.

Miyuki looks at Tori and giggles.

“What’s so funny?” Tori says confused.

“Nothing, big guy.” Miyuki says grabbing Tori’s arm hugging it.

“What are you doing?” say with blush on his face.

“I’m cold, and tired. And this is a date, at the very least I should be able to do this right?” Miyuki says resting her head on Tori’s shoulder.

“I-I guess.” Tori says gulping.

“Don’t tell me, you’d prefer it to be Takemi grabbing your arm instead of me?” Miyuki says teasing Tori.

“WHAT! NO! I don’t... I’m not into-” Tori tries to explain in embarrassment.

Miyuki giggles saying “Relax, I’m just messin with cha.”

Tori lets out a sigh, and the two stand there for a moment, once again having a moment. As he stands there with Miyuki on his arm in the middle of a chilly night, he only feels her warmth. “It’s funny, I should be cold right now, but all I can feel is Miyuki’s warm touch. Man this is dumb, I asked her out on a date without even actually having anything planned or the funds to do anything. Next time it’ll be just the two of us though, and it’ll be amazing.” Tori thinks to himself.

“Hey don’t you owe me some money?” one of a group men says walking toward Tori and Miyuki from the shadows.

“Who? Me? Sorry guys you must have me confused with someone else” Tori says pushing Miyuki behind him.

“Nah I’m pretty sure, it’s you” the same man says as they walk up to them, surrounding the two.

“Look buddy we don’t want any problems, and we just spent the rest of our money. So we can’t help ya.” Tori says getting defensive.

“What? You don’t have my money? Well I’m sure your girlfriend can-” the man starts.

“I am not his girlfriend, and he doesn’t owe you any money so get lost!” Miyuki exclaims, not showing a bit of fear.

“ Oh, your a feisty one. I like that. Boys get her, looks like we’ve got ourselves a new play thing.” the man orders.

One of them tries to rush Tori, but is flipped over quickly as he then precedes to throw fists with another one. At first Tori manages to hold his own, dodging and countering the attackers blows, but soon another man come from the side of him and joins the fight. Very quickly Tori becomes overwhelmed, and finds himself on the ground being beaten upon. While at this same time the attackers have managed to push Miyuki’s face into the ground. Though Miyuki did resist, she was ultimately powerless against the unknown attackers.

As the main continue to dominate the two, Tori thinks to himself “ Why is this happening? Where the hell did this all go wrong? Why!!!”. However, as Miyuki watches Tori fade into despair and unconsciousness, the only thing she can think is “Tori get up! Don’t give up! You’re stronger than this right?”. It does not take long for Tori to finally lose, consciousness, and soon after the mean turn their attention towards Miyuki. Helplessness, disappointment, and fear are all Miyuki can feel in this moment.

“Right, well that was fun wasn’t it boys? Now back to you lovely, see you kinda hurt my feelings. I think we need to find a way to fix that do you?” the man from before says kneeling next to Miyuki’s face. Miyuki, spits on the man’s shoe, and closes her eyes. This causes the men to laugh. “Ah, I knew I liked you. You know what-” the man starts.

As Miyuki lies on the ground, her heart pounding, she hears a thump, followed by one of the men saying “what the hell?”. Within less than a minute, but what felt like hours, Miyuki feels pressure leaving her body, she doesn’t feel held down any more. She opens her eyes to see Takemi holding one of the men by the throat, while the others are ether on the ground out cold or running away.

“W-who, the hell are you?” the man questions.

Takemi back hands him, causing blood to go flying from his nose and mouth, incapacitating him. Following this, he grabs some cut nearby wires from the trash can and ties the men left their up to a light pole. Takemi then calls the police, alerting them of the situation, and asking for an ambulance. As he speaks on the phone, Miyuki remains on the ground still in shock, starring back and forward at Takemi and everyone else. It takes a while, but eventually Takemi finally does acknowledge Miyuki.

“Oh, I’m sorry I took so long. While I was in the rest room, I received a call and had to answer it. Are you alright?” Takemi states extending his hand to Miyuki.

At first she hesitated to grab it, but after a few seconds of looking at Takemi’s face she allows him to help her up. Once she stands she just stairs at Takemi for a while, and he in turn stairs back. She wants to say something, but can’t think of anything. Takemi walks over to Tori standing a few feet away, checking on his condition. Finally Miyuki snaps out of her daze and rushes over to check on Tori. “He should be alright, his beaten up pretty badly,but it’s nothing too bad.” Takemi says smiling at Miyuki.

Miyuki puts her ear to Tori’s chest, to make sure she hears a heart beat, and leaves it there until the police arrive.

Once the police arrive they, arrest the men there at the scene and start chasing after those that escaped. They also question Miyuki and Takemi, and send Tori to the hospital,via ambulance. While Miyuki talks to the police it is clear that she is still fairly shaken up by what happened, so the police don’t questions her for long or to harshly, instead they focus on Takemi to fill in most of the story. Miyuki sits on a bench, with a blanket draped over her shoulders, watching the police question Takemi. “He doesn’t seem nervous at all, it’s as if nothing even happened by the way he looks” Miyuki thinks to herself.

After they have finished questioning Takemi, one of the police officers offer Miyuki a ride home. “Thank you, but what about Takemi? Can he ride in the same car as me?” Miyuki says just wanting him there to feel more secure. “I’m sorry miss, but Mr. Kanji has chosen to walk home himself.” the officer explains. “Mr. Kanji?” Miyuki questions in confusion as she gets in the car. “My apologies I should have referred to him as Takemi, that’s what you know him as right?” the office says getting in the car, driving away from the arcade. Miyuki watches from the window of the car as Takemi begins to fade into the background. “Kanji, that must be Takemi’s full name. Takemi Kanji.” Miyuki thinks to herself as she falls a sleep in the car.

(About a few hours later that night; under a bridge)

Three of the attackers are under a bridge, panicking and licking there wounds.

“What the hell was that!” one of the men exclaims.

“Who the hell was that kid?” another states rubbing his neck.

“Yeah, what are we gonna do now? They got the boss.” the last man questions.

“I don’t know. Damnit!” the first man says pounding his fist on the wall of the bridge.

As they attempt to come up with a plan one of the men’s eyes glance quickly to the side, making him notice a foggy figure. The man blinks, and the figure is gone. “W-what the hell was that?” the man says getting defensive. A thick fog covers the area, and the flaming barrel the men had lit goes out quickly. “What the hell?” one of the man says confused. They decide to go take a look and see if there is something outside, and as they move closer to the place where the man saw the figure something wraps around one of the men’s leg, dragging him off into the fog with a loud shout. The remaining two become more panic at the sound of their comrades screams.

“What the hell is going on?” one of the two remaining men thinks to himself. The screams stop, abruptly, causing the men to attempt to run. One of them looks back as he runs away, only to see the figure standing right behind him. The man falls down in terror, looking at both of his friends knocked out cold being held by the mysterious figure.

“W-what? H-how? N-no. No. No!” the man exclaims, as the figure descends upon him.

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About the Creator

Bartavian Stanton

My buddy and I are going to test our writing skills here. We don't have a particular genre in mind just whatever comes to mind. so lets dive into it.

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