i've got it done chrono - but there are some spots i wanna talk with you about - wanna set up a skype account with me?
[spoiler]
[SIZE=6]Walking on Fire[/SIZE]
Chapter1-Darkness
Dr. Yoshida- Testing, testing ...Can you talk in there, Loveless?
Ai- ...
Dr. Yoshida- Start by stating your real full name.
Ai- My name is Ai Hiwatari ...
Dr. Yoshida- How are you feeling today?
Ai- Shitty...
Dr. Yoshida- Hrmmm, ... Could you refrain from using profanity when speaking into the recorder.
Ai- ...
Dr. Yoshida- Okay, tell us how old you are.
Ai- I'm seventeen years old.
Dr. Yoshida- Now, could you tell us about what happened that night, New Years?
Ai- I've already spoken about this a thousand times ... It's not going to change ...
Dr. Yoshida- Why don't you just tell me what you told them.
Ai- <sigh> I will never forget that night ....
It seemed impossible that a cold, New Years night could be more beautiful. My mother, father and I were just leaving the New Years festival and I was pretty tired. My father picked me up and carried me to the car. Despite the fact that it was cold out, I felt a sense of warmth and security while I was in my father’s embrace. The cold breeze brushed across my cheek gently - I tucked my face into my father’s chest. He opened the door and sat me in the back seat, buckling me up. I lulled in and out of sleep as my parents got into the car and shut the doors behind them. My father started the car and began backing out of the driveway. The quiet hum of the car’s engine put me to sleep. I remember having a dream that night ... I was standing in complete darkness and it was devoid of sound. I couldn't hear myself speak nor did I hear anything else. It was - strange... I hated it and I wanted to wake up immediately. The darkness seemed to be closing in on me and I felt as if I couldn't breathe. It was suffocating. I was gasping for air and grasping at my throat but, nothing helped. My head felt light, My sight blurred and my legs became weak. Just when I thought I was about to die, I awoke from my nightmare. But, something was wrong ... I felt it in the very core of my soul. Just when I thought that, I knew I shouldn't have. Someone was recklessly driving, and he ended up
blindsiding our car on my mothers side. It sent our car sailing across the road uncontrollably. As looked at my mother, my heart began to race. I saw that she sat lifelessly in her seat, her head hung limply, nodding in the directions the car shook. The loud screeching sound of rubber against pavement was terrifying. My father tried his best to regain control but then the car just lifted off the ground from the side and began rolling across the road. I was being thrown about as I sat in my seat but luckily my seat belt kept me from being tossed around. I wanted to scream so badly ...Ohhh, how I wanted to scream. But the situation had me choked up. I was trembling as the car tumbled across the road. My eye's wide shut - my heart beating a mile a minute - all I could hear then was my frantic breathing...I was hyperventilating! I blacked out. The car stopped rolling and all seemed fine. I finally regained consciousness, My sight was blurry, but it slowly began to come into focus. The car had flipped onto its roof and I found myself out of my seat belt. My seat belt must have snapped from all that tumbling about. I tried to move, but my body remained still as if paralyzed. I felt cold, even though the cold air from outside is blowing into the broken windows this felt like a different cold. Like a chill that grasped a hold of you under your skin. I paid no attention to it at the time, I just wanted to see father. I turned my head and managed to look at the drivers seat. My father-
Dr. Yoshida- Wait a minute, I've begun to realize that you never refer to your parents as Mom or Dad. You always say "father" and "mother" as if they are different people. For one who grew up in a loving family, it feels as if your heart is filled with complexity.
Ai- Well people change...
Dr. Yoshida- oh?
Ai- You would to if you were stuck in this shit hole for nine years.
Dr. Yoshida- You said you saw "Something"... that wasn't human, a monster so to speak.
Ai- I can already tell you don't believe me..
Dr. Yoshida- I'm here to help you. I'm trying to help you understand that given the circumstances and stress that you were in, it could have caused you to become delusional. So, perhaps the things you thought you saw ... weren't real.
Ai- ... Are you fucking with me?
Dr. Yoshida- <Clears throat> Remember, Language.
Ai- I don't give a fuck about that! ...I told you just like I told every other pencil dick that came in here! What I saw was real!
Dr. Yoshida- I can't help you if your constantly insulting me Ai...
Ai- Whatever...
Dr. Yoshida- Just finish your story, Please.
Ai- <deep sigh> ... Fine ...
I turned my head and managed to look at the drivers seat. My father was still in his seat belt but he wasn't moving. His arms dangled down touching the roof of the car. I could see blood trickling down his hands. I tried to call out to him but my voice came out weakly. Not even a dog would've been able to hear such a weak cry. I tried to call out again, but that was quickly silenced by a sudden feeling of nausea - then vomiting. I looked at it and noticed that it was blood. I think during all that tumbling I broke a few ribs, which caused some internal bleeding. It looked serious. Just when I was about to start panicking again. I realized that there was a strange noise. It sounded something like the gnashing of teeth. It was subtle at first, I couldn't quite understand what it was or rather where it was coming from. I lay silent, listening to the noise that seemed to echo. Then I heard a loud crack as if it was breaking bones. I realized that I never took a second look at my mother so, I slowly turned my head holding my breath. That's when I saw it. A strange creature with sinewy like skin and
jagged teeth protruding from its maw, its eyes blood red glowed in the night. It lowered its head to take another bite out of my dead mother. I almost shrieked from the sight of it but I ended up choking it back down. My father began regaining consciousness. He touched his head to check the wound. As soon as he moved - the creature's head darted up to look. His eyes narrowed as he watched father raised his arm to make way towards the seat belt. I looked back at father, then looked back towards the passenger seat. The creature was gone ... My father called out my name hoarsely, I didn't answer. I wanted to tell him that there's something here but I was to scared to speak. My father called out again as he worked at the seat belt. At that time a faint scent of what seemed to be gasoline was thickening in the cold night air. I saw a small fire beginning to form. My father looked towards the passenger seat to check on mother. He gave out a loud scream of anguish as he stared at what was left of mother in disbelief. He fiercely began to pull himself loose, as he did he called out my name yet again with a hint of fear in his voice. I finally gathered up the courage to speak.
Ai- Yes, daddy.
Father- Don't worry honey, daddy's going to get us out of here.
Ai- <Speaking weakly> There's something out there...
Father- ...
Ai- <Sobbing> M-mom's dead...
Father- Everything's going to be alright.
Ai- <sobbing> ...
Father- I just have to get-
Just as father said that, the door on his side was torn away and the creature reached inside - snatching father out effortlessly. I could hear his screams, they were so loud they could numb your mind. I thought the screaming would never end but then it just abruptly stopped. I couldn't see the creature clearly, but i could tell that it was eating my father. The silhouette of it was enough to know ... my father was dead, and I was all alone with that monster ...
Chapter2-Black Heart
Dr. Yoshida- So, from what I have gathered...You said that you, your mother and father were caught in a terrible accident. Which caused the unfortunate event of your mother's death-!
Ai- WERE YOU LISTENING AT ALL!! I DID NOT SAY MY MOTHER DIED FROM THE CRASH, I SAID THE CREATURE KILLED HER!!
Dr. Yoshida- But, you said that after the other car crashed into yours, you saw her head hung limply.
Ai- She was unconcious!!
Dr. Yoshida- Really?...You also said that your father was pulled out of the vehicle,forcibly, might I add, and was devoured by this creature.
Ai- ...
Dr. Yoshida- Are you sure that it couldn't have just been a wild animal? You were near the forest, it could have been a bear.
Ai- <irritable tone> I know what I saw...
Dr. Yoshida- You were a child, how could you have known what was going on. The crash alone could have left you confused, now add in the death of your mother, father and blood loss, your mind could have imagined these things in order to cope with reality. Your mother and father are dead, and it wasn't some monster or a ghost that did it. It was an irresponsible driver that did it ...
Ai- No, no, NO!!-
Dr. Yoshida- The sooner you can accept this fact, the sooner you can be on the road to recovery ...
Ai- Get your head out of your FUCKING ASS!! My father and mother were killed by a monster. I-I saw their bodies mutilated... I heard the crunching of bones as well as the screams of pain. I didn't just imagine all of this!
Dr. Yoshida- <sigh> If were going to make ANY progress at all ... you will have to finish your story.
Ai- ...
Dr. Yoshida- Please, I just want to help you.
Ai- You know, that's what they all said, but its not me who needs help. I'll continue only because I want to see how you would rationalize what's next.
As I lay in the overturned car, all I could do was wait for the creature to come and take me. Each breath that I took felt like a deathly chill filled my lungs. The fire continued to burn. I had only two choices and neither of them included me living. It was either death by fire or by the monster that hungrily awaits me. I just burst into tears at the thought of death. I was frightened and all alone. As tears continued to flow down my cheeks, I heard a loud roar from the creature outside. It sounded as if it was impatient. I cried out for my father and mother, but obviously there was no response. I wanted for all of this to turn out to be only a dream. I tried to imagine the warm feeling my father and mother gave me when I was with them. I tried to escape from this nightmare, but reality is harsh and unforgiving, even for a little girl... I was quickly reeled back into reality when I heard a loud thud on the top of the car. The car began shaking violently. I began screaming! I screamed so loud I could have sworn I almost choked up my lungs. A sharp pain surged throughout my body as I screamed, I knew it was from the injury I had. Although it began to hurt like hell every time I screamed. I continued to do so nonetheless. The backseat door behind me was ripped off the hinges and sent spiraling out of sight. I looked over my shoulder hoping that if I should die, please make it as quick as possible. Just the thought of going through what my father did made me sick to my stomach. I continued to watch ... But the mounting anticipation caused me to close my eyes. I didn't have the guts to watch it coming. As I lay there, eye's tightly shut, I could feel a hot breeze on the nape of my neck, followed by a cold thick liquid that oozed down the back of my neck. I froze stiff as a board. I slowly opened my eye's and I saw the monstrous creature looming over me. It snarled at me and opened its maw, extending its tongue out, licking me across my cheek. Drool continued to ooze out of its mouth. It looked something like a black ichor. My eyes widened as I realized that the creature was through toying with me. It was ready to eat...I looked away, placing my hands upon my face in hope that it would just disappear if I didn't look. But, I could feel the chills up my spine because it was indeed still there. Just when I felt it drawing near suddenly, it let out a loud yelp, then silence once again. I felt hands placed upon me. I wanted to struggle but I was unable to. I uncovered my eyes as I was being pulled out the car. I looked up to get a good look at what was holding me, I noticed that this person had broad shoulders, so I made the assumption that it was a he. As I looked up to get a glimpse of his face, the car exploded from the gas leak. The loud thunderous noise deafened me and the bright lights from the explosion filled the night sky. I suddenly fainted, probably from the loss of blood. I had another dream...It was a pleasant dream. I was being tucked in by my father as my mother stood in the doorway with a gentle and warm smile. My father pulls out a book of fairy tales and begins reading it. It was called O-jizu san, The Grateful Statues:
ONCE upon a time an old man and an old woman were living in a country village in Japan. They were very poor and spent every day weaving big hats out of straw. Whenever they finished a number of hats, the old man would take them to the nearest town to sell them. One day the old man said to the old woman: "New Year's is the day after tomorrow. How I wish we had some rice-cakes to eat on New Year's Day! Even one or two little cakes would be enough. Without some rice-cakes we can't even celebrate New Year's." "Well, then," said the old woman, "After you've sold these hats, why don't you buy some rice-cakes and bring them back with you?" So early the next morning the old man took the five new hats that they had made, and went to town to sell them. But after he got to town he was unable to sell a single hat. And to make things still worse, it began to snow very hard. The old man was very sad as he began trudging wearily back toward his village. He was going along a lonesome mountain trail when he suddenly came upon a row of six stone statues of Jizo, the protector of children, all covered with snow. "My, my! Now isn't this a pity," the old man said. "These are only stone statues of Jizo, but even so just think how cold they must be standing here in the snow." "I know what I'll do!" the old man suddenly said to himself. "This will be just the thing."So he unfastened the five new hats from his back and began tying them, one by one, on the heads of the Jizo statues.When he came to the last statue he suddenly realized that all the hats were gone. "Oh, my!" he said, "I don't have enough hats." But then he remembered his own hat. So he took it off his head and tied it on the head of the last Jizo. Then he went on his way home. When he reached his house the old woman was waiting for him by the fire. She took one look at him and cried: "You must be frozen half to death. Quick! Come to the fire. What did you do with your hat?" The old man shook the snow out of his hair and came to the fire. He told the old woman how he had given all the new hats, and even his own hat, to the six stone Jizo. He told her he was sorry that he hadn't been able to bring any rice-cakes. "My! That was a very kind thing you did for the Jizo," said the old woman. She was very proud of the old man, and went on: "It's better to do a kind thing like that than to have all the rice-cakes in the world. We'll get along without any rice-cakes for New Year's." By this time it was late at night, so the old man and woman went to bed. And just before dawn, while they were still asleep, a very wonderful thing happened. Suddenly there was the sound of voices in the distance, singing:
"A kind old man walking in the snow
Gave all his hats to the stone Jizo.
So we bring him gifts with a yo-heave-ho!"
The voices came nearer and nearer, and then you could hear the sound of footsteps on the snow.The sounds came right up to the house where the old man and woman were sleeping. And then all at once there was a great noise, as though something had been put down just in front of the house.The old couple jumped out of bed and ran to the front door. When they opened it, what do you suppose they found? Well, right there at the door someone had spread a straw mat, and arranged very neatly on the mat was one of the biggest and most beautiful and freshest rice-cakes the old people had ever seen. "Whoever could have brought us such a wonderful gift?" they said, and looked about wonderingly. They saw some tracks in the snow leading away from their house. The snow was all tinted with the colors of dawn, and there in the distance, walking over the snow, were the six stone Jizo, still wearing the hats which the old man had given them. The old man said, "It was the stone Jizo who brought this wonderful rice-cake to us." "The old woman said: "You did them a kind favor when you gave them your hats, so they brought this rice-cake to show their gratitude." The old couple had a very wonderful New Year's Day celebration after all, because now they had this wonderful rice-cake to eat ...
How I wish I could go back to that day. I could feel the cold speckles of snow land on my face, it pulled me out of my dream. As I opened my eye's I could see the figure over me, He looked down at me and place his hand on my cheek. I looked at him and noticed that his eye's weren't the eye's of a normal man, or rather they weren't the eye's of any human. They possessed a cat-like look to them as well as an eerie glow. His eye's were fierce and looked as though they could pierce through even the most solid of objects. But as I looked him in the eye I was by no means frightened. I reached towards his chest and did something that left me speechless. With his bare hand, he plunged his hand into his chest and pulled out what looked like his heart. It was still beating, but it was black as tar. He lowered his hand towards my chest and pushed his palm holding the heart into my chest. I felt no pain, I no longer felt the pain from the injury. The cuts and bruises were gone and I could feel my strength coming back to me! From that moment I believed that he was an Angel.
Chapter3-Black Wings
Dr. Yoshida- Yesterday, you spoke of a man that saved you from the the car wreckage before it exploded. You said that he had also saved you from death...
Ai- Apparently, whatever he did to me healed me. When the ambulance came, they did a quick check-up as well as a full body scan and found nothing was wrong with me...
Dr. Yoshida- (Fiddling with his pen) Does this man have a name?
Ai- He didn't tell me. Soon after he saved me, he was attacked by the creature that killed my father and mother.
Dr. Yoshida- (Rubbing his forehead) So your telling me, this black heart that was given to you is what saved your life?
Ai- ...
Dr. Yoshida- I'm going to tell you something. Something that they didn't tell you. (He pulls his glasses off and clasp his hands together as he leans in to speak.) The police report states that on top of the strange disappearance of your father and mother. They also did not find the body or any traces of the man that owned the car that crashed into yours.
Ai- ...Maybe he was eaten by the same creature...
Dr. Yoshida- Ai...You don't seem to understand. There was traces of blood from your father and mother, But the unsub left nothing.
Ai- What are you trying to say?
Dr. Yoshida- Over the past 15 years. There have been an increase of strange disappearances of not only people but sometimes animals. Now, I'd like to talk to you more on this subject but I think it'd be best if you finish your story first.
Ai- Who are you?
Dr. Yoshida- That is of little importance. Listen, you were placed in the psychiatric ward because the things that you spoke about, well let's face it, bordered insanity. But I believe you.
Ai- Huh? Y-you do? That's a first...
Dr. Yoshida- Why don't you finish the story first.
Ai- Uhhh, O-ok... I believed the man who saved my life was an Angel...
My strength began to return to me. I slowly sat up and looked up at him. Despite the fact that his eyes had the look of "adult eyes", his face was quite young. He smiled slightly and ran his fingers through my hair. My face turned beet red as this warm, electric feeling coursed through my body... I-I developed a small crush on him...
Ai- Now that I think about it... that was pretty stupid of me. I didn't even know the guy and he was way older than me. It was some lame child's crush. I guess it's because he had a weird aura about him.. Made him look like a Prince- How embarrassing. Did I really just say that crap... Ugh!
Dr. Yoshida- ...
Ai- Could you by any chance erase that part?
Dr. Yoshida- Just continue. I'll see what I can do.
Ai- Yea...Now where did I leave off? Oh yea, I was captivated by him, somewhat...
He asked me if I was alright, I shook my head side to side slowly. My eye's drifted off him and focused on the ground. I could feel the sudden rush of emotions flooding into me. Just as my eye's began to water, he placed his hand upon my head. The feeling of sadness quickly ebbed away. He took his cloak off and wrapped me in it. His hair fell down just at his shoulders. It was a deep black, blacker than a starless sky. He told me that as long as I wear this cloak, I will be safe ... I pulled the cloak around myself tighter. Suddenly, there was loud shrieking and whooping that reverberated throughout the thick forest nearby. He stood up and told me to lay low. He then raised his right hand up and recited: "Fire of Hephaestos take physical shape and forge me a sword so that I can burn my enemies to a cinder..BLACK IGNIS!!" The black flames began to swirl about his right hand and then concentrated in his fist, Then the flame extended into a sword. The sword had strange symbols and designs etched directly on the blade. The tree's trembled as the howls and shrieks grew louder. The man then raised his sword and waited for his hidden enemies to attack. The creatures burst forth from the forest and darted toward him, They ran on all fours almost like a dog. He thrust his sword downward cleaving one of the creatures in half. It fell to the ground and crumbled to ash and embers. Two more of them were rushing in on both sides. With their arms outstretched and jagged fangs bare - they jumped at him. He turned quickly and landed a heavy blow to one of them across it's face with his fist. Then swung his sword as he turned to face the other beheading it in midair. The other creature got up and snarled angrily. It opened it's maw and a molten flame began to spew out of its mouth. It fired the flaming ball towards him. He expertly deflected the fireball with his sword into the air. The molten ball exploded and the fragments rained down onto the snow covered ground. The creatures were relentless with their assault. They continued to rush out of the forest as fast as he was able to cut them down. But he did not tire; he did not stop.. He then sheathed his sword into the ground and arched his back. His shirt bulged up as if something was trying to fight it's way out, it tore, revealing huge black wings. Black flames enveloped his body. The creatures were gathering, awaiting his next move. He let out a fierce roar and a huge wave of energy exploded off of him. Waves of black flame began engulfing the nearby creatures, incinerating them instantly. The creatures no longer came. He finally stopped and the wings on his back burned away. He walked towards me and said, "I cannot take you with me, your much too young. I'll find you when your older and explain to you about the events that you witnessed. Stay close to that cloak, it will keep you hidden." He turned away. I could hear the sirens of the ambulance and police closing in. I called for him to come back but he left without saying another word, nor did he look back.
Dr. Yoshida- A man with black wings.
Ai- yea...
Dr. Yoshida- Hrrmmm... Do you still have that cloak he gave you?
Ai- No, they took it and packed it away somewhere. They considered me a hazard to others, so I don't have much privilege around here. I was pretty violent when I was younger.
Dr. Yoshida- "Was", is an understatement.
Ai- Shut up asshole!
Dr. Yoshida- ...Did you know your father was a scientist?
Ai- Eh?, no, I was to young...I didn't know much about my father's work. My mother was a housewife.
Dr. Yoshida- Apparently, the things he's been doing is mostly blacklisted. But these two words keeps surfacing..."Black Eden" ... Mean anything to you?
Ai- No..
Dr. Yoshida- Also their are some lines with the word "Grigori" and a japanese archaic name ..."Ijin".
Ai- Grigori? Ijin?. I don't know what any of those are.
Dr. Yoshida- There is also a photo of a pendant. It shows a dragon swallowing its own tail and forming a circle. Now I did some research on this thing. It's said to be an ancient symbol that symbolizes "Aeternitas".
Ai- Let me see. (She looks at the photo) I've never seen- (Suddenly memories began flooding back, memories of the pendant.) No, wait... I've seen it before. M-my father used to wear it.
Dr. Yoshida- Do you know where it is?!
Ai- No, it was probably blown up in the car along with him...
Dr. Yoshida-...Well, I looked up this name "Ijin". All I could find was that it was a word once used to describe someone as an outsider, black sheep or alien... It can also mean hero, strangely enough..
Ai- None of those words or that name means anything to me.
Dr. Yoshida- I see... Well I have to go for now. It's getting late.
Ai- ...Hmph..
Dr. Yoshida- (He begins packing his equipment up. As soon as he finished, he made his way towards the door. He turned towards Ai after remembering something.) Ohh, one more thing, I almost forgot. There was also some vague information about "Black Wings". (He paused for a minute to look at her, then he walked out the door.)
Ai- W-what was my father doing all that time...what if those strange creatures and the appearance of the "Black Winged Man" was all his doing. That would mean that mom's death was his f- I don't even want to think about that...Father, you dumbass...(She was escorted back to her room and the door was locked.) I really, really hate this place.
Chapter4-Tainted Black
I had another dream that night … I was holding my father’s hand as he and I walked down a long hallway. The hallway was dimly lit and there were countless sealed doors on either side. I looked up at my father and saw that he had on a white lab coat. He looked down at me and smiled. I noticed the pendant dangling around his neck, this necklace called "Aeternas". We approached a sealed door at the end of the hallway and came to a halt. He released my hand and reached into his coat pulling out a keycard, as he swiped the card, I could hear a voice … It was a familiar voice, but I couldn’t for the life of me figure whose voice it was. It was a woman’s voice, gentle, warm and loving. I couldn’t understand what she was saying but she sounded desperate. I heard the sound of the door opening, echoing. The light from the other side crept in as it slowly opened. I turned to look at my father. He stood silent only looking forward. His eyes hidden behind glasses that shone from the glare of the bright light that flooded into the poorly lit hallway. I reached up to hold my father’s hand but before I could even grasp it, he stepped through the now opened doorway … slowly, being swallowed up by the bright light. I yelled for my father but there was no answer. I decided to step into the doorway as well. I shaded my eyes from the light with my arm and stepped through. I could hear a sweet, serene sound. It was that woman’s voice from before, only this time she was humming. It sounded as if she was serenading a child to sleep. I could feel myself falling into the void of light then, suddenly my body was cold and, a bright glaring light blinded me. I tried to lift my arm to shield my eyes but I couldn’t. They felt like they were being tied down. I heard voices, distorted, that spoke. My eyes became used to the light and I could see vague figures of people that wore masks standing around me. I realized the cold feeling I felt was a metal slab that I was lying on. My arms could not move because they were clasped down by metal cuffs. I struggled to break free. I could see one of the figures reaching for me and then I noticed a gleam from his neck. It was the pendant my father had worn. I struggled harder and just before his hand could touch me - I jolted out of bed in a cold sweat! My heart was pounding furiously. I noticed that it was still dark … I curled up in my bed and pulled the sheets tightly around me. I didn’t understand the meaning of that dream and I was frightened by it. I stared at the wall. I was hesitant about closing my eyes. I didn’t want to go back to sleep and go through that dream again. Hours had passed and I still remained awake. I was staring at the ceiling, lying still. As the seconds became minutes and the minutes became hours, I found myself unable to hold my eyes open any longer. I began to drift to sleep, until I heard a noise from the door of my room. The door was unlocked and it slowly swung open. I could hear the sound of heavy, coarse breathing and footsteps as it made its way into my room. I sat upright to see what was going on. A hand gripped the corner of the door and, slid down a bit before gripping tighter to hold itself up. I noticed a slick streak running down the door, then as the person crept around the corner into my room, I realized that she was one of the nurses and that she was covered in blood, her stomach and chest lacerated and torn, as well as a dismembered arm. The sound from her guttering voice gurgled out a word before she dropped onto the floor making a loud thud of wet, mangled flesh onto the floor. I was able to make out what she said ... "Run" … I could hear the sound of groaning and bellowing outside of the room. I was mulling over the thought of going through the door but the sight of blood from the nurse kept me at bay. I clenched my hands into a fist and summoned the courage to walk by the bloody corpse that lay in my path. I stepped over her body, hugging close to the wall, making my way towards the door. I then peaked around the corner and saw something I wish I hadn’t. There was a grotesque creature in the middle of the hall rending and feasting upon the flesh of a doctor. I knew instantly that this creature, no this beast, was like the ones I had seen when I was a child. I reached at my shoulders, trying to grab for the cloak but then I realized that I no longer had it. I cautiously took a step out the door. I felt that since the lights are out and it’s busy eating, if I’m quiet enough, I can sneak out of the door and go down the hallway towards the right to try and make my escape. I slipped out of the door and made my way down the hall to the right. As I continued to hug the wall, with every step I could feel a sticky, gummy texture beneath my bare feet. I already knew what it was, the grisly horror that was spread across these floors and splattered against the walls. It was the blood of the monster’s victims. I knew it was not the macabre discomfort walking barefooted in this mess; it was more about whether or not I would be caught by that beast. I made my way towards the end of the hall, approaching the stairs, since I was on the top floor; I had to go down 4 floors in order to make it out of the building. As I made my way down the seemingly endless stairs, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the best idea, to go down several flights of stairs in pitch black. I shook my head to withdraw such thoughts. I made it down to the second floor, and the most terrifying sounds came from the halls of that floor. I immediately knew that the monsters were overrunning every floor of the building. I was about to make my way down the next flight of steps but, then I heard the sounds of low groans and hoarse breathing undulating nearer. I hurriedly made my way back up the steps to hide around the corner. I peeked around and saw the beast walking, slowly swaying side to side because of its grotesque and abnormal figure. The beast finally passed, I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to remain calm. I crept down the steps but then I nearly tripped down the steps from a vehement roar that bellowed behind me. I quickly turned around and there it was, one of those monsters looming at the top of the steps. It looked horribly disfigured, its face was skewed so it had only one eye that drooped on the side of its face but despite that fact, it stared at me. Out of fear, my body turned me around and I began running towards the next flight of steps but it was not of my own accord. I was so scared my body decided on it’s own to run. The monster jumped down from the top of the stairs landing directly behind me and then hit me with its giant, sinewy arm. I was sent flying down the steps where I slammed into the wall and fell to the floor. I winced in pain from the impact. I looked up the steps at the beast, its body began tearing at its torso, and then it opened revealing a huge gaping maw with countless rows of teeth. It releases another vehement roar then something protruded out of its mouth, it looked like tentacles. The tentacles with its snake like movement quickly made its way down the steps and grabbed onto my leg, it coiled around the ankles of both my legs and forcefully began pulling me up the steps towards his mouth. I could feel a tingling sensation around my ankles from the tentacles, it felt like my skin was on fire; it could be its tentacles are laced in some form of acid. I started screaming at the top of my lungs as the memories of my past began to envelope me, I was scared, but at the same time I was disgusted at myself. I am so weak! So damn WEAK! Why can’t I be stronger! Like the man with the black wings … I HATE this side of me! This pathetic, pitiful side of me is deplorable! I want to be stronger! As I thought that, something inside of me just clicked. I could feel something deep inside of wanted to get out. It was strength that I felt familiar with, it was nostalgic. I felt my skin crawl and my chest ache. My right arm began to change, it was turning black, and then a black flame enshrouded itself around my arm. The beast had finally pulled me over the last stair and was reeling me in towards his mouth. I then heard a voice that gave me such focus and courage, it told me to ATTACK! Without a moments hesitation I lunged my right arm towards the tentacle and to my surprise, severed it with ease.
Ai- Let go of me motherfucker!!!
I lashed at it again and again, cutting off chunks of putrid, sinewy flesh. Its blood splattered not only on my face but everywhere else. I found myself enjoying it, the feeling of revenge, revenge for something that turned my whole life upside down because of these beasts! I began to lose myself into the rage that was bottled up inside. Everything turned black, all I could hear was the loud howls from the beast and the sick noises of squishing from its flesh, but slowly even the sound was no longer heard. When I finally came to, I found myself outside in a back alley, lying in a pile of garbage that gave of a terrible foul odor. I could hear the constant pitter-patter of rain, which had also soaked me through my clothes. I was confused, I didn’t know where I was or how I even got here, but I guess the only thing that matters for now is that I was able to escape. I wasn’t really dressed in much, I felt that I should at least get out of the rain and find a change of clothes. I thought to myself, what I did inside of that building, what was that strange power, which allowed me to fend for myself and what will become of me now. No doubt whatever happened in that ward will be announced to the public, don’t know how they will explain it. I also wondered whether those creatures were after me and if they were, why now? Why take so long to do it? I had a lot of unanswered questions and the only person I could think of talking to was Dr. Yoshida, I have to find him. I walked down the alley and looked at my hands.
Ai- My hand had such power … Was this given to me from the black winged man? Could he have been a monster like them? Why do I feel that if I am to somehow get any answers to these questions, I won’t like them one bit …
Chapter5- Fated Encounter
It was still dark out, the rain was still pouring; I continued to cautiously walk through the alleys. I knew the sun was rising soon, so I had to get off the streets immediately. My body was sluggish and weak, due to the lack of sleep and the fact that I hadn’t eaten for a day … I was clumsy in my movements. It must have only been thirty minutes since I was out here but it felt like hours in this horrible weather. The blood that stained my hands were washed clean, but my clothes remained stained by the black ichor but it only looked like black ink that was half-heartedly washed. I finally stumbled in front of what looked like a small diner. The door was shut but the light was still lit inside. I knocked on the door and pressed my back against the wall then slid down to the ground. I heard the door opening; a middle aged looking man stepped out of the door with an umbrella and looked about before finally laying his eyes on me. He knelt down to take a close look at me then closed the umbrella and slid his arms under my legs and my arms lifting me up in a cradled position. He then took me inside, he yelled out for someone.
Middle Aged Man- HEY! DAISUKE! GET DOWN HERE!
Daisuke- You don’t have to yell… I’m coming…
Middle Aged Man- (He laid Ai down on the floor) Oi, young girl, what’s your name?
Ai- …Loveless…
Middle Aged Man- (Smiling proudly) now what kind of a name is loveless? Don’t worry about a thing, I’ll fix you something to eat and my son will help you till then.
Ai- …
Daisuke- (He just made it down the steps and began approaching his father and Ai) Don’t tell me you beat up someone else? (He notices Ai lying on the floor in only a hospital gown.) Did you just snatch a girl off the streets and put her in a hospital gown!? What is this some hidden fetish I didn’t know about?!
Dad- What? No! I found her outside my store like that; she looked like she needed help. (He turned to Ai and spoke in a reassuring tone) I only really beat up two people at the most because they looked rather suspicious hovering around my diner. Oh! Almost forgot, my name is Kenta and this is my noodle shop, the Matsuda Noodle Shop!
Daisuke- Why are you announcing something like that to her like it’s a sales pitch?! Didn’t you say you were going to cook something for her?!
Dad- Oh right! I’ll be right back, hehe!
Daisuke- Sorry, my dad can be an idiot sometimes…Your not hurt are you?
Ai- …No…
Daisuke- Can you walk?
Ai- I think so…
Daisuke- Well, were going to have to walk up some stairs to get to the bathing room. So you can wash up and change into some clean clothes. I have an older sister that use to live here with us but she moved because she went abroad for college, when she left, Dad decided to leave her room as it was, so there still should be some clothes in there you can use.
Ai- (She manages to get on her feet and follows behind Daisuke) …
Daisuke- So what kind of a name is "Loveless"?
Ai- …
Daisuke- You don’t speak much do you? Well that’s alright, if you don’t want to talk about yourself or anything I won’t force you.
Ai- …I don’t want to talk about it…
Daisuke- Okay, no worries, here’s the bath room; we have an ofuro, so you can relax for a bit. By the time you get out and change, the food should be finished, two doors down to the right is my sister’s room, you can go in there to change.
Ai- (nods)
I stepped into the bath room and closed the door behind me, I removed the hospital gown and tossed it aside, as I climbed into the ofuro all the bad feelings that afflicted me like a disease, was instantly melted away by the warm and soothing feeling of the water that filled the ofuro. I slowly sank into the water, submerging myself until my lips were under the water. I thought about what had happened inside the hospital. I lifted my right arm from under the water and examined it. I could see nothing wrong with my arm, as if what had happened was purely my imagination but that was not the case because there is no way I could imagine the feeling of putrid flesh in my hands so vividly and the howls the beast let out from my attacks. I figured that if I stay here to recuperate, the next day I can slip out and find Dr. Yoshida. ..
Daisuke- Hey dad, the outfit she was wearing… Do you think she escaped from a ward?
Father- It’s none of our business…
Daisuke- But, what if she’s dangerous?
Father- All I know is that girl needs our help right now… She’s hungry and needs a place to stay…
Daisuke- …Were going to be opening soon, do we just tell her to stay up stairs?
Father- Hrmm, Well the rain is lettin’ up, so I think we could use an extra hand around here.
Daisuke- Eh!? You can’t be serious! You expect her to help us out?
Father- Well we did get her out of the rain, put her in clean clothes and were about to feed her, I think the least she can do is help us out with the customers, after she gets a bit of rest.
Daisuke- We can’t do that, we don’t know what she’s been through, how do we even know if she can provide good customer service? She doesn’t even want to talk!
Father- Wahahahaha!
Daisuke- What the hell are you laughing for!
Father- Wahahaha! You worry too much son. Everything’s going to be fine.
I climbed out of the ofuro feeling renewed, I grabbed the towel that was hung out for me then wrapped myself with it and proceeded towards Daisuke’s sister’s room. I stepped inside and looked around. I could remember my room when I was a child, it was warm and humble, and being inside that ward could never feel the same, no matter how much freedom is granted …
Ai- So this is the room of a girl who is loved by her family …
I noticed there were clothes placed out on the bed, I picked through them and finally put on the clothing I felt fit me best. I sat down on the bed then let myself fall backwards. It felt strange lying in a bed that wasn’t mine, but it felt even stranger lying in the bed of a girl who had the joy of growing up with her family … I saw pictures of her when she was a child, pictures of her, her brother, father and mother. A question came to me that I didn’t think of the first time. Where is the mother? I looked at the photo and saw how happy they were, I envy them … I sat the photo back down and left the room. I was curious about what the rest of the place looked like, but I decided to stifle such feelings and went down stairs. I could smell the food, the aroma of beef broth, and the smell of different vegetables filled the air. I was captivated by the smell and was instantly lured into the dining room by its enticing aroma. I looked inside and saw Daisuke and his father already seated waiting for me to sit.
Father- (smiling) Go ahead! Take a seat.
Daisuke- My dad maybe an idiot sometimes but if there’s one thing my father can do, it’s making great ramen.
Ai- Hmm … (Takes a seat at the table)
Father- Hehe, Itadakimasu!
Daisuke- Itadakimasu!
Ai- …
Father- (He begins eating) Mmmm! <slurp>
Daisuke- (Maintaining good eating habits, he takes his chopsticks and begins eating) …
Ai- (She lifts her chopsticks, and grabs hold of a slice of beef and eats it) …
Father- (Irritated) It’s to damn quiet!
Daisuke- Why do you always have to yell...? Weren’t you the one saying to be mindful of others feelings?
Father- Meh…
Ai- (Finishes chewing her food) Where’s your mom?
Daisuke- (Caught off guard) Huh?!
Father- (Eye’s lowered to the ground) … Um…
Daisuke- …She passed away giving birth to ... me …
Ai- …
Father- Anyway, this isn’t good table talk…How about some bean paste?
Ai- I envy you …
Daisuke- …Why?
Ai- My mother and father were killed in a car crash, leaving me all alone … I had no one else …
Daisuke- …
Father- … Hey, listen, you can stay here for however long you want.
Ai- … I thank you for your kindness, but I can’t stay here for long. I’m leaving tomorrow, there’s a lot I have to do.
Daisuke- Are you in trouble?
Father- Daisuke!
Ai- … I don’t know …
Daisuke- … Well, if you ever need a place to come back to, you’re always welcome.
Father- Right!
Ai- Hmm…
Father- There is one other thing, since you’re here; I was wondering whether it would be alright to ask you for your assistance with running the shop.
Daisuke- Daaaaad … Why are you asking her such a dumb qu-?
Ai- Sure …
Daisuke & Father- EH?!
Ai- (Shrug) I’ll help for now …
Father- Ehehe! Wonderful! Daisuke! Show her the ropes on proper customer service and how to serve a table. We’ve got work to do!
Daisuke- (Sigh)
We didn’t talk much as we ate but I could tell that they were content with the conversation we had. Daisuke gathered all of the dishes and took them into the kitchen to clean. Kenta headed toward the kitchen to get ready for the shop to open. I didn’t feel it was my place to offer assistance because I felt I didn’t belong but I got a sense of fulfillment watching those two work side by side in the kitchen. It made me think of what could’ve been. They set up the shop quickly, a clear sign that they were pretty much experts at what they were doing. Daisuke was rather flashy with making the noodles, probably to impress me … I thought it was funny but I congratulated him on his effort. We occasionally talked and he showed me how I should wait tables and the likes but the conversations were never to long. I knew he didn’t want to get into my personal life so he avoided saying things that may have me bring it up, I could tell he was still a little curious about my situation though. Daisuke had me dress in the outfit his sister used to wear to wait tables, it was pretty embarrassing to me, and Daisuke was rather enjoying it. It was finally time to open up shop. They unlocked the door and flipped the sign to open. The customers began to come in like clockwork, I guess their noodle shop was pretty successful, given they are set up in such an awkward area … To my surprise, waiting tables was no easy tasked in this shop, the people were masterful of the menu, so they were very quick in giving out their orders and I trying to keep up was laughable. Daisuke told me that it’s bad to continuously ask the customers to repeat themselves but the customers knew I was new to this whole thing so they had no problems. Inside the kitchen Kenta was dicing up a storm with the vegetables, I never seen someone work with such fervor, and vigor as he does, it was impressive. Working with them made me forget about those terrible things that had happened to me. While I was carrying ramen to a table, Daisuke walked by me and whispered something happily, He said, "I have never seen Dad look so happy ever since Mom died." I wanted to return the smile, but I was unable to, it hurts to try. The day was slowly winding down to its end, the last bit of customers stepped out of the door and Kenta locked it and flipped the sign.
Father- YOSH!! This calls for a celebration!
Daisuke- What are you yelling about this time…?
Father- (He pulls out some warm sake and begins filling a cup, then takes a sip) Ahhhh!
Daisuke- Don’t start drinking all of a sudden… We still have to clean up…
Ai- That was sort of exciting.
Daisuke- Yea? It was, wasn’t it?
Ai- …
Father- (Pouring himself another cup) Making noodles and cooking noodles is just as fun as serving it. I enjoy what I do.
Ai- Hn.
Daisuke- You mind helping me clean up?
Ai- No …
We began clearing the area, cleaning the dishes, wiping down tables, sweeping floors and everything in-between. Kenta was still busy drinking himself to the floor with sake, I guess he was really happy. Daisuke was yelling at him, calling him a freeloader but you could see he was smiling all the while.
Father- (Mumbling somewhat incoherently) Daiske … when I’m old … all of thish here will be yoursh … I’m proud … of yous son …
Daisuke- Idiot … (He walked up to him and helped him up to his room)
I sat down in a chair and looked out the window. In here it feels like it’s a different world, like there are two worlds in here and outside but I have to find Dr. Yoshida and ask him these questions that bother me. I decided that I would leave during the night… I’ll just sneak out of the window in his sister’s room. I know that it isn’t right to leave without saying a word but its better this way. Daisuke was coming back down stairs, shaking his head.
Daisuke- I can never understand dad sometimes … oh well, you can use my sister’s room to sleep if you want.
Ai-… I’ve wanted to ask you, what is your sister’s name?
Daisuke- Oh, her names Yuuka …
Ai- Must have been nice having a sister …
Daisuke- hehe, not really, she was a pain in the neck because she was older … She always teased me and did a lot of things that pissed me off haha … Dad always said that she reminds him of Mom. Even though she was so annoying at times, whenever I was sad or needed help she was always there. I never got to see Mom but I guess through my sis she was sort of there.
Ai- …
There was a long silence between for awhile. There wasn’t much to talk about and the awkward feeling of me being alone with him was to much to handle… I stood up and told Daisuke I was going to get some sleep. He just nodded with a grin and looked out the window to the distance. I guess he was thinking about his mother. I went upstairs and went into Yuuka’s room, changed into clothes so I can leave the shop, turned the lights out, then fell into the bed. I stared at the window looking at the sky. I lied there watching the sun slowly settle on the horizon and the sky turning a crimson red then slowly after the sky darkens. I was ready to leave, so I got up from the bed and walked up to the window, I quietly opened it. I then heard some foot steps’ making its way upstairs, Daisuke was downstairs all this time and I guess he had just decided to retire to his bedroom. I held my breath and slowly crept out the window. I could hear his footsteps close in on the door, and then it came to a halt. He was standing right in front of the door. I could hear the door slowly being pushed open. I climbed out the window and climbed my way towards the ground, I immediately started running down the street. I turned my head looking over my shoulder and noticed Daisuke peeking out the window looking at me as I ran.
Daisuke- Sayonara, Loveless…
I could see that his mouth was moving but I couldn’t quite make out what he said. He stuck his hand out and waved good-bye to me and I, without saying a word to him didn’t raise my hand to wave, instead I turned my head away and continued running. I didn’t want to wave because I felt that I might stop running and go back to them… But I had a feeling he understood. I wasn’t quite sure where to look, to find Dr. Yoshida which vexed me. It would be as hard as finding a needle in a haystack. I was running through a neighborhood till I heard some faint screams from a home across the street. I saw the door was broken off the hinges. I knew immediately what had done that. I wanted to come face to face with another of those things to see exactly what this strange power I have is. I rushed towards the house and entered the door without hesitation which was reckless on my part because as soon as I stepped inside I was welcomed with a heavy blow to my stomach and sent flying into the kitchen. I hit the fridge door hard, putting a nice dent in it. I looked up and was rather pissed by what happened but no matter how pissed I was I could never get over the fact of just how ghastly these creatures look. This one was different from the one I encountered in the hospital. It was very scrawny, stringy like, it looked emaciated but its arms and legs were rather long and its left arm was thick like a club. Every time it took a breath it sounded like it was snickering. The creature walked into the kitchen dragging it’s heavy arm behind it, it could barely stand straight because of it’s arm so it simply hung back letting the weight of it’s arm bend it, giving it such poor posture. Although its head was almost practically touching the ground because of its poor posture, I was pretty sure it could see me without a doubt because most of its body was covered with eyes; it makes me wonder that if such grotesqueries were even allowed to walk upon earth, is there a God? I looked at my right arm, trying to summon that same power from before but nothing was happening, just when the creature was lifting its heavy arm to pulverize me. The sound of a blade slicing through bone and flesh was heard. I looked up only to see that the creature was quickly dispatched and a man wearing a black cloak was standing before me, the black winged man, my Angel…[/spoiler]
EDIT: this got hard to edit as the story is SOOOooo good with it's twists and turns that it kept pulling me in!!!
