Disclaimer: The original VF story and Characters belong to Yamane Ayano Sensei.
WARNING: This is a fanfic for the boys love manga Finder no Hyouteki (Finder Series) which includes lemon and romance between men. So if its not your thing. Please don't read.
Warning: Some Angst in this chapter.
Main Pairing: Takaba Akihito & Asami Ryuuichi
Feel free to leave a comment!
Thank You for following the story so far and I hope you enjoy!
"Asami-sama, we got a new report from our inside man."
"Good. report."
"Last night, Takayama had meetings with clients and backers at hid estate. Our man was positioned as a guard at the back entrance so couldn't find out who they were. However it seems likely that it included some of our own influential backers that could mean a betrayal. "
"I don't like the sound of that. Order an investigation on who they were."
"Hai. He also found out that there will be many children sold tonight. Looks like Takayama is going all out. The last report stated that they had orders to kidnap a girl not too long ago. Believed to be part of the children to be sold. Here is the picture of the girl.
"This is."
"Hai, its Takaba Akihito's adopted daughter."
"Why...Ah, so it is like that after all."
"It seems like she was to be sold at the last meeting, however Takaba interrupted and took the girl. He then changed her hair style and adopted her. That is the most probable scenario. His reasons for adopting her are still unclear."
"How did she get kidnapped, what of Akihito?"
"He was away on a job, she wad entrusted to hid two friends who were unable to protect her."
"And of our bodyguards we put on the boy?"
"They were following him but lost him early last night. They returned this morning."
"I should have put one on the girl. So they know he was with her, did they already get him too."
"No, it seems like that is not the case."
"Its not?"
"They were ordered to find the girl and watch her. However that night was the night you guys were together. They came to the conclusion she was abandoned by him and sold to the two men who were with her that night. Unaware that they were his friends."
"Ha! What a fool Takayama is. And to think he has been working for me in the last few years. Looks like we need to go through his work later and see what else he screwed up."
"I will make note of it."
Asami looks back at the photo, the girl was tied up in the car. He had mixed feelings about her.
Akihito...why didn't you tell me everything. Why didn't you tell me you took her from Takayama. That she was also in danger. I could have protected her for you. But you wanted to protect her to the point of lying to me... What made you so connected to this girl you picked up from the streets?
Looking at the photo, he felt restless and angry at the mistrust his kitten had of him. But he could also see it. He felt something within the girl, a strength that reminded him of his boy. The flame in her eyes that screamed defiance at her captors and burned with the same flame as his favorite hazel eyes.
"I want to know how they found her so suddenly. And Kirishima, find him."
"Right Away."
Ring - Ring - Ring
"Ah. Kirishima, never mind. I found him."
Asami: "Hello kitten."
Takaba: "...I... I need your help...Asami."
All the anger in him suddenly evaporated. He had come to him. And that was enough.
Asami:"How can I help?"
Takaba:"Aozora. My daughter got kidnapped...by Takayama."
Asami:"Why do you think it was Takayama. He wouldn't sell random children when he already has some."
Tell me Akihito. I want to hear it from you.
Takaba:"Because..."
Asami:"Akihito."
Takaba:"Because I took her away from him! When I interrupted their last trade, I saw her and couldn't help wanting to protect her."
Asami:"Why?"
Takaba:"I don't know. But when I saw her through my viewfinder. I felt like it was fate. Her eyes were alive, they were burning with passion. I couldn't just let her get sold away to her death.
Asami:"Then why didn't you bring her to an orphanage or to the police."
Takaba:"...I was going to. The next morning. But."
Asami:"But?"
Takaba:"I found something within her that resonated within me. When I saw her smile, there was no other choice in my mind. I wanted to be with her, to teach her, to protect her and watch her grow. Making her my daughter seemed like the most sensible thing at the time. "
Asami:"..."
Takaba:"Asami. Please. Help me bring her home."
Asami:"Alright. I'll help you. But remember Akihito. I don't share.
Takaba:"Asa-"
Asami:"Relax. That doesn't mean I'll harm the girl or make you leave her. We will see about that later. For now. I need you to listen to me. First, the fact that you called me instead of rushing in to save her means your calm enough to think. Must be from being a criminal photographer, makes you always have a clear head in bad situations. But I need you to understand. No matter what happens, you cannot act on your own. You cannot rush at them. Trust me and follow my lead. Do you understand Akihito?"
Takaba:"I understand."
Asami:"Good, then here is the plan. I am working with a partner to take Takayama down at tonight's trade. In order for this to work, they need to complete the transaction before we act. That means the children will be sold. We will then enter and take charge of the situation. I will be sure to get the children back safely and take care of Takayama. As promised I will then leave it to you to send him to the police and get your photos in. He can rot in prison afterwards, I don't care and i won't interfere. Not with his sentence and not with the photos to the press."
Takaba:"What do I do? I can't just stand by and do nothing."
Asami:"Of course not, my wild kitten. I need you to do what you do best. Take photographs. You will stay hidden during the meeting, I need you to take photos as proof of their transaction and to report the situation to us. We have a man on the inside. However it is hard to know exactly where he will be positioned and how much freedom he will be given. And Akihito, remember no matter what happens, you are not to interfere with the trade. She is their merchandise, they won't harm her."
Takaba:"I get it. If this will bring the kids to safety and Aozora back, then I'll follow your directions. I won't budge."
Asami:"Good. Don't forget, they are still looking for you too. Keep a low profile and don't be reckless."
Takaba:"I won't, i'll go prep. I need to find the optimal location for the stakeout.
Asami:"Fufufu, You finally sound like a professional criminal photographer, sexy."
Takaba:"and you sound like a worried parent, not so sexy... But. ...Thanks Asami."
Asami:"...Thank me later, Akihito, I...no, never mind, i'll tell you later"
I want to see you, my wild kitten.
Takaba:"Hmm? Don't just stop midway. Anyway, I will see you later. Bye Asami."
Asami stares at the phone that got cut off, he couldn't understand what he was feeling, simply listening to the boy's voice made him feel...strangely elevated. It was an alienated state. The only thing he knew is that he wanted to see him. Knowing it would be sooner rather than later, made him want to hurry and have the night end quicker. He called in his secretary, one more order to be made before the final act.
"Kirishima, make the final arrangements. the final act is about to begin."
"Hai. Asami-sama,, with pleasure.
Akihito got to the warehouse a few hours before the meeting was to take place, when he arrived he became aware of the few men scouting the area. He ducked passed them and entered through the side garage door that was slightly open. He reached the top level , finding himself a nice position in a corner of a dusty room.
This will do. The view provides me with the perfect angle, I can keep low and still hear everything from the tall height of the warehouse. The room is hard to get to, no one will be coming this way. Two more hours. Aozora. soon, I will save you soon. Please, hold off until then.
Two groups were meeting in a warehouse located at the edge of an old ship port. Their respective men were mostly stationed outside with only the most trusted of them inside.
"Welcome to japan"
"Mr. Takayama, it has been a while. It is good to do business with you again. My clients are waiting eagerly to get their hands on the merchandise.
"I'm sure they are, the quality is a cut above the rest, as always."
"no doubt, where are the children?" The philippine man spoke in a low deep voice. He was a man of large build, like most of his men with him. He was often called the middlemen, one who bought the children and trafficked them abroad to be sold to patrons. The money gained from this was in an unknown range that was never disclosed to business clients or partners.
"Bring them out. Feel free to check the merchandises."
Eight young children were brought out of a van, Aozora was not among them. They stood beside Takayama like porcelain dolls.
"Delightful. You kept them clean and ready. Their eyes look dull and obedient, just as I like them. Where is the special case?"
"Bring her."
Aozora was brought out of Takayama's car, she wore a simple light blue dress, her hands tied behind her back. Her short hair was combed back, clearly showing her eyes burning with defiance.
"Let go of me!"
"She is a feisty one isn't she."
"Yes, a premium merchandise. shut her up."
They tied a cloth over her mouth, stopping her from talking anymore.
"I have a client who has doubled her cost from my last client. That is why I came down, I was told to bring her directly to him myself. He will greatly enjoy bringing those defiant eyes under submission. He is known for his passion towards struggling girls who change for him. Not that I will ever understand such taste. I much prefer the obedient ones."
"As do I, the ones who have their will intact are trouble and difficult to manage. Let us know if you have any other requirements, it will be in our service to collect them."
"I will let you know. Here are the products for the trade. Of course, a great sum will additionally be deposited into your account within minutes of our transaction."
"Looks good. Send them the children. You will need someone to hold onto this feisty one. She will run."
"Hold her down, a little sedative never hurt."
Akihito dug his nails deep into his arm, the way they treated her, talked about her. He wanted to gouge their eyes out and take her far far away from here.
Not yet Aki, not yet. Wait for the signal. Wait.
The philippine man opened the case he took from his men and took out the syringe.
"Don't worry little one, this will only make you drowsy, we wouldn't want you harming yourself before you meet your master, now would we."
He grabbed Aozora's arm, embedding the syringe into it, letting the sedative enter her body. Within minutes, her body collapsed against the man holding her.
"This completes our transaction. We look forward to our future ones. As well as the moment the Wang group takes over Asami's reign. Hahaha"
"The money has been received. Collect the drugs and guns. Were moving out."
"Hai, Takayama-sama."
"So. This is where the real party's at."
A voice came from the back of the warehouse, making everyone on guard.
"Takayama, I'm disappointed, why didn't you invite me to such a fun...party...I believe I told you. NOT. TO. DISAPPOINT. ME. I guess you didn't get the memo."
The temperature in the warehouse dropped several degrees. Everyone stood frozen as Asami walked to the center, standing in between the philipine man and Takayama.
"A...Asami..-sama. Wh...y?"
"Why am I here? You should tell me. I don't remember allowing you to make side business."
Takayama's men acted first, their guns up and pointing to Asami.
"Looks like your reign will end sooner rather than later, A-sa-mi-sa-ma" Takayama was afraid, very afraid of the man named Asami Ryuuiichi, Ever since the first day he met him. The 10 year old younger man was not normal, nothing about him or how he conducted his work was normal. But that same Asami walked into a tiger's den all by himself. It was now or never.
"You really are a fool, aren't you Takayama."
"What!?"
Everything happened within a minute. Half of Takayama's men redirected their guns to Takayama. The philippine's men pointed their guns at the remained of Takayama's men and walked forward to protect Asami.
"Now, now Takayama. I can't have you harm my client. How else am I going to get payed." The philippine man came forward, his gun raised. He stood in front of Takayama, blocking his view to Asami who wore a smirk of triumph.
"C-client?! Who?"
"Why Asami-sama, he is the my client this time."
"Thank you, my men will take charge of this situation, it seems I still need to tighten the leash on my men."
"You can leave my merchandise here, my secretary will provide you with the payment in the limo waiting outside. You can also ride it to the airport, on me." As he spoke the words, Asami's men came flooding in, taking their position and took away the last of Takayama's resistant men.
"I will take you up on that offer Asami-sama. Good doing business with you. Men! let's head out."
Once everyone left, there were only a few left in the warehouse. The children were brought to waiting vehicles outside and were to be transported to a private hospital for check ups. Takayama's men were brought to another warehouse where they were to be tortured before sent to their deaths for betrayal. In the warehouse, it left only Takayama, a few of Asami's trusted men and Asami himself.
Takaba received the message he had been waiting for. Through his view finder he watched as Asami entered the tiger's den, a dreadful feeling grew in the pit of his stomach that quickly changed to awe as he watched his man take over the situation. Then he realized, it was Takayama who had been playing alone in the tiger's den. After a couple of minutes, there was only a few men, Asami and Takayama left. He took a few last pictures before packing up and heading out to a limo waiting outside.
Asami: She is sleeping in the limo outside.
It was a simple message that meant more than anything to him at that moment. Aozora was safe. He approached the limo, the door opened to reveal a woman in her early years, she was beautiful. She wore a purple dress shirt with black trousers that elevated her green eyes.
"Takaba-sama I presume?"
"Huh? Ah Yes."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, I have heard much about you from Kirishima-sama."
"Kirishima?"
"Ah, my apologies, he is Asami-sama's secretary. My name is Mai, I work directly under Kirishima-sama and have been instructed to look after your daughter. she is currently sleeping inside. I have also been instructed to take both of you home, when would you like to head out.?
"...not yet. But I would like to see her first."
"Of course."
Takaba entered the limo, he found Aozora placed in a comfortable position as she slept peacefully. He crouched next to her, hearing her breathing. he placed his hand on her chest and gently patted her, calming her breathing. He moved a few strands from her face and checked for any bruising or scratches. Satisfied ah her clean smooth face, he relaxed, letting go of all the stress in his body as he placed his head next to her. He fell into a light nap.
Mai:"Hai Kirishima-sama, Takaba-sama is inside the limo with the girl, I will watch over them until you are finished."
Kirishima:"Well done Mai, I will let you know when we finish, we will be handing off Takayama to the boy and police afterwards, so let him know when the time comes."
Mai: "Understood."
A police car stopped in front of an abandoned building, minutes from the trade location. They waited on standby for Takaba's message. He had sent them the promised photo's showing undoubted proof of Takayama's human trafficking business. Another group headed to the airport location they received to take in the philippine middle man, they had been instructed to take him in for having drugs on the plane. Something they learned he mastered over the years. They had sent the requested pictures to press and now waited for the last signal to take Takayama in.
"He's as good as ever chief. With this kind of proof, Takayama will be going away for a very long time."
"He is good at what he does."
"He even got the middle man, but look at all these children, they look...dead. What's going to happen to them now?"
"They will be put into a recuperating facility. They will first undergo a drug and abuse test, followed by daily assessments of their emotions and state of mind. They will slowly be brought back, its hard to say if they will ever be the same as they were. I heard of a trial program that actually erased their memories. Its a forceful method, but is restricted to those who basically have no hope in returning."
"That..is so sad. Those bastards."
"Ya. I understand why Takaba is so against them, he chose to live his life chasing after them, saving as many children as possible. It's hard."
"Is it worth it, do many come back?"
"They do, somewhat. I met a few once, there was a child who looked like those in the picture, within a few months, she regained herself. She could remember her name, but nothing else. She had selective memory loss. It saved her, she was sent to an orphanage and got adopted by a good family. She is doing well now, still can't remember what happened, but I hope she never does. There was another boy, he wasn't so lucky, when he regained himself he was historical, he couldn't stand being touched, being looked at or even being in the same room as another. In the end...he took his own life, it may have been better for him than being sold, but...it affected the workers and Takaba a lot. That was when the memory loss clinical program started. It was basically made for those children that simply could not cope with the experience."
"I can't imagine it. What they must go through."
"Ya, its hard."
BEEP
"Looks like its time to move out."
"Tak, Tak, Tak. You have truly disappointing me. You've worked under me for three years, when you've finally earned my trust and your own trade routes, this is what you have to show for it? You couldn't even have one proper trade before screwing up. What would you do if you were in my position? Takayama. How would you punish a traitor?"
"I-I would... make them leave the country."
"Would you now. I feel like your memory fails you. You should know I hate liars."
Asami placed his finger under Takayama's chin, forcing the man to look him in the eye.
"What is your worst nightmare, your actions have proven that you don't have much to lose. Even your life seems worthless. If you want the freedom to leave, then tell me who is behind this, who is behind you and the Wang family. Tell me why you decided to betray me."
"W-wang...?"
"Oh, yes. I already know about your relationship with Wang. I also know of your bad connection with Europe. It seems I wasn't the only one who betrayed."
"To think you even had the guts to betray us, Moriyama is greatly disappointed with this turn of events, especially considering we had just signed an agreement with you." Mr. Kim walked out of the shadows and stood next to Asami, shaking his head in disapproval."
"K-kim-san, why, why are you here!?
"Why? Why, were you expecting me on the morning flight?"
"..."
"Mr. Asami, I took the liberty of investigating Takayama's past in Europe, and how he had met Mr. Moriyama. I came upon some...interesting findings."
Asami didn't miss how Takayama's face paled at the news.
"Interesting, Shall we hear it over the pristine sound of torture?"
"That sounds like music to my ears. We wouldn't have any tea now would we."
"Fufufu, as a matter of fact, we do. A special blend my secretary has made for us. Kirishima!"
"Your tea has been prepared at the table on the side, with a full view of the exhibition."
"Wow. I am certainly impressed. As always Mr. Asami, Mr. Kirishima. Thank you."
They took their seats at a temporarily set table on the side of the warehouse, position with a full view of the center of the room where Takayama was being tied to a wooden beam.
"This should prove to be interesting, I had wondered how you conducted your tortures. And this tea! Its exquisite!"
"It is an aromatic blend. I usually enjoy doing the tortures myself. However, we have prepared a little torture show for you tonight."
One of Asami's men entered the warehouse pushing a cart with equipment. He brought it in front of Takayama and proceeded to attach the equipment to him though cables, electrode pads and a headset.
"Have you ever heard of PTSD Mr. Kim?"
"Of course. Post-Traumatic stress Disorder, I hear its very difficult to overcome. I pity those soldiers who suffer from it."
"Yes, usually one needs to experience the events first hand to truly be affected. However with today's technology, one can experience it first hand without leaving their room by using virtual reality. I thought about using it as a new torture method."
"Ah. VR. I've heard of it. However I was under the impression it was still under development."
"Oh no. These technologies evolve quickly. Especially when a great sum of money is invested. Of course, there is still room for improvement, cable free for example, however I am sure it is right around the corner. I happen to like the set I have. The cables and pads make it feel more...real for those being tortured. This will be my second time using it, the first having been a test. I do hope you enjoy what it can do."
"I'm sure I will."
Takayama paled at the discussion he overheard, as the equipment came to life, and the first image was shown to him. He knew he had made an irrevocable mistake. He should have never went against a man like Asami Ryuuichi.
The mechanism of the VR headset forced his eyes to stay open and watch the images and films it portrayed. His arm was chained to a wooden post both in real life and in the virtual world. He was otherwise free to move around, as much as the chain allowed. This made the experience that much more real. It was disturbing how real it felt.
He checked his surroundings, he was in a house. A young beautiful women walks up to him with a gentle loving expression. "Are you ok honey? You look tired. Would you like to rest, eat or... have me? Her shy expression made his heart skip a beat. Then he realized. She resembled his first love. The one and only women he had ever loved.
" You...you're dead."
"Hmm? Dead? don't be silly honey, aren't I right here. By your side "
She reached out to him and grabbed his hand gently. "I'm right here Takayama honey. I won't be going anywhere."
He could feel her warmth, her breath that was against his neck as she closed in for an embrace. He hesitated for a minute before embracing her back, feeling her warmth and that familiar smell. Then he lost himself in reminiscence and subconsciously forced himself to accept it as reality. If this is where she was, then it is where he would be too.
Asami and watched the story unfold. Mr. Kim was impressed. The headset worked his visual and hearing senses. The electro pads dueled as motion sensors and forced his heart rate to rise and fall, which he would mistake as his own feelings. The most impressive aspect was awakening his physical senses to fit with the virtual story.
"Real people. I'm impressed."
"Hahah I'm glad you like it. The beginning of the torture is always the hardest part. Making them believe that the virtual world is in fact reality. It takes a very long time with the equipment alone. But, add in some good acting from real people that match the story. And you have yourself a made up reality that they believe within minutes. Especially when the story line and characters were created based on their own past."
"Ingenious."
"Thank you. But the best is yet to come. The best torture is when you take away the candy you yourself gave them.
Takayama was living his dream, he was with the love of his life, eating together, sleeping together. Kissing good bye when he headed to work, and kissing again upon return. It felt so quick, like time was skipping and it felt so real, her touches, her smell. He drowned in this dream and he could not have been happy. It was all he wanted from life, to live with his loved one in a domestic setting.
"Honey, I have good news."
She looked up at him with a shy smile on her lips, her cheeks slightly pink from containing her happiness.
"What is it? What makes you so happy? Quick, tell me."
"Hehehe, don't panic okay. You are going to be a father soon!"
"...oh my god! Oh, oh! oh! I-I'm going to be a father! And you! you're going to be a mother!"
He was ecstatic, it was something he had long given up on, something he had rejected after losing her so many years ago. His outlook on children became negative afterwards, their existence meaningless if they weren't hers. But here, but now, she was here and they were going to have their child. Truly, it was more than a dream come true. It is life itself being born.
"I, I can't believe it."
"Oh my, are you crying honey, it makes you that happy?"
"Yes, oh yes, having you here and having our child, its , its perfect. I could ask for nothing more."
"Me neither, I love you Takayama."
Time moved on, nine months passed by in a blink of an eye, he couldn't comprehend it but it didn't matter, he was with her in the hospital room. Holding her hand as she squeezed it tightly, pushing harder and harder for the baby to come out. The doctor directed her when to push and when to breath. It was stressful and scary. But he held onto her hand, never letting go, taking away even a minuscule of her pain. Then the air filled with crying, a healthy girl was born. Her parents looked at each other and shared the deepest smile imaginable, it was for this moment, their life up to this point was for the birth of their child.
"It passes so quickly, she is already nine years old. If I wasn't watching her right in front of me, I would not believe it. If feels like minutes had passed since the day she was born."
"I feel the same way honey. When you have children time flies. She is beautiful."
"Yes, she is , our daughter."
"Papa! mama! come join me!"
"Ah! don't pull, we're coming."
"Ah! Papa! Don't Hahaha...ti..ckle...Hahaha...me.
Life was perfect.
It was a Friday evening when he got home, his daughter's birthday present in his hand. He opened the house door like every other day and entered. The first thing he noticed was the darkness, all the lights were off.
"Honey! Daughter!, have you gone out? Hon-"
He found his wife on the living room floor, her knees in her chest, rocking.
"Honey, what's wrong!? What happened?"
"Sh-e...she's gone..so-someone..gone."
"What? I don't understand, where! where has she gone."
"Our daughter! she-she got kidnapped! The cops, t-they are looking for her. B-but they said there are many cases of children being kidnapped these days, t-that i-its common. They said to not have our hopes up! Our child! Our baby girl! They said she is common! They said to g-gi-give up!"
Dread swept over him in understatement. Of course, it was something he was familiar with. How many had he ordered to be kidnapped, how many had he sold. He had even kidnapped a few himself in his earlier years.
"No. no. I can't allow this to happen."
He ran out the door to the closest police station, he ordered to see the captain. Telling him to search for her. That she was most likely kidnapped by human traffickers. That he could help. He knew how they operated. They didn't listen. He ran to any place he would use to store the children. Warehouses, abandoned buildings, deep basements, cabins in the forests. She was nowhere. He grabbed his phone ready to throw it at his uselessness. Then he remembered. Wang. He dialed his number, begging for his help.
"After you left me, you think I am going to help you?"
"W-wang-sama, please help me. There has to be somewhere I haven't searched."
"Fine. Have you searched the junk yards. That's become a new favorite these days."
He ran as fast as his legs could take him, first one nothing. Second one nothing. But third time's the charm. He saw a child being brought into a large garage within the junkyard. He ran after them and froze. The sight in front of him was beyond horrifying. Children, so many children were there. Some stood, ready and waiting to be sold. Others being prepared. There were those being drugged, making them lose focus and their mind. There were those being punished, slashed across the back for being disobedient. It was something that never bothered him before, but now, now was different. Now he had a child of his own, he had experienced the wonders and miracle of children.
"M-my daughter!"
He ran passed the children, looking for his. Passing by watching eyes, eyes that begged to be saved, eyes that were already long gone, eyes that lost its final life. He looked away, concentrating only on finding his child. In the center of the garage, he spotted her and stopped. She was being drugged again while riding a man who assaulted her whenever she moaned. He was training her to be a sex doll, a puppet for those old rich geezers that disliked loud noises. He hated that he knew that. He had to stop it, to save her and take her away, far away from here.
He ran towards her, ready to knock the man inside her down only to be pulled back by a strong force. He turned around ready to swear at whoever got in his way when he realized there was a wooden pole with a chain on it, he followed the chain and found the other end on his wrist. He tried to pull away from it without success. He fought tooth and nail but it wouldn't budge.
"Ah! Ah!"
He turned back to his daughter, who was crying in pain and pleasure. He pulled on the chain harder, wanting to reach her.
"It's over honey."
"Wife? what are you doing here? Go! Save our daughter!"
"Save her? But its too late, because, you see. Its all your fault. You took them away, away from their loved ones. You sold them to their deaths. You sold them, for money."
Money bills rained down on them, then his wife's body split in sections, blood splattering everything, dyeing it all red. He heard his daughter's laughter, it was different than before, it was hysterical, crazy, the sound of everything breaking, the sound of death. The other children slowly walked towards him, chanting.
"Its your fault! you sold me, I got gang rapped over and over again until they killed me, saying I was too loose."
"Its your fault! For a bit of money and drugs you sold me to become a porcelain doll, My feet became black and lost all feeling from standing like a statue for my master to appreciate me. Then I got tossed out. He didn't like the colour black."
"Its your fault. You sold me to become a sex slave, my human rights, my humanity broken and tossed to the wolves."
"Its your fault, I never learned what hope was, you took me away when I four years old, trained me for two painful years before giving me as a gift to an authoritative man who enjoyed intense S&M play that ended with my body being ripped apart. I never had a tenth birthday.
"You knew, and you still took us away from the warmth of our parents. You knew, and you still sold us. That's why papa. You need to suffer too."
"Honey-"
"Papa-"
"Mister save us-"
"Its your fault-"
"You knew"
"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, Stooooooooooppppppppp. Please. Make it stop."
"Papa. if you want it to end. You know what you need to do. Asami-sama can save you."
"A-asami?"
It hit him hard. like a sudden wave that caught him off guard. Tears streamed down his face at the realization.
" .Ha. Of course. I should have known, it was all fake, at least this is. But, b-ut b-ut, what I felt, it was real..."
"Papa. Why aren't you saving me?"
It was pure torture, torture that reached the deepest part of his soul, and he could do nothing to escape it. Nothing but beg the man he betrayed.
"Asami-sama, please, please stop it. I-I will talk, I will tell you everything. Please I beg of you."
He had nothing to lose, because he had nothing. But he forgot, it didn't even cross his mind. That he had a soul he could lose. That he had pride that could become dust. That he had a will that would become nonexistent. He became nothing more than an empty shell named Takayama.
"Well, that was quick."
"a perfect tea break no?"
"Indeed. what power, what efficiency. You have completely broken the man named Takayama. Mr. Asami, you are a man to be weary of. And more so to be respected. I give you my solute to an entertaining and informative show."
"It was in my honor to have you join us Mr. Kim. Truth be told, it worked far better than I had expected."
"Let him off, thank you actors for your time, you may go now. Take the equipment away."
"Good Morning Takayama-san, have a good dream?"
"Asami-sama, thank you for giving me my freedom."
"You are very welcome, I am sorry to have put you through that."
"No...not at all, I deserved it."
"Now. You will talk, won't you Tak."
"Of course Asami-sama. I have worked under Wang-sama from china for the last few years before I met you. He was the one who sent me to you to create a bond as I had connection with Moriyama-san as we knew you had interest in expanding to Europe. Wang-sama met a man in Europe about a year prior, named Mr.X, I do not know much about him. He is from Europe, has a lot of connections and power. He has created a mirrored empire from the EuA involving Human Trafficking, organ trading, underground surgeries and many other normally condemned actions by the unsaid underground rules. These were usually done in secrecy, against average unrelated people and children."
"That, that much? I can't believe it, this Mr.X had done far more than we would have ever expected. And for years! To think we, the EuA were this much in the dark in our own home."
"Calm down , What we need now is information."
"What else do you know Takayama?"
"My job was to sell Wang-sama's collection here in Japan and frame you. Giving your power to Wang-sama to rule."
"I need more Takayama! Do you know nothing else about this Mr.X?"
"I never received orders directly from him, everything came from Wang-sama. I only heard that he needed more."
"More? more of what?
"power, more control and power. And."
"And?"
"and, something about an English man with a scar."
"What kind of scar?"
"..."
"I guess that's all he knows. What a useless man."
"Agreed, looks like his only usefulness was testing my machine."
"Hahaha, true. But this left us with more questions than answers. I don't like the feeling."
"Likewise. Kirishima! inform Mai its over. Send Takayama to Takaba. Were moving out, wouldn't want to be here when the cops show up."
"Hai! Asami-sama."
Takaba sent Aozora off with Mai and Asami, who promised to bring her back to his home safely. He hesitated for a second before embracing the fact that he would have never been able to save her without him.
When he saw Takayama as an empty shell of himself, he shuddered.
What have you done Asami, within such a short period of time, you took away his humanity.
He had been chasing Takayama for the last two years, there was no way he was going to let Asami take his prey away from him.
The one who will destroy you is me. Destroy you, reform you and give you a candy at the very end of your journey, by then you will be a changed man Takayama.
He stopped next to him and said the words that would be the only words he would think about for the next decade.
"Ten years ago you loved a women by the name of Ayumi Tai, one day she disappeared from your sight. A year later, you found out she died from a chronic illness. I researched her secret one year away from you. You know what I found out. She was pregnant and stayed in the hospital during her 9 months of pregnancy. They were afraid her child would adopt the illness as well. A few months after giving birth, she passed away. So, what of her child? When you found her, there was no child there. That was because she had sent her child to her mother in Canada. She is currently a healthy ten year old girl living in the mountains with her grandmother. Do you know why I am telling you this Takayama?"
He thought he had lost everything, he thought he was broken beyond despair, and yet tears dropped to the ground. His chest felt something, something he forgot what to call it. But it was tight and it hurt.
"w-why...?"
"Because that child needs a father. But not a worthless one like you. No, you will suffer the next decade behind bars, you will suffer and repent. Everyday, I want you to relive the life you lived and the life you could have had. I wan't you to remember the face of every child you sold, I want you to burn every money bill in your memory, burn it into ashes. I want you to go from the empty shell you have become into a human being. If you do. I promise you, I will let you meet her, I will let you become a family with her."
A nod of the head was all Takaba needed to know he understood.
Sirens were heard approaching. His chief and comrades were here. He handed him over to them and entered into the seat next to his chief.
Aki temporarily returned to his official position down at the station. Huge bribes were sent from Takayama's backers and clients, many Takaba recognized from the night at his estate. When none were accepted, larger ones were sent for at least a reduced sentence. They were all shut down. Favors were sent directly to the higher ups who rejected every notion og the,. stating that it simply wasn't possible when it invoved this specific cop. Nothing was getting him out, not now, and not early.
Takayama's sentence was set to 15 years in prison with no bail. All his assets would be frozen for the first three years, then donated to children charities. His properties would be searched and his business shut down.
"Its finally over. Thanks for your help chief."
"Don't thank me Aki, he was your prey. You've been out of the office for a while now and you're as good as ever. Even the higher ups can't get involved with you. You smell corruption from a mile away and dive towards it."
"I've only done what you yourself thought me. You took me in when I was at my lowest. I could never repay you."
"I still can't believe you're the same juvenile kid from 10 years ago. So. whats your plan now? You even got yourself a daughter. Aozora was it. Cute name."
"Thanks. I don't know what I am going to do. I can't stop chasing them, the scums of this world. This time, I need to protect my family, to protect Aozora, this time for sure. And..."
"and?"
"And other things. How's the family doing?
"Aki. Don't get involved in anything bad."
"I know. I won't."
"The family is good. My oldest is starting high school soon. The youngest won her first piano competition. She was jumping with joy. We have another on the way. Another girl."
"Really!? Congratulations! That's wonderful news. I'm glad."
"Its thanks to you Aki."
"What, Me?"
"When you found out I was accepting bribes a few years back, you set me right. You helped us out when we needed it most. You're family Aki. And never forget it."
His words hit deep. The chief and his family have been a great support for him in his life and hearing that it was both ways made him feel like he did something right in his life.
"Thanks Chief. I won't forget."
"Asami-sama, we received a report from Feilong. As per the plan, they attacked his estates and warehouses. Wang was nowhere to be found. Looks like he was tipped off by a rat who now has a bullet in his skull. What they found was disturbing. Both in warehouses and in his many estates, they found many, many children. It seems he was collecting them. The strange thing is, these children were of many different nations, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, European and English. Yoh reported Feilong is currently on a rampage and is in shock at how they could have let this pass. It seems a small mirrored empire was being formed in China as well. They are currently sniffing out any other potential rats. They have also secured all the children and is protecting them in a secure facility for the time being. They said they will be coming to Japan to go through the details."
"Great. More unanswered questions. Doesn't look like this will end anytime soon. what of Takayama."
"Takayama has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and all his assets have been frozen."
"The officer in charge did a good job, who put him away?"
"A man named Aki Sai."
"Aki Sai, What a frightening officer. I heard he didn't accept any bribes. A rare one."
"Hai, very rare. Should I investigate him?"
"No, no need to get his attention. Wouldn't want him coming after us only to lose his life for his justice. Men like him should stay clear of our world. I hope our paths never cross."
If only he knew.
"And Akihito?"
Our men waited by his house. He has returned home safely.
"Good. Kei..."
"Hai?"
"Let's head back."
"Of course Ryu."
Asami lied down on his bed, feeling the cold that he never noticed in the past. He closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep, his exhaustion finally letting go.
Chapter List:
Arc 1:
CHAPTER 01
CHAPTER 02
CHAPTER 03
CHAPTER 04
CHAPTER 05
CHAPTER 06
CHAPTER 07
CHAPTER 08
CHAPTER 09
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17