SAKE (private)

[Kuuroinochou]

SAKE
[For Gagonthis and Kuu]​

It had been thirteen years to this day that my parents were killed. I never knew the man who did it, but I know that he will pay for it. It wasn't fair for such loyal people to the city were killed simply because they got in the way. The mobs that roamed the streets had paid out most of the cops that were on that case. I was bounced around from foster home to foster home for most of that year. Until I met him...

Toshi... I remember it like it was yesterday. When he walked into that foster home the last thing I wanted to do was talk to someone. But his eyes were sad for some reason, as if he had something to tell me. I couldn't help but speak to him and before I knew it weeks past, then months and soon he was throwing in papers to adopt me.

And here I am at eighteen and I see him as the father I had lost so long ago.

Today was a special day though. His birthday, oddly enough it was the same day of my parents deaths. He was due home any moment now so I had the lights all out, and with the night setting in he'd probably find it quite strange. This was the first time in years that I finally got a chance to surprise him with a quite little birthday surprise.

I heard something outside and quickly had to calm down my excitement... he would hear me if I werent careful. There I stood in the living room just waiting, listening for him to open the front door and there I'd pop the lights and yell out his surprise.

 

[gagonthis]

The man gurgled softly as the garrote slowly choked the life out of him, his face going from red to blue as his tongue lolled out of his mouth, his lungs searching for air. I looked upon the kicking form of the man I held in a death grip with a face absent of passion. The man was a job, nothing more. There was nothing personal in his death, just a job. I let him fall to the floor, checking my watch. It had been two minutes and ten seconds since the power and phones had been cut, and I made my entrance to the building. I frowned, the job had taken ten seconds longer than I had thought it would. Looking across the penthouse, I took in the dead bodies all around. I pulled a bullet from my pocket, etched with the Japanese symbol for death and left in on the side table next to the dead man. I did not know his crime, and I didn't care it was just a job. It never paid to let emotions get involved... I'd made that mistake once before...

I sighed, hearing the sirens coming. Time to leave. I snagged the documents the customer wanted, putting away my temptation to look inside as I made my way down the fire escape to the motorcycle waiting in the alley. Firing it up I headed towards home, where Sake would undoubtedly be waiting.

I frowned as I pulled up to the house, all the lights off, none of the normal sounds I expected to hear, Sake’s music or the TV shows she seemed to enjoy watching so much. I checked my pistols, making sure they were loaded as I approached the house. It took me a few seconds to realize what was going on, but when I saw it a smile came to my face. I had completely forgotten it was my birthday, facts like that tended to slip my mind when I was on a job, but Sake hadn’t forgotten. I looked at her secretly through the window. She was the one thing that made me feel human in a line of work that did not pay to be human. I thought I had tore all humanity out of myself that fateful day…

I had a job, a simple job. Some goody two-shoes politician was working too hard to keep the drug trade down, and the mob would have none of it. I had been green then, a fresh off the boat killer itching to prove myself to anyone who’d have me. I had gone into the house, no subtlety at all and shot the man and his wife dead. It was then I heard a loud crying coming from the other room. The job said to kill his entire family, there could be no witnesses and a strong message needed to be sent to anyone who would stand against the mob. But when I saw her… I knew I could never go through with it. I torched the house, taking her with me and told the mob I had killed all of them but the child must have been completely lost in the flames. They were pleased with the job, but I was disgusted. I had put her into foster care, working to change her name so they couldn’t find her.

But it wasn’t enough. Guilt ate away at me for months. I spiraled into alcoholism and drug use… finally I could take no more. I went back to agency I had left her with, using a false name, Toshi, and I adopted her as my own… that was thirteen years ago I took in the five year old girl, teaching her everything I could to protect herself. When she was fourteen I told her the truth about my work. I thought she would run or turn me in, and was prepared to accept either as justice for the evil I had done, but she had accepted me still.

I smiled again as I looked through the window, she was preparing a surprise for me. I chuckled slightly, moving silently to the back of the house, opening the lock on the backdoor as quietly as possible. I moved like a ghost through the house, coming up behind her in the living room, stopping two feet behind her. I smiled as I leaned forward, holding my breath so she wouldn’t feel it on the back of her neck. “SURPRISE!” I said loudly into her ear, laughing out loud at her response.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

I was so prepared to make this a special day that I let my guard down. Damn him, that Toshi. At his screaming I nearly jumped out of my skin, twirling abruptly and skittering over the couch to land with an annoyed yelp. With a pout I looked up at him in the dark but the lights came on as he reached over to turn on the lamp.

"No fair! I was suppose to surprise you.. you ruined it!" I pouted sitting up straight. I had the cake on the table ready to light and his present was sitting next to it.

Well no since crying over spilt milk. Taking him by the hand I pulled on his arm making him fall forward on the couch. "Always spoiling my fun Toshi." I said with a soft growl. Looking around for the matching I found them and lit the candles. "No you have to blow them out and make a wish. I won't give you your present otherwise."

I sat their watching him closely, he was always so solemn, but it was often that sad look he generally showed me that made me wonder about things. Ah well... today was a special day for both of us. I looked to him for a minute biting my lip nervously. He probably would be upset at the question that was just beyond my lips but I really needed to know.

 

[gagonthis]

I smiled slightly as she pouted. "I was just having my own fun with you my dear Sake. I'll still act surprised for you." I put both hands on my cheeks and widened my eyes, faking surprise. "Cake and candles? For my birthday?! Oh my!!" I chuckled slightly as I fell onto the couch. "Really though, you didn't need to do this. My birthday is nothing special." I sighed as I thought back to all those years ago, my stomach turning as I remembered that fateful night. I frowned at the look on her face as she brought the cake over to me, asking me to blow the candles out. "You look like there is something on your mind Sake... what is it you are thinking about?"

 

[Kuuroinochou]

"No no... blow the candles out first please." I begged, it just wasn't the right time to ask. Maybe later, that would work, later was always better. "I'm just happy to have you in my life is all. I probably would have been bounced around in those foster homes for a long time, if you hadn't come and gotten me." I set the cake down and gave him a warm hug. I always liked hugging him he was like a big teddy bear to squeeze. "Now make your wish."

 

[gagonthis]

I frowned slightly as she spoke her kind words and hugged me. I always felt a little guilty when she got emotional towards me like this. I had been keeping her past a secret from her, holding in the truth about the horrible thing I had done to her... but she was getting more curious and there was only so much longer I could hide the truth from her. I frowned also because in the past couple of years I had watched her grow into the woman she was, and I could no longer deny that she was growing into a woman. Soon she would be tired of me, moving on to do her own thing. She was in her last year of highschool and college would be soon... I sighed as she stepped away from me still smiling. I'd have to tell her the truth soon... it was eating me inside, but for now I would just enjoy the time we had together.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

"Ooh stop frowning." I said after he blew out his candles. He seemed to close his eyes to make a wish while he did that I cut a slice of cake for him then myself. It was more my favorite flavor then his but he hardly ever complained about it.

"My prom is just around the corner Toshi. You think it will be okay if I get an advance on my allowance to myself ready?" I decided to flip the subject, change things up. I would ask my question later now was a good day and quite frankly I didn't feel like spoiling it.

It was really strange though, having a hitman as a guardian. When he'd told me that I wasn't sure how to think. For a moment I was angry at him for being the kind of guy that took lives for money. But then as time passed I realized everyone had a talent in something. He was a killer through and through...and then the nightmares. That day when my folks died, I remember seeing the man by my eyes were so full of tears I couldn't remember his face, besides he did well to hide it. And the fact that the guy who'd come to kill my folks didn't kill me, I wondered about that. Where the people who put a hit out on my folks out to get me next... did they even know I was alive?

That only made me wonder if Toshi had connections if he could track information down on other hitmen and the jobs they took. There had to be some kind of way to track that guy down. Well if anything I could ask my boyfriend dad for some help. He said I was legally allowed to open my parents case again. And with his help he'd work hard to get the legal issues out of the way. Of course, Toshi didn't know about this, I had found my adoption papers and learned of my true identity... Despite my files being confidental, because I was old enough to take care of myself now, they opened my important documents and let me look them over when I went to go visit.

I found out my true name was Izayoi Minoru. There was no information about my folks however... of course I was a smark girl and their names alone led me on a search to find out they'd been quite the political figures. An online search explained that the house had been burned down and that my folks along with their daughter had been killed. Yeah right... they were killed before that fire by that man but why didnt he kill me? That was the strangest thing, a hitman that didn't make his mark.

Coming back to the current I held up Toshi's gift. "Open it!" I said excitedly hoping he would like it.

 

[gagonthis]

I chuckled silently as she talked about her prom. "You really are growing up aren't you?" I asked, a hint of a smile touching my lips. "Don't worry about money. I'll take care of all the expenses for everything, big night and all that. Are you still going with that Jeffrey fellow then?" I asked, a little bit of annoyance in my tone. I wasn't a fan of the kid, he was one of those fast boys who thought he was too cool for everything. Type of kid I used to be, nothing but trouble.

My eyes lit up as I opened the gift. "Is this authentic?" I asked with a glean in my eye as I pulled the katana from the box. I drew the blade from the sheath, listening to the satisfying shkkkkink sound as it cleared. I held it up, feeling the weight on it. "This is amazing.... where did you find it?" I asked, his eyes filled with joy as he ran through a couple of forms with the sword, feeling the superior craftsmanship of it.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Giggling I shook my head it had been obvious that Toshi didn't like that Jeffery guy. It was even more obvious that I didn't like him. "Nah, he got the boot a few months back. I'm with Logan now, he's more down to earth and rooted. Side's he thinks you're pretty cool so helped me find that sword." I giggled again. "His father specializes in antique swords I asked about getting one for you and he was all over it."

It was good to see him smile for once, not that sad smile that etched across his face. I watched him go through the motions with his new blade, it was like a dance the way he moved. So fluid and serene. It was almost as if he were made for the thing. I was glad.

When he put the katana back I jumped up to sit in his lap as he took his place on the couch again. "So all expenses paid eh?" I questioned. "You sure you want to say something like that for prom?" But I wasn't going to get carried away, sure I wanted to look my best but oddly the idea of growing up and being on my own frightened me. Would I have to leave Toshi too? "Now then.. today is your special day. Well night... what do you want to do, stay in and dine watch some home movies or go out and dine, watch some new releases."

 

[gagonthis]

I shook my head as she told me she was with someone new. Sometimes I felt like I wasn't really involved in her life at all. Like there was a wall between us, a wall that my guilt built... because I knew someday when I got the courage to tell the truth she would forsake me. Still I was glad to hear she wasn't with that troublemaker anymore.
"I mean it Sake, the roof is the limit. It's one of the biggest nights of a youngster's life. Anything you want." I kissed her forehead as she sat down in my life. I was vaguely aware of how her body felt pressed in my lap, but shook those thoughts away. She was the closet thing to a daughter I was likely to ever have. My line of work didn't give me a lot of time to find companionship in any meaningful way. I arched my brow in thought as she asked what I felt like doing that night. "Hmmmm we never get a chance to go out anymore. How about a nice dinner somewhere and then perhaps we can go do something fun.. bowling or something." I knew that would surprise her, I didn't have many hobbies that weren't directly related to my work, and I couldn't remember the last time I had gone bowling..

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Squealing I launched myself at him hugging Toshi close. "I'd like that very much, I'm gonna go change." I said beaming as I gave him a quick kiss on the lips before rushing out of the room.

It didn't take too long to clean up. A shower, wash out my hair give it a quick once over with shampoo and conditioner. Blow dry it out, comb and style then toss on some undies and bra, a cute little tee shirt and some low cut jeans with a jewel encrusted belt. Throw on some knee high boots and grab my purse about a half an hour and I was ready to go. Oh yeah, can't forget the lipgloss and a light coat of mascara.

I hopped down the stairs two at a time noting that Toshi had used the time to freshen up as well. Launching myself at him from the third step up he caught me easily enough. "So where did you want to go... anywhere is fine I won't even whine about it."

 

[gagonthis]

I smiled as she jumped up, a little surprised at the kiss. It felt nice, but again I shook off any thoughts like that. She ran upstairs to change so I took that time to get my business in order. I walked down into the basement to the tool rack there. I pulled the hidden back off, unloading the duffle bag I'd had with me after the job. I pulled the documents out of the bag, setting them aside as I placed the submachine gun in its appointed rack, unloaded the blades I had brought and stuck them in a sliding drawer. I hesitated with my pistols, deciding to leave them for now, never hurt to be prepared. I chose a clean cell phone and called the person who had hired me. "The job is complete, the documents are secure. Leave the payment in the prearranged area and I'll drop the documents." With that I hung up and walked back upstairs, changing into a pair of jeans and a nice collared shirt. I smiled as Sake came back downstairs, looking very good. I chuckled at her comment before responding. "There's a new thai restaurant that just opened I've wanted to try, how about we go there?"

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Thai sounded good, never really had any so it was something new for us to do. Though i didn't doubt that Toshi had had some in his lifetime. Ah well...

We went to the garage where his car was, he turned off the alarm and I jumped in with an excited squeal. It was always fun to be driven around by Toshi. He liked to cruise around which was often fun.

It didn't take them long to get moving as they cruised the streets, checking out all the fancy shops along the way.

 

[gagonthis]

I smiled as I hopped into the seat of my BMW, one of the few things I allowed myself to splurge my money on. I loved this car and I grinned as the engine started, the finely tuned machine growling its want to run. I gladly obliged it. We shot down the street, taking the corners fast as we made our way into the big city.
Pulling up to the place I parked right out front. "Good parking karma today I guess." I said with a grin as I stepped out of the car, opening the door for Sake. I armed the thing and we walked inside, the sweet smells of basil and curry hitting my nose, making my mouth water.
"How many this evening?" The hostess asked as we stepped into the darkened restaurant. "Just two." I said, following her as she led us back to a table. "A server will be with you shortly." She said, tossing me a smile as she turned back towards the front.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

We were quickly seated and given our menus. Looking it over there were all kinds of strange dishes I wasn't very familiar with. I peeked a few times in question over the menu to see what Toshi was doing but then quickly ducked back behind the menu pretending to know what I wanted. With a pout eventually I just set the menu down crossing my hands together and resting my chin upon them.

"To be honest Toshi I haven't a clue what I want. How about you order for both of us. It is your special day after and this time around I'll pay the tab. So no arguments." To the wandering eye we probably looked like an odd couple. Toshi wasn't that old in my book, nice looking guy, well kempt, tall. Nice qualities for a guy to have... I've often wondered why he didn't go out on dates with other women.

It was almost as if I was the only female in his life. Perhaps a blind date would have been a better present then that katana, but I knew better than anyone a weapon was like a first love to Toshi. I was just lucky that he adopted me, for whatever reason he just needed someone in his life. Perhaps I was the person that made him feel more human than a monster. Being a hitman had its perks but on the flip side it was often a lonely life. "You don't have to worry Toshi. No matter what happens I'll always be supportive of you... so when I'm married and whisked away to my honeymoon I'll still be thinking of you. Papa!" I giggled its been a while since calling him that. After I got older calling him papa just seemed weird so I resorted to his name instead. But it was cute to watch his reaction to the designation nonetheless.

 

[gagonthis]

I nodded to her as she asked me to order for her. "I still do not understand how you could have lived eighteen years and not have sampled the wonder that is thai cuisine." I chuckled slightly, still looking the menu over. "A simple staple for you I suppose, Pad Thai, very delicious." I waved the waitress over and ordered for the two of us. "Pad thai for Sake, and I'll have an order of Pad Kee Mao and a Tsingtao. Thank you." I smiled to Sake as the waitress walked away.
"You haven't called me Papa in many years, is this another birthday present?" I asked, taking her hand in a fatherly manner, patting the back of it. "I'm glad to see that you are going up strong. I was afraid I would not have what was necessary to raise a young girl, being in the line of work I am in, but when I look at you it brings joy to my heart to see you have turned out so well." I smiled, squeezing her hand slightly

 

[Kuuroinochou]

"You're able to raise a child just as much as the next person. I don't know why you always doubt yourself." I said with a soft smile. "Now about this pad tai? What is it?" That was a strange meal and since he seemed to know a lot about it then it was best for him to explain.

On the flip side, I finally got some alone time with Toshi. I was so excited I almost jumped out of me seat. Toshi and I didn't always spend time together, what with his line of work and my constant busy school life. Today was definately special. So while his guard was down I dove in. "Toshi...I've been meaning to ask you. Is there some kind of underground connection you can go through to find out who took out a hit on my folks? I really want to find that guy... I need to know who ordered their killing and for what reason I was not." I took in a deep breath trying to hold in my excited anger. "There's gotta be a reason he didn't kill me. Think about it, you're a hitman. They don't just kill a family and leave one person alive, especially a living witness. Instant that a breech in the code or somethig?"

 

[gagonthis]

I smiled at her. "Pad thai is a dish with stir fried noodles with egg and red chili peppers. With veggies. It's very good. I think you'll like it quite a lot." I said as the waitress brought the dishes to us. I lifted my fork to my mouth but never got the food into my mouth as what she said next caught me completely by surprise.
"You want to know who ordered the hit on your parents?" I asked, feeling like a huge weight had just settled in my stomach. The guilt again, always the guilt. "I might be able to ask some people, it might be possible to figure it out, but what then Sake? You know I couldn't allow you to go after them. You've learned a lot, but you are no killer. You're too sweet for it." I smiled at her as I said that, trying to force the weight in my stomach and chest to disappear. "I don't know why they would leave you alive... I'm only thankful that they did. Maybe whoever it was wasn't quite hard enough of heart to kill a little girl. I do not know, but it is very unusual indeed."

 

[Kuuroinochou]

The food smelled nice, the elusiveness did not but I knew the reasons behind it. There were dangers in learning about the hit, trying to find the man that ordered it. I wasn't too sure if I was pissed at the hitman that killed them or the man that ordered the hit. They both played a significance in my folks' deaths but I was still skeptical of which to blame. The hitman wouldn't have acted without his orders so ultimately the one who put the hit out was my biggest enemy.

Sighing I nodded looking over at Toshi. "Fine I'll let it fly for now but I really want to know who put the hit on them. I can probably forgive the man who pulled the trigger but not the one who ordered the hit." With that said I took a bit of my food, it was quite delicious a bit spicey but nothing I couldn't handle. "Where are we going after this?" I asked turning a complete 360

 

[gagonthis]

"Don't worry Sake, someday you'll know the truth about what happened to your family.. and who the monster was that did it." You'd know and then you'd hate me, and I'd deserved every bit of it I thought sadly, taking a bite of my pad kee mao, the delicious taste lost on me in my sadness. She said she could forgive the person who had pulled the trigger, but I knew she could never forgive me for having kept the truth from her for so many years. Soon though I would get the courage to tell her, and then if she wanted to punch my ticket I would give her the gun to do it... anything to end this guilt. I sighed heavily, absently eating my food.
"I figured we could go to Bowl-O-Rama after this if you'd like, or we could go do something else if you had a better idea in mind. I don't get out too much and you're younger and hipper anyway, so you know the stuff to do." I said with a slight smile, the tension in me easing a bit.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

"Bowling? Hmm? I'd say that's a good thing. I haven't gone bowling in a while, been too busy with school and taking care of you." I smiled delighted in my food, itw as great.

The waitress came over to check on us, before setting the tab on the table. I took it with a smile and a wink. "Remember my treat." The total wasn't that bad and I'd done a good job of saving up just for this day.

"We can go to a local club I know about. Its a mellow place, jazzy and all. None of my hip friends will be there so I won't have to worry about ducking and weaving. I mean what's it gonna look like hanging out with an old man like you?"

 

[gagonthis]

I smiled at her insistence to pick up the check. I made more than enough to cover this meal, but I would let her pay, I could tell it was important to her. "Did you like the food Sake?" I asked teasingly, knowing she wouldn't complain if she hadn't because she promised she wouldn't and Sake always kept her promises. "Don't worry, if we run into any of your friends you can just tell them that you're escorting your boring old dad around on his birthday..." I stood, pretending to stumble slightly. "Oooh my old bones." I said with a chuckle as I rose, offering my arm to her.

We walked to the car, and I frowned as I unlocked it. Something wasn't right. I could feel eyes. Someone was watching us. I glanced around, trying not to be obvious and noticed a black mercedes across the block with darkened windows... not a good sign. I climbed in and smiled at Sake, doing my best to not let her see my suspicions. I drove us to the bowling alley, glancing in my rearview, seeing the mercedes following us.

We arrived at the bowling alley and went inside. "Why don't you go to the bathroom and freshen up while I get everything paid for?" I said to Sake, hoping she'd take the bait so she would be safe while I dealt with the people outside.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Giggling at Toshi's antics I took his arm and headed outside to the car. Looking at him a moment as he looked around I couldn't help wondering if something was wrong. But then he was a constant paranoia so I shrugged it off and got into the car as he smiled at me. "Getting paranoid?" I teased nudging him as we headed to the bowling alley.

Stepping out I looked around mostly for my friends and was relieved not to find any. At his request I pout. "Aww but Toshi I wanted to pay for it..." I could help whinning this time but a promise was a promise. Giving him a quick kiss on the cheek I hurried off realizing I did have to take a quick tinkle. And freshing up wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Heading to the bathroom I gave Toshi a quick wink then dipped inside, going to relieve myself.

 

[gagonthis]

I let out a breath I had been holding as Sake ducked into the bathroom, glad she took my suggestion. Now to deal with whoever these men were. I stepped into a darkened corner, checking my guns. They were fully loaded. I sighed, stepping outside the bowling alley, walking towards the car. The car suddenly started and it accelerated forward, trying to nail take me by surprise. I jumped to the side, going into a roll and coming up just in time to see a submachine gun, an uzi by the look of it, aimed towards me from the rear window. I leapt backwards over a concrete barricade as the machinegun began rattling shots out, the silencer on it making them nearly whisper quiet. I shot my hand up over the barricade, firing back blindly at the car as it sped past me.
I swore loudly, knowing I was dead if I stayed out here. I was hoping to keep innocents outside of this, but it looked like there was no helping it. I jumped up, sprinting for the bowling alley, shots chasing me as I went. I dove through the door, turning on my back and firing shots after as I slid across the floor. One lucky shot hit the car's front passenger tire, sending it into a spin. It smashed into a light pole and three men piled out of it, firing at me as they ran towards the bowling alley.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Washing my hands, fluffing my hair and putting on a little lipgloss I was set to head back out. Toshi should have gotten us an alley by now so we could get straight to my whippin his ass. Chuckling at this I came out into the common area noting people running about in histerics.

I couldn't find Toshi off hand but knew there was trouble with all the people around. A little girl was crying for her parents as I finally caught sight of Toshi diving back indoors some men hot on his tail with guns. "Toshi!" Calling out to him instinctively I dove toward the girl moving her out the way just as a shot clipped at my heels but missed.

Her parents finally showed thanking me as I ushered them to the exits on the other side of the bowling alley. "Hurry." I called. Toshi had trained me to be prepared for situations like this, not to panic and help those that I could. But this was an enclosed place and guns being fired off could cause any number of problems. Once the girl and her folks were gone I turned on my heels digging in my purse to pull out my gun. Always had it on me I would have to use it now. I hurried toward Toshi unable to help myself as I shot at the people coming closer giving him time to move. Once he was situated we both were on our feet heading for the opposite side of the alley. Only more people dressed in black came swarming in.

They didn't seem to be after any of the bystanders which was a good thing. The bad part seemed they were after us as they opened fire without warning. Instinctively I tugged on Toshi's arm pushing him toward the consession stand where we both jumped over and ducked behind it for cover. "You wanna explain this to me? Did you not finish a job or something?"