Ultimate resolve

He didn’t know who he talked to on the phone. Probably that girl, and he was given an address. He was told he could come anytime he felt like, and also alone. Well that wasn’t a problem.

The problem was his loving brother.

Who wouldn’t leave him alone, and kept asking questions like he was doing now.

“Who gave you that card?”

“I found it myself” he replied.

“They don’t just leave cards like that on the street” his brother said.

 “How would you know?” Takashi asked with a smirk.

Lee buried his face in his palms, and then ran his hand to his hair slicking his curls back. “Look Takashi, you’re my brother, and I want to be sure that you don’t have yourself in a whole lot of trouble”.

He rolled his eyes.

“You can’t get yourself mixed up in….Just tell me you’re not in any sort of trouble”.

“I am not Lee, so stop asking me”.

“I just want to protect you. Getting mixed up in…..”

“What Lee?! Gangs and their business. How do you know so much about that?” he whispered.

“Because…”

“You’re part of them just say it”.

“I’m not” he denied.

“I see the crowd you hang around Lee, so stop it. Don’t be a hypocrite right now”.

“Just promise me you won’t do anything stupid”.

“If you keep quiet about me, I’ll keep quiet about you” and he was up.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“Out” and he slammed the door.

VVVVV

Finding the place wasn’t hard, but getting there was hard. The taxi refused to go any further, and he had to walk in the shady neighborhood with people throwing glances his way. He really thought he was going to get robbed.

Well he arrived at the place he was told, but it was just an iron door. He sighed and knocked.

A latch was drawn back and he was looking into black eyes.

“Password” came the gruff voice.

“I wasn’t told about a password” he replied confused.

“Then why are you here?” the person asked.

“I was given this” he said holding the card out.

The door opened instantly and he felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach. The man took the card from him, more like snatched it and he was allowed in.

Inside was just a regular room. Empty and devoid of life.

“Follow me” the man said leading him down the hall.

As he followed he could hear sounds. A lot of people and vibrations. Like the one you’d know if you’ve been to a party. He pulled open a curtain and the party scene was exposed to him.

Okay he was confused.

How could a club be in a place like this? In a place so dirty and dangerous, and all the people dancing and drinking didn’t care.

“He’s upstairs!” the man yelled over the music pointing to a set of stairs and he went there immediately.

When he got to the top there was only one door, so the man he met yesterday should be behind it.

He made a move to open the door, but it opened almost making him fall inside.

“Bag” Jun said taking his bag and searching the contents.

“You could just have asked. I don’t have any weapons inside”.

She looked into the bag confused. “Then what are all those inside?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” he asked taking his bag back.

“Jun let him be” the same man called from behind.

Again he was seated really relaxed on the couch, without a care in the world. “Close the door. The music gives me a headache”.

The girl closed the door.

“We haven’t been properly introduced. My name is Takahiro”.

“I didn’t come here to get to know you. I want to know who killed my parents”.

“Eager are we? There’s a whole story before I get to who killed your parents. Don’t you really want to know what you’re getting into before you agree?”

He remained silent, but the slight slumping of his shoulders showed he was going to listen.

“Well if you never suspected your parents did anything shady, sorry to inform you that they were part of a gang. My gang to be exact”.

His eyes went wide and he stumbled on air, but he didn’t fall.

“I believe that’s what they call taken back” and he laughed at his own bad joke.

“Gangsters?” he asked.

“Yes. Your father was gifted and he was a very huge asset, and I’d be a fool to let all that talent walk away to another gang”.

“So all that time you said you were around….” He said under his breath.

“Yes” he grinned. “As I said he was talented and you can tell other gangs wanted him. All to be exact, but who wanted him more was an old friend of mine”.

Takashi watched the man’s lip curl in distaste at the word friend.

He troubled us any chance he got and also your father. But your father knew where his loyalties lay and he rejected, and he didn’t take it lightly. The next day your parents were killed”.

“Why didn’t you do anything?!” Takashi yelled stomping towards him.

Jun’s hand went to her gun, but he raised his hand.

“You are a gangster aren’t you? You’re a gang leader and you want to tell me that you didn’t think he’d go after my parents after being rejected?”

“Call it what you want Takashi, but I’m still human. I can’t predict human action”.

“Who did it?” he asked.

“He’s dead” he replied with an amused face. “He died in a car accident a long time ago”.

Takashi took a deep breath and when that didn’t work, he counted to ten.

“Then why am I here?” he asked rigidly.

“You need someone to kill, and I need someone to replace your father”.

“I don’t want to be in a gang” he replied without a second thought.

“You haven’t heard everything”.

“What then?” he asked angry.

“The current leader of the gang Phantom. The gang who killed you parents, how does that sound?”

Takashi was silent. Mostly because he was confused.

“Kill the leader, if possible wipe out the entire gang and avenge your parents. When you’re done, you can give me your answer”. “How does that sound?”

“Where do I find Phantom?” he asked.

“It won’t be easy. They’re just like their name”.

Takashi nodded.

“But before that, I need to see if you are as good as your father”.

Takashi gave him a dirty look.

“Calm down. Can you just give me a demonstration?”

“I need a test subject” he said.

Takahiro stood up and removed his jacket. He really expected to see a small, chubby man. But he was big, with muscles, and without the heavy clothing he was handsome.

He sat back down smiling.

“Try it on me”.

Takashi faltered.

“Boss are you sure?” she asked with a straight face, but he could see the panic in her eyes, which didn’t last though.

“Nothing is going to happen Jun”.

“You don’t know him and you’re going to trust him with your life?!”

“Stand down Jun” he sighed. “Takashi do what you need to do”.

Takashi held his bag out, and brought out what the other two occupants in the room had never seen before. It looked like a gun, but the barrel of the weapon was really small. Looked like what a pin or a needle could fit through. And he didn’t load bullets in. He had two small bottles and loaded it. 

He took the man’s hand, and Jun watched as a needle pierced her boss’ wrist.

Takashi stood back, and both watched as the man’s breathing quickened, and his wrist turned blue and spread all the way to his shoulder and was approaching his neck, when Jun knew she had seen enough.

“Heal him now!” she yelled raising her gun.

Takashi snapped out of it and injected him where he did earlier.

They both watched as his veins weren’t so pronounced and the blue went away slowly. It took some time for him to come back, and he was on his feet.

“What a rush” he grinned pushing his curls back. “Better than anything I’ve been on”.

“I’ve never met anyone that likes to be poisoned before” Takashi stated.

“What does it do?” she asked.

“Failure of the organs and the body. More like instant death, but I gave you a small dose, that’s why you were only paralyzed halfway”.

“Just like your father” he smiled.

“Now about Phantom”.

“Yes Phantom” and he was on his seat again. “First, you have to get into their club and it isn’t easy, but lucky for you I can get you in”.

“How?” Takashi asked.

“They’re looking for recruits, and it was a very convenient time to put a mole there”.

“I’m not going to do that. I already told you I want no part of the gang. I just want my revenge”.

“It isn’t you. I’m going to put someone else to aid you, because you have no idea how any of this works”.

Takashi rolled his eyes.

“Are you sure about this?” Takahiro asked.

“Yes” he replied.

“Once you’re in this, there’s no getting out until….”

“I know” he said.

“Jun contact her and tell her she’ll have a partner”.

“Sure” she said.

“Well Takashi it’ll be a pleasure doing business with you” and he held his hand out.

Takashi took his hand, and at that moment he felt like he had just made a deal with the devil himself.

VVVVV

“What do you mean going away for a while?” Aiko asked.

“You’re not in any trouble are you?” Lee asked.

“No I am not. I have a job offer away from here. I’ll be away for a while” he explained.

“You never mentioned anything about a job before” Aiko said.

“It just came up” he replied.

“What is this job about?” Lee asked.

“They need a chemist, and the pay will be really good” he explained, hoping she’d drop it.

“So you’re going to leave after all these years?” she asked.

“I was going to leave sooner or later” he whispered.

“Takashi this is serious!” she yelled.

“I’m sorry” he said really sincere.

 “When are you leaving?” Lee asked.

“Today” he replied.

“Who will you be staying with?” Aiko asked.

“It will be provided”.

“I don’t just want you to go Takashi. You’re my son” she was so close to tears.

He looked away. He was scared if he looked his resolve would shatter, and he would stay. He needed to do it and it’d help all of them. Takahiko would pay heavily.

“Please mum. I have to”.

VVVVV

“Tell me what you are really going to do?” Lee asked as he packed a bag.

“Like I said Lee, a laboratory needs a chemist” he explained.

“I don’t know why I think you’re leaving something out”.

“Not everyone is like you Lee” he said slumping on his bed.

“Well if you don’t want to talk about it that’s fine. Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself. You’ve already upset mum enough”.

“I promise” and he wasn’t one for affection but he wouldn’t see his brother for a long time.

He hugged Lee.

“I’m going to miss having you around”.

“Me too”.

VVVVV

Takashi stood opposite the club a lot of people lined up for.

Jun said the mole would meet him here.

“Takashi right?” a girl said appearing out of nowhere.

His heart leaped out of his chest, but he kept it under control.

“Who’s asking?”

“Geiru” she replied.

“That doesn’t help me or you”.

“Mole from Red Dawn”.

“Oh!”

“Well looks like we are going to be partners. First’s things first, don’t act on your own. You aren’t a gangster so don’t go out of line. Do not talk and follow my lead”.

Takashi didn’t argue. He wasn’t a gangster and he wasn’t going to be one. She was the more “experienced” one here. So he’d let her do what she wanted.

They crossed the street and they were let in without a word.

Walking in, it was just like the first one, instead it wasn’t heavy rock music. It was softer and slow. It wasn’t that packed and he could see what Takahiro talked about when he said exclusive.

“Go to the bar and get a drink” she said.

“Where will you be?” he asked.

“Poker. You just sit there and act pretty. If you should engage in conversation, introduce yourself” and she left him.

He made his way to the bar and he knew he had no money so he just sat there.

VVVVV

“Give me some cards” she said. “I’m feeling lucky tonight”.

“Aren’t we all?” a man asked as she sat down.

She smiled at him.

“So what brings you here? I haven’t seen you here before”. 

“I decided to switch things up a little”.

“Why?” he asked.

“Maybe I just wanted some excitement. A little bit of danger in my boring life”.

“You like living dangerously yeah?”

“Don’t we all?”

VVVVV

“Give me a shot” a woman said sliding onto the stool beside Takashi.

The bartender turned and got to work.

“I haven’t seen you around before. Who are you?” the woman asked like she couldn’t care less.

Geiru did say to introduce himself.

“Takashi Fujiwara”.

He felt the change of atmosphere, like everyone stopped what they were doing, but he knew it was only in his head.

“Any relation to Dai Fujiwara?” she asked looking interested.

“Yes actually” he replied.

She downed her shot.

“Excuse me” and she was off.

That went well.

VVVVV

Geiru came back and sat by him.

“Talk to anyone?” she asked.

“Yes actually” he replied.

“You?”

“I talked to someone, but I’m sure that he wasn’t anyone important. I did play poker and win. Gangsters like this need people to enter tournaments for them and win.

“So are we done?” he asked.

“Yes. Let’s go”.

“Just like that?” he asked.

“Hush now Takashi. I told you don’t talk” and she held his hand and pulled him towards the door.

As they approached a bouncer blocked the door.

“Problem?” Geiru asked.

“No there isn’t” a woman said behind them making them turn.

Takashi would have turned immediately, but Geiru squeezed his hand hard. 

They looked at the woman and it was the same who Takashi introduced himself too.

“Please come with me” she said already walking and they followed, one of the bouncers following behind them.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“You’ll see. Just be quiet and be calm, and do not say anything”.

They followed her and she led them to the very back, away from noise and people, and she pushed a door open leading to a very empty parking lot except for a few cars, all black.

They could hear sounds. Like something hitting something.

Only he was wrong. It was someone hitting someone.

A roundhouse kick to the person’s jaw, and then to his temple, and the last one on his face and that was able to push him in the chair back, his face all bloody.

“Get him up!”

“Boss” the men tried.

“Get him up, or you want to end up like him?” she threatened.

She turned and saw them.

“What is it?!” she demanded.

“Found new recruits”.

“What do Mr. and Mrs. Boring have to offer?” the woman asked.

Takashi looked at the fairly bloodied woman. He tried not to show his disgust and his surprise at how unaffected everyone else is.

“The girl here is a poker expert and the guy over here is a Fujiwara”.

He watched as the woman’s eyes widened just a fraction, but she was back to bored and then angry.

“How are you not sure it’s a coincidence? Send them away and make sure that they do not speak of this” and she turned her back to them.

“My father was actually Dai Fujiwara”.

“Is that so?” she asked with a mocking smile.

“Yes” he tried not to get angry. 

Geiru held his hand tight, giving him a sideway glance.

“Then show me what you got” she said gesturing with her head to the guy tied in the chair.

“What?” he asked confused.

“Show what you got. And if you are an imposter, you’ll be switching positions before you get it. Get it?”

Geiru gave him a subtle push, and he walked towards the bound man. His face all bloody and his nose broken, and he tried not to throw up on him. The act of violence was inhuman.

“I’m waiting” the woman said bored.

He brought out a pocket knife from his pocket and he hesitated at first, but he took a deep breath and gave the guy a little cut on his exposed hand.

Nothing happened for the first few seconds.

“Is this a joke?” she asked her patience finally snapping.

She pushed Takashi away, but luckily he didn’t fall. It would have been embarrassing, she got her gun out and aimed, but the man went into a coughing fit and she had to step back so blood wouldn’t get on her.

But he didn’t stop.

He kept coughing and coughing until the blood became a problem. It wouldn’t stop. The man leaned back in his chair uncontrollably. The only thing keeping him there were the ropes.

Blood flowed down his cheeks like tears. It also came out from his ears in tiny drops.

Geiru was by his side holding his hand again.

“Should I administer his antidote?” he asked softly.

“Leave him be”.

Geiru held onto him tighter.

They stood there until the man stopped moving and breathed his last.

“Well that was something” the woman who brought both of them broke the ice.

“Send his body back to his gang” the woman said with a wave.

“What about them?”

She turned back to them, and after a final assessment she turned around. “Bring them” and she continued walking.

“Move along” the woman said to them, while the bouncers lifted the prone body from the chair.

VVVVV

“You good?” Geiru whispered, that he almost didn’t hear it.

“Why didn’t she let me stop the poison?”

“It doesn’t work that way Takashi”.

“I just killed someone”.

“He’d have died either way, so it’s not a problem”.

“Not a problem? That was a……”

“Shhhhh” she squeezed his arm and it had the desired effect.

He shut up.

“We can talk about this later”.

VVVVV

Soon they arrived at a very big and luxurious house. He had only seen houses like that in movies, but actually seeing it, and he was going to step in there…it was breathtaking.

“Please move quickly”.

Geiru pulled him and that had him taking long and quick strides to keep up with the woman in front, but also maintain a decent amount of space with her.

“Where are we going?” he whispered.

“Probably the leader?”

“Have you seen him before?”

“No. They’re just like their name. You see them one minute and then you don’t”.

The doors opened from the inside and the woman didn’t stop. They passed the front, and then went down some steps into another room, which seemed to be the living area.

There was a long red carpet, and then long couches on each side of the rug. And at the end of the carpet, there was a black armchair facing the bar behind.

The bloody woman stood behind the chair. 

“We did it” she said.

“Good” the voice replied and Takashi knew that it sounded feminine.

“That’s the last time I try to be nice to someone. How can you refuse to pay back the loan I gave you? I change my mind. Forget what I said about sending a message. Kill any of the members on sight.

The woman chuckled.

“What’s going on here?”

“Be quiet” she hissed.

“Why are they strangers in here?” she asked and Takashi stood straight.

“Recruits” the woman replied.

“Are they any good?”

“The girl is good with numbers and the guy is Fujiwara’s son”.

“Is that so?” she asked.

“Yes”.

“Does he have his father’s talent?”

“Yes. Saw it with my own eyes”.

“I’m tired. I’ll talk with them tomorrow. Give them a room”.

“Karou” the bloody woman called.

“Yes ma’am. Follow me” she said walking, and both followed her.

“Will you both be sleeping in the same room?”

“No” Takashi replied immediately.

Geiru squeezed his hand.

She led Geiru to hers first, and then pointed over Takashi’s shoulder to his room, which was directly opposite Geiru’s room.

“You’re going to meet the boss tomorrow” she said folding her hands.

“So it seems”. He hoped his nervousness didn’t show.

“When you do, don’t just stare okay. She hates it”.

“Sure”.

“Good. Goodnight” and she left him standing in the hallway.

He walked into his room and was on the ground before he could close the door. 

What had he gotten himself into? He had killed someone today, and he had a feeling he’d be doing much more. All this was a mistake.

He should have listened to Lee, and maybe he wouldn’t be here. He wouldn’t be involved in any of this. This world wasn’t for him. He didn’t have the mind to kill someone and yet he killed someone today and…

He had to throw up.

He got up as quickly as he could, and ran to the bathroom. 

It came out just as he hovered over the toilet bowl. 

All the blood, and the way the man looked at him as he injected him. Still defiant even in the face of death.

He took a deep breath and flushed the toilet. He dropped the lid, and sat on it, burying his face in his palms. He counted to a hundred and rest his back against the cool septic tank.

This was not the time to panic. He made a deal with the man Takahiro. He told him that he wasn’t getting out until he was done. He was here for a purpose. This was the gang that killed his parents, and he wanted them to die. Not the innocent because they were guilty.

They were in a gang preying on the innocent.

He stood up with much resolve. He’d kill them and make sure none of them were left.

This wasn’t the time for tears or to act weak. It was time to be a gangster.  

He stood in front of the mirror and washed his hands, and also splashed his face. A little shut eye would make everything go away.