Tokyo Revengers; Sacrifice

Chapter 41

Amaterasu Akiko P.O.V.

I didn't go to Mikey's school those last couple of days. For the last couple of weeks I've been avoiding going the tattooshops I usually work at, or any other places I frequent. I've been avoiding contact with Draken, Takemichi or any other of the Toman members. Besides that I've been sleeping less and fighting more. I know that Ichiro, my grandfather and Souta are worried about me, but there's nothing I can do about that now. I rummage through my bag, taking out a bottle of water. I quickly slip a pill into my mouth before drinking the water. I then turn around and climb back into the ring, ignoring the suspicious look of Souta. "Is there anyone else?" I ask, leaning on the ropes of the ring. "I don't think anyone still wants to fight you in this state, Akiko-sama" Souta says. "What state?" I ask annoyed. Souta raises his eyebrows annoyed as well but doesn't respond. "I'll fight you" I hear a voice coming from behind me in the ring. I groan softly when I recognize the voice but turn around to face Draken. "Alright lets go" I say, going to my corner. As soon as the bell rings I charge at him. He dodged my punch, blocks my kick and lands a punch in my stomach. It's hard and it hurts but because of it I can kick him in the stomach, making him stumble a couple of steps back. I land a couple of punches in his face before he grabs both my wrist, and head butts me. This time I stumble a couple of steps back, and wipe the blood from under my nose. Every punch and kick I throw at him after that he blocks or avoids easily. Draken then tackles me, pinning me down on the mat. "What was the drug you were taking earlier, hmm?" He hisses, his face close to mine. "I don't know what you're talking about" I say, trying to head butt him but he pulls his head away in time. The bell rings again, and Draken steps off me. "I don't think I even have to say it" Souta says dryly. I growl softly rolling myself on my stomach and getting up. "What do you want, Draken?" I ask, walking over to Souta. "A minute" Draken says as Souta hands me a wet cloth to clean the blood of my face.

"What do you want Draken?" I ask, ignoring the chilly feeling of the cold air from outside against the sweat on my skin. "How long have you been taking drugs?" Draken asks, putting his hands in the pockets of his pants, while leaning against the wall. "I don't know what you're talking about" I say, putting my hands on my hips. "Don't act like I'm stupid. I saw you taking it. Those weren't aspirin or painkillers." He says. I sigh deeply. "What does it matter to you, Draken?" I ask, leaning against the wall also, rubbing my eye tiredly. "A lot Akiko" he says. "You may be avoiding me, and any of us but that doesn't mean we suddenly stop caring" Draken says. I look down at my feet when I feel tears welling up in my eyes, not sure that they're there because I'm moved by his words or that I'm just so god damn tired. "So?" Draken asks, apparently still waiting on an answer. I rub my eyes and look up at the sky. "I can't sleep, I can't stay awake. I still need to focus during the day, Draken" I say softly. "How long?" Draken asks. "Couple of weeks" I say. Draken sighs deeply. "Does your family know?" He asks. "No, nor do they need to" I say sharply. I glance at him, before looking down on my hands, softly stroking my scraped knuckles. It's silent for a little while, and for a moment I feel better, being in his presence. "So, what are you doing here?" I ask softly. "You've been avoiding us. I wanted to know how you were doing" Draken says. "But I think I've got my answer" he says. I chuckle softly, and shrug. "Pathetic, isn't it?" I ask, looking up at Draken. He seems serious as he looks at me. Draken sighs as he looks up at the sky again. "Come to the shrine tonight" he says. "I don't think so" I chuckle. "I'm serious. Just come and hang out. It'll be good for you." He says. "How can it be good for me?" I ask. Draken smile. "Come hang out with me. We can stay away from Mikey" he says. I rub my forehead. "I can take you home whenever you want. Just say the word" Draken says. I sigh deeply. "Fine. Alright, I'll come" I say annoyed. "But I won't stay long" I add.

I decided not to go. I was too afraid, maybe too embarrassed to face Mikey, and the rest of Toman whose company I enjoyed. I'm not really surprised to see Draken when I leave the gym. He's annoyed and I can't really blame him. "Another fight today?" He asks and he still sounds a bit annoyed. "No, cardio" I say. "Took another pill?" He scoffs. "Yes, you need anything else, Draken?" I ask. "Is Souta coming to get you?" He Draken asks. "No I'm meeting him at Ichiro's office" I say. "I'll walk with you, this direction?" Draken asks, pointing his thumb in a direction. "The other way" I sigh, walking in that direction. Soon Draken catches up. "Why didn't you show up?" Draken asks. For a minute I don't respond. "I was afraid" I say. "Afraid?" Draken asks surprised. "I didn't want him to see me like this. I was afraid of what he might think" I whisper. "Kiko..." Draken sighs deeply. "I can't help it okay?" I say rubbing the back of my neck. I stop walking when I feel his hand on my shoulder. "What is it exactly that you want, Draken?" I ask, looking up at him. "I want you to stop avoiding me. I'm going to find you anyway" Draken says. "Just give up" I sigh. "Since when am I someone that gives up?" Draken asks amused. I chuckle. "You're right. I'll fight you for it" I say. "And lose again?" Draken grins. I chuckle. I sigh deeply, and rub my eye tiredly. "Fine, I give up. I'll stop avoiding you" I say. "And stop taking drugs to stay awake. Just sleep" Draken says. "That's not up to you" I say. "Try me, Akiko" Draken says threatening. "What are you going to do huh?" I scoff. "Tell your family...and Mikey" he says. "You wouldn't..." I say. "Try me" he says again. I groan. "I hate you" I say. "Love you too...Neesan" Draken grins. "You're impossible" I say, as I continue to walk. Souta and Katsu are both standing outside of the building, while Katsu smokes a cigarette. "You're late" Souta says. "Sorry, that is my fault" Draken says. Souta looks at Draken and seems a little surprised. "I see" he says. "Your father is waiting inside" Katsu says. "I'll see you around, Akiko" Draken says. "Yeah yeah" I say annoyed as I walk into the building.