Izana's Precious Twin

Family Broken

It was quite the gruesome photo even for an experienced detective like him. The body was well preserved despite being splayed open. He read through the notes they sent and a churning feeling welled up in his stomach.

Naoto was sure he'd seen his face before. Dark black eyes with tousled hair and that necklace. He scratched his head when it hit him. Naoto opened up the list of missing people in the area. And there it was.

Sano Shinichiro missing for a year now. Yesterday was the anniversary of him going missing. Naoto felt himself sweat as he compared his missing photo to the one in the email from his colleague.

"My god."

The emails had been sent yesterday. Naoto quickly emailed back with his missing report so they could confirm if it was or wasn't Shinichiro. But based on the physical descriptions, Naoto feared it was indeed their missing man.

Izana was in the backseat with Kakucho hugging him to make up for all those years. It was an emotional moment seeing his childhood friend for the first time. Kakucho felt the same seeing Izana in the flesh.

It was kind of stalkerish but Kakucho occasionally asked for updates and pictures of the twins. He just wanted to make sure they weren't being harassed by gangs or criminals. Sometimes Izana would write letters addressed to him and leave them in the mailbox.

The envelope just said 'Hitto Kakucho' on the outside. Izana didn't know it but Kakucho had someone come by weekly to see if there was another for him. In a particular one he mentioned how worried and disappointed Izumi was when he was unable to see him no more.

"How've you been Hitto? Tell me everything!"

Izana eventually pulled away to scrutinize at him. Where would Kakucho even start at? What would he say? Bonten was his life now. No friends, unless you count the execs but he wouldn't hold his breath when it came to them.

"I have a good job and a nice place."

"Okayyyy."

"And, I um, work for Mikey."

Now Izana looked at him, not really believing this tall man followed shorty around. Hitto lightened up and tried to relax, telling him some innocent stories about them. Izana smiled listening to him talk and even laugh at the more absurd ones.

"I know you're going to ask about Izumi."

"Yeah. How'd you rescue him from the kidnappers?"

"What?"

"Some pink mullet man attacked us inside Naoto's apartment! When I got up Izumi was gone and those guys with the pink one."

"Pink mullet?"

Kakucho could only think of one guy with a pink mullet. He didn't know anything except coming back to see Izumi in the mansion. Sanzu had kidnapped him hadn't he? He quickly changed the subject back to the twins and their daily lives.

Takemichi continued watching the family tape. It switched to Emma cooking breakfast for gramps and Shinichiro. He smiled as she became flustered at the person recording and she wasn't ready.

The happy everyday family video was cut short. In the next scene a solemn Mikey stared down at the ground. The eyebags seemed heavier this time. He looked up and smiled at the camera.

"To Takemitchy in 12 years, this is for you."

Takemichi was shocked that Mikey had made a secret video for the future him, who was currently viewing it. Mikey's face darkened.

"I know my letter has said plenty in there for you all. But this is something I am addressing to you only Takemitchy."

He slightly turned the volume up. He knew what Mikey had to say was very important and he couldn't miss anything vital.

"When I'm unable to control myself, it's as though there is another side of me that comes out. A dark impulsivity."

Takemichi felt the chills and shivers when Mikey said that and looked directly at him with that blank stare. But his family should have kept him in check. Keep those dark impulsivities away.

"I'm scared of who I will become in 12 years. I know that I will be someone who is unpleasant to be around and should be avoided."

His light voice filtered through the speakers. Takemichi was starting to understand why Mikey went away and chose to not be found.

"That's why I bid farewell to all of Toman's members. Now you understand Takemitchy? I don't want you guys to be involved with me. I want you to promise me that in 12 years you'll stay away from me. Don't go back in the past to save me or whatever."

Takemichi watched anxiously as Mikey continued. 

"The path I've chosen is the one I want. So be happy with Hinata and live a good life okay?"

Mikey gave a genuine smile closing his eyes for emphasis. The tape ended with static, leaving him with more questions than answers. He still didn't know where Mikey was. Furthermore the "path" Mikey said he had chosen concerned him as well.

But in the end no one had instigated Mikey's corruption. It was an internal issue not external. Takemichi reflected on that fact on the subway and bus. That didn't mean he couldn't help him with it.

He ran into Kazutora who heard about his endeavors to find Mikey. Takemichi politely declined and thanked him. 

Kakucho and Izana arrived at the gate of the well manicured mansion. Izana gaped at the fancy gate and garden outside. Kakucho smiled to himself seeing Izana's reaction to the lavish property. 

"You have such a fancy place Hitto! I could never afford something like this. Haha."

"Follow me."

Kakucho made sure that no one else was in when he brought Izana. There was no doubt Sanzu had taken Izumi along with some lackeys. 

Izana couldn't stop staring at the expensive flooring and walls decorated with minimal decorations. The stairs shined and were even lined with carpet! To think that Hitto got to live in a place like this.

"Izumi's in the lounge area. Stay with me."

They walked down a long hallway and stopped at a set of double doors with handles made with real gold he imagined. The lounge was well lit with nice large windows and thick curtains pulled aside.

A bar was in the back with a large fridge and pantry. Two sets of sectionals and couches with coffee tables in front. As Kakucho hoped, there was no one else. He spotted the white haired boy where he left him.