Haitani Brothers x Reader

24) Two Deaths

Both men paused as a ticking sound filled the hall. Claude continued to walk, the ticking getting louder. Then it stopped just as they reached the area where it was the loudest.

An explosion shook the building, catching both Zen and Claude off guard. From the window, they can see smoke rising from the front gates. Zen opened the window, and shouts filled the air.

"Move the injured quickly!"

"That bastard blew himself up!"

Claude tapped his chin. "Interesting." He moved away from the window. Hit foot caught something, making him pause. His eyes widened as he saw the trip wire.

"Sir," Zen said cautiously. Claude smiled. "How tedious it seems there are traps in my own house."

Zen searched around the halls, tapping against the ground and walls. He stopped and pulled away from the wall, turning to the painting.

He removed the fake portrait to reveal a bomb connected to the wire. "How convenient to have it in such an obvious place," he said softly. He began to tamper with the cords on the device. "Try not to take your time," Claude said after a few minutes. Zen kept his expression stoic. "I shall take longer then."

"Zen, please don━" Something whizzed through the air, catching their attention. A dagger embedded itself in the tile at Claude's feet.

Time seemed to slow as they stared at the severed tripwire. The beeping from the bomb intensified, startling Zen.

"GET AWAY FROM THERE!"

Claude grabbed Zen's arm and pulled him around. "Sir━" He was cut off by a kick to the stomach. He went flying into the air as an explosion shook the corridor. Zen crashed through the window, the explosion shattering all the others.

Zen stared into the flaming hallway, smoke filtering through the broken windows. His eyes widened when he noticed a figure hunched near the wall. His heart lifted as he thought that The Head had survived. Then he watched as the body slumped to the ground.

Time returned to normal, and he plummeted to the ground. He plunged in shocked silence. Just as he was about to go splat, he flipped and landed on his feet. He stayed crouched, his bangs casting a shadow over his face.

He slumped to his knees as he ripped off the burned mask. Zen gasped as he tried to compose himself. He gritted his teeth, there's no way, he thought. "There's no way he's dead," he breathed.

✿

"It's finally done." Some panted as the group watched the intruders flee. Kira scoffed from where she stood, flicking her hair. "Well, that was a bore." Chisuke sighed as she shook her head, nothing excites her these days. She turned to survey the team as they celebrated. As expected, another victory, she thought, smirking as she walked to the door. "Scarlet Shadows, dispatch a team and kill them off." One nodded and began to gather a team.

The door opened before she could do it herself, and she locked eyes with Zen. He had a solum look as he stared at the ground, but as soon as their eyes met, they widened in surprise. A glimpse of despair flashed in his dark hues.

A sinking feeling filled her chest, but she ignored it as she beamed. "Where is Claude? He was with you, right?" He bit his lip as he looked away. "The Head, he's," he stopped, gritting his teeth. He dropped to his knees, startling her.

He braced his fist against the ground as he kept his head down. "Sir Claude is dead, my lady!" he shouted. Her expression contorted to shock as her face darkened. "Where is he?" she asked quietly. He frowned as he answered. "In the corridor, near the kids' rooms." The words barely left his mouth when she disappeared.

✿

Chizuki stared blankly at the gravestone, her black dress billowing in the wind. She wore a small hat with a black net over her eyes.

Kazuya stood next to her, holding Y/n's hands. Her eyes were dull as she stared at the name inscribed on the stone. Papa is dead. Those words rang through the little girl's head over and over again.

Kazuya hadn't let it fully sink yet. She was also worried about their mother. She glanced at the woman as she placed a single carnation at the foot of the tomb. She hasn't shed a single tear, Kazuya thought. She glanced down at Y/n, who had started shaking. She released her hand and picked the little girl up. She gently rubbed her back in thought. Her mind goes back to what her mother said about Y/n's training.

This isn't good.

✿

"I already told you she's too young!" Kazuya shouted as she gritted her teeth. "She is not." Her eyes flashed at the woman staring blankly out the window.

"I will begin her training whether you like it or not," she continued, turning to Kazuya.

"I won't let you." Her expression turned cold as she glared at her daughter. "And what will you do, kill me?" Kazuya disappeared and appeared crouched on the desk. She swung her blade in an arc, aiming for her neck.

Chizuki leaned back, her eyes wide as she stared at Kazuya, who coldly glared back. "Yes. If that's what it takes."

Something in their mother snapped that day as she grinned, catching Kazuya off guard. "You insolent, brat!" She pulled out a long blade as she sneered at her daughter.

"I don't think you've realized, but," she paused as she kicked the desk, forcing Kazuya to jump off. Her mother appeared before her just as she landed.

Kazuya gasped as her mother stabbed her stomach, pushing her against the wall. "You're replaceable," she finished quietly. Blood sputtered past her lips as she stared at her mother's blank face. She watched as a single tear fell. "With you gone, Y/n will succeed me." She pulled the blade out and watched as Kazuya clutched her stomach as she fell.

"You grew soft, my child," she said softly.

Kazuya's vision blurred as her eyes began to close. No! I need...to get up! Her bloodied hand reached out to her mother's retreating form. I can't let her...take Y/n...

Her hand fell against the tile, going still as the life left her.