He can't see. There aren't any lights to see by. There is one thing he knows for sure, and it's that he's holding something cold. A liquid runs through his fingers. His hands are shaking. He wonders where the hell he is. The last thing he can remember is pain. Horrible fucking pain. And that face... That man who inflicted it on him. He couldn't stand it and he passed out... Now where is he? His eyes slowly open, and he suddenly is aware of a horrible reality.
Blood.
That's what is on his fingers, his palms, and the blade of his katana in his hands. It's what is in the fountain, among the pebbles of the middle garden of the estate. Spattered on his chest, staining his kimono.
Blood.
It's in his mother's hair. Her lovely, soft raven hair is dyed red. He can't breathe. She looks distraught, as if she'd wanted peace, but he'd stolen it from her in cold blood. He'd murdered her. Staring at the blade in his hands, he realizes what he has to do. If he's really killed his mother... There isn't a reason to carry on living. He's a monster. He turns the blade inward towards his stomach...
He can't do it. For whatever reason, he can't do it. He wants to. It's the only fucking thing he wants to do right now and he cannot bring himself to gut himself with the same sword he'd used to kill her. He curses whatever force is preventing him, and slumps to the ground, not knowing what else to do.
Koujaku lowers the blade, staring down at his hands. He's killed again. It doesn't fill him with grief as it had the first time, but it doesn't make him happy, either. Gulping, he turns away from the body. Ryuuhou is finally dead. It's what he's been trying to accomplish for the last fifteen years of his life and he's finally done it, but he's still not happy. He had vowed to himself that if even that, even the fulfillment of his only wish came about, didn't make him happy, he had only one choice left. He turns the bloodied sword over in his hands, taking in a deep breath and turning its aim at himself. He has no more reason to be here. He's left a goodbye message with Aoba and Mizuki, so no one will be left wondering where he's gone. This is it.
A hand shoots out from virtually nowhere, shoving him back and knocking the sword from his hands entirely. No one had entered the alley with him, he made sure he had covered his tracks fine, who had followed him? He looks up, and sees a completely unfamiliar face. His eyes are light green, light enough to be gray. Fair, clear skin accents the silver glint of at least ten piercings that he can see. Messy, blond hair pokes out of a knit cap, and that's when he notices the expression the boy is wearing. He looks angry, almost.
"What the hell are you doing?" This kid demands, holding onto his wrist firmly as if Koujaku had the intent of picking the sword up again.
"Wh-What do you...? Who are you?" Koujaku doesn't know what to say. This doesn't make any sense. This is the second time his wishes have been ignored...
"I asked you a question first. I'm expecting an answer."
Koujaku stands stock still, shocked beyond words. He's supposed to tell this kid what he's doing? What business is it of his? He just wants to get this over with, he doesn't have time for this interruption. "Who are you?" he repeats.
"Noiz. I'm here to stop you from killing yourself." The kid states plainly, blinking at him. It doesn't look like his expression changes at all.
"How did you know that I..."
"What other reason does anyone have for pointing a sword at themselves, Koujaku?"
"How did you know my..."
