Akuma

Chapter 2- Makato

"Prepare to die, Akuma!" those four unpleasant words seemed to echo hauntingly inside my head. I stood where all the action took place the day before. It was a dull and dismal day. Rain pattered on the window. Each droplet of rain seemed shared my sadness, reminding me of how I failed in protecting those I loved most.

"Demon!" I heard screaming at the back of my mind. I wondered who it was. Whoever when I realised it was me. Having realised that, my mouth shut abruptly, almost mechanically, like a clockwork soldier.

"Akuma, are you alright?" said Kenji. "You don't look too well"

"I am fine," I said, taking deep a few breaths, attempting to calm down. "Don't worry" shooting Kenji a bitter smile.

Life was tough. Surviving without the help and safety of Father was taking a toll on us. Each and every day was gloomy, today was no better. Menacing pools of rage grew within the clouds, stirring up a great storm. The storm Gods were battling it out in the sky. A loud "Bang!" reverberated through the sky. Not wanting to be outdone by his brother, a flash of gold streaked past, leaving destruction in it's path. The concrete path was seared with charcoal in remembrance of the shard of light. It reminded me of Father in a way. Only his ashes were left of what used to be a great man.

Living on the streets was very tiresome, however finding shelter and food was my main concern, especially for young Kenji. I have to admit Kenji was doing a good job at keeping himself together and hiding his fear from me after that traumatic experience. I had to steal from shops in order for Kenji to eat. I didn't like it but for Kenji, my only living relative alive, I had to protect him to the fullest. On bad days, not that every day isn't, I had to beg on the streets; being humiliated by people who walk past me and yet I could do nothing about it. Kenji and I had to sleep rough. Damp, narrow alleyways or ancient remains of buildings would be our shelter for the night. Most of the time we managed to build a shelter out of scraps of wood and a rotten blanket from what used to be home, just to avoid the rain. Whenever we slept on the floor, we would occasionally hear rodents darting across the ground.

"Akuma, don't look so dismal, we can get through this together!" uttered Kenji with a mask of confidence.

" I suppose" I sighed desolately.

The next day after we talked, I decided to take Kenji to the park, just to lighten up and to forget about everything that had happened. I took a seat on the moist grass and watched Kenji trying to have some fun. I could tell he was trying to act normal and blend in with all the other children but he refused to play on the swings. After all the things he has been through, I wasn't really surprised. It's likely that Kenji will never return to his young childish self. How it hurts to see my younger brother in this state. If I was granted a wish, I would make sure that Kenji would never had to suffer from the memories that he possessed. As I sat, I thought about what Father told. His last few words were to go to see his old friend, Makato, who would help us in our journey, our quest.

"Go see my dear friend, Makato. He will help you find all the answers you are seeking" Father rasped, staring into my terrified eyes. "He will train you for what is to come and to protect you better than I ever did."

"Father, you will always be my hero and have me to the best you could." I replied gently.

"Promise Akuma, that you will take care and protect Kenji until the day you die" mumbled Father.

"Don't worry Father, I won't let you down." I promised, choked up with tears.

"I thank god to have such a loyal son, Akuma" answered Father.

Only that very same day I gained any contact with Makato. Father said one day he would show himself but that day did not come for a while. I wondered who this Makoto person was everyday, tossing and turning every night. I didn't think I could go on that way for any longer. Kenji and I were both starving and homeless. We didn't have anywhere to go and our only hope is Makato

"Akuma, are you alright?" asked Kenji

"Yeah, I guess," I replied, my eyes unsmiling, " lets go back, Kenji, it's getting dark."

"Sure," said Kenji responded enthusiastically. I could see that he was trying to make an effort for me. What good had I done to deserve such a great little brother?

As we walked back to our so called 'home' I could hear echoing pounds against the concrete pavement, walking towards Kenji and I. I looked behind me but there was not a shadow there. I carried on walking ignoring the footsteps. It was probably some passerby. The pitter patter of the rain seemed to drown out the sound of thick boots, stomping growing louder and louder rapidly. Someone was catching up with us swiftly. Without taking one look behind me, I took Kenji's hands and then increased our walking pace. It got to a point when we were running and yet it appeared that the footsteps had caught up with us. I gently pushed Kenji further forward just incase the mysterious person behind us would attack him. I summoned my sword, pulling it out of my chest through the mark tattooed over my heart. It probably was revolting for Kenji to see a sword appearing out of my chest, however there was no time to think about it. He would have to get used to it, I had a feeling that this would be happening regularly. I raised my weightless sword up into the air and spun around, quick as a flash. Clouded with fear and rage, I was about to slay our enemy, until I heard a voice I recognised so well.

"Father?" I questioned the darkness.

"My name is Makoto" replied a middle aged man, partially concealed by the darkness, "I believe that you have been seeking me."

"Come closer to the light, I must see your face but if you refuse or come too close, I will not hesitate to leave you with a lost head" I promised with great conviction. What I hope he did not hear was the tremble in my voice.

"My, Akihiko has raised you well, fierce, like the great Hachiman"

What? He knew Father's name, only those who Father trusted knew his true name, he was mostly called Father by everyone.

"Is that truly you, Makato?" I questioned him with hope.

"I believe so" he replied with a chuckle, "that is what many call me."

"I promised Akihiko, many moons ago that if anything were to happen to him, I would take care of his two dearest sons"

"Come Akuma and Kenji, take my hand and close your eyes." Makoto ordered, holding out his frail hand.

I didn't know whether to trust him or not but Kenji seemed to be relieved to see him, so I went with Kenji's instincts. If worse comes to worse, I could just summon my sword, he looked easy enough. I followed his instructions to close my eyes and following my lead, Kenji copied. I was tired and I just wanted to forget everything that has happened throughout these years so I didn't question the madness occurring.

"Don't open your eyes, keep them closed" spoke Makoto abruptly.

Once again I obeyed his orders and then the last thing I remembered was the blinding flash.