Intertwined Destiny

Chapter 17: Guilt

Chapter 17: Guilt

Akashi glared at his father. Although his face had displayed none that symbolized dislike or condemn, it was evident, reflected in his clear vermillion irises, was the feelings of contemptuousness and scorn towards his own father. "You arranged a mate? Why?" Akashi questioned. Akashi had not dreamt a day would come where his father would come with an arranged partner for him.

Akashi's feelings of resentment run deep within the roots of guilt. How did such a loving family shattered into pieces after Yuri left for the netherworld? It happened several centuries ago, when Akashi was still, but a small child. The memories of that day were clear as crystal of every detail that had happened. As a child, Akashi often had felt that his father was a distant figure, someone who cared for results and success. Akashi learnt through the hard way that he was someone who loved his work more than his family. Often reprimanded, murtinuous behaviours were verboten and prohibited in front of the austere Akashi Masaomi. Despite everything, Akashi Masaomi was respected and loved by the people of Teiko.

It was around Akashi's seventh birthday, Akashi Yuri was diagnosed with a rare, incurable disease. Masaomi had his suspicions, however he did not possess any evidence and her symptoms were vague and intermittently consistent. With the knowledge of Yuri's family history, he prayed for the best. Worried about her weak health, he summoned the Akashi family's personal doctor. Seeing his dear mother, the only supporting figure he loved deeply coughing up blood, and intermittent shortness of breath, Akashi became frightened. The trepidation that his dear mother would be taken away from him. Bedridden since then, young Akashi took extreme care for his dear mother. Achieving his austere father's expectations and caring for his sick mother as a young child, it was no feat any Tom, Dick and Harry could achieve. Akashi was a polymath, an extremely exceptional individual born with talents that comes once a million years.

It was vividly clear. So clear as if it had happened just yesterday. He remembered, it was a stormy night. The weather was freezing cold. His father had come back home late that night, Yuri had another of her attacks. The doctor who had been called had declared the last hours creeping over Yuri's soul. They were hit hard by those simple words. The servants of the Akashi family were extremely impressed by the disposition Young Master had carried himself even after hearing such despondent news. No child could have such delicate control over his emotions like Akashi. Akashi was just the opposite. He was calm and collected, perspicacious of the future which had yet to take place.

"It saddened my heart, but please be prepared for what's going to happen in the future." The doctor had told Akashi. Akashi had cursed for the umpteenth time, and demanded the servants.

"Where is my father?!"

The servants had an apologetic expression etched onto their faces. "The master said he is on his way, Young Master. Please be patient." Akashi had clicked his tongue. Deep down, he knew. His mother would not last the night. The time has come. But the man she gave herself to wasn't there to see her off, and that pisses him off. The servants serving the Akashi clan, regardless of their positions, were surrounded at their Lady's deathbed. They had loved their Lady who was a kind and loving person. The clan wept with the knowledge it was the last time they would hear their Lady's voice. Those words were their Lady's final words before departing for the netherworld. Akashi was the last one she addressed.

"Seijuurou, please take care of everyone." she had a serene expression before she disintegrated into dust. "And don't fight with your father anymore. He's such an awkward person. Forgive him, okay?' It was the fate of the creatures of the darkness whose souls are unable to live on, as if in exchange for their immortality and strength. Not even a shred of their body and flesh was left. It was a sorrowful fate. It was then Masaomi had finally returned from his business. It was way behind schedule. The clock chimed just as it had struck four. It was already dawn. For the first time, Akashi who was prominent as a child who didn't have feelings, capable of working as a machine does. On that night, Akashi displayed feelings of his own, for the very first time since he was brought into the world.