Chapter XI - Removal
Shizukana Kaze
冬
****
January 1st - 12:35 AM
My father had sat me down in a chair by his desk as he prepared me a drink. I sat there looking at the papers scattered all over the table. There were a few documents, letters, notes, maps, books.. I wanted to know what he was doing with all of this, and first of all.. why he abandoned me and left me on my own that day.
"Dad.. I just want to know what is going on."
"That can wait a minute, Tsukiko.", he told me.
"What do you mean it can wait?"
"It will require a lot of explaining, Tsukiko. Just be patient and wait."
"Okay, I will.."
I took a look through my pockets. I found my cell phone, luckily, but the signal from this location was low. Good enough to text someone. I thought I should probably call the police for them to check my house.
"No, Tsukiko.", he said.
"Why not?"
"If you call them, we could be at risk of being discovered!"
"By who?"
"I told you to wait for that.."
"Oh, right."
I had to sit and do nothing for a few minutes whilst my father made us both some cups of coffee using a coffee maker powered by some sort of generator he must have built. Do not get me wrong, my father was a smart and ingenious man, which is most likely how he was still living and breathing.. right in front of my eyes at this very moment. A few seconds later, he was finally finished, and he brought us both a cup.
"Thank you..", I said.
"You're welcome."
He took a seat in the seat in front of me, and we both discussed.
"Alright..", he said. "Now we can discuss this. So you said you came here due to running from a small Yakuza group, correct?"
"Yes, I did."
"Well, I'm sure you are wondering why I survived the accident, too. The accident was also tied to this, Tsukiko.."
"It was?"
"Yes. Now, please be quiet. I will tell you it all as thoroughly and quickly as possible."
"Okay.."
"So, listen closely.. it's quite a long explanation.."
----
"It all started when your mother died that one day. Yes, I lied. It was not a heart attack at all, she was hunted down and killed by a Yakuza from the city of Tokyo. Ever since I began racing, I've gotten myself in a bit of trouble with a gang or two. Either it was street racing or being involved in certain crimes that I interrupted. Some wanted me dead, and some wanted me captured. I have been cautious to keep you safe ever since she was assassinated, bringing you everywhere with me, and keeping you close to me. I began hearing rumours from other racers that a recent Yakuza gang member had gained an interest in rally, and entered a team. It wasn't too long from then that he had appeared in that race. I knew that day would be the day I came to my final threat, and I left you home for that reason. When nearing the end of the race, I knew it could only be the black Subaru that was there to end me. So I took my chances, and when the car stopped rolling, I found out I was still alive. I quickly crawled out of the car and hid before the race officials found me. Once the car caught fire by the time they reached it, the news made the assumption that I died from the crash and the fire finished me. If the Yakuza wanted me dead, I knew I had to fake it. I wanted to return to you, but to keep you safe, I went on my own and went to look for somewhere else to live. Once I found a good place to hide, which is this sewer, I called Kyoko and asked her if you could live with her. She accepted it, and later you find yourself living with her. I told her to keep the news of me being alive a secret, so you couldn't spread the word. A few years later, I heard suspicion was being raised about you ever since you had started racing, and I told Kyoko to protect you from such people. I didn't say she had to sacrifice herself like she did, but I told her to assist you in survival. Those guys following you were the Yakuza, Tsukiko, and they are after you. One of the few living in our family, and now that you're here, I have something to say.."
----
"What is it you have to say, then?", I asked.
"It's not safe for us here, anymore. By now, they have probably learned I am still alive and they are looking for us.."
"What do you mean it's not safe?!"
"Tsukiko, I know this is hard, but.."
"What?"
"We must go into exile. We need a new identity, and a new location. They're constantly on the hunt for us, and it is time for us to leave."
"But.. why?!"
"Tsukiko.."
"Tell me why, old man!", I yelled. I probably shouldn't have, as there was a small moment of silence.
"Tsukiko.. I only want to protect you. Do not think I ran away to leave you on your own and am now forcing us to leave because I hate you."
"B-But.."
"We have to leave it all behind, Tsukiko. I know it is hard, but we must. I already have bought tickets for the plane, and we will leave later today. Get whatever items you want, and your car. That is all you will need."
"Why, dad?..", I asked.
I tried to hold back the tears, but I just couldn't. I saw my friend assassinated right in front of me, and now my father is saying we have to go.
"I'm sorry, Tsukiko, but we must. Also, you can tell no one about this. Not even your closest friends."
"Dad.."
"No.. I'm sorry Tsukiko. We must go."
"Okay.."
"Good. Well, now that we've had that discussion, are you finished with your coffee?"
"No.."
I tipped the cup over from my disappointment, and it spilled all over the papers.
"Tsukiko!"
"Sorry about that.. but, what are these papers exactly?"
"They're newspapers, letters, and notes I have written and read. About your races, and the crime going on.."
"Y-You listened to how my races went?"
"Well, of course I would, Tsukiko."
"Well, that's nice, I guess."
"You performed very well, and I'm sure you will be able to continue somewhere else.."
"But, wait.. Dad! What about Kyoko?!"
"I'm sorry, but I do not believe we can check on him.."
"Why not, dad?"
"Well, because.. oh, look. It is your bed time.."
"I need an explanation. I demand it."
"I can explain more later! For now, please just go to sleep.."
"Fine, I will.."
"Good, Tsukiko."
I looked around for a bed that he didn't sleep one, and found it in a corner. A small, not too clean bed, but it would last me for the night. I walked over, got under the covers, and attempted to go to sleep. Hoping to stay away from all of this silly nonsense..
"Good night."