The grief and pain he felt were still with him, but the years had brought a new kind of darkness, a numbing dissociation that left him feeling disconnected from the world around him.
It was on a random night when Seiya had just completed his daily training. He was just standing there, leaning against the wall, frozen, eyes glued onto the wooden ground. His mind was elsewhere, in this fog-like state.
His father's unnerving footsteps approached.
Shino reached out and gripped Seiya's shoulder, squeezing it tightly. "Come with me."
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Seiya's legs started to move on their own. He followed his father out the door, into the darkness of the night without a question.
They walked in silence towards the driveway for several minutes before Shino finally spoke. "I need someone to follow me around, to keep me company, you see."
"It's like a feeling of having a human pet around, so good. It makes me feel powerful, don't you think so?"
Seiya's throat felt dry as he tried to swallow, "Father..." he managed to choke out, "why... did you... Do it?" He spoke about it for the first time in a while, "with..mom."
Shino stopped, as if he finally noticed his child, "You should not question your elders, Seiya. I did what I had to do," and started walking again.
He trailed behind his father as he always did.
"You've become quite obedient, Seiya," his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I guess killing her was good for your development after all. You'll make a fine heir."
Seiya said nothing; everything that he wanted to say or could say was caught by the lump in his throat. He doesn't even know anymore; he had long given up, given up on feeling, given up on any hope of escaping.
So there, after he reached the age of 13, his father started bringing him around.
Every month or so, his father would bring him over to this large estate located in the North side of Shibuya. It was likely the estate of his father's leader, the man who held the highest power in the underworld.
Seiya often stayed in the garden, enjoying the peacefulness of the greenery and the soft rustle of leaves. It was here where he first met Ayumi Akiyama, the daughter of the leader's family.
It was a random day when he was sitting among the garden's bushes, observing the estate's servants and the family members.
He saw a young girl walking towards him with her nanny. She was only five years old, but he couldn't take his eyes off her. The girl had golden eyes that seemed to sparkle like stars, radiating a warmth that seemed to come from the very core of her being.
Her long silver hair was the colour of moonlight, swirling around her like a cloud of silk. She was lighthearted, with a sense of wonder and curiosity that seemed to permeate her entire being.
"Mio-san, Mio-san!!" Her angelic honeyed voice echoed as she bounced around the grass field.
"Yes young miss?" The lady in the maid outfit smiled as she trailed behind the tiny girl.
"Mio-san! Let's play a game!!" Her golden eyes sparkled, "If you can catch me, I will give you anyyyyyything you want! okay??? Do you want to play??"
"Young miss, I won't be able to catch you," Mio chuckled, "and there's nothing I really want, except for your happiness, young miss."
"Is that so? thank you Mio-san, Yumi also wish for you happiness!!" her little arms wrapped around the nanny's legs "Your happiness, and everyone! everyonee's happinesss!!!"
"Aww…Thank you Young Miss." She squatted down and patted the little one's head.
It seem as if everyone loved her, everyone in this household seem to adore this little one, and to be honest, Seiya can understand why.
Her presence brought a sense of tranquility, something that Seiya was never exposed to. He found himself drawn to her, her spirit and her energy. She was a magnet.
.
"Tsumi papa!!" Ayumi ran towards the big man and tugged on his trousers with her tiny fingers, "Where are you going Tsumi-papa?"
"Awwww little Angel~" Katsumi melted, he reached down and picked up his 8 years old nephew, "Papa was gonna get some air in the backyard and light up a cigarette." His ear-to-ear grin was creepy.
"Tsumi-papa you shouldn't smoke so much!" She cupped his bearded face.
"Why? Does little Yumi hates it?"
"Hmmm, Yumi do hates the smell, but my teacher said its unhealthy for you."
"Is that so?" He smiled at her, "then I'll try, for Yumi yeah?~" lovingly pinching her rosy cheeks.
"Mm mm!" She shook her head, "you should try for yourself!"
"Hahahahah.. I see I see~"
Seiya was watching the silly exchange from a safe distance. He had good ears, so fortunately, he can listen without talking to her directly.
For 3 long years, he continued to admire her from afar, and soon watching her became an escape from the gruesome world. His admiration for the year turned into a sense of attachment and affection.
On one random day, he fell asleep in the garden and wasn't checking the time; the sun was beginning to set. Seiya rushed out of the backyard, his heart racing with fear of his father's wrath.
He felt a sudden impact on his chest.
He stumbled back before looking down to see Ayumi on the ground, and Seiya's heart skipped a beat.
She had fallen.
He quickly knelt down, "Are you alright?" his voice wavering. "I'm so sorry, I should have been more careful."
"It's okay," she took his hand. "I just got a little startled."
Seiya felt a rush of relief. A part of him couldn't believe that he was standing so close her.
"I'm sorry again, I am glad you are okay, Ayumi."
"Umm..but who are you, brother?" A sense of curiosity, "Yumi have never seen you around."
Reluctantly, he didn't want her to know him.
Before the conversation could prolong, he heard his father's voice calling, and he knew he had to run.
"I'm sorry, I have to go."
"Why? Where do you have to go? ah, I still haven't got your name, brother- what is your name?"
"You wouldn't know me."
"But I want to know you."
Seiya felt a pang in his chest, but it was quickly replaced by fear as he heard his father's voice getting louder.
"I'm sorry," he said, running off. "I have to go."
It was a conversation that stayed with him; it was the first and last time they spoke, but it was a moment he cherished. His emotions for her were something that kept him distracted.