Chapter 2: Yaki's Life

'Last night was pretty odd.'

Aku thinks to himself as he lies in his bed. Vivid images of his fight from last night, pass by through his mind. Sleepless he lay. Restless, he dreamt while being awake. The same recurring dream.

***

*Knocking*

Yaki wakes up immediately from the two thuds on her door.

She woke to the ceiling poster of her favorite celebrity "Anitaya Nozu" Famous pop singer.

Yaki sits on the edge of her bed for a moment. Staring at the floor now spacing out.

'I wish I could pick and choose my dreams.'

Yaki jumps out of bed and grabs a pair of headphones and a cassette player, shoving them into a nearby bag. She opens her drawer looking for a set of clothes to wear for the day.

Aku prepares a piece of toast with peanut butter on it in the kitchen. He lays the knife down as he looks up at the clock.

"Yaki! Please be up. You will have to start walking here soon to get there on time."

Aku sets the piece of toast on a piece of paper towel that reads "Yaki's food". Yaki came running out of her room with a jean jacket and black jeans.

"You're the best Aku!"

She smiled as she ran out the door excitedly putting her headphones on, turning on her favorite song.

"You're welcome?"

Aku said to no one as Yaki closed the door behind her. He stared at the door with a grim complexion.

'I guess, I can check the roof quickly.'

Aku looked through the window as he couldn't see Yaki any longer. He walked out the door, climbing up to the roof.

He was stunned.

'What!?'

Aku looked as if there was no longer a body there nor a single trace of blood.

'Did he live from that? There's no way unless.'

*Scratch*

He turned to the noise instantly.

It was nothing more than a stray cat scratching at the ground.

'Someone or something must have got him in the night. How could I be so careless?'

He stared at the pole as it was jagged still.

'I got to be more careful for the next couple of days.'

Aku got back down from the roof and walked back inside. However, somewhere there was a smile grinning from ear to ear.

***

Aku and Yaki have been living in a pretty desolate area not many people live in. With dirty houses and a long beat-up road. Yaki always found it to be an enjoyable walk, always saying it helped her appreciate the smaller things.

'The sun is so bright today. Still, it's so cold, fall is always an interesting season.'

Orange leaves ever so often fell in front of her distracting her from her walk at moments. Her music would change according to her shuffled playlist, with some songs she'd never even heard of. Yaki looked at the difference between her road and the one she was on now.

'This one recently got new tar so it doesn't look as broken anymore. I wonder why they stopped here? Money perhaps.'

"People are going to start thinking you have some sort of thing for roads or something if you keep staring at them."

Yaki heard a familiar voice sneak up on her.

"I'm just admiring this beautiful tar Natsuki."

The two smiled at Yaki's sarcasm. To the normal person, her sarcasm could've been hard to tell, but not for Natsuki.

"Where were you the other day?"

Natsuki smiled into the conversation with her rings glimmering in the fall sun.

"I was not feeling well so I stayed home with my brother."

"Loser, how did you manage to stay a whole day at home with your brother?"

"Well let's just say I wasn't feeling well for like only a few minutes."

"Damn, so much for Mrs. Perfect. Why did you skip?"

"Oh I just wanted to spend some time with my brother he's been so busy with work lately It's hard to hang out casually anymore."

"Even when you do something bad you still seem soft,"

Natsuki nudged her on the shoulder with a short laugh.

"Look, why don't we do something fun after school?"

"I don't know last time we were almost caught."

Yaki thought about the situation critically as the last time the two of them did something. Aku ended up having to negotiate with the police to let Natsuki go.

"We could go to jail for doing stupid stuff that is risky."

"But isn't that like the best part, the thrill of doing something bad,"

Natsuki's face brightened with passion.

"Come on, we can go somewhere more private so no one will even notice."

"Fine but I'll be look-out this time."

"Yeah agreed, It was cute but I really don't want you painting something with hearts again."

Their conversations always seemed to never last long enough for Yaki. Talking with her one and only friend seemed to make her early mornings at school her favorite part of the day. That time was always cut short as they approached the 4 main doors of the school.

Their lockers this year were right next to each other. Although it seemed like they had been friends for years. They recently met when Yaki moved up two grades. Starting her walk to another school, she met someone one day who was only a grade under her. Natsuki at the time was 13, meeting the 11-year-old Yaki. At first, she wasn't amused by her. However, she found as a year passed by leading to this moment they became rather close. Good friends one might add.

"Okay, don't forget to meet at the front of the school."

Yaki dozed off in the hall with many kids walking by her as Natsuki walked away.

'How could something feel so small compared to everything around it? Aren't they small too?'

She turned to her locker, forgetting to grab a textbook. Her attempts to open the locker were helpless as it appeared to be somewhat jammed.

'Damn it!'

As she made the 3 turns once more, it finally opened.

*SLAM*

Yaki looked at the hand that had slammed her locker and immediately knew who it was.

"Why'd you come back to school Yucki."

The girl got in Yaki's face. Yaki could smell her minty breath and saw her pearly white teeth and beautiful long painted nails. Her hair was like a brown beautiful ocean, wavy and beautiful; you could get lost just looking at it. However, it is just like an ocean. She was not that kind to people

"Oh hello, Tami!"

Yaki smiled at the girl and the other two behind her, who were busy laughing at the intelligent name they'd call Yaki. Yucki.

"Your nails look amazing! Did you get them done over the weekend?"

Yaki's comment was found humorous by the two girls.

"You could've just stayed home for the rest of the year. No one would care either way."

Tami looked at Yaki's smile as it stayed there, even after all the things she'd done to her.

"I know and I'm sorry I didn't listen, but I need my homework and textbooks. I don't want to fail the semester or the year."

"Don't act so cocky, Yaki. If I were you I suggest keeping quiet."

Tami's tone was dark and stinging as she said such hurtful things. Yaki however remained smiling.

"I need to use the bathroom. I hope you three don't mind but I really gotta go so if you excuse me I'll listen to your advice and get going."

Yaki's smile always seemed to shine its brightest in the darkest of moments. She turned her back to the three and went off to the bathroom.

"What are we gonna do Tami?"

The two girls asked as they looked at the now smiling Tami. Tami started walking off towards Yaki.

They followed Tami. Tami was following Yaki.

***

*Bam*

The sound of Yaki hitting the bathroom floor echoed throughout the bathroom.

"You taste anything yet?"

The two girls held Yaki back up as Tami held Yaki's head bringing her face to face.

"Where's that smile now huh?"

Tami pulled Yaki's head to the side and started to whisper.

"Got anything smart to say...Queer?"

"I'm sorry for coming back."

Yaki cried out quietly but still attempted to hold a smile on her face. It was fainter than usual.

"Damn right, you are!"

Tami struck Yaki in the stomach with glee. Yaki continued to cry.

*Creak*

The two girls looked over at the door as someone opened the door. A girl with glasses too big for her face walked right back out. Tami paid no attention to the door and the two girls quickly gave it no thought. The two girls, however, struggled to hold Yaki up as she could barely stand anymore.

Tami pulled Yaki's head up by her hair. Yaki's face seemed asleep with no emotion, no tears, and no smile. Tami's eyes seemed to always burn with fire when she was around Yaki. When Yaki wasn't with her, her eyes were a nice soft blue.

"Tami, we are almost 30 minutes late to class."

Brea looked somewhat worried as being one of the two girls, she didn't find it necessary to continue to beat Yaki. Rather, it is out of morals or pure boredom.

"Relax brea I know what time it is."

Tami smiled as she held Yaki by her hair.

Tami slowly let go of her grasp on Yaki's hair. As Yaki slowly started to fall the two girls let go of her.

*Bam*

Tami watched Yaki hit the floor. The 3 looked at Yaki's somewhat lifeless body.

Tami kicked her as the three of them walked around her leaving the bathroom.

*Click*

'She's not in a good mood today.'

Yaki opened one eye to make sure the coast was clear. She stood up, walking towards the mirror to grab her textbooks. She found herself looking in the mirror at herself. Yaki has dealt with Tami's crude ways for many years and she knew exactly how to get out of situations. Tami only ever looked to get a reaction out of Yaki ever since they were young. Yaki knows exactly the kind of reaction she always wants, so it's pretty easy to act out. However, there was always one thing about Tami on Yaki's mind.

'Why does Tami do what she does?'

Her hair was crazy and her jacket was halfway off as she put it back on fully.

'At least she'll graduate before me.'

Yaki's smile came back as she left the bathroom, heading towards her first class. She found herself missing over half the class with little to no trouble after that.

***

*RING*

The halls were suddenly found crowded with conversation and people as the final bell went off. School being over was the best feeling for young adults. They had time to hang out with friends, play with something, and maybe even take a nice nap.

However, Yaki had other intentions. Sitting at the end of the stone stairs, listening to music. She awaited the arrival of someone. Her headphones were suddenly pulled off.

"Are you ready Yaki?"

Yaki looked back at Natsuki with excitement. She saw Natsuki put her headphones on.

"You still have an odd taste. But come on, let's get going."

"Where are we going?"

"I found a new spot that's very secretive. There's no one who would dare to live there."

'That's what she said about the last place!'

"Quit overthinking and come on."

Natsuki grabs Yaki's hand and starts to run off with her. Yaki looked at Natsuki's flowing shoulder-cut hair flow as they ran off together. Yaki didn't have to force a smile as she was genuinely happy with Natsuki.

***

"You know I didn't think fall would be so chilly this year."

Natsuki talks while walking into an Abandoned area.

"They say this place was abandoned due to monsters and whatnot. I see kids here every day spray painting and speaking their minds. However, recently more kids have been getting arrested in this area."

Yaki listens to Natsuki's monologue about the place as she observes all the grotesque art and pretty paintings.

'Why is there so much nudity?'

Yaki didn't understand why Natsuki liked graffiti, but it made her happy and that was enough for Yaki.

Natsuki takes her bag off and throws it to the ground. She unzips it, grabbing two different spray cans. She shakes one can and gets on her knees.

'Time for me to start another masterpiece!'

"Yaki quit staring at me and stay on the lookout."

"I wasn't staring...I was just confused about what you were painting!"

"You'll see once it's finished now stay on the lookout."

Yaki turns away quickly as she looks out towards the long alleys ahead.

'Monsters huh. I wonder how that came to be?'

"Yaki stay on look out but I would like to talk to you."

"Yeah, what is it, Suki?"

"There's a rumor going around that you got your shit kicked in by Tami. I just wanted to know if they were true or not?"

Yaki looked at the Alley with blurred vision. It seemed somewhat beautiful at that moment. She hated nothing more than lying to Natsuki, but it felt necessary.

"Oh don't worry about me, you'd be the first person I'd go to if something like that was actually happening."

Natsuki felt comfort and reassurance as Yaki smiled at her.

"If anything does happen like that let me know and I'll handle it a lot faster than what you would!"

Natsuki started to spray another color as Yaki looked back at her. Her look soon became a stare.

'How could someone care so much for me? That isn't Aku.'

"How about instead of staring, Yaki! I know, I'm changing my mind now but how about you come help me for a second."

"Uhhh yeah, What do you want me to do?"

Natsuki handed her a spray paint can.

"Spray what's on your mind. Just don't forget to shake it."

Yaki began to spray a picture that'd been on her mind all day. It was bland and beautiful and took only a few moments. Half of it was drawn on a bumpy and cracked wall, while the other half was sprayed on a smooth surface. Natsuki looked over in confusion.

"Is...Is that two roads?"

"Yeah, my road and the road to school."

Yaki smiled at her artwork. But soon her smile brightened even brighter, looking over to the left, and seeing Natsuki's Art.

"Suki.... it's beautiful!"

"Thank you! I did it for you."

Yaki looked over at Natsuki as they began to stare at each other. Their eye contact built a solar system in between. Did Natsuki comfort her more than even her brother?

'Am....I...Am I in-'

"HEY....YEAH YOU!"

The two girls looked over at the loud yell. A big man comes out of a house holding a rifle and two leashes.

"This is Private Property, you understand me. I have the right to protect my property. I'm sick of you damn kids."

The man raised the rifle.

*BANG*

Yaki opens her eyes as the bullet comes her way. She did not react. No time. Not even a whisk of time to move. Her life flashed before her eyes.

Natsuki turned to Yaki in horror as blood ran down her friend's face.

"Natsuki.....Suki......It....It hurts."

Yaki turned fully as it seemed the bullet only grazed her left cheek.

"We'll bandage your cheek later come on!"

"No its...my eye....My right eye!"

Yaki holds her right eye in pain. It felt like a burning sun had melted down to a liquid and was being poured into Yaki's eye.

Natsuki immediately grabs Yaki's arm and bolts off.

"Yaki no matter what, don't let go, and don't get behind!"

They make it into an alleyway next to them and start running. The man fortunately couldn't reload his rifle in time. However, he still had two leashes in his hands.

"Go get 'em, girls! I hope you're hungry!"

The man smiles sinisterly as he lets go of his two starving dogs. Both are so skinny you can see their spines connect to their tailbones.

A piece of his skin started to fall off as he put it back together with ease.

***

Natsuki holds on to Yaki's arm tightly as she keeps running down the long alleys. As suddenly Yaki screams in pain and collapses to the ground.

"It hurts. God make this pain stop! Make it stop!"

Howls were suddenly heard from a bit away. Natsuki came down to Yaki.

"We need to run Yaki, I think something is coming this way!"

"I-I can't move. It hurts so bad!"

'What is this pain? Why does it hurt so bad? I'd rather die than feel this pain!'

"Yaki there's a gate down the Alley here if we get there quick enough we will be alright. No more pain and we can both go home."

Natsuki has no reply from Yaki.

'What was in that goddamn bullet that hit her?'

Natsuki looks up and behind her to see the metal fence that puts them back in downtown Toyo.

*SKF*

Natsuki looks back at the other end, hearing something get closer. She looks back down at Yaki.

*Skf*

Yaki barely lifts her head watching Natsuki run away.

'Suki?'

*Growl*

Yaki looks the other way to see a dog walking towards her. Another came around the corner. The intensity rose in her right eye. The pain once again immobilized her. She feels hopeless, in despair. She also felt heartbroken about being left behind. The pain gave her a shiver from her eye to the end of her spine.

'What is going on?'

The dogs bark and growl. Eyeing Yaki down as prey.

'Am I going to live?'

'I...I can't take it anymore!'

The front dog started bolting at her. Its fur was almost bald. Its Teeth were sharp and appeared jagged. Its legs were almost boneless. It lunged toward Yaki, making eye contact with her. The dog saw her fear. The dog fell in love with it.

Yaki's right eye felt like it was on the verge of exploding. Yaki closed her eyes in the hope of bittersweetness.

*Clank*

Yaki opens her eyes to find Natsuki standing over her holding a metal bar. Yaki looked by her feet to see the dog with what seemed to be a broken back. Yaki's right eye suddenly started to hurt less as Natsuki picked her up.

"We have to go come on!"

After Natsuki said that Yaki and her ran towards the metal fence. Yaki looked back while running, watching the other dog come up to its fellow dog. It started feasting on its kind.

'Only if they had a different life, maybe they wouldn't have had to end up like this.'

The two girls reach the fence and Natsuki helps Yaki over. They look at each other as Natsuki hugs Yaki.

"I thought I lost you!"

Natsuki was not one to cry, but she found herself with some tears. Yaki was also her only friend.

Yaki hugged Natsuki back emotionlessly as she couldn't help but wonder what if that dog had a better life.

"Let's go home Suki, I think we've had enough for today."

Yaki's smile was back.

The two started to walk together and it almost felt like they were walking home from school.

"Do you know where we are going, Suki?"

"I think?"

***

Next Chapter Will be Released April 9th