|kiss of death

For the man, the view of the sun parting with such an abrupt departure only reminded him that life itself was filled with uncertainty. One thing was certain, this was going to be the last departure he would ever see.

With rough facial hair and dark circles marked beneath his eyes, he was clearly around his late twenties. His office shirt that glowed white was now stained with mud, smeared all over him like a child playing with dirt.

His dreary eyes were fixated on nothing but the river below. After dozens of seconds of self-convincing, he finally stepped on the iron handrails, even in the face of his ‘conviction’, his feet trembled.

“I’m sorry.”

He felt a faint breeze, nearly tipping him off balance. A muffled cough came from beside him. It was a young man with silky white hair sitting at the edge, staring at his smartphone. He hung there like a spider, patiently awaiting its prey.

His height was decent. He was taller than most his age, while his build was slender, nothing noteworthy.

Despite being in good physical condition, it wasn’t something you could tell from a quick glance.

He was well in his right to be described as handsome but his skin didn’t glow, in fact the opposite could be said. His pale skin only made him look like someone afflicted with a long term illness. His rose colored eyes didn’t flinch as he was glued to his smart phone, casually playing board games.

“Hey, Old man.”

He tilted his head slowly so as not to startle the man in front of death’s door, although his sudden appearance did just that.

“W-What the hell do you want? Stupid kid.”

“You’re talking to a fellow adult. Don’t worry, it’s not like I came here to watch you die. I saw you running here from a distance. You even tripped and fell like a barrel midway. It wasn’t even amusing. So pitiful, I just couldn’t. You asked what I wanted earlier? Take a hint, you retard.”

“Huh?”

“Go die else where. You might give this ‘stupid kid’ trauma. T-R-A-U-M-A. You can understand that much, right?” his smugness could infuriate anyone.

“Like I care!!”

“Great, you’ve calmed down a bit.”

He averted his gaze to what lay under the bridge. There was a shiny surface in the water. It was just a rock, among many of its kind but it nearly deceived him. In his words were empty threats. With or without the white haired man, he knew he lacked the resolve to jump.

“However, that won’t do. My family is part of the local community. She’s really involved with things in this sub-prefecture and she’s trying her best. If you’re lacking inspiration, I have some ideas. I know you’re stubborn so there’s a nice bridge a few kilometers west. You can end it right there. I can give you a lift too.”

“Screw that.”

“At least do something useful for once before you die.”

*tsk*

“Don’t talk like you know me.” his jaded voice irritated the young man.

“I don’t. However, I don’t think you would be up here if you made the right decisions in life. If you did, then can I assume you’re suffering from success?”

“I still have a chance to end this. It’s not that late.”

“Then end it. Do a couple of flips while you’re at it. There’s no need for a war of words with a ‘stupid kid’, right?”

“You don’t…” his eye lids flickered frantically and his gaze was everywhere, catching the young man’s attention.

“I’ll get down if I were you.”

“Shut up!!” his shaky legs felt a short, violent gust of wind. In under a second, his whole weight was leaning towards the river.

“Oof, I lost.” He put down the phone and sighed.

“HELP MEE!!”

“You’re in quite a pickle, aren’t you? Stay calm.”

“Ahh ahhh.”

“Shit. I said stay calm.”

“I’m. I’m fall---”

“Yes, yes. You’re going to die now.”

“Hel-”

“Goodluck.”

The view of the young man gradually faded as he felt the full force of gravity pushing him towards the silent river. ‘So peaceful, yet dangerous’ he thought. Even in shock, his mind could muster some words for this special occasion.

He closed his eyes, clinging to whatever happy memories he had experienced in life. Were they many? Only he could tell…

After a few seconds, the screaming subsided, something felt wrong.

“OPEN YOUR EYES.”

*gasp*

His body, once in a struggle with gravity, now in it’s full embrace. He was ascending.

“Close one, don’t you think?”

The man’s frantic breathing told him all he needed to know.

“Take some time and breathe easy, okay?”

He covered his face and inhaled, then exhaled. His back to the ground, his chest unable to contain his beating heart. Anger, fear, despair, joy?? The mix of emotions riled him up but now was not the time to think.

He fought back his tears with his life, and much to his own surprise, won. It didn’t take more than five minutes for his breathing to stabilize.

“Look, I get it. So I’ll make this easier for you.” with his eyes fixated on the man, he softened his tone.

“You don’t have to jump. I know what is troubling you.”

“What do you..”

The young man nodded and snapped his fingers. A grin slipped from his lips. He was right on the money.

“I know what you’re feeling. You feel lonely and powerless. These things are well beyond our reach so what is there that we can realistically do? The feeling of hopelessness. I know that all too well.”

“Who are you?”

“Call me Aoi. This isn’t about me though. It’s about you. There is a short and simple solution right in front of you.”

“You couldn’t possibly be…”

“Have you contacted them??”

“N-No.”

“Good.”

“Are you one of them?”

“.……”

“No, you must be quite similar in that regard. In that case, you have to help me.”

“Well we’ll see about that.”

“You have to help us. Isn’t it your responsibility as part of the gifted?”

“With that tone, you might take some swimming lessons after all.”

“I’m sorry.I just…I don’t know what to do!!!”

“So desperate... I can hear you perfectly fine without the yelling, okay?”

He proceeded to grovel before the young man. In desperation, nothing was beneath him.

“This is embarrassing. Please stop. I get it. I understand your sincerity, so get up already.”

“I just want to save her.”

“I see. But if that’s the case, why are you trying to kill yourself?”
The man twitched as he was confronted with his actions.

“We both know that accomplishes nothing. Infact, the way I see it, The only way your demise would be a possible solution is if you just believed that to be the case. Would it be safe to assume that perhaps your cognitive function has been tampered with?”

“N-No,that’s not it. She did nothing of the sort.”

Aoi shook his head, placing a left hand on his forehead.

“Fine, let’s do it this way. Firstly, we need to meet the spirit in need of saving. We could then find the best solution possible. I will carry on with your permission of course. Just to inform you, I will help you but it’s not going to come for free.”

With his right hand, he clamped his thumb with his index finger. The man nodded in response.

“I understand. You have to look after yourself too.If you can save us. Then…Anything you want. You could take all the money in my wallet.”

He kissed his teeth in disappointment.

“I’m afraid that can’t do. For all I know, you might have nothing in that wallet of yours.”

“I have at least thirty thousand yen in it. Will that be enough?”

“I guess.” What a sucker, he thought.

“Also, you can pay me once we’re done. It’ll be insulting to take money from you when I haven’t done anything.”

“Okay.”

“Good to hear. Before we go…Something’s been bugging me.”

“Hold it you fraud!!”

A voice from behind stopped them in their tracks. She emerged from nothingness and leaned against the hand rails. With all the authority in the world, her words felt like that of a superior being.

“Did you really have to yell?”

“You’re at risk of endangering a civilian. Of course I had to. The name’s Takano by the way.”

“I don’t care about you or your name. You’re just a midget. Who are you calling a fraud??”

“We’re the same height, dumbass.”

“This midget’s got a sharp mouth.”

“What on earth do you think you’re scheming? Your directive is rather unclear.”

“I don’t know where you appeared from but you’re being a nuisance. Your accusation is wrong. I can’t believe you made such a bold-faced lie.”

She rolled her eyes, adjusting her gaze.

“And you, mister. How could you listen to something so dodgy? He might as well have said ‘Let me rob you’ and you’ll have budged. Get a grip, man.” she was disappointed in the both of them. The victim and perpetrator were both at fault in this confusing case.

“I don’t have any business with you, do I?”

“I believe you do. You’re taking advantage of this poor man. Since he’s not in the right state of mind, he’s too vulnerable to go along with whatever shitty plans you have.” she stood right in the middle of the two men and blocked the middle aged man with her arms. Irritating was a word he was more than familiar with tonight, but she… she nearly made him lose it.

*tsk*

“You’ve got a death wish??”

“I understand the situation and I can save them. The apparition, too. I can find the solution.”

“How long have you been here?” turning his gaze to the river below, he secretly hoped that this wonderful view would do its magic. What other way could he calm down?

“Long enough. Once again, I know what to do. You on the other hand…”

With the tongue of a snake, his actions said otherwise. Was the young man simply a coward? No no.. The only thing he ran from was his own strength. Which is why violence was never his go to. But with every rule contained rare exceptions.

“You’re just looking for an apparition to kill, right?” she pointed at him, glaring at his unsettling face that could barely be seen in its entirety.

“Once again, false accusation. Only cases where I apply deadly force are when I know I’m dealing with a creature deserving of death. I’m sure you know, we all know that when these entities lose it, they become a danger to anyone and everyone. I would never choose the dead over the living. I can’t say the same for you.”

“What are we doing here?”

“I should be asking you.With your half baked attempt at poisoning the well. What’s up with you? Trying to be a hero?”

“I’m simply performing the right procedures under the right circumstances.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Just as I suspected. You’re as clueless as you look..”

“That’s mean. Hope you don’t regret saying that?”

He tilted his head and turned to her. His gaze, the intensity of his aura, it oozed out. It was sticky. It made you uncomfortable in your own body. With all that, she remained unfazed.

In the midst of their squabble, he lowered his head in utter frustration. He couldn’t take another sudden appearance.

“Apparition this. Apparition that. This is my wife. At least address her properly.”

“WIFE?” the two youngsters synced.

“What do you mean by wife? You married a ghost?”

“.…”

The young pink haired girl caught his attention. He smirked as he put his smart phone back in his pocket and cracked a few knuckles before he continued.

“This whole situation is screwed. As for you, what did you mean by procedures and circumstances??”

“I’ll explain. Only if you decide to drop this. Also, I’ll be taking over this case.”

She ran through her pockets, hoping she didn’t forget this item she barely used. With its limited usefulness, it only graced the top of scanners at entrances. Just for show as she used to say.

“Mister Sho. An official greeting is way overdue. I am Takano, a special agent from the amber division of the FISF. I am here to help you.”

She showed her id, grinning while turning to the man.

“Hmm, I’ve never seen you before. Never heard of you either. Will you do us a favour and sit this one out, sir?”

“As long as I get paid. Mister, where do you live?”

“.…”

“You don’t need to know.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“How else do I say it? You’re in my way. You are aware that obstructing an investigation is a violation of the law right?”

“Since when was that a thing?”

“This is not a bluff.”

“How dumb do you think I am? I’m not letting him out of my sight.”

“I’m afraid we’re at an impasse. Assuming I overlooked this and allowed you to assist, I just can’t trust you.” she glanced to her left,to the man who seemed to be in a trance. This was not looking good.

“Think I trust you?? The only reason I’m still listening to you is because I have some unanswered questions. Choose your next words wisely.”

“If it’s money, I could sort that out. How much was he supposed to give you?”

He bit his lips. This familiar tone. He thought by now, he would have gotten used to it. That innocent provocation the rich used to get their way. With money, you could take ownership of any conversation. Money, their magic word. He thought he was used to the world of the rich but perhaps he still had some maturing to do.

“Mister Araki, could you tell me? If I pay up right now, he’ll leave.”

“Are you stupid?”

“Eh?”

“I am the one unworthy of trust, yet you just walk in with your money and your dumb badge. I don’t care who you work for.”

“Ah, I see the problem. Did I hurt your ego?”

“You’re filth. Waving people off with cash. Think that’s the answer to everything?”

“But you need it, don’t you?”

“.…” his fists were trembling.

“I’m sorry. What can I do to make you satisfied enough to leave?”

“I’m not leaving.”

Her gaze rested on his for a fine moment. Whether it was de-escalation or intimidation, it was unclear what her goal was. Perhaps simply the regulation of the rules. Either way, they both knew this was not going to work.

*sigh*

“Fine.I’ll take you two there. I know where he lives.”

“Huh?”

“That’s better.Though, it wouldn’t be necessary. I will take us there in minutes, possibly seconds depending on how far it is…..”

Voices passed by like the wind and he was right in the center, unmoved. Knowing he just botched his suicide, his mind wandered even further.

“Hey.” She formed the “X” sign with her arms as she cut in yet again.

“I can literally get us there in under a second.”

“Don’t care.” he snapped his fingers and immediately, their feet left the ground.

“After all, nothing in this world beats flying.”

The three of them began levitating. Araki fidgeted around him as they went higher in their separate bubbles of air.

“I don’t have much time on my hands. Same as the old man. Where did you say you lived?”

“.….”

“Takano?”

“It’s at the end of those lights. On the far right.”

“The faulty one?”

“Yes.”

“This already feels like some horror movie.”

“Don’t worry, old man. I will save--”

She attempted speaking but was this close to throwing up. The three thrust forward in the air like rockets. The man’s glasses cracked under the pressure and the mud around his body floated around him, nearly disrupting the air flow.

“I hope you were not expecting a slow, smooth flight in the sky. It’s difficult with three people. And you look like a mess.”

“Mmmhmhmhmhm.”

“Just stay like that and keep shut. We are almost there.” he paid her no mind.

They landed at the house and immediately her feet touched the ground, she crawled to a corner and hurled.

*blegghhh*

“That’s my fault too. Well, some ramen wouldn’t hurt. My treat.”

“She knows I’m here.” the old man froze.

He was already out of time.

“Huh?”

“She can sense me now that I’m nearby. I can also sense her.”

“A home bound spirit, I reckon. If that’s the case then it’s hard to say what we’re dealing with.”

“.…Just stop.”

She dragged her phone from her pockets and started adjusting her hair.

“I thought you asked me to save her.”

“I asked for your help, not an extermination. You people are crazy. All I wanted to do was die. Why do you care so much about my life now?? You said I’m giving you trauma? Fine, drop me off at another bridge. I’ll do it. I swear I’ll do it.”

“No, don’t say that.” she turned to him.

“Ever picked up a newspaper, dumbass?”

“DO IT NOW.”

“You’re such a slimy person. You know you want this but you don’t want to claim responsibility. Let’s just assume that the main reason you’re even more irrational is because you’re now in front of your house. Won’t any sane person deduce that perhaps it’s the apparition playing a major role in this? But I get it. You don’t like the feeling of guilt.”

“Ignore him. Mister, no matter what he says. I’m here, for both you and your wife.”

“What if I said I don’t need your help anymore?? Just go to hell..”

“Hahaha well isn’t that a bit too late now? Your ‘wife’ already knows you’re outside, with company too.” he highlighted two of his fingers.

“On one hand, you have the institute that handles Apparitions and on other, you have an independent specialist. You are quite lucky. Question is, will she feel the same way?”

“You’re not helping.”

“Relax, I said I’m leaving it to you. Mister, you don’t have to glare at me that hard. I won’t kill your ‘wife’, okay?”

“Now you’ve done it.”

“What are you going…”

A mild breeze interrupted him.

“..on…Huh?”

“Huh?!?!?! What the hell?”

“..Where am I?”

“Ah!!!!”

“Where did he come from?”

“Like I know!!”

Ignoring the bystanders, he pulled out his phone and accessed the map.

“Haha. No fucking way.”

He glanced around and while physically inspecting his surrounding. He finally caught of glimpse of the tablet. It read “Osaka Prefectural Police Headquarters”.