Puppet

CHAPTER 9:


“Sorry to bother you,” Akina spoke, looking towards Officer Wakehiko, “But Kiyoshi called in sick again.” Officer Wakehiko looked up from the papers he was hard at work on.

“Again,” Officer Wakehiko was surprised by Kiyoshi’s sudden absences.

“Yes,” Akina looked to the floor, then made her way into Officer Wakehiko’s office, shutting the door behind her, “Um, Sir Wakehiko, I don’t know if this is appropriate for me to discuss with you,” said Akina as she sat in the chair in front of Officer Wakehiko’s desk, “But I’m really worried about Kiyoshi. He’s been acting weird lately. And now he’s sick.” Akina twirled her fingers around one another. Officer Wakehiko could see the bothered thoughts in the girl’s eyes.

“I’m worried, as well Akina,” Officer Wakehiko smiled, “I have an idea. How about you and I go give him a visit after the day is over?” Akina looked towards her boss. A tiny blush crept over her cheeks, but she didn’t know why. She gave a bright smile, then, and set her hands over her flushed cheeks.

“That sounds like a great idea,” Akina agreed. She got up out of the chair and merrily went back to work. As soon as Akina shut the door behind her, Officer Wakehiko grew a frown. He gave off a troublesome sigh and continued with his work.

--

Removing a shade of sunglasses from off of her face, Ivalyn stared up at the OOP office building. So this is where Kiyoshi worked? Ivalyn gave off a smile. After meeting the quivering boy, she never dared imagined him to be an officer; protector of the people. But Ivalyn assumed that she shouldn’t have judged the boy by his appearance. As she walked up to the building’s entrance, Ivalyn thought back of what Teo had said to her.

“What,” Teo had said, “You’re actually going to go talk to the boy? Are you insane! If Luke finds out he’ll, he’ll do something bad, you can guarantee that!” Ivalyn shook her head at the thought of her puppet. He was such a handsome man, yet he acted just like a little kid at times. Maybe that’s why she and Teo were chosen to be. Teo’s the ornery child who needs taken care of, and Ivalyn is the wiser lady who can put Teo back on his feet. As Ivalyn entered the building she thought of why Luke and Kiyoshi were chosen to be together. How did they fit? Ivalyn was hoping to find out. Glancing around the building, Ivalyn walked up to whom she believed was the building’s secretary. She was very correct.

“Hello,” Ivalyn spoke kindly to Akina. Akina stared up into the eyes of a remarkably beautiful woman.

“Hello,” Akina greeted, setting her pencil down, “What can I help you with, Ma’am?” Ivalyn smiled in spite of the young mortal’s politeness.

“I’m looking for a man,” Ivalyn said, “Whom I’m sure works here. His name is Kiyoshi. Does anyone with that name work here?”

“As a matter of fact, he does,” Akina pondered this woman; wondering how she knew Kiyoshi, “But sadly he’s out sick today.”

“Oh,” Ivalyn bit her lip, “Well then, do you know where I can find him?”

“His apartment,” Ivalyn nodded at Akina’s words.

“Yes,” Ivalyn smiled, “Where’s his apartment at? I need to find him.” Akina didn’t know if she wanted to trust this woman, but for some reason she felt as if she could. Smiling, Akina told the lady Ivalyn’s address and Ivalyn thanked Akina kindly. “Thank you so much, young one.” As Ivalyn turned and left, Akina just stared blankly at Ivalyn’s vanishing back.

“Young one?” Akina giggled at the thought of being called this, and then hummed to herself as she went on with her work.

--

Ivalyn had found the correct apartment building, but she did not want to go in yet. She wanted to speak with him at nightfall, for then she could try to drag him back to Luke. At night, there are fewer mortals walking and driving in the city. That way, hopefully, Ivalyn could drag Kiyoshi away without making a scene. She did not want to risk getting into a feud with the mortal officers. So, with her decision made, Ivalyn sat in the shadows of a large alleyway and waited. Yes, she sat there all day. Immortals are very patient people. As she sat, though, she kept her mind on Kiyoshi and took guesses as to why he and Luke were destined to be together. It was so romantic, yet Ivalyn saw no romance in it anywhere. In fact, there isn’t really any romance between her and Teo. She’d have to fix that later.

--

“Thank you for driving me,” thanked Akina, as she and Officer Wakehiko made their way for Kiyoshi’s house. Instead of riding on a motorcycle resembling vehicle, however, the two rode in a floating, fast-speeding van like vehicle.

“It’s my pleasure,” Officer Wakehiko said, keeping his eyes forward, “I’m sorry to hear about your craft. How long is it in the shop for?”

“Don’t know yet,” Akina answered, “It was pretty messed up, but this sure as hell beats taking that bus.”

“Oh yes,” Officer Wakehiko nodded, “That city bus can be a pain in the ass.”

“Especially with all the weirdoes,” Akina spoke with a shiver, “Most of them really do give me Goosebumps.” Officer Wakehiko let out a small laugh. He was glad to have some company with him. Officer Wakehiko lived alone. He had a wife once, but she was murdered. Officer Wakehiko has no clue how she was murdered, but he has a pretty good guess. He’s still working on the case.

Soon Kiyoshi’s apartment came into view. Officer Wakehiko parked his hovering van as close as he could to the building. The two got out of the vehicle and headed for the apartment, but they hadn’t realized that someone was watching them.

“What are they doing here?” Ivalyn asked herself this question, but received no answer in return as she watched the two enter the apartment building. A tad smirk formed on Ivalyn’s lips, “Kiyoshi won’t just have one visitor today.”

--

He was not sleeping, but Kiyoshi had been lying miserably in his bed when he heard the knocks on his door. A sudden feel of fright slithered all over his body. He wanted to bring his covers over his head and hide underneath them forever. The knocks were heard again and Kiyoshi heard a faint:

“Kiyoshi, its Akina and Officer Wakehiko,” sounded Akina’s chirpy voice, “Are you in there?” Kiyoshi felt his fear drop down, but he still felt a bit of confusion rush over him. What there they doing here, at his apartment? Lifting himself off the bed, Kiyoshi made some large, fake coughs before going over to answer the door. He slowly opened it and poked his head out at the two, “Hi Kiyoshi,” Akina greeted; a smile brighter then sun was painted over her face, “It’s good to see you since three days.”

“Can we come in,” Officer Wakehiko asked, “We brought some donuts.” Kiyoshi gave off another fake cough and made his voice sound weary, though most of it was not an act. Kiyoshi’s voice really was tired sounding.

“Sure,” Kiyoshi widened the door, “Come on in.” Akina and Officer Wakehiko did so, thanking Kiyoshi before kicking off their shoes and hanging up their coats. Officer Wakehiko turned to greet Kiyoshi, but he was the first to notice something.

“What happened to your arm?” Akina’s eyes widened in worry at the sight of Kiyoshi’s arm, too. Kiyoshi had re-bandaged it. Grasping hold of his arm, Kiyoshi shook his head.

“Nothing--bad,” Kiyoshi said with a sudden frantic voice, “I just accidentally cut myself with a knife, that’s all. No big deal.” Neither Officer Wakehiko nor Akina bought the story. The cut was at a certain spot people believed to be the suicidal attempt area. However, neither of the two could think of a modem that would make Kiyoshi want to hurt himself. Little did they know that, even though Kiyoshi was lying, he really didn’t cut his self. The two let it drop.

“Alright,” Officer Wakehiko held out the brown bag of donuts towards Kiyoshi, “I bought chocolate and caramel cream. I know those are your favorite.”

“Thank you,” Kiyoshi took the bag of donuts, “You shouldn’t have.”

“Are you feeling any better,” Akina suddenly asked, “We are all really concerned about you. Plus, not to sound rude, but you’re acting quite strange.” Kiyoshi set the donuts on his kitchen counter. He did not want to tell them; he couldn’t tell them! How would they react if he just spit out, “Hell, I’m great. Oh by the way, I just found out that I’m an immortal’s puppet and he fucking raped me the other night!” Sure, that’d convince them, but Kiyoshi kept his mouth shut. Turning to his two best friends, Kiyoshi showed them a first smile in quite a long time.

“I’m fine,” Kiyoshi lied, “I just had a really bad bug for a while. I guess I got it on my day off. Sorry to worry you two.” Officer Wakehiko and Akina looked grateful. Akina’s face was glowing and she was sure she was blushing again.

“Kiyoshi…” Akina whispered, low enough for the two men not to hear.

“Will you be at work tomorrow,” Officer Wakehiko asked. If Kiyoshi said no Officer Wakehiko was sure he’d scream and go on a rampage, but luckily for him:

“Yes,” Kiyoshi smiled at his dear friends. They really do love him. “I’ll be there tomorrow.” With a final hug from each of them, Kiyoshi waved farewell before softly shutting his door. He leaned against it for a moment, and then a smile grew over his lips, “Why are they so kind to me?” Kiyoshi moved to the kitchen. Opening the bag of donuts, Kiyoshi pulled out a caramel cream one and bit into it. Caramel and cream oozed out of the donut, making Kiyoshi reach his hand out to grab the gooey, delicious substance before it fell to the floor. He licked the sugary goodness right up and he actually felt happy. Sugar was always there to brighten the mood on somebody’s face. Finishing the donut, Kiyoshi went to grab for a chocolate one when he heard another knock on his door. Kiyoshi let out a sigh as he wiped his fingers on a napkin. “What do they want now?” Kiyoshi raced for the door and pulled it open, “Yeah?” Kiyoshi let out a gasp then. His eyes widened in fear as he backed up slowly.

“Hello Kiyoshi,” Ivalyn spoke, her voice was calm. She could see the stricken fear falling over Kiyoshi’s face, “I’m glad to see that you remember me. May I come in? We need to talk.”

*End of Chapter 9*