A Mafia Fairy Tale

Salty air hit her nostrils as it always did this crisp morning day. High atop her favorite tree she watched gentle waves crashing against the nearby shore. Birds with great beaks swooped into the ocean below, partaking in the vast array of fresh fish. For twelve fantastic years this was her peace, this was her solitude. Crystilline could still remember that day when she woke up here, in the compound. For a six year old it was surely terrifying but as time went by, the two building compound had become her home.  She took a breath of the sea air, sighed as it brushed through her short dirty blonde hair. David had always said her mind was in the home, but her eyes, as deep blue as they were, remained on the vast ocean.  “Crystilline Heiwa Yuy!”  Gone was her peace, the furious voice breaking it completely. She knew very well who was standing with arms crossed and disappointing eyes looking up the tree. Crystilline jumped down; as she suspected Terra was there, Crystiline ready for a good old fashion scolding. Terra had been like a second mother to her, this woman with dark hair and wise eyes.  “How many times have i told you to not climb that tree!?” Terra practically screamed in Crystilline’s face. Crystilline could almost feel the spit spew from Terra’s painted pink lips. “You are so impossible Crystilline!”  “It’s the only tree here that lets me see past the wall, Terra.” Crystilline shrugged. She gestured to said towering wall that wrapped around the two house property. She had always wondered what lay behind it. There were instances in which she would wonder what lay behind the wall that protected her home. When she was younger she used to pretend that the compound was a castle and she was the princess locked away in the highest tower, waiting for her prince to come and rescue her. When he never showed, well...She just rescued herself.  Terra’s soothing hand resting on Crystilline’s shoulder. Though she was at times annoying, Crystilline knew Terra was just looking out for her as David asked her to.  “Patience.” All anger had receded from those green eyes of hers. “Someday soon you will be able to leave these walls...Though who wonders why you would wish for such a thing.” Her eyes displayed wisdom within them. “You have everything and more here. There is not much to the outside.”  “Yet why do I feel as though I’m Rapunzel only without the long hair?” Terra chuckled. “You always did love your fairy tales…Now, come inside...David wishes to speak to you.”  Joy hit Crystilline then. She loved her adoptive father, the patriarch of this residence, David. He was always kind to her and when she was younger he had been the one to tuck her in at night and tell her stories while she drifted off to sleep. These days David had become so busy with his work, though Crystilline had no idea what that entailed, that she hadn’t been able to see him as often as she would like. She understood though, money was required to run a household and David was the breadwinner here. Into the compound she and Terra went, past cascading walls draped in portraits of old people Crystilline still couldn’t name. These were members of David’s family and because he had no children, he had adopted Crystilline to continue his legacy, or so she was told.  David was as he often was these days, in his grand office, typing away at his computer. He was a crisp and clean man; there was never a day Crystilline saw his long black hair tied neatly at the nap of his neck, nor was there ever a time she had seen him without his tan slacks and white collar shirts. Terra had once told her that David was a high class businessman, that there were several people who relied on him for their job security. That was why he worked so much.  Terra hadn’t walked in with Crystilline, leaving the young woman alone with her adoptive father. Knowing her manners, Crystilline silently stood at the door, waiting for him to acknowledge her. The man was knee deep in something on his computer, the key strokes the only sound in the vast room.  “Terra caught you in your tree again, didn’t she?”  His blue eyes hadn’t left his screen as he finally acknowledged her presence. There was no disappointment in his tone, rather a hint of amusement laced with fatherly concern. Crystilline chose wisely to keep her mouth shut. Though he was fun to be around, hell hath no fury that her adoptive father’s disappointment.  “I’m surprised you haven't given her a heart attack yet. You’ve always been the rambunctious type.” Click went the mouse. “I’m half tempted to postpone your birthday party today.”  Oh yeah! She was so stupid! How could she forget her own birthday!? It was today!  “But...It would be a waste...So...You will have to wait for your birthday present tomorrow.” Crystilline pouted at that. “Don’t give me that, Crystilline...It’s a decent proposal. There will be plenty of gifts at the party anyway.”  “But...Yours is the most special one.” She finally spoke up and he grinned.  “Patience...It will be worth it, I promise.” He finally moved away from the computer screen and stood. Walking around his desk he went to her, towering over her form slightly. “Shall we, Miss 18?” A broad grin spread across Crystilline’s face.  Birthdays were always a big deal in the compound, hers being the biggest. This particular birthday was the most important, for legally Crystilline was now an adult, a feat in itself. The celebration started that morning and went well into the night. There was cake and gifts galore. The staff were given the day off to enjoy the festivities that included a karaoke tournament, a dance off, and several carnival games. The whole residence was alive that day and Crystilline was the center of attention.  As the party wound down, Crystilline returned to her room. Her gifts were neatly stacked along the far wall, everyone in the compound giving her at least one gift. Exhaustion hit her quite quickly and she turned in for bed.  When the sun rose the next morning, at breakfast, she was presented with her final gift… It sat in front of her, this small brass key. She was utterly confused when David presented to her. He took a sip of his coffee while she stared silently at the gift.  “This key unlocks something very important.” He told her. “It was to give it to you once you were an adult. It is your choice if you wish to use it but be warned, Crystalline.” His blue eyes stared at her with something she had never seen before. It was a look of decision and a bit of...regret? “Once you have opened Pandora’s box, it is impossible to close it back up.”  “What...Does the key unlock?” She asked. It was too small to be a car key or a house key. What was it? “A small box," He replied, “that has been placed in your room. You can choose to open it or not...That is the gift I am giving you…”  “Um...Okay…” Again the confusion. “Can I...see it now?” “After breakfast.” He told her. “I want to spend as much time with you as I possibly can.” Now he bore a bit of sadness but it was gone in a flash. “For we never know how much time we have left with the ones we care about.”  Stomach full of eggs and bacon, Crystilline traveled up the winding staircase to her room in the west hall. As David stated, a medium sized box was on her bed. It looked pretty old, the steel rusted with age. She held the box and discovered it was light.  “What in the…?” Frowning she sat down on her bed and pulling out the key from her pocket, thrusted it into the keyhole.  Snap went the lock...and Crystilline slowly opened the top… A single manila folder was there. Crystilline picked up and opened it, revealing documents...One of the most important was a birth certificate for someone named Hinako Yuy.  Realization hit her hard...The manila folder crashed onto her bed linen. These documents...were hers...This name...was hers… This was her life...Before coming here, to the compound.  “You were found near dead on the side of the road.” She looked up and saw David at the threshold of her room. Never had he ventured there without her permission. “We managed to find your birth certificate but…Your parents had left this world long before you were found.”  He walked in, sat beside her on the bed. “I didn’t change your surname but your first name needed to be changed, in case whoever tried to hurt you wished to find you and finish the job.” “Then...I...I’m all alone?” Crystilline breathed out.  David shook his head.  “Of course you are not alone...You always have Terra and I.” He seemed conflicted for a moment before he continued. “You have a sibling. You have, or once had...a brother...a twin brother...We do not know if he is alive or dead…” He gazed at her with wise eyes. “The choice is yours now, Crystilline...Do you wish to stay here where it is safe? Or--”  “I’ve got to find him.” She rose suddenly. “I’ve got to find out…I mean...This is all…” She took a deep breath. “Please…”  He nodded slowly. “I’ll provide you with what you need. Though, I am still quite protective of you, thus you will not be going alone.” A pout and he chuckled. “You always did that when I made you do something you hated to do...This time though I am not budging. You’ve never been outside these walls, Crystilline...It would help you to provide you with some guides.”  “Alright fine...When do we leave?” She was anxious for this chance to see the world but also to discover her past. “As soon as you wish…” He told her. “No matter what you discover, you will always be my daughter.”  She stared at him. “And you’ll always be my dad…” She hugged him. “Thank you...For everything.”  One hour later, Crystilline was at the gates of her home, waiting for her adventure to begin. Terra advised her to pack light thus the girl had carried a few clothes and a picture of David. Crystilline’s mind was a jumble of sadness, excitement, and a bit of fear. What really DID lay behind these towering walls?  David was standing at the threshold of the main house, waiting silently. He wasn’t alone...The entire staff was there to bid a final farewell. Terra dabbed at her eyes, proud and saddened that the day had finally come for Crystilline to leave the nest.  The gate opened and a red car came in, the windows tinted. Crystilline gasped at the car...It was pretty impressive and expensive.  Out they came, Crystiline’s guides, all women.  “So this is the little princess eh?” The driver’s dark sunglasses hid her eyes. Based on her clothing, she was your typical firey red head who probably didn’t care what others thought of her black leather clothing.  “Oh come off it Shylene.” Her counterpart was the complete opposite, all smiles and girly things. “Hiya! I’m Sarah.” She rolled her eyes. “The annoying one is my sis.”  “Don’t you start again…” The black haired woman approached, her blue eyes eyeing Crystilline cautiously. “My name is Ampris Lockheart...I’ll be leading this mission.”  “Mission?” Crystilline asked. “Oh! You mean you know where he is?” “Not exactly…” Ampris replied. “But--”  “This isn’t going to be some pleasure cruise, princess…” Shylene frowned. “Outside the castle is a whole different world.” Glasses were dipped, revealing cautious gray eyes that matched her sister’s in color but not in mood. “You sure you’re ready to leave your swanky little abode?” Crystilline regarded her with determination. She gripped the strap of her backpack.  “I admit...I AM a little scared,” She confessed, “but...I’m tired of wondering...I have to know and now that I have possible family out there, I NEED to go.”  Shyelen smirked. “Not what I expected...You got guts kid.” She held out a hand to Crystilline. “Shylene Owens…”  Crystilline took her hand. “You can call me Crys.”  “Wait…” Sara frowned. “But...Ain’t your real name Hinako?” “Yeah…” Crys sighed. “Crystilline was the name David gave me.” Turning around she smiled at the man that had looked after her for so long. “I...Want to keep it...To honor what he’s done for me.”  “Crystilline it is, Crys for short.” Ampris smiled.  “Alright!!” Sara jumped happily into the air. “Girl’s only road trip!”  As the girls prepared to leave, David wasn’t the only one who was having second thoughts.  “Are you sure this is wise?” Terra watched the red car leave the compound, the gates closing behind it. “She’s going to get--” “She’ll be fine.” David headed back into the home, the staff following him and returning to their duties. “She has the moon on her side after all.”  “But David-!” Terra’s protest was immediately silenced with David’s raised hand.  “We need to have faith, Terra...Besides...I have completed my promise...The rest is up to her.” David said.  A smile hit Terra then. “It looks like Rapunzel really didn’t need that prince to come and save her after all…” David chuckled. “No...She never needed rescue...She just needed...a little push.”  The car sped down streets and highways, Crys barely having time to view the scenery. This was her first time outside the walls...And the world was basically flying right past her.  “Um...Shylene…” She sat in the back with Ampris. “Could you...Slow down?” “Yeah that ain’t happening…” In the passenger front, rolled her eyes. “This is SLOW.”  “Oh shut up…” Shylene huffed as she turned a corner. “We’re on a tight schedule. Besides, not much to see here anyway…”  Sighing Crys leaned back into the black leather seats.  “Don’t worry…” Beside her Ampris was typing away at a phone. “We’re going to a much more interesting place.”  “Please tell me you know what a plane is…” Shylene said.  Through the rear view mirror Crys sent her a glare.  “I’m not stupid.” Glare left. “Wait...Plane? We’re going on a plane?” “Yep!” Sara grinned. “So cool huh?” “We land in Tokyo tomorrow.” Ampris put away her phone. “I’ve already set up the hotel.” Confusion. “Why...Japan?” “That’s where you were born, hon!” Sara said.  “The best way to find this guy is to start at the beginning…” Shylene explained. “What better place to start than the country you two were born in.”  Crys couldn't believe it..This was actually happening, she was about to leave her home for good in the hopes of discovering her long lost brother. As they pulled up to the airport, Crys wondered what her brother might be like, or even if he was still alive. If you're out there, brother,  the words entered her mind as she waited for her plane ticket, I hope you are a nice person...I can't wait to meet you!   __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nay a shred of natural light illuminated this small room consisting of a Japanese table and two bodies. Darkness made home here, where candles created the ominous atmosphere. The tatami flooring was hard, cold. The whole compound seemed to be as the residences here, engulfed in secret shadows. Here in this specific room a well suited man regarded his charge, a lanky young man with dark brown hair and serious blue eyes. Today was the young man’s most important of days, for according to family traditions, he was now officially an adult.  “You are eighteen now, Hiro.” The man spoke, the young man was silent. A black book was presented to Hiro, his stern eyes regarding it cautiously. He had been taught to trust no one, including the man that raised him...The very man that sat before him. “Choose.”  Hiro’s eyes left the book to gaze upon his mentor, the man that took care of him for these past twelve years.  “I have already chosen.” He was full of confidence in his decision.  “I see…” The man was intrigued. “And what have you decided?” “Angel of Death.”  The man gave a frown then it was replaced with a smirk followed by a hearty laugh. “Seems quite appropriate, Hiro. Most impressive.” A woman entered from a side door, carrying with her a tray of drinks...The adult kind. Silently she sat two shot glasses between the man and Hiro, filling them to brim with the family’s most favorite of alcohols: straight brandy. Like the wind she was gone seconds later.  The man took his glass first, as proper in this situation.  “Well, Angel of Death, what will be your first mission? You are entitled to choose the first one.”  Hiro gripped his own glass.  “I advise you to not waste it on THAT particular mission…” The man swirled his own drink. “I did not raise you in secret out of my own generosity.”  A nod from Hiro.  “I wish to find someone.” He said.  Again intrigued the man took a sip of his brandy. “Who does the Angel of Death wish to locate?” Raising his glass to his lips, Hiro took his first sip of alcohol. He immediately coughed and sputtered but soon recovered. His mentor watched as Hiro downed the glass in one shot, slamming the empty container onto the table. A small crack appeared upon the glass’ rim.  “My sister.”   The man raised an eyebrow at his charge. “You do realize she is probably dead…Your first mission will involve looking for a corpse…” He sighed. “Though, by this time there would be nothing to find, with decomposition and all...I would advise choosing something else instead of this fool’s errand.”  “No, she is alive...I am sure of it…”  “Really? And how do you know of such?” Hiro stared at his mentor, his eyes speaking of the training he had received since he was six. One could say he never truly had a childhood, if you called military training such. It was the norm in families of this nature, for children to grow up as soldiers. All to the protect family secrets and destroy the family’s enemies in the process.  “He gave his word.” Hiro stated. “She is alive.”  “Ah...So you know where she is then…”  “No…” Hiro confessed. “I will require help for this first mission, if the patriarch will allow it.”  “Hmmm….What will be gained by this? Closure for you, Angel of Death?” Hiro paused.  “That and through the process, evidence discovery.” He had to convince this man to help him, at all cost. “I will be able to kill two birds with one stone...Finding my sister will help with the mission you raised me for…”  The patriarch paused in deep thought. He smirked.  “Very well conceived…” He leaned back. “I will allow three men. Choose well, Angel of Death...You have two weeks to complete this mission. That should be plenty of time.”  Hiro bowed his head then rising from his seat he left the room.  Nursing his own shot of brandy, the man watched his charge leave. With a smirk on his face, he downed his own drink.  “And the Angel of Death brought down his anger, his fury, upon his enemies who begged for forgiveness that would never be received.” A chuckle permeated the air in the empty room.  “Death is coming for you, Kyoko...You had best be ready for him…”