"-Today in Elmspring, things took a turn as after an huge accident happened on the streets.-" Hiroshi couldn't take listening to it as he changed the channel. The local news made of this new misfortune essentially week's headline.

  "I can't even browse online without someone in city mentioning it." He muttered, clearly wanting to distance himself, as he was relaxing with Nata and Olivia at the living room couch.

  After the incident, he reported the tattoo to the Kat, as she took control of the scene. But there were way too many passersby with phones recording, having caught him hopping and riding the centaurs, that his face was plastered nearly everywhere.

  "Edith promised to get it resolved, so you don't need to worry." Nata said, as she gently went to cuddle his arm.

  "I know, but... I feel being on the spotlight isn't just the best thing for us." he muttered, getting the curiosity of the girls.

  "Rest, then." Olivia noted, getting Nata slightly growl, but she understood what she was getting at quickly. "You might be just exhausted. Tomorrow things will be better. Maybe most people would forget it by then." Nata joined, giving a gentle smile, which eased his spirit.

  "Thanks." he said, as with head pat on both girls, he went to bedroom, leaving them again alone on the sofa, to do their nightly business.

  Tomorrow came, as both of the fosters could note Hiroshi didn't have too much of an sleep, and now on the way to the station. The girls assisted him along the way, even if there were couple passersby recognizing him, which only brought mood lower for him.

  "You can borrow my office for today." Edith explained, discussing with the trio. Having seen them dragging in the tired out Hiroshi.

  "However, in return, I'd like to ask a favor." she went on to ask, leaving Hiroshi question what she would want from him.

  "Let's go on a date tomorrow."

  A silence welled for a moment, Nata and Olivia partly questioning if it was right time to make such demands, Hiroshi's expression unreadable and atmosphere dense, before he just gave a cheerful smile with a "Sure."

  "Thank you." Edith said, before leaving them be, as for now Olivia and Nata let the awkward silence be as they entered Edith's office for some privacy and to help Olivia study.

  When Edith asked the question, Hiroshi couldn't describe it, but he felt like reaper's scythe was upon his neck. He knew the feeling well, he felt it since yesterday, almost like misfortune's calling card, but he has never felt it so strong until today, he knew he was balancing on a knifes edge every second, with no sign when the strike would come.

  As Hiroshi worried, Nata could sense something was wrong as well, but instead of seeing how Hiroshi was, it was by the way he moved, breathed. It all was heavy, deliberate, calculated. He was on the edge, and she knew it, leaving her wanting to know why, yet not brave enough to ask. No, she knew she wouldn't get an honest answer.

  Evening was restful for the fosters, but as Hiroshi focused on his cooking... he felt different, not safe, as if even his haven was ready to betray him.

  "Ah, damn." he muttered as in his unfocused worries he accidentally cut himself, he quickly rinsed it under the faucet and put bandage on it. Taking moment to collect himself before continuing, by now Olivia couldn't help but stare at him, he was acting weirdly enough for even her to notice.

  "Are you alright?" Olivia asked, and as Nata stared in hopes for an answer, Hiroshi stood there for a while, before turning around with a gentle smile. "Yeah, nothing to worry." before returning to cooking, but the air of unease kept high.

  "I will be having a guys night with Ingolf and probably Azhar, so you two don't need to worry. I am just stressed out from yesterday, alright?" he went to admit, still lying how he felt and why, but for now it seemed to get the the fosters off his back.

  Dinner went silently, as both girls couldn't drop their worry, and before they could try dig further into his trouble, he was off.

  'thankfully it's just Az and Ingy... I doubt I'd survive if it was any of the girls' he thought to himself, walking the still bright streets, he felt his anxiety slowly calming down, but the looming threat was in his mind, not easing his guard at all.

  Walking the streets of the busy city eventually lead him to his destination. A pretty decent looking pub with plenty of activity and lights shining onto the street, so with light nervous gulp, he entered.

  To his delight, the place felt cozy and rustic, even with many people in it. And it wasn't hard to notice a familiar weredog waving at him.

  "You sure know how to pick a spot." Hiroshi complemented, as he sat down next to Ingolf as Azhar sat opposite of them.

  "An old friend of mine runs this place. And no need to worry on paying for today, I will take your tab as an apology when we were at your place." Ingolf explained

  "Also, sadly Az had to deal with foster-kids tonight. So we will be having good time tonight" Ingolf noted with delight.

  "So let's drink our worries away, and little celebration for your heroic action yesterday." Ingolf said in humor, crashing Hiroshi back to reality. "Right, yeah. Sure, it might ease my mind about it as well." He muttered, clearly not feeling comfortable about him bringing it up.

  "Not a man for the limelight it seems." Ingolf teased, and Hiroshi couldn't deny it. And with it, Ingolf showed two fingers to the barkeep, which in short time brought two pints of beer.

  Hiroshi felt light fear on considering even taking a sip from it, let alone drink it all, but he knew he had come this far, and with Ingolf there to support and cheer him on, he joined in.

  With the clink of glass be heard, Hiroshi and Ingolf happily went for a drink.

  With hesitation, and feeling the heft of the drink, Hiroshi took a taste.

  The bitterness on the tongue.

  The warmth on the cheek.

  The tingling on the throat.

  It didn't feel nice, but as he drank, sip after another, he could feel all worries wash away from him.

  Another gulp.

  Another chug.

  Another pint.

  All started to become a blur, mixed with chatting and cheering. He started to feel free, almost like he could forget the world even existed around him.

  As minutes passed into hours, it was only about time before the alcohol got too much into his head, and for a new regret to be made.

  He started to awaken, head aching and body feeling heavy. He felt awful, no much memory of the evening... and only seeing dark, feeling cold air, and binding on his hands and legs, resting on a chair.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  'What?' he started to realize, he wasn't at the pub or home, the atmosphere wasn't right, and that feeling... that knawing misfortune, it's uncaring threat started to loom in his mind, heavier than ever before. 'Where am I? What happened?'

  He tried moving, but there was no hope, but he could hear the chair creak against the floor.

  "So, you are awake. Don't panic, they don't seem to be planning killing you." a raspy, groany voice could be heard.

  "What are you talking about? Where am I? Who are you?" He asked, as he tried to look around, but there was no hope, he had a bag on his head.

  "I don't know exactly where, and it doesn't matter who I am. You must be notable if they are interested in you." the voice kept explaining.

  "Who?" He asked, yet he felt he knew the answer, especially after the stunt he caused on thursday.

  "Chuvaki."

  He could feel the cold sweat coming onto him already. Of course they would take interest in him. not only does he foster two girls who were their hostages, and while he didn't intent it, he busted their day-trade delivery that was clearly meant to be secretive.

  With the news and media plastering his face as the main guy, no doubts they would think he was a nobody that no one would suspect disappearing, or if they did know people would mind... it just made it worse.

  "So why do they have you?" He asked, as it sounded they were in similar situation to himself. They were his only company in time of high distress.

  "I acted out of line. They most likely will use me as demonstration, so whatever you do, don't worry." They explained, which didn't ease his mind much.

  "They most likely will use you as a pawn for negotiations. And as long you are worth something to them, they won't kill you."

  "Why are you telling me all of this?" He asked. Their comment went out of line of what they tried to imly, it made clear they were part of the mafia, and even if they are in trouble, they don't have any reason to help him.

  "I have a feeling." they noted, which just left more questions in the air, as for now he was unable to do much than wait for whatever is to come.

  "He hasn't come back yet." Nata whined, still looking at the entrance door of their home, as sun has already dropped beyond horizon as midnight was slowly arriving.

  Olivia couldn't help but share in the anxiety, and as trying to think of what to do, she quickly remembered. "Nata, phone."

  She quickly realized as well, as both quickly searched and dug up the old phone they had. and before they knew it, they had dialed to Hiroshi's phone.

  A buzz could be heard, as it tried to connect. Each one increasing their anxiety, before finally it clicked and as Nata was about to get cheerful to hear Hiroshi's voice.

  "Our apologies, seems we couldn't get contact. Please call again later."

  Nata was left frozen, staring at the phone as the robotic message looped after couple more seconds. Olivia took the phone and shut the call, and as she did, Nata quickly got off the couch and rushed outside, forgetting her shoes.

  "WAIT!" Olivia called, as she quickly rushed after, but she took note to put the shoes on. Yet if she didn't, there was no way for Olivia to catch up with Nata.

  Nata started to tear up in her hurry, running with all might and will she had in her.

  Arriving in the city, streets already darkened and crowds disappeared to their homes, as Nata kept on looking around aimlessly, before shortly her leg giving up on her for a moment, tripping her against the concrete floor.

  She tried to get up quickly, but she was starting to get exhausted, and emotions bubbling in her made her feel weak, as she struggled to lift herself up.

  "Need help?" came a familiar voice. Sophia, on her usual afternoon shopping run had spotted the rushing samoyed, and followed her for short while now.

  "Hiro... Hiro is in danger." She muttered, trying her hardest while catching her breath. Shortly in tow, panting Olivia arrived. "He didn't answer call." she explained what was going on.

  Picking Nata up back on her feet, Sophia gave a confident smile. "Don't worry, Ingolf is with him, but if you want, we can go to the pub and see if he is fine."

  "He was with me about half an hour ago." Ingolf noted, as he was still enjoying the drinks at the booth, as trio of the girls had come asking about Hiroshi.

  "Where did he go?" Nata asked with worry.

  "Someone who said he was a friend came pick him up." Ingolf explained. "He had already passed out from all the drinking."

  "A friend? What did they look like?" Sophia asked, as Nata and Olivia were anxious with the news heard.

  "About yay tall." As he put his arm up to show the person was around his height, if not more. "And he seemed pretty well dressed for the evening, pretty casual looking guy except those creepy eyes... OH, and he had spiky, slicked back hair. He maybe even had horns, but it could have been the alcohol making me see things." Ingolf said with a light chuckle

  As he descriped the person, Nata could feel cold sweat coming, even if such minor details, they were way too familiar for her comfort.

  "Where did he take Hiro!" Nata demanded, slamming her hands on the desk, surprising all.

  "I don't know. He didn't mention anything than he was here to pick him up." Ingolf said, clearly getting uncomfortable from all of the questioning.

  Upon hearing it, Nata lost her balance, falling on her knees. If it was who she was thinking of. 'No... Not again.' she could only think, as Olivia tried to comfort her and get her back up, while Sophia started to get where this was going.

  "Thanks for the help, we will talk more about this tomorrow." Sophia noted to him with stern voice, as let him be as she escorted Nata and Olivia out of the pub and the prying eyes.

  Sophia and Olivia could tell from the look Nata gave, it told everything.

  This was more trouble than they could have imagined.

  "Good morning, maggots." came out a call, before Hiroshi felt a hit on his gut. It stung hard, but not enough to leave a mark.

  A bag was finally pulled off of his head, his eyes felt like they were burning as light was finally reaching him and he was partly hazy from hangover.

  As his vision cleared, he saw a set of soulless eyes staring right back, with an amused grin coming onto the face.

  "Had a good dream, I hope." he spoke in gruff tone, taking the step back and showing himself in full. looking professional with a jacket covering him, with slicked back, spiky hair, and it was clear with close look that he had two sets of horns. but nothing else about him didn't hint what kind of monster he was.

  With look around, he could note they were in some sort of basement with couple cabinets cupboards and what looked to be a prison cage, and not too far from him, he saw an roughed up human woman tied to an other chair, with expression that was hard to differentiate if she was alive or not.

  "I hope you like your partner. She will be with you for some while." As he went and uppercutted her in the gut, waking her up with some hard coughing.

  "Worthless. Can't do even simplest of tasks given to her, you'd think killing a traitor would be easy." He muttered with disturbing calmness charged with unspeakable anger, as he moved to one of the cabinets, and upon opening it, revealed huge amount of different weapons and torture tools.

  Before short, he took out an katana. "In your honor today, I will be going by a theme. A thanks to your country, if you want to think it that way." He said with a wide grin, as he slowly ran his fingers across the blade.

  Hiroshi couldn't help but sweat bullets. The man was clearly getting into him, but he could also note the woman next to him seemed weirdly calm as he was.

  "Now, how about we take some practice swings." the man stated, as he took steps closer to the woman, and without even thinking twice, swung the blade.

  Blade gashing her belly, letting blood spill and with the swing, splatter some on hiroshi's face, leaving him to look in horror, as she groaned and winced in pain as the cut wasn't deep enough to get to her vitals.

  "What good piece of steel this is. I am proud of your people, Hiroshi. However, it needs more than just a cut, it yet hasn't spilled guts." and with preparation for another swing, Hiroshi couldn't believe what he was trying to do, and while Hiroshi knew she was someone bad, he felt he had to do something.

  leaning forward and putting himself on his feet, with little movement he had, he jumped with all of his might, knocking the chair the woman was on over, as he got on the blade's trajectory.

  With shocked gasp from the woman as the man went for the cut, slashing his chest open deep.

  Hiroshi landed onto the ground bleeding. "YOU MORON!" shouted the woman as the man couldn't help but start laughing deep within his stomach.

  "Oh my, no wonder you are a tamer." said the man, as he cut Hiroshi's legs and hands free, before gripping him by his neck. The cut burned, as blood drissled out of it. "Loyal dog to the end for worthless beings." as he carried him to the cage, and threw him in, knocking breath out of him.

  "And don't forget your company." as he threw the tied up woman at him, knocking against him and knocking air out of them both, before the man shut the door on them. "You will be spending a lot of time in here, until I get my business under control, sayonara." as with the katana left on the stand he took it from by the cabinets, he went back up the stairs, leaving them be.

  Hiroshi tried to get control of his body, but he was bleeding out fast, unsure if he can even survive such blow, but he saw the woman get off of him with clear anger, and the wound... it was closing, inhumanely fast so.

  "I TOLD YOU TO STAY CALM! NOW LOOK WHERE IT GOT YOU!" She said with clear rage, as Hiroshi was left speechless.

  She angrily turned her back to him. "Just untie me and I can help you." She said sternly. "AND HURRY!"

  Hiroshi was racing against the clock, as blood kept on spilling out and strenght fading from him, as he felt the sharp pain tingling his very being, slowly untying her hands.

  He felt he was about to pass out, before finally getting the ropes loose enough for her to escape.

  His vision started to get blurry, as he saw her bite her hand before putting it on his body, but by this point, he had lost far too much to know what is gong on and passed out.