Chapter Text
It's been years since I went to an arcade.
In middle school, I'd grab Takahashi and Odayaka and we'd head to the local game center the minute class ended. Takahashi used to make us take this weird short cut through this abandoned lot behind the school. Surrounded by a decaying metal fence, the lot was located in front of a narrow alleyway. There was just enough room between the walls of the convenience store and a pachinko parlor to ease through. Once we squeezed through, it was only half a block to reach the arcade. Takahashi's route may have saved us time but we always blamed him for how grimy we were once we reached our destination.
It was a perilous journey. Odayaka was the shortest so one of us always had to hold them on their shoulders. Odayaka was also a chicken so it would take three to five minutes of coaxing to get them to finally go over. Then there was the rusted fence poking holes in our uniforms as we went to join them. Not to mention that crack between stores was barely big enough for one preteen to fit in. We argued over who went first every single time. We'd emerge victorious racing each other to the best place of earth. Our devotion ensured we were the first ones in the door. The owner turned his noses up on our grubby appearance.
We couldn't care less. He took our money with complaint and let us stay til closing during school breaks. He was one of those people who were born old. We made a game out of guessing his age. No matter what number we came up with he said we were wrong.
For a few hours a day we were the happiest kids in the world. No parents, no homework, and no rules. Just man and machine as nature intended.
Arcades are a staple of a true Japanese childhood. I'd fail in my duty as a parent if I deprived Ayano of her birthright. Visiting one my favorite places with my daughter was destined to be memorable.
Even if I had to bring Midori.
Kuchiro dropped her off with a sack of potatoes and a frog shaped coin purse filled with 100 yen coins.
“Aishi, you're really such a help. There's a sale going on and we really need all hands on deck. Midori is always going on about how much she loves spending time with your daughter,” Kuchiro said.
Midori was already asking Ayano if there were any snacks. A few days earlier I gave Ayano a lecture on taking from Ryoba's secret stash. Stealing was not something I wanted either of them to make a habit of. A proper young lady does not go digging around in medicine cabinets for cheesecake Kit Kats.
“We love having her. Midori is so precocious. It's nice for Ayano to have such a close friend,”Ryoba said smiling. Don't encourage him, sweetheart.
“You honor us by hosting her so often,” Kuchiro schmoozed.
The Aishi family carried a distinct reputation in our town. As the women never exhibited much emotion before falling in love they were seen as the ideal Japanese maiden. Quiet, docile, polite. Never raising their voice or stepping out of line. Their association with the Saikou Corporation meant they were financially well off. Ryoba had her fair share of suitors in high school. Second born sons hoping to marry into wealth. Old money types looking for the perfect submissive wife. Not to mention the saps looking to confess to their senpai under the cherry blossom tree.
She picked me.
Why did she pick me?
Why am I forced to endure this hell day in and day out?
What terrible sin in a past life have I committed to warrant this punishment?
“Father, are you alright?”Ayano was tugging on my shirt sleeve.
Where had she come from?
She was so small. So defenseless.
My little girl who might be a monster. Ayame, my sweet flower...how can I protect you from this legacy of darkness? What must I do to make you understand something I can't put into words?
“Don't mind him. He gets lost in thought sometimes,” Ryoba said.
Who was she talking to?
Ayano was gripping my hand tightly.
“Father. Father!”
I snapped back to attention. Ayame...Ayano was shaking me.
Ryoba.
Where was Ryoba?
She was ushering someone, Kuchiro, out of the door. Oh, I must have blacked out. Damn it. I hated doing this in front of the kid. She didn't need to know her father was a complete headcase. Kuchiro would keep his mouth shut if he knew better. There was a reason I disliked having people over. They asked too many questions.
“I'm okay, sweetie,” I said. I wrapped my arms around Ayano. Poor thing must have been terrified. She could barely walk the last time I spaced out. I came to terms with my lot in life since then.
“Papa..forgets sometimes. I'll be okay. Everything will be okay. I promise. Why don't you go play with Midori for awhile? We'll leave in a minute.”
Ayano reluctantly let go of me. She kept one eye on me as she ventured into the kitchen. Don't look to close, my child. You won't like what you find.
“Everything alright, darling?” Ryoba asked. She looked genuinely concerned. Usually she was the main cause of my blackouts. We'd been fine these last few months. Ayano's sudden change in attitude did wonders for our marriage. Most of our arguments were about her and with things taking a turn for the better, we were back to normal.
Well, for what counted as normal for us.
“Just a headache, Ryo-chi. Some tea might help. I'll buy something on the way to the station. We don't want to miss the train.”