2018-06-24 - LOTUS AWAKENING: Takeo Akamizu

The engine of his Radical Red Motorcycle roared and mixed with the sound of rushing wind in his ears. The tempo of the engine changing as he shifted gears to find more and more speed, a slight change in the wind as he sliced through it. There is a squeal as he slides around a corner, low to the body of the bike, and low to ground. He shifts gears quickly, the bike roaring as he powers out of the turn and accelerates once again. He can’t hear his opponent cursing due to the distance between them, and the roar of the engine and the wind, but he knows it’s there. They always come to challenge him in confidence, then end up cursing.

Takeo Akamizu hits the breaks and slides across the finish line in style. Blue smoke pours from his tires and he removes his helmet to grin as his opponent slides in. He shakes his head and the two clasp forearms congratulating each other on a good race. Then he smiles again as a hand is placed on his shoulder.

Mika Akamizu, healthy and whole stands there grinning at him. "You didn't have to beat him so badly Takeo-Chan. But come on. Let’s get home before Mama-Sama gets mad we’re out late again."

Takeo nods, and grabbing his spare helmet tosses it to his sister. He was tired anyway, and with no reason to stay up late, and no reason to be hurting for money, he didn’t even need to race. He just did it because he enjoyed it, and it gave the other racers safe competition to practice against.

When he got home he slept. Just not before Mama-Sama lightly chided them for being out so late, and Papa-san asking for all the details of the race while Mama-Sama told him not to encourage their son. It was nice to sleep at night. Takeo never had nightmares. He dreamed, sure, but he either never remembered them or they were soft and gentle dreams. He always had a flash of fear just before he drifted off to sleep that he’d dream of fighting, or that the shadows would consume him, but then he’d drift off and wake up the next morning completely rested and fine. He’d feed his pet Rabbit Merlin and then meet Mai and Mikoto for Breakfast.

He and Mai had been seeing each other for Breakfast ever since the School Dance where they had danced the night away a few years ago. The two of them were awkward, especially Takeo never having danced before a day in his life, but it had been fun and pleasant. They’d never declared Love or anything, though Takeo was positive he DID love her. The two just met, had breakfast, and then went to class. They usually shared lunch as well but not always. Then after Class Takeo would walk her home. Sometimes holding an umbrella over her and Mikoto if it rained. Every once in a while, the two would go for cake in the evening with just the two of them. He couldn’t remember how or why going for a cake was a thing, but it was always uninterrupted, and just nice to sit and talk with her.

Mikoto was just an addition. If you were hanging with Mai, or possibly Dating her, Mikoto was around. He didn’t mind it. She was just another sister to him, and besides Mika and she got along famously.

As he stood there looking at the place where Mai and Mikoto lived, about to knock on the door to meet them for breakfast he had to pause. Something didn’t feel right about it all. With a shrug he knocked on the door. It wasn’t important. He was happy, and had everyone that mattered to him. Even his best friend Eri. There was nothing to be worried about except if Mai had made Bacon or not.

He REALLY likes his bacon.