August Figueroa

*"There's no going back now." - August Figueroa*

## Early life

August Figueroa, the third son of the Figueroa family. He originally lived in California with his family. August was next in line to learn about the family business. August isn't stupid, he knew what was behind it all, what his father did to get where he is at today. August wanted to choose his own route, a new way of life. He didn't want to be like his father or follow in his footsteps. His brother Remy, had been in Japan being the president of his father's company located in the city of Koharu. One day, Remy had returned to the states for a casual visit to the family. It was a nice time for them all gathered at the dinner table relaxing having a good time but August pulled Remy to the side to ask him if he could live out in Japan with him. Remy agreed, he saw nothing wrong with it. August was happy and they proceeded at the dinner table eating and hanging out. The topic came up from the oldest brother Antonio, about the family business and how he's getting old for some petty problems they were having. Antonio then had said to August that its his turn coming up next to pull the strings. August had denied and said he doesn't want to be a part of the family business. The dinner table was quiet a gloom in the air. Antonio was upset and asked if he was serious. August replied and said that he doesn't want to be a part of the family business and he never asked for it nor does he want it. Antonio then lunged at August and became to rough him up. Remy had broken up the fight and they all sat down. Dante, the youngest stood quiet, but then broke the ice and ask. "Why you know pop did a lot for us, this is all for us and generations to carry on Aug." August then replied and said he had his own plans, that he wanted to go to Japan. Antonio immediately looked at Remy and connected the dots. Remy then said that theres nothing wrong with that. Antonio then gave them the guilt trip on how it would break their fathers heart. Remy knew what was going on and he confronted Antonio and said.

"Why don't you tell August how you feel."

Antonio replied

"I don't know what you're talking about"

Remy then proceeded

"Why would pop be mad if he August left?"

Their father Victor Figueroa had walked in, and ask.

"Why would I be upset?"

Everyone was quiet, then Antonio said that August was going to leave the business behind that he didn't want any part of it. Remy had again told Antonio to tell August how he feels.

Again, silence.

Remy then said,

"Tone, doesn't want you to leave because he's worried about you. Were not stupid we know what this business comes with and he would feel better if you resided here at home instead of being outside the country where you could be a target."

Antonio didn't want to admit it but Remy knew that's what it was. Their father Victor, is a very reasonable guy and was lenient about his son moving to Japan, and stated that August will be fine anyway because he would be under Remy's supervision. Victor stated that he wants all his children to be happy, and if thats what made August happy then he supported him.

August had left and went to Japan with his older brother Remy. Some time later August would have to start school, he would be at his forth year of High School. He then enrolled to the closest school, Koharu High School. He didn't know much Japanese but had been studying it before he had moved. His first day of school was harsh, he barely knew anyone, let alone the language. Lunch time had came by and lighten his day up, it was different. People would eat in the classrooms or go to the roof or even outside. He was fascinated compared to how America would have their lunch breaks. August wanted a soda from the machine but was confused on what flavor it was, a small group of students were passing by and he tried speaking Japanese to get their help. The student then replied saying.

"Dude, I speak English most of us anyway, its like our second language." August had ran into Stan Fujiyama. August was amazed he found someone with fluent English as himself, August had introduced himself to Stan. Stan had did the same and introduced him to his crew which was with Junto Sawa, Kamiyama Onishi, and Harunobu inaba. Stan then told August that the flavor soda he was looking at was strawberry and proceeded. From that moment on they were all friends they would even hang outside of school.

August was fascinated with a new breath of fresh air, a new life. A life to call his own.

## Current Life

August is on his last year of high school before graduating. He felt like his life was complete. He had a nice place to call him with his brother, a small part time job and a girlfriend. August had no idea his normal life was about to change and bring out his true identity. One day August had taken his girl friend Nakira to the Festival they had fun, desserts you name it. On the way out of the festival Nakira went to use the restroom August then proceeded to wait. ten minutes had passed, Nakira wasn't around. August heard yelling and cries for help, August quickly ran to the area it was Nakira in trouble. It was members of the Okada Family. They were holding Nakira down, August had no choice he had to save her, August snapped and started fighting them. Not long after August was beaten to the ground unconscious. By the time he woke up, the deed was done and her honor was taken. Moments later locals had found August and Nakira on the floor and the authorities were called. Nakira was taken to the hospital and so was August, they kept them separate until Nakira's parents showed up. They were devastated and blamed August and saying-

"If it wasn't for this outsider she would have been safe, people like him are always trouble."

Remy had picked August up from the hospital, it was a silent ride home. When they got home August ran straight to his room and didn't want to be bothered. August was all over the place his mind was racing, he kept thinking of "I should have" "I could have, would have". August was questioning everything. Why would do something like that, why would anyone do something so scaring and heartless to anyone. From that moment on August had vowed if he saw that guy again and take his life if he had to.