This was a rather long time in coming, but here it is. ^_^ This was the
Lame Untitled Camping Fic, and thanks go to Shara-san for graciously
suggesting the title I wound up using while simultaneously making me fall
off my chair laughing.
Anyway, this is only the first part. The whole thing is written but I'm
going to send it out in bits and pieces because it's LONG. ^_^
Absent-minded Notes: I use the word "Hahaue" to refer to Suoh's mother
because they never gave her a name and because I don't know the real word he
uses. I know Chichiue is the polite for "father", and "chichi" and "haha"
are how the books tell you "father" and "mother" are said, so it makes sense
- and sounds right - that Hahaue be "mother".
Also, words in "(parentheses and quotes like this)" are spoken in English.
^_^ Suoh's father is never mentioned, so I just lifted 'Ishibara' from
Kristin Huntsman's Inevitablity and hoped she didn't mind.
And finally, take pity on any errors I've made. My grammar and
spell-checkers are mentally retarded. Proof: grammar-checker told me that
"most mature" should become "maturest". My spell-checker then told me that
this was not a word. *sigh*
A Clan-Destine Vacation
Part 1
*Kay Willow*
As Saturdays go, Suoh thought, this one isn't starting off so badly.
Saturdays were usually the days he had the most trouble with. Kaichou
slacked off even more than usual on Saturdays, in anticipation of a rest
from all his hard work avoiding hard work. Even Ijyuin tended to slack off
on Saturdays, daydreaming about how he'd spend the next day with
Ohkawa-kaichou.
Honestly, Suoh didn't know how any work got done around here at all. Nobody
ever caught him ignoring his duties or mooning over Nagisa-san when there
were things to be done. This WAS an enormous, nearly city-sized facility. To
be granted the responsibility to care for even a part of it was a full-time
job, not a game like Ijyuin and Kaichou seemed to think it was most of the
time...
"Takamura-san! Takamura-san!"
Oh, no. In less than a minute, he'd gone from pleasure to exasperation to
despair. Somehow, he knew what was coming. Not Hahaue. Please, not Hahaue.
A young girl with a long brown ponytail - Miyuki-senpai? No, I could've
sworn she flunked out last quarter. - sprinted in front of him, panting.
"This came for you by way of the Primary building," she gasped, staring at
him with adoring eyes in spite of her breathlessness. She's what, seven
years older than me? Then she straightened and frowned at the unmarked
envelope she held. "Nobody can recall when or where it was delivered. Nobody
can remember it being delivered at all. But Rijichou says it's for you,
so..."
Oh, no. If SHE bothered directing it to me, that means it's from...
He took the letter, thanked the girl, and moved on.
Hahaue.
Suoh opened the letter hesitantly, as if afraid it might explode - and,
given his mother's training methods, it just might. It didn't seem her
style, however; Hahaue always liked watching as her apprentices/children
played through her little gauntlets.
The letter was short and simple:
'Suoh-san, the family is planning a weekend at our Hokkaido cabin. Your
younger brother and sister will be coming, and your brother's "someone" will
be coming, as well as your father. You need bring no special equipment when
you come. We leave on Friday the twenty-first.'
There was no signature, but there didn't need to be. It was Hahaue, all
right.
So Akurei and Kasumi will be coming... and Wakaba-san, also. It's a bit
surprising that Father should come, though, Suoh mused to himself as he
walked, absently ducking out of Chuusonjie-senpai's path as she came roaring
down the road, waving around a mallet the size of her head. No special
equipment - no tear bombs or antidotes, and the like. It doesn't seem to
bode well that both Rei-chan AND Hahaue are bringing their "someone",
though... that probably means...
Suoh didn't even let that thought reach it's completion.
He crossed the school-grounds without thinking about it, and entered the
Student Council Room with a resigned sigh. Kaichou would have to be told, of
course; he would need to take off both Friday and Saturday next week. He
could only pray that Nokoru didn't goof off TOO much while he was away...
Nokoru was standing by the window as he entered, and turned with a brilliant
smile. "Suoh," he called. "What are you looking so down for?"
"I've been called to a family gathering," Suoh said quietly, looking to one
side. Somehow, it didn't feel right to leave his Kaichou behind. "Hahaue
tells me it's next week, and I have to be at the ferry where we usually
leave from early or I'll miss it--"
"Kyaa, your mother is such a generous woman," Nokoru sighed, moving down
from his desk and taking something from the surface. "Inviting someone who's a
near-perfect stranger to a family gathering." His tone was pitched low, almost
humming with pleasure.
What? Suoh definitely didn't like the sound of that.
"Whyever does your family go camping in Hokkaido, though?"
Suoh stiffened. "K... Kaichou, what--"
Smiling in that WAY he smiled whenever he was happy but knew those around
him weren't going to be half so glad, Nokoru handed over a sheet of paper.
'Imonoyama Nokoru-sama: We, the Takamura clan, cordially invite you on a
camping expedition on the island of Hokkaido. We will be spending three days
and two nights at one with the wilderness, leaving early on Friday the
twenty-first from Ichi-hatoba mooring point and returning late Sunday the
twenty-third. Please respond through our son, Takamura Suoh-san. We are
certain that you, as an energetic and focused young man, will appreciate a
few days' relaxation from your rigorous schedule and various
responsibilities.'
Suoh stared at the note, momentarily stunned at his mother's flexibility.
Amazing, how two notes so perfectly similar could sound so completely
DISSIMILAR...
"What sort of clothes should I bring?" Nokoru mused aloud. "Nothing too
slight; it can get dreadfully cold in Hokkaido..."
Suoh could feel his hands twitch with the desire to shred the invitation,
but he forced it down. Nokoru had already read the note and clearly planned
on accepting, whether the actual note still existed or not. It would be a
pointless gesture at this point. The only course left was reason, appealing
to Nokoru's logical side - a side of himself that Nokoru was fond of
exercising whenever he stopped playing around.
"Kaichou, surely you're not going?" he demanded, putting just the right
amount of disbelief into his voice to make it sound amazed to the point of
scorn. "I'll ask you to remember what happened the LAST time you attended
one of my family's affairs."
Nokoru sweatdropped.
"And the time before that," Suoh added. "And every time."
Nokoru shrugged it off. "I'm sure it was an accident, Suoh," he stated
confidently.
"What, the poison that just HAPPENED to fall into your sushi?" Suoh
returned. "And the darts that just HAPPENED to fall from my cousin's hands
in the general direction of your head? And the crocodile pit that just
HAPPENED to have been built right under the place where your sleeping pallet
was positioned?"
With a slight cough, the blond tried, "It's only your mother's way of
telling you how much she trusts you, Suoh--"
"I think the only thing it says is how much of an IDIOT I am to ever allow
you to go there--"
"Come on, Suoh! I DO need a vacation--"
"From WHAT? You're just trying to get out of two days of PAPERWORK!"
The doors opened dramatically. Suoh nearly groaned as he saw Akira emerge,
with his usual bubbly smile and a tray of orange juice, from behind them.
Just what I need. As if I don't have enough problems arguing with Kaichou
alone!
"Mou, I'm so glad you're up, Kaichou!" laughed the Treasurer gaily. "Usually
you're still half-dead this early in the morning!"
Both older boys sweatdropped.
"I brought orange juice," Akira continued obliviously. "Fresh-squeezed,
without pulp." He turned to beam at them admiringly. "I can't believe you
two are already so involved that you're arguing about Kaichou's working
habits!"
Nokoru's sweatdrop doubled in size. "We're not arguing about my working
habits, Akira."
"Oh?" The dark-haired boy looked puzzled. "Well, if not the usual, what are
you arguing about?"
No... No way...
"We were talking about the trip Suoh's family invited me on," Nokoru said
enthusiastically.
You've got to be KIDDING me!
Completely ignoring Suoh's freaked out expression, Akira inquired eagerly,
"Takamura-senpai's family is going on a trip? What kind of trip?"
"Camping in Hokkaido!"
"K... Kaichou!" Suoh finally managed to choke out.
Akira turned liquid brown eyes on Suoh. "That sounds like a lot of fun! I
wish I could come!"
"I don't see any reason why you can't," Nokoru said firmly. "Suoh, what do
you--"
"NO!" It was going to be insanely difficult enough as it was; traipsing
through unfamiliar land, heading to a destination his mother was SURE to
have booby-trapped inside and out, while having to protect both Nokoru AND
himself. Add Akira and Suoh was quite certain he'd collapse just thinking
about it. "I, I mean..." He fished for an appropriate explanation. "Ah,
Hahaue is very specific about who comes along on her trips. Nobody who
doesn't belong, or she gets very upset. You understand, Ijyuin."
One look at Akira's face told him that he DIDN'T understand. Most likely,
Akira couldn't fathom anybody getting upset at all; heavens only knew he and
his immediate circle of friends and family never got upset no matter the
situation. The only person he'd ever met who was prone to negative emotions
was Utako, and see how well he understood HER.
Suoh began to feel remarkably guilty for all that he hadn't even really said
anything wrong. He began fumbling for something suitable to say as visions
of the aforementioned Utako stalking him with a malevolent expression and
one of Chuusonjie-senpai's mallets danced through his head. "Ah, well...
I'll ask her, of course," he said quickly. "If she says yes, there's no
reason you can't come!"
Perfect, he thought with satisfaction as Akira clasped his hands together
happily and absolutely sparkled with excitement. I'll just tell him
tomorrow that so sorry, we tried, but the ferry is full. Or maybe there's no
more room in the cabin, what with Kasumi coming this time.
"Why wait?" Nokoru asked innocently. Suoh froze, hearing in those two warm
words the death of all his relief. "Didn't your father insist on getting a
cell phone for your mother a year or so ago?"
S... Shimatta.
"Yes," he admitted reluctantly, trying to sound like he'd forgotten. "He
did."
With a determined nod, the CLAMP Elementary School's president turned on his
heel and walked around his desk. Picking up his phone, he began to dial a
number.
When did he find out Hahaue's cell number? Wait - when did he find out
Chichiue forced her to get a cell phone at all?
"Takamaura-san?" he heard Nokoru say in his most coaxing voice, and knew his
cause was lost.
***
Which was why, the next Friday - naturally, a featureless and misty gray
morning - he found himself waiting at Ichi-hatoba mooring docks with his
Kaichou and Ijyuin to either side of him. Somehow, the CLAMP Campus's docks
were completely empty. Suoh had to admit that sometimes it seemed like
Nokoru's mother was almost as paranoid as his own mother.
Except Hahaue wouldn't have been satisfied with clearing the docks if
Nokoru-san had been her One. She'd have locked all the exits and entrances,
wired the entire perimeter, secured directionals pointing the wrong way at
all the sea-entrances, and then been present herself. If any were available,
she'd probably have brought other Takamura for maximum security.
Someday, I will possess the power to protect Nokoru-san so securely, Suoh
thought to himself, watching the bright lights of the ferry draw nearer. I
will be head of the Takamura Clan, and my "someone" will be the most
important person in the entire world to the best guardians in the entire
world.
That thought granted him peace for about five seconds.
"Ho! Aniue!"
Suoh sighed as both his companions turned in the direction of the voice -
voices, indeed, as it seemed that Rei's One had brought her entire entourage
to the docks. At least, he managed to console himself, she wouldn't be able
to bring them.
Four people came into view as the ferry was tied to the docks - the one in
the lead immediately identifiable as Suoh's brother. The boy, seemingly
younger than Akira, had shoulder-length hair of a deep blue color, tied back
neatly at the nape of his neck. His eyes were the same gold as Suoh's,
although perhaps a shade more towards brown. He was wiry and slender; even
at his age it was clear that he was a professional fighter.
He moves completely without grace. Hahaue will have his ears.
Two men who were clearly butlers tottered behind him, heaving suitcases.
Behind them - and oh, was she a sight to behold! - was his One, Nimiurai
Wakaba. She was a tall, willowy girl of perhaps fifteen, and she carried
herself with a notably superior bearing. She wore an exquisite gown, hardly
fit for a luxury cruise ship, much less the simple ferry they would be
taking, and wore a plentiful amount of jewelry. Her black hair was perfectly
coiled into a stylish bun, and her makeup was immaculately applied. Though
all her companions, including Rei, carried enough luggage to break a horse's
back, she carried nothing.
Suoh did not like her eyes. They were lazily half-lidded, like a predator's,
and the smile that curved her lips when she spotted Nokoru - looking right
through Akira and Suoh as if they didn't exist - was also that of a hunter.
Forcing his personal opinion aside, he nodded to her respectfully. She was
his brother's One.
Wakaba ignored him. "Imonoyama-san," she purred huskily. "It is such a
pleasure to see you again."
"And you as well, Nimiurai-san," Nokoru returned cheerfully, managing to
seem like a welcome substitute for the absent sun.
Her eyes widened ever-so-slightly, a calculated gesture that made Rei
grimace. "You remember me, Imonoyama-san. I never suspected I made such an
impression on you."
Suoh did not recall it that way. As far as he could remember, she had nearly
assaulted the younger boy in an attempt to win some kind of response from
him. I've never seen anyone try so hard to seduce an eleven-year-old.
Rei rolled his eyes at her. Suoh had to pity him.
"I never forget a woman's name," Nokoru told her simply, bowing over her
extended hand in a gentlemanly fashion.
She flushed with pleasure at the chivalry, and tightened her lips with
displeasure at the implied interest - in all women, not in her particularly.
Watching the paradox, Suoh had the uneasy feeling that his trip had just
gotten all the more difficult.
"You already know Suoh, of course," Nokoru continued, "but I believe this is
your first time meeting Ijyuin Akira."
"Charmed," Wakaba breathed, not taking her attention away from the
Imonoyama. She held out her hand for Akira, who shook it, flustered.
Flashing him an irritated glance, she withdrew the hand and grabbed Nokoru's
arm with it. "Shall we go on board? This sea air is ruining my hair."
Both Akira and Suoh stared after them. A rather blatant woman. She's gotten
even worse. I'll be lucky if she doesn't try to rape him before the weekend
is through, Suoh thought resignedly.
Rei nudged Akira. The two dark-haired boys shook hands, Rei smiling warmly.
"I'm Takamura Akurei. I'm this one's younger brother by two years," he added
helpfully, jerking his head at Suoh.
Still trying to be tough, Rei-chan? Suoh shook his head amusedly and moved
up the plank after Wakaba and Nokoru. Hearing the younger Takamura's
startled exclamation and their hurried footsteps, he realized with
distraction that he was probably the most mature person on this trip who
wouldn't be trying to kill them.
It was not a good thing to know.
His mother was waiting just inside, kneeling on a pad beside his father.
Both adults wore neutral expressions; Hahaue's perfected from years of
practice, Chichiue's only slightly flawed for all that he never used it.
Chichiue was Hahaue's One, and though they were not married her children had
come to accept him as their father without question. Suoh and Akurei bowed
to their parents as their guests chatted pleasantly.
"I never expected to see you so tall, Ijyuin-san--"
"What are we waiting for?" Wakaba interrupted suddenly, irritation in her
voice. "Why haven't we left yet?"
There was a long moment of silence as everyone processed this piece of
remarkable rudeness. After almost a full minute, during which everyone
waited for Wakaba to excuse herself and she did not, Hahaue noted in her
usual mild tone, "We still have a relative to wait for."
Suoh glanced around the room; a quick scan revealed Kasumi huddling on all
fours in one corner, seeming more beast than human. If Kasumi was here,
Hahaue and her One were here, Rei and his One were here, and Suoh and both
his guests were here, then...
"What is THAT supposed to mean?" the young woman demanded, whipping her head
around as if forgetting that in its bound state her hair couldn't swing
defiantly. "If anyone is this late, we ought to just leave them."
Suoh said quietly, "We are waiting for Takamura Ryoko, the oldest daughter
of my mother's sister." A swift glance at Hahaue's face proved this true;
her kind smile was a mask, but a good indication of how she was feeling.
"What do I care?" Wakaba demanded of him.
Rei stiffened, and Suoh touched his knee gently. No arguments here, in front
of Hahaue - especially not with his One. He could ask her to modify her
behavior some other time.
All this time, and all these years, and we've only seen each other twice -
and still, he worships me as an idol. How exhausting, to have to live up to
his expectations always... One of the most troublesome things about growing
up in the Takamura household was learning how to accept Rei's adoration -
and not to shatter it. It was also one of the things he was glad he'd been
able to leave behind when he'd found Nokoru.
Wakaba pouted. "I don't think we ought to wait for her."
Nokoru shifted his weight to face her fully, his expression concerned. "We
most certainly ought to wait. Perhaps something's happened to her?"
Suoh and Akira exchanged a disturbed glance before turning to study their
Kaichou closely. If the "Damsel In Distress" syndrome began kicking in
early...
Come to think of it, there will only be two males on this whole journey,
aside from us. Everyone else will be female; I think Ryoko's One is a woman,
too. Suoh stifled a sigh. Just what I needed. Another weekend running
around saving women, but this time running around saving women I'll have to
deal with for the rest of my life.
"No need to send out the cavalry," came a dry voice, Kansai-accented in a
disturbingly familiar matter.
Two women stood in the doorway. Of everyone in the ferry's cabin, they were
without doubt the ones who stood out the most.
For one thing, while all the others wore either school uniforms or formal attire -
Wakaba in her gown, and Hahaue and Chichiue in formal hakama-and-kimono -
they both wore denim short-shorts, the ragged edges proof that they'd been
torn even shorter than they normally would've been. One of them wore a tiny
tank-top, leaving her tanned midriff bare, and the other wore a simple t-shirt
under a leather jacket.
For another, both these girls seemed to be at least seventeen, and despite
not wearing make-up or fancy dresses they managed to look FAR more mature
than Wakaba.
But... I do hope they brought some warmer clothes.
The girl in the leather jacket moved forward with a liquid elegance that
Suoh had envied since before he could remember. She knelt before her aunt
and uncle. "Obasama. Ojisama," she murmured, her eyes closed.
"Ryoko-san," Hahaue returned, smiling enigmatically. "Welcome home."
Ryoko turned and knelt to Suoh, who bowed in return. "Itoko-san."
"Itoko-san," he responded.
Ryoko stood then and asked, in English, the room at large, "(Does anyone
else here understand English?)"
The trio of CLAMP Campus Detectives all stood, Akira with a pleased grin and
Nokoru whipping out his fan, which had printed on it "Conversant in several
languages" written in both Japanese and English.
Hahaue smiled sweetly at the three of them, then turned to Ryoko and told
her, "As you know, all the Takamura are at least semi-knowledgeable of the
English language."
Rei nodded thoughtfully. Wakaba looked furious. "Does everyone here speak
that barbaric language except me?"
The other girl laughed in a throaty manner that made Wakaba quiver in
jealousy. "(She's a rude one, isn't she?)" she said in English. Half the
room turned away to hide laughter - Ryoko didn't even bother. Wakaba turned
a brilliant shade of crimson, then spun around to face Rei, as if demanding
to know why he wasn't saying anything.
And so, absolutely deadpan, Rei observed in English, "(She only gets worse
once you know her.)"
Fortunately for him, everyone managed to keep straight faces for that one.
Ryoko's companion knelt in a similar manner before Hahaue and Chichiue.
"Takamura-sama," she said smoothly, her dark voice pouring over the words
which must have been strange to her. "Ishibara-sama," she added to Chichiue.
"It is an honor to be here."
"It is our honor, to have you as guest," Hahaue said, amusement coloring her
voice.
Wakaba flushed to realize that the American girl spoke Japanese. Ryoko cast
her a malevolent grin and told everyone, "This is my 'someone', Marian
Angler."
Rei moved uneasily. "Merianu?" he tried. "Angura?"
"Call me Meri," volunteered the American, smiling. "You've got it close
enough. I knew nobody here would be able to pronounce my name when I agreed
to come."
With a toss of her hair - again, not remembering that it was bound - Wakaba
announced, "Now that they're here, let's GO."
"(She really DOES only get worse as you get to know her,)" Ryoko commented,
beaming at the girl in question when she turned to scowl at the foreign
language.
*****
DISCLAIMER: CLAMP owns the CCD Trio, naturally. They also own Suoh's mother
- she must not be pleased about that! - but everyone else you may see
mentioned here is mine. If you really want to use my Takamura (yeah right)
ask me first, because otherwise I'll have to sic Shigeru on you, and you
wouldn't like that. ^_^
Email. Review. IM. Do anything. Let me know you're reading this. ^_^
Kay Willow
kay_willow@hotmail.com
Lame Untitled Camping Fic, and thanks go to Shara-san for graciously
suggesting the title I wound up using while simultaneously making me fall
off my chair laughing.
Anyway, this is only the first part. The whole thing is written but I'm
going to send it out in bits and pieces because it's LONG. ^_^
Absent-minded Notes: I use the word "Hahaue" to refer to Suoh's mother
because they never gave her a name and because I don't know the real word he
uses. I know Chichiue is the polite for "father", and "chichi" and "haha"
are how the books tell you "father" and "mother" are said, so it makes sense
- and sounds right - that Hahaue be "mother".
Also, words in "(parentheses and quotes like this)" are spoken in English.
^_^ Suoh's father is never mentioned, so I just lifted 'Ishibara' from
Kristin Huntsman's Inevitablity and hoped she didn't mind.
And finally, take pity on any errors I've made. My grammar and
spell-checkers are mentally retarded. Proof: grammar-checker told me that
"most mature" should become "maturest". My spell-checker then told me that
this was not a word. *sigh*
A Clan-Destine Vacation
Part 1
*Kay Willow*
As Saturdays go, Suoh thought, this one isn't starting off so badly.
Saturdays were usually the days he had the most trouble with. Kaichou
slacked off even more than usual on Saturdays, in anticipation of a rest
from all his hard work avoiding hard work. Even Ijyuin tended to slack off
on Saturdays, daydreaming about how he'd spend the next day with
Ohkawa-kaichou.
Honestly, Suoh didn't know how any work got done around here at all. Nobody
ever caught him ignoring his duties or mooning over Nagisa-san when there
were things to be done. This WAS an enormous, nearly city-sized facility. To
be granted the responsibility to care for even a part of it was a full-time
job, not a game like Ijyuin and Kaichou seemed to think it was most of the
time...
"Takamura-san! Takamura-san!"
Oh, no. In less than a minute, he'd gone from pleasure to exasperation to
despair. Somehow, he knew what was coming. Not Hahaue. Please, not Hahaue.
A young girl with a long brown ponytail - Miyuki-senpai? No, I could've
sworn she flunked out last quarter. - sprinted in front of him, panting.
"This came for you by way of the Primary building," she gasped, staring at
him with adoring eyes in spite of her breathlessness. She's what, seven
years older than me? Then she straightened and frowned at the unmarked
envelope she held. "Nobody can recall when or where it was delivered. Nobody
can remember it being delivered at all. But Rijichou says it's for you,
so..."
Oh, no. If SHE bothered directing it to me, that means it's from...
He took the letter, thanked the girl, and moved on.
Hahaue.
Suoh opened the letter hesitantly, as if afraid it might explode - and,
given his mother's training methods, it just might. It didn't seem her
style, however; Hahaue always liked watching as her apprentices/children
played through her little gauntlets.
The letter was short and simple:
'Suoh-san, the family is planning a weekend at our Hokkaido cabin. Your
younger brother and sister will be coming, and your brother's "someone" will
be coming, as well as your father. You need bring no special equipment when
you come. We leave on Friday the twenty-first.'
There was no signature, but there didn't need to be. It was Hahaue, all
right.
So Akurei and Kasumi will be coming... and Wakaba-san, also. It's a bit
surprising that Father should come, though, Suoh mused to himself as he
walked, absently ducking out of Chuusonjie-senpai's path as she came roaring
down the road, waving around a mallet the size of her head. No special
equipment - no tear bombs or antidotes, and the like. It doesn't seem to
bode well that both Rei-chan AND Hahaue are bringing their "someone",
though... that probably means...
Suoh didn't even let that thought reach it's completion.
He crossed the school-grounds without thinking about it, and entered the
Student Council Room with a resigned sigh. Kaichou would have to be told, of
course; he would need to take off both Friday and Saturday next week. He
could only pray that Nokoru didn't goof off TOO much while he was away...
Nokoru was standing by the window as he entered, and turned with a brilliant
smile. "Suoh," he called. "What are you looking so down for?"
"I've been called to a family gathering," Suoh said quietly, looking to one
side. Somehow, it didn't feel right to leave his Kaichou behind. "Hahaue
tells me it's next week, and I have to be at the ferry where we usually
leave from early or I'll miss it--"
"Kyaa, your mother is such a generous woman," Nokoru sighed, moving down
from his desk and taking something from the surface. "Inviting someone who's a
near-perfect stranger to a family gathering." His tone was pitched low, almost
humming with pleasure.
What? Suoh definitely didn't like the sound of that.
"Whyever does your family go camping in Hokkaido, though?"
Suoh stiffened. "K... Kaichou, what--"
Smiling in that WAY he smiled whenever he was happy but knew those around
him weren't going to be half so glad, Nokoru handed over a sheet of paper.
'Imonoyama Nokoru-sama: We, the Takamura clan, cordially invite you on a
camping expedition on the island of Hokkaido. We will be spending three days
and two nights at one with the wilderness, leaving early on Friday the
twenty-first from Ichi-hatoba mooring point and returning late Sunday the
twenty-third. Please respond through our son, Takamura Suoh-san. We are
certain that you, as an energetic and focused young man, will appreciate a
few days' relaxation from your rigorous schedule and various
responsibilities.'
Suoh stared at the note, momentarily stunned at his mother's flexibility.
Amazing, how two notes so perfectly similar could sound so completely
DISSIMILAR...
"What sort of clothes should I bring?" Nokoru mused aloud. "Nothing too
slight; it can get dreadfully cold in Hokkaido..."
Suoh could feel his hands twitch with the desire to shred the invitation,
but he forced it down. Nokoru had already read the note and clearly planned
on accepting, whether the actual note still existed or not. It would be a
pointless gesture at this point. The only course left was reason, appealing
to Nokoru's logical side - a side of himself that Nokoru was fond of
exercising whenever he stopped playing around.
"Kaichou, surely you're not going?" he demanded, putting just the right
amount of disbelief into his voice to make it sound amazed to the point of
scorn. "I'll ask you to remember what happened the LAST time you attended
one of my family's affairs."
Nokoru sweatdropped.
"And the time before that," Suoh added. "And every time."
Nokoru shrugged it off. "I'm sure it was an accident, Suoh," he stated
confidently.
"What, the poison that just HAPPENED to fall into your sushi?" Suoh
returned. "And the darts that just HAPPENED to fall from my cousin's hands
in the general direction of your head? And the crocodile pit that just
HAPPENED to have been built right under the place where your sleeping pallet
was positioned?"
With a slight cough, the blond tried, "It's only your mother's way of
telling you how much she trusts you, Suoh--"
"I think the only thing it says is how much of an IDIOT I am to ever allow
you to go there--"
"Come on, Suoh! I DO need a vacation--"
"From WHAT? You're just trying to get out of two days of PAPERWORK!"
The doors opened dramatically. Suoh nearly groaned as he saw Akira emerge,
with his usual bubbly smile and a tray of orange juice, from behind them.
Just what I need. As if I don't have enough problems arguing with Kaichou
alone!
"Mou, I'm so glad you're up, Kaichou!" laughed the Treasurer gaily. "Usually
you're still half-dead this early in the morning!"
Both older boys sweatdropped.
"I brought orange juice," Akira continued obliviously. "Fresh-squeezed,
without pulp." He turned to beam at them admiringly. "I can't believe you
two are already so involved that you're arguing about Kaichou's working
habits!"
Nokoru's sweatdrop doubled in size. "We're not arguing about my working
habits, Akira."
"Oh?" The dark-haired boy looked puzzled. "Well, if not the usual, what are
you arguing about?"
No... No way...
"We were talking about the trip Suoh's family invited me on," Nokoru said
enthusiastically.
You've got to be KIDDING me!
Completely ignoring Suoh's freaked out expression, Akira inquired eagerly,
"Takamura-senpai's family is going on a trip? What kind of trip?"
"Camping in Hokkaido!"
"K... Kaichou!" Suoh finally managed to choke out.
Akira turned liquid brown eyes on Suoh. "That sounds like a lot of fun! I
wish I could come!"
"I don't see any reason why you can't," Nokoru said firmly. "Suoh, what do
you--"
"NO!" It was going to be insanely difficult enough as it was; traipsing
through unfamiliar land, heading to a destination his mother was SURE to
have booby-trapped inside and out, while having to protect both Nokoru AND
himself. Add Akira and Suoh was quite certain he'd collapse just thinking
about it. "I, I mean..." He fished for an appropriate explanation. "Ah,
Hahaue is very specific about who comes along on her trips. Nobody who
doesn't belong, or she gets very upset. You understand, Ijyuin."
One look at Akira's face told him that he DIDN'T understand. Most likely,
Akira couldn't fathom anybody getting upset at all; heavens only knew he and
his immediate circle of friends and family never got upset no matter the
situation. The only person he'd ever met who was prone to negative emotions
was Utako, and see how well he understood HER.
Suoh began to feel remarkably guilty for all that he hadn't even really said
anything wrong. He began fumbling for something suitable to say as visions
of the aforementioned Utako stalking him with a malevolent expression and
one of Chuusonjie-senpai's mallets danced through his head. "Ah, well...
I'll ask her, of course," he said quickly. "If she says yes, there's no
reason you can't come!"
Perfect, he thought with satisfaction as Akira clasped his hands together
happily and absolutely sparkled with excitement. I'll just tell him
tomorrow that so sorry, we tried, but the ferry is full. Or maybe there's no
more room in the cabin, what with Kasumi coming this time.
"Why wait?" Nokoru asked innocently. Suoh froze, hearing in those two warm
words the death of all his relief. "Didn't your father insist on getting a
cell phone for your mother a year or so ago?"
S... Shimatta.
"Yes," he admitted reluctantly, trying to sound like he'd forgotten. "He
did."
With a determined nod, the CLAMP Elementary School's president turned on his
heel and walked around his desk. Picking up his phone, he began to dial a
number.
When did he find out Hahaue's cell number? Wait - when did he find out
Chichiue forced her to get a cell phone at all?
"Takamaura-san?" he heard Nokoru say in his most coaxing voice, and knew his
cause was lost.
***
Which was why, the next Friday - naturally, a featureless and misty gray
morning - he found himself waiting at Ichi-hatoba mooring docks with his
Kaichou and Ijyuin to either side of him. Somehow, the CLAMP Campus's docks
were completely empty. Suoh had to admit that sometimes it seemed like
Nokoru's mother was almost as paranoid as his own mother.
Except Hahaue wouldn't have been satisfied with clearing the docks if
Nokoru-san had been her One. She'd have locked all the exits and entrances,
wired the entire perimeter, secured directionals pointing the wrong way at
all the sea-entrances, and then been present herself. If any were available,
she'd probably have brought other Takamura for maximum security.
Someday, I will possess the power to protect Nokoru-san so securely, Suoh
thought to himself, watching the bright lights of the ferry draw nearer. I
will be head of the Takamura Clan, and my "someone" will be the most
important person in the entire world to the best guardians in the entire
world.
That thought granted him peace for about five seconds.
"Ho! Aniue!"
Suoh sighed as both his companions turned in the direction of the voice -
voices, indeed, as it seemed that Rei's One had brought her entire entourage
to the docks. At least, he managed to console himself, she wouldn't be able
to bring them.
Four people came into view as the ferry was tied to the docks - the one in
the lead immediately identifiable as Suoh's brother. The boy, seemingly
younger than Akira, had shoulder-length hair of a deep blue color, tied back
neatly at the nape of his neck. His eyes were the same gold as Suoh's,
although perhaps a shade more towards brown. He was wiry and slender; even
at his age it was clear that he was a professional fighter.
He moves completely without grace. Hahaue will have his ears.
Two men who were clearly butlers tottered behind him, heaving suitcases.
Behind them - and oh, was she a sight to behold! - was his One, Nimiurai
Wakaba. She was a tall, willowy girl of perhaps fifteen, and she carried
herself with a notably superior bearing. She wore an exquisite gown, hardly
fit for a luxury cruise ship, much less the simple ferry they would be
taking, and wore a plentiful amount of jewelry. Her black hair was perfectly
coiled into a stylish bun, and her makeup was immaculately applied. Though
all her companions, including Rei, carried enough luggage to break a horse's
back, she carried nothing.
Suoh did not like her eyes. They were lazily half-lidded, like a predator's,
and the smile that curved her lips when she spotted Nokoru - looking right
through Akira and Suoh as if they didn't exist - was also that of a hunter.
Forcing his personal opinion aside, he nodded to her respectfully. She was
his brother's One.
Wakaba ignored him. "Imonoyama-san," she purred huskily. "It is such a
pleasure to see you again."
"And you as well, Nimiurai-san," Nokoru returned cheerfully, managing to
seem like a welcome substitute for the absent sun.
Her eyes widened ever-so-slightly, a calculated gesture that made Rei
grimace. "You remember me, Imonoyama-san. I never suspected I made such an
impression on you."
Suoh did not recall it that way. As far as he could remember, she had nearly
assaulted the younger boy in an attempt to win some kind of response from
him. I've never seen anyone try so hard to seduce an eleven-year-old.
Rei rolled his eyes at her. Suoh had to pity him.
"I never forget a woman's name," Nokoru told her simply, bowing over her
extended hand in a gentlemanly fashion.
She flushed with pleasure at the chivalry, and tightened her lips with
displeasure at the implied interest - in all women, not in her particularly.
Watching the paradox, Suoh had the uneasy feeling that his trip had just
gotten all the more difficult.
"You already know Suoh, of course," Nokoru continued, "but I believe this is
your first time meeting Ijyuin Akira."
"Charmed," Wakaba breathed, not taking her attention away from the
Imonoyama. She held out her hand for Akira, who shook it, flustered.
Flashing him an irritated glance, she withdrew the hand and grabbed Nokoru's
arm with it. "Shall we go on board? This sea air is ruining my hair."
Both Akira and Suoh stared after them. A rather blatant woman. She's gotten
even worse. I'll be lucky if she doesn't try to rape him before the weekend
is through, Suoh thought resignedly.
Rei nudged Akira. The two dark-haired boys shook hands, Rei smiling warmly.
"I'm Takamura Akurei. I'm this one's younger brother by two years," he added
helpfully, jerking his head at Suoh.
Still trying to be tough, Rei-chan? Suoh shook his head amusedly and moved
up the plank after Wakaba and Nokoru. Hearing the younger Takamura's
startled exclamation and their hurried footsteps, he realized with
distraction that he was probably the most mature person on this trip who
wouldn't be trying to kill them.
It was not a good thing to know.
His mother was waiting just inside, kneeling on a pad beside his father.
Both adults wore neutral expressions; Hahaue's perfected from years of
practice, Chichiue's only slightly flawed for all that he never used it.
Chichiue was Hahaue's One, and though they were not married her children had
come to accept him as their father without question. Suoh and Akurei bowed
to their parents as their guests chatted pleasantly.
"I never expected to see you so tall, Ijyuin-san--"
"What are we waiting for?" Wakaba interrupted suddenly, irritation in her
voice. "Why haven't we left yet?"
There was a long moment of silence as everyone processed this piece of
remarkable rudeness. After almost a full minute, during which everyone
waited for Wakaba to excuse herself and she did not, Hahaue noted in her
usual mild tone, "We still have a relative to wait for."
Suoh glanced around the room; a quick scan revealed Kasumi huddling on all
fours in one corner, seeming more beast than human. If Kasumi was here,
Hahaue and her One were here, Rei and his One were here, and Suoh and both
his guests were here, then...
"What is THAT supposed to mean?" the young woman demanded, whipping her head
around as if forgetting that in its bound state her hair couldn't swing
defiantly. "If anyone is this late, we ought to just leave them."
Suoh said quietly, "We are waiting for Takamura Ryoko, the oldest daughter
of my mother's sister." A swift glance at Hahaue's face proved this true;
her kind smile was a mask, but a good indication of how she was feeling.
"What do I care?" Wakaba demanded of him.
Rei stiffened, and Suoh touched his knee gently. No arguments here, in front
of Hahaue - especially not with his One. He could ask her to modify her
behavior some other time.
All this time, and all these years, and we've only seen each other twice -
and still, he worships me as an idol. How exhausting, to have to live up to
his expectations always... One of the most troublesome things about growing
up in the Takamura household was learning how to accept Rei's adoration -
and not to shatter it. It was also one of the things he was glad he'd been
able to leave behind when he'd found Nokoru.
Wakaba pouted. "I don't think we ought to wait for her."
Nokoru shifted his weight to face her fully, his expression concerned. "We
most certainly ought to wait. Perhaps something's happened to her?"
Suoh and Akira exchanged a disturbed glance before turning to study their
Kaichou closely. If the "Damsel In Distress" syndrome began kicking in
early...
Come to think of it, there will only be two males on this whole journey,
aside from us. Everyone else will be female; I think Ryoko's One is a woman,
too. Suoh stifled a sigh. Just what I needed. Another weekend running
around saving women, but this time running around saving women I'll have to
deal with for the rest of my life.
"No need to send out the cavalry," came a dry voice, Kansai-accented in a
disturbingly familiar matter.
Two women stood in the doorway. Of everyone in the ferry's cabin, they were
without doubt the ones who stood out the most.
For one thing, while all the others wore either school uniforms or formal attire -
Wakaba in her gown, and Hahaue and Chichiue in formal hakama-and-kimono -
they both wore denim short-shorts, the ragged edges proof that they'd been
torn even shorter than they normally would've been. One of them wore a tiny
tank-top, leaving her tanned midriff bare, and the other wore a simple t-shirt
under a leather jacket.
For another, both these girls seemed to be at least seventeen, and despite
not wearing make-up or fancy dresses they managed to look FAR more mature
than Wakaba.
But... I do hope they brought some warmer clothes.
The girl in the leather jacket moved forward with a liquid elegance that
Suoh had envied since before he could remember. She knelt before her aunt
and uncle. "Obasama. Ojisama," she murmured, her eyes closed.
"Ryoko-san," Hahaue returned, smiling enigmatically. "Welcome home."
Ryoko turned and knelt to Suoh, who bowed in return. "Itoko-san."
"Itoko-san," he responded.
Ryoko stood then and asked, in English, the room at large, "(Does anyone
else here understand English?)"
The trio of CLAMP Campus Detectives all stood, Akira with a pleased grin and
Nokoru whipping out his fan, which had printed on it "Conversant in several
languages" written in both Japanese and English.
Hahaue smiled sweetly at the three of them, then turned to Ryoko and told
her, "As you know, all the Takamura are at least semi-knowledgeable of the
English language."
Rei nodded thoughtfully. Wakaba looked furious. "Does everyone here speak
that barbaric language except me?"
The other girl laughed in a throaty manner that made Wakaba quiver in
jealousy. "(She's a rude one, isn't she?)" she said in English. Half the
room turned away to hide laughter - Ryoko didn't even bother. Wakaba turned
a brilliant shade of crimson, then spun around to face Rei, as if demanding
to know why he wasn't saying anything.
And so, absolutely deadpan, Rei observed in English, "(She only gets worse
once you know her.)"
Fortunately for him, everyone managed to keep straight faces for that one.
Ryoko's companion knelt in a similar manner before Hahaue and Chichiue.
"Takamura-sama," she said smoothly, her dark voice pouring over the words
which must have been strange to her. "Ishibara-sama," she added to Chichiue.
"It is an honor to be here."
"It is our honor, to have you as guest," Hahaue said, amusement coloring her
voice.
Wakaba flushed to realize that the American girl spoke Japanese. Ryoko cast
her a malevolent grin and told everyone, "This is my 'someone', Marian
Angler."
Rei moved uneasily. "Merianu?" he tried. "Angura?"
"Call me Meri," volunteered the American, smiling. "You've got it close
enough. I knew nobody here would be able to pronounce my name when I agreed
to come."
With a toss of her hair - again, not remembering that it was bound - Wakaba
announced, "Now that they're here, let's GO."
"(She really DOES only get worse as you get to know her,)" Ryoko commented,
beaming at the girl in question when she turned to scowl at the foreign
language.
*****
DISCLAIMER: CLAMP owns the CCD Trio, naturally. They also own Suoh's mother
- she must not be pleased about that! - but everyone else you may see
mentioned here is mine. If you really want to use my Takamura (yeah right)
ask me first, because otherwise I'll have to sic Shigeru on you, and you
wouldn't like that. ^_^
Email. Review. IM. Do anything. Let me know you're reading this. ^_^
Kay Willow
kay_willow@hotmail.com