01 Lupin IV?!

5/21/2008 -- 686 words

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter (Rowlings) or Lupin the Third (Monkey Punch).

AN: First chapter of another story. I only watch the anime that ran on AdultSwim for a time and the OVAs. If you don't know, all episodes are single stories with no true connecting arc between them. The OVAs are all done by different people who have different takes on Lupin and the other characters, especially Daisuke Jigen. Names, dates, and gun specifications are 9 times out of 10 taken from Wiki. I have gotten 25 hits on my poll question and it is a pretty even split between Yes, No, and Maybe. For all you Maybe's out there, I hope this strikes your fancy. For all you Yes' out there, I hope I haven't accidentally sent you to the No's.

The Heart of Fire

Was born from a pyre;

A phoenix from the ashes,

The spark burns behind human lashes.

Stolen from its native lands,

Cursed to remain from greedy hands;

30 June, striking the witching hour,

What was yours will then become ours.

This challenge I now extend--

Can you break the family trend?

Will you meet me as I intend?

-Lupin IV

--

Lupin the 3rd stared at the small roll of high quality parchment. The ink was smooth, even and highly ornate, similar to calligraphy. A simple yet elegant gold leaf border framed the message while a uniquely intricate knot acted as the header. On the table next to the scroll was a silver wax seal. Impressed in the seal was an indistinguishable design created of various lines and swirls.

A man wearing a rumpled business suit and fedora frowned at the scroll. Long fingers tapped a burning cigarette over an over full ash tray before returning it to thin lips. His long, curling black goatee twitched as he contemplated the note.

"The fourth? Last time I checked the only Lupin currently alive was the one sittin' in this room. Unless you were holdin' out on us?"

The man wearing a red jacket, blue dress shirt, and primary yellow tie glared at Jigen. "I may be a ladies man but I'm careful. Besides, even if I did, do you really think I wouldn't know?"

Jigen grimaced. "Considerin' the women you prefer, you'd know in a heart beat."

"Also, considering Lupin's age this couldn't be any offspring of his. This person is mature but idealistic with a wistful view of life. A teenager or young adult. Hypothetically, if this person is eighteen then Lupin would have had to sire the child when he was seven years old." The calm statement of logic came from another young man with shoulder length black hair wearing antiquated Japanese clothing. Secured at his side was a sheathed Japanese sword.

"Thank you Goemon. I may be amazing but even I'm subjected to the domineering hand of Mother Nature. So, we're clear that whoever this is, they aren't my kid."

"Yeah, but how 'bout Goemon explaining this 'idealistic wistful view' of his." Jigen blew a stream of smoke into the air, his voice lightly sarcastic.

Goemon scowled at Jigen. " 'Phoenix from the ashes', an endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. A creature of light and goodness most often used as a symbol of hope and perseverance. The missive itself is a testament to the youth of our sender. It is just a whimsical little rhyme that, like Lupin's grandfather, is an announcement of his next move. The Heart of Fire is currently on display at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History in Oxfordshire."

"Eh, how'd you know that Goemon?"

"The local section of the newspaper Lupin."

Lupin rubbed his head and grinned sheepishly. Jigen snorted at the all-too-common sight and Goemon had long since mastered the art of ignoring Lupin's gaffs.

"The missive is written on a parchment scroll with what was most probably a quill pen. It was sealed with wax impressed with a stylized fire seal. If you look closely the roman numeral IV is entwined within the flames." Goemon gently traced the outline of the IV in the wax for the other men. They visibly perked up when they recognized what the swordsman had.

"You know, this is becoming a lot more elaborate the more we're stuck looking at that note. Whoever this is, they're either very dedicated or this isn't a hoax. And I personally am hoping for the former."

Jigen and Goemon nodded in understanding. Lupin sat back and crossed his legs. Long tapered fingers gently scratched a days worth of stubble for long minutes before he sighed. "Well boys, looks like we're going to be visiting Oxfordshire on the 30th of June. Hope you don't have anything planned." Lupin clapped his hands and grinned the predatory grin of a kid let loose in a candy store.

Leave a review. I really do listen! Just ask Stefni who pointed out that June only has 30 days, not 31. Whoops.