Dragon in the Den's dreams production
Presents
A Sakura Taisen Fanfiction
Sakura Taisen: Xiang Dao Wo
Chapter 1
It was the usual circular room where the Wisemen Council gathered once again, an air of deadly tension hung deftly over the members of them and slightly affecting them physically. The only people who weren't seems outright affected however was Count Hanakoji and Lieutenant-General Yoneda. They were the only ones who were calms about all this despite it is them being here and one empty seat around the table was the reason the tension is present. But that was not the time to think about then. There are more urgent matters at hand.
"Now that all has passed and Teito is safe from our previous incident," Hanakoji began, bringing up and stressing the previous incident involving Douglas-Stewart, "I'm sure that all of this troubles we have been facing serves as a lesson to us all. Relying on a foreign help like Brent has brought a great deal to Teito's image in keeping it safe and the reason why it almost fell in the hands of someone as ambitious as Brent Furlong.
"Allying ourselves with Douglas-Stewart Corporation for the defense of Teito was an utter mistake on all our part and we know it. I too take blame of it for letting it to happen despite the warnings. And pray to kami-sama that such mistakes must never be repeated." The council remained silent and still, the mood still hanging over them. But it wouldn't last long. Hanakoji continued.
"We must be glad that at least the Hanagumi were able to stood up and fight back just in time when Teito needed them the most." He turned his gaze deftly on everyone except Yoneda, "When this council chose to shut down our only hope against the enemies of Teito. Never will we put them aside for the benefits for people from outside this organization again as it clearly shows how greed clouded our judgment over all that we have tried to achieve. I warn once again that we shall and must not fall into the same mistake ever again." He turned his gaze to Yoneda. "I believe that would be an agreement we have to agree from now on?"
Yoneda grinned. "It would be great news for them. I'll tell them later."
Hanakoji nodded. "Then that ends this part of the gathering." With that, the previous tension disappeared and everyone relaxed, save only for Hanakoji and Yoneda who were before throughout the whole session. "Let us move on to different matters of importance as of now. Sanada?" Hanakoji turned to the said person who looked up, ready and waiting. "I believe you have something of importance to discuss to be brought up?" Sanada nodded in reply. "You may proceed then."
Sanada checked his papers again, making sure they were in order before he began. "As this organization is aware of, we have met the aims and achieved impressive success with the Kagekidan both here in Teito and Paris defenses against Koumas. From that, other parties are very much interested in forming their very own defense plan. I remember correctly one of New York's planned members, Rachette Altair is still here with the Hanagumi, correct, Yoneda?"
"Yes and still is."
"I see. London, last I heard is also interested and currently in the process of setting one up now but I'm not going to focus on that here. There is another party however, who not only shares the interest and has started already, but is also nearby." There was the sound of a familiar click heard and the display that provided the only illumination in the room changed to that of a world map, displaying a clearly labeled Japan in one respectable corner of the map and a similarly labeled China mainland taking up most of the map. "Even as I speak, China has already set up their very first Kagekidan, the Shanghai Kagekidan.
"Their Kagekidan are to begin with, new. Already, they have just got into their first battle a month ago and have mixed results as far as we can tell. While they are successful in stopping enemy attacks, they leave Shanghai with high collateral damage, personnel injuries and costs of repairs. The lists go on and they are seriously considering to either closing it down or not. They speculated that they need a trained commander, a male one to influence them as we have here."
Yoneda interrupted as Sanada paused to catch his breath. "Are you considering of sending our Captain Ogami Ichiro over to train them as with the Paris Kagekidan? It might be of good thing for Ogami to have a change of destination since he has been going back and forth between Japan and France."
"I actually gave them the option too. But they found their own male capable of activating a Ryoushi Katchuu. Very lucky I commented them. From what I have here, he's from a rural background. They are considering how to train him for c-and-c now."
"I believe you gave them an idea?"
"Yes. I ask if they would like us to train him for them."
"And they agreed?"
"Yes. In seven months, they want him fully trained before he can take command of the Shanghai Kagekidan, Fire Division. Even if he is not fully trained for it." Sanada told him, stressing the part very carefully.
"So we can't fail is that what you're saying?"
"No, Yoneda. You will make sure you don't fail." Yoneda grimaced at the statement he knew would come, "You will be in charge of his training as a temporary member of the Hanagumi. In secret that is."
"Like Ogami was in Paris?"
"You can say that. They are afraid that their prized one is the target of their enemy to ensure a successful performance of a Kagekidan. As a cover, he will be a liaison and vice-manager in training of the Shanghai Palace which doubles as the Shanghai Kagekidan headquarters to your Teigeki Kagekidan." Sanada stopped with a chuckle that everyone noticed despite the dimness of the room.
"Something funny?" Someone asked, partially annoyed that he was not sharing the joke and even considering it in a meeting of the Wisemen Council.
"Well, despite his cover, he isn't officially part of the Shanghai Palace as of yet. He isn't even briefed on what is the Kagekidan or at least knows its members. But at least he knows what he will be training for." He passed a file over to Yoneda who took to open and read its content. The room's dimness didn't help any and Yoneda contented himself to read it later with better lighting.
He strained to see a photo of the transferee and queried, "This is him?"
"Yes, that's him. Like I said, he has rural background. Very interesting history too."
"Agreed. What about his Koubu?"
"We are to provide one for him for now. But they will be paying for it. The latest Koubu tuned specially to his abilities would suffice. I believe the Hanayashiki is already informed on this matter and are preparing it as I speak. They will provide his own after his training is complete."
"I see."
"Just one thing, Yoneda." Yoneda looked up. "His success lies and hangs on the question whether all this worth their time and money." Sanada did not add the last point which was very clear to Yoneda.
"It also has to do with our nation's pride?"
"That. And a good close relations with China. After all, I am the minister of Foreign Liaison and Relations."
"Then I'll get everything ready in a week for his arrival." Yoneda declared, to which Sanada nodded convinced.
---
Somewhere in another part of the world, across the sea to the west, a much similar meeting is also held in the same manner. But the topic and demeanor of this meeting, is entirely in a manner of such that could only mean evil.
"So, they have a solution to their constant blundering? I never thought it was this fast."
"I know. I just got word they are now training him secretly. Even I don't know where. Once he finishes his training he'll take command of the Fire Division and that'll be the end of us. The Fire Division at it is now is already a problem we can't ignore."
"What do you suggest we do when there is no hope in it?"
"We kill him when the time comes."
"Yes. But by then he'll already be taking command of it and that is already the end of us. How can we kill him when we don't where he is? You just said so yourself."
"True. But I wasn't finish yet. Currently, he's also learning Japanese in his secret training. What does that tell you?"
"… I don't quite get you…"
"They're sending him to Japan, that's what."
"Japan! Then, that means he's actually being trained there? Do you have any idea what those Japanese have? They're the ones who introduced those damned iron dolls we have trouble with."
"Yes. I know."
"Then how are we supposed to kill him then?"
"I know when he'll be leaving remember? I'll just send someone to follow him and kill him. It's that simple."
"What if it fails?"
"Then start begging for mercy and hope that'll get us out of a more painful punishment. If our assault on Shanghai in any way falters than it is, we are very much dead then. His lordship can't tolerate anymore failures. You know he already has much trouble with our cover business."
"You're taking far too many risks on this one, you know that?"
"My name is Risk. What else is there I can do?"
---
Later after the Wisemen Council meeting has concluded, Yoneda explained everything to Kaede on the way back, handing her the file asking, "What do you think of him, Kaede?"
She took the file and merely skim through it before finally turning back to Yoneda, "I can't deduce anything from this much data. I'll have to see him for myself."
Yoneda nodded slightly. "So must I. But his character is rather interesting. Unlike any member of the Hanagumi or other Kagekidan for that matter. It'll be an interesting thing to see what will be their reaction to him."
"Kohran's reaction more likely." Kaede added, to which Yoneda nodded with a chuckle, smiling as the thought dawned on him. She turned to open the file again, this time to catch the name she was unable to just now.
"Shun Menglong." She read aloud, just so she can memorize the name now without fail. She closed it again and all she could do for now is wait for a week and see how new things like this will change the Teikoku Kagekidan.
---
"Eh… a trainee?" Ogami resisted the urge to scratch his head when the topic was brought up to him. He was quiet puzzled at this new turn of events as much as anybody would after all they've been through. Not a moment after their swift recovery after the mess Douglas-Stewart brought to Teito and this comes up.
"Think of him as a new transfer if you want. It doesn't matter." Yoneda replied as he took another sip of sake he just poured, being careful not to take too much now and get drunk early. Lest he wish to dismiss Ogami thinking it is merely a drunk old man's joke.
"I… I see." He returned back the file onto Yoneda's desk. "I'll do my best." He turned to leave.
"One more thing," Yoneda called out.
"Yes?"
"Do you still remember when you first came here?" Yoneda queried, pointing up to the back of him at the plaque that was ever presently hanging. A stray memory click into place as the pint dawned on him.
The next thing the Hanagumi heard was Yoneda's raucous laughter, forcing anyone who has their ears pressed to the door to lurch back a moment since anybody in the corridor can hear it.
"Did anybody hear anything?" Said Kanna as she playfully dig an ear with a finger to which Iris giggled to her amusement, "I sure couldn't, not with that." She pointed to the door indicating the now quieted laugh.
"Hmm," Kohran removed her stethoscope from the door, stood up and a hand propping her chin, "Other than about a new member, I can't get anything else."
"Eh! New member?" The Hanagumi exclaimed in unison quietly.
"Wonder who would it is?" Sakura asked to no one in particular.
"Well whoever it is, I wonder if she's of our standard. Or at least know the Top Star here. Oh ho ho ho ho!" Sumire interjected to which Kanna gazed at her with a slight scorn.
"Iris hopes to have new friend too." Iris added softly
"Do all of you do this all the time?" A familiar voice spoke from behind them. The Hanagumi turned to see Rachette crouching on the floor with an amused look on her face, Maria leaning on the wall behind her. Sakura noted that after her outburst during the Kaijin Bessou play recently, Rachette's persona has changed now that she is no longer the Rachette they knew before. Even Leni noticed it too and thanked Sakura from her heart for it.
"Well, most of the time, yes." Kohran replied.
"It is the only way to know anything new happening in Teigeki quickly too." Kanna added Kohran's answer.
"Someone's coming! Quick, everyone!" Sumire lurched away to dash and hide too late as the door opens to let Ogami into the corridor. Only to turn and see the funny spectacle of the Hanagumi frozen in the motion of running with a surprised look on their face.
Ogami grimaced. "Do all of you do this all the time?"
"That was what I asked them just now." Rachette answered for them, chuckling. She and Maria was the only who remained as they were before.
Ogami could only let out a collective sigh, shook his head and grinned. "I have important news for everyone." Everyone stood straight in response. He nodded and smiles. "I'm to inform everyone that in a week after this, Teikoku Kagekidan will be receiving a new transfer member. That is all I have to say."
"We know. We heard." Orihime told him.
"Can you at least tell us about this transferee, Ogami-han?" Kohran asked. Ogami turned to her and looked almost reluctant to answer. Maria was the only one to notice it and wondered if there is something he's trying to hide.
Ogami stuttered a bit as if restraining himself from saying something. "Well, uh… manager says its top secret so even I don't know. But he wants you however to go to Hanayashiki base and bring over the new Koubu here personally for final checks and maintenance, Kohran. Will you go later after lunch?"
"S-sure," Kohran stammered. She wasn't expecting to be asked to do something now but anything to do with Koubu or going over to the Hanayashiki base is fine with her. "Just leave it to me Ogami-han."
Ogami nodded. "Good." His hand felt for his stomach. "Now let's go eat. I'm hungry." The Hanagumi laughed as they dispersed from the corridor for the dining hall. In his office, Yoneda downed another cup of sake, now with a regular amount and grinned.
"This is going to be interesting indeed."
---
"Kohran. Are you still there?" Sakura asked out aloud as she entered the hangar. It was well after dinner did only Kohran returned from Hanayashiki base and even now, she was still working on the new Koubu perched in its berth.
Everyone had gathered to see the new Koubu arrive an hour ago and the first thing they did when they saw it was to stare with awe at it. The Koubu itself was basically the same as what they all are piloting and nothing remarkable about it. It was its paintjob that was eye-catching however.
"Over here, Sakura-han." Kohran muffled yet audible reply came as she continued to work on the fiery red and gold Koubu; the red made up most of the space with the gold lining to made some part in the red looked like blazing fire with golden outlines. Kohran says that whoever this person is, she knows the pilot is someone with a great passion in their warm and kind heart for something which was symbolized from the golden fire that colored this Koubu.
"Are you done with it yet?" Sakura approached the work area with care not to trip on any tools that strew on the floor.
"Almost. This Koubu needs to match the specifics I got of the pilot and… there! Done!" Kohran reappeared again from under the Koubu, sweating and covered in grease and soot with a wrench in her hand. "That's it then. All I need now is for the pilot to test it out so I can finish tuning it." She threw the wrench back into a large toolbox noisily and closed it with a sigh of relief and joy. Sakura could only smile seeing Kohran so busy yet happy with her work. She knew Kohran's passion for machinery and realized it has been a long time since she has seen Kohran looked this happy working on a Koubu.
Sakura noticed Kohran was giggling quietly to herself. "Is there something wrong, Kohran?"
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing, Sakura-han," Kohran replied, "Its just that working a new Koubu made me realize how long has it been since I tune a new Koubu before this."
"How do you feel about it?"
"It feels great! I was actually looking for a change in my work other than servicing our own Koubus." She exclaimed out loud, "I never realize it was so much fun to work on something new!"
"Then I'm happy for you too, Kohran." Sakura congratulated her.
"Thank you, Sakura-han." She finally finished clearing out all the tools again. "Well, I think I better get a shower first. Then I'm going to eat. I still haven't had dinner yet."
"Well, I'll go upstairs and heat the leftovers then."
"Thank you, Sakura-han."
Sakura nodded and turned to leave, Kohran following behind her, stealing a few more glances at the fiery Koubu before leaving the hangar. In her mind, she wondered to herself, how the pilot of this new Koubu will be like. We'll know about it in a week, she thought to herself finally and closed the door.
---
"Umm…" Shun Menglong stirred in his long blissful sleep which prompted him to wake up in an instant, his heart raced from going from deep sleep to full wakefulness in a space of a heartbeat. Nothing proved him any trouble on his journey to Japan and even the constant rocking of the ship did not once disturb his sleep. It was just normal of him to wake up early in the morning. It was his life; back at home, he has to tend the farm early in the morning.
He got up and stretches, setting back any loose bones back into place before him getting off the bunk bed. He scratches his temple as he started to dress with the new clothes he has been provided. He couldn't help but sighed as he reminded himself how he got this new life away from what would have been normal farm life.
"You are the hope of the Motherland, Menglong. I hope you will do us proud." He winced how he had fallen for those words. But his love for the Motherland, he cannot forget.
He still remembered that day, when the secret officials of the government approached him. They have heard of his… gift, and went to see him if it was in anyway useful. It was.
A ray of the rising sun penetrates the round window of the cabin room, shedding the dimness slightly. The ray shone on him and as he turns to the source, he glinted at, and smiled. It is a new day after all.
---
"Welcome to Japan, Boy." An old man called out as he got off the cruise liner. He only grinned back at the old man before turning way and makes his way out of the port. He wanted so much to tell him that he was only His stomach grumbled slightly and he obeyed, He looked around and smelled the air for something delicious or at least familiar to him to eat. He was awarded when he smelled it before he sees it, a Chinese hawker lingering about the port calling out people to buy his freshly baked chakui bread. Menglong did not need to know that this hawker was his countryman. He approached him and bought two pieces of still hot chakui bread and ate at the side, watching the harbor started to get busier as a harbor's wont.
After he had finished his breakfast, he stood up and collected his meager belongings in the large suitcase he was provided and walked away from the harbor, intent to carry out the next tasks at hand and that is to rendezvous with a member of the Teikoku Kagekidan.
---
A week has now passed and the day has come for the new member to join the Teikoku Kagekidan, Hanagumi. Effectively that morning, the Hanagumi woke up to a hopeful new day. The tension about who and when the new member will arrive is evident as everyone remained a bit silent at breakfast except for Ogami, Maria and Rachette discussing something the others weren't interested in.
Yoneda stood up to leave after he finishes his, "Oh, I almost forgot. Kohran, will you step into my office later? There is something I need you to do, okay?"
"Okay." Was her only reply. Yoneda nodded and left the dining hall.
---
"What? You want me to make contact with our new transferee?" Kohran asked back at Manager Yoneda when he asked her. He was grinning that I-know-something-you-don't-know-but-you'll-know-it-later.
"Yes. I find it is suitable that you should rendezvous with him." He said to her, letting the 'him' slip of his mouth.
"Him? The transferee's a he?"
"Maybe I shouldn't say that." He whispered cordially, "This is a secret and I need your trust that you be very quiet about it."
---
"What going on? I can't hear anything." Kanna whispered in dismay. She was pressing her ear up higher than the rest and still she could barely hear anything.
"It's something about sending Kohran making contact with the transferee," Sakura answered equally quiet. "But I can't hear anything else. They're talking too quiet."
"You don't by any chance know anything about this, chuui?" Orihime queried. Ogami didn't have a chance to reply.
"Oh no, I hear footsteps again! Everyone, hurry!" Sumire exclaimed as her 'surveillance' role, lurching upward from the door and dashed to hide, this time just in time as the door opened. Kohran closed it back but she didn't stop to do anything else as she too started to run down the corridor to the main hall and out the main entrance.
Kanna glanced out of her hiding place to see the empty corridor. "Hey, everyone. It's clear." The Hanagumi stepped out of their hiding place as well and grouped around.
"I saw Kohran just ran out of the Teigeki." Sakura told them, "And she was smiling." They did not doubt her; she was hiding in the broom closet.
"People always smiles whenever they're happy. But I wonder what is she happy about this time?" Sumire wondered.
"Probably something important, anything with machinery since that is what Kohran's interest." Leni interjected, "Or maybe it has something to do with what she was talking with manager Yoneda about."
"That must be it then. We'll just have to wait for now and see for ourselves." Orihime added her opinion.
Sakura realized that someone is missing in the group. "Say, where's Ogami-san?"
The Hanagumi now noticed his sudden absent but deduced that he's probably gone off to work or something. He is always like that. As they dispersed from the corridor, Manager Yoneda's office door opened slightly, and Ogami peeked out to find the corridor now empty. He closed it back again and sighed inwardly after the close call.
Yoneda smirked from his place. "Good thinking, Ogami. That's one way to keep a secret; hide in my office when they least expect it."
Ogami grinned. "Well, at least it's just for a day. He is coming today after all."
"Yes. But there will be trouble."
"Eh?"
"Never mind. Here, come join me for a sake or two while you're here. Or would you rather be out there as they hound you with questions?"
"Hmm… sake in the morning always seems a good idea right now."
---
In one corner of the Ginza district, there is a large piece of land given by the government for Chinese settlers to take up as their new home, naming the little haven, Little China, for it was small compared to the rest of Ginza. But it was haven for them nevertheless.
The rendezvous point where he was told was at a small teashop in one corner of a lane in Little China. Ching Hua; Green Flower it was called and is a favorite spot for the many residents of Little China to gather. A perfect spot for a secret meeting such as this.
As Menglong made his way through the little lane where he was told where Green Flower was located, he was greeted by passer bys and greeted them back in response, happy that despite living faraway from the Motherland, they strive to make out and live. It shows that no matter where people live, even if they are far from their land of birth, living is all in their will to. Just like him now.
He found the teashop, and was a bit mixed in feelings that the teashop was not so full. It was well late in the morning now so most of the patrons are tending to other business. He took a seat on one of the tables outside, ordered some tea, and waited.
---
"Your contact will be waiting at a little teashop called Green Flower in Little China. I trust you know where to find it." Kohran didn't take long to find Little China. She have to admit though she have only been here three times and yet, she knew it will be hard to find anything as simple as a teahouse; there were five of them, if her memory serves correct. She has to remind herself she needs to visit this place more often.
She swallowed once and breathed in deep. "Well, here goes." She then went under the archway which serves as the entryway of Little China.
To be continued…
Author's Notes: Can I just say that Sakura Taisen's continuity is a big fat bitch? The reason this took so long to write up is the fact that I kept trying to reconcile this fic with everything I could from the games, TV series, the Movie and my own ideas. The reason that the fic is finally released is I finally gave up and tried to make it at least vaguely readable with all those facts combined.
One thing many would note is that this fic takes place after Sakura Taisen 3 and the movie, which is why Rachette is still there. Problem is, after this comes Sakura Taisen 4 and I haven't played that one yet. I have no idea how long is the time gap between the two so I'll just have to use my own ideas and stretch the time gap between ST3 and ST4 for at least 7 months or shorter if I could, before the events in ST4 starts.
Shanghai Kagekidan? If you're thinking that Shanghai isn't the capital of China, well, you're right. But why did I use Shanghai instead of Beijing? Mostly, I used to live in Shanghai and know a lot of the lay of the land before. I can't help but to put China's very own Kagekidan, Shanghai is more suitable than Beijing back in the 1920s. My Grandfather used to tell me a lot about it; nightclubs, fights between triads, anything I could use.
Plus, New York in Sakura Taisen 5 isn't the United States' capital now, is it?
After Xiang Dao Wo or Think of Me finishes, then I can continue with the real story of the Shanghai Kagekidan. This just happens to be a prequel for it.
Well, as my first Sakura Taisen Fanfiction, what do you guys think?