"All good things must come to an end, but all bad things can continue forever."
Chapter 1: Darkness Is Nearing
Deep within the Mountains
Japan
The Haruno Mansion, located deep in the mountains and hidden under the shades of tall, luscious trees, is hidden from all for the sake of security. Being a billionaire came with its risk; Hikaru Haruno knew this inevitable fact. To protect his family, Hikaru had decided to hide from the world, only to appear amongst people he trusted or when he had to leave for a business trip. Even the existence of Sakura, his daughter, was hidden from the public. Although Sakura's birth was aided by their trusted childhood friend, Tsunade, Hikaru and Kaori know they could count on Tsunade to keep Sakura a secret.
Hikaru wished to be at home with his family, but because of a business trip to England, Hikaru could not be with his wife and daughter this time. However, he knew they would be safe since he had entrusted their safety with his family butlers and maids. Every single maid and butler had sworn to never betray the Haruno family, and the loyalty of the Haruno butlers and maids was proven time and time again by their efforts to keep the Haruno master, madam, and their beloved princess safe.
Despite the safety within her own home, Kaori Haruno could not rid herself of the fear that continues to crawl throughout her body. Everyone had retired to bed for the day, but Kaori could not fall asleep. When she closed her eyes, she feels cold chills running through her veins at every moment lightning strike and thunder roared. Being unable to sleep, she chose to go out into the living room and watch the storm as it passed.
It was when a lightning had stroked a tree, causing it to burst into flame that memories that had been long forgotten resurfaced in Kaori's head. "When thirteen years have passed…darkness will follow the strike of lightning, and…"
Her heart thrummed as fear ran through her body. 'It can't be. It couldn't be true. Of course it can't!' She attempted to laugh it off. Yet the fear did not go away. If anything, it increased. '…I thought she was lying… but this feeling… if what she prophesize is true...'
Having too much on her mind, Kaori had not heard the footsteps that were approaching her until a voice broke her from her daze.
"Madam?" A slight baritone voice called out through the darkness.
"Ah!" She turned quickly, and with wide eyes, she saw her most trusted servant holding a lantern in his hand, while bowing as a sign of respect towards her. "Oh god! Shiki, it's just you. You gave me quite a fright there. Why are you still awake?" She questioned a hand over her heart, trying to regain her breathe.
"I was on my way to check on Hime-chan when I saw you." A smile graced his lips but turned quickly into a frown when he saw sadness begin to cloud his madam's eyes.
Kaori quickly turned her back on Shiki, afraid to have her moment of weakness to be shown in front of anyone, but Shiki had already seen it. Curiosity and worry enveloped him. "It seems that something is bothering you. May I inquire what it is that discomforts you, Madam?" Shiki politely asked.
Kaori bit her lip in slight frustration. She did not want Shiki to know, but it was best for someone to know than none at all. However, putting it into words was a difficult thing. 'How do I tell him this…?'
While Kaori was facing an internal turmoil, Shiki could not help but feel as though whatever his madam was worried over was more than what it seems. He was afraid of what he would hear, but as a butler of the Haruno family, it was his duty to help his master, madam, and princess in any way he could.
The silence ended when Kaori finally know how to tell Shiki. "Do I look as though I would believe in false notions? Things such as black cats and what not? Predictions?" She asked while her back still facing Shiki.
Eyebrows scrunched together in confusion at his madam's words. "Um…" He started, "truthfully, Madam, no. However, I am a bit confused. Could you perhaps explain to me what it is you are wishing to say?"
Kaori stayed silent and seemed to have not heard Shiki's polite ponder. 'Madam Kaori is not acting like her usual self. This side of her…' He thought but was called back to reality when he heard his name being called by his madam. He saw that his madam had turned to face him with an expression of seriousness.
"Shiki, what I am about to tell you is to be kept a secret. If it is let out in the open... Who knows what could happen. Do I make myself clear?" Shiki nodded stiffly in reply. Kaori continued, "Moreover, it has to do with Sakura's safety." Kaori decided that it was best not to tell him everything out in the open like this. Anyone could be listening. "Come; let us go somewhere more private!" She rushed off towards her private study with Shiki following closely and quietly behind her.
Hotel du Vin in Winchester, England
Knock knock.
"Coming! Coming!" Hikaru Haruno yelled as he rushed to the door.
Knock knock.
"One moment!" He said as he fumbled with the lock on the door.
Knock kn—
Hikaru quickly pulled the door open and practically yelled at the person standing outside. "I said wait! Do you understand—"
"Always so short-tempered, aren't you Hikaru?" A familiar, silvery voice interrupted.
"Quillsh Wammy? Old friend! How good it is to see you?" Hikaru said in perfect English as he pulled his close friend into a short hug. Then he released his friend and continued, "It has been quite a long time since we last met."
The man known as Quillsh Wammy smiled back joyously at his old friend. "Yes indeed. It is a pleasure to see you again, Hikaru. And, if you do not mind, I brought along someone. He means no harm. Do not worry." Quillsh said as he stepped aside to allow Hikaru to see the young man standing behind him, sucking on a lollipop.
"Well, a friend of my friend is a friend of mine too. Please come in!" Hikaru ushered them into his private suite. Once his friend was inside, Hikaru closlyed and locked the door.
Once they got situated in the living room of the suite, Hikaru politely asked if anyone wanted anything in which, Quillsh replied with a polite, "It is not necessary, but thank you for the offer."
Then Quillsh proceeded with introductions, "Hikaru, I would like you to meet L." L quietly continued to stare at the Japanese man who was sitting across from him with a smile on his face.
Smiling eager, Hikaru initiated a conversation with the young man. "Well, L, pleasure to meet you. How old are you my boy?"
"Eighteen," L responded curtly.
Curiosity having gotten the better of Hikaru led him to question the young man's presence. "What is a young man like you doing accompanying such an old fellow like Quillsh here?"
Calculating eyes stared back at Hikaru's green ones.
"Oh. I am sorry if I had offended you. It was not my intention to do so," Hikaru reassured, laughing nervously.
Having sense the rising tension, Quillsh interrupted the one-sided conversation. "Hikaru," he addressed his old friend politely, "L here was the boy I had taken in a while back. I do believe that I have spoken of him to you."
"Oh yes… So this is the infamous detective who keeps his identity hidden from the world and has already solved a handful of cases that detectives around the world had deemed unsolvable." Hikaru replied. "It is an honor to meet you, L."
"Billionaire, Hikaru Haruno. You are also the current owner of Sakura Corps and Haruno Entertainment. You are also the sixth master of the Haruno Household, son of Natsume and Fumi Haruno." L stated as though he were reciting the alphabet.
"Well, someone here has done his research." Hikaru said jokingly, while L just stared back at the elder man. "Well! What brings you to here? Moreover, I do believe my presence in England was kept a secret, but knowing Quillsh here, he would have certainly known about my business trip two weeks prior to my arrival."
Quillsh chuckled, "You know me all too well. But, yes. We, L and I, have something to discuss with you. It concerns not only your safety but also your family's." Quillsh continued with a tone of foreboding.
Writing a story is such a difficult task. Gah. Well I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Until next time ;) Remember to review please! It helps to get some feedback and advice.
-KS