CHAPTER THREE

Shohoku High: Sakuragi's nightmare

If anyone had a lot of adjusting to do, it was Sakuragi. For one, he still couldn't believe that he was living in a mansion – big enough to have its own area code. Of course, that's just an exaggeration, but it sure did look like it in his eyes. He had a large room with large windowpanes. The house had its own indoor pool with heater, a gym, and a room where Megumi could practice her Martial Arts with Igor, the bodyguard/butler. Also, Hanamichi loved it, because for the first time, he was waited upon, served in a silver platter (not an overstatement) and he didn't have to lift a finger for anything – except the remote among other things. After a week of getting acquainted with everything in the estate and a little mall touring with Megumi, the first day of classes, finally came.

"Oniichan." Megumi whirled around in her new Shohoku uniform. "How do I look?" It had been a long time since she last wore a school uniform. In her studies in the States, her school did not require a uniform. She felt that she had to get used to wearing a uniform again.

"You look fine." Sakuragi gave her an encouraging pat on the head. "Ready to walk to school?"

"Walk? Why don't we ask Takada-san to drive us there?"

"The exercise will do you good." Secretly, Sakuragi did not want to bring so much attention to Megumi and him on the first day of school. That last thing he wanted to do was go to school in a chauffer-driven limousine. And he didn't feel like giving the Sakuragi no guntai another joy ride. To his relief, Megumi agreed whole-heartedly.

The walk to school was a refreshing thing for Megumi. In the States, she was pampered (because of her condition) to go to school in a limousine. She was even enrolled in a private school where she had a lot of getting used to – the environment, as well as her classmates. While in the States, she missed having to walk along with Sakuragi and her friends, and see the breathtaking view of the seaside.

"It still is breathtaking." Megumi said, lost in her thoughts.

"What is?" Sakuragi queried.

"The seaside." Megumi took a deep breath. "It's just as blue and crystal clear as I remembered it to be."

"You sound as if you've missed a lot these past few years."

"I have. I mean, I missed growing up with you. And to think I was getting used to the classrooms and the people in the States…"

"Well, you're going to love it in Shohoku. I guarantee it." Sakuragi threw an arm over Megumi. "Which reminds me. Since we're almost in the campus, why don't you tell me what your schedule is for the day? I'll also make sure that I'll give you a tour of the school. No charge."

Megumi smiled. "Arigato oniichan." As Megumi was about to hand Sakuragi her schedule, she yelled in surprise when a bicycle came out of nowhere, almost knocking her off her feet.

"Holy…" Megumi stared at the figure that was awkwardly rolling itself to school in a bike. "Is he drunk or asleep?" Turning to Sakuragi, her jaw dropped. Sakuragi's face was purple.

"Kunouyarou kitsune!!" Sakuragi threw a fist in the air. "Baka! Watch where you're going!"

Tugging at Sakuragi's sleeve, Megumi asked, "Who was that weird fellow that you just called a fox?"

"Nobody." Sakuragi answered without much hesitation. "Come on, let me walk you to your first class."

Looking back at the weird fellow, Megumi saw him suddenly stop and park his bicycle in one of the bike racks. She raised an eyebrow when she finally saw his face. 'Cute.' Then, to her amazement, she heard screams, coupled with three girls dressed in some cheering squad uniform, chanting along with what looked like half of the girl population of Shohoku High, 'Rukawa, Rukawa…'

Rukawa. Megumi turned away from the commotion and headed inside the school. 'Where have I heard that name before?'

The first year hallway was practically busy with the buzz of new first year students and Megumi was slightly overwhelmed. She also noticed people, specifically boys staring at her. She overheard one of them whispering to a fellow classmate, "I didn't know Sakuragi had a girlfriend." The other one responded, "No, I think that that's his sister. Look at her hair…"

Sakuragi skillfully led Megumi to her first class. Patting her on the head, he grinned, "Ganbatteru ne. I'm sure you'll knock them dead with your killer smile."

"Oniichan!" Megumi playfully punched Sakuragi on the shoulder. With a wave, Sakuragi promised Megumi that he'd be back in time to give her a tour of the school and was lost in the crowd. The classroom suddenly became quiet when she entered. Giving a half-smile, she seated herself on third row desk, beside the window. Flipping her hair, she took out her books from her bag and laid them inside her desk. Megumi turned to her right when she felt a light tap on her arm.

"Hello. Did you get lost on your way to the classroom?"

"No. I'm sorry." Megumi began, "You are?"

"Oh, where are my manners?" The girl laughed heartily. She had short black hair that reached to her chin and sparkling black eyes. "Ikesawa, Yuki." She extended her hand. Megumi shook her hand, saying, "Kawasaki, Megumi."

"No way!" Yuki breathed. "Are you related to the Kawasaki tycoon? The Ichiro Kawasaki?"

Megumi smiled and blushed when almost half of the people in the classroom were looking at her. Clearing her throat, she nodded her head. "Yes. He's my father."

"Hontou ni?"

"Hontou." Megumi laughed at the girl. She was amusing.

The first half of the class went well for Megumi. She made a new friend, who happened to be her seatmate. What made her feel uneasy was when she noticed that most of the boys in her class were sneaking glances at her, blushing. She decided to ignore the stares she was getting, especially when she walked to the cafeteria with Sakuragi during recess. She had English for third period; they had a pop quiz, which Megumi found very easy. It helped that she had formal English and grammar lessons abroad, so translating Japanese words to English was a piece of cake. Tapping her pencil on her notebook, she waited for dismissal to come, which took forever. She was excited to meet with Sakuragi, because he was finally going to introduce her to his favorite thing in the world – basketball.

"I can't believe that I'm finally going to meet the Shohoku team that you were telling me about!" Megumi skipped in the hallway.

"Yeah. You're going to love them." Sakuragi had this love struck look on his face.

"I see that something good happened to you on your way to pick me up."

"Hai." Sakuragi absentmindedly replied.

"Well?" Megumi gestured to go on.

"He's classmates with Haruko-chan." Megumi whirled around to see Yohei beside the window with his arms crossed. "Any form of conversation with him now is futile."

"I'm sorry. I didn't notice you when we passed by. It's so nice to see you again!" Megumi's eyes widened. "Are you serious about his condition?" She cocked her head to where Sakuragi was. "He's supposed to introduce me to the basketball team today!"

"Don't worry, I'll show you around if Hanamichi doesn't mind." Yohei extended his hand.

Sakuragi suddenly snapped out of his state. Turning to Yohei, he slapped his hand. "Megumi's perfectly fine with me being her guide, aren't you Megumi?" He leaned towards her.

"Ha…hai!" Megumi sweatdropped.

"Well, I'm going to your direction, anyway." Yohei walked beside Hanamichi who was leading them outside the building. "The rest of the gang are already in the gym."

"Figures." Sakuragi rolled his eyes. He turned in a corner and was heading to a building with a green slide door. "You guys are still making bets about me fouling up the practice and/or the game?"

"As always." Yohei smirked.

Sakuragi stuck his tongue out at Yohei. Holding the gym door open for Megumi, he said, "Here we are."

Megumi took a deep breath when she saw what was inside the gym. She felt pure, raw energy pulsating in the floors, walls and ceiling. It was something she never experienced when she had basketball for gym class. This was totally different. Because everyone's energy level was so high, the gym was practically hot. In a few minutes' time, she felt perspiration in her forehead. "Wow!" She looked at Sakuragi. "Is it always like this?"

"More often than not." Sakuragi looked at his team proudly. Putting an arm over Megumi, he led her to the rest of the team, who were cooling off in the bench.

"Hey!" Megumi noticed one person that jumped (and looked like he floated on air) and made a dunk shot. "Isn't that the guy who almost ran me over with his bike this morning? I didn't know he was in the team."

Yohei whispered, to Sakuragi. "Hmm. Better keep close tabs on her. She might end up like Haruko-chan." He looked at Haruko who had hearts for eyes, cheering loudly for Rukawa.

"NYAA!! Haruko-san!" Sakuragi wailed at the look Haruko was giving Rukawa and not noticing that the rest of the Shohoku team, namely, Kogure, Ayako, Ryota, Gori, and Mitsui were snickering.

"Hanamichi. You playboy!" Mitsui and Ryota grinned at Sakuragi.

"Quit fooling around, Sakuragi. You're late for practice." Gori knocked Sakuragi on the head.

"Sakuragi, I didn't know you had it in you." Ayako winked.

Kogure just smiled and extended his hand to Megumi. "Hi, I'm Kiminobu Kogure, the co-captain of the team."

Megumi took his hand, "Hajimashite. Kawasaki, Megumi. It's my first day at Shohoku High." Looking at Sakuragi, who was being dragged away by Gori, she gave a helpless smile, "Um, he has been telling me a lot about the team."

"And that would be?" Mitsui extended his hand to Megumi, which she took with a smile. "Hisashi Mitsui. "I'm the shooting guard of the team." He soon introduced her to Ayako, Ryota, Gori, Haruko, and Rukawa (Actually, Mitsui just pointed at Rukawa, who was oblivious to everything else, and was practicing like there is no tomorrow). "And that's Rukawa, our small forward, who also happens to be the apple of the eye of those three girls." Mitsui shook his head at the 3 famously known Rukawa cheering squad who were screaming Rukawa's name in the bleachers, as usual. They were soon accompanied by girls flocking to the bleachers. Mitsui sighed. "Correction. Make that the whole girl population of Shohoku."

"Mitsui's exaggerating." Kogure smiled apologetically. "Wait a minute." He looked at Megumi who raised her eyebrows. "Not to be rude or anything, but who are you to Sakuragi?" Blushing, he didn't wait for her reply, "Kanojo?"

Megumi laughed and shook her head, "Oh dear, no." She pulled up a few strands of her auburn-brown hair. "Can't you tell? I'm related to him. I'm his cousin." Megumi looked around when there was a pause and total silence in the gym. "Eh?" A basketball was heard bouncing to a halt – Rukawa apparently lost grip of the ball in astonishment. It appears that he overheard the conversation Kogure was having with Megumi.

"NANI?!?!" Everyone, except Sakuragi, his gang, and Rukawa exclaimed.

"I can't believe a gorgeous girl like yourself is related to the likes of him!" Ryota looked stunned as ever.

Ayako hit him with her large paper fan. "Have you heard of the word 'TACT'? Because you sure need it!"

"Gomen, Aya-chan." Turning to Megumi who sweat-dropped, he bowed his head, "Gomen. I didn't mean it."

"Um, that's okay." Megumi grinned. "Oniichan does have his quirks at times, but that's Sakuragi-kun for you. He's like a big brother to me."

Haruko walked up to Megumi. "Hi. Sakuragi hasn't mentioned a word about you, so please forgive our shocked faces. I never knew he had a beautiful and," looking up at Megumi, "tall cousin."

Megumi blushed. "You flatter too much Haruko-san. Sakuragi has mentioned you many times in his letters to me. He also said…" She was not able to finish her sentence, because she had her mouth covered by Sakuragi.

"What she means is, I said that it was fun being in Shohoku with you people." Sakuragi scratched his head and laughed nervously.

"Um, yeah!" Megumi grinned sheepishly at them.

"Do-ahou." Rukawa looked at Sakuragi and resumed his practice.

"Rukawa!" Sakuragi ran back to resume his practice, so did the others, following suit. Soon, the Shohoku team was a flurry of people running to and fro the court. Ayako was cheering them on and Kogure was jotting down notes how the team could improve itself.

"Well…" Haruko blushed at the mention of Rukawa's name. "How long have you been to Japan, Megumi-chan?"

"About a week or so. Actually, I've been here in Kanagawa all my life. But when I was 13 years old, I had to move to the States and continue my studies there. It's a long story, actually."

"Soo ka. Just remember, if you need anything or help around school, you know where to find me." Haruko smiled warmly at Megumi. "In case you're wondering where that is, it's the building next to yours."

Megumi nodded in thanks. Looking at the warm-ups of the Shohoku team, she asked Haruko, "Are they preparing for a game or something?"

"Yup. It's a week from now." Haruko sat down on the bench. "They're kind of psyched with a practice game with Ryonan. And this time, we're the home team."

"Wow. I gather that they have done this more than once."

Haruko nodded. "Uh huh. The last time they had a practice game with Ryonan, the team had to go all the way to Ryonan High. We lost by only a point. It sure was a close game and Sakuragi's first game as well." She laughed. "Sakuragi-kun was really nervous at that time."

Megumi sat beside Haruko. "Wow. I wish I were there to see it all. Oniichan's letters were just a summarized description about the game."

"Don't worry. You're here now. You'll be able to see one of the most exciting practice games in this year! The Ryonan team has been practicing really hard during summer. I'm sure they're going to be a challenge to the team." Haruko looked at Megumi. "You seem to be interested a lot about basketball. Did you ever play in your school?"

"In the States, yeah. Basketball is sure a popular sport there, because of the NBA. I even got to meet Michael Jordan in one of his games."

Haruko's eyes widened, "THE Michael Jordan? No way!"

Megumi laughed. "Yup, I did, and he's a pretty tall fellow."

"Wow. So, back to you. Do you still play basketball? And do you have plans to join a varsity in Shohoku. I mean, you should, because you've got a nice build."

"Whoa, slow down." Megumi raised both of her hands. To answer your first question, I still play basketball when I feel like it. I'd rather watch a game though, rather than be in it." Megumi frowned.

"Why is that?"

"Well, I guess basketball isn't my sport, even if I do like the game, the thrills, excitement, suspense."

Haruko tapped her chin, "Soo ka."

"And, to answer your next question, I'm planning to join the Judo varsity team."

"Hontou ni?" Haruko exclaimed. "That's good, because I know the captain of the Judo team. He and oniichan are good friends and to some degree, rivals. But, it's all good. So, when are you planning to sign up for it? You'd better make up your mind soon, because recruitment is just this week.

"Cool!" Megumi looked at Haruko as if she were her savior. "I saw the poster for the Judo recruiting, but I've been kind of shy to approach the Judo captain, because he looked kind of intimidating. I mean, he's a senior, and I'm just a freshman."

"I know what you mean." Haruko looked at Megumi sympathetically. "Don't worry. Just tell me when you want to sign up, and I'll be there. Just make sure it's within the week, oki doki?"

"Thanks, Haruko-san! You're the greatest! Now I know why oniichan says you're nice, kind, and sweet!"

Haruko laughed whole-heartedly. In the duration of the practice, the both of them exchanged stories about themselves. Megumi found out later that Haruko had this crush on Rukawa, because of the admiring and love struck looks she has been giving him everytime he successfully placed the ball through the hoop. She wisely didn't mention her observation to Haruko. Watching Rukawa, she had this feeling that she knew him from somewhere. But she couldn't put her finger where. It couldn't be that they were friends of long ago, because she had no recollection of him. When he made a perfect lay-up shot, it then dawned on her why he was some sort of lady-killer. She had to admit, with his perfect form, cat-like eyes and quiet personality, he really looked good in and out of the court. Megumi smiled inwardly. 'Yup, he definitely is a showman.' But, unlike the rest of the girls going gaga over Rukawa, she just shrugged it all off and was immune to his charms.

When the training was over Megumi was greeted by a sweaty, but satisfied Sakuragi. It didn't take long for them to say goodbye to the rest of the team. With the sun setting, Megumi breathed in the fresh sea breeze and thanked her lucky stars that she came back to Kanagawa.

* * * * * * *

The next day, Megumi was surprised that she was called to the principal's office during her third period. She had English class at that time. Walking nervously towards the office, she wondered, 'Uh, oh. I never was sent to the principal's office before. Why now?' Knocking quietly, she began to backtrack on the things she did on her first day. Nothing illegal or against the school rules, but she brought unnecessary attention to herself, because people now knew that she was the daughter of the multi-billionaire Kawasaki Ichiro. Nevertheless, that shouldn't be the case. Knocking a little bit louder, her heart began to pound. She panicked, wondering if her condition wasn't all right as the doctor last told her. She placed a hand in her chest and forehead. Palpitation and cold sweating. She needed her heart pill that the doctor prescribed for her, in case she got the symptoms again. The problem is, she left her bag in the classroom. She would have to walk all the way back to retrieve it. Frowning because there was no time to do that, she mentally willed herself to stay strong – which had to be soon, because the principal called for her to enter the room. Breathing deeply, she turned the knob and walked in.

"Have a seat," the principal motioned for her to sit in the chair across him. After Megumi was comfortable in her chair and was steadying her breathing, he continued. "I see that you've adjusted well in this school."

"Yes." She smiled her million-dollar smile. "The people here are very warm and accommodating."

"And," the principal interrupted, "You've met some colorful characters too."

Megumi laughed, "I wouldn't call it colorful, just unique, but they do bring out the spice in life."

Smiling, he handed her a folder. "I called for you, because I'd like to discuss a matter of academic importance."

Browsing through the folder, she looked at him quizzically, "This is my English pop quiz result and entrance exam in Shohoku, as well as my transcripts when I was still studying in the States."

"Yes. And I am very impressed with your GPA and your academic standing." The principal looked at her and raised his eyebrows. "Since you've had a good background of the English language in the States, I was proposing with the English faculty to accelerate you to a higher year, since first year English is less challenging for you."

Megumi's eyes widened. So this is what it's all about. And to think she worked herself to a frenzy this morning, worrying about why she was sent to this office. She felt her heartbeat normalize. Taking a deep breath she replied, "And, what did the faculty say?"

"They actually were all very happy to have a freshman for the first time take accelerated classes. It is a first in Shohoku, I tell you." The principal smiled.

"So, where will I have my classes now?"

Handing a slip of paper to Megumi, he replied, "You'll be taking second year English. I think that that's literature now, so it'll be exciting." Smiling, he added, "Here is the schedule for your class. I don't think it would overlap with your other class schedule, am I right?"

Looking at the paper and mentally reviewing her schedule, she nodded, "Uh huh. No conflict at all." It was quite obvious, because sophomore English class is the same time as the freshmen. Wow. So she would be taking second year English. She wondered who her classmates would be. Maybe Haruko would be her classmate and oniichan. This would be so great! Classes wouldn't be all too boring with the two of them around. She snapped back to reality when she heard her name uttered aloud by the principal.

"I have told the sensei for your second year English class to excuse your tardiness today, because I sent for you. I suggest you report to him today. So, I hope you have a good year with us and keep up the good work." Shaking her hand, the principal led her out of the room.

Before walking to the second year building she remembered to get her bag in her former English classroom. Saying a word of excuse to her sensei and classmates, she left the room. She couldn't believe that something like this would happen to her. It was a great privilege to be able to study a level higher, but it also meant that she would see a lot of new faces. 'Or old ones,' she chuckled to herself, thinking about Yohei and the rest of the Sakuragi no guntai.

Heading outside the building, she saw students taking their P.E. classes. It was track and field. She looked at them wistfully, envying that they had that much stamina. She wished that she never had her heart condition all, which reminded her to take a pill, just in case she had another attack. Her doctor told her to engage in sports to strengthen her heart and lungs, but she was afraid that it would be too strenuous for her. But, she didn't want anyone to think of her as weak and useless. That was why she agreed in walking to school everyday with her favorite cousin. That was why she wanted to join the Judo club. Being with Igor for about 10 years, she was thankful that he introduced her to the Martial Arts. It probably helped her recover a great deal. She wanted to learn how to defend herself, because she disliked having a bodyguard watching over her 24-7. She didn't like the heiress to the business empire image that her previous classmates projected during her schooling in the States. She wanted a normal and simple life, which to her was difficult to obtain.

Spotting a nearby fountain, she popped a pill in her mouth and swallowed, followed by a drink of water. She wanted to get rid of the pill habit, because it sure was like some security blanket and couldn't leave home without it. In her eyes, she found herself pathetic, despite her achievements so far. 'At least,' she thought. 'It's not as bad as before.'

Finally reaching the second year building, Megumi looked at the piece of paper the principal gave to her. '2E. So, I just look for room 2E and everything will be fine.' She was thankful that no one was in the hallway or corridors, because she didn't want to be stared at again. Taking two steps at a time she approached her room. 'Great. What's with me and nervousness at this time? It's annoying." Megumi made a face. De ja vu. Finally, mustering up some courage, she knocked on the door.

The sensei turned his head towards the door. 'Who could it be this time?' There had been distractions in his class today. Two students were tardy and one was sleeping in his class. 'I swear, if this were another tardy student, I'm really going to give it to him.' Turning the doorknob, he was surprised to find an innocent looking young lady handing him a piece of paper. Looking at her auburn-brown hair and her tall physique, he recognized her as the freshman who was granted accelerated classes for English. "Kawasaki Megumi?"

"Hai, sensei." She bowed her head in respect.

Showing her inside the classroom, he introduced her to the class, who were murmuring if they heard the sensei correctly.

"Class, we have a new student with us. She's a freshman, taking accelerated English classes." Turning to Megumi, he nodded at her to introduce herself.

"Hai." Megumi scanned the classroom. Everyone was looking at her as if she were some model who stepped out from a fashion magazine. Even the men were blushing lightly as they waited for her to speak. All save one. She recognized the raven-haired fellow who looked like a dream in the court. He was totally oblivious to his surroundings, napping without a care in the world. He was also drooling. Sweat dropping, she thought, 'Yeech, I have no idea what girls see in him, or what Haruko sees in him for that matter.' Not wanting to further the suspense, she finally introduced herself. "Hajimashite. I'm Kawasaki Hanamichi Megumi." That brought gasps to the whole class. Whether it was because of her Kawasaki name or that they finally found out that she was related to the fearsome Sakuragi Hanamichi, she didn't bother to know. Smiling, she said, "I'm so pleased to meet you all."

The sensei told her to take the seat in the last row, beside the window. 'A seat beside the window. Wonderful. Just what I needed.' She didn't like sitting at the back row though, but she didn't have any choice, because the students had occupied all the desks, except for one. Sitting in her chair, she took out her pen and notebook and began jotting down the assignment given by the teacher. Unbeknownst to her, the raven-haired basketball hotshot began to stir from his nap.

The unusual murmuring roused Rukawa his nap. From the corner of his eye, he thought he saw a redhead. It somewhat did remind him of a certain do-ahou from the basketball team, except that the hair had a slight shade of brown. The hair almost misled him to thinking Sakuragi was his classmate. When his eyes focused, he was surprised to see a female instead. Cocking his head to the side, he noticed that she was tall. Funny he didn't see her in Shohoku before. Shrugging it all off, he resumed his napping.

When the class was over, Megumi headed for the door. She was slightly amused to find Rukawa's desk empty. 'What a really weird fellow, but interesting.' The rest of her classes went by in a blur. She still couldn't believe that she was taking second year English. She was even taken aside by Haruko in the hallway.

"Is it true?" Haruko looked at her excitedly.

Megumi looked at her puzzlingly.

"You're classmates with Rukawa-kun?"

"Uh, huh. So what?"

"So what? So what?" Haruko raised her hands. "I don't believe you! It's every girl's dream in this school to share a classroom with him! You're so lucky!"

"Well, it certainly isn't mine. I'm just happy that I'm taking advanced classes." Megumi grinned at Haruko's shocked face. "Honestly, I don't know what you see in him. He sure isn't a bishounnen when sleeping." 'And drooling.' Megumi added mentally.

"I'm sure he looks like an angel when asleep." Haruko defended Rukawa.

"Whatever." Megumi dismissed it with a wave. "Ey, stop it with the angry look." Megumi laughed. "I'm so sorry that I don't share your sentiments. Wow. You really do like him don't you?"

Haruko blushed, "Ah, eh, etoo… Well, he really is a great basketball player, not to mention cute and…"

"I see what you mean." Megumi tapped her chin. "Well, have you ever talked to him or vice versa?"

"I did several times, but he just ignored me," Haruko looked at Megumi sadly. "But there was this one instance in a game against Ryonan when I told him that he did a good job and he replied, "Osu!"

Megumi smiled, "Well, from the look on your face, it sure seems like you're the first girl Rukawa ever responded to." Megumi teasingly nudged her at the side.

"Megumi-chan!" Haruko blushed once more. As she was about to say something, she heard a familiar voice call out her name.

"Haruko-san!"

Haruko smiled inwardly. Somehow, Sakuragi brought a smile to her face, despite his wild, simple, and crazy demeanor, "Ohayo, Sakuragi-kun."

Sakuragi patted the head of his cousin in greeting. Megumi returned his greeting by poking him in the side.

"Ne, Sakuragi-kun." Haruko said, getting his attention. "Did you know that Megumi-kun is taking accelerated classes in English?"

"Really? That's great!" Sakuragi again patted the head of Megumi who just sighed.

"And, there's more." Haruko blushed.

Sakuragi waited for Haruko to go on.

"She's also classmates with Rukawa-kun." Haruko looked at Sakuragi. "Eh? Daijoubu, Sakuragi-kun? You look as if you've seen a ghost."

'Masaka.' Sakuragi was horrified. What if Megumi becomes one of those crazed lunatics who fall for Rukawa? Haruko, he could handle a little, but his beloved cousin? His own blood kin? Yadda! He will not in all circumstances let this happen! This is a nightmare!