Yielding

He had declined to meet her in a restaurant, but suggested the park to be their meeting place. Mikan knew why. The park was an open area with many people - meaning that it was easy to escape if necessary and that she could not cause a public commotion even if she wanted to. The glowing medallion hung high up in the sky, sending oregold lances of sunlight all over the park, scorching the people below. An enticing scent wafted up from the various picnics on the open field of the park. It was a Saturday morning and many families gathered to enjoy a meal together in the wondrous presence of nature. They had agreed to meet at the cherry blossom pavilion at the far right of the park, where the trees are barren and still waiting for the right season to bloom. Mikan reached there five minutes earlier than the agreed time but found Yuu already waiting for her there. His sandy hair was combed neatly like the last time they met and his earthy yellow eyes, partially hidden behind his glass, registered no emotions as he saw her.

"Good morning, Yuu! I'm so glad you made time to see me," Mikan greeted gratefully. Yuu returned Mikan a small smile and nodded his head in acknowledgement of her presence. He was dressed in formal attire with his right hand clutching tightly at an office bag. Anybody outside could tell he was extremely tense. "It's a real pity the cherry blossoms aren't blossoming, isn't it? Or it would be a fine sight."

"You said on the phone you wanted to ask me something."

She cringed inwardly at his straight-forwardness. From experience, she knew fully that Yuu was highly insecure and wanted to keep the meeting as short as possible. Originally, she wanted him to loosen up more, so it would be easier to get answers from him. However, by the looks of it, she had better make use of this opportunity fast.

"Alright then, I want to work in the Yukihara Group."

"What, wait, you want to work there? You call me all the way out, just to, wait, I see. I thought it was about something else," He answered with an embarrassed laughter. "Well, you asked the right person. I was sent from the Yukihara Group to work in the National Bank. You want to learn more about the job, don't you?"

"Of course, I want to work there. I mean, what else would I ask you about?" Mikan replied enthusiastically with a pleasant smile. She watched him as he took out a handkerchief to wipe the perspiration on his face and moved from the stiff position he was in. Then, she added jokingly, "What? You thought that I opened the package and saw things that I shouldn't?"

His hand paused in midair and his earthy yellow eyes riveted on her face. He quietly mumbled, "Yes, I thought so, for a moment. But anyway, let's get back to the topic at hand. You want work in the Yukihara group as what? There are currently positions such as accountants, secretary, managers and all that."

"I was actually thinking of being a personal assistant; I'm not that ambitious. So, are there any available slots for assistants?"

"Personal assistants?" At this, Yuu frowned and seemed to be racking his memory. "Ah, I remember! Narumi's new assistant recently quitted her job because of his hectic schedule. She could not handle all the meetings and appointments and that led to quite a few of our clients' complaints. If you like, I can always arrange an interview with him for you. But let me remind you, his timetable is always manic. Never a dull moment."

"No problem, I am a great organizer. However, can I just check the position of the person you just introduced? I kind of need the pay to at least par with the income I am earning from Beautiful Bower."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that at all, he is one of the board of directors in the Yukihara Group. If you can do your job well, your pay wouldn't be any less."

"Really, that is such a relief! Thank you so much for the offer."

"No problem, I will call you as soon as I can get an appointment for you. See you."

She bowed, preparing to leave, and strolled off in a leisure manner. Taking a quick glance at the pavilion, she noticed Yuu's back was facing her and he was making a call. Stealthily, she took a detour, ran quickly to the nearest cherry blossom tree and hid behind, managing to catch bits of the conversation.

"No, it was a false alarm. She merely wanted to get a job in the Yukihara Group. There is no danger. We spend the whole night worrying for nothing! Haha, anyway, I offered her a job to be your personal assistant. Will you hire her? Hmm, she owns a flower shop near Natsume's place. I think it would be a good idea to employ her. If we can make her one of us, we can engage her to spy on Natsume and Aoi too. You see, I am not sure of what Tsubasa is currently planning, but it would be good to keep a watch out, lest something similar happens again. Nah, Tsubasa is not our client, he did not pay us, and we traded favours. This reminds me, did you manage to track Luna's hideout? Alright, I will head over right now."

With that, Yuu hung up and left the pavilion. The names rang in Mikan's ears. Natsume, Tsubasa and Luna. It seems that Natsume is not what he may seems to be and it is the second time she had heard the name, Luna. However, the last time she heard it, there was the involvement of a particular 'Hotaru'. And now, there is an introduction of the new name. How does everything link together? What do all these people have in common? How do they relate to her past? She was so engrossed in her thoughts, the incessant screaming of her phone went unnoticed.

"Old hag, pick up your stupid phone, or are you deaf?" A light beaver hair guy snapped nastily and glared at her with his intense slate grey eyes. Every cell in Mikan's body was instantly provoked and she glowered frighteningly at the teenager. In a venomous tone, she snarled brusquely, "Get lost, kid. Now."

The teenager stood rooted to the ground, as he was jolted from his bad mood. A frigid hand gripped his thumping heart and he instinctively knew that the woman was not to be messed with. However, it did not mean he would leave her alone. On the other hand, she had invoked his interest. She reminded him of someone. But before he could say anything, the woman had picked up her phone and was speeding rapidly away from him. He started to follow but a firm hand gripped his right shoulder.

"Youichi, what are you doing? Get back into position, Hotaru Imai should be here anytime soon."

Youichi scowled at Hayate and dusted Hayate's hand off, only able to catch the last part of the conversation about a 'break in'. He looked into the brunette's direction once more, but she had vanished from sight. His mood worsened but he made a promise to himself that he would find her and runaway from the hellhole. His spine shuddered as he felt an unknown presence appearing behind both his and Hayate's back.

"So it is the two of you who wants my service. Did you enjoy the funeral bouquet?" An alto voice as freezing as liquid nitrogen questioned. For some reason, both he and Hayate did not turn back to look at the woman and he could almost hear Hayate screaming profanities at him right now.

"I thought it was from you," Hayate responded carefully. "After all, only you would be capable enough to track us down based on only a number."

"Don't waste my time. What do you want and what can you offer me?"

"We want you to look for somebody, Natsume Hyuuga. I know that you have everything you need or want in this world and I probably cannot offer you anything. But I have information I am sure that you would want to know."

Hotaru snorted, "How certain are you?"

"I believe, not too long ago, you killed an assassin that was sent to deliver a message to you, no? I can take care of that for you."

"Explain."

"I know who sent the assassins. One of your enemies has engaged the help of the Gurimuripa. I am sure you know that secret company run by Luna. We will exchange favours. Track down Natsume Hyuuga for me, and I will ensure that the spies from Gurimuripa will never find you as long as I live. What do you think?"

She laughed darkly, "What makes you think I need you to take care of such trivial matters for me?"

"You don't," Hayate responded. "But precisely it is so trivial, why should you dirty your hands for it? I will handle it, find Natsume Hyuuga."

"How did you find me in the first place?"

"You don't remember me anymore, Cool Blue Sky? I'm hurt," Hayate answered, faking wounded tone. The name, 'Cool Blue Sky' knocked familiarly into Hotaru's brain. There was one time, when she was much younger; her sensei had brought her to meet a powerful man, Kuonji, who specialized in training assassins. She had met one of his disciples, what was his name again? Anyway, his disciple began calling her 'Cool Blue Sky'. The only reason why sensei had taken her to meet Kuonji was because he was a resourceful man. Should she be unable to find anybody in the blackmailing business, she could approach him for favours as long as she gave him one in return. Over the years, when they were still in business, sensei and Kuonji had traded information quite a number of times. If anyone could find them, the person would be Kuonji. That is what sensei told her, because he had too many connections. Anyway, what was the disciple's name again? Oh, right.

"Hayate," Her tone dropped a few degrees colder, if it was possible.

"Bingo! Hey, babe, long time no see. Think you could remove the daggers you have pointing at my back?"

"No, it was your carelessness. And I thought Kuonji's assassins were better than this. Looks like I overestimated him."

"Of course, you did not. I just don't want to hurt you. My next move to free myself will definitely cut your wrist. I still need you to find Natsume Hyuuga, you know? Well, accept my offer? In addition, I will offer you a truce, how about that?"

Hotaru rolled her eyes impatiently. She did not come all the way just to accept the offer, but to intimidate her client. However, her client this time is not a normal client and her plan is completely ruined. She paused for a moment, deciding to take up the offer if he would tell her the thing he had almost successfully avoided answering, "How did you find me?"

"Man, you are still on that? Honestly, I did not. You walked right into my scheme. From my search, I only know that you are in Japan, but not where exactly. The bouquet you sent was helpful as to which 'Hotaru Imai' I had sent the message to is the right one. After all, there is only one Hotaru Imai who can track down an address just by a phone number. The rest called the number, that is when I know that she is not you."

"So, I carelessly gave myself away."

"Don't worry too much about it. It is not like I am going to sell the information I know about you to your enemies. Or anyone in my team for that matter."

"And that is because you don't want the money," Hotaru replied sarcastically.

"Haha, nope, it is because you are about the most dependable person when it comes to tracking people down and we need the service right now."

"Once I found this Hyuuga guy, I assume my head rolls."

"I wanted to tell you this only after you find Hyuuga for me, but I guess you are not going to let the matter off so easily. Once you find Natsume Hyuuga, you are welcomed into the team. Great, right?"

"So, what is this, a test? I do not care for your team; I work alone."

"Like I said, I am engaging your service. It is not a test. Anyway, I believe you will find him quite easily. I am hoping to change your mind by the time you find Natsume Hyuuga. We, babe, are going to be the invincible duo."

"You make me puke. Send me the information on Natsume Hyuuga and I do not want to see you again."

"Ouch, babe, but-"

"You are disgusting," Youichi remarked, as he felt the abominable presence leave. Hayate smacked Youichi's head and declared, "What do you know about love?"

"That it is the most revolting thing on Earth."

"Kiddo, you are still young, come on, let's go. Mission accomplished, we just have to wait for the location of Natsume Hyuuga to turn up in my laptop and you can meet the guy whom you are replacing now. Awesome, ain't it?"

Before Youichi could reply, he spotted a licorice hair lad entering the pavilion and sitting down, with a book in his face. Luckily, their encounter with Hotaru Imai was quick, or he probably had to kill the innocent bystander who just strode harmlessly inside the pavilion. Sometimes, he cursed his sinful life. With one last glance at the pavilion, he went after Hayate, who had conveniently left without him.

The licorice hair lad waited for them to disappear out of sight, before removing the book from his face. Thanks to Tsubasa's information, Natsume knew that Youichi's mission was to work together with Hayate to find a very infamous blackmailer, Hotaru Imai. He had come late, or rather, the meeting had started an hour earlier than expected. This proves to show that both parties were very careful. The blackmailer was wearing a long ebony black robe with a hood and he could not get a good look at her. She was a true professional, but he knew it was impossible for her not remove it when she left if she wanted to blend in. He followed her, but had walked straight into a funeral that was held in the middle of the park. There were too many people dressed in the same robes as her. She is indeed a very cunning woman. He would have to cover his tracks very carefully now.

Then, he dashed back to the pavilion, just in time to see them leaving. He knew that Hayate had to go back to the organization to settle things with Luna about Hotaru Imai's active assassins. Rui, Axel and Tsubasa, on the other hand, had to take care of a new assignment Luna had just allocated to them. Youichi would be the only jobless one, since from what he know, the rest do not trust him on a solo mission just yet. The moment he had a safe distance between them, he stopped his charade of reading the book and shadowed them. As expected, Hayate had stranded Youichi in the car park. And not quite as expected, Youichi was unaware that he was going to be deserted like this. He observed as Hayate drove off, mentally noting the car type, colour and plate number. Youichi stood in the middle of the car park for a while, before leaving to the nearest shelter.

As he neared the shelter, he noticed that Youichi had taken out a piece of crumpled paper and was drawing on it. Just before he entered the shelter, Youichi looked up and eyed him warily. Natsume, however, pretended not to take notice of Youichi's warning gaze and took a seat opposite him. He was, after all, just using public property. Natsume then continued his charade of reading the book. Not long after, Youichi's guard dropped and he proceeded to carry on with his drawing. Inwardly, Natsume sighed in exasperation about Youichi's carelessness. If Youichi were bent on replacing him, he would really have to perform better than that.

"Too negligent, Youichi. All I need to have is a dagger in my shoe and you'll be dead in a matter of seconds," Natsume uttered lazily, his eyes not leaving the book. He observed as Youichi stiffen and turned to look at him in shock and wariness. "You froze, a big mistake. I just have to reach out to break your neck and you would die again a second time, if that is possible."

"Who are you?"

Natsume moaned internally and replied nonchalantly, "Another slip, never talk to your enemy unless they have valuable information. You just told me your ignorance about my existence. This is not good; for I know that you cannot leave a dying message or any evidence that it was me who murdered you. I do not even have to worry about vengeance."

Youichi went for the easiest kill - stabbing Natsume in his chest, failing naturally as Natsume wrapped his dagger in his book, knocked his wrist with the spine of the book and confiscated the dagger from him.

"Did they teach you anything at all? Never let your enemies provoke you, never, ever use a weapon unless you have at least ninety-eight percent of getting a perfect hit and never, ever, ever go for the easiest kill."

With that, he smoothly pointed Youichi's dagger at his throat. Realization hit Youichi like a landslide and he fixed his slate grey eyes on Natsume's rubious orbs; he muttered, "I know who you are now, you are Natsume Hyuuga."

"Too slow. If I pierce through your skin now, you are dead meat. There are no second chances in a real mission," Natsume warned in a relax manner. He removed the dagger at Youichi's throat and tossed it back to him. "How old are you?"

"Isn't there a rule that you do not reveal any information about yourself or the organization?"

"You are sixteen this year and was adopted by Rui when you were ten."

"Why do you bother to ask when you already know?"

"Seriously, did Rui or anybody teach you anything? You are as innocent as a newborn lamb."

"Aren't these questions testing my trust in you or how loyal I am to the organization?"

Natsume almost feel like casting a pitiful look to Youichi. They were sending the poor kid to his grave. He exhaled patiently, "In these circumstances, you lie. Anything to mislead your opponent."

Youichi scowled at him; he had heard about Natsume's arrogance, but he did not know he was that cocky. Sure, he was awed by his knowledge and skills, but half the time he wanted to punch him in the face if it was possible. Still, Youichi liked him. He just did not why Natsume had appeared in front of him. He should know that two organizations are hunting for him and that they had just enlisted the help of a professional blackmailer. Either he was ignorant, which Youichi do not think he is, or he really had no sense of danger, is really reckless and too egoistic about his skills. What is worse, he had a feeling that it is the latter. Suddenly, Natsume's licorice hair reminded him of the innocent bystander who entered the pavilion nearby when Hayate and he was confronted by the blackmailer. Goodness, Natsume was right. He was awfully slow.

"What are you doing here then, if you have no intention of killing me?"

"Do you like the organization?"

"What has it got to do with you?"

"I can help you leave the organization."

Youichi stared at him as though as he was joking.

"The question is if you actually like what you are doing now."

"How are you going to help me leave?"

"I take it as you want to leave."

The piece of paper Youichi was clutching in his hands now caught Natsume's attention. He had noted that Youichi held on to it ever since they met and curiosity was killing him. Youichi was too preoccupied in his thoughts to notice Natsume as Natsume swiftly stole the paper from him.

"Hey!"

Natsume's eyes widened in bewilderment.

It was a sketch of Mikan Sakura.

"Why were you drawing a picture of her?" He interrogated Youichi. He did not like the fact the Mikan was actually a target of an assassin group. However, what intrigued him more is the reason why she is a target in the first place. Youichi's phone rang and he put a finger to his lips, signaling Natsume to keep quiet.

"What? Yeah, I'm still here. Okay, hurry up."

Youichi hung up, and answered the question he knew Natsume would ask, "I am going to meet a client with Tsubasa. You better leave before he finds out."

"Answer my real question."

Youichi was beginning to doubt that he could hide anything from him. He replied and started pacing towards the same pavilion, "I saw her at the pavilion just now."

"And you drew her because she was beautiful?"

"I drew her because she reminded me of somebody."

"You better learn to be specific."

"I was kidnapped when I was younger, but somebody saved me."

"And she looked like the person who saved you?"

"No, but her voice and tone reminded me of her."

"Hey, kiddo. Who in the world are you talking to?" Tsubasa questioned as Youichi walked into the pavilion. He stared at Tsubasa in surprise and turned back, but Natsume was nowhere in sight. Wow, he was good. Really good.

"I'm talking to myself."

"Stay sane, alright? I know this profession isn't exactly glamorous, but stay sane."

Youichi rolled his eyes at Tsubasa and retorted, "So, who is our new client?"

"Our new client has a strange request and is recommended by an even weirder source: A private detective agency. His name is Ruka Nogi. He is trying to find who murdered his fiancée, but the private detective could not find anything about it for many years. Thus, the agency suspected that someone from the underground world did it, so he passed us his case. For some reason, Rui accepted it. I heard the reward is extremely generous."

"So the client wants us to find the murderer and kill him or her?"

"Exactly, smart kid, you're catching up."

Youichi quivered, knowing full well from his experience a few moments ago that he was far from being good. Both of them tensed immediately as they heard footsteps up the pavilion. A quasi-celebrity man appeared, with stylish blonde hair and eyes masked by a pair of aviators. He glimpsed at the two of them and nodded in acknowledgement.

"You are from the Gurimuripa, I suppose."

"Yes, we are. Ruka Nogi, I assume," Tsubasa ascertained.

"I am. Here is the information about my fiancée," Ruka handed a file to Youichi, who stood nearer to him. "Help me find the murderer and kill him. I will pay you well."

"You understand that you have to pay fifty percent of the agreed sum first, don't you?" Youichi inquired. "I do not see your money."

"I wrote a cheque. It is in the file."

The two of them exchanged looks. Tsubasa raised his eyebrows, "You have never worked with the underworld, haven't you? We do not accept monetized transactions that can be recorded, meaning you pay us with real cash, not cheque."

Ruka kept quiet before answering, "I know, but I need a guarantee that you can get your job done. And if you cannot, at least I know of a way to track you down."

Youichi scoffed while Tsubasa raised his hand in a surrender form, "Sorry, dude, we do not take up cases like that. You pay fifty percent in cold, hard cash first. If you do not, goodbye, it is nice knowing you."

"I can pay twenty percent first."

"Sorry, no negotiations, are you going to pay us or not?" Youichi retorted, annoyed that it took this long.

"What are you worried about? You can find me anytime you want. I cannot run away."

"It means you are not capable of paying us. We are not worried about you running away. We are more concern that you cannot pay up after we have done the deed. That would leave us at a loss, you see. If you cannot understand that, good day to you, because we are leaving," Tsubasa sighed firmly.

"Alright, alright. I will pay you, tomorrow. The cash is in my car."

Ruka pursed his lips as irritation washed over him. He did not like the fact that he was giving away money as though as money fell from the sky. However, to find his fiancée's murderer, he had no choice. In addition, he was not even sure if they were dependable, though he could not deny that Detective has always been reliable. Thus, his recommendations should be reliable too, but still. He led the two people to his car and opened the boot, where a suitcase of where he prepared the money lay. He picked up the suitcase and handed it to them.

Without even looking inside, Tsubasa passed the suitcase to Youichi and ordered, "Count for five hundred thousand."

Youichi took the suitcase to Tsubasa's car and opened up the boot, where a curreny-counting machine stood. That was when he saw Natsume sitting up on a tree through the reflection of back glass of the car. Natsume was staring at him and gave him a sign: I will be watching you.

As soon as Youichi diverted his gaze, Natsume got off the tree and ran straight to his car, knowing he had to reach Beautiful Bower as soon as possible. Aoi had just called him but Mikan had made her hang up as soon as possible. He only managed to catch a few words.

"Brother, someone broke in and… But, huh? I… Fire, but… Words… I saw. Mikan! It was on the glass… But… It's dangerous. Police… On the wall… Who is it? Who did it? I found you. On the wall. Du. Du. Du."


Alcyon Moire