Baskets of thank yous and big bunches of virtual flowers to all the awesomesauces who gave this story a chance. So this goes out to you, you...and you too. Maybe I should put Bunny in another gingham-festooned dream sequence just to properly thank you all...because that's his favourite wallpaper pattern...X)
Ivan helped Tetsuko to her feet.
"That…that was Bunny I just saw…right?" she babbled, clinging onto his shoulders. "It's either that, or…or I'm dead and I'm in some kind of unfunny limbo world. Oh, God. Am I dead?"
"We're alive! Barnaby-san saved us."
Tetsuko craned her neck, looking up at the sky. "Where's he, then? Don't tell me he got blown up as well?"
"Ivan!" Ichigo-chan barreled forth, pouring herself into his arms as she sobbed. "That was very brave of you! I was soo worried!"
"Everyone okay?" Tetsuko asked, watching Nana fuss over the technophile, who'd received a minor cut on his head.
"I'm okay," said a hopeful voice beside her.
She rolled her eyes. "You don't count, McEnroy."
A helicopter whipped above them, shining a spotlight over the deck. Mario seemingly appeared out of nowhere, interviewing the frazzled crew members and urging the cameraman to take shots of the restaurant. That man could very well be a NEXT, since he always knew where to be at the right time.
"I thought you were crazy, going after the guy like that! Guess Hero or no, you've still got guts," McEnroy said, looking at her admiringly.
Tetsuko felt a flush of pride. She was about to say something, when suddenly she felt her arm being yanked roughly from behind. She spun around, and found herself face-to-face with a livid Barnaby. He was still glowing with Hundred Power.
"Just what the hell were you thinking, attempting to disarm a bomb by yourself?" he demanded.
"Ow, Bunny. You're hurting me!" she exclaimed. He was gripping her to the point of crushing her bones. She hissed when he jerked her away.
"Okay, I admit it. I wasn't thinking at all when I did it," she snapped. "But it's either me or everyone else, and I really didn't have the time to go through a moral dilemma!"
"I will not have you risk your life for the sake of re-enacting your former glory!"
Tetsuko gaped. "You think this is about me wanting to be a Hero again? It had nothing to do with that whatsoever, and you're really being unreasonable!"
"Whoa, simmer down there, buddy," McEnroy interjected. "She saved our lives, and that's the most important thing! Why can't you cut her some slack?"
Barnaby turned to give the man a brief once over. His withering look said it all: You are less than nothing. A mere insect. You're not worthy of me, and I will destroy you if you dare interrupt me again.
He suddenly rounded in on Ivan. The boy actually flinched when he raised an accusing finger at him. If Barnaby could spit fire and thunder at that moment, Ivan would've been a pile of ash within seconds.
"You," Barnaby growled with the vengeance of the gods, "call yourself a Hero, yet you can't do a single thing right. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Why don't you just quit and run a fast food cash register instead? Least of all you can stop being an eyesore to everyone."
Ivan said nothing. He looked as if he was ready to cry. Tetsuko pushed herself between them.
"Hey, back off," she demanded, prodding Barnaby hard in the chest. "Ivan's been nothing but a great help. In fact, he did most of the work. You weren't here. You didn't see what actually happened. So shut the hell up and stop making goddamned assumptions!"
"Don't you get it, Tetsuko?!" Barnaby was yelling by now. He didn't care that he was on camera, nor the fact that they were arguing live on HeroTV. "You're a has-been. A burnout. You're no longer a Hero, and you will never be one. Not anymore! You're finished! Get that through your fat, stupid head for once!"
Tetsuko didn't know how, but at that moment, she saw nothing but red.
The video of Wild Tigress hurling obscenities at Barnaby had gone viral online. Several enterprising rap artists had edited the audio and incorporated it into their songs. They became instant hits. Hundreds of internet memes popped up, ranging from the humorous to the downright ridiculous. Somewhere along the way, a new word had been added to the gossip dictionary, and it was Kabunaby: a love child borne from the mashup of both Tetsuko and Barnaby's name.
But that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was Tetsuko's rabbit died. During one of its most adventurous explorations, it came upon an exciting wire lamp and gave it a nibble. It turned out to be the last discovery it'd ever make. Tetsuko had never shed a tear over an animal her entire life, but this time she did. She saw it as an omen, a foreshadowing of what was to come between herself and Barnaby. She never even had a chance to take its photo when it was alive.
She'd developed a phobia of stepping outside her home. Despite her keeping her head down and dodging the paparazzi as best as she could, that never stopped them from stalking her. Suddenly she was a mystery, and everybody wanted to know how she felt about her outburst.
Rotten, of course. Rotten to the core. They're flogging a dead horse by dredging up the past. There was no 'kindling the old flame'. There wasn't even a single spark. She'd personally made sure of that. Bunny probably had enough of her by now and taken her out of his buddy list. Which leaves him with…zero friends. Again.
So things were really back to where they started.
Bunny should be happy. He'd always wanted her to leave him alone.
She'd received a phone call from her father-in-law, cheerfully inviting her to have dinner with them. It was supposed to be a belated birthday treat, but she knew what it was all about.
They'd both found out she was the Wild Tigress, and now they wanted an explanation. A really good and detailed explanation.
She didn't know what she was thinking when she broke away from habit and dressed herself up in a yukata. Her normally unruly hair was swept back and held in place with a comb. She looked every inch the traditional woman Tomo's mother wanted her to be, and perhaps a spiteful part of her did it because she wanted to see the old woman's reaction.
It wasn't smooth sailing, though. After several awkward fumblings and a quick search through the internet, she'd finally figured out the proper way to tie the obi. She looked at herself in the mirror, resisting the urge to scrub the makeup off her face. She felt ridiculous, like an alien putting on a costume…but if she showed that she can be respectable, then maybe Momoko will see her in a better light. All the while she'd been resisting the changes foisted upon her. She'll just go with the flow for now and see how things go.
Besides, she had a rather pressing matter to ask of Tomo's parents.
After a few bit of fussing, she decided that she looked presentable enough. Hopefully they'd be too busy staring at her face to notice her Mr. Legend flip flops.
Barnaby pulled up at the Kyoto Restaurant car park. This would be the kind of place Tetsuko would love. Authentic Japanese cuisine, reportedly the best in the city. He made a mental note of taking her here someday.
Oh, but wait. They're not on speaking terms right now. At least until she admits her mistake. It was silly of her to be stubborn over this, but she really had no business running around acting like she still had Hundred Power to back her up in case of trouble. He was scared beyond belief when he saw her with that bomb. He'd honestly thought that he couldn't reach her in time…
Lloyds was already waiting for him at the entrance.
"Ah, Barnaby," he smiled. "Those gentlemen from Skoil will be here soon."
It was supposed to be another business meeting. Barnaby couldn't understand why he had to be there. Let all the investment deals go through Lloyds. He had no interest in being a monkey to the organ grinder just to please some execs. A least, not anymore. If Tetsuko was ever right about one thing, it was that Heroing had lost its true purpose. He hated to admit it, but he was starting to think like her, mourning over the past, losing focus on what really mattered. These days it was all about sponsorship, more sponsorship and commercialism. Superficiality was the new sexy, and he hated it.
Three men in pressed suits arrived. They were introduced to Barnaby, and he shook hands with them politely. They chatted with Lloyds for a while, complaining about the traffic, and mentioning how beautiful central city looked like at this time of night. Barnaby stood back, disinterested.
An elderly couple swept past him, and he shifted to make room. His eyes fell naturally on the woman following them, and he instantly froze.
It was Tetsuko. There was no mistaking it. She looked bizarrely different in that flowing pink yukata, but he was as sure it was her as the wild fluttering of his heart. Her eyes widened when she saw him, but then she lowered her gaze and bowed hurriedly as she passed him.
He spun around, watching the restaurant hostess greet the elderly couple. He found himself gazing at Tetsuko's back, willing her to just glance over-
Lloyds slapped him on the shoulder. "Oi, you can ogle at girls in yukatas during your spare time," he said. "Right now we've work to do."
Bunkichi had requested for a private room. After serving them tea and presenting them with their menus, the hostess graciously excused herself, saying that she'll be back to take their orders.
Bunkichi smiled at Tetsuko. "You can order anything you like, Tetsuko-chan. It's a special treat from us. You look very pretty, by the way."
"Thank you, otoo-san," said Tetsuko. "Now's the best time to eat plenty of otoro!"
Momoko flipped through the menu, scrutinizing the pictures before grumbling: "There's nothing here that I like!"
"Sure there is, dear," said Bunkichi. "There's that gyudon set over at the beef section. I heard it's their signature dish."
Tetsuko pored over the sushi platters, wondering what she should get, when Bunkichi cleared his throat and said: "I suppose things have been such a whirlwind for you lately, Tetsuko-chan. We could see nothing but pictures of you everyday now."
Tetsuko tried her best, but she couldn't hide the wince on her face. "Ah, yes. About that. I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you both. I…wanted to tell you that I'm a Hero, but my job wouldn't allow it. And now, you have to find out this way. I - I'm really sorry."
"Must be tough for you all those years," Bunkichi said sympathetically. "Does…does Tomo know?"
"Yes. He was the first. And, he was the one who encouraged me to become a Hero," said Tetsuko. She was watching their reactions closely. Bunkichi seemed genuinely curious, but Momoko was resolutely staring at the tabletop and never once glanced up to look at her. She suddenly felt as if she was confessing to some deep, dirty secret and hoped that they wouldn't make such a big fuss out of it. She's 100% retired. It's not like she's ever hurt anyone before this. Well, maybe crooks. But she'd always made sure she prioritized the family first.
Momoko took a sip from her tea. Then, delicately placing the cup back onto the table, she said: "Must be nice to be some bigshot celebrity."
"Ahaha, it's not that fun, okaa-san. Most of the time I'm stuck doing paperwork," said Tetsuko.
"Is that why you're too good to take on our family name?"
"Momoko…" Bunkichi said in chiding tones. "I'm sure she has a perfectly good reason for doing so, right Tetsuko-chan? You need to protect your identity, and Tomo's. It's dangerous if people knew who she really is."
"Yes, otoo-san. That's true," said Tetsuko. She'd recalled Momoko's outrage over her insisting on keeping her surname after marriage. It hadn't been that big of a deal: it was a name she was born with, and she was proud of it. But Momoko didn't see it that way. She took in a deep breath, weighing her next words. "I know I should've been more forthcoming. I cannot apologize enough to you both. But now that I've quit, I can raise Kaede properly. I've made plans of bringing her over to Sterbild and continue her schooling here. That way she can visit you more often."
Bunkichi brightened up. "That's a great idea! Don't you think so, Momoko?"
"But," Tetsuko continued, "it is on that matter that I need your help." Shuffling backwards so that she had enough room, she pressed her fingertips onto the floor and bowed. "The school I'm planning to send her to is very expensive. If you could just help with the semester fees, I would appreciate it very much. I promise I will find a way to pay you back."
There was silence. A deep, thoughtful silence where Tetsuko imagined a blade could fall over her neck anytime.
"Naturally, we will help if we have the means to do so," said Bunkichi. "How much do you-"
"Almost ten years, and only now you wish to make amends?" Momoko's voice cut him off, chilly as the morning snow. "What a shallow woman: dangling her daughter's presence in exchange for our money. You will need to rethink your purpose before you ask us for anything, Tetsuko."
Tetsuko felt her stomach clench. So much for wishing that everything would go well.
Barnaby stared at the menu, suddenly deciding he didn't want to eat. He kept an ear out on the idle chatter going on between Lloyds and his associates, but a small portion of his mind was wondering where Tetsuko was, and if she was in a similar private dining room as he was. He shook his head, silently berating himself. It wasn't like him to lose focus like this. Somebody was talking to him.
"It is truly an honour to finally meet you in person, Mr. Brooks."
"Not at all. The pleasure's all mine, Mr. Von Bach," he said, mentally reciting the mantra he used to remember names. Bach, as in the composer, who did Toccata and Fugue in D Minor…
"To be honest, I was worried about the rumours of you retiring."
"I understand that has been going around a lot."
"But I'm glad you've decided on resuming your contract for another five years."
Barnaby hesitated. This was news even to him. "Have I, now?"
"Your manager told us. He assured us that this season wouldn't be your last…right?"
Barnaby's eyes swivelled towards Lloyds. The blasted man had obviously taken one too many liberties over his career. He smiled at Mr. Von Bach. "That is still under discussion."
"Sumimasen, are you ready to order, gentlemen?" the hostess trilled from outside. The cherry blossom painted door slid aside, and she bowed before entering. "Do you need any recommendations?"
Barnaby ducked his head towards Lloyds and said in serious tones: "We need to talk."
"Wait, we're in the middle of ordering!" said Lloyds. "I think the prawn fritters look-"
"Why did you assume I'd be continuing my contract when I've made it clear that I'm quitting?"
"Come on, you can't be serious about quitting…not when you're still at the top of your game?" Lloyds glanced over to their dinner guests, who were happily chatting the hostess up, then raised his menu so that he could confer in private with Barnaby. "You know who these Skoil guys are? They're the ultimate players in the field! One investment deal from them, and you'll be sponsored for life! Think of what you're throwing away if you decide to leave now!"
"That's the whole point! My decision's my own, and you're in no place to make plans on my behalf!"
"Alright, what is it that you want? A bigger raise? A nicer penthouse? We'll give it to you…once we manage to score a deal with these guys. What's another five years, huh? It'll fly by before you know it, and by the time you're thirty, you'll never have to worry about money. Ever. Now, who wouldn't like that?"
"I don't," Barnaby growled. "You will end this farce right now, or so help me I will do it myself."
"Huh, so maybe Tetsuko was right after all."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I may have asked for her help in convincing you. Offered her a nice incentive for it too. If there's anyone who can make you do things, it'd be her." Lloyds chuckled at his expression. "Poor Barnaby. You're really that oblivious, aren't you? Anyone can see that she's got you wrapped around her little finger, and that's no mean feat, even for someone as crass as her."
"You're a delusional man, Lloyds. I'd pity you, if it weren't for the fact that my disgust is far greater," said Barnaby. He slammed his menu onto the table, hard enough to wobble the teacups and make everyone shut up.
"It appears there has been a gross misunderstanding," he stated clearly at the four surprised faces before him. "Contrary to what my manager have assured you gentlemen, it is true that I'm quitting. This year will be my final appearance as Hero. I apologize for inconveniencing you…especially after you've arranged this meeting, then to come from so far away. I've taken up too much of your time…so it's only fair for me to be upfront. I don't believe there's to be any further discussion tonight. Please excuse me."
With that, he got up and, stepping over the gaping Lloyds, left the room.
Momoko felt scandalized. The mystery of her late son's obsession with HeroTV was finally solved. She herself never understood such crass shows. A group of NEXTs prancing around in spandex bra and panties…for what? And to think that the…the yanki he was married to turned out to be one! Her friends were having a field day pecking away at her for more information. Was it true what we heard? Did she really do all that? The petty ones came up with even more snide remarks. She fooled around with a younger man! Has she no respect for herself? Dangerous things like NEXTs should be locked away for good!
"Whatever happened to all that sponsorship money? Squandered it away on frivolous things, no doubt?" she asked.
"Yes, but only if you think that paying off Tomo's hospital bills and saving up for Kaede's university education is frivolous," said Tetsuko. She'd risen up to meet her mother-in-law's gaze. Let it be known that she was many things, but irresponsibility towards her family wasn't one of it. She was a damned good wife, and she'd fight tooth and nail with anyone who'd dare contest that.
"Tetsuko-chan, we did ask if you needed help back then," Bunkichi sighed. "You could've said something. Now I feel guilty for letting you carry all that burden by yourself."
Tetsuko managed a wan smile and shook her head. "Thank you, otoo-san. But Tomo told me not to trouble you both. It was already difficult as it is when he told you he was sick.
"But still…" Bunkichi trailed off, looking at her sadly.
"You rescue strangers and fool around with that damned television show, yet you can't spare the time to be at your husband's deathbed? Seems to me you've made it very clear where your priorities lie. Frankly, I don't see anything impressive in what you do," said Momoko.
Bunkichi's head whipped towards his wife. "Momoko!" he exclaimed, scandalized. "That was very uncalled for!"
"You're right, okaa-san."
Both husband and wife stared at Tetsuko. She had a faraway look in her eyes, but when she spoke, she spoke with such conviction.
"I myself don't see what's so impressive about being a Hero. But Tomo did. He believed that what I do is worthwhile, and that's why I fought the hardest. It was simply because he told me to, and not for any other reason. So really, to me the real Hero was your son. In a way, he was with me till the very end, and that was a luxury I was thankful for." Tetsuko met Momoko's eyes, and stated very clearly: "You don't understand, okaa-san…you never will. I left because of him, and I came back because of him. If I had any idea how much pain he was in that time, I'd have stayed. But we made a promise, and I've been keeping it till now. That's what really happened."
Then, muttering a quick apology and bowing towards them, she got to her feet and left. She was breathing heavily when she slammed the sliding door shut, the night air and slumbering jasmine blossoms the only witnesses to how upset she really was.
She punched the awning pillar, many times. She growled in frustration. She'd barely dented the damned thing, no matter how much she hurt herself. Whatever happened to her breaking walls with a single blow? She used to be so strong, and now she – was – nothing!
The door to the adjoining dining room opened and shut. Tetsuko turned and found herself staring at a very familiar face.
Barnaby blinked, thinking that he was dreaming. He was still half-crouched, in the middle of putting on his boots. It can't be Tetsuko standing there, bathed in the ethereal lantern lights, looking lost and exquisite at the same time.
He straightened up, mouth forming words he wasn't sure of saying. But she saved him the trouble, all the awkwardness, when she went up to him and fell into his arms. Her hands circled his waist, and she buried her nose into his jacket, taking in a deep, shuddering breath. She felt him close in around her, and suddenly, he was the only presence she was sure of in her broken, chaotic world.
She whispered into his ear, a yearning, a command that he'd wade through hell and tempest to fullfill: "I need to get out of here."
It was that look, damn her, that one look which made him think that he's lost himself to her forever. A selfish part of him wanted to take it back, hoard it like a well-guarded secret. But another part of him wanted her to have it, with hopes that she'll stay this time, and never run away.
Doors slid open, and Bunkichi was the first to pop his head out, followed by Lloyds.
"Tetsuko-chan, please come back inside. We can talk about this in a proper way."
"What the-? Now's not the time to be fooling about with girls! Barnaby, get your ass in here and apologize to these men! I cannot believe how rude you were!"
Tetsuko stirred, thinking that Barnaby's silence meant rejection. She started to push herself away from him. That made him spring into action, grabbing her hand and pulling her after him, ignoring the shouts dogging their steps.
"Oi, Barnaby. You can't leave just yet. W-where are you going? Oi!"
"Tetsuko-chan! Tetsuko-chan!"
Episode the next: Where did Bunny and Tetsuko go?