The Tenth Beginning

She had a strong presence about her, even though her smile had the image of someone gentle. I could tell she was older than she looked (I would assume my mom's age), and that she clearly was not a fan of this "marriage".

"Mikan Sakura." I smiled a little in return, but wasn't sure whether to be humble or casual. I chose humble, "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Ah yes! The lovely bride to be! You two truly look wonderful together!"

I said a quick thank you. Natsume murmured something resembling a thank you and continued to look around in shock (yes, real, happy shock).

She continued to speak, "Well, isn't it just fabulous to know that this is all happening so quickly? I usually know about these things right away! Oh, I guess it was truly that hurried!"

Although some were obvious, others looked at each other in fear.

They (including myself and my darling fiancée) all knew this woman was angry.

But I didn't even know who she was.

More silence. She continued once again.

"Yet, it would be simply even more wonderful for me to speak with our lovely Mikan Sakura! After all, I was not notified, so I'm going to catch up here!"

Someone tried to stop her, but failed.

"Oh! Did I forget to say this is going to be completely private?"

Everyone just nodded, did a little bow, and let Luna lead me somewhere.

This reminded me of Persona, yet….

I had a feeling this woman was far more dangerous.

But somehow, she just smiled at me as if I was a ghost from her past.

"…you look just as innocent as your mother used to be. I wonder if you liked to make ruckus as well."

I gasped, wondering how (in a similar comparison to the Persona meeting) in the world she knew my mother.

"But of course, I can tell you know much more than she did at your age, probably because of the people around you."

I was simply awestruck. The fact that this woman (who I already knew had a lot of influence on the way things went) could possibly be on my side.

"So, what is your angle exactly?" I asked a simple question, something she should have no trouble asking.

"I know that this is all a façade Mikan. They want your parent's money, and your influence, no matter what it takes."

"What? I knew this was a sham but-"

Luna continued, "I'll explain in a moment. But, no matter how much I disliked your father, I knew he was a clever man."

I just looked at her with wide eyes, "Exactly what do you mean by that?"

"Did you notice that when Izumi Yukihara was kicked off of Heisui, that about three fourths of the funds were" supposedly "stolen"?"

"Huh?"

She sighed, "Ah. I guess you didn't notice. They did keep it well under wraps, saying that the funds were to be invested in another new company. But they're still hunting him down, and it won't stop until all of the money is back with them. "

"But…."

"Who am I? I told you my real name over there, I am a designer, head of a few companies, and was here to check in on the store. Or more specifically who was in the store. When the boy over there called for their best designer, and I was there by "coincidence", they called me over."

I slowly absorbed all the information and said something, "But, are you on our side?"

She just smiled.

"On your side? Oh, I am just working for the sake of redemption! Although I shall be helping you for the time being."

I looked at her eyes once again, and realized something.

The girl from the café, it was her.

"And also, I did the whole rude bump into you thing in that café to make them think I hate you. So, I'll play the part."

I nodded.

"Now, tell all this to Kokoro Yome, or Koko, whatever you call him. Not a word left out."

"How come?"

"Because if not, this plan will burn to the ground."

Eventually, she gave me a phone number.

"Remember something Mikan…" her voice was all business.

Silence was the only tone that filled the room.

"To fulfill your mission, you'll have to have as much truth as lies."

"I know."

"But aside from that….we just have to figure out your size!"

That was when I knew that this was just going to get bigger.

And that was when Natsume Hyuuga decided to go a knocking on the door.

"Koizumi, Honey, are you done yet?"

"No~ We're just figuring out a few things! Your fiancée is very beautiful!"

"Thanks. Now can you hurry it up?"

Oh wow….it's sure gonna be a pain to seduce this guy.

…..wait. I have to seduce him.

Seduce Natsume Hyuuga.

Seduce.

Seduce.

Seduce.

Seduce.

Se fucking duce!

Oh my god….I just realized that.

Again.

Well, there's no worries.

It'll be a cinch, right?

Right?

I was about to explode by the time we exited the store. His arms wrapped possessively around me didn't help much with that. Of course, figuring out a bunch of information, knowing that Luna Koizumi knew my mother, and that my father got a lot of Heisui's previous funds?

A lot to absorb in a few hours, isn't it?

But, of course, Hotaru came over to save me before he even noticed my strange behavior.

I "collapsed" in her arms once again. She told them that I had fainted from exhaustion. Which was going to happen soon anyway if I didn't figure things out.

I went over to my bedroom at the Hyuuga mansion a few minutes later. They said a personal doctor would be coming in a half an hour. I knew I had to talk to Hotaru before I did anything else.

Luna Koizumi knew my mother, she knows about everything these people tried to keep hidden, she knew about the plans we made.

Now, I didn't know if she used her resources or had someone feed information to her.

"Mikan, what has gotten into you? Did that talk with Koizumi off you?"

"Yeah…this woman knows. She knows a lot. I don't know how much, but she knows a lot Hotaru. But for now, she's gonna help us. At least I think she is."

"Luna Koizumi? I'll look her up later. But, I have a feeling there's something up."

"Like she's-"

A knock on the door interrupted our conversation.

"Hello? Doctor Kistuneme has arrived."

"Bring him in." Hotaru replied bluntly. I had to lay down back in my bed and try to relax.

Of course, it threw me off that he looked just like Koko.

DreamswithJoy

It really threw me off when saw Kitsuneme, the guy who I would easily mistaken for Koko if it wasn't for his hair.

Unlike Koko's who shape his hair messily, his was much neater.

His voice wasn't helping either.

"Mikan Sakura?" He grinned.

"Ahh... That's me." He moved closer to me and gestured the maid to get out of the room. Luckily or not, He didn't ask Hotaru to get out or I would have to put up yet another act.

I let my mind wondered as he check my pulse.

Now that I think about it, wasn't Koko adopted?

Could it be possible that the person standing in front of me is related to him? Or better yet, his twin?

Sometimes, we know the answer but prefer not to disclose it. Unfortunately for me, this was one of such moments. I made a mental note to talk to Koko later.

I licked my dry lips.

"Heartbeat... Normal." Kitsuneme went on to write something on his paper and started asking me questions.

"How do you feel lately?"

"Fine, just a little bit stressed."

"Stressed because of the wedding? Or was it something else?" I looked up almost immediately.

Kitsuneme was staring at me intensely as if he knew something. I gulped.

"Of course it was the wedding. She was expected to do a lot of things and at the same time, meet the expectation of the Hyuuga," Hotaru spoke with venom.

Kitsuneme laughed it off and continue with his questionings.

"Any allergies?"

And he continued with some random questions.

After Kitsuneme finished with his check up, He grumbled under his breath and told me, "You just need some rest; I guess it's just wedding blues."

With that, he went out of the room. I expected him to slam the door, but he closed it quietly.

Hotaru and I were silent for a while before she decided to break it.

"I would be going to my lab now. I will conduct a research about that woman... Koizumi , was it?"

I nodded.

"Okay then, goodbye," She said.

"Wait!"

Hotaru turned around and frowned a little.

"What?"

"Can you conduct a research about that doctor too? Kitsuneme was it?" Hotaru nodded and waved.

"Take care," I said. I sighed and took my handphone choker which seems to be useless now that the Hyuuga was not as cautious as they used to.

I pressed some number and dial it. As expected, I didn't have to wait long for my call to be answered.

"Koko? It's me, Mikan."

"I know. Caller ID. So what's the occasion?" I could hear Koko laughing at the other end.

At that moment, I really wanted to be Koko who can still laugh despite the situation we were in. I sighed. It would take a long time to explain to him fully what's going on. It took shorter than I had expected to explain the whole problem.

"Koko? Hello?" I half shouted.

"Uh... Yes? What is it?"

"You didn't answer me..."

"Sorry... I was just thinking about something."

"About Kitsuneme?"

He didn't say anything else. He didn't need to. I knew he was thinking about that guy.

"Are you curious?"

Even without seeing his face, I could tell that he was smirking. "What do you think?"

"Who did you talk to just now?" The door opened, revealing Natsume with his "just-get-out-of-the-bed" look.

I found myself blushing and tried to hide it by smiling at him and said, "Nobody."

"Don't lie. I heard you talking on the phone."

"I was talking to Hotaru. She wanted to know whether she had left anything behind." I lied again.

That was when I remembered what Luna had said.

I must tell as much truth as I tell lies.

I groaned. Why must I remember her words now?

"Why did you groan?" Natsume asked. Darn, and I was hoping he would let it slip.

"Nothing. So what's up?"

"You're avoiding the question."

"Not really. So why did you come here?"

The air immediately turned dark, and sounds stop projecting the moment I said that.

A pregnant silence.

"Earth to Natsume?" I said while tilting my head to the left a little.

"I wanted to check on you."

I froze on the spot.

What...?

Did he just say that?

And again, Silence found its way to us again.

"So ... How is your hand?" He asked. Even though the statement was simple, it really touched my heart that he took the initiative to break the silence.

"My hand s okay. I think I will be able to play the violin again in around a week or so. After it healed, I will play the violin for you. The last time I played turned into a huge mess, right?"

"It's not that bad, trust me." I didn't know whether he was saying that just to console me or not. Though I rather choose to believe he's saying that just to console me.

"Do you want to drink something?" I asked to break the ice.

"Coffee." I tried standing up to go to the mini kitchen inside my room when my leg gave in and I fall.

To my amazement, I didn't feel hurt or pain when I fall. I opened my eyes only to find crimson orbs, only an inch apart from my hazel one staring directly into my eyes.

My lips then, was touching something soft.

My heart was thumping very fast. My ears went deaf. Natsume Hyuuga and I were kissing each other.

Kissing each other.

Pancakezxc

I didn't know how it happened but it did anyway. My right leg tripped my left leg and my arms flailed wildly to keep balance. Just when I thought that I would have to kiss the amber carpeted ground, a pair of powerful arms took hold of my waist. In a split second, I was staring into Natsume's seductive, carnelian eyes. The next moment, his soft lips brushed against mine. All the fine hairs of my body stood and a chill gripped my heart. Natsume's warm lips nudged mine gently, as if leading me to continue. In that instance, Koko's words and my thoughts clashed.

"Seduce Natsume Hyuuga."

On the other hand, my mind was telling me to push him away. One of his hands snuck under my lacey white blouse. My body jerked slightly at his touch and I pushed him away. We both exhaled heavily and I stared at him awkwardly.

"You better get used to this, darling. It won't be long before we get married. I will be looking forward to it."

With that, he left me gawking dumbly on the floor. For a little while there, I wondered if I was seducing him or if he was the one seducing me.

Feldgrau, menacing clouds gathered together and overwhelmed the sky at rocket speed. Soon enough, lightning began dancing playfully in the sky while thunder rumbled noisily for it to stop. I hid under my coral blanket and my eyelids jumped at every crashed. Faint memories since I was young occupied my mind. I never did remember much about my father but from my recollection of what my mother had said about him, I knew that my father was a good man.

Another thunder boomed. Every fibre of my being trembled slightly. I reminisced about the times when my mother would comfort me in dark and scary nights. Her hand would stroke my hair tenderly and she would console me.

"I'll be there for you no matter what happens."

I missed my mother's soothing voice and warm touch.

That night, I didn't sleep very well.

With red and swollen tired eyes, I forced myself out of bed the next day. After leaving a note for Natsume that I would be out shopping, I headed to Koko's house.

He was still in pajamas when he came to receive me.

"What brings you here this early in the morning?"

"I forgot to tell you something over the phone. By any chance, do you know Luna Koizumi?"

At the sound of the words "Luna Koizumi", Koko's facial expression changed from a jovial one to a grave one.

"Yes. She worked under Kuonji for some time. What about her?"

I reiterated what happened on that day.

"Well, she's outdated. Kuonji stole the company funds and he framed Izumi. The court acquitted Izumi years ago due to insufficient evidence. They couldn't find any evidene, of course, since he didn't do it. Perhaps Kuonji is still looking for him but seeing that Heisui is now in our hands, his search won't last long. And from what I know, people who know that you are Izumi Yukihara's daughter are too few to matter. Luna probably heard it from Kuonji seeing that Yuka and Luna have not met since they graduated from the same educational institute. She probably thinks that you are Izumi's love child but Shiki's legal child. After all, Shiki is all over the news about being the next head of Heisui. So, she probably thinks that Izumi is working behind the scenes for revenge while Shiki works in front of the scenes. I don't think she really knows anything. To think that she still believed that the Hyuugas are such superficial people. They don't need Heisui's money or your influence, Mikan. They want power. And to do that, the best way is through Heisui and Okihi working together. They can monopolies many more markets if the two greatest company work together. Another way is for Natsume to quickly get a bride, so that the next heir of the Okihi is decided. This ensures that only the family line gets to inherit Okihi. When Mr Hyuuga realized that you probably know some of their family's secrets, he thought that the best way is to bring you into the family. This way, you won't say a thing to the outside. He made you sign the contract, remember?"

I nodded silently.

"Luna might be helping you, but I can't be sure. I've only heard from Izumi once that she is a bad egg and is a person that one should stay away as far as possible. So, you should stay away from her and tell her nothing. I don't know what she is up to for the sake of redemption, but it is probably nothing good. I'm guessing that she wants more of revenge than redemption. I'll check her up and inform you again."

"Okay. So, did you find anything about Kitsuneme?"

"Yup. Apparently, he grew up in an orphanage. I couldn't find anything about his family. But you know, the orphanage that I found was pretty close to where your father found me."

"Maybe you want to look for him some time?"

"Not now. I'm more interested in Okihi's plan of using the 'terrains'. It's the new plot that they are planning to acquire so that they can build a resort out of it."

"What about it?"

"I've told you before, haven't I? That Okihi has plenty of dirty secrets. That's one of them. They have a habit of using underhanded means to achieve what they want. The landlord of the terrains had refused to sell that plot of land to Okihi, saying that it's a gift from his parents and that nothing would make him sell it. It's a great chance for us to get evidence. So, if possible, try to follow Natsume around. Remember, seduce? Has he begun to trust you yet?"

I shifted uneasily into another sitting position on my sofa and responded, "Somewhat."

"Anyway, just try to get as much as you can. I'll be telling Hotaru to help you."

"Okay."

"Good. Would you like some breakfast?"

I went to Okihi HQ after breakfast.

Natsume was already in his office when I reached. His secretary, a beautiful blonde hair girl with azure eyes, was wearing an extremely tight, low cut ivory blouse and a short raven office skirt. She sat cross-legged and her eyes scrutinized me the moment I got off the lift. Natsume's office was the whole 27th level of the building.

"What do you want?" The blonde girl questioned with a hint of irritation and disgust.

"I'm looking for Natsume."

"You mean, Mr Hyuuga?" She corrected me, as though as she pissed for calling him by his given name.

"Yes."

"Have you made any appointment with him?"

"No."

"Then, make an appointment with him first."

"But I'm his fiancée."

The blonde lady raised her left eyebrow at me.

"Look, lady. There are tons of girls coming up here claiming to be his fiancée, girlfriend etc. I can't let you in just because you say you are."

I sighed heavily and whipped out my mobile phone. At the first ring, Natsume picked up his phone.

"Yes, darling?" He answered seductively. I could practically sense a smile playing on his lips at the other end.

"I'm outside your office. Your secretary won't let me in."

He hung up without say anything next but there was a ring coming from the secretary's desk. She picked up the call and seconds later; tears welled up in her eyes. When she placed, the receiver back, tears had rolled freely down her cheeks.

"Go in."

Before going in, I thanked her and wondered what Natsume had said to her. His office was extremely spacious. There were just a few pieces of furniture around the room. I spotted two doors on the side of the room but I ignored it. Natsume was sitting on an office chair, with both his legs on the desk.

"What did you say to your secretary?"

"It's not important."

Silence roamed the room. I spoke again a few minutes later.

"I was bored after shopping. So, I thought I would come look for you."

Another silence. He rested his head on top of the chair and closed his eyes.

"Well, you are my fiancé. So, maybe you could do something to entertain me?"

By the time the third silence drifted into the room, I sighed and gave up. He was hard to talk to when he doesn't feel like it. Approximately fifteen minutes later, he got up from office chair and paced to the door. Before he left, he uttered, "Wait for me."

Then, the door slammed closed. Every word thumped into my head. It was weird to hear those words from him. Bored, I went to inspect the two doors. Both were locked. Since I couldn't find anything interesting, I went to his chair and sat down. His desk was clean and neat. There were many drawers on the desk. Curious, I tried opening them. They were locked too. There was a number pad on the table though.

I attempted to guess the code but to no avail. Messaging Koko about the number pad, I walked to his cupboard and opened it. There were three suits hanging. I searched the pockets of his suit and to my amazement; there was a key in the pocket of the white suit. I took out the key and went to try on the doors. The key didn't fit in the first door though. However, it fitted perfectly into the second door. I turned the key. The door clicked open.

I recognized the room immediately as the one I saw on the tape with Ruka. Strange enough, there was absolutely nothing except for a few boxes. A smile crept onto my lips. Closing the door, I hid the key in the pocket of my clothing. I would do a search of a room when the security system is down. After all, the room was probably under 24 hours surveillance.

Soon enough, I heard Natsume coming out from the lift. The moment he opened the door, he commanded, "Let's go."

I obediently followed him. When we were in his car, I asked him where we were going. He did not answer me but continued driving. Due to my unrested night, I fell asleep in his car.

"Hey, Idiot. Wake up."

I grumbled slightly at the rough and deep voice.

"Wake. Up."

I frowned a little and muttered, "A little whil-"

Then, something soft stroked my lips. I was wide awake instantly. This time though, I didn't push him away. I had a mission to do. And I wanted to finish it quickly. I would run away to somewhere where no one can find me once my revenge is complete and once Koko found where he belonged and once I solved my father's mystery. I opened my mouth a little and he nibbled my lower lip. We deepened the kiss as he pulled me closer towards him.

We pushed each other apart a minute later to breathe. Once I stabilized my breathing, I inquired, "Where are we?"

"At the terrains."

The word alerted my brain to pay attention to the words he was going to say.

"Terrains?"

"The Okihi will be acquiring this piece of land next week."

"Why?"

"We'll be building a resort here."

"A resort? Why?"

"Shh… Look up."

I followed the direction of where his eyes were gazing and noticed that I was staring at the sea. The tangelo sun was resting for the day as it spilled its last rays across the glaucous sky. Aureolin and amaranth hues gave the sky a beautiful warm look. A tint of indigo could also be observed as a line bordering the sun's rays from the sky. It was a magnificent view. The sea glowed in a charming coquelicot colour. Seconds later, the sun was tucked safely under the horizon and the final rays of warm colours ceased to exist.

"When the resort is built, you can come here anytime and stay in the presidential suite."

"Huh?"

He flashed a minute smile at me. The smile disappeared as quickly as it appeared. My heart skipped a beat and my breathing stopped for a moment.

He started up his car and I knew we were going home. His left hand lay on my right hand. Slow warmth rippled across my skin and my heart palpitated foolishly.

Maybe seducing him won't be as hard as I thought it would be.

Alcyon Moire