Script Changes
All sound was gone. She couldn't hear! Aine was smothered by someone or something and she hurt all over. She didn't know where she was. Tears filled her eyes as she tried to find…to find Yuki? Yuki? …no Sakuya. SAKUYA! She tried to scream but it sounded only in her mind as water poured down on her from above choking her and she still couldn't hear anything. Suddenly breathing became difficult and Aine tried to rise up to get air into her lungs but she was trapped. It seemed her labored breathing went on for a while but it only took her seconds to pass out from pain and lack of air.
Ralph's limousine was sandwiched between two more cars as they rolled to a stop in front of the private hospital. By design and divine miracle, there was no press or fans outside the hospital. Still a group of six armed men escorted him and Mizuki into the hospital. It was now approaching morning hours after the 'Jupiter Incident' as it had been nicknamed by the press. At some future day it would be good publicity, for now it was deemed a tragedy and a horror.
Obviously since Lucifer and those directly associated with the band were the ones targeted by the shooters, it was decided that the band should not be taken to a public hospital and cared for somewhere else where they would be safe. It just happened to be the place where Yuuka was rehabilitating. Though in shock, it was Rupert Grazer who had suggested this to Ralph and set things in motion from America. He arranged for emergency skilled doctors to be at the private hospital waiting what they hoped to be survivors of the attack.
Following his father's example, Ralph had decided to go to the scene and ascertain for himself just what had happened. Since he'd seen for himself that neither Sakuya nor Mary had been with the others during the explosion, Ralph hoped his brother was still alive and inside Jupiter. As he waited in the limo as close as he dared to the burning building, he talked to their media affiliates about not disclosing Lucifer's condition or whereabouts. Jupiter Records and its bombing had consumed all TV and radio stations so he wanted to do what he could protect what little privacy they had left. Ralph in conjunction with his security firm had seen to it that Maria was moved to the same private hospital and that Miya was taken there as well.
Now with dawn approaching, Ralph entered the hospital and dread was a hard knot in his stomach. "Thanks Mizuki." Ralph said as he squeezed her hand. She had elected to stay with him after seeing his distress. Her own relationship with Sakuya and Aine had been tense and wary and all her own fault but she'd let go of the past and hoped to be friends with the couple in the future. She'd tried with all her heart to break them apart but never this viciously. Mizuki was ashamed of her actions and would now make up for it by standing at Ralph's side and doing what she could to make sure Aine and Sakuya stayed a couple.
Mizuki shook her head. "Where else would I be? He's your family and I hope, still my friend. I owe him and especially Aine. I have to help." Mizuki just squeezed his hand in return at the grateful look he gave her.
This wasn't a normal hospital. There was no emergency room. There was a nurse's station, doctor offices, patient rooms or suites, gyms for physical therapy and a cafeteria. It was a place for recovery and therapy not surgery and certainly not triage and critical care. The security staff directed Ralph and Mizuki to the cafeteria where the others had been sent to wait.
"Oh boy…" He saw the bandaged and pale Maria in a wheelchair with an older man, at her side holding her hand while she clutched a stuffed, well-worn bear. Ralph recognized Yuuka from the pictures he had of the group of friends in another wheelchair her leg stretched out before her. On either side of her were two older looking people, silent and frowning. Miya was seated nearby with a cup of coffee but she was only staring into. There was another couple who were holding onto each other and a quick look at their faces confirmed who their child was. They were Aine's parents. They all looked worse for wear. Tear tracks were evident on many of their faces even the men guarding them looked stressed. He'd kept in touch with the hospital and knew no one was fatally injured but these people were definitely upset about something. "Good morning. Is everyone…is everyone alright?" Ralph asked his voice making many of them jump.
"Ralph?! Umm, Grazer-sama? What are you doing here? How did you know…? This-this just happened." Maria questioned her eyes going wide.
Ralph stared at her wondering what to say. He was afraid to say his true purpose at least until he found out how everyone's status. "I'd planned a visit for Mizuki and myself and wanted to see Aine and Sakuya while we we're here but just before the plane landed…I saw it all happen on TV." Ralph's voice dropped into a whisper.
The girls all blanched and looked at each other. They'd seen the news too since they kept repeating it on the TV and each of them thought of Sakuya who was still missing and wondered how on earth they would tell Sakuya's only brother that they believed he may be dead.
"There you are!" Hitoshi said trying to fake enthusiasm. His words were followed a body-shaking cough. Sasaki, still coughing every few minutes himself, helped his boss and friend to a chair.
"Takayama! Are you okay, should you be up? What about…?" Miya jumped to her feet. He was pale and shiny in places where burns were being left open to the air. There were a few oddly placed bandages as well from where he'd been cut by flying glass and metal. Sasaki was in the same condition.
"Sorry about that. Looks like it's going to take a while to get rid of all this smoke in my lungs." He kept a hand on his chest as he looked at who was gathered there. Hitoshi blinked and blinked again when he saw Ralph Grazer then started to stand.
"Please don't. Tell me how is everyone? Yuki, Santa, Towa, Atsuro and Aine?" Ralph asked also taking a seat, Mizuki at his elbow.
It didn't escape Hitoshi or Sasaki's notice that Ralph didn't mention Sakuya. The two men exchanged sad glances thinking of the young man then Hitoshi spoke. "Atsuro got away with the least injuries – smoke inhalation and some burns. Santa's temple was grazed with a bullet and he lost a lot of blood plus the smoke and burns. Kai – she's production manager and Santa's new girlfriend got off fairly easy too but went into shock at seeing Santa bleeding so badly. She got some burns, everyone got burned, couldn't be helped I guess." Hitoshi's hand hovered over his neck where a large patch of skin was bright red, the pain tempered with drugs.
"Towa was also shot." Miya held back a sob. "Stray bullet, it ripped through his side and out. What they call a through and through but he's going to be okay. The doctors they had waiting on us were damn good." Hitoshi wondered about that for a moment but then continued. "Yuki was knocked unconscious by some flying metal – another head wound and a pretty bad burn on his arm, second degree." Hitoshi sighed. Nobody had come out of this unscathed. "And Aine…she escaped being shot but she ended up trapped under two men, one stabbed by shrapnel. It hit a main artery and he bled to death. The combined weight of both men bruised her ribs and she fractured an arm, scraped up both arms and legs pretty badly and yeah even covered as she was Aine got burned as well." Hitoshi looked over at Aine's parents who looked upset as well as angry.
Ralph took it all in. They very nearly all died! His hands tightened into fists underneath the table. He avoided looking at all the people who had been hurt and felt the guilt nearly freeze his lungs. This was his fault. And Mary's! When I find her, kill her with my own two hands!
"Grazer-sama…about Sakuya…" Hitoshi began then stopped when Ralph stood.
"Could you possibly come with me Takayama-san?" Ralph said. He would admit his guilt but for right this moment he wanted a private conversation with the man in charge.
"Umm, yes. Yes of course." Hitoshi pushed up wearily. He'd slept a bit, couldn't help it but there was so much to be done and he wanted to find out just how somebody had placed bombs inside Jupiter Records.
They walked slowly and moved towards the door leading to the garden. It was enclosed ensuring privacy from the public but it was still a slice of nature inside the antiseptic setting.
Hitoshi eased down onto a chaise and coughed. When he could breathe again he began. "About Sakuya…we don't know what happened to him. He was in the building but for whatever reason, he separated from the others, he and his bodyguard and neither has been seen since. I'm sorry." He blinked at the wetness in his eyes. Sakuya and he weren't really friends, not like normal friends. They argued and pushed at each other but they had a good working relationship and trusted each other. I can't believe he's gone. What will happen to Aine?
"Don't! Don't apologize. Dammit, dammit to hell!" Ralph gripped his head and looked up at the new morning. "My brother's not dead or at least I don't think he is. He wasn't found in Jupiter Records. I had it confirmed but they did find the body of the man who was with him, I'm sorry to say dead." Ralph turned stiffly to face Takayama. "Marcy wasn't in the building either." Ralph said in such a way as to let the producer know, he knew about Marcy.
Hitoshi was on his feet. He gripped the lapels of Ralph's expensive suit and with a sudden burst of strength, shook the American. It cost him to it though as another coughing fit hit him. "Marcy? Marcy? MARCY?! She did this? The women were right all along?!" His hair had been tied back to keep it away from his many burns but it started to come loose in his agitation. "Wait…how do you know about Marcy? Where the hell is Sakuya? Doesn't he know how worried everyone is? That selfish bastard! Aine was crying even while unconscious!" He started coughing again and almost fell.
Ralph helped the man to sit and awkwardly patted him on the back until he could breathe and focus again on the conversation. He dragged a chair closer to Hitoshi and started to explain himself.
"I'm afraid everything that's happened to your women and this today is in part my fault. No don't try and talk, just let me get it all out first." Ralph held up a hand to stop Hitoshi when the man's mouth opened angrily. "First off Sakuya is missing, kidnapped. Kidnapped by Marcy. Or should I say Mary Lockhart. That's her real name. I knew her back in the states, we dated." Ralph looked away from Hitoshi's accusing gaze. "This wasn't another plan to destroy Sakuya. He and I have been getting along lately, friendly if not brotherly. No, I wouldn't sic Mary on Sakuya. The woman almost killed me after we broke up!" Blue eyes flashed at Hitoshi as Ralph tried to make him understand. "She was always possessive and I liked that in the beginning. It got tough to deal with sometimes but we still got along but when it was time for me to graduate, I decided to break things off. I knew Father was going to work my ass from morning till night and I wouldn't have time for her. I never once committed to her but she was planning marriage!" Ralph leaned his elbows on his thighs.
"Suffice it to say, she didn't take it well. Let's jump ahead… Mary broke into the house. Bitch had actually had keys made and knew the security code! If my father hadn't decided to come home early that night, he'd have found me dead with a butcher knife buried in my chest." Ralph covered his heart. "Father had her locked up in a mental hospital where she stayed until about a year ago when she broke out and took on the persona of Marcy Paige." He mussed his blond hair. "She was never supposed to get out and neither my father nor I kept tabs on her – our fault. It was only a few days ago when my assistant told me about the cop drama Lucifer was going to appear in that I found out about Mary." Ralph cursed under his breath. All this could have been prevented if only they hadn't been so reluctant to admit the mistake he'd made by becoming involved with Mary.
"You bastard!" But it was said softly. Hitoshi's lungs were still burning from all the smoke and sore from all the coughing. He wanted to rage at the American but he had to hold in it just so he could speak. "You knew, you knew she was here and what she was capable of but you never called your brother! Women have been attacked, Jupiter practically destroyed, my band – my friends gravely injured, people are dead and your own brother at the mercy of a mental patient!" Hitoshi scooted forward, took a deep breath, held it then punched Ralph in the face. He did cough with the effort but not too badly.
Ralph's head was forced to one side then he nodded. It wasn't as hard as when his father had hit him but still it hurt. He expected worse from Lucifer and possibly Aine when they all found out the truth as well.
"Obviously you know more about what's happening or happened at Jupiter than I do. Fill me in. How do we get Sakuya back?!" Hitoshi sat back, equal parts pain, anger and self-recrimination showing on his wounded face. Not one of them, the men that is, were blameless in this, they had been warned several times that Marcy was dangerous but had been too arrogant to listen and now they were all paying for it.
Sakuya winced in pain. A headache – a bad headache woke him up. "Damn…" He whispered and caught his breath for even speaking hurt. This was supposed to be a free day for him and Aine but with pain like this, Sakuya doubted that he would leave the bed before noon. "Aine? Aine?" Again he whispered but when she didn't answer, he spoke louder. "Aine!"
Nothing. Grimacing Sakuya rolled over or tried to. It was then that he realized that his arms were stretched out on either side of him - handcuffed. Testing his legs, he found they too were bound to the bed. For a brief moment he thought Aine wanted to begin the day with some sex play but their bed didn't have bedposts or anything like that to anchor him down. Where the hell am I?
It took time for him to focus his eyes because the light added to the pain in his already aching head. Finally when he opened his eyes and could see clearly, Sakuya found himself in an unknown, extremely feminine bedroom. There were several shades of pink decorating the room. The silk sheets beneath him were a deep mauve. The fabric draped around the bed was pale pink and lace. The carpet was a plush rose pink and the curtains matched. There was a wardrobe in one corner and a vanity table along one wall filled with all sorts of makeup and lotions and stuff. One door was open to show a white on white bathroom but the other door was locked and had several locks either keeping him prisoner or keeping others from getting to him.
Sakuya tried to look out the window but saw nothing but sky. He couldn't even see any buildings or houses. Looking down at himself, Sakuya saw he was naked as the day he was born. Panic settled in his chest, not for himself but for Aine. I guess I've been kidnapped but what did they do to Aine? With the raging headache and fear flowing through him Sakuya yelled for his heart's desire. "AINNNNNEEEE!"
He only stopped when several of the locks could be heard turning. Sakuya looked anxiously at the door hoping that Aine would come through it. Please let this be some crazy plan of hers… When at last the door opened, Sakuya stared in surprise at the woman. His mouth hung open as he watched her. She was wearing a see-through negligee that showed everything. At one time he would have bed her willingly but that was then. "What the hell are you doing here? What the fuck am I doing here?! Let me go bitch!" Sakuya pulled violently on his bonds but all he did was hurt himself.
"Shh, no need for such language. It's just you and me here Sakuya. You don't have to pretend you don't like me anymore. You can finally show me your love Sakuya. I know you want me." She laughed. "Your performances on stage are so damn sexy – you must have been thinking of me. Well no more waiting, my love. We're all alone here so we can make love all day and night!" The woman had crawled onto the bed, breasts hanging heavily, temptingly as she ran a cold hand up the inside of Sakuya's thigh.
Sakuya looked like a demon or maybe the dark angel himself as the woman put her hand on him and stroked his flesh. He wondered if he'd ever been as angry as he was right then. Marcy Page wasn't looking at his face but holding his unresponsive flesh between her hands. She worked for them. Marcy was Lucifer's new publicist. She was good at her job but apparently she was also out of her mother-fucking mind! "Take your hands off of me." His voice usually made women swoon but there was nothing warm or romantic about his tone now. The coldness of it should have frozen her instantly.
"Oh no, I have to get you ready baby." Marcy glanced up at him still smiling.
"Where's Aine? The band? Where are we?" Sakuya asked. She was insane – she had to be not to see he was not happy to be there.
Marcy did freeze at Aine's name. "DO NOT SPEAK THAT WOMAN'S NAME! SHE'S KEPT US APART FOR LONG ENOUGH!" She had light gray eyes but they turned to slate when she thought of Aine. "Sakuya, I've freed you from her – forget her and concentrate on loving me now. No more Aine and no more band – just you and me!" There was a crazy, happy lilt to her voice then it changed. Marcy spoke soothingly now still stroking Sakuya penis. "You must let me pleasure you now – I know she wasn't able to. She's your past and I'm your future!" With a huge smile, Marcy lowered her strawberry blond head over his thighs and took him in her mouth.
The bed shook as Sakuya tried to shake her off of him. He'd learned nothing about Aine or his friends but he had a sick feeling in his stomach when she said 'no more'. The only thing he was sure of was that this bitch was crazy and she intended to rape him. He dropped his head back on the pillow and tightly closed his eyes as he resisted Marcy's actions. Aine…please be alright! Yuki – guys…Aine…help me!
Sakuya lay there and felt shame that his flesh was starting to respond despite his absolute denial of Marcy and complete disgust for the woman. That part of his body apparently did have a mind of its own but he die would first before allowing this woman any satisfaction! It was going to hurt, hurt like hell but… "GGGRRRAAAAAHHHHH!" He screamed and pulled with all his might trying to break free of the cuffs. It seemed like he pulled for an eternity but in seconds he flopped back onto the bed and pillows gasping in pain. "Damn." He whispered and blinked his eyes in pain.
"Sakuya! Sweetie are you alright? I know you want to cum but please don't try so hard!" Marcy sat up staring at him then gasped herself to see blood running down Sakuya's arms. "Oh no, I've got to stop the bleeding. Wait – hold on, I'll be right back!" She hopped off the bed and ran to the bathroom.
Once she releases me – I'm gone! If I have to hit her – hurt her then so be it! Just one arm and then I'll find Aine. Yuki, you guys damn well better be alright! Unlike just moments before when he hadn't wanted Marcy near him, Sakuya ached to have her at his side, just as long as she unfastened the cuffs on his wrists.
Marcy returned a cute little worried frown on her face as she carried towels and a first aid kit but upon seeing Sakuya on her bed, her smile returned. "Damn I love your body, its perfect. Just like we are for each other." Marcy got on the bed then straddled Sakuya. She took one of the towels and wrapped it about his left wrist. "I've got to stop the bleeding but I don't think it's very bad. You have to be careful Sakuya, you play the piano you shouldn't damage your hands!" Marcy chastised.
Sakuya locked his jaw. He wanted to question her and find out where they were but it didn't matter, in just a minute he'd be free. While he waited to make his move, Marcy rubbed her naked flesh over his stomach and over his now semi-hard flesh. Let me go already!
Marcy looked down at Sakuya and noticed the lines around his eyes. "I get it now, you're in pain. I'm sorry Sakuya, that's the after effect of the drug I used on you. Hmm, I believe it was - temporary memory loss and one hell of a headache. I should have waited until you were ready. Wait – I know!" She kissed his nose then jumped off the bed and ran back to the bathroom.
What the fuck? Memory loss? What day is it? Just how long have I been here? What happened? All I remember is finishing up work for the TV show then…nothing! I've got to know what happened! He hadn't paid any attention to Marcy while she'd been in the bathroom but now looked at her somewhat anxiously; ready to question her when he saw a needle in her hand. "What's that for?" He spoke quietly.
"No need to worry lover. Just a mild pain reliever and something to help you sleep. I'd rather jump that boner of yours!" Marcy grinned and looked at the hardness lying close to one muscular thigh. "But I want you to fully enjoy our first time together. When you next wake, I'll fix us a sumptuous meal and feed it to you then light some candles and kiss you from head to toe! Won't you like that?" She was part siren, part maidenly and all crazy.
His chest rose and fell. He didn't want to be knocked out – there's no telling what she would do when he was unconscious! "…I'll be fine Marcy, you don't have to give me a shot, aspirin would be fine." Sakuya could tell she didn't fear him, not trussed up like he was so he was going to try his charm which had served him well since the age of twelve when he'd first lost his virginity to an older woman. "If you get me the some water and aspirin, I'll be fine in no time." Sakuya relaxed his face muscles into a smile. "Besides, I gotta go. You don't want me to make a mess of the bed do you?" Blue eyes twinkled. "Once I use the bathroom, we can lay in bed and talk. Wouldn't you like that?" He held out his bound hand for hers feeling the sticky blood drying on his wrist.
"You're so much sweeter than him. I definitely chose the right one this time." Marcy said sitting on the bed and leaning down to kiss Sakuya's lips. She lingered there for a few minutes before pulling back to stroke his strong jaw. "That does sound nice but we can do that later." Marcy let her hand rove down to his chest and teased his nipples so she didn't see the black anger enter Sakuya's eyes. "My plan actually works better." She'd prepared the needle in the bathroom and while one hand stroked him, the other slipped the needle in his bicep.
Sakuya jerked and cursed silently. "But the bathroom…I really need to go. How long have I been out?" He couldn't pretend happiness but he kept his tone neutral.
"I'm prepared to do everything for you Sakuya, don't you know that by now? I'll be your everything at home and in business. You'll be the best of the best in music, TV and movies because of me and when we're alone I'll wait on you hand and foot or penis!" Marcy laughed and got off the bed to pull a bed pan from beneath it. She grinned at him before getting back on the bed with him and reaching for the object of her desire.
Anger and adrenaline were keeping him from falling completely under. He was completely her prisoner. He would even be denied the ability to go to the bathroom on his own! Sakuya gritted his teeth as he released his bladder.
"Good boy! You really did have to go didn't you? But it has been almost twenty-four hours since I blew up Jupiter Records." Marcy walked carefully back to the bathroom. "I'm recording all the news reports. We can watch them during dinner later." She spoke happily as if she were discussing something as mundane as shopping for clothes. "They're not saying much but I'm sure I got them all. Dead as doorknobs!" Marcy laughed then remembered the reports on Aine. They say she only got minor wounds and would be fine. Huh! That's how little they know. Little-miss-teeny-bopper is in for a big surprise. I'm going to break her heart then break her body!
Sakuya blinked slowly. He did not just hear that! She…blew up…Jupiter…? Then it all came flooding back. The explosions, the building on fire and- and helping her! She set it all up! He began to pant unable to take a full breath. Atsuro, Towa and Santa – didn't they get out?! Wait – Maria was almost killed and the bodyguards! What happened to Hayase?! Did she drug him too? She had to but then if she left him down there…he's more than likely dead! Oh God! No dammit…I can't, I can't…shit…get-ting sleep-y…Yuki – Aine… He still couldn't quite breathe well but the drug was either stronger than Marcy had said or his body couldn't take the shock of what he'd just remembered because his lids, though they fought to stay open were inevitably closing.
Marcy flushed the toilet and washed her hands. She hadn't quite worked out how to get to Aine but she would. Sakuya would see that girl's death then know that his future was hers and hers alone. When she reentered the bedroom she saw his chest going up and down and his head moving side to side on the pillow. "Were you waiting on me to kiss you goodnight?" She trapped his face between her hands and kissed his unresponsive mouth. "Sleep tight my love, we'll play later. Oh your hands, I'd forgotten!" Marcy reached for the first aid kit then opened a bedside table. She got out the key for the handcuffs and reached for a remote.
In moments the room was filled with Sakuya's voice. She hummed along as she cleaned and bandaged Sakuya's wrists. "I'll use the padded cuffs instead that way you won't hurt yourself next time." She told him feeling more content than she had in years. "I have you with me but I know you haven't let go of Lucifer and that girl yet but once you see that they're all dead, you'll have no choice but to love and depend on me." Finished bandaging him up Marcy couldn't help herself and stroked her hands over every inch of him. She did cuff him once again though she wanted nothing more than to feel his arms about her.
Marcy got up off the bed and looked out the window. She'd broken into this house. Under the pretense of looking for a home, she'd had realtors search for a house outside the city, the more American the better. This one house had caught her eye but the owners had taken it off the market, deciding not to sell but the realtor told her they'd closed the house while they were out of the country for the next six months. She'd moved in not long after. Only the room they were in now and one other had been changed to suit her preferences.
"There's no one around. The next house is miles away, there's nothing but privacy! I know I wanted to get out of Japan quickly but stuck out here with Sakuya for a month or two – it could be the honeymoon before the wedding!" Marcy laughed and danced about the room then looking at the sleeping Sakuya she stripped off the negligee. "I'm a bit tired too my darling, how about I join you in that nap?" Again she crawled on the bed and up the long length of Sakuya's hard body. Marcy laid her sex on one hard thigh, snuggled her breasts against his chest and laid her head beneath his chin. It had been hard work transporting him from Jupiter to the house and especially up the stairs to bed. "See? A perfect fit. Aine was way too tiny for you; you must have broken her just to get a minimum of satisfaction. Well don't you worry Sakuya, you've got a real woman now." Marcy yawned delicately and slipped into sleep.
Sakuya shivered in his drugged sleep, his soul ice cold as two tears slipped from his eyes.
She moaned in pain as she turned over and that's what woke her. Aine didn't immediately open her eyes but tried to figure out where and how she got hurt. It was her chest, arms and hands, legs too. What the hell happened to me? Did I fall? "Sakuya?" It was now that Aine got scared. She knew that she'd spoken aloud but she hadn't heard her voice. Aine opened her eyes then blinked rapidly for the light, the very air hurt her eyes. "Sakuya?!" Panic filled her voice. She reached out then clutched at a hand but it wasn't her lovers'. "SAKUYA?!" Against the pain, Aine forced her eyes to stay open and saw her parents. She was in an unfamiliar room. It looked like a hospital room. A hospital room? Hospital? Jupiter Records on fire! Lucifer! "SAKUYA!" She screamed.
Her parents tried to force her back in the bed and she could see their mouths moving but she couldn't hear a thing! Aine kept yelling and trying to get up unmindful of the pain when the door opened and Maria followed by Miya came in. Aine froze staring at them. When they offered her small smiles she calmed. If they could smile then everyone had to be alright, didn't they?
"Where's Sakuya?! Yuki, Atsuro, Towa and Santa?! Takayama, Kai and Sasaki?!" She asked then saw Maria place a finger over her lips. Aine shook her head. "I can't hear! Please – help me!"
In the hall Ralph felt a sadness and hatred he'd never felt before. To hear Aine screaming for Sakuya and her friends had been heartbreaking. It wasn't even Mary he hated, well not just Mary but himself as well. He'd wanted to be there when she woke but they'd convinced him to wait knowing Aine would freak at seeing him. Privately he was happy not to be in there. He'd loved Aine once or at least cared for her more than anyone else before and to have her look at him with hatred or disgust was something he dreaded with all his soul. He moved away and went outside just to avoid the meeting for a little longer.
Aine sat back in the bed reading and crying. Her mother sat on the bed with her holding her. She couldn't hear and wouldn't for a little while longer because of the explosion damaging her eardrums. Jupiter Records was still standing if partly destroyed. Out hundreds only five people were dead. Only five. Only five and two were our bodyguards…they died protecting us… Towa was hurt the worst then Santa. Atsuro's not too bad. Yuki's like me and can't hear and Sakuya? There's nothing here about Sakuya! "Is he…dead? He didn't, he didn't make it out?" Aine couldn't hear the words and was glad though inside her head the words reverberated loudly.
Aine looked up as Maria took her hands. She saw the cast on Maria's arm and laughed a bit hysterically thinking they had matching casts. When she looked up into her friend's face she saw Maria shaking her head no. Aine looked to Miya at the foot of her bed also saying no. He's not dead! Not…dead. SAKUYA'S NOT DEAD! She smiled tremulously at her friends but when they didn't return her smile, fear crept up her throat again. Not dead but – what? Oh God… Aine closed her eyes and tried to still her racing heart. If Sakuya was hurt and need her, she had to be calm. He always did everything he could to protect her, keep her safe and take care of her so now it was her turn.
Aine picked up the notepad Maria had used to tell her what happened. She turned it around and handed it back to her friend. "Tell me. Please tell me."
Towa grunted and shifted so that he sat up a little more. He smiled as Miya fluffed his pillows to make him more comfortable. They'd all come to him since he was in the worst shape. He didn't mind being surrounded by friends but this was one of the worst possible occasions for him to be so. In his mind of minds, he just thanked God that at least for now, none of them was dead.
It was day two after the attack. Most had been out of it the following twenty-four hours. Either shock or drugs had kept them out of it. They'd learned the truth of things in that time, separately and had time to take it all in. Now they were having a meeting about how to find and rescue Sakuya. Taking a look around the room, all anyone could see was the walking wounded but they had someone to save, a brother and a lover – they would not fail to do so.
When Aine had entered the room, all their hearts caught. Sadness and fear had seeped into her skin and showed on her flesh but she stood tall her eyes determined. "Yuki." She went to hug him. It was a one-armed hug because of his burns. There was a bandage about his head from where he'd been hit by flying metal.
"Aine. He's okay." Yuki whispered and held his lips against her forehead for a long minute.
Santa was in a wheelchair so Aine lightly kissed his bandaged wound and held tightly to his hand before moving onto Atsuro. She let lose a few tears into his warm embrace. "We'll get him back."
"Mm-hmm." Aine didn't dare speak then went to the bed to see Towa. "I'm sorry." She whispered.
Towa blinked. "Girl you were hurt just like the rest of us. You got nothing to apologize for! Come here!" She was at his good side and though it pained him to move, it would have been worse if he couldn't hold her.
Aine finally let go and moved to stand by Kyo who held out a hand for her. She was tucked into his side and she shivered for his touch so reminded her of Sakuya's. They stood or sat around looking at each other in silence. Their parents had finally been convinced to go home and to avoid the press. Only Takayama was missing but the door opened and that man came in followed by Ralph Grazer.
Ralph withstood their angry glances because they had every right to be angry with him. He nodded at them, acknowledging their low opinion of him but moved to stand before Aine. He bowed formerly. "I'm sorry Aine. It's my fault all of this has happened." Ralph admitted his guilt.
"You bastard." Aine said quietly. She gasped when he raised his blue eyes to meet hers and she couldn't help but slap him. Sakuya's eyes but not Sakuya. "Damn you!" She turned her face into Kyo's chest.
Ralph blinked rapidly to fight back tears. It wasn't as if her slap had physically hurt him. There hadn't been much strength behind it but the feelings, if this talk wasn't so important, Ralph would have given in and fallen to the floor begging her to forgive him. "Yes that I am. Still I am sorry and God willing and every bit of power and influence the Grazer name commands – I'll find Sakuya. I promise you this Aine." His hands fisted as he made this vow.
"We. We will find Sakuya. He's more our brother than yours though you share the same blood." Yuki spoke up. He also wanted to hit Ralph but they didn't have time for blame, Sakuya needed their help. Giving Ralph and intense glare, Yuki then looked to Takayama. "What's going on?"
Takayama sighed and brushed his hair back with both hands. "Lots. In order to keep you guys safe…it's been reported that you're dead."
"What the hell for? Shouldn't we be safe now that she has what she wanted?" Santa frowned so hard blood seeped through onto his bandage and Kai fussed at him to calm down.
"He as a point. Why would Marcy care if we survived?" Towa wanted to know.
"Because she could have kidnapped Sakuya without hurting anyone instead she chose to set off bombs inside Jupiter Records. Not only that but when you guys came out, there were two gunmen. Those men shot only at Lucifer and its production staff. Mary didn't just want Sakuya but she wanted all of you dead." Ralph moved to stand by the door, leaning against the wall hands in his pockets.
Yuki nodded and held Maria closer. "Makes sense, well as much of this that can make sense! It was always about Sakuya and what she could do to make him a star. We, the rest of the band were just holding Sakuya back. At least that's what I guess she was thinking."
"Yeah, she was always trying to separate us from him." Atsuro said taking a seat on the floor next to Yuuka's wheelchair. "Sakuya had to remind her that all the publicity was about the band and not just him." He blinked up at Takayama. "You think she'd try again? To actually kill us?" Atsuro took the Yuuka hand placed on his shoulder and stroked it.
Takayama looked back at Ralph to answer. The American shook his head in confusion.
"Possibly. Back when I knew Mary she wasn't…wasn't this intense. When I refused to marry her – she took out her anger on me and me alone. It was going to be a murder/suicide but now…now apparently she wants to live but plans on having Sakuya all to herself." Ralph now looked at the women in the room. "It was bad enough that she tried to burn your business to the ground and have people shoot at you guys but what she did in the beginning - she went after the women. You're his friends, his family - sisters but she must have seen you as obstacles because she tried to kill you first. I just think it's safer, until we find Sakuya that she believes she succeeded." Ralph explained but his voice was also urging them to go along with this.
Lucifer and ladies looked at each other and shrugged. They really didn't know which way to go but none of them wanted another tragic day to happen. "Yeah, okay." Yuki said finally speaking for the group.
"Okay good. Lucifer is dead and Sakuya suspected alive, whereabouts unknown. We figure if we let it be known that Sakuya wasn't killed in the fire but may be wandering around hurt and confused that some fan may spot him. Fortunately, Marcy did her job extremely well – getting his face out there and he is well loved by his fans. Somebody may have just seen him and report it." Takayama explained then glanced back at Ralph apparently leaving the next part to him to explain.
"What?" Santa asked. "What aren't you telling us now?" It irked the hell out of him to know that if only Ralph had called earlier – none of this would have happened and he sure as hell wouldn't have ended up almost being killed!
"No more secrets, I swear." Ralph said and turned once again to face Aine. "You're not dead. We've announced that you, Aine are the only survivor, not counting Takayama since he's already been seen and we need him to make everything run smoothly and look legitimate." He stopped speaking when Atsuro jumped up.
"Wait – Aine's going to be bait? No, no way!" He moved to stand before Aine daring Ralph to even look at her.
"I have to agree. Marcy's unpredictable, you even said so!" Towa said from the bed leaning forward grimacing. "She's gone off the deep end – bombs, bullets, freaking grenades! Nuh-uh, Aine stays safe with us! Tell them she died too." He sat back because his side pained him so.
"…But this is the best way to draw her out isn't it?" Kyo asked. He was looking down at Aine, stroking her hair. "She went after the other girls just because they were friendly or familiar with Sakuya. There's no way she'd let Aine live not after losing to Aine with the TV thing and of course because Aine commanded all of Sakuya's love and attention." He remembered the utter look of hate on Marcy's face from that picture he'd taken at the fashion show. Marcy would not let Aine live.
"I think you're right." Yuki sighed. "I'm sure she's blissfully high at having Sakuya in her clutches but if I know Sakuya – all he'll want or think about is Aine and Marcy won't tolerate that. The only way to have him to herself is to get rid of Aine." He knew this to be true but looking at Aine, Yuki dreaded putting her on the firing line again.
"And she's highly motivated now." Maria spoke. "It took so little to set her off in the beginning. With Miya, she'd helped Sakuya get away from Marcy one day, a small thing but the very next time they were together, Miya was poisoned. Yuuka just stood up for Aine after Marcy overheard them talking about Aine and Sakuya's relationship. Next thing we knew, Yuuka had fallen down the stairs, not accidentally. And me…" Maria hid her face in Yuki's chest.
"We confronted her after she'd been told she couldn't be on the television show. She attacked Aine like she did when she met you guys only worse." Kai added. She stood behind Santa's chair occasionally brushing his hair. "Maria put her in her place and I backed her up. Marcy said some horrible things to Aine, we just couldn't let her get away with it! But shortly after that she got all quiet and calm – serene. She must have been planning…things. Maria…I'm so sorry! I wish it had been me! You've got the baby…" She broke off when Santa pushed himself up out of the chair.
"Just shut the hell up! It shouldn't have been anybody! Marcy's a certifiable nut!" He growled shaking Kai then stumbling a bit because he was dizzy. Yuki and Maria were at their side in an instant.
"He's right Kai, Marcy did what she wanted to do and there was little we could do to stop her." Maria put an arm around the other woman's waist then looked at Ralph. "Even had you warned us, I'm sure Marcy or Mary would have come up with a way to get Sakuya." Blaming him was useless. "Aine, are you all right with this?" They'd all been talking about her while she'd remained silent next to Kyo.
She wasn't next to Kyo anymore nor was Atsuro hiding her from the rest of the room. Aine stood in the middle, her friends around her but alone. When she'd entered the room she'd been somewhat devastated and lost but now… Aine wore jeans, a man's shirt, probably Sakuya's and sneakers. Aine was a feminine woman and preferred dresses but now she looked ready to do some work, manual labor. Though she was burned and scarred and casted, she'd never looked more womanly. "Oh yes. We've allowed that woman to run our lives and make decisions that have hurt us. No more. This time she'll dance to my damn tunes! I'll write the words and this time she'll follow my damn script!" Fire danced in Aine's eyes. Her energy flooded the room infecting them all and soon their smiles matched her own.
Yuki, Atsuro, Santa even Towa got up to go to her. "You lead the way Aine. Take us to Sakuya and bury that bitch!" Yuki said to which Maria, Miya, Yuuka and Kai clapped and cheered. They were one, all of the same mind – united.
"You see? That is family." Sasaki surprised everyone by saying. He'd been talking to Ralph.
"Yes, yes I do see and maybe if my brother forgives me, we can try to have something similar. I would really, really like to know what family is supposed to be." Ralph's face was wistful as he looked at the group.
She wasn't much of a cook so Marcy had done some shopping. Just like in America, gourmet take-out that could be frozen and reheated was popular in Japan too if you knew where to look. The emptied freezer of the absent owners now had at least a week's worth of food. Marcy raided the wine cellar for a nice white and with several trips up and down the stairs, prepared a cart to ferry everything into the bedroom.
Entering the bedroom, Marcy saw that Sakuya was still sleeping and she smiled at him tenderly. Night was fast approaching and she turned on two lamps that gave off a soft, romantic light. She also lit a few vanilla scented candles. Since the food was there and waiting, all she needed was the TV. There had been one in the room previously but she'd removed it to redecorate for Sakuya but now she pushed it in its movable entertainment center back into the room.
He resisted waking up not because he wanted to sleep longer but because he didn't want to face a life without Lucifer and especially one without Aine. Sakuya's dreams had been flashes of memory – instant and quickly gone. Each time he reached out and tried to look at the memories more closely they danced away leaving him wanting and so very alone.
A cool cloth on his forehead startled Sakuya and his eyes snapped open. For just one second he didn't recognize the room but then sadness and dread filled him as he took in all the shades of pink and then the woman next to him.
Marcy had changed but she was still basically naked. She wore a lacy black apron and nothing else. She smiled at him as she wiped sleep from his face. "You'll need a shave soon. I like that you're not overly hairy – you'll look young long after you've reached middle age Sakuya. We'll be a beautiful couple even when we're sixty!" She pointedly ignored the dried tears and the wetness that still gathered in his eyes. "Come on; sit up so we can eat." Marcy moved away just a bit to put the towel down.
Sakuya's eyes jerked to his wrists and found them still bound and wondered what the hell she was talking about until he tested them. The handcuffs were padded now much like those found in a hospital and these were not fastened to the bed but through metal hooks in the wall and the chains connected to the cuffs were about three feet long allowing him to bring his hands down to the bed. Sakuya could push himself upright in the bed. His leg chains also allowed him a bit more movement but to his disgust, Sakuya noticed that he couldn't bring his hands together or his legs. They were at least twelve inches apart.
"Do you like chicken cordon bleu? I found this great place that preps meals for busy people. I tasted it and it's just as good as if it had been fixed in a restaurant. Oh I'm sorry, do you have to go again? Of course you do – I'll be right back!" Marcy hopped off the bed to get the bedpan.
Sakuya didn't feel embarrassed this time. There wasn't much to feel but numbness and sadness. He couldn't even work up a good degree of hate just yet because he hadn't assimilated the shock yet. Without a word he took care of his business then collapsed against the pillows wanting nothing more but silence and darkness.
Marcy was getting pissed off. Sakuya hadn't said a word since she'd woken him. Here she was doing absolutely everything for him and he'd yet to say thank you or praise her for her efforts! "Thinking about those assholes no doubt. Dammit Sakuya, don't you know what I've done for you? I've freed you from them! They were only pulling you down! Well he'll soon see it my way, won't you love?" Marcy looked at the poster of Sakuya on the wall in the bathroom. He was bare-chested, one hand over his heart as the other was held out for her. Marcy smiled then went back to the real thing.
"Okay, it's a shock I guess to suddenly find yourself free of those parasites but really Sakuya it's for the best! Cheer up!" Marcy exclaimed as she pulled the sheet up to his waist then put a tray over his lap. In moments she'd transferred the food to the bed and joined him.
"I'm not hungry." Sakuya said dully. In fact the smell of the food was making his stomach churn.
Marcy heaved an angry sigh. "It's been over a damn day since you last ate! I know you're hungry Sakuya. My God why are you so upset over those people? They're dead and gone! Look!" The silverware clattered and wine sloshed onto the tray as she reached for the remote. The TV popped on and she flipped through the channels until she found one of the twenty-four hour news stations.
Sakuya immediately became alert as the camera focused on the burnt husk of Jupiter Records. There were blackened windows here and there but the building still stood, the name clearly read. He could feel his heart speed up as the camera focused on the very front of the building. A make-shift podium had been set up before the roped-off lobby doors and a limousine sat nearby. The door opened and Takayama Hitoshi exited the car. "Takayama! He's alive!" A brief smile touched Sakuya's lips. The man professed to be gay but Sakuya knew better, he liked women just like most men and he was also in love with Aine. They'd fought about his relationship with Aine but still, Sakuya wanted no one but Takayama to produce them.
The smile disappeared as his friend approached the podium. Sakuya noted that he wore his hair tied back and that there were several burned places on the man's face, neck and hands.
"That bastard survived?!" Marcy also leaned forward but she was full of anger.
"Good evening. Thank you for giving me this time to speak on…recent events. Please let me speak first then I'll try to answer some of your questions." The camera panned to show other reporters and the throngs of fans who'd gathered to hear Lucifer's producer speak.
"First my condolences and prayers are sent out to the families of those loyal employees who were lost." He proceeded to name off six people and Marcy's name was included in that. "I'm so sorry…" Hitoshi closed his eyes and appeared to shiver as if cold. "Umm, it's been established that this was a deliberate attack against – Lucifer. In recent weeks, there have been some indirect actions taken against the band and we provided bodyguards but, but apparently it was not enough…" Again the producer was reduced to silence and held tightly to the podium for several moments. Hitoshi cleared his throat. "This is the official announcement concerning Lucifer. Todo Yukifumi, Kiryu Atsuro, Sakuma Kazuto better known as Towa and Nagai Yoshiko known affectionately as Santa were…killed during that horrible attack." The crowd erupted in sobs and shouts of no. Many fell to the street in despair. Mixed in were calls for Sakuya and his whereabouts.
Sakuya clenched his fists and dropped his chin to his chest. He beat his thighs heavily as he thought of Yuki never getting to see his son grow up or Maria left alone. Santa had just found Kai; it had looked like true love but now... Yuuka and Atsuro had been trying to give their parents time to get used to them being lovers before marrying. Now that was over. Quiet Towa with his fierce and protective ways of not only Miya but each of them as well was no more. Sakuya didn't realize it but he was crying.
Hitoshi waited until some of the uproar had settled down. "Their manager Sasaki Koichi and their production director, Takako Kai were also lost." Hitoshi looked at the weeping fans. "Ookochi Sakuya…" There was a pause from everyone. "We hope and pray that he still lives. Sakuya was in the building when the explosions started but was separated from his friends. We do not know if he got out, the building is still being searched but since we have not heard from him – if he's not…gone," Screams of loss from the fans. "If he's not gone then maybe he got out and is injured. We ask that you the fans, the ones who loved him, help him get home again. There is one who misses him and is terribly worried about Sakuya." Hitoshi had to stop speaking as now the reporters began shooting questions at him, wanting confirmation about who was missing Sakuya.
Blinking rapidly Sakuya quickly raised his head praying. Let her be alive! Aine, Aine, AINE! Though it pulled his arms away from his body, Sakuya inched forward trying to get closer to the TV.
Marcy glared at Sakuya, at the tears he shed and his anxious need to hear what Takayama had to say. She didn't know how those two survived but it was only going to be a short reprieve. As long as anyone from Sakuya's old life lived, he would forever be burdened by them.
"Yes, there is one more survivor from the assault. I think she wants to say a few words." Hitoshi turned from the cameras and back to the limo. The door opened and out stepped a man, tall and blond, dressed professionally. Another man stepped out tall, dark hair, dressed casually but very well. He held out a hand.
Again the crowd got silent as a hand encased in a cast was placed in Tokugawa Kyo's hand. As her bruised and bandaged legs became visible, Ralph Grazer reached in for the woman's other hand. Both helped Yukimura Aine to stand then firmly but gently holding onto her arms, helped her to walk over to the podium. It was slow going for the girl was obviously hurt but a minute or so later she finally stood before the waiting crowd of people.
"So the bitch did survive! Dammit!" Marcy got up to pace angrily.
Sakuya devoured Aine. His eyes looked her face over etching each scar and wound into his memory. He wanted to kiss each of them and make the pain away. He wanted to pick her up and hold her so that she wouldn't have to stand and comfort her. Sakuya reached for Aine but felt the pull of his restraints instead. He cursed looking briefly down at his empty hands then back up at the TV and Aine. Ralph? Why is he here? Did Aine call him? Takayama? Is it possible he came because he was worried about…me? Sakuya' felt his heart skip and wondered if he wanted his brother to worry and run to his rescue but he forgot everything as Aine began to speak.
"…I don't have much to say." She started softly then spoke a little louder. "I want to thank you all who've sent flowers and cards. Lucifer, Lucifer meant a lot to me. I looked at all of them as brothers!" Her voice went high and tears ran freely down her face. "I was friends or at least on speaking terms with all those who died. One man especially…he died protecting my life – Charlie Troxler, may he rest in peace and know that I'll never forget his sacrifice!" Aine stopped and covered her mouth as her sadness overwhelmed her.
Ralph moved closer and wrapped an arm about her shoulders. Aine took the handkerchief he offered and wiped her tears. "I'm sorry…so much death…" She took several deep breaths. "I ask, no I beg you…if you know where he is or have even just seen him – send Sakuya back to me! He may be hurt and confused. Please! I love him so much!" Aine gripped the podium leaning forward crying. "Sakuya if you can hear me – it's not over!" Aine took another calming breath. "You and me, our dreams…oh Sakuya they live. They're not dead – they live! If you can't come to me then I'll do everything in my power to find you. …I can't let you go." Her smile was sad, brave and loving. "I love you Sakuya, please come home. Thank you." Aine finished softly and bowed moving back to stand at Kyo's side.
Everyone had been touched by Aine's words but as Ralph took up position in front of the microphone, the press started demanding to know what he was doing there.
"Sakuya and I…had-have become friends. I had just arrived in Japan when I learned of this." Ralph gestured to the building behind him. "Like Yukimura-san, I want Sakuya home again. He has plenty of friends who miss him and need him. I've told Takayama-san that I'll do everything I can to help out, even offer a reward for anyone able to prove that they've seen Sakuya as well as for anyone who can shed some light on who caused this tragedy to begin with. None of the previous attacks against Lucifer were made public but the person or persons doing these things is vicious, cruel and obviously without mercy. Nobody in their right mind would do something to hurt so many innocent people. I hope you the citizens of Tokyo and all of Japan will help put this person away. In my personal opinion, this – villain deserves death!" Ralph looked directly into the cameras for several long moments. "If you have any information please call Jupiter Records, the phone lines are still in use. Thank you." Ralph bowed and allowed Takayama to once more to take center position.
"As you've just learned, there will be a reward for proven sightings of Sakuya or if you know where he is exactly and also a reward for any information on the criminal or criminals, who killed eight people, injured hundreds of others and destroyed property. Our numbers should be at the bottom of your screens now. We ask that you do not bother the families of these tragedies, they have enough to deal with at this time." Takayama looked at everyone and offered a sliver of a smile. "Thank you for listening. Questions?"
The questioning went on for at least ten minutes. They asked about the previous attacks but Takayama refused to answer since those attacks were long over and he didn't want Maria and the others bothered. There were questions about funerals and memorials but he told them honestly that they were waiting on word of Sakuya before doing that. He answered questions about police involvement. Generally they asked anything and everything about Lucifer. Most were ordinary everyday questions that could be easily directed towards the official website and others that were entirely too personal for public consumption. Takayama ended the session then. He joined the men guarding Aine then they all went back to the limo, got in and drove away.
There was silence between the two people in the borrowed bedroom. The news continued with speculation and adulation but neither one was listening anymore. Marcy stood at the edge of the bed rigidly. Disbelief and anger plus the urge to kill were her main emotions. Sakuya on the other hand had lost his tears. He felt hope and joy. The ache in his heart was gone. Aine had been speaking to him, her words allowed him to be the man he usually was. That man was cocky and self-assured in all his actions. Feeling better, Sakuya looked down at the cooling food and was suddenly ravenous. He smirked at the food, it was probably good enough but nothing beat his Aine's cooking. Before taking a bite of the food, Sakuya said her name softly as if in prayer.
"AINE! I TOLD YOU NOT TO SAY HER NAME AGAIN!" Marcy screamed. The short apron lifting to show her nakedness as her arms flayed about. "I won't put up with it Sakuya – not at all." She spoke carefully and slowly. "She's a child and a leech. She just wanted to ride your coattails to fame Sakuya. More than likely, once you'd hit the big time she would have taken as much from you as she could then moved on to the next target. Of course maybe she already has. Now that your brother has shown up, Aine will switch her attention to him! That bastard Ralph! The two deserve each other!" Marcy paced beside the bed.
Sakuya had been eating all during this speech but he slowly put down his wine glass. "How do you know Ralph Grazer is my brother?" That knowledge was not common fact. Even his best friends had been in the dark about Ralph until only recently. Aine had been the only one to know. "Wait – did Ralph send you here?!" They talked and generally got along with Aine sometimes acting as a buffer. He'd thought they might one day as close as he was with Yuki and the others but if Ralph sicced this woman on him…
Marcy's smile came back, actually she laughed. "Ralph? That stupid, stuck-up son-of-a-bitch!? He still thinks I'm locked up in that hospital where he and your father put me!" Her anger came back and she leaned on the bed commanding Sakuya's attention.
"They illegally had me committed!" She pushed hard down on the bed and stalked to the window and back her shapely ass jiggling.
Sakuya was watching but not because he was attracted to what she had no shame showing but he because now he knew what Maria and Miya had been trying to tell him. The bitch is seriously crazy! Ralph had her committed. What the hell had she done to him and what is she trying to do to me?!
"I blame your father first and foremost but Ralph followed behind him like a little puppy instead of standing up for our love! We were in college together but Ralph was going to finish a year early and he was already a year ahead of me." Her face went soft. "It was love at first sight – we spent almost all of our free time together. When he told me we had to break things off because of him going to work for your father I thought he was kidding. I argued with him and that asshole Rupert! I think Ralph was afraid he'd be cut off if he kept seeing me. Said some shit like he was going to be too busy for a girlfriend since he was going to have to start at the bottom and travel and learn how each business worked. Like hell!" Marcy had to pause to catch her breath.
So what really happened is that she probably latched on to Ralph because of who he and the money in his pockets and knowing Ralph he more than likely used her until he didn't want her anymore. I used to do that. He thought remembering the years before Aine. But when it was time to go to work, he broke it off. Something else we have or had in common – work came first, pussy second. Then if she confronted dear-ol-dad, Ralph was probably more than ready to kick her to the curb. "How could they have you committed for just arguing with them?" Sakuya asked simply not wanting to set her off since he now knew what a fruitcake she really was.
"Rupert Grazer…has enough money to make anything happen." Marcy said quietly. "I just snuck into the house because I wanted to talk to Ralph and convince him to marry me that way I could quit school and work at his side. That's all but when he realized I was there…Ralph got angry and started spouting some nonsense that we were never in love and I started to cry. We both calmed down after that and he got us some drinks." Marcy folded her arms under her breasts and pushed them up and over the top of the little apron. She worried her lip for a moment then continued. "I realized then I had no choice. Ralph was afraid of his father and would follow him no matter what. He'd forsake our love for business. I some valium in my purse…"
Sakuya frowned. If he had things right, she'd somehow gotten past security and entered the house illegally. Ralph would have rightly been upset. He'd already broken things off with her and he did know this about his brother – Ralph did whatever Grazer expected of him, sometimes to extremes! Marcy wouldn't have entered his plans at all. So she what? Tried to kill him or herself? "What happened?"
Marcy blinked as if she suddenly realized she wasn't alone. She stood up straight then reached for her wine glass and took a long swallow. "He went out like a light. You know Sakuya, I can tell you guys are brothers and it's not just the eyes. Your bodies are very similar too." She looked him over lustfully. "I stripped him, laid him out on his daddy's fancy rug – you know even drugged a man can be aroused? Then I took him inside of me. I'd already borrowed a knife from the kitchen. I was so close; we would have been together forever." She swallowed the rest of the wine and poured herself some more. Marcy again walked to the window and looked out at the empty landscape.
"It was time; I would kill Ralph and then myself. I was so in love, in so much pleasure being connected to him so intimately that I didn't hear old man Grazer in time." Marcy shook her head regretfully. "I missed his heart – I stabbed him but not enough to kill him. The next thing I knew, I woke up in the hospital. I was there for about five years before I escaped." She took a deep breath and turned to smile at Sakuya. "A year ago or was it two, I found you. Your old man kept tabs on you. I found a photo once when I was snooping around his office. You were a cute kid – Japanese but cute. I didn't make the connection from that old photo until last year. Your name maybe Ookochi but any fool who was looking could tell who sired you. One of the orderlies was into J-rock and wore T-shirt with your beautiful face on it. I knew then that I had to have you. Unlike Ralph you had talent and energy and I knew I had the skills to make you a true star! I'd had two years at college learning the entertainment business and was top of my class. Discovering you seemed like fate Sakuya." Marcy got back on the bed with him and scooted as close as the tray would allow.
Sakuya held the tray firmly over his body. The woman gave him cold chills. "Don't you mean that since you couldn't have my brother, you'll take me instead? Let me go Marcy. Is that even your name? Look, I hate the man who raped my mother. I want nothing to do with Rupert Grazer. Ralph is his heir. I'll get nothing when the old man dies. I'm not your ticket to fame and fortune." There was a hint of ire in his voice but he kept it from getting out of hand because he needed to hear what she had planned.
"Oh Sakuya!" She slapped his arm playfully. "No, no I made the wrong choice. I met Ralph first much to my disgust but I realized it was you who I could love whole-heartedly. Honestly we're so well matched that it must be heaven sent!" She lay her head on his shoulder. "And don't compare to that little girl you've been living with. You already have your own fame and soon a fortune to follow but if you must know – I'm already a millionaire thanks to your father. He paid off my parents to keep them silent and prevent them from getting me out of the hospital." She rubbed her cheek against his bicep.
He jerked and looked down at her, horror touching his face. "You – your parents, what happened to them?" Sakuya just knew she'd killed them.
"Hmm, nothing. They're elderly and were happy to see me. I told them the hospital let me go and I needed money to get back on my feet." Marcy laughed. "Even though they're rich as skunks, they refused to spend more than they need to live so the money just piled up! I didn't even take half and I'm a millionaire!" She flopped back on the pillow her arms over her head. "'Of course Mary! We knew you were a good girl – take whatever you need!' They said. They haven't got a clue." She spoke quietly for there was underlining hurt and anger that they hadn't fought for her but like she'd said they were old and preferred simple things. If a rich, influential man had said their daughter needed to be locked up then of course they believed him.
Sakuya breathed a little easier. If she'd killed her parents then it was unlikely he'd ever get away from her but she did care for them and so that gave him a modicum of hope.
"Enough of the past! We've got our future to plan. I thought we'd stay here for a little while then make a grand appearance in America! About the time the TV police drama airs – the publicity will be out of this world!" She trapped his arm between her breasts. "Besides since that little press conference, I need to plan a way to kill the three of them. That bastard Takayama fired me, I simply can't stand Aine and Ralph – well he should have died years ago so I'm just going to finish what I started and he said I wasn't in my right mind, I'll have to torture him a bit for saying that!" Marcy looked hard at Sakuya when he pulled his arm away.
"Leave'em alone. I'll go with you, I'll do whatever you want me to just…let them live." Sakuya had spoke with his eyes locked onto the tray but finally lifted his blue eyes to silently beg her to heed his request.
"You have a loving heart, that's another reason I fell for you but no I can't do that. Aine's all wrong for you Sakuya and as long as she's alive you'll try to go to her because she's so helpless on her own. Aine has to die, Ralph too. Not just for what he did to me but like you said, he's Grazer's heir but if Ralph's gone then that old bastard will have to leave you everything."
"No." He growled. "I want nothing from him! Anything I accomplish will be by my own hands. Besides he's never claimed me as his, losing Ralph won't change that!" Sakuya tried to argue but the glee and determination on her face told him it was a lost cause.
"He'll have to claim you once we go public. Rupert Grazer has a reputation to maintain so he'll probably say he didn't know about you and welcome you home like the long lost son you are and you'll comfort him as he morns Ralph – for the press's sake of course. Neither of us will have to put up with him for long, just long enough for him to leave everything to you!" Marcy laughed again. "Imagine it Sakuya, you'll be the owner of one of the largest media companies in the world! You'll be able to sing, act – whatever and no one will deny you! We can't go anywhere but up!" Her hand slid down his chest, over his hard stomach and through the curls at his sex. "Speaking of up…" She started kissing his collar bone.
Sakuya shrugged violently and lifted the tray pushing her away from him. "I am so NOT in the mood!" He couldn't pretend to want her not when she said she'd kill Aine and his blood relatives. She'd already nearly killed all he claimed as family. If Aine's words were to be believed – Yuki, Santa, Atsuro and Towa still lived! He hadn't lost those closest to him! The need to breathe a sigh of relief was denied him since he still had to fear for Aine's death.
Marcy wrapped her hand around his sex and squeezed but there was very little that was seductive about her touch. "I've been very lenient with you Sakuya – I gave you some time but I didn't do all of this to have you in my bed then refuse me!" Her voice rose several octaves. "I've killed for you! You will make love with me Sakuya – NOW."
She picked up the tray and put it back on the cart then slipped off the ridiculous apron. "You're going to have to get over her Sakuya and you might as well start now." Marcy jerked the sheet off the bed. She crawled up between his legs. "Just enjoy yourself Sakuya, I'll do all the work this time." On her tummy with his rod of flesh between her hands, Marcy took Sakuya deep into her mouth.
He threw his head back and pulled on the chains. Sakuya wasn't stupid enough to think he could throw her off this time and he didn't want to risk hurting himself for if he got the chance to get away, he'd be slowed down by his injuries. My God…there's nothing I can do! She even said drugs had little effect – the damn thing does have a mind of its own! …All right fine! She can have my body but she'll never have my love! My love, my heart belongs to Aine! I just hope…she understands and forgives me. Ah dammit! I know Aine's looking for me, Ralph too – he'll spare no expense. HURRY THE HELL UP – I DON'T WANT TO BE HER WHORE! Sakuya had never wanted to see Ralph so much as he did right then. Belief in his barely known brother was new but completely solid. He was used to saving his own ass but right now he couldn't. He was at the mercy of an escaped lunatic and what she wanted, he absolutely did not want to give. Is this what Aine felt? All women who are raped? It's…horrible… "I'm sorry Aine." Sakuya whispered as his body betrayed him.