Chapter Ten: OPERATION – What's the plan again?
We arrived in London Monday the next week. Now there's only two days before Takishima's wedding and, well, our rescue brigade isn't exactly in tip top shape. As of now, we are staying at Akira's vacation home just outside of London. We've been awake since nine in the morning, but still no plan. This is mostly my fault considering the fact that I was the one who got everyone together to go rescue Takishima, but the thing is, I came here without knowing what to do – damn it.
I sat in a chair that faced the window in the mansion's drawing room. Jun and Megumi were in the dining hall where the piano was while Ryuu stayed with the birds in the garden located at the left side of the mansion and Tadashi stayed near the forest at the back of the mansion. Akira was in the kitchen fixing us lunch.
The drawing room window faced the street and I watched as people pass by, only because there was nothing else I could do. A jet darted through the clouds and my mind drifted to the conversation that Akira and I had on the way here.
We were aboard her private jet. I looked out the window and she sat next to me. I was thinking of what we should do when we got to London. It sounded all so brave and heroic when I decided to come here and get Takishima back, but the thing is, it was another spur of the moment decision. Now it just feels as if I've dragged them with me in this mess I've made and I'm forcing them to clean it up with me.
"Hmm," I sighed loudly.
"Anything wrong Hikari?" Akira asked.
"Nothing really," I said half-heartedly.
"Hikari, look at me," she said.
I looked at her, her eyes were worried.
"Please don't lie to me," she begged.
In my heart it was hard enough to decide to go to London, and with this to add the self-inflicted emotional baggage, I don't I'll even be able to face Takishima let alone go down the plane. When have I become such a coward?
"Why am I going here again?" Akira suddenly said.
"What's the point of going all the way out to London?" She was talking mostly to herself.
"Why did I have to involve everyone in the S.A. to fix this mess I've made?"
"What am I so afraid of?"
"Akira," I was speechless.
"Hikari," she began, "these are the things going through your mind right now. I'm sure of it, you don't have to lie about it to me. I know you too well." She said with a smile.
"The reason why you're not doing this alone is because no matter what, that idiot Kei, is still part of the S.A. That moron thinks that he can stop being a part of us by going away but inside he knows he can't because he still has something left in the S.A. that's why he's still taking classes even though he's out of the country."
I directed my attention to my feet. I don't know why, but what she said made my heart sink. Maybe because what she just said made complete sense and I just never saw it that way because I thought only of the two of us and forgot about the rest of the S.A.
"I don't know what happened as to why suddenly left, or what it has to do with you, but I've known Kei ever since we were children and our parents would arrange frequent play dates for us. Even then he was still all by himself, always staying still and silent just watching me play. Honestly, it was really creepy and I never understood him completely. In kindergarten, he and Yahiro were so protective of me that I wasn't able to play with any of the other kids. I just did what they did: observed as the other kids played with each other. When we graduated out of kindergarten and stopped having play dates, I never saw him once."
"So, how long was that?" I couldn't help but ask.
"I don't know really," she said, her eyes looking upwards in thought. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. We met again a few years later when my parents had their anniversary party. I saw him, but he seemed different. I walked over to greet him. He still greeted me the same way he did but something was still off with him. We were catching with each other but in the middle of our conversation, his phone rang."
"Oh, did you ever know who called?" I asked. I was deeply interested in her story.
"Hikari."
"Yes?" I responded taken back. Why was she calling my attention?
"It was you," she started, "you were the one who called, Hikari." She smiled brightly at me.
"Oh," that was the only thing I could reply with.
"You called up to see when you guys could have a rematch because you lost in wrestling," she laughed. "I remember the life in his eyes and I couldn't help smile at him. He was talking so furiously at you but the thing is, he said all of those insults with a smile. It looked as if he was actually enjoying teasing someone. I still found it weird that he had sadistic tendencies because I never expected that out of him but ever since I saw him talk to you he couldn't stop smiling and his face showed so many expressions that I've never seen him show before."
I remained silent.
"I wondered for so long who this 'Hikari' was. I never thought that I would meet her in school when I was in my worst. You brought me up and ever since that day, I swore that I would protect you because you are someone so precious because you can bring out everyone's true colors, no matter who they are."
I felt a tear seep out of my eye.
"Don't cry, Hikari." She held my chin and directed my face to hers. "You don't have to cry. This is something that shouldn't make you cry. Sure, you feel like you've involved us in some big mess, but never forget that we're you're friends and we will always have your back."
I looked her eyes and I believed her. This past year is something that I don't want to remember, much less go through. But with people like Akira and the rest of the S.A., you wouldn't mind all that sorrow because I know I can run to them in my darkest hours.
Akira wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.
"That's why," she started, "don't give up Hikari. Never give up. I'll always be by your side. I'll never leave you. It's because of the fact that you never did and never will that I want to protect you because the people around you need you. So if you keep smiling, even in your saddest times, and if you keep believing, you'll never cease to amaze those around you just as you have amazed me. So keep as you are and keep defying gravity, breaking boundaries and tearing down walls so that everyone around you can be themselves."
I remember that I felt so enlightened when I heard her say those words to me. But now that I'm here in London, I can't seem to start anything. I haven't been able to talk to Akira ever since we got here because either she's busy with cooking our meals or going out somewhere doing errands for her family's company. I can't talk to the rest of the S.A. about this because I just don't have the heart to bring anyone else down like what I've done to Akira.
"Excuse me, Hikari-sama," somebody called my attention from the drawing room door. It was the maid. "Akira-sama said that lunch will be served in a few minutes and she is requesting that you be there after this message."
"Thank you," I smiled at her. She curtsied and left.
I went to the dining room and saw everyone else seated already. I took the seat to the left of Akira, who sat at the head of the table. Tadashi sat at Akira's right while Ryuu sat next to me, and of course Jun and Megumi would follow suit. Akira stood up and cleared her throat.
"Everyone, I know I've been busy lately, but those busy times have not been wasted," she declared.
"Of course, you've spent most of your time making us your awesome snacks," Tadashi replied happily.
"You know Tadashi, there's a knife to my right and any sudden movements or any slips will lead to bloodshed. And I don't want to stain my mother's expensive designer satin table covers."
"Y-you didn't let me finish," Tadashi cleared his throat, "and of course I'm thankful for all the snacks you've made. They have always been on par, if not, beyond with my expectations."
The whole room was silent and everyone stared at Tadashi.
"Whoa, Tadashi, that was so unusually sweet of you," I said under my breath.
"I don't care whether it's on par with your expectations or beyond it. I do it for the enjoyment of Hikari and the others, you idiot!" Akira was really red in the face that she could make a bloody murder look white. She slapped him at the back of his head.
"Why do you hit me, bear lady, after I've said something nice about you?" Tadashi asked with a puppy dog expression on his face.
"It's because you interrupted me, you moron," Akira replied. "Now, be a good boy and I will let you help me bake two chocolate cakes later and one of them will be yours."
"Really?" Tadashi said, eyes sparkling.
"Really, now pipe down before I change my mind," Akira warned.
"Yes Ma'am!" Tadashi saluted her.
"Right, now back to what I was saying, those busy times have bore fruit. I bet you guys never suspected that I was actually getting my hands on the Takishima Corp.'s blue prints so we could break in."
"Very devious," Tadashi said admiringly.
"And this afternoon Hikari and I will devise a plan that will amaze you all," she boasted.
My jaw dropped a bit. Well, I don't want to spoil Akira's moment, so I'll just smile.
"Now, I have prepared a feast for all of you for tomorrow there will be drills of the plan to be ran," Akira announced. Wait, what? Oh crap! Takishima's wedding is in two days! How could I forget?
"But, there're only two days, including this day, before the wedding and we still don't have a plan," I protested. "We can't possibly make a plan fast because we still have to think of the strengths and weaknesses of each person as well as consider the possible options if one plan fails and –"
Akira shoved a piece of candy in my mouth.
"Hikari, I told you, you have us behind you. So, stop worrying," she smiled, her finger pressed against my lips.
"Hikari's right, bear lady, tomorrow's the day before the wedding. So there's no way we can run drills because we have to rest," Tadashi stuck his tongue out.
"You didn't let me finish," Akira started, "drills will be ran tomorrow for Tadashi." Akira had an evil grin on her face, "so enjoy your last meal and savor each bite because after tomorrow your body will be eating nothing but mush."
Once the food was placed on the table, Tadashi attacked each and every dish in range. From stuffed chicken to the potato salad, every plate and bowl was emptied in mere minutes. Luckily, Akira anticipated this and had the next batch brought in. She then tied Tadashi to his chair with a scarf.
"Hmm," Akira said mockingly, "this is such a good meal isn't it Tadashi?"
Tadashi cannot move from his position, and just watched as the rest of us ate. He looked really pissed.
"Here," Akira held a spoonful of chocolate pudding in front of Tadashi, "say 'ah'"
Tadashi's mouth was wide open and Akira was about to feed but at the last moment she pulled back.
"If you bite my arm off, I'll be roasting you for dinner," she warned. He nodded.
She fed him chocolate pudding for the remainder of the meal.
We finished eating half past one. I went back to the drawing room with Akira.
"Now, Hikari, here're the blue prints. So, anything?" she started.
"Uhm," I reached out to take the blue prints but ended up pulling away. I was too afraid to see the complicated plans and to think of who to station where. I just couldn't.
"Akira, can you just leave the blue prints at the table by the window? I'll think of something," I smiled. But I lied.
"Sure," she said, "I'll bake the chocolate cake with Tadashi while you think of something," she smiled back.
She left the blue prints at the table and as soon as she left the room, I ran upstairs to get my coat and darted out the door. I was already two blocks away and still I don't know where I'm heading.
"Hikari!" Somebody called out. I turned to see Ryuu catching up to me.
"Where are you going?" He said as he caught his breath.
"I don't know myself," I answered grimly.
"Well, why don't you come with me to this coffee shop just a few blocks away from here?" Ryuu said.
"I don't think I can –"
"I hear that their chocolate cake is good," he cut me off.
"Okay." What the hell was that? I didn't even think about it. I guess I can't resist food right now.
We reached the coffee shop after a few minutes. On the way here, we barely had a conversation because each time a bird flew by, Ryuu would name it almost automatically and he would forget what we were talking about completely.
We sat near the door. Ryuu went to the counter to order for us and I watched as people passed. Each time I think about people passing by, I think about opportunities passing by me – and of how stupid I am for letting them pass me without doing anything.
I turn my attention to the interior of the coffee shop. It gave off a cozy vibe with its warm colors and large sofas with people just talking or some just grab a book from the shelves next to them and start reading.
"Here you are," Ryuu set down his coffee and my chocolate cake.
"Thank you, I owe you for this," I said before stuffing my mouth with a spoonful of chocolate cake.
"Don't worry about it," he smiled at me before taking a sip of his coffee. "So, how's the cake?"
"Good. Really good," I said my mouth filled with chocolate cake to point that some of it slide out of the corners of my lips.
"Hikari," Ryuu gestured for me to wipe my mouth. I followed suit.
"What's on your mind?" He asked suddenly.
"Just what to plan for, or what is the plan anyway? I dragged you guys with me but the thing is, once again I failed to think things through." I threw my head back and inhaled. "It just pisses me off how careless I was and now we're stuck in this mess and I don't know how to clean it."
Ryuu took a sip of his drink. He set the cup down and locked his fingers. "You're right, it's all your fault we're in this mess," he said plainly with a smile.
I felt a big boulder drop on me. That didn't help at all. "That didn't help at all," I voiced out.
"The thing is, I thought you settled this with Akira already? I thought that she told you that no matter what, we're always behind you? Aren't we friends?"
"Honestly, out of all the people in the S.A., you're the person who I spent the least time with."
"I know," he sipped his coffee. "I want to know more of you. I've spent years in the S.A. and honestly I also spent the leas time with you. So let's start again, shall we? Hello I am Ryuu, what's your name?"
"Hikari," I laughed. This is actually kind of fun.
"I like animals a lot and I take care of Jun and Megumi, who you might know considering they are also in the S.A. together with the two of us, Akira, Tadashi and Kei."
"Yes, I noticed that you like animals a lot from the way you immediately named each bird that flew by when we were walked going here—"
"Ahp," he cut me, "that's not allowed. Remember we just met today."
"Oh yes, sorry," I cleared my throat. "I like wrestling and competing with a certain someone. But the thing is no matter what I do, I always end up in second place."
"Man, bummer," he commented.
"I know right?" I laughed.
"So I bet he calls you 'Miss Second Place,' right?"
"Yup, you got that right.," I laughed.
We just kept exchanging random facts about ourselves and just kept talking. We kept talking for about an hour, but it seemed longer. What Ryuu did really made me feel lighter and now, at least I got to know him better. I understand why Jun and Megumi cling to him. It's because he's a big brother to both of them and I can see that he's acting the same way to me with the way he's cheering me up. I'm thankful for what he did.
"So are you ready to go?" He asked.
"Uhm," before I could answer, Jun and Megumi came in.
"There they are," Jun walked over to our table.
"Ah, Jun, Megumi," Ryuu greeted them, "have you met Hikari?"
"Did he drink something bad?" Megumi scribbled.
"I'm fine, but have you met Hikari?" He repeated with a wink and a smile.
"Oh," Jun exclaimed and Megumi scribbled.
"Hello I am Jun, and this is my sister Megumi. As you can see, we are twins, I like music and so does she. We belong to a family of musicians. I play the piano while Megumi sings."
"I use this magic slate board to talk because I'm saving my voice. I don't know when I'll have a concert, but at least I'll be prepared," Megumi scribbled.
"It's nice to meet both of you, I am Hikari and I am known as Miss Second Place because I always lose to a certain someone."
"That must stink if you always lose," Jun said.
"Yes, it kind of sucks but I enjoy competing with that certain someone," I said between giggles.
"Also, Jun has a split personality when he's kissed by a lady. He becomes a lady's man," Megumi scribbled down.
"That's unfair! That's supposed to be a secret, Megumi!" Jun complained.
I just laughed at the two of them and how Ryuu tried to stop them from bickering even more. Before the fighting stopped Megumi scribbled down, "I'm older that's why I get to bully you around," then she stuck out her tongue.
"Alright, enough you two, it's very rare for the two of you to fight," Ryuu commented.
"I understand why they love you so much Ryuu," I said. "You're a big brother to them and today you were also one to me. I needed cheering up and you cheered me up the same a brother or a friend would."
He smiled at me.
"So, yeah, we are friends. Definitely," I smiled. "Thank you, Ryuu."
"You're welcome anytime, Hikari. So shall we go home now?"
"You guys go ahead. I think I might just be ready to think of a plan," I smiled at the three of them as they left.
I looked around the coffee shop again. People were enjoying themselves and so was I. I think it's about time I thought of a plan. I ordered another chocolate cake and borrowed a pen from the clerk at the counter. Okay, now I'm ready to think of a pla – the blue prints are not with me, great. My arms were crossed on the table. That was really stupid, but I can't help but to laugh to myself. I just went on to finish my chocolate cake, but someone came to me.
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to disturb you but, can I please sit with you? Everywhere else is full and –"
"No problem," I smiled at her.
She sat down and set down her chocolate cake and her tea.
"I heard that the chocolate cake here was good," she started, "so I came here to check it out."
"I should know," I said pointing to my half eaten chocolate cake. "This is my second order already."
"So I guess it is that good then," she laughed. "So what brings you to London? You're features surely say that you are not from here but your English is pretty good."
"I'm from Japan and I came here to apologize to someone who's really special to me, who I hurt really bad."
"Oh," she said with intrigue, "a love story, how romantic."
"Well, it's not really a love story," I said quite hesitantly.
"But you're not denying it. So it really is a love story. There's still the essence of love in it no matter what," she said.
"Well if you put it that way –"
"Hmm," she sighed, "I envy you right now."
"Why?"
"At least you're a part of this quest. You're here to get the love of your life back, and you'll find danger, excitement and romance. Every girl wants something like that. You're really lucky."
She really seems interested in what I'm telling her. She seems so neglected, for lack of a better word. She looks around at some of the couples seating in the armchairs, one of them feeding the other. One of them suddenly places frosting on the other's nose. She looks at them with so much longing that it makes me look at them the same way. I guess she might just have the same problem as I do. Wait, Takishima is SO not – never mind. I don't want to go to that gray area.
"Hey, how old are you?" I asked
"I'm in my senior year of high school, so eighteen."
"So am I," I replied.
"But, unlike you – unless you are also, I'm getting married."
"Really? Already?" I used to think that that only existed during the middle ages. I mean, she's just too young! She can do more with her life.
"Why do you have to get married all of a sudden?"
"My parents want me to considering that this guy I'm marrying is some kind of family friend or something like that," her gaze dropped to her tea which was stirring absentmindedly.
"Let me guess, you don't like this guy?"
"He's okay I guess, but there's somebody else," she was gazing out the window now. She looked for a while and it made me look. I saw a couple under the streetlight sharing an umbrella. Oh great, it's raining.
"Is there no way out of it?" I asked.
"No I guess, the wedding's really near already and we definitely cannot cancel it anymore so much has been spent," she said glumly.
"I'm sure there's another way out of it," I assured her. "I have a feeling that the wedding might not go well. I don't know why but it's just a gut feeling." What the hell am I saying? I reached for her hand and held it, "Just don't give up on it."
"You're really sweet," she squeezed my hand and pulled away. "I'm afraid there's no other way out. So, as for you, don't give up because you still have another chance."
Before I could say anything else a tall man wearing a black coat came up behind her.
"It's time to go now, Ma'am," his voice was deep and rough. It sounds kind of scary.
"Yes, I know," she took one last sip of tea and stood up. She headed for the door but stopped.
"What's your name?"
"Hikari Hanzono," I answered.
"It's nice meeting you Hikari Hanazono, I'm Lilibeth Masters. See you again I guess," she smiled and left.
I held my smile until she was out of the door.
I just met Takishima's fiancé. Of all the places and all of times, I met her today. At first I thought that if I met his fiancé I'd do something stupid like maybe declare war if she doesn't want to give him to us, but getting to meet her under these circumstances makes it different. I guess there's more reason for me to be here than to just get Takishima back. I have to help someone else.
This new conviction burned within me. I have to get home and start on that plan, even if it takes all night.
I dashed out of the coffee shop and headed back to Akira's vacation house.
I entered the house and it was quiet. I went to the drawing room to see Ryuu asleep in a chair with an opened book on his lap. A blanket hung over him, but it hardly covered him. I went over to fix it so that we would be fully covered.
"Took you long enough," he yawned, one eye opened.
"Well, I met someone that gave more reason to my coming here to save Takishima," I replied.
"So, what's it going to be?"
"I'll tell you how we'll break in tomorrow, go get some sleep," took the book from his lap and placed on the table beside him. "Where are the twins?"
"Asleep upstairs," he answered back.
"You should go sleep upstairs too."
"Nah, I'll finish this book. Thanks though," he yawned and continued with his book.
As soon as I left the drawing room, I heard him snoring.
I went to the kitchen to drink some water before going to sleep.
"Not there you, moron!" That was definitely Akira, I stopped at the kitchen door to avoid any flying objects being thrown. "Don't you there, Tadashi!" Wait, what's going on? I took a few steps inside making sure they don't notice me. Thankfully there's a counter at the center of the kitchen and pans hung above it blocking most of myself from view.
Tadashi's arms were wrapped around Akira and one of his fingers was pointed at her nose.
"I swear I'll hit you if you do that," Akira held a pan in one hand, but she was restrained by Tadashi's arms.
"Try me," he taunted his tongue sticking out. He touched the tip of her nose. What's that? Frosting?
"That's it!" Akira tried swinging the pan around but to no avail.
"Told you can't do anything," he laughed. He released her. I looked away because I know what'll happen next. I heard nothing. I peered with one eye and saw Akira's arms wrapped around Tadashi's neck.
"You maybe an idiot, but at least you're my idiot," she said. That doesn't sound very assuring.
"That doesn't sound very assuring," Tadashi said.
"I know, but at least you're mine," she rested her head on his chest. He rested his head in hers and he hugged her tight.
"So, let's see how the cakes taste like," Akira said pulling away.
"Mine will taste awesome I'm sure of it," Tadashi said boastfully.
"Only because I made it, idiot," she hit him at the back of the head. "Want a slice?"
"No, I don't think I'm hungry at all," he said yawning. "I'm going to sleep."
"I have to wait for Hikari," Akira said looking worried.
"Hikari's a big girl and you know it. She can wrestle Takishima Kei and live. Not just to tell about it but actually live," Tadashi said.
"Kei's not a monster. Well, usually – or sometimes – well, he's just a scary human being," Akira retorted.
"Anyway, goodnight," Tadashi said and he started walking out of the kitchen.
"Goodnight," Akira called out.
Tadashi was walking towards me. I crouched by the counter to hide myself. Luckily, he didn't notice me. While crouching down, I waited for Tadashi to get out of the kitchen, and then I crawled out. I went to front door and slammed it loud, making it appear as if I just arrived. Good thing there was only the S.A. and the maids, at least nobody would scold me for doing that.
"Hikari-sama, shush. People are sleeping already." A maid passed by and scolded me. Okay, next time be careful.
"Hikari you're back," Akira came out wiping frosting of her face.
"Yeah, anyway, I'll be in the drawing room to think of a plan."
"You don't want anything to eat?"
"No thank you," I smiled. "Go get some sleep. I'll be telling you guys how to break in tomorrow."
Akira smiled. She went to me and hugged me. "I'm glad you're back."
"Yeah, so am I." I hugged her tight.
"Anyway, I'll be finishing up in the kitchen and then I'll go sleep. Good night and good luck." With that, Akira went back to the kitchen. I went to the drawing room. The blue prints were just where Akira placed them earlier. I took them and opened them. I read it. What the hell? What kind of blue prints are these? These aren't blue prints; this is a security plan of the wedding! Well, this is better actually.
"Everything is just perfect."
Crashing the wedding will be a cinch. But how do we get in?
A/N:
Okay guys, just a few more chapters and the story is finished. I thought of telling you guys now rather than just placing something like "The End" in the last chapter and leaving like "What?" Don't' you just hate it when some stories are just too short? I hate that, that's why I'm telling you guys now. Maybe some of you expected more out of this and maybe I wasn't; able to meet your expectations, but I'm still glad you guys even took the time to read this.
Anyway, more on the teary goodbye when I finish the story. Until then, thank you again for all the support you've given this story.
Enjoy the rest of it!
~randomnessonhigh