A/N: Thank you for all your supports! It's been interesting reading all the speculations...the most common speculation actually never crossed my mind, hm, or maybe I'm just weird...?
Well, I'm still following my original outline. Believe it or not, the entire arc2 was planned before everything else so, I'm not changing anything...and...
Be ready for loads of stuff happening, I guess. It's a pretty long chapter after all
Again, another suitable lyrics for this chapter...
Warning: language, violence at the end (well you should be immune to it by now I hope)
Disclaimer: I do not own K-on. Fortunately...
Choose friends or love, light or deep
Pure love and confusion, the pain is so much that you'd pass out
Behind your happy face… you're hurting inside
Chapter 11 – Sweet Bitter Beauty Song
Mio froze.
When Yui had spotted Azusa going somewhere, the brunette immediately went to follow their kouhai, asking Mio to go back to the warehouse first. When she got near the door, she heard the sound of someone crying. Her best friend.
All of Mugi's weird and fake smiles from earlier the day flashed in her mind. Something really was troubling Mugi. Mio was about to rush in and comfort her best friend when she heard the blonde's confession.
The black-haired girl was paralyzed.
She was so shocked, shocked at her best friend's feelings... and her own ignorance.
How could she have been so blind? All this time…
No, 'shocked' would not be adequate enough to describe the turmoil brewing in her mind.
Mio was disgusted at herself – her best friend had been suffering silently all this time, yet she didn't even notice. No, how dare she call herself Mugi's best friend? How could she not know Mugi was in love with Ritsu –
Putting a hand to her heart, Mio was extremely uncomfortable at the persistent twinge there. What's this? Am I…am I jealous…of Mugi?
Scoffing at the ridiculous notion, she shook her head. Yet the pain stayed there stubbornly.
Mugi has always been kind to me… how could I feel this way? My best friend who always supported me...is this how I repay her? So what if they've gone on a 'date'… why should I even be jealous? Why am I feeling this way? Just because...I also feel the same way about Ritsu?
Mio recalled last night – how she had fallen asleep in Ritsu's arms and had woken up ...peacefully, for the first time in many years. Usually there were either nightmares of her past, of what she did, or there was just an endless grey void - no matter how much she shouted, she could hear nothing.
But in Ritsu's arms, the nightmares had vanished, and Mio found that the monochrome void was actually colorful and filled with soothing sounds - she just didn't look hard enough before, when everything had been right there, all along. They had ended up talking the entire night; Mio had tried her best telling Ritsu what happened to her during middle school and in return, Ritsu spoke about a bit of her story too. Both of them were still tentative around the gang subjects, especially Ritsu, but Mio found that she no longer cared.
After reaching the conclusion that she had always felt this way about Ritsu ever since they were little, Mio was satisfied just with Ritsu being here with them now.
Yet, after hearing Mugi's confession, possessiveness filled Mio's mind so intensely that it terrified her.
Stop it, Akiyama Mio! It's not the time for this! Mugi had always been there for you. You should go to her!
She was snapped out of her thoughts when someone ran into her, almost knocking her over.
Grey clashed with blue.
Mio gulped dryly as she took in Mugi's teary face. Mugi, who was always smiling gently, who was always watching over them with a serene expression that never failed to calm Mio's turbulent mind– was now biting her lips trying not to cry aloud, her eyes red and puffy with tears.
She had never seen Mugi like this before.
It was like a knife had sliced open her heart, knowing she might be the reason for it.
Mio was all too familiar with Mugi's expression – she understood too well how agonizing it felt to want to release your pain yet could not and would not. She understood all too well how humiliating it was to let other people, especially those who were close to you, see your vulnerability.
Even then, she still wanted to comfort her best friend. It hurt her too much to see such raw pain in those wide blue eyes. She reached out tentatively. Her voice cracked.
"M-Mugi, I-"
"I'm so sorry!" The blonde choked out. The soft fabric of Mugi's vest slipped by her outstretched fingers as Mugi ran away.
Away from her.
Mio stood rooted to the spot; that dread, that icy feeling was slowly spreading from her heart, clawing outwards until it reached the tips of her toes and fingers.
Why is she apologizing? And why can't I move? Why can't I go after her? Akiyama Mio, get a hold of yourself!
Yet she still couldn't move. She could only stare dumbly into space, her mind buzzing with blankness.
Her hand was still extended towards an empty space.
Mugi…she said she loves Ritsu. And then she saw me and run away. Does she…does she know about my feelings? Wait, Ritsu, what did Ritsu say-
The black-haired girl willed her head to move, looking inside the warehouse, only to find Ritsu standing there with her head bowed and bangs covering her eyes. Just like Mio, the drummer was also frozen to her spot.
"Mio-chan, what are you doing?" Yui's quizzical voice came drifting through the haze of her mind. Both Mio and Ritsu jolted.
Azusa looked back and forth between the two worriedly. "D-did something happen?"
Mio swallowed, glancing at Ritsu for some sort of reaction. The drummer finally turned around to face them, a stiff smile on her pale face.
Such an unnatural sight made Mio wince.
"Heh, it's nothing, Azusa. Um, seems like …Mugi had something to do today, and I've got something to do too. I know I'd promised to make up for the lost time but I'll have to cancel practice today. Sorry guys."
Without a second glance, Ritsu walked out of the warehouse briskly, her eyes not meeting Mio's.
"Ne, Mio-chan, what happened? " The carefree smile was gone from Yui's face; her brown eyes were ablaze and her voice solemn. Azusa also looked up at her, panicking. "I thought you and Ritsu-senpai had already made up! What's happening? And where is Mugi-senpai really?"
Mio still couldn't form words. She wanted to answer, she really did, but nothing came out of her mouth.
Ritsu was lying on her couch, with one arm hanging off the edge and the other covering her eyes.
She had wanted to look for Mugi, but she had no idea where to go look for the keyboardist. She thought about going to the dormitory, but she didn't even know which was Mugi's room - no, without a key, she couldn't even get into the building.
Defeated, Ritsu had trudged back to her apartment, exhausted from all these events happening within such a short period of time. All of them were giving her a throbbing headache that only intensified the more she thought about them.
First, it was Ichigo's visit, then Mio's involvement with Hayabusa, and then Mio's painful story from middle school.
And now, Mugi's unexpected feelings.
Ritsu simply could not fathom someone like Mugi actually feeling that way about her, Tainaka Ritsu, of all the people. It had never crossed her mind, not even once.
It was just so incredibly ridiculous that she had never, ever considered the possibility.
"Love"? What is that?
Such a foreign word. An unknown. Something that she had witnessed around her, yet something she felt so distant about...something of no relevance to her. Even back then, during the worst time of her life, within the depths of Ookami -
"Heh, you really... love... each other don't you? I always see you two together."
"Ah, Ricchan, I didn't see you there. Yup! I love Akane-chan!"
"E-Eri! Don't say it so loud!"
Ritsu was slumped face-down on an old couch. Having heard her friends' footsteps, she slowly turned her head to look at them. She was still exhausted, having just returned from a rather vicious fight, yet seeing these two...
Her lips curved. How interesting. Even though her own chest burned, harshly reminding her that she could have experienced something like that had she not torn out all of her emotions. No, it was empty to her now.
But she can still observe it, can't she? And to see such an innocent, untainted emotion, within all that endless rage and mindless violence...this was really refreshing. She hid her bloody arm beneath her jacket, not wanting such a gory sight to ruin the light-hearted atmosphere.
"So, you sure you're both happy here, in Ookami?"
"Of course, Ricchan. It's only thanks to you...that I get to stay with Akane-chan."
"You have no idea how grateful we are that you let us join, even though we don't really contribute much."
"Don't mention it, I've told you many times already, it's fine... looking at you two... well, with all those fights going on... it's nice."
Ritsu sighed, willing herself to stop thinking about the past she left behind.
It's nice...yea...it's a nice feeling, I guess.
The only closest comparison Ritsu could think of was how she felt about her family.
Which was brutally ripped away from her.
Ever since then, there were only conditional humor and suppressed anger and pain in her empty shell of a mind.
So to hear such sincere yet agonized voice from Mugi, saying that word, to her...
Ritsu's throat ached fiercely.
Was it because I'd saved her from those thugs before? Was it because I had helped her choosing her father's present? No, it doesn't matter what the reason was... how could anyone feel that way about someone like me? I don't deserve any of it. I can't even protect Mio properly, so how on Earth-?
With her vision shaded by the cradle of her arm, Ritsu could almost picture Mugi's smiling face. Beautiful, gentle Mugi who was always so patient, so gracious, so elegant, so pure -
She clenched her fists, taking a deep breath.
Mugi... you've been really good to me. You've listened to my problems, you've never judged me and most importantly, you were there for Mio when I couldn't. You aren't like us, Mugi. You're not tainted by darkness like we are. So why me, Mugi? There are so many better options, someone who can treat you the way you deserve, someone who can actually return your feelings -
She sat up abruptly. gripping the edge of the sofa.
I do like you, Mugi, I really do. It always feel so nice and relaxing to be around you, so peaceful. Talking to you...it makes me forget my past. You are so accepting that I have no trouble talking to you. It makes me feel like a simple high school girl, just a president of the light music club.
She recalled the way Mugi had smiled on that day, and how Ritsu herself had smiled back. It almost felt surreal - just the two of them, hanging out together. And it was only two days ago. Mugi's hand had felt so warm in her own, so warm that she could practically feel the blonde's kindness and gentleness.
But what you feel about me...it simply doesn't exist in me, Mugi. I've got nothing. And...even if I do, I don't have anything to back it up. All I ever do is bring pain. It is never my place to bring people that kind of happiness. I cannot... I'm not capable of that emotion anymore.
Ritsu chuckled wryly. She'd thought such a realization would upset her yet... she felt nothing. As if she had known it all along. Acceptance...or rather, resignation.
I'm only here for one reason only. For my family's sake.
She stared at the spot in front of her, the spot where a certain black-haired girl had fallen asleep in her arms, just last night.
As for Mio... I've already sworn to make you smile again, and I intend to keep that promise, especially after what you told me. But...
Her eyes glazed over as she touched the bandages on her neck. It was only a surface wound, but she could still feel the pulsating pain - after all, there were much stronger emotions embedded in the attack.
Ichigo... I guess you still haven't forgiven me, have you?
The former leader of Ookami sighed, recalling the conversation between her and Ichigo two days ago, just before she had ran into Mugi -
"Why are you really here, Ichigo? I know you're not just here to ask me to rejoin Ookami. We both know you don't really want me back."
Ritsu kept her fist right beside the shorter girl's face; it was more like a habit - she knew this mere action would do nothing to intimidate ice block Ichigo.
"..."
"Well? What are these four guys doing here huh? Never seen them before. Must be new members huh?" Ritsu sneered, glaring at them. The four boys flinched and looked away, not daring to look at her.
Ichigo played with the blade in her hand, shrugging.
"...I didn't ask them to accompany me."
"Hnnf. Whatever. Well then, tell me. Why. Are. You. Here."
"...Hayabusa is growing in size. No matter how weak those new recruits were, they are still increasing their numbers... they're getting way too... arrogant. They need to be exterminated. Immediately."
"Heh, you're still the same as ever, Ichigo."
"..."
"...alright, continue."
"We've recently found out that they had set up a new hideout, and my brother had asked me to check it out. Here, map."
Ritsu stared at the piece of paper disdainfully, but she stuffed it in her pocket anyways.
"Cheh, why are you telling me this, Ichigo? It has nothing to do with me. Not anymore."
"You'll seek them out soon, Tainaka. They seem to be planning something."
"Like I said, it has nothing to do with me."
Ichigo only stared at her. Ritsu glared back.
"Yea, it has nothing to do with me," Ritsu muttered, but really, her heart was saying otherwise. Mio had confronted her former gang members just to find out why Hayabusa was after me, and got hurt in the process... no, it's definitely personal now.
Yet at this moment, Ritsu felt too tired to even contemplate going over to Onigaoka. She must sort things out first. She must patch things up with Mugi first.
I'll need to settle things with Ookami somehow, and Hayabusa too. I've told you I need you, Mio. I need you to keep me sane. I just need you...to be by my side, so I don't forget the person I was once. But there are some things I can't let you get involved with. There were so many things I need to do first. I need to put my promise on hold...if you'll wait for me.
No matter how much she'd wished things to be different, she knew it was futile. It was useless to fantasize about 'what-ifs'.There were too many thing she wished she could have changed -
If she could, she would have never left Mio, who would have never gone through all those torments.
If she could, she would have kept her family at home that day, so they would not have encountered their would-be murderer.
If she could, she would have kept a careful distance to all of them, so none of them would have gotten involved with her. Mugi would not have felt...this way about her.
Yet the reality was cruel, something she had learned long ago.
She cannot change the past - all she can do was try her best to make sure the future did not turn out the same.
Ritsu's eyes burned as she exhaled shakily. A bitter laugh left her lips.
Yea, this is all I can do.
Azusa sat against the crates, in a pose similar to a certain drummer's...but even then, she could not even fathom what was on Ritsu-senpai's mind. She stared into space, her expression vacant, but she was biting her lips trying not to panic. Yui was sitting beside her, draping an arm around the younger girl's shoulder in a comforting gesture. The two of them had remained in the warehouse when Mio had left them brusquely, something about going back to dorm to check if Mugi was there.
"... Ritsu-senpai and Mio-senpai are going to be fine, right? Mugi-senpai too," Azusa's voice was so soft that Yui had to strain to hear her.
"Of course they will be fine," Yui's optimistic reply was expected, but what she said next surprised Azusa. "But this is something we shouldn't interfere, Azunyan."
"...why not? We are their f-friends, aren't we? Isn't it up to us to patch things up between them?"
Yui shook her head, her characteristic smile still absent. "Mugi-chan...no, not just her, Mio-chan too. They need to talk to each other about their feelings - their feelings about Ricchan."
"Feelings?" Azusa blinked, "...Yui-senpai, do you know something I don't?"
"I was up all night thinking about this," the brunette spoke in such a mature tone that Azusa had to make sure she wasn't imagining things. "Before the fight yesterday, Mugi-chan had looked so happy - it must be because of Ricchan and... well, Mugi-chan must have realized something about Ricchan. I've told you I'd known Mio-chan and Ricchan since we were only kids, Azunyan. Even though we were all really close friends, I knew Mio-chan and Ricchan were not just best friends. There was something... I can't really explain it, but there seemed to be some sort of glow around Mio-chan whenever she was with Ricchan. I saw this same glow on Mugi-chan yesterday too..."
Yui chuckled lightly, "I don't really know how to explain it, Azunyan, but it's just a feeling I get when I looked at them. Oh! You know how cakes are so much better with strawberries on it? That's how I see Mio-chan and Mugi-chan! I think they've found their strawberries! Oh, but I don't think Ricchan's just a strawberry. To me, Ricchan...she is like a...like a jelly! Like, it's sort of transparent but I can't really see through her either..."
Azusa could only stare at her senpai in silent admiration. To think, Yui-senpai had noticed so much before Azusa herself did. Yui-senpai may not know how to really identify that 'glow' and that her use of ...food comparison was rather strange, but Azusa could understand what she was trying to say. So... Mugi-senpai and Mio-senpai...both like like Ritsu-senpai?
Somehow Azusa wasn't really surprised at this revelation. She supposed that on some level, she had always known but never took much notice of it - she did not think it would affect their group dynamic so much, and that there was always something to keep her distracted from analyzing the whole situation, such their band practice, gang fights or even tests.
As for Ritsu-senpai, well, Azusa would rather bury herself first before admitting it but, back in middle school, she did have some sort of crush on the playful senpai who had saved her until it transcended to something akin to an 'older sister' feeling.
And as the 'younger sister', I don't want to see you hurt...no, I don't want to see any of you hurt.
"You're right, Yui-senpai. They really need to talk. But we'll be ready, won't we? If they need someone to talk to..."
"Of course, Azunyan. They have to take the first steps themselves, but if they need a hand, we'll be right there when they need us," Yui finally smiled, somewhat proudly, and patted Azusa's head. The younger girl had to suppress the urge to break into a silly smile.
"Oh yea, Azunyan, you have that glow too, but I don't really know what that is either... who is it? Who's your strawberry?"
Faced with those innocent brown eyes, Azusa blushed, but before she could formulate any sort of reply, Yui's phone rang.
"It's Mio-chan. Didn't she go back to her dorm? Maybe she found Mugi-chan..." Yui trailed off, her eyes went wide. She closed her phone and quickly pulled Azusa up.
"We need to go meet up with Mio-chan, now!"
The younger girl found herself being pulled along out of the warehouse. All that warm and fuzzy feeling was doused by an unknown dread, striking her chest hard as she and Yui ran towards the dorm.
What's this feeling?
Mio opened the door to their shared room, only to find it empty. She blinked slowly, surprised at how...foreign this room looked.
Yes...whenever I come back, Mugi is always here with a smile, ready to listen if I want to talk. She rubbed her arms, shivering slightly. Has this room always been this cold...and empty?
She slumped down on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her mind was completely jumbled up, unable to hold onto a single thought. She did not even know what she was thinking about. All she could see was her best friend's tears, and all she could hear was what Mugi had said to Ritsu...
Mugi...where are you? You've always listened to me...I know I may not be the best choice but... I'd like to listen to you for once. Let me do something for you for once...
She glanced at the photo frames on the counters beside Mugi's bed.
Like me, Mugi also cherishes the photos very much...photos of our friends...and Ritsu. Ritsu and Mugi...they would make a great pair won't they? I can vouch for both of them...they suit each other well, don't they?
The horrible feeling in her chest only intensified. Mio chuckled dryly. Jealousy? What do I have to be jealous of? I shouldn't be so greedy. I should just be happy with what I have already. Ritsu said she needs me...of course I'll try my best to be there for her. She's done so much for me, like Mugi. As their friend, I should be helping them -
Exhaling deeply, Mio buried her face into her pillow.
What should I do? Just what is tomorrow going to be like...for us? Just how are we going to ...be around each other?
Hurried footsteps could be heard outside in the hallway. Mio sat up just in time to see the door opening forcefully, crashing against the wall.
"Tsumugi! Are you-"
The principal of Sakuragaoka, Mugi's father, trailed off, seeing there was only Mio in the room.
Mio had never heard the complete story from her best friend, but she could speculate what Mugi's relationship was like with her father. In Mio's own opinion, Mr. Kotobuki was an amiable man who honestly seemed to care about his daughter very much through his awkward attempts at father-daughter bonding. Though usually laid-back, he could be stern if the situation called for it; Mio had seen the furious expression on the man's face before, once, when he was trying to gather evidence to sue Onigaoka.
But now, the man's face was completely pale with cold sweat visible on his brows.
"Ah, Akiyama-san, h-have you seen my daughter?" There was a desperate edge in his voice, his wide eyes staring at her and his hands shaking.
"What's going on, Kotobuki-san?" Mio fought to keep the tremor from her own voice; that icy blanket was thrown over her body again, a very unsettling feeling of premonition.
"T-this arrived at my office not too long ago..."
With trembling hands, he handed a piece of paper to Mio.
She swore her heart stopped.
We have your daughter.
Do not contact the authorities, or else.
The cellphone's sudden vibrations broke Ritsu out of her musings. She was just about to go drive around town...so what now? Ritsu truly despised the phone and would love to get rid of it if it weren't for its use as a communication device. After all, it was through a simple phone call that she received the news about her family, the very news that had changed her life forever. She stared at the screen uneasily, her heart thumping in anticipation.
Akiyama Mio.
Mio...never called me. What happened?
She cleared her throat and answered the call hesitantly.
"Mio? What's wrong?"
The voice at the other end bordered on sheer panic. "Ritsu! M-Mugi...Mugi was k-kidnapped!"
A bucketful of ice drenched her mind.
Without waiting for her reply, Mio continued, her usual composure completely gone. "When I got back our room, the principal came to find me and...he had received a vague letter that said someone had gotten Mugi and...it didn't say anything about the ransom ... he wanted to know where Mugi was...I couldn't answer him at all. He couldn't really notify the authorities because the letter warned us not to...we don't have information on the kidnapper so he didn't want to let this to be known to other people either, in case t-they do something to Mugi..."
"No...information?" Ritsu's voice was calm, but there was a deafening roar in her mind. She could barely suppress the fury from her voice. "Tainaka, the Hayabusa are planning something..." "
She still remember herself asking Mio this, just last night -"But could you tell me...are they planning something?""...not that I know of. But maybe they are. Taka...is a cruel man, Ritsu."
"There wasn't even any address on the letter... how are we supposed to know what the kidnapper want!... d-did Mugi contact you? Yui and Azusa are with me now and - Ritsu? Ritsu? Are you listening?"
"You'll seek them out soon, Tainaka..." "It's all my fault. It's because of me...I should have done something. I should have foreseen it...I will find her, I swear. She must be at that place. She has to be."
"Wait! Ri-"
The drummer snapped the phone shut, her blood boiling in livid rage.
How dare they. How dare they get Mugi involved.
She threw the phone against the wall, yet it did nothing to alleviate her anger.
I should have gone with Ichigo... I should have done something about Hayabusa long ago...
Ritsu quickly put on her helmet and got on her bike, mindless of the speed she was going. Ichigo's words echoed in her mind again and again - Hayabusa's new hideout, planning something...it had to be them. It must be them. Mugi had to be there.
Out of the corner of her eyes, she spotted an eagle flying in circles in the sky, targeting something.
She chuckled to herself darkly. You will not succeed, Taka. You were the one who made Mio do all those things, using her vulnerable state. And you wiped out the branch gang where some of my friends were in. You broke Mika's arm. And you dared to hurt Mio.
Now, you took Mugi.
She sped up even more, throwing all of her thoughts behind until only pure fury remained.
Mio stared at the beeping phone in disbelief. The hackles on her neck rose forebodingly, and her body felt so frighteningly cold.
What should I do?
She clenched and unclenched her hand, her heart filled with remorse. She could still feel Mugi's vest slipping by her fingers. If only I'd reach out further, if only I'd gone after Mugi...
She was not foolish enough to think everyone would just live happily ever after, even after last night. Sure she and Ritsu had both made up and accepted each other's pasts, but Mio had never imagined that the future would be uneventful either. She knew it would be a long time, perhaps even never, until things go back to the way it used to be. Peace was not so easily attainable after all.
This, however, was well beyond any of her hypothetical scenarios.
All she could think of was Mugi's broken expression and how it might be the last time she'll see her best friend -
No!
Shaking her head in frustration, Mio stuffed the phone back into her pocket, the gears spinning in her mind, trying to think of a solution. She tried to think of a rational plan, yet it was getting more and more difficult to keep her guilt and fear at bay.
I don't want to lose either of you. You're both too important to me. Ritsu, don't do anything reckless. I'm not that same girl anymore - I can help you now. It's my turn to help you.
Mugi, I don't want that to be our last words to each other. No. I need to talk to you. I need to see you. Please, wait for me. Both of you.
"Mio-chan. What did Ricchan say?"
Yui and Azusa looked up at Mio patiently, waiting for some sort of instruction. Nodoka and Sawako-sensei had already reassured them that they will handle the matters with the principal, telling them to go find Ritsu first. They had already asked some of the staff and more capable students to help them in their search - they could only ask non-police personals in case it was too conspicuous - even this was a risk already. After all, whoever kidnapped Mugi might be watching them - they had absolutely no clue why Mugi was kidnapped, or how to save her.
They had tried to contact Mugi's cellphone - and it was answered by a warped voice, repeating the exact same message as written on the letter.
Any doubts about the authenticity of the letter were dispersed.
They had tried to locate the phone through satellite tracking yet all they found was the cellphone floating somewhere down a river - Mugi could still be anywhere.
Mugi's father was already doing the best he could; he could not use all of his resources or ask any of his contacts either - the kidnapper might be a business associate, even. There were just too many possibilities. They had no lead, no clue, nothing.
This was just all too sudden.
But the way Ritsu had reacted...it must be related to the gangs, isn't it?
Mio swallowed, trying to regain her composure. Azusa was trying hard to remain calm, but the dread in her eyes was unmistakable; Yui may seem unaffected outwardly, but the brunette's hand was shaking. I have to be strong. I mustn't show any weakness. They are depending on me - I must not lose my cool.
Months ago, she would have gone into a frenzy, seeking the kidnappers herself to execute punishments accordingly, fueled by anger only.
But now, she just wanted to find Mugi and Ritsu and make sure they were alright - everything else can wait.
"Ritsu...Ritsu said she will go find Mugi. And then she hung up," Mio's voice trembled, "We need to find her, fast. That baka's not thinking rationally - I think she knew where Mugi is."
Yui and Azusa's eyes went wide; they also understood all too well what might happen.
If Ritsu finds Mugi before any of us, she will do whatever it takes to free her and not care about her own self.
"Don't you remember the plan, Tachibana? We need to get her-" Mio swallowed hard, remembering what Taka had said when she ran out of Onigaoka yesterday. Mio had been so sure Taka was talking about her. But, now... could it be? Had he planned to kidnap Mugi all along?
Because of me? But why? None of this makes sense!
"Yui, Azusa, I'm going to Onigaoka. You go to Ritsu's apartment, ok?" Before waiting for their replies, Mio ran out of school. She wasn't completely surprised when the two did not listen to her suggestion and followed her.
"You're still hurt, Mio-chan. Let us go with you," Yui said firmly. Looking at the brunette's blank expression, Mio was reminded of the first year of high school, when Yui used to fight along her side.
"I've got my cellphones ready and everything," Azusa spoke up bravely, "So if we find anything at Onigaoka-"
Mio nodded lightly, knowing it was no use to convince them otherwise. Deep down inside, though, she was glad they chose to accompany her.
It's time to settle things with Hayabusa once and for all.
She did not believe in prayers, not after everything she had been through.
Yet, just this once, she prayed with all her heart, praying that whoever above would hear her plea and make sure that Mugi and Ritsu would return to them safe and sound.
The new hideout was closer than Ritsu had expected. It was quite inconspicuous - an abandoned shack right under the bridge. With the way the river and the steel beams were positioned, the building was complete obscured, easily overlooked.
Ritsu parked her bike carelessly and stormed towards the shack, mindless of the group of thugs crouching around it.
"Oi, where do you think you're-"
The helmet cracked against his skull, cutting him off brutally. The boy collapsed, unconscious, with blood dripping down from his temple. The thugs went silent as they stared at Ritsu, stunned.
"Get the fuck out of my way," Ritsu growled warningly. Yet, without waiting for their replies, she continued her path of rampage, smashing the helmet right into an unfortunate boy who happened to stand in her path. He, too, dropped like a rock, blood pouring out of his broken nose.
The action spurned the rest of the thugs to violent response. Instead of running away like what they should have done, they all converged around Ritsu, indignant and outraged, all holding some sort of stout weapons.
When one of them dove for her, hoping to knock her over, Ritsu stepped aside and dug her elbow right into his neck. Before the thug could even fall down, she grabbed him by his collar and shouldered him. Many pipes and bats landed on him moments later, the sounds of bones cracking was thunderous in the now silent clearing.
Before the others recovered from their shock, Ritsu wrenched a pipe from one of their hands, burying it into his stomach. The thug threw up right there and then, collapsing. Ritsu then tosses the human shield off her shoulder, piling him onto the regurgitating boy as one would chuck the garbage.
"I gave you all a chance to run away," Ritsu spoke quietly and indifferently, staring at the now terrified boys ahead of her. "It's too late. You all decided to involve yourselves. Now, it's fair game."
She tried to contain the livid beast inside of her, reminding herself these thugs must be new members, judging from their poor attempts to fight. Yet she was too angry - her need to vent out that burning, consuming rage was too overwhelming, pouring out with every single punch, spiking after every splatter of blood. It felt just like back then, when she was still the leader of Ookami - all she wanted to do was to inflict pain. All she could feel was the thrill of the fight, and the phantom feeling of blood on her head, either her own or her opponents.
One of them yelled in pain. Ritsu found herself grinning.
No, this isn't enough retribution. Taka. Where. Is. He.
She smashed one of the stolen bat right into a thug's throat, chuckling sadistically at the gurgling sound that followed. Ritsu breathed hard, trying to suppress the glee that seemed to emerge whenever she fought. It was like being transported back in time - she could almost see the members of her gang, she could almost see Ichigo coolly stabbing a knife into an opponent's leg, she could almost hear her own cold laughter -
Ritsu headbutted one of the boys while whipping the bat into another thug's crotch, who was sneaking up from behind her. Instead of feeling twisted elation at the sound of their whimpers like moments before, Ritsu's fury intensified; she was disgusted - this is Hayabusa? Really? These weaklings? And they'd kidnapped Mugi...?
She tightened her choke-hold around the last thug's neck. It took everything she had not to just twist it and get it over with. Don't go there, Tainaka Ritsu. Control yourself...
His desperate struggles proved to be ineffective against such a powerful strangle. Soon, he ceased moving, and Ritsu let go of her arms, scoffing. The boy slumped onto the ground, foaming in the mouth.
"Tsk, I gotta say, as expected of the Tainaka Ritsu. You really don't hold back do you?"
Ritsu snarled at the smug tone coming from inside the shack.
"Some of my men are still hospitalized, you know? Well, they're expendables but still, it's making us look bad."
Rolling her eyes, Ritsu tossed the scratched and bloody helmet onto the grass. She kicked a groaning boy out of her path, watching coldly as he curled up in pain. She slammed into the well-worn door so forcefully that the entire door snapped off the rusty hinges. The crash echoed in the room along with her furious footsteps.
Pure, undulated rage surged her mind when she spotted Mugi on the ground, unconscious and bounded.
The blonde's face was dirty and pale, too pale for her liking.
"What the fuck did you do to her!"
Mugi please be ok...I'm so sorry. You shouldn't be involved in any of this. Ritsu could still see her teary face. I don't want that to be our last words to each other...I need to talk to you...
"Welcome, Tainaka."
Amber eyes glared hatefully at the man swaggering out from the shadows. She scoffed when she spotted the hawk tattoo on his chest.
"So, you're that Taka. I thought my imagination of you was bad already, now seeing the real thing..." Ritsu laughed mockingly, clenching and unclenching her fists.
In spite of the anger that had consumed her being, her instincts were still keeping her alert of her surroundings. Even with her eyes trained on the scowling Taka, Ritsu was quite aware of the fact she was severely outnumbered.
But I bet I can take down all of them with me. Ritsu grinned fiercely, her piercing glare was already making some of the gang members fidget uneasily. Unlike these wannabes who are too scared of getting hurt, too afraid for their lives - I am not. I don't have anything to hold me back. Pain is nothing.
"I'd wipe that smirk off your face if I were you, Tainaka," Taka drawled, slowly walking up to her. Amusement flickered in his eyes, seeing that Ritsu only reached up to his chest. "Now now, how's Akiyama? I didn't break her ribs did I? Then again with the way she was whimpering -"
Ritsu responded automatically; Taka barely managed to block the attack. He staggered back a bit, shaking his hand, surprise flickering in his eyes at the force of her punch. "Not bad, Tainaka. But I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Images of Mio's broken expression and the black bruise on her stomach flashed in her mind again. Her fury spiked and she reared back her fist.
"You bastard-"
"Don't say I didn't warn you, Tainaka."
Ritsu froze when she noticed one of the thugs was holding a knife to Mugi's throat. She slowly dropped her stance, still tense and wary, but unable to move.
"Good. I'd hate to injure a pretty girl like her... more than I need to anyways."
Exhaling deeply, Ritsu growled, "Why did you kidnap Mugi, Taka." It was not a question. It was an order, demanding reply. Taka frowned at her tone. His hand shot out, aiming for her head.
Ritsu blocked instinctively, but she froze again when she spotted a thin line of blood sliding down Mugi's throat.
A fist was then buried into her stomach, driving the air out of her lungs. She coughed harshly and doubled over, holding her middle.
"Tsk tsk, you're not a fast learner, are you, Tainaka?"
"Let...her...go..."
Taka held his chin mockingly, as if seriously pondering over her request. It took everything for Ritsu not to react again. Guilt stabbed her heart at every passing second as she stared at the crimson liquid slowly staining the blonde's vest. Mugi should not be here. She shouldn't have gotten involved. She licked her parched lips, sweat dripping down her cheek. I'll do whatever it takes to save you, Mugi. Wait for me.
"She's got nothing to do with this, Taka. She's a bystander, let her go," Ritsu gritted her teeth, suppressing the pain and slowly stood upright again. She was really thankful for her high threshold of pain tolerance, built up through the years. But it was all just a bluff. A mask.
Murmurs broke out in the shack, seemingly unsettled by her speed of 'recovery'.
Heh, they bought it, as expected. Now I'll just need to take them down, fast...
"You're right, she's just a bystander," Taka smirked, "Our target was never her. She's only a bait - well, a filthy rich bait I suppose. Hm, I didn't really ask for ransom did I? Damn. Oh well. Guess who our target is?"
"Don't you dare involve Mio in this again!" She snarled, shaking as she suppressed her urge to smash Taka's smug face.
"Protective, are we? But you are not exactly in the situation of making demands here."
Ritsu bit her lips so hard that she could taste the coppery taste. No, Mio, I swear, I will never let those people get to you again. She quickly glanced around the shack, trying to figure out some sort of path that can get her to Mugi. However, Taka's next words snapped her attention back to him.
"If you must know, Akiyama is nothing to us. Our plan was to lure you here, Tainaka."
"...me?" She had been so sure Mugi was kidnapped because she was Mio's best friend. Until recently, Ritsu had never heard about 'Taka' before, so why was he after her?
"I didn't think you'd get here so fast. Oh well. We need some cash, Tainaka. Hn, even without the pay, we still would've taken up this job. We get to beat up an Ookami member, why not?"
... Job? Ritsu's mind was blank. She tried to process what she'd just heard. Suddenly she recalled Sawako's words - "there might be people after you, Ricchan" - and she laughed wryly. I didn't take Sawa-chan seriously back then. I didn't actually think it would be true. But who would be after me? And why? No that's not important. Now that I know their target is me, more the reason for me to keep Mio and Mugi away from this.
She could still hear own confident reply to the teacher - "I have nothing to lose." She ignored Taka's bemused glare at her abrupt chuckles. The irony. How foolish I was. I may disregard my own life, yes, but I actually do have something to lose. People who were important to me. The same people I will protect, no matter what it takes.
This time Ritsu willed herself not to move when his fist landed on her cheek, snapping her head to the side. She sighed inwardly, relieved to see the knife was nowhere near Mugi now.
She tried to ignore the pain as something struck her leg heavily, making her stumble and kneel. Before she could ready herself, Taka kicked her middle again. Ritsu coughed, frowning at the crimson spots on her sleeve.
Glancing at the unconscious blonde, whose breathing was erratic yet faint, Ritsu knew she must get Mugi out of this place as soon as possible. Who knew what these thugs drugged her with.
Taka pulled her up by her tie, sneering and chuckling maliciously. "We'll see how much you can take, oh great Ookami member."
Ritsu closed her eyes briefly, then smirked. No sign of fear.
"Bring it on."
I'm sorry, Mio, I might not be able to keep my promise after all.
Somewhere faraway, under the window roof of a certain apartment, the injured sparrow woke up, distressed to find that its partner was nowhere to be seen.
"You're back, Ichigo!"
"... "
"Don't worry, my arm is back to normal now."
"..."
"Come on, look, it's fine now."
"...Mika."
"Yes?"
"..."
"What did Ricchan say?"
"...she said no."
"...I see. A-are you sure? M-maybe Ricchan's just busy with something right now and-"
"Tainaka Ritsu's not coming back."
A/N: ... *looks away
I'll refrain from commenting the plot, naturally. It was really difficult writing this chapter *facepalm* You must have noticed that so many things have happened in such a short time frame - that is the point. I'm not giving the characters any time to really think. Not to mention, things don't just happen in life when it's convenient, yes? There are times I feel that 'if only I have more time' I would've made a better decision etc. :)
I hope you've enjoyed this unexpected turn of events...?
Did anyone see this coming...?
So...constructive criticisms, lava, corrosive chemicals and any other feedback are welcome...
Thanks for reading!
Also, happy belated birthday...you know who you are :3 I hope you like it ^^;
Background information
The strawberry reference Yui used comes from the anime - the strawberry is like "the center, the heart, the soul of the 'cake'", if I remember her words correctly ^^;
Satou Akane(佐藤あかね) and Taki Eri(瀧絵里) – Team Coke. They are on the same volleyball team with Mika in the anime. I put them in Ookami for a specific reason which I think you can probably guess already.
So that flashback conversation between Ritsu and Ichigo occurred way back in chapter 7 when Mugi saw Ritsu talking to this 'unknown girl'.
Ritsu's conversation with Eri and Akane happened, of course, back when Ritsu was still the leader of Ookami.
If anyone wants they can go back to chapter 6 and read that Sawako did, in fact, tell Ritsu to be careful and Ritsu did brush off the warning.
Replies to Anonymous readers' questions:
So I finally noticed I never displayed my email. Odd, hm. So feel free to ask any questions by just dropping a message so I can answer them without showing everyone lol :)
Edgee-san: Wow O_o I'd love to see them! Thanks for your hard work!
hateLove-san: yes, that's my profile picture ^^; I didn't think anyone would notice :)
