A/N: Today marks my 4th Anniversary on Fanfic!
I'm very proud to have come so far with 20+ stories and more than 10 completed stories here!
I'm happy to have done the themes I've done so far and explored. Each story I wrote came with a perspective that I wanted to share, a view I wanted to show and I feel I accomplished that with each story I've written.
I also want to throw in a quick thank you to the many reviewers that took the time to review for me. It was thanks to your reviews that motivated me to continue posting my stories and hopefully you'll all continue to support me.
My Anniversary this year will not go unmarked without just a huge mass update, but a WHOLE new list of Thrill I wish to bring to all of you.
On my Profile, you'll be able to vote for two stories to join the regular line-up of releases. Like the first time I did this, the first chapter of all the stories are released for the pleasure of your viewing and reading so do take it to account along with the summary when you vote for your favorite two. If you don't have a fanfic account, you may vote via review on the stories of your choice and let me warn you, I'm only tallying people who don't have account via review so if you do have a account on fanfic and vote through review, I won't count it because I will ASSUME you've voted on my profile already.
So Please, Read, Review and vote on 'One Step At A Time', 'Frozen', 'Black Wings' or 'More Than Meets The Eyes'.
Other than that, read the mass release of stories, vote for your favorite two new stories and review for me. :D
TeNsHi No ToIkI- Unfortunately my spell check loves to confuse their names due to them both starting with 'N' so yes, that was a spell check typo. XP
But Yukimura is 28 and Kamui is only 15 XP
They have a 13 yr difference :O
Quite an age gap don't you think… but then again… love knows no boundaries…
Hitomi and Ryoga… perhaps… I haven't thought of them as a couple yet but they may look good together. Then again, Ryoga's a player XD
Heart- Well… or at least more hectic :D
MT Lyfe – I don't really know if I've pulled it off yet or not XD
Since it's still in progress and I feel I haven't given enough light to Nakatsu yet since I focused more on Rina's leadership without Ryoma and parts with other characters.
I guess you could say Yukimura and Kamui could be considered a different aspect to the bigger picture as well. Most of my fics are built with one foundation but a hundred problems that eventually connect. Then again, this is IF Kamui and Yukimura realizes the situation they're in. They definitely have more scenes in the future, but for now it's on a different focus. Honestly, I prefer writing I can relate to, or at least understand what's happening rather than assuming that my audience will know they fell in love or what else. I wanted to try my hand at depth in love and hopefully, I can express that subtly, immensely or any other way without sticking them in bed at all times. I feel relationships are built outside the bedroom at the beginning of a relationship, so there hasn't been too much of that. Nonetheless I'm sure different emotions and things can be explained in and out of the bed later.
As for your wondering of 'king' and 'prince'. I took the road less looked at you could say. Usually people will view 'King' as more superior than 'Prince' but before looking at it that way, I used their titles more as a way to show experience. Atobe, having been in business his whole life, ranks higher as King and Ryoma ranks lower as 'Prince' since he came afterwards into the upper business circles. Atobe's story happens to be showcased at the beginning of this chapter actually as he reminisces to the days before Ryoma's appearance. Otherwise, Atobe loosing it without Ryoma is normal in this circumstance since he has, since Ryoma appeared, become reliant on Ryoma and when there is no one to rely on, you'll normally feel stuck.
tsub4ki- If his hair isn't already white you mean. XD his lovers are being hunted along with him and his company is in debt and failing. And people wonder why businessmen commit suicide LOL
Playgirl Eugene- Ryoma's mind is at work again for the future and maybe that may be her role. Nomorou is very confident in his position right now, he has no idea that Ryoma is closing in around him so he's having the time of his life relaxing while believing Ryoma is on vacation.
Hnn… despite a major age difference, you like Kamui and Yukimura's mini attraction as well huh? XD
Although, I find it amusing that you picture the one from x/1999
NDebN- Well hopefully you can drop a review every now and then so I can tell if anyone's still reading. Because this story deals more with the company and Ryoma's position with only their relationship being at a secondary level, it may not have as much appeal as Club 7 but I tend to like my stories having their own flair.
canyouloveme- I love honesty as well :)
and I know the character list is long but it's what it takes to run companies. The fact that not all of them appear often will probably help since you'll be okay through the whole story as long as you know the main ones and their company.
Gyokuei Kuragari- I see…. I thought I didn't mention it this year LOL
40 pages huh? WOW, I didn't expect that much although it gave a huge boost to word count while I was uploading it XD It may feel a bit drawn out right now but I'm setting the stage for the next part of the story and the time for Fuji to become more useful and beside Ryoma is coming up.
.tenshi. - I figured there were lots of characters and the whole thing with that is, I challenged myself to put in at least three fourths of the entire cast of PoT within this story. The confusion could also be due to the fact that many of them are undercover and posing with one company while working for another so I understand why it may be hard to track. That's why I had to have that long character list in the end to refresh everyone's mind continuously. Overall, you should be okay if you know Mizuhuchi's people, Tezuka, Sanada and Atobe from Atobe corp. Nomorou doesn't have a lot of workers mentioned more than a couple times so really the basis is in Mizuhuchi.
Pax Silva- Thanks for sticking around! But I'd appreciate a occasional review every here or there because I can't tell whose reading it and whose not if there is no response.
ObsidianEbony- Thank you for the review! It has a complicated and intricate plot so I hope it isn't the reason why it scared people away. It takes a lot of plotting to be able to write one chapter for this story because it uses the business field a lot and I always have to research on whatever I use to make sure it's possible.
Junoan- I'm glad to see people not fluent in English enjoying this fic too :D
I hope you continue to enjoy it and I appreciate the review, despite how short it may be.
BB- Yeah, I've been feeling a bit discouraged with this story in particular because it gets the least reviews and least hits so I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong or if I should just drop the story completely.
MARYLOVER- I'm not sure how I can keep them all in my head but I do XD
It's pretty amazing if you think of how many stories I have and having to remember which Ryoma is which and who comes from where XD
Fuji is actually going to have his time to shine from here on out along with Nakatsu since the situations about to take a major jump in action.
nicki-gurl- I will clear up her position very soon but for the moment, the focus will remain on the people stuck on a private estate.
Fated
Rated: M
Summary: When does the heart skip a beat? When do eyes really meet? Can you really say that love at first sight really does exist?
Those are all the typical questions someone might think and brush off but Fuji Syuusuke, a genius by nature, who had refused to use his IQ anymore than he had to, was absolutely sure that if he entered the international business world, he'd see "him" again.
Chapter XII I: Around Their Finger
Tokyo, Japan
Atobe Corp
Atobe let out a soft sigh as he stared out his window to the rest of Japan.
The people bustled around the streets as usual heading wherever they needed to be. No one knew of the impending disaster that was to strike…. No one knew that if his company fell alongside Mizuhuchi they'd be subjected to poverty if not death.
But people were like that in the world. They didn't care for any disasters if it didn't affect them personally… hell he was like that. But being in the center of it now he was beginning to see the hardship as everyone else was. He lived his life thinking everyone for themselves in the end but when the brat appeared he had changed that. He had learned that if he wanted to prosper, he needed to rely on the people that were the foundation of his power.
"Something worrying you?" Sanada asked as he strode into the room with a portfolio that he set on Atobe's desk before walking around the mahogany desk to stand beside his lover.
"Nothing that hasn't worried me already." Atobe said with a small smile as he thought of the last month and the events that took place.
"I know we've dropped considerable below Nomorou but at least we're holding out against Mizuhuchi right?" Sanada said putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"But for how long?" Atobe asked with a sigh. "Nomorou now holds number one, we're in second and Mizuhuchi is in third… just like two and half years ago when we were awaiting our last days."
"I know it seems-"
"If I may interrupt you two…."
Both turned to see Atobe's negotiator Saeki at the door.
"Come in," Atobe said moving away from Sanada to focus on Saeki.
"Ookochi, Echizen's secretary is asking to schedule a meeting with you today in about an hour." Saeki stated. "Should I confirm or decline?"
"Confirm," Atobe decided without a second thought. "It's our best chance to suppressing Nomorou right now."
"Aa," Saeki said and left the room.
"You think-" Sanada started only to be cut off by Atobe.
"I don't know what to think yet but it may be what we need." Atobe said looking better than he had in weeks.
"Maybe," Sanada uttered underneath a blank look but in truth, he was thankful that Atobe was feeling a lot better.
xXx
LA, USA
4 AM
'So you're really going back…" Fuji whispered to Ryoma as he felt Ryoma's arms wrap around him from behind. They had been in the midst of undressing for bed after a late, late night and early morning at the LA branch.
"Aa… because I can count on you to finish your job here." Ryoma said seriously. "I'm sure in estimation, you two should be able to join me in January when we present Ai."
"Aa…" Fuji agreed.
It was hard to be apart but Fuji respected Ryoma's tactics as much as he loved him. Besides, they were doing this together… they'd finish their duty, then… finally they could be together?
xXx
Tokyo, Japan
Katsurugi Law Firm Private Office.
"It'll be okay…" Ryoga said placing an uncertain hand on the girl he cried on his shoulder. To think the girl who got him in huge trouble with Ryoma was the same girl he was comforting right now was a bit ironic but that wasn't the bulk of the problem. The problem was getting off the estate without being killed like Hitomi's mother… why in god's name did he even remember her name?
"It seems the bullet didn't hit bone." Kenya announced after examining Katsurugi's wound on his leg.
"But he'll have trouble walking right?" Ryoga asked.
"You should all escape and leave me here." Katsurugi suggested. "I'll only slow you all down."
"NEVER!" Hitomi cried out.
"Calm down!" Yagyuu voiced out. "We're not leaving anyone behind… we're going to get out of this, Rina knows where we are…."
"But for how long can we hold out here?" Kenya asked looking at the limited handguns that he carried to the Ishida brothers who had one each as well.
"Not long… and there's no reception…. At least not as far as we're trying to reach." Nanako said calmly.
"We can't stay here forever… with them surrounding us, there's no way they wouldn't thin to check the basement soon." Hitomi said as coherently as she could through her tears.
"I'm sure we'll pull through somehow." Nanako said with a strong smile. Yet her hands trembled slightly as she dialed Shun's number again and again as a way to calm her fears of never seeing him or Ryosuke.
Ayumi wasn't in any better shape as she tried the number to the company, her husband's cell, her home phone, anything to keep the fear of the situation from getting to her.
"How did this happen?" Ryoga finally asked keeping an eye on the stairs that led down to the basement.
"They wanted Mizuhuchi's will." Katsurugi said as he watched Kenya bandage his leg to stop the blood flow temporarily with strips he made from old sheets in the basement. "It seems someone else's knows of Mizuhuchi's death although it hasn't even been announced yet."
"It can be no other than that rat!" Ryoga cursed thinking of Nomorou. Sure he had no proof that that bastard killed his parents and wanted Ryoma dead but it sure was a hell of a good guess if nothing else.
"There's one way out of here." Yagyuu said making his way back to the rest of them from where he had went to wander with the Ishida brothers for a way out.
"The tiny window that doesn't open?" Hitomi asked remembering there was a tiny window that led to the side of the house where the parking lot was.
"That's it… but after looking out the window I can say that they are cautiously surrounding the house and it'll be dangerous."
"But it's a chance we're going to have to take." Ryoga said standing. "How far is it from the two cars we have?"
"Not too far,." Yagyuu confirmed. "The problem is if they already closed the front gates…"
"The power!" Hitomi said immediately going to a different part of the basement. If we turn off the power from here the electric gate won't move and all power will cease in the house.
"Wouldn't it also shut off your security?" Ayumi asked.
"They cut our security already." Hitomi explained. "I don't know who they are but they seemed well organized in cutting us from society… we were lucky to have you all arrive at that time."
The lights went out immediately after Hitomi hit all the switches and everyone moved towards the window… their last hope.
xXx
Tokyo, Japan
Nomorou
"What did you say?" Nomorou roared over the phone.
"Mi-mizuhuchi people showed up and took Katsurugi and his daughter… they're somewhere on the estate though."
"You incompetent fools! Find the will and kill all of them on sight do you understand!"
"Understood."
Nomorou breathed deeply as he weighed the outcome of this… if they escaped there was a high chance they'd draw the connection to him….
" Kiraku Yasayuki!!!!" Nomorou roared over the intercom.
xXx
Mizuhuchi
"Kotona…"
"Oh, if daddy isn't back!" Kotona cooed at the little baby boy who squirmed underneath the blankets trying to get comfortable.
"Where's Nanako?" Shun asked taking his son from Kotona.
"She went with the others to Katsurugi to settle out the will and left me to baby-sit." Kotona said with a smile at the baby. "They should be back soon though."
"Hn… I'll go get her." Shun said after a while handing Ryosuke back to Kotona. "If you don't mind baby sitting a bit longer I have to go track down his neglecting mother.
"No problem," Kotona said with a slight smile as Shun exited the room. It was cute that the uptight man could even worry once in a while when it had to do about the one he loved.
"Let's hope by the time you're old enough you won't have to experience what we're experiencing…" Kotona whispered against Ryosuke's head.
xXx
LA,USA
Airport
"I'll see you next year then?" Fuji asked Ryoma as they approached the terminal he needed to be going through.
"Aa…Syuusuke…"
"Hm?" Syuusuke asked looking at Ryoma's serious face. "What is it?"
"I feel… I finally feel that I'm getting close to goal…"
"Then why do you look so dead serious?" Fuji asked trying to brush off the seriousness.
"Because… I'm afraid…" Ryoma said looking at Fuji a bit shaken.
"But I'm here for you." Fuji said reaching out to grasp his hand tightly although he wanted to hug him so much more.
"I know you are but I feel I shouldn't be happy yet." Ryoma said with a sigh. "Every time I do something bad happens…"
Fuji brushed off his fear by letting out a chuckle. "Let that bad feeling go, you worked hard for this… nothing bad should happen."
Ryoma nodded. "You're right… I should think more positive about now."
"Aa…" Fuji said with a smile and let go of his hand.
"Now all I have to suffer through is boredom for fourteen hours on the jet." Ryoma said with slight dejection. The bed feeling still irked him but he wasn't going to fall just because he now had someone to turn to…no, he wouldn't worry Syuusuke nor anyone else with his doubts… he held the highest position next to Mizuhuchi and he wasn't going to show signs of weaknesses now.
"Just do what you always do," Fuji teased lightly, "Plan WAY ahead."
xXx
Tokyo, Japan
Katsurugi Law Firm Private Office.
"Does it open?" Ayumi asked as Ishida Gin tried sliding it up unsuccessfully.
"It doesn't." Katsurugi confirmed. "We'll have to break it."
"Stand back," Ryoga said picking up an old folding chair and got ready to break the window. As soon as everyone cleared, he threw all he had into jabbing the chair through the window. It successfully shattered and Yagyuu carefully cleaned the window so they wouldn't have to get hurt climbing out while The Ishida brothers found boxes for the girls to climb through and Kenya came by with the rest of the old sheets they used to bandage Katsurugi to lay over the glass as they climbed out.
"How are we going to go through?" Ryoga asked.
"I will go first to check for danger." Kenya offered. "After me, we'll get Katsurugi out if the coast is clear. The girls will follow, then Yagyuu, you and the Ishida brothers can follow.
A loud shaking from the door of the basement made Ayumi gasp out loud as each man drew their own guns and aimed to across the room to the basement door.
"Let's evacuate…' Yagyuu said holding Kenya's gun for him while the Ishida brothers kept their guns to the basement door that someone was trying to break down.
Kenya himself didn't wait any longer as he heaved himself out the window and into the lovely bushes that the Katsurugi planted around their house looking for any sign of people walking around looking for them. Getting a quick look of where everyone was, he bent to ask that Ryoga and Yagyuu have the keys to both cars they took ready to bolt since there was a clear line to their cars if they moved fast enough and took the people by surprise. Reaching to help Katsurugi out of the window, he tried not to makes the huge bushes shake or cause any sound to raise alarm in the people stationed around the estate.
As soon as Katsurugi was through, Yagyuu went through to assist Nanako who was behind him. Everything seemed to go fine as everyone tried to calm their nerves and act quickly but when Yagyuu reached for Hitomi, the door to the basement burst open as three men with guns came down in the dark cursing about the dim flashlights they held as well.
"Go," Ryoga urged Hitomi who froze a bit. Helping her the rest of the way out, he grasped Ayumi and started to get her through the door as well while making sure the brothers and he were securely hidden from the light emitting from the flashlight.
The Ishida brothers weren't taking any chances either though, as soon as the three gunmen were down the stairs and searching the basement for them, they aimed and shot fatally at all three.
"Are you sure you two should be doing that?" Ayumi asked as she was heaved out by Kenya and Yagyuu.
"We can't help it in this situation." Kenya said looking out from the bushes to see if the three consecutive gunshots caused any alarm. " As of right now it's a matter of life or death and getting out with everyone alive is a lot more important than three thugs we can question."
Ayumi nodded in understanding as she watched Ryoga exit with three guns from the men the Ishida brothers shot handing one to Nanako, who had a bit of experience due to her husband's basic training and Yagyuu the other while taking the third for himself. Helping the brothers out , they all huddled together in the bushes thinking how they can cross the parking lot to get to their cars.
"No one's by them… is any of the cars locked?" Kenya asked.
"We didn't lock any of the cars." Ayumi confirmed.
"Well… now we just have to figure out how to safely get there without harming any of you ladies and Katsurugi-san…" Yagyuu said with a sigh as he also noted that the number of security near the gate and trees surrounding the house was more than just a few.
"We're going to need a lot of luck!" Ryoga said with a grim expression. Acting like a fugitive wasn't on his schedule for the day but it seemed he was going to have to shot and maybe even kill someone today.
"Does any of your phone work out here?"
"Mine had a bit of reception!" Nanako said more with relief than confirmation. Dialing quick, she dialed department X's section as fast as she could hoping her husband would be in there if not Kirihara-san.
"Section X,"
"Kirihara-san!" Nanako sad recognizing his voice immediately over the line.
"Hello?"
"Kirihara-san?" Nanako repeated.
"Na-…. Nanako?"
"Yes… Code Red, Katsurugi."
"Red?"
"Aa! Code Red, Katsurugi!" Nanako repeated again as her reception buzzed and disconnected the call. She could only hope that Kirihara had heard enough to sound the alarm!
xXx
Tokyo, Japan
Atobe Corp.
"It's been a while Atobe-san…" Rina said walking in with Noto trailing behind her with a huge suitcase.
"It has," Atobe said eyeing her wearily. "What is it that you wished to talk about?"
Rina sat down next to Noto across from Atobe before noting that Sanada and Tezuka were also within his office.
"I hope I didn't interrupt anything?"
"Not at all," Tezuka confirmed moving to stand behind Atobe with Sanada.
"Well then, I've heard of the unfortunate stock drops and viruses you've been suffering in the past few weeks."
"Just as I heard of money disappearing from your account." Atobe said with a slight nod.
"We've solved that fairly quick but as for your problem…" Rina nodded to Noto who put the suitcase on Atobe's desk and opened it to reveal a laptop. "It has yet to be solved right?"
"Our team is working on blocking the hacker and virus as we speak." Atobe spoke with confidence despite his situation. He had a lot of pride and even now when he was in need his pride would not yield nor bow.
"It's taking too long," Rina said bluntly. "At the rate your traveling, the damage will be too much and we can't rely on you."
"Well-"
"Noto…"
"Aa," Noto responded opening the laptop ignoring Atobe initial protest as his fingers practically dance across the keyboard while codes filled the screen. It wasn't long before Atobe watched almost in shock as Noto entered Atobe corp. database without so much as a drop of sweat. He quickly locked gates to stop the virus and hacker while putting up new defenses to stop infected areas from spreading.
By the time Noto closed off all connections and had finished, a man walked in to inform Atobe that all of a sudden the system was restored, backup files saved and the virus was being contained.
"You… No, I've already confirmed you weren't a normal chauffeur when you took out the group of guys threatening the brat…" Atobe started as he stared in wonderment at Noto. "Who are you really?"
"Atobe-san… I believe that should settle one of your problems," Rina said out loud to draw his attention back to her. "There's much more that needs to be done but I suggest we take it one step at a time."
"I… that brat heard didn't he?" Atobe asked haughtily although his face showed more than relief at the help offered.
"He knew you wouldn't be asking for help." Rina said confirming that this was due to Ryoma's orders. "That being said, I'm not here to just help you contain your problems… we could've hacked through your system and did all this without visiting you. Noto-san and I are mainly here because we're going to need your cooperation in removing moles from your company before we can continue any further."
"I see," Atobe confirmed with a slight nod in thought. "When is that lazy brat coming back anyways?"
Rina smiled at the all three faces that stared wearily at her. "He'll be home tomorrow."
It seemed more than Mizuhuchi was waiting for Ryoma.
xXx
Tokyo, Japan
Mizuhuchi
"What was that about?" a man who asked Kirihara who was furiously trying to reach Nanako and confirm what he heard.
"Code red right now Tak, alert all of the department and send people to Katsurugi's" Kirihara ordered. He couldn't really hear what Nanako had said but he heard code red through the static. It was better safe then sorry.
"Ookochi and Noto are still at Atobe corp." another man said rushing in.
"Have Noto return Ookochi here and be on standby. Send a team ahead!"
"Kirihara-san! I just got word from Kotona-chan that Shun is more than halfway there to get his wife."
"Does he know the situation?"
"According to Kotona-chan he doesn't."
"Fuck!" Kirihara said slamming the department phone down hard. "Get contact with him anyway possible right now! I don't want him going in unprotected if the distress call I received from Nanako is true!"
"All right! MOVE OUT!!!"
Kirihara rounded the desk and checked for his guns as well. He had a duty to make sure Nanako and Shun would be okay… for Ryoma and Ryosuke's sake.
"Sir!"
"What now?"
"It seems there's something near the Katsurugi estate blocking all cell phone and radio waves from reaching, Shun's probably already there because we can't get through to him."
"Sir, I've contacted Ookochi and Noto…. They're on there way back."
"How many went to Katsurugi?"
"Ookochi mentioned Shiraishi, Makashima, Yagyuu, Oshitari, Ishida brothers, and Ryoga-sama."
"Ryoga?!" Kirihara questioned in disbelief.
"Aa…"
"Let's get our ass out there, it's our head if anything happens to Ryoga!" Kirihara said running full speed to the door. He hadn't expected so many prominent people in one place.
xXx
Tokyo, Japan
Katsurugi Law Firm Private Office.
Shun frowned as he tried calling back to the department for the fifteenth time. They called so many times but he couldn't get a good connection at all.
'What a bad place for reception!' Shun thought as he parked his car outside the gate and went up to the security guard.
"May I help you?" The guard asked.
"I'm here looking for my wife who's suppose to be here."
"She is?"
"Makashima Nanako." Shun stated noting that the security guard looked unsure.
"There's no one here sir." He finally said.
"Is that so…"Shun asked more than a bit suspicious now… something was definitely up. "Something wrong with the gate?"
The guard looked at the other two trying to fix the gate.
"Yeah… power short-circulated." He stated practically inviting Shun to leave now.
"Thanks," Shun said pretending to walk away. As soon as he turned the corner though, he found a way over the brick fence and landed safely on the inside. Sneaking in, Shun wondered exactly what was going on here.
xXx
"All right," Yagyuu said. "It seems something happened over there so they're migrating… this is our chance. If you can knock out that one guard Kenya, Ryoga and I can get to the cars and start the engine while the Ishida brothers load Katsurugi-san into the nearest car and the girls will have to dash for it."
"Sure thing." Kenya said as he crept through the bushes towards the lone guard. As soon as he brought the blunt end of his gun down hard on the guard's head, Yagyuu sprang to life rushing towards the car alongside Ryoga who covered them. Getting Katsurugi and Hitomi into the car. The slight rustle of coming out of the bushes disturbed a guard coming back and he sounded the alarm when he saw Ayumi ducking into the car.
Knowing the danger, Ishida Gin shut the door after Ryoga and shouted for Nanako to get out of the bushes towards him while Kenya shouted for Yagyuu to drive. While the car headed full speed for the entrance, the brothers covered Nanako completely with Kenya as Ishida Tetsu got the other cars engine started. Shooting the hoard of people coming towards them ruthlessly, Kenya led the bulk away into the forest while leaving the brothers to load Nanako and get the hell off the estate.
He watched seeing multiple guards shooting at Yagyuu's car and prayed for everyone in the car's safety. He grimaced a bit as he felt the burn of a bullet enter his shoulder. Hell, this was all about survival…
Gin wasn't in any better shape as three bullets hit him while covering Nanako.
"Gin…" Nanako cried as she shot some that she could from behind him.
"Get in the car missy!" Gin said through clenched teeth as he continued to shoot continuously at the advancing people.
"but-"
"No buts!" Gin said.
"Nanako!"
"Honey?" Nanako said springing out from behind Gin despite his protest not to.
Shun came out shooting the guys from another side as he panicked at how his wife made herself a target.
"You-"
BANG
Shun felt an intense burn and pain in his upper right arm and cursed but he pulled Nanako to him as he switched the gun to his left hand and continued shooting along side her. He was vaguely aware that the Ishida brothers were running over people in the car.
BANG BANG
Two more numbness entered his system as he turned to see a group from the trees emerge shooting him. He knew Nanako was hit as well when he heard a slight scream from Nanako. He didn't want to give up yet… NO! his son… their son… he needed them!
A succession of shots aimed at the two of them sounded as they were completely surrounded… the only thing he remembered after that was the continuous shots entering his body.
xXx
"SHUN! NANAKO!" Gin called out seeing how they were ambushed. He attempted to get out of the car to go help but Tetsu stopped him pointing towards the gate where five black vans pulled up and department X filed out covering all the leftover gunmen's.
"MOVE!" Kirihara said to his team as they shot down the group of ten that surrounded and shot at Nanako and Shun.
Rushing to the two who were lying in a pool of blood, Kirihara lifted Nanako first and felt for a pulse…
Completely gone… He glanced up at another guy who was checking Shun's… a negative shake of the head made Kirihara tear a bit.
"No…no damn you two… don't do this… don't do this to your son… don't do this to Ryoma… GOD DAMMIT DON'T DO THIS!!!! Kirihara screamed holding Nanako close to him while staring at Shun's peaceful face. No way in hell could he believe they were both gone… there was just no way…
xXx
Kenya cursed as he checked the wound in his calf. They had hit him twice before he lost them. He only hoped that the others were better off then him…He knew he was going to have to keep moving or else he was dead meat.
With a curse at the pain shooting through his leg he stood against a tree and tried to catch his breath. Quite suddenly, he heard voices moving towards him and the clearing not too far from him was emerging with multiple men's. Moving into the shadows of a cluster of bushes, Kenya listened in since there was no way he could take them all on in this state. He wasn't too attentive till his eyes caught the figure standing a bit off to one side ordering Katsurugi and his parties death. He was definitely sure that the man there was Kiraku Yasuyuki from Nomorou.
'Bastard! You're so dead!' Kenya thought angrily as he pulled out his cell phone and recorded Kiraku ordering their kill. He knew this was the only way they could have a chance of proving Nomorou's deeds.
'Hope you rot in jail for this old man!' Kenya thought moving the phone closer to get a better shot of Kiraku's face and other people standing around him. So into his proof, he forgot about hiding well until he lost his grip on the branch he was holding for balance and tumbled out of the bushes and into Kiraku Yasuyuki himself.
"Oshitari Kenya…" Kiraku acknowledged.
'You're one dead man Kiraku Yasuyuki…" Kenya said hearing everyone's gun pointed at him now.
"The Oshitari group will rise against Nomorou and you."
"But that's only if you tell," Kiraku said with a smile as he raised his own gun to Kenya head and shot him ruthlessly followed by everyone else's shot to make sure he was dead.
Not knowing that the phone was still recording beside Kenya, they all broke to leave when police sirens were heard in the distance. Kiraku ordered everyone to leave as he picked up Kenya's wallet and cell phone and threw them into the forest to make it harder to track the dead man through his cell phone.
"We'll win in the end as we always so Oshitari… you should know better!" Kiralku said to Kenya's body before disappearing from the scene.
xXx
Tokyo, Japan
Sengoku News Company
"Sakuno!" Tomoka shouted opening the door to the newsroom.
"What is it Tomoka?" Sakuno asked looking up from the tape she was editing.
"BIG NEWS, we have to go with them to Mizuhuchi right now!" Tomoka said half pulling and half leading Sakuno towards the door.
"Why?"
"Supposedly there was a burglary attempt at Katusrugi's and a whole bunch of Mizuhuchi people were involved with the hold-up since they happened to be there!"
"Really?"
"Yeah so hurry!" Tomoka said pushing Sakuno towards the front of the building in excitement. There was always something going on.
xXx
Tokyo, Japan
Mizuhuchi
"We ask that all of you leave because there will not be a press conference on the incident today!" Amane said trying to get the press to leave while on the top-level of the company, anguish and tears filled the meeting room.
'she was fatally shot through the head and heart… the man suffered multiple shots across his chest, neck and arms'
Kirihara was silent while his bowed head rested on clenched fist atop the table in front him in anger, regret, and sadness remembering the doctor's report while Kotona openly wept while holding Ryosuke in her arms. Rina wasn't in any better shape as Nakatsu held her tight. She was torn on guilt that she hadn't tried to stop Nanako more when she insisted on going…
Kamui stood near the door as he held the tears back. His parents were taken, his brother and his wife was taken… he was left with no one…
"It's okay to cry…" Yukimura said standing beside the boy.
"I don't need to." Kamui said in the best voice he could muster.
Yukimura didn't say more as he merely noted the tears were falling anyways from the boy's bowed head and placed a comforting hand on his head.
"You okay Ryoga-san?" Noto asked looking at everyone's torn expressions in the room.
"Aa…. Isn't it funny Noto… how people can just kill other people… innocent people…. And to make it worse… it was all for this piece of paper…" Ryoga said with emotion as he stared at Mizuhuchi's will. To think power could utterly corrupt people into killing others… it was sickening.
xXx
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo International Airport
8 AM
next morning
Ryoma frowned slightly as Noto drove him towards the company decorated in black in front.
"Mizuhuchi's death….' Ryoma thought wearily as he exited the car when Noto parked it. Walking into the building many people looked at him in almost a pitying way which he didn't understand as he headed towards the elevator which they held open for him.
As soon as the doors to his office open he saw not only Rina, but also everyone else of importance in the company there to greet him.
"What's the matter? Everyone decide they needed to see me?" Ryoma asked with a smirk at how everyone was so quiet to his bluntness.
When no one offered an explanation he suddenly knew something was going on… something not in the plan had happened.
"What happened?" Ryoma asked seriously now. He glanced around the room with a lifted brow as no one spoke… and it started to irritate him until Kotona broke down to his left and he focused on her.
"Echizen-san…there was an accident…Ryosuke and Kamui are orphans."
Ryoma grew quiet as he repeated the line in his head over and over again… it could only mean one thing…
"Shun and Nanako…"
"They're gone….I'm sorry." Kirihara said past a lump in his constricting throat.
"Ryoma…" Ryoga started next but Ryoma shook his head hard when his eyes rested on the child Kotona held in slumber.
"Leave me alone." Ryoma said in a controlled voice but his clenched fist and anger in his eyes was more than apparent. As everyone filed out to leave the tired boss in peace only Rina caught a glimpse of a single tear trail down his face. She knew there were things inside him that he could never share with the rest of them but more than that… she feared him disappearing as he did when his parents died.
'There's one person I need to call…' Rina thought as she stepped out and shut Ryoma's door behind her.
A/n: Well this chapter leaves a heavy note as everyone is left with an emotional scar, especially Ryoma. Review and the next chapter will be coming soon to reveal if Ryoma's going to follow through with his plans or retreat because of the loss.
The character list has been shortened as well with the removal of deceased characters.
FATED CHARACTERS
Aoi Kentarou- Student at the same school Yuuta attends in Osaka. (Rokkaku's Buchou)
Atobe Keigo- High executive of Atobe corp. (Buchou of Hyoutei)
Akazawa Yushirou- An Elite, major stockholder of Mizuhuchi & Atobe stocks. (Buchou of St. Rudolph)
Akutsu Jin- Security guard at Atobe corp. (Short-term regular on Yamabuki's tennis team)
Amane Hikaru-Mizuhuchi Publicist (Rokkaku's 'Pun' talking regular AKA "David")
Chinen Hiroshi- Nomorou Security department manager. (Regular from Higa-chu. The guy with white/black hair)
Chitose Miyuki- Banker exclusively for Atobe corp. ( Chitose Senri of Shitenhouji's little sister)
Chitose Senri- Head of the Intelligence department in Atobe corp. (Shitenhouji's singles and doubles player who first opened the Pinnacle of wisdom.)
DanTaichi- Student studying with Fuji Yuuta. (Club manager for Yamabuki)
Echizen Ryoma- 26-year-old high executive of Mizuhuchi corp. (Main character in PoT)
Echzen Ryoga- A top professional tennis player who has the tendency to take life easy and fool around with girls in his spare time. (Only exists as Ryoma's adopted "big brother" in PoT the movie)
Echizen Ryosuke- Shun and Nanako's son who was officially adopted by Syuusuke and Ryoma. (An OC)
Fuji Syuusuke- 28-year-old trainee working as Ookochi Rina assistant. (Seigaku's Tensai)
Fuji Yumiko- Syuusuke's sister working as a part-time secretary and fortuneteller. (The Fuji Brother's older sister)
Fuji Yuuta- Student studying at a school in Osaka right now. (St Rudolph's "Left-hand killer" and Syuusuke little brother.)
Higashikata Masami- Banker exclusively for Mizuhuchi holdings. (Part of the "Jimmies" double from Yamabuki)
Hikakoba Rin- Nomorou's publicity department manager. (Regular on Higa Chu's tennis team. Says "Habu" a lot.)
Hiyoshi Wakashi- Atobe's executive. (Hyoutei's next buchou, "Gekokujou" guy)
Horio Satoshi- Student at the Osaka School. (The first year who claims "two years of experience" and the most annoying of the Ichinen Trio.)
Ibu Shinji- Member of Department "X" at Mizuhuchi. (Fudoumine's singles regular who mumbles.)
Ishida Gin- Security department at Mizuhuchi. (Shitenhouji's regular who originally taught his brother, Tetsu, the Hadoukyu.)
Ishida Tetsu-Security department at Mizuhuchi. (Fudoumine's doubles player who wears a bandanna and uses Hadokyu.)
Itsuki Manehiko- Sticks to Saeki a lot and assists him in negotiating for Atobe corp. (Rokkaku's doubles player who blows steam out of his nose and hits sinkers.)
Jackal Kuwahara- Security at Atobe corp. ( Known as the 'Man with 4 Lungs' for his defensive specialty in Rikkaidai.)
Kabaji Munehiko- Atobe's secretary and bodyguard. (Hyoutei's "copcat" and giant singles player.)
Kai Yuujirou- Nomorou corp. Prime minister's cabinet. (Singles player that wears a hat from Higa Chu)
Kamio Akira-Acts as the local delivery guy but is Atobe corp's spy. ( Fudoumine's Speed and rhythm addict.)
Katou Kachirou- A student in Osaka. (First year with the 'bowl haircut' and part of the Ichinen trio)
Kawamura Takashi- The chef at Mizuhuchi's cafeteria. (Seigaku's power player who's always 'Burning')
Kikumaru Eiji- Manager at Mizuhuchi's product department. (Seigaku's Acrobatic and motion vision specialist player. Hoi Hoi!)
Kiraku Yasuyuki- An Elite, High executive in Nomorou corp. (Midoriyama's coach's son and singles player)
Kirihara Akaya- The head of Department "X" at Mizuhuchi. (The aggressive baseliner and "Devil" of Rikkaidai.)
Kisarazu Atushi- Member of Mizuhuchi's intelligence department. (St. Rudolph Regular who wears a red headband. Brother to Ryou of Rokkaku.)
Kisarazu Ryou- Member of Mizuhuchi's intelligence department. (Rokkaku's cap-wearing analyst. Brother to Atushi of St. Rudolph.)
Kitazono Kotona- Mizuhuchi Spy (The girl that appears randomly to charm Ryoma and Atobe in PoT)
Kite Eishirou- An Elite, Negotiator in Nomorou corp. (Buchou of Higa Chu)
Kurobane Harukaze-works with Nanako in the publicity department. (Rokkaku's "Bane" doubles player to "David" )
Makashima Kamui- 15-year-old prodigy who works for Mizuhuchi's 'government' department. Supposedly being groomed to be a new Prime minister's right hand. (An OC)
Marui Bunta- An Elite and self-proclaimed Tensai at stocks. (Self-proclaimed Tensai of Rikkaidai, volley specialist and doubles partner.)
Minamoto Tatsu- Official Business department manager and Nakatsu's ex's husband. (An OC)
Minamoto Mio- Nakatsu's ex. (An OC)
Minami Kentarou- Banker exclusively for Mizuhuchi holdings. (The other person to the "Jimmies" double from Yamabuki)
Mitzukochi Akira- A rich boy who hangs out with Nomorou Nao and Katagawa Shuji. (An OC)
Mizuki Hajime-Intelligence department team at Nomorou corp. (St. Rudolph's cocky, data collecting manager.)
Mizuno Katsuo- Student in Osaka. (Part of the Ichien Trio.)
Mukahi Gakuto- An Elite from an influential family and major stockholder of Atobe stocks. (Hyoutei's acrobat specialist and doubles player)
Nakatsu Shinji- A trainee in Mizuhuchi corp and Fuji's friend. (An OC)
Niou Masaharu- Part of the Elites and the 'Trickster' in elite circles. He's also one of Mizuhuchi's top executives. (The 'Trickster' of Rikkaidai)
Nomorou Chiaki- 35-year-old who wants to rule Japan and settle quickly with a suitable wife to produce his heir to his "kingdom". (He's an OC)
Nomorou Nao- Chiaki's nephew who attends Nurata Business Academy.
Noto- Ryoma's Chauffeur who "hacks" for Ryoma as well. (An OC)
Oishi Syuichiroh- Main section head department of the secretarial department in Mizuhuchi. (Seigaku's Fukubuchou and reliable mother. Part of the Golden Pair.)
Ookochi Rina- Ryoma's Private secretary and head of all the secretaries at Mizuhuchi corp. (An OC)
Ootori Choutarou- Works for the current Prime minister and secretly for Atobe corp. (Hyoutei's double player who has record breaking fast serves)
Osakada Tomoka- A student journalist who covers stories with her partner Sakuno. (Sakuno's friend and the president of Ryoma's fanclub.)
Oshitari Yuushi- An Elite with an influential family in politics, government and business. (Hyoutei's " Man of a thousand techniques", "Tensai", " Trickster" and cousin to Kenya of Shitenhouji.)
Ryuzaki Sakuno- A student journalist who will cover stories from all 3 companies. (Ryuzaki Sumire's grand-daughter, and a member of the Seigaku girls tennis team.)
Saeki Kojirou- Atobe corp's official negotiator and contract maker. (Rokkaku's 'motion-vision' specialist and Fuji's friend)
Sanada Genichirou- An Elite and high executive at Atobe corp. (Rikkaidai's "Emperor" and Fukubuchou)
Sengoku Kiyosumi- An Elite, powerful, and lucky man who owns the biggest publicity company chain in Japan. (Buchou of Yamabuki)
Shiraishi Kuranosuke- An Elite and powerful influencer in the business and political world. (Shitenhouji's Buchou)
Shiraishi Ayumi- Kuranosuke's wife and Mizuhuchi's corp's negotiator. (An OC)
Shishido Ryou- Prime minister's cabinet member and works secretly for Atobe corp. (Hyoutei's single and doubles player)
Shitetsu "Narumi" Ai- A struggling actress that charms Ryoma in grooming her. (An OC)
Tachibana Kippei- An Elite who owns the chain of banks that catered especially to Nomorou, Mizuhuchi and Atobe corp. (Buchou and club manager of Fudoumine)
Tanaishi Kei-Security at Nomorou corp. (Higa chuu's fat, egotistic guy.)
Tezuka Kunimitsu- An Elite and high executive at Atobe corp. ( Seigaku's buchou)
Toshiro Sei- 30-year-old player who has played with Syuusuke and Ryoma in his past but is currently Nomorou's lover. (An OC)
Tooyama Kentarou- The enthusiastic intern "trainee" at Nomorou corp. (Boy wonder from Shitenhouji who's physically strong with a lot of stamina and speed.)
Wataku Kira- The current Prime minister being bribed by Nomorou Chiaki. (An OC)
Yagyuu Hiroshi- An Elite and top executive from Mizuhuchi. (Rikkaidai's "Gentleman")
Yanagisawa Shinya- Publicist at Nomorou (St Rudolph's "dane"(duck) guy)
Yanagi Renji- An Elite and major person in Atobe's intelligence/development department. (Rikkaidai's data master and "Master")
Yanagisawa Shinya- Nomorou corp's publicist. (St Rudolph's "Dane"- Duck guy.)
Yukimura Seiichi- Part of the current Prime Minister's intelligence department as well as head of Mizuhuchi's confidential government reform department. (Rikkaidai's Buchou and "Child of God")