Chapter 6
a/n: Beta-ed and proofreaded by Blackfang
There's no blood stains on the floor, neither was there any on the wall.
The only proof of indication that there was a crime is the dead body in the middle of the room, now being surrounded by four officers dressed in formal attire. One of the officers with the brunette hair and blue eyes adorned a short skirt and simple button up shirt. "Tch... I never thought they would come here, out of all places." she began.
"Lieutenant Ahn..." the be speckled officer noted.
"Please, just Ahn. No need being so formal now that we have an Interpol case. And worse, it's the widespread crime involving underground group." the foreign officer smirked.
"So, it was the works of the assassins?" Haruka's question was met with a nodded of confirmation from the lieutenant.
"Hai, this one confirms it. The card and the clean cut technique. So, who's the victim this time?" Ahn asked as she turn towards another officer which was now holding a laptop in her hand. A few clicks before the officer answered.
"He is an Account Manager of the Zhang Group, Mr. Kei Kosuke. He's been working with the Zhang Group since the establishment of the Japan's Branch." Yukino explained.
There was a shocked look on Haruka's face at the mention of the company's name. "Atta...! Now we have to face Nao again. Last time I saw her, she relentlessly assaulted you with sexual harassment. I hate that kid" Haruka spat at remembering the company manager's perverted behaviour towards her partner.
"Lucky for us Haruka that the manager for the Japan's Branch is not Nao Zhang. Last month, the elder sister of the two, Natsuki Kruger Zhang took control of Japan's Branch. Really... Haruka, you should read business magazines sometime"
"And... the sister, this Natsuki Kuru Gear, is different from her sister?" Haruka raised her brows.
"It's, Kruger, Haruka and yes, and she is different from Nao. She's more of a serious and professional personality and... Gloomy, from what the tabloid magazines have rumoured. But she also quite a flirt with the story that she is now dating the infamous Fujino Shizuru of the Fujino Corporation." Yukino clicked another few icona and the photo of the new manager of the Zhang Group showed up on the screen.
"I can see that...kuro" Haruka squint her eyes into a slit, analysing the person on the screen.
"Ehem... It's not that I don't favour a small talk, but shouldn't we warn the Zhang about this? It is possible that they are the next target for the assassins" Ahn interjected the two officers comfortable conversation.
"About that, what about the Sumitto & Co? The victim before this one was working for the Sumitto & Co, yet nothing's happened to the company's manager. Then, here, we have a new victim when we only focus our attention to Mr. Smith assuming he will be the next target. But its looks like we missed something in our calculation." squatting down next to Ahn, Haruka looked at the motionless body on the floor.
"It's Smith & Co, Haruka-chan" Yukino corrected.
"Hmm... Yes, we indeed miscalculated something." Ahn's hand carefully examined the victim's head and turned it so she could see the small bruise on the victim's neck. "It's not like the Triad Assassin to change their targets and only kill the company's henchmen. Something is not right. But we cannot close our eyes and abandon the Zhang just because the victim before is from another company."
"Anoo... Ahn-san. Looks like we have a few pieces of information regarding that" with that Yukino put her laptop on the ground and joined Ahn to inspect the corpse.
"What is it?" Ahn raised her brow, telling Yukino to continue.
"It looks like the Smith & Co is the logistic company that is working for the Zhang to transport the products from China to Japan." Yukino look directly toward the Interpol officer with her worried expression.
Sensing the anxiousness from her partner, Haruka put her hand on Yukino's shoulder to calm her "Ne, Yukino. Do you think what I'm thinking?"
"The real target is the Zhang's Manager..." Ahn said grimly.
-X-
It's raining...
Dark grey cloud shrouded across the sky, the endless rain pouring down from the heavens fell upon the ground leaving puddles in their place. Drops of rain fell unto the umbrellas of people around her, the sounds seemed almost musical to her ears. The song of grief and sadness, they played.
Natsuki stands in front of now wet soil yet not a drop of water can be seen on her cheeks. Silently, she looks toward the grave in front of her. The grave of someone who raised her, taught her about this world more than anybody else. Her adopted father; Ren Wu Zhang.
Standing next to her, Nao, although she didn't cry either, Natsuki has known her sister more than anybody else in the household members. They grew up together. Natsuki witnessed the moment her father cradled Nao in his arms when she was born and she saw Nao more than their parents did, in that she knew everything about her. Natsuki knew Nao cried silently inside her heart. She must be strong. She must protect Nao, now that their father has left them to fight for themselves. The legacy of the Zhang Empire must continue on.
"Natsuki-nee, I think you should go ahead. We don't want the Fujino waiting too long in the rain." Nao spoke but her eyes never left the grave.
"It's okay; I will order the servant to send them home" Natsuki gestured to one of their servants. After a short talk with the servant, Natsuki again returned to stand next to Nao. "I want to stay here with you, Nao"
As Nao turned briefly towards her, she could see a pool of tears inside Nao's eyes.
Still a crybaby. My little sister...yare yare... Natsuki sighed. Ma, father, don't worry. Rest well in heaven. I promise you, I'll take good care of Nao. I will love her like how you loved me.
It's still raining when all guests and family members all left leaving only the two siblings alone standing on the wet grass, holding the black umbrella as the sound of rain is the only sound in the air.
A soft hand touched Natsuki's shoulder and she immediately turned toward her guest. There Shizuru was, still standing as her face showed clearly the sadness she felt.
Without any words, Natsuki simply nod before she return to face her father's grave again.
They stood there in silence, neither soul moving an inch away from where they stood. No one knew how much time had passed as it wasn't until another servant approached Nao and handed her a note that they returned to life. Opening the small yellow sheet, Nao smiled solemnly.
"Natsuki-nee, looks like we had to say goodbye to dad for now. The Zhang's families had gathered in the main house. We need to settle this inheritance business at once."
Turning back toward the grave again, Natsuki bowed deeply for a moment before she followed behind her little sister towards their car. All the while, Shizuru just watched and observed the events unfold in front of her. It felt so unreal. Like a nightmare she once had and never expected such a story happen in her life as well. She couldn't comprehend how she felt at the moment. Sadness? Pity? Yet, when she glanced at Natsuki face, all she saw was emptiness.
Confused...? What's so confusing about death? Indifferent...How could she be so cold to feel indifferent for such a tragedy?
Maybe I was mistaken and cannot read Natsuki's feelings. Maybe she's not a person who shows their emotions.
How does Natsuki feel behind her empty eyes? What lies behind that icy mask? A fake smile or fake tears?
She didn't understand much of this. Is she mistaken somewhere? Did she miss something about Natsuki?
Natsuki... I love you, but I can't understand you. What can I do to understand you?
It feels like you are so close, yet we are separated by an invisible wall. How can I reach you...? The You who now shields herself, hiding from me... not opening your heart to me. Am I mistaken your love for me? For now, I cannot be selfish thinking like this when Natsuki facing the loss in her life. I must support her, however I can in my power. I would do anything for her.
"Anoo, Shizuru..." Natsuki stopped in her tracks and scratch her cheek. "I think you should go rest for now. Moreover..." Natsuki eyes glance briefly toward Shizuru but then quickly averting her gaze as her cheek blushing deeply. "Urrmm...you... you're soaking w...wet"
At those word, Shizuru now realized her clothes were drenched because of the rain and now the clothes sticking to her skin giving out her body curves dangerously showed.
"Ara, where was Natsuki looking?" she unconsciously slipped the tease.
"...Ba...baka.." Natsuki scolded quietly but Shizuru didn't miss the soft tone in them.
"Nao and I now need to head off to the main house for the family's meeting until late. The servant will take you there so you should rest for now. I will see you later, 'kay. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine"
"Natsuki..." Shizuru tugged Natsuki's sleeve and that managed to turn her around to face her again. Raising her hand to touch Natsuki's face, Shizuru softly embraced the smooth skin. "I will wait for you so we can sleep together tonight, ne?" It sounded like an invitation from Shizuru.
Looking at the ground, Natsuki nodded " Urmmm.."
Shizuru feels like she wants to hug Natsuki and tell her everything will be fine, maybe it's more like she tries to convince herself too that everything will be fine. But before she could continue, Natsuki had let go of her hand and walked away. A strange feeling creeped into her heard. 'Thumpp!' Shizuru held her hand in front of her chest as she feel it been pierce by a needle.
A hot bath was what she need after soaking wet in the cold rain. Wiping her wet hair, Shizuru's mind began to retrace her steps from a few days she spent in China. The events of how Natsuki's life unfolded in front of her. The life she never knew. The place where Natsuki grew up. Natsuki's families. Even this room that fills with Natsuki scent is somehow relaxing to her. Resting her head on the pillow, she could smell fresh laundry scent with a hint of lily.
Natsuki...
Natsuki indeed looks rather masculine on the outside, but deep inside her, undoubtly, she's a girl, with a girl's hobby of collecting lingerie, fancy a flowery perfume and this room...
Looking around, a few motorcycle posters were displayed on the wall and the motorcycle figurine on her bookshelf. A light blue color of bedsheet with a flowery embroidery and the room decoration contrasting the figurines and posters. On the other side of the room is a big white wardrobe filled with girly dresses.
I wonder when Natsuki's wears all these dresses. I really want to know how it looks on her. She must be so kawaii wearing all those dresses...
Shizuru didn't realized she closed her eyes and drift into her dream as she was savouring the calm and peaceful scent of the room.
"Shizuru..." a smooth, husky voice was slowly drifting into her dream. What she'd dreamt of, she couldn't remember after that sweet voice reached her ears.
"Uuummmm..." Shizuru moan. A few rustling noises next to her indicated a movement of the other occupant. Little that Shizuru know, her company had moved to sleep next to her and embracing her in a protective hug as they both fell back into their own dream. Shizuru had move closer to her warm pillow and inviting the calm scent that was now engulfing her as she smile contently.
It was in the middle of midnight, Shizuru was awoken to a raging movement next to her. Opening her eyes and rising to sit, Shizuru realized it was another occupant of her bed. Shizuru note that Natsuki has been tossing violently on the bed. Her forehead had been drenched with sweat. So was her shirt as it sticking to her skin.
Natsuki...?
Shizuru touched Natsuki forehead and checked her temperature.
No, she's not having a fever.
A voice reached her ears as Natsuki was mumbling in her sleep. Shizuru close the distance focusing on the words formed.
"Urrggghh...No..No...don't leave me.."
Holding Natsuki's hand, Shizuru tried to calm her as she cooed softly.
"Natsuki, I won't leave you. Don't worry."
"No...Ni...na...don't go. Kaa-chan, Tou-chan..."
"Natsuki...? I'm here.." Shizuru gripped Natsuki's hand firmly.
"Father...don't go..."
Now a hand was clutching hard on Shizuru's pajamas and Natsuki started to sob softly.
"Natsuki..." Shizuru cooed Natsuki softly as her hand wiped the sweat of Natsuki's forehead. "What can I do for you, my love? How can I ease your pain and your lost? Seeing you like this hurts me so much. I would do anything for you, my Natsuki. My sweet Natsuki…"