Back with an update. I've got so much to do in real life right now. If I have to, this story will be on-hold status. Though, I don't want to do that. I have this chapter stored a long time while taking care of other things.
And also, this story is ending soon. Real soon.
. . .
How long had it been since the fortune not favored her?
It had been like this for her.
Her back was on the cold steel bed. The mattress wasn't helping as it was really thin like it was used for a long time and wasn't changed. The air was not soothing as she needed to. Kasumi could only see nothing except from the blindfold. The tightness of it was almost pushing her eyes back. But she tried to open them even it was restraining her eyelids.
She could not know if it was day or night. But her body clock controlled the time of her waking and sleeping. That was what she could tell.
She didn't know what day it was. For the only thing she had aware was her child. Since Kasumi ended up here, all she did was pulling herself together in one piece. Even though, there were times collapsing was the last thing to choose.
She had to escape from this. But how? Fight her way out? That could do. But that would put her unborn child in danger. She could take risk, but not like this. If sacrificing the living life she was carrying to escape from here, then she would not. Dying would be better if that happen.
Her child depended on her as the mother. She had to get through this alive, both of them. Not only her. Her life was all about the child now. She could not be selfish.
Her contemplating session interrupted when a metal slid then clanged, alarming her senses. She heard those footsteps getting louder, telling their distances from her. And she knew it was
"Time to wake up,"
Tight hands gripped the kunoichi's arms. Her mind alerted as she felt those hands dragging her from where she was lying down.
"Let go!" Kasumi squirmed, struggling from the grips. But it was useless.
Even her sight covered, she could know she was being taken somewhere she wouldn't know unless her eyes saw it.
Kasumi felt the ground cold as she was dragged. The changes in the air, how her skin felt it. She couldn't tell if it was because of her trained senses or because of surviving in danger for so long. But the instincts gave her unwanted anxiety for her and her unborn child. She didn't want to feel as it wouldn't help.
Blindfold was roughly pulled from her head, almost ripping off her skin. Slowly opened her long-covered eyes.
The lights were illuminating the dark surroundings. It almost blinded her from not seeing any other than dark shadows of the corners in the room. She blinked before finally adjusted.
Huge glasses around formed as a chamber. The ones holding her wearing white garments. The same people she fought before.
The same ones from the time she followed her brother.
The people holding her lifted her on a long bed. Forcing her to lie down. Her arms were locked as her feet too. Kasumi moved around, wanting to shove off those hands holding her down.
"It's a good day for you, Miss Kasumi,"
Her name mentioned made Kasumi looked to the side where it came from. There, a man in suit walking towards her.
"You…" She would not forget this man's face. Her teeth gritted in the sudden rushed of anger. The scene where Hayate was locked up, where her brother was unconscious as he was used for experiments like a lab rat. It was all too clear to forget.
"Oh, don't look at me like that. I'm giving you the best treatment this place can offer. You should appreciate it. You were taught to give honor after all." His voice mocked her background.
'Just how much does this man know about me? About my family?'
"Why do you do this?!"
Donovan smiled, "Well, the same reason for your brother, you can bring the achievements I have always have in mind. How much can your blood bring me fortune? The people outside will beg for me because of it. Even a drop would bring millions already."
Kasumi felt her fingers digging against the skin of her palms. She wanted to grab the man and throw him. She hadn't made him pay for what he did to Hayate. He got the guts to remind her of his doings.
He made his way to her. Stood in front of the kunoichi.
"Your brother was a good subject, well, for some trials. But, you—" Donovan paused, staring at her as he just taken the biggest prize for anyone to have, "You will bring possibilities of the impossible dreams I have for so long., especially now you're carrying a special little one," His eyes looked down on her swollen belly.
Shiver ran down her spine. Like he wanted to cut her open right now.
'This can't be happening!'
"You're insane! You will do anything just for that sick dream?!" She yelled.
Donovan looked up and one of his scientists held out a filled syringe, shaking it a little. As Kasumi saw it, her eyes widened. There was no need for her to guess what it would do to her.
"As they say, 'Dreams do come true.' Mine will happen sooner, thanks to you." He gave her a smile, one presented with all his intentions meant for her.
"Stop!" The needle went down on the side of her neck, bringing significant amount of pain that she could feel piercing it down. Then, the contains of syringe pushed down, feeling the flowing as it brought more pain on her. Restrained arms shaking off, doing anything to stop it.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. There's always a first time for everything. But this will be the only thing you'll do until you won't have any purpose anymore. And when that time comes, your special little one will replace you." His hand touched her belly.
Kasumi felt her whole body was going numb. Her arms begun to limp. The senses on her fingers were fading. The strength she had was draining out, losing the remaining senses to remaining parts of her body.
"Please, d-don't…"
The last words mumbled from her before consciousness was driven out of her system.
. . .
An agonizing yell escaped from Kasumi's lips as the needles stung her, shoving down to her skin and flesh. Her back arching from the cold steel table as she struggled to move.
"Stop it, please!" She begged.
Tears welled up on her eyes. Kasumi gritted her teeth hard as she could to hold on. Everything blurred, only white shades. Barely, her head was aching, her body felt weaking. Numbing with the agony that stabbing her insides.
"Argh!" She grunted. There was no strength to yell. Her throat dried from the whines that she had threw out. Other than her physical body that was restrained, her mind started losing its conscious. Tears and whimpers were the things managed to escape. Kasumi had let out of them so much it was draining her strength too.
No more, please…
Enough…
Someone…help me…
But none of these people would hear her.
Ryu…
The progress stopped and people from the other side of the chamber wrote down their findings. Kasumi tried to bring her normal breathing back.
They dragged her back to the quarter where she was left alone to prepare for another trials and experiments.
Kasumi leaned against the cemented wall. Her chest heaving, catching to the lost circulations of breathing from those people.
With the remaining strength, her hand caressed the belly. She had no idea what her child felt while they were on that table, where those monsters' eyes looking down at them as they tortured her for their selfish gains.
Trails of dried tears from that horrible experiment were refreshed again as it started falling down.
At this point, she'd long for anyone to free her from this.
Even just for the child. She could die here alone if that would be the exchange to escape from this.
"Ryu…"
His name remained in her mind. Did he know where to find her?
He had to, right?
But where was he now?
Hugging her knees, lowering down her head as she thought about him. What would Ryu think if he finds out she brought their child's life into this situation? That she had failed already as a mother before the innocent precious one had come to this world?
Utterly nothing but a misfortune for those people in her life.
. . .
Jann Lee had been walking back and forth for a while. Likely, minutes now. He couldn't put himself to sit down, knowing they had no information about the kunoichi.
"Still no news?" Lei Fang asked as she sat on the couch. She looked at him with concern. Hitomi was in the bathroom, taking a quick shower.
Helena told them to stay in a hotel. Going back to their apartment wouldn't be a good idea. They were observed there by that Rig.
Helena instructed them to wait as she and Zack did their research to where Donovan was.
They had put some new clothes that Helena provided them. All their stuffs were gone with the cruise destroyed the other day. They only had their garments and weapon. Helena gave them some resources to use for a while.
If it was up to him, he wouldn't stay here and wait. He would follow Rig to rescue the kunoichi. But even him had no idea where Kasumi was taken. He had to rely on Helena for information as she had done so many times, especially when it came to that Donovan. They had the same enemies since the competition and even after that, still facing the same one. It only added that his son was like him. Bastard.
"They still looking for her." He replied. Well, there wasn't anything he could say to Lei.
Lei nodded at that.
"Your face," She pointed out. Jann Lee glanced at her. "You still haven't clean up."
Now she mentioned it, after they arrived here. He hadn't put any attention to the bruises on his face and body. He got them from the soldiers they fought while looking for Kasumi in the cruise ship. And he felt an ache on the side of his cheeks.
Lei stood up from the couch and told him she'd get the first aid kit.
His hand touched the aching side of his face as he thought about the events happened.
Those soldiers weren't really the same from before. It had some skills compare to those from the competition. They really prepared to make sure they would get Kasumi. One of them managed to land a punch on his face which he was pissed off for.
"So, you really used your face against the fist?" Lei teased him, looking at the diagonal cut on his left brow.
He chuckled. "I just let that one slipped."
"Sure, convince yourself with that." Her eyes rolled at him. She took a small cotton out, put some betadine and patted it on the wound. "I don't remember you getting so many of this in the tournament."
"That tournament was a big shit in the first place. It was really stupid to join." He rolled his eyes. Lei couldn't agree more.
The swelling on his cheek began to ache more as it was still fresh and hadn't put aid for it. It wasn't a big deal for Jann Lee. He had worse than this before.
"This one will need ice pack," She commented at the swelling part. "I don't think we have any right now."
"I'll ask Zack later to bring some. We can't go outside freely right now."
"Poor Zack, he must have his hands full."
"He signed up to be Helena's friend so he got no choice." Jann Lee said.
They both let out a chuckle. Felt like they needed it after the situation turned out like the present for them.
Unsurprising for him, Lei got light hands with the way she patted the cotton on. Though, blunt stings were there but it wasn't new to him as martial artist. Back in the days of his beginning, he'd often hurt himself from daily practice. Broken bones and cuts weren't his favorite every time but it reminded him of his journey to be the martial artist he was.
Now he thought about it, having the people like Lei, Hitomi and Kasumi around him and living with them brought differences from the usual content of his daily living.
After the competition, he had expected to not really make any acquaintance to anyone as everyone was there to fight. Let alone friends. It was really weird for him to stay around the three ladies that often created chaos in their old apartment.
But it was a good way of living.
"The other side," Lei interrupted his thinking, she gestured him. He showed the other view of his face which got less cuts. More like scratches but it was better to tend it before it became worse.
His knuckles were shaded in dried scratches from punching walls and of course, faces. Not really just faces but also those armories. But he quite enjoyed smashing those damn helmets.
"Are you mad?" He suddenly asked.
Lei Fang furrowed her eyebrows. "Mad? For what?"
Jann Lee gave her a look. "You know, when we were at the cruise ship."
"Oh," Lei Fang remembered it. "Not anymore. Honestly, I think it was really immature of me to act like that. You were just reminding us about the real situation." A sigh came out.
Right. Looking at their situation, it was frustrating.
"You sure?" His voice hinted concern yet his eyes deemed to express curiosity.
Lei Fang noticed his stare as if questioning her. She caught the same familiar gaze at her, hinting her something.
Jann Lee would not take her answers lightly.
She did give him answers but he wasn't taking it. He was digging more than that. As if he knew she wasn't telling him the real answer.
She thought he wouldn't bring it up as it was a petty thing. Perhaps, he just put it aside because of the circumstances. But now, he wanted to talk to her for real.
On the other hand, Jann Lee was studying Lei and her actions. Something wasn't connecting between her answer and the way she was acting. He could ignore the usual actions but didn't mean he'd take note of it.
He was only concern, right?
For Lei, there wasn't anything for her to say. And it was difficult to find any reason other than her immaturity. But she was really turned off by him. His tone must be really that annoying for her at that time.
She was never annoyed by him so much she walked out. Though, there were times she wanted to hit him for being an annoying being especially when she couldn't get back at him. But she wasn't the type of person who'd walk out from a simple thing.
Was that a simple thing though?
The silence fell between them as they waited who would say something that would make sense to the other.
Her hand stopped patting as his gaze caught hers. Showing the concern in those eyes.
Lei felt her breaths were being held by the stare. The intensity of his gaze was holding her in one place. Then, his face drew closer and Lei could not move.
When the last inch was closed, his lips touched hers softly. Her body went stiff at that, surprised with his action. Remained in their position. There wasn't anything constricting her but she couldn't move away. Her fingers curled in.
When Jann Lee drew away from her and stared, that was the time they recollected themselves
"I—"
Lei suddenly moved away from him, dropping the cotton from her hand. Her eyes widened in shock, realizing what he just did.
"What…" She tried to react other than shock but that was the only she could show.
Jann Lee tried to reach her but she hastily stood and walked out, living him there, astounded.
'Shit, why did I do that?!' He cursed.
Followed by few minutes, the bathroom door opened and Hitomi stepped out while drying her hair. She saw him there.
"Where's Lei?" Hitomi asked, looking a bit confused.
"Uh, she's there." He pointed the direction where she walked off from him.
. . .
Grey skies welcomed Ryu as he began traveling through the shadows of the building. The city felt basic for him to go around. He had traveled here more than he could count anyway.
His feet landed on the cemented ground in front of an abandoned building. Hours passed from leaving the village to coming back here. He hadn't got any rest. Some part of his body was aching. He hadn't recovered from the confrontation with Hayate. Even if he tried to, given the situation, it was out of question and probably wouldn't choose if it was possible either.
City may not be a place he'd like to be in, but there was no other choice. He had to find Kasumi. And in this city, her friends were the only ones to look. He preferred to do this alone but that would be foolish knowing the risks, the two significant lives at risks.
With his abilities, Ryu traveled through the city without being seen by anyone. The location was near the lonely streets of the city. He wouldn't deny, doubts still played in his mind when it came to these people. But finding out Kasumi stayed with them for those months were somehow gave him reason to at least try to put some trust to them. After all, Helena had proved her intentions before to him. Though, her assistant was putting him off with his luxurious attitude.
"I thought you wouldn't come, man." Zack's voice came from an open space. No one was around and he didn't bring anything with him. Not even vehicles.
The guy knew Ryu would not even try to show in crowds. Most likely, he wouldn't take the offer to ride any vehicle. He refused the free helicopter ride before so he shouldn't be surprised if the shinobi rejected the similar offers. And knowing some information, he could guess the shinobi traveled with his own being only.
'Independently capable to the finest.' Zack thought. He never really got to the good side of them. Even Hayate and the other female ninja got the same attitude towards him. Sometimes, Zack wondered if all ninjas were like them. Or maybe he couldn't get used to this guy's stern composure.
"She's inside. She told me to meet you here." Zack pointed to the back.
Zack guided Ryu inside. Even though it was a secluded place, the elegancy remained in it, making it obvious that Helena was the owner. To the Hayabusa heir, things didn't necessary to be like this level. He was raised and preferred to a manor where their clan's honor was wrought. Without displaying any treasures or antiques.
Unlike the last place, it was smaller even with its luxury displays. Zack pushed the door open and let him walk in. He saw Helena standing there. She quickly looked at them as they got close.
"We got new information about Donovan." Helena said. She didn't need to greet Ryu because by the look of the latter's face, she shouldn't waste any second other than the details. He wasn't here for them and she knew that.
Helena picked up something and handed it to Ryu. It was an image of map location near the corner of the city. The red ink circled something, marking as a clue. His eyes studied the imaging as his mind printing it carefully to never forget about it. The written label with Donovan's name. Then, in the corner of his eyes, another picture on the centre table caught the heir's focus.
He slightly lowered down the one he was holding and glanced at the other. It was a man with face half-covered with a hood. However, Ryu only took mere seconds to recognize the face. His fingers gripped the image in his hand.
The mockery of that bastard's face.
Emeralds eyes were glowing with the rage began forming inside him. That smirk taunted him as an heir, as a shinobi, as a father and as the man who had lost his woman.
'I'll end his life…' Ryu swore in the back of his mind. Even if it cost him his life, he would be the one to put that man to wherever he came from.
Before, Ryu ignored him as he wasn't important. The goal was to keep his word to Hayate and that was watching his sister in his absence. When Kasumi left her clan, he followed to the city where they found Hayate. It became inevitable for them to be involve after they found out they used Hayate as subject and even made replications of soldiers. It was something he didn't expect but it was created by those who were in madly obsession of science experiments.
It became quiet as the shinobi wasn't saying anything. "I know you're familiar with that man." She commented. Ryu didn't show any reaction. His gaze lifted from the image. "You were there as well." She pushed out.
"Where is she?" His concern only laid on the kunoichi.
Looking at Zack, Helena gestured the latter to leave them alone. He nodded and walked out of the room. Now, she could take any questions regarding the situation.
"Let's stop the formality, Mr. Hayabusa." She started, "I will not spend your time here. The location is different from his previous laboratory. I can tell he won't let anyone interfere his plan this time. But one thing is for sure, Kasumi is the main part of it."
Hearing that last part repeated in his head. No doubt about it. With Kasumi's background, he couldn't make a mistake in guessing what they would do to her. He had seen it himself. He got the first-hand tour in that laboratory before.
And that fact only added to his worries.
"He's careful this time. More than he did than the previous projects." Helena picked up one small paper from the folders on the table and showed to Ryu. "Which is the reason the laboratory is in that place."
A captured image of an island. It wasn't familiar to the shinobi. But he couldn't deny it surprised him. The previous location was in the city. Not in many eyes of people but still was in the city where it was like any other company property.
"Why do they need her? For what project this time?" He couldn't hide the anger in his tone.
Helena looked at the shinobi, reading what she could from the plain expression he had. That wasn't she expected from him. Yes, she knew his connection to the kunoichi, as well to others as Hayate. However, for someone as a friend, his words didn't fit to that relationship.
"I'm afraid there's more than just her. Given with her current condition." She continued, "She's pregnant and that means another subject for Donovan to keep."
His jaw tightened at the mentioned fact. Thinking how and what they would do to her was killing him inside. Let alone, to their child.
'Shit' He couldn't stop the thought playing around. He had to find her soon. Each second passing by could mean so much had happened to her. What more the days, the nights?
"I know this wasn't part of my concern, or maybe over the line. But…" Helena paused before continuing, "What relationship do you have with Kasumi?"
That question made him look over the woman. His own words probably slipped a clue to her. He should've control himself.
Should he tell her the truth? About their relationship? About her carrying his child? What risk would he have to put if he told her? Many questions trying to see qualification for him to disclose the fact.
However, the months he spent searching for the kunoichi and found out she was in care of Helena pointed out to think about her as an ally. She hid them safely from their pursuers. He couldn't blame Kasumi for trusting the woman. Her life had another one to depend on and he trusted her decisions.
"I apologize I overstepped my question." The long silence made Helena figured out she shouldn't have asked.
A deep breath taken in before he spoke, "I'm the child's father."
"Does Hayate know?"
Ryu wanted scoff at that. "His knowledge about it is not important to me." He answered in plain manner.
Helena nodded, noticing the distaste in his tone.
"Keep it between us, Helena. Your help in keeping my family safe is a valid reason to tell you that. But I won't hesitate to do anything to you if you put them at risk." It wasn't a simple warning only, more like a threat he'd be willing to do. Not only to her, but to anyone else, especially to those who had already dared to touch them.
"Don't worry, I know my boundaries." She assured him. "But Donovan does not. Now he got Kasumi, he would do everything he has in his twisted mind."
By everything, it meant all he could do with the kunoichi. He would not stop from only one experiment. Ryu didn't want to think more than just 'experiments' but the things in the previous laboratory were enough clues to not take him lightly. The ambitious science mindset Donovan had shown example when they captured Hayate. It wasn't one or two experiments he went through. The length of time when the Mugen Tenshin master went missing then finding him in the laboratory could only meant how many times he went through their needles.
What more if it would be Kasumi?
"I have to find her there." He stated.
Helena shook her head, "You can't go there right now. Donovan knows all of us and he's a quick learner from his mistakes. He wouldn't stick to one plan only. Not this time and that means he's got more than ambitions. To me, it looks like it's his life goal now."
'Life goal? His life goal is ruin other people's lives?' The shinobi thought.
"I cannot stand here when she is not here. Let alone, in a bastard's hands." Ryu could not use better words other than that.
"I understand your worry about them," Helena said, "You'll need back-up plan this time. It's not about Donovan or his plans only. You know better than to attack the enemy head-on."
He could go there alone. Knowing how much capable the shinobi was. In fact, he could do so much on his own. With all the experiences from years of training, no doubt, he was formidable. A lone yet independent being.
Always on his own. Fighting, learning, giving honor and surviving. He did those all by himself. The people in his clan respected Ryu for that.
But now, he couldn't let himself to act alone.
Kasumi changed him from inside that he didn't even notice.
He denied it so hard that he told her to take her own path and he did the same. Yet, it ended up going back to the one woman he held in his arms. The passionate night where her warmth broke off the barriers between him and his emotions. Her hands cared for his vulnerability. Her eyes presented the safety he never had once felt. Not from anyone.
"What do you plan then?" He acknowledged Helena's points. There still a little part in him hesitating to put the complete trust to the woman but her help was pointing out the rational to trust her.
Now, the latter gave him a look. "I'll tell Jann Lee about this since I can rely on him and the other ladies. They all knew about Kasumi's pregnancy. That was why they were in the cruise ship as well. Besides, Jann Lee treats Kasumi as his own sister so there's no stopping him from getting involve to this."
"This means they'll know about you." She added.
"Do they know about it?"
"I'm not sure. I didn't ask the three about that as we didn't want Kasumi to stress herself at that time." Helena wanted to but it was really a personal question for her to ask. and Ryu disclosing the truth proved it was indeed. The kunoichi's quick reaction was changed, a quick reaction. Not because of her pregnancy, it was definitely more about between her and the child's father. Helena caught that but didn't push the question anymore.
. . .
The water echoed its rushing noise in the sink. Lei washed her face, refreshing herself. 'So much happened already…'
Tiredness was what she felt now she could sit and take a breath. They had to recover from previous events. It had been quiet a long time since she fought so many people at once. Surely, she got fight often especially with anyone approaching her in a very rude way. specifically, the jerk ones.
They all took a break from those. Living in peace meant avoiding any issue, especially while hiding their background from people. Though, Hitomi did some of the old routines like morning run and part-time classes for karate. But Lei, Kasumi and Jann Lee couldn't do the same. They tried maintaining the effects of their years long trainings while staying low.
But she got to admit, she missed doing all-out trainings.
Taking the soft towel, she patted it to dry her face. She left the bathroom, walking to the bed and sat on the soft mattress. Even in their situation, Helena still gave them a place to rest. Of course, a luxurious one. That woman never became short to treat them. First the cruise ship and now a private hotel.
Everything was exhausting for her and she could say the same to the others.
They really thought that staying low and just going to routines that people in the city had would be the only events in their lives. Going to work, eating and talking to each other were the things they expected to for the rest of their lives. Moving on from their past fights would be the hard part of that.
But it wasn't.
Not when those people were still after them, especially Kasumi. She didn't think they would be in this situation. Facing the old foes weren't part of the plan or surely, the four of them didn't write it on the list.
It wasn't like she blamed her friend for turning their plan of living peacefully into another chaos. Kasumi had her own foes before they even met and told them about her life as part of knowing each other.
And when the kunoichi was telling the story, the highlight part was Hayabusa. She was almost not being able to continue telling it. At first, Lei thought it was just another part of her runway life events. She even teased her about that man. Then ended up being with him for some time.
Lei smiled at that. That simple teasing of her, Hitomi and Kasumi turned into a real one. When they were still in that cruise ship, she'd stay with Kasumi to cheer the latter up, knowing how her mood could change quickly. But even her friend tried to hide it, she could tell how stressed she was.
She knew Kasumi was doing her best to keep her and her child safe. But of course, without a partner's presence, somehow, it felt lonely. Surely, she got their support to her but it was still different when it was her partner, her lover was around. One time, Lei walked in and she saw the redness of Kasumi's eyes and her breathing that she knew the kunoichi was crying. It showed how Kasumi felt about her partner.
So that was how falling in love like?
'Falling in love? How would it feel like? How does it happen?' She questioned herself.
No idea to even try. How it would be for her? On her list of the first-time experiences of things, this would no clue how she'd do it. She heard some things about it since people liked to gossip about their agendas. Her ears listened to some topics. But never wondered about that.
But then, the scene flashed in her mind.
The kiss.
Jann Lee. His face was closed to her. Then, his lips touched hers. Just for that moment of seconds. It was only matter of seconds but it felt as nothing was going around them. It blanked her mind as if everything was wiped out.
It left her stunned before leaving him without waiting for his answer. That was the only reaction she could do and did it without thinking.
Why?
She wondered. Was he thinking properly? And if yes, what his reason? Taking down notes in her head to expect the answers he would say for doing that. But nothing was really making sense.
Even if they bickered for most of the times, she wouldn't take Jann Lee for shallow reasoning. She'd kick his ass if he would give her stupid sentence.
So, why?
And the only one who could answer that would be Jann Lee himself.
. . .
Being in prepare for any battle was part of the training. Hayate learned it since he was young as that what he was taught to know about. Fighting against anything to come in his path. Know the allies from enemies. He held himself with control to fit the criteria of a respected head of the manor.
But it seemed wasn't applicable for the present time.
Sitting on the couch, Hayate held the tightest control of his being while his eyes were locked on the person standing at the side corner of his sight.
Even with that mask on, he could see the plain expression of Ryu's face. He could see his fist throwing at that face. He was just fighting the very mad part of him to do so.
Ayane was sitting beside him, remaining quiet but she could also sense the anger in her brother's glares. She looked at Ryu but as usual, he didn't seem to be bother by it. But she surely knew, they both had inner voices that could be swearing and cursing each other already. They were just hiding it for now. Hopefully, Ayane wouldn't have to witness another clash between the two as she had no idea how she'd stop them. And it wasn't long ago after the previous one.
'Maybe they can show how prim and proper they are.' Ayane thought.
"You two are finally here." Helena spoke as she approached them.
"Why this man is here?" Hayate didn't bother to greet the woman. Ayane put herself on alert as his brother wasn't putting any show and would throw stabs of words to the Hayabusa heir.
"He has to be involved here." She simply answered.
"No, he is not needed here!" Hayate contradicted quickly Helena's answer. "I can deal this situation alone. Without HIS help!"
"No—"
"You shouldn't forget how many times you asked for a help. A help from me." Ryu reminded him. "You asked for help because you couldn't do it on your own." His voice was plain but Hayate sensed the jab in his words.
Hayate rose from his seat. "I asked for my best friend's help. Not from a bastard who would touch my sister." He accused. "You like to show how much gentleman you are yet you got under your own selfish needs? I should've known you are not as honorable as they say about their 'heir' when you can get distract by any woman who present themselves to you."
The disciplined nature in Ryu began to loosen from Hayate's accusations. What did he know about him? What he said only remained as accusations as what he knew was only limited. Quite sure only the things Ryu showed him like those outsiders he never put any interest except for alliance.
"Do not forget the fact you failed to be brother and chose honor. Now, you want Kasumi back when you were the one who willingly put her life in danger? Do not pretend you are the reason she left the clan, risking her life to find and then what did she get in return? A betrayal of her own so-called "brother"." The words were spit out of Ryu's mouth. If Hayate would fight him through stabs of accusations and faults in words then he'd give him his turn. "You are the one who turned your back against the person who would do anything to save you."
"Sto—"
"Damn you, Ryu! You had no idea what I was put through!"
Ryu scoffed. "That's right. I had no idea. But certainly, I have every idea of how much Kasumi cared, worried and most importantly, sacrificed for you. I witnessed it, Hayate. The cries of your sister for how much she was worried for you. That every night she'd hope her brother would return alive and finding out the results of her sacrifice just to be betrayed by you. What do you think she felt that time?"
Taken back from spitting fact from Ryu, Hayate looked away. The guilt was fueled by the sentences full about what her sister went through. But then again, it didn't give Ryu any right to ended up having his sister.
"That doesn't mean you had the right to put your hands on her! I don't remember when I asked you to protect her that you would have her in your bed. If I had known you would use her, I'd rather stab you than asking!"
Accusations were thrown at the two who were once friends. The discipline they were taught was slipping out of their characters as the tension was forming from the anger.
Both waiting for the first one to make move. One gesture and Ryu wouldn't care if he'd killed him here. But this time, he would make his face flew after meeting his fist. Hayate could care less for the fact Ryu was his most trusted friend since their time of childhood.
"Stop it, you two!" Helena yelled at the two men. "This is not the time to argue about your personal lives!"
Helena's statement didn't reach the senses any of them as they continued to attack each other with words.
"Did you have another one to replace her now? Or you still want to continue while looking for a new one?" The Mugen Tenshin master didn't stop the insults from being thrown. "Answer me, you bastard!"
Ryu had let the composure faded in his demeanor. His hands curled into tight fists that wanted nothing but to throw Hayate out of his sight, out of this room. "You piece of—"
The door opening interrupted them by the three walking in without a word. Jann Lee was in front of the two women behind him.
"What the hell you two doing here?!" Jann Lee yelled out as he saw the familiar faces he didn't want to see. "Shit! Helena! Why these two assholes are here?"
"They—"
"Ein?" Being called by the name he used before, Hayate glanced over Jann Lee's shoulder and saw Hitomi.
"Why are you involving with this? Kasumi isn't part of your concern. You're just her friend." Hayate spat.
Instantly, Jann Lee wanted to crush his face but was stopped by Lei and Hitomi holding both of his arms. "We're not here to fight them." Hitomi reminded.
"You asshole! I'm just her friend? Hell, I'm more than just that!" He was losing his temper. The moment he heard Hayate belittling his care for Kasumi wasn't going to be ignored. Not by him. "You think I didn't know about you? About what you did? Well, I can give you a good storytelling right now. Let's see if you can say which part was a lie from what Kasumi told me. Where do you want to start? Her life as a runaway? Running away from those assassins you sent? Which part? Tell me you shit!" The Chinese martial artist challenged. There was no way Kasumi would lie to him. Not when the kunoichi told him about her life while crying out those tears.
"All of you calm down!" Ayane held her brother's arm, trying to regain any sense to him. They shouldn't be quarreling here when there were more important things to discuss other than spitting out at each other.
"And you!" Jann Lee pointed at Ryu. "Is walking off your favorite hobby? After spending sweet times with Kasumi, you just ran off? What the hell? I thought ninjas were supposed to be responsible. Which of your damn actions were responsible? You can't put your obligations as half of the man before anything else? Is that how you show your care to Kasumi?"
Fighting the man was a good choice for Ryu. Like he did to Hayate as he knew nothing about his relationship with Kasumi. But, this man wasn't him. He was around Kasumi when Ryu wasn't. When it came to being around, he lost it to the man.
The two masters fell in silence after hearing Jann Lee's words. As if they were being criticized by a higher up or the head of their clan.
"You two had put Kasumi in so much shit for God knows I had no idea since when. Then, you would argue how much you care when you both threw shits in her life. Is that how you express your care huh? I shouldn't be surprised when she left her life with you two and stayed here."
"Don't say things like you know everything about Kasumi." Hayate couldn't stand Jann Lee's criticism against him. Like the latter had any right to do so.
A chuckle came from the Chinese martial artist. "Really?" He felt like he could laugh at Hayate. He walked closer to the latter. Standing before him.
"So, you're the brother? Kasumi's dear brother…Oh, well you used to be. But you wanna know something?" A grin appeared, mocking the Mugen Tenshin master. "I am her brother now. Kasumi accepted me as her brother. And I took it, the role you failed to act. I cared for her. I treated her as my sister since she lived with us. We never left her side. I never turned my back on her." The last part was a real spit on Hayate's face.
"Lee…" Lei Fang called him to stop speaking.
In his sentence, Jann Lee emphasized the things that meant to point out, punching it to him.
The comparison between them.
The list of their differences didn't have to be long when the weight of each on it determined who had done more than the other.
And Hayate knew the losing one was him.
Jann Lee wasn't in denial that at some point, he waited for the time he could confront this guy. Probably, he took the acceptance of being a brother to the kunoichi too far. But no care would be given to that if this was the chance he waited for.
It was like an impact hit Hayate. He was slapped by the fact that someone could do better in his role. The part he should have done correctly, in the right way.
Eerie ambiance of silence filled the room. All sides of each of three men who cared for the kunoichi were spilled out in front of everyone.
Taking a deep breath, Jann Lee didn't seem bothered with showing this side of his. It was enough they were in this situation. He had no time to argue. If giving these two a reality check would shut them up, he would use it. He had enough hearing their excuses anyway.
"So, can you both put your shitty egos away now? Or do we have to fight here first before you agree?"
With that, they all proceeded to the purpose of the meeting. Planning their rescue.
. . .
After the great greeting as confrontation was the first thing to do, everyone went on planning. Zack told them everything he gathered. The information gave them out ideas how they would approach. Of course, with all of them in one space, there were jabs that would slip 'accidentally' out of their mouths. The women had to cut it before anyone flew out. Helena took the role of scolding them. Unbelievably, she felt like a teacher who had students violated the rules. Though it weren't students, but three martial artists who had significant backgrounds. And also, they were adults acting like children.
While their discussion was on going, Hayate took few looks at the German girl who hadn't said anything to him except she called him with the name he was using.
And Ayane didn't fail to notice that. She nudged her elbow to his side, taking his attention.
"How many times do you plan to look at her?"
"What?"
Ayane rolled her eyes. "Don't deny it. You've been looking at a specific someone we both know you were living with." She whispered. "She's not paying attention so you're still safe. But please, stop it because it's making you look like a secret admirer."
"Let's not talk about it here, okay?" He replied in a low voice to not take any attention from the others. Embarrassed as well.
Ayane grinned at her brother. "You better tell me more about her."
"You're a gossip."
"Yeah, I don't care. I like to know what swayed my great brother to be in lo—" She was cut off when Hayate covered her mouth.
"I'll spoil you with details later. So please don't talk about it here." He said in low voice to make sure no one heard him.
Ayane muffled as her response. She wanted to bite his hand but not really a good look for a lady.
'I'll make sure to hear everything about your love life.' Ayane thought.
"Their security is tighter than before. I'm sure we won't just fight soldiers." Jann Lee said while looking at the image.
"Of course, Donovan will bring out the best cards for the defense. We should expect powerful weapons to use against anyone." Helena added. Her and Jann Lee mostly the ones talking while Hitomi and Lei Fang looking at the papers, particularly, the images.
"I can't believe they were watching us without knowing." Hitomi commented. "I didn't notice them."
"Me too." Lei Fang agreed. "Maybe because we were busy in daily routines. We should've been careful. We left Kasumi every day in the apartment and they would have done anything to her." They both felt guilty. It wasn't their intention but they really got carried away because of wanting to live in a normal way in a city. They forgot their backgrounds that caused them to meet each other and became friends. Close friends.
Though, the two women's voices were low to only hear each other, it didn't exempt it to be heard.
Ryu remained his demeanor. But his ears were listening, eager to hear more about the conversation. He had been quiet since the tension calmed down.
That explained why Kasumi was alone every time he'd be around. He asked the kunoichi about that and had the answer of them had their own business to do. Which was a good thing as he spent more time with her and their child without worrying about them going back. They talked about anything. But mostly, about Kasumi. And it was always the rewarding part of him after traveling miles away from the village to be with her.
Those times were treasured hidden in the back of his mind.
"What do you think?" Helena looked at Ryu. Obviously asking for his opinion.
He walked to Helena and she showed it to him. He studied it for a while. "Are there any other people than the man who took her?"
That wasn't the answer Helena expecting from him. It didn't answer her question but had another one instead.
"You mean Viktor Donovan?"
"The one who took her that day." Ryu emphasized it, the visual memory of the bastard's face.
This time, Helena understood what he asked. "You mean Rig? The man with tattoos. He's Donovan's son."
"If it's about the soldiers, then there's a possibility they made powerful versions. Like they did before. Mimicking, duplicating the soldier's abilities from the origin. It can be more than just that." Hayate suddenly cut in their conversation. "I've seen what they did before. Take it from me, as someone who had the chance to experience their service." He sarcastically said, almost to himself. To what he went through.
The atmosphere changed with the mention of the previous events about the Mugen Tenshin master. Hayate didn't like opening about it as it reminded him of how things ended in the decision he made that led to another circumstances that he wished he could take back.
And now his own sister would be next. He could only think with all the suggested scenarios they could do to her.
Hayate shook his head. This wasn't the time for him to be like this. "Excuse that part. I mean, sure, they have soldiers. But I think it's not about guns anymore. It's more about the skills and I'm sure they still have samples from me and that is a complete source for them to start." Walking to Helena, Hayate could sense everyone was looking at him. "We should prepare more than just force. We can't move only forward. They pulled tricks to us before and they will do that again but probably worse."
Helena got his point. It could be far more difficult than the last time. She knew she could fight but she had limitations as well. They all had. That was only one of the many things to think about. What about the time it would take them? Where they should find Kasumi? There were way too many to expect.
"Let's prepare for the worst things. We all knew them anyway." Jann Lee said. "Everyone in this room has ideas about that asshole. So we don't need to be soft to them. The summary is to find Kasumi and leave that place. The complicated part is the barricades. They got powered-up soldiers, weapons and most important, their skilled commanders. The priority is Kasumi's condition. We have to be careful. Not that you two didn't forget how. Hopefully, don't mess up this time." He glared at Hayate and Ryu. It wasn't intentional threat, only a reminder because he wouldn't hesitate to throw them anywhere. For him, it was just a reminder.
"I know what I should do." Hayate couldn't stop himself from responding.
"I know you do. Just reminding you to avoid making bad choice…again." Whispering the last part of the sentence, Jann Lee snickered at him. Hayate felt a jab in his sentence and chose to ignore it. But returning the jab in the same way at him was a choice Hayate wanted to do. Since earlier, he had got mockery from the Chinese martial artist in any part of their discussion. It hit his insides, not because of the words, but how true they meant and couldn't dodge them.
"I showed everything I got and we discussed here. Now who's going take charge on something?" Helena said quickly, putting out another mockery session from starting between the men. She wondered what Kasumi would think if she was here and saw these men acting three little boys quarreling over a toy.
Though, she knew the things wasn't simple. Jann Lee had his own reason too and Helena knew the former held it as his right to talk down to Hayate. She understood his part. And it was clear, Kasumi had two brothers here. Both valued her so much.
"The laboratory is located far deep inside. It means we will have to expect to fight through their soldiers. but I don't have any idea how many."
"And they can be tougher than before." Hitomi added. "We can't spend most of the time fighting them. We fought them and they were really more than just guards. Like they continue to upgrade."
Hearing the German girl's voice, Hayate glanced at her. It had been long since he saw her yet she remained in his mind.
"Those soldiers from the cruise ship can be the same ones in there but we can't be sure. They are probably more skillful because that's their headquarters." Lei Fang supported her friend's point. She recovered from the ambush but she could still feel some pain in her hands. Same for Hitomi. They still used to punch but it was Hitomi who did more trainings than her since living in one roof.
"That also means we can't go there with only our skills. We should bring weapons just to make sure." Lei Fang suggested.
Their suggestions were given out. Helena listened to each of it. It was better to know more so they could expect as much as they could. There were so many to expect but it was necessary than going there and be in another surprise party. This time, it'd be in Donovan's hideout.
"How about you?" She asked the purple-haired kunoichi who had been quiet since she and Hayate arrived. "Do you know anything?"
Ayane looked at the French woman. It wasn't her thing to talk to those she had no business or concerns with. Though this was for her sister, she still wasn't used to having people from cities to involve herself with. That was why she'd let her brother do the talking part to anyone. Maybe she didn't like people so much. Well, that was what she could say about herself.
Hayate looked over Ayane to see if she would say something. He had a feeling she wouldn't. Being familiar with the way his sister responded to people, he knew for sure she wouldn't say anything. It wasn't a big deal for him anyway. But he also wanted her to talk sometimes. But she often stayed quiet and let him did his part.
Seconds spent then Ayane responded. "Expect the worst. They can make soldiers that has abilities like ours."
Her short response was received by a nod from Helena. 'A good reminder there.' She thought.
Another discussion started but the women took most part of talking. They had their own conversation and didn't really involve the men. Except Zack as he was the one assisting Helena and keeping the documents separated and clean. Helena gave out questions to the kunoichi and quietly the latter opened up to them. It was awkward unlike those three men who were on the side from them now, they got over it and discussed the matters.
. . .
Their discussion ended in Helena declaring the summary of their plan. She pointed out the details, the location, how they would do the rescue and who were taking charge on particular parts. After that, she told them to get rest.
"There are few empty rooms here, but you have to share."
There were three rooms. Helena told them where they were. Jann Lee, Hitomi and Lei would stay in the first near one in the right. Another one in the left
Then another one that was in the left side would be occupied by Hayate and Ayane. The last one a little far would be Ryu's.
Everyone except Ryu left to rest. Helena noticed him not moving or not going to his provided room. Helena asked him.
"I can't stay here. I have to find Kasumi." Ryu said.
"Are you okay? We discussed this and we have to wait."
'Wait for what? For the right time to rescue.' He already couldn't sleep just knowing Kasumi wasn't safe. It was echoing in his mind again and again. He could hear faint voices of Kasumi that calling for him. She wasn't with him but the imaginary voice was clear as he almost believed she was with him.
"You don't understand." Ryu didn't listen.
Helena sighed. Clearly, he wouldn't listen to her. But she couldn't say she didn't know why. The man was Kasumi's partner. His family was not with him. His own family. He was a father. Helena knew those reasons Ryu would say to her and would make points.
"You will have your turn to get back at Rig. But you have to put out patience. I know Rig and like Donovan, he wouldn't take this easy. You can take him down. But the risk is there. Kasumi was in their hold and we can't deny what would they want from her."
Because of her carrying their child. Of course, Ryu wasn't ignorant, especially not stupid not to make his own clues to the possible goal.
"That's why I have to find her." He said. Ryu was capable of being on his own. He knew himself.
"But you can't do it alone."
"I can fight them." Even with the plain tone, he couldn't hide the disagreement. Counting the enemies he fought for the past years could prove how strong he was. What things he could do. How much he could take to win. Ryu proved it to those people around him and to himself.
Helena took a deep breath. Arguing with a man was never really an easy one. Sometimes, Zack would do the same even though she explained it to him. "I know how capable you are, Hayabusa. I don't need to see that again. But this is not about one life only. I think you know how impatience results to something we regret, don't you?"
A silent response. Ryu tilted his head away.
"We all want to save her. I want to make sure Donovan will never have another opportunity to do this again. That's one goal for everyone. We also care about Kasumi. You'll need more than yourself to save her and we made plans to do that. You will need help, Ryu."
If Ryu was in the village, he would deny that. It was what he had grown to learn. It would be easy to show he didn't need anyone. Alone. Everything, he could do all of things on his own. Even without his father's help who offered at some time of his life which he refused to take.
That should've been the only thing in his life to do. Even after taking his father's place as the head.
But the plain plan of him took turns that turned his life into unpredictable choices to make when he let the kunoichi saw the real him. He didn't know she'd show him there was more than just being an heir. There were more than responsibilities, honors or obligations.
Living, for once, took part in his life.
And he didn't want to lose that.
"I'm sure you both have faith in each other. You know that."
Going to the location was easy. But Ryu knew better. He gave her a slow nod.
Helena gave him a small smile, patting his shoulder. "You should rest. This fight won't be the same from the last time. But we will do everything to win. To get her back. You will get your family back."
With that, Ryu walked to the room where Helena said was for him to occupy. When he locked the door, he pulled down his mask. Now he could let himself breathe. Exhaustion was never a big deal to him but right now, he badly needed to rest.
He lain down on the bed. It was soft, as expected of someone who brought it. But he'd prefer the one he had in the village. Luxury didn't interest him, and definitely wasn't necessary to have.
The shinobi stared at the ceiling. Breathing calmly, preparing to welcome the drowsiness in his system. And now, he started feeling the tiredness of previous events getting on him. But of course, he didn't give attention to that when there was more important than that.
But when Ryu was in this position where it should be taking a rest, his mind couldn't. It doesn't let him. Thoughts about Kasumi filled him uncontrollably.
He wondered how Kasumi was.
Was she okay? What those people did to her at this moment? Were they putting needles on her now? Where did they put her? Was she in the same thing where they found Hayate? Did they do something to their child? Were they hurting her?
"Dammit…" Ryu closed his eyes shut. There was no way he could rest in this state. Worst thing about this was he was forcing himself to sleep when his own mind playing unending suggestions of what could have been happening with his lover.
Resting was the only choice to do. For now, he'd do that.
. . .
Thanks for reading!
Few chapters remaining, I guess? Lol, I'm not sure how many left but yeah.