Finding Him
Chapter 16 : Dad and his Juliet
by : Sakeena deathstalkker@yahoo.com


Legal disclaimers apply to all anime.

I head to the port again a week later, after trying to heal some of my minor wounds and get myself ready for another fight. I had finally saved Aya. The only one left was my father.

Reira said she will be with me on the way. All the way.

I followed her instructions, of where I should jump next to, where I should head next, what I should be carrying as my weapons and where were the least populated areas I could go to. I reached the port in an hour and a half.

The basement of one storage house was where I could see my father. There, after encountering many other guards who all ended up lying on the floor, I got to the room where they were in. It was not that easy, but at least, easier than I had expected considering the fact that I had Reira monitoring my surrounding and informing me of an enemy's presence. she must love my father very badly.

The storage house was large and spacious, heavily guarded. On one I could see a large glass tube filled with green liquid. Only its upper portion were visible from where I was. I realized then that there was a lower floor than where I was right then. when I sneaked a peak , all I saw in the lower floor were people milling around busily in white, the large more than twenty feet tall glass tube, a metal plate right beside it, and some monitors constantly blinking lights. Just like a lab.

But I decided it wasn't the time for sightseeing. I should try locating my father. After opening several doors hastily, I found him, at last. With a woman.

Immediately, he jumped up, ready to defend the woman he was with. I removed my mask. It took time before he could actually react to it. He just stared at me, as I stared back at him, my eyes filled with tears. I missed him. Very badly.

Slowly, he reached up to touch my face, wiping my tears. "Kasumi. Kasumi-chan.." Even he was not far from crying. I hugged him tightly. He hugged me back. God. After so long time, I finally hugged him. Then he released me and turning to the woman, he told her. "My daughter. My one and only daughter, Kasumi." To me, he said, "Masako Inoue. The woman I love now."

Inoue? My forehead wrinkled. My eyes turned to the woman who smiled at me and bowed politely. She was young, younger than Reira, Mariko or even my mother, at least. Nonetheless, she looked mature. I was too confused to even pay her respects.

As though reading my mind, my father explained. "Yes. She's the daughter of the late head of the syndicate. But she disapproved of the illegal activities her family was involved with. That's why she's here locked up with me. Labeled traitor by the new head when she saved my life."

I nodded silently. I see. He placed an arm protectively around her shoulders and she leaned her head on his. I didn't know whether or not to be pleased or irritated. My father could be a sucker for women. He finds love in the least expected times and places. Nevertheless, I had not much of a choice when it came to his interests and loves. He had his own mind and his own heart. I made it a rule to respect it, no matter what. The sounds outside the room told me to stop the party and go on with the plans. I told them to hurry outside in a place I know I had eliminated all guards while I confront the newcomers. I received some injuries from them but I did manage to get them out of my way.

We met outside by the port. It was becoming harder and harder for me. Both of them were worried in seeing me almost beaten up but I told them they didn't have much time. They must escape.

They looked at each other. "There's no escape."

"Of course there is."

" Where? How? "

By the corner of my eyes, I saw a large traveling ship. It seemed the only way out now. But they decided not to take my present address in fear for my life. Besides that, I didn't have any "present address". While them, I didn't know where they would be taken. Nonetheless, I didn't hesitate to let them go. With all the money I had, I bought two last minute tickets and gave them all the cash I had with me left (which was barely enough to live a day). My father nonetheless assured me they were going to be fine. After all, he still had his bank accounts, as well as Masako.

"Take care. Daddy. Masako," I told them , trying not to cry. My whole body and soul ached.

My dad looked at me with longing, hesitating to go. "But what about you? Your wounds?"

"I'll be fine. Promise. If you promise you'll take care of each other. And promise me you will be happy."

To my surprise, Masako hugged me tightly. "I will take care of your dad, Kasumi. I will make him happy."

I hugged her back. "Don't try to reach me, " I told both of them. "I don't want to endanger your safety."

My father was going to refuse. "Please, dad. Don't. We will see each other again when.."

There was a sound from behind us. I almost pushed them away to the ship. My dad looked at me one last time. Masako waved at me. They entered the ship together. That was the last time I ever saw my father.


I headed away silently as I watched the ship, leave. The people after me arrived. I fought back at them, but my mind was occupied that I was almost hit if it wasn't for someone who stabbed the attacker from behind before he could harm me. Whoever it was, he better mind his own business. I aimed my weapon on him. Because of my tears which had blurred my vision, it took time before I could recognize who he was.

Fujimiya Ran was there. And so were the others. Omi, Ken , Yoji and Erinko. They eliminated all others . I stepped back from Ran, avoiding his eyes. Avoiding all of them. I threw my weapons , stepping away from them. I didn't know why I reacted that way. Maybe because of shame? Of sadness? Of anger? ..or maybe it was love..??

"Kasumi..." Omi tried saying but I ignored him. I continued to cry even harder.

Just then, up on one roof, I saw a graceful figure of a woman. Reira. Though it was dark, I knew she was looking at the ship meaningfully.

"Why did you..why did you..why did you let them go? Why did you let HIM go?" Reira shouted at me, turning her head sharply, her eyes blazing.

Shaking my head, I replied. "I didn't want to, Reira. I swear. But --"

"And that woman..Inoue. Inoue Masako. I'll kill her!"

"Please don't. Let them go. I let him go."

"But I love him. It's not that easy."

"I love him too!" I yelled at her. "Do you think it's easy for me?"

She disappeared without replying, casting one last glance at the ship. I tried explaining to her my point, begging her not to do anything looking like a completely lunatic person until all I could do was wish she'd listen.

I left as well , still refusing to talk or even see any of them, even when all of them except Ran attempted to talk to me and convince me to return.


April 2000 © Sakeena