Disclaimer: The Ronin Warriors do not belong to me. But new story lines and characters not part of the original do belong to me. I'd appreciate it if it'd stay that way. Thank you for your time. ^_^
The Clean Up Crew
Chapter 2: Special Delivery
By: LittleUcchan
"Rowen!!! I'm not lying!!"
"Uh huh. Sure Sage."
"But I'm serious!!"
I heard him sigh on the other end. I knew already that I was irritating him. But I really couldn't help it. Plus it was bugging the hell out of me. I had to tell someone.
"Sage…listen to me," he started. "Your dorm room is on the eighth floor. Correct?"
"Mmhmm."
"And you're saying that someone was staring into your room through the window?"
"Yeah."
"…Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds?!"
"That's why I had to tell you!!"
"So you think it's Talpa."
"I didn't say that."
"But you're thinking it's somehow related to the Dynasty, right?
"…Sorta."
He sighed again. "…How long have you been there?"
"Almost a week."
"And how many times has this happened."
"…Twice."
"Has it ever occurred to you that it might have been a bird or and owl or something?"
"Must have been one hell of a bird."
"Sage!! I'm serious!!"
"And so am I!" I yelled back. "You think I'd be acting like this if I was joking?!"
Silence.
This was the second time that I had called Rowen since I had arrived. The first time was just to tell him and the others that I came here safely. And to also chat for a while. This time I called to give him my address at the post office. And to talk about…well…what we were currently talking about.
"I'll try and find out what I can," he finally answered.
"Thanks buddy."
"But I have to warn you. My life's kinda hectic right now. The exam's in two weeks, so I can't guarantee anything."
"That's alright."
"Stay safe over there ok?"
"I will. Ja ne."
*Click*
I hung up the receiver, replaying the conversation back in my mind. It was possible that Rowen was right. That I may have been imagining it. But how could I imagine an aura?
I sighed, deciding to forget about the incident. There was no point of worrying about it now. Besides, Rowen said that he'd look into it for me. Which meant that he was going to have a talk with Kayura. So all I had to do was wait. But in the mean time…
Surveying the room, I smiled. It was starting to feel a bit like home. I had Ellie to thank for that. She helped me shop for a few things I needed for living on my own. Like a phone for example. And maybe a lamp or two. You know, stuff that I wasn't able to bring with me on the plane.
So my dorm was…lets just say a bit more comfortable to live in compared to the day I arrived. It was probably going to stay that way for a while, I didn't plan on moving in any large pieces of furniture just yet. Maybe a little later in the month. Or after I talk with my roommate. Which, according to Ellie, would be arriving in June. She said he's transferring from a school in Massachusetts to come here.
Unfortunately…he was going to be a junior in the fall.
And here I thought that there was a rule that prohibited the mixing of classes, even if they are the same sex.
I began to sulk. This was just great. An upperclassmen.
*Ring*
I was a bit hesitant to pick up the phone. It was a new line, so no one really knew my number. There were only three possibilities as to who it could be. My family. The guys. Or…
"Hi Ellie. What's up?"
"I got a package for you downstairs," she replied.
"A package?"
"Yeah. More like a really BIG box. The return address is from Sendai, Japan."
Sendai? Who would be sending…Uh oh.
"It's probably from my parents. I'll be down in a minute ok?"
"Ok. See ya."
***
Man…Ellie wasn't kidding when she said the box was big. And they were expecting me to carry this upstairs?!
"I thought you said you didn't forget anything?"
"I didn't," I said with a frown. "This is probably my sister's doing. She must have cleared out my room or something."
"You and you sister always at odds?"
"When we actually talk to each other."
"That bad huh?"
"Yeah."
She then gave me a mischievous grin. "The only girl who's not subdued by your charms, huh Sage?"
"Not funny Ellie," I stated flatly when she started to laugh.
"It's the truth isn't it?"
"I wish it wasn't," I replied, resting my arms on the so-called "package" that almost stood up to my shoulders.
Ellie and I have become good friends since I've gotten here. She was an easy person to talk to. And it was nice of her to spend some time off to help me out here and there. Unfortunately, like my other "friends," she now had the license to tease me. And being a woman…she found great pleasure in taunting me about my high school love life.
"C'mon Sage. Most men would give anything to have what you've got."
"And I'd gladly give it away in a heartbeat." I sighed, resting my chin on top of the box. "If only it were possible."
I was waiting for her to let out some witty remark, but nothing came. I looked in her direction to see that she was staring off into the distance with a smile on her face. I raised an eyebrow, diverting my eyes to what she was looking at. Now what was she smiling…
I blinked, shooting my head upright when I spotted a group of girls off at a corner, looking in our direction. Well…specifically looking at me. They started to giggle within that little group of theirs once they caught me looking at them, each shying away from my gaze. I groaned inwardly. This was NOT what I needed right now.
"Looks like you've got yourself a group of admirers," Ellie teased.
"Don't they realize that I'm… younger than them?"
"Do you really think a year or two is going to make any difference?"
"…This bites."
"Hey, maybe if you take me out to dinner a couple of times, they'll leave you alone."
"Ellie!!" I cried out in surprise, slightly red.
"Just kidding," she smiled, patting me on the back.
"…That wasn't nice."
"Hey cheer up," she told me after a short period of silence.
"How can I…" I asked her, kneeling down on the floor. "…when I got this to carry upstairs!!"
"You need help?"
"No I got it," I assured her, getting a good grip on the base of the box. I hesitated, gathering my strength before I lifted it off the ground. It's just too bad that I haven't been training anymore. Maybe…then maybe…I wouldn't have had such a hard time.
After two seconds of holding the damn thing, I promptly dropped it on the floor.
"Geez!! What the hell's in this thing!?!?"
"Are you sure you don't need any help?" she giggled.
I sighed.
I hate it when girls are right.
***
*THUD*
The cardboard box landed "gracefully" in the dorm room. I was just grateful that it made it through the door.
"I hope there's nothing breakable in there," Ellie said, brushing her raven black hair back into place.
I shrugged. "Me and my sister might not get along. But she has some common sense on how to pack, having had been through this whole thing before."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning she wouldn't have packed something breakable in a box this large."
"And what if she did?"
"Then it must be in another box inside," I answered, cutting the tape loose with a pocketknife. "Let's see what's in here."
I was very surprised as to how tightly packed the whole thing was. Man…Yayoi knew what she was doing. She made use of every space available. There weren't any gaps inside. Now the only problem was getting all of this stuff out.
I felt Ellie place her hand on my shoulder. Turning my head, I was greeted by that all too familiar smile of hers.
"Have fun!!" she cheered.
I sighed. I really wasn't in the mood for this. But luckily, something else caught my eye. An envelope was taped on the inside flap of the box. Taking it in my hand, I flipped it over.
No sender.
Taking out the letter inside, I read the first line…and cringed.
Dear Seiji-kun,
Hope you're doing well. And if you're not…too bad!! I still can't believe that you went to America for college of all places. I mean, it's great for me. I don't have to see you everyday. But if you're ever in trouble, you don't have the luxury of returning home to work it out. You're completely on your own in a foreign country. It's such an extreme. Why did you take the risk?! I didn't make your life here that much of a living hell now did I?
Anyway…Okaasan was getting really worried about you. It was hard enough for her to let me go to college, even when I often came back. But now…I don't know really. Plus I'd hate to say it, but you're very important to the family…well…most of the family anyway.
As you can imagine, I had to do something…so here it is. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'm referring to that box you got. Hope you didn't break your back carrying it or something like that. Remember, lift with your knees. But I guess it's a little too late for me to tell you that now.
One of Okaasan's main concerns was that you wouldn't have enough money to buy all the things that you needed. Since you only brought clothes and a few other things. And yet, with all that luggage you were carrying around, you'd think you already had enough stuff. Sheesh Seiji.
Well back on the subject, that box sitting by your foot contains everything we could have packed you without sending you the whole house. Like your alarm clock, some cooking utensils, plates, cups, hangers, and other miscellaneous things. And no you won't find any furniture suddenly appearing on your doorstep. That was one thing we agreed NOT to send. But everything else is practically in there. Except Satsuki.
I swear that girl was tempted to pack herself in a box and ship it to America. She really misses you, Seiji. See what kind of trouble you're causing?!? You're giving everyone heart attacks with your wild ideas!!!
But I guess it's only your nature, ne?
Well, there's a list on a separate sheet of paper of all the stuff that "should" be in that box. Tell me if anything is missing alright? And Otousan sent you some money. It should be about 5,000 in American dollars. He wanted you to keep it for emergency. So don't blow it on anything ok?
And I was thinking of sending you your kendo practice gear and the numerous swords you have on display in your room. Tell me when you want them. Ojiisan is hoping that you'll continue practicing kendo, so that when you return, you'll still be as good as the day that you left. And I'll be waiting to challenge you when you do come back. So be ready!!
One last thing Seiji…You know that I'm the first one to get the mail so I don't want to receive any letters bearing bad news about you ok? Believe it or not, everyone here is very proud of you. You should see how Ojiisan is bragging about you in class. I'm not lying either. It's hard to imagine Ojiisan being the boastful type, but it's true.
I'm not saying to graduate top in your class or get a high paying job or anything like that. Just don't get into any trouble. Everyone is waiting for the day that you come back so we can celebrate and swap stories of what happened when you were gone. So stay safe alright…so…so you can come back to us. That's all that I ask.
Sayonara!!
-Yayoi-
…Wow.
I didn't know that everyone was so worried about me. I expected it. But even Yayoi is showing some concern for my well being. That was a first. Looking at the letter a moment longer, I silently folded it up, inserting it back into the envelope.
Home…
I closed my eyes, letting out a sigh. I wasn't going to let it get to me. I mean, I've lived with the guys for the past couple of years. So not seeing my family wasn't such a big deal. It's true that I'd visit them every other weekend but…
I bit my bottom lip, feeling my eyes become a bit watery. I guess…it's just different now.
"Hey…you alright?" I felt Ellie place her hand on my shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze.
"…Yeah," I replied after a moment's hesitation. "Yeah, I'm fine."
She gave me a small smile. "What'd they send you?"
"Um…just a couple of things they thought I might need."
"A couple?" she asked, skeptically.
I smiled. "Well, everything besides the furniture."
"Well, that's great then!!" she cried. "Now you don't have to shop for so much stuff."
"True," I replied. "I'd like to save some of the money that I came here with."
"Good luck at that. College is expensive."
"I've noticed."
"Word of advice," she said. "You should set up an account at the bank. That way, you can manage your money better and not end up overshooting your budget."
"Yeah, I should," I replied, remembering the money that my father had just set me. It wasn't exactly safe to keep that kind on cash on me. And Yayoi was right about one thing. Being in a new country, I might just accidentally spend it.
"Hey I got an idea," Ellie cheered, giving me a smile. "You free today?"
***
"I'm really glad you're here, Ellie. No way I'd be able to do this on my own."
"It's no problem," she told me as we waited in line at the bank not that far off from the university. "I really don't mind."
"I know, but I want to thank you," I said. "You've been a big help to me."
It was the truth. I don't think I would have gotten settled in so easily if it weren't for her. I guess I was just lucky to meet someone like her. Ellie's caring, informative, and had a good sense of humor. Not to mention that she's beautiful. That was always a plus.
And…
"That's because you're sweet. I really like showing you around."
…She likes me.
I sighed to myself. Well… it wasn't half as bad as I had feared. She wasn't like most girls I met. For one thing, Ellie didn't take the "liking" bit as far as other girls have. And besides, so far, our relationship wasn't based on the fact that she was attracted to me. It was based on something else.
Sarcasm was one of them. And man did she use it well.
"I'm not even considering the fact that you'd be lost without me, Sage."
"Yeah I know, I'm pitiful," I played along, making her smile. I loved it when she smiled. I don't know if "heartwarming" is the right word to describe it, but it comes close to that. She was able to make me feel at ease.
"Next please!!"
"C'mon Sage. That's us!" Ellie called, stepping out of line.
I moved to follow her, but stopped abruptly. Something brushed against the back of my mind. An… aura.
I was certain I sensed an aura. But, in the bank? Where was it coming from?
"Sage!"
I cut my thoughts short when I heard Ellie calling for me. She had stopped walking and was now waiting in the middle of the open space between me and the teller's booth.
"Sorry," I quickly apologized and started walking. I didn't get very far as all the lights in the building started flickering on and off wildly. I could hear the excited chatter circling around the room as the people looked around in fear and amazement. Then the foundation trembled, spreading panic all over. Cries became screams as the ground beneath me shook harder, almost throwing me off balance. What the hell was going on!?
My senses suddenly shot out a warning to me. Looking up, I witnessed the chandelier cord snap, dropping towards the floor. And heading right for…
"Ellie!!"
In a split second I ran forward, tackling Ellie to the ground right before the glass chandelier collided with the marble floor. The sound of shattering glass resounded off the walls. And then the lights turned back to normal.
After that, the commotion was over. I got up slightly, realizing that Ellie had her arms wrapped around me, trembling. I gently stroked her hair to get her out of shock.
"You ok?"
She blinked. Then nodded, loosening her grip on me.
"You sure?" I asked again, just to be safe.
She nodded again. But I could see it in her eyes that she was still a bit shaky. That incident had given her quite a scare. I sat up, gazing back at the chandelier pieces that littered the floor, shimmering in the light. I could see why she was still in shock. She could have been killed under that. But… why did it fall in the first place? Something didn't fit in.
"Sir? Miss? Are you ok?"
I snapped out of my daze to see one of the officers on patrol kneeling down besides us in concern. But instead of replying, I looked pass him, to a corner of the building. Something had grabbed my attention. A man with incredible pale skin was standing in a secluded area, staring right back at me with a smile on his face.
The connection clicked in my mind. The aura I felt… and that man. They were one in the same. And he was the one that caused that little public display. I knew it. But how did he…
I got my answer when his smile grew even wider. And then he vanished.
He wasn't even alive.
