What If?
Chapter 8- False Friend
At the sound of a sharp rapping on the door, Kase stood and hurried over to it, throwing his frantic expression on, on the way. He jerked the door open and found himself standing there with an armful of Ken. The boy was frenetic, sobbing and trembling uncontrollably even when Kase wrapped his arms comfortingly about the smaller form.
"Ken…?" he began.
"Mamoru… He's got Mamoru…" Kase bit back a grin against his best friend's hair as he pulled him closer.
"Oh god, Ken… I'm sorry…" 'Sorry I didn't do this sooner.' "But how? Wasn't he with you the whole day?" He could feel the younger boy shake his head against his chest.
"Lunch break, when… when you called. I told him to go ahead, that I'd catch up, and then… then…" His voice broke and was totally lost to him. Kase helped him over to his couch, his arms never leaving the comfortable embrace he had the J-Leaguer in. Ken's hand raised up, a white envelope clutched in his fingers. Kase took it, even though he already knew what was in there. He'll he'd written it!
"What is it…?" he asked as he opened it. His eyes skimmed over the typed letters. It wouldn't have done at all to handwrite it. Ken would have realized immediately realized who it was, and all would have been for naught. "Oh, no," he whispered in mock horror.
"I couldn't protect him, Kase… I couldn't do anything…" Ken could feel his friend's strong fingers gently stroking his hair, that soft voice whispering gentle nonsensical words to him. "I…"
"Shh, Ken," Kase murmured. Ken fit so very well in his arms… If only things had been different, if only… "We've got to call the police." This caused a reaction. Ken jerked up, his eyes wide and bleak from tears, but full of fear and determinations, as well.
"Are you nuts?! Didn't you see what the note said?! If I call the cops, something bad is going to happen to Mamoru!" Kase chewed on this. 'Good… Ken isn't going to take a chance on this one. Everything is going according to plan…' At that very moment, something changed on Ken's face. The worry written across his features was suddenly replaced with something of an epiphany. "Yohji… I can call Yohji!" Kase quirked an eyebrow.
"Who's Yohji?"
"Detective Kudou Yohji, the one who came to me about those accusations!" Kase flinched internally. This was NOT good. The little bastard actually knew a detective, someone who could bust him wide open! How to deter him, how to deter him…
"Didn't you just say something bad will happen to Mamoru if you call the cops?" Ken shook his head, chocolate locks flying about him.
"This guy is a professional! He can find Mamoru without this guy even knowing he's being researched! I know it! Oh, Kase, he's the only one who could help me…" And with that, Ken subsided into tears once more. The older boy ran his fingers through Ken's hair soothingly, clenching his teeth as he did so. He hadn't counted a detective in as a factor of the equation. This would make things difficult. It wasn't as if Kase had no experience dodging the law or lying, but still… He didn't want to take chances with this, his last hope of giving Ken what he truly deserves…
"All right."
Yohji paced across the room for the nth time since he'd arrived about half an hour ago. Jade eyes glanced to the pair on the couch, Ken sitting with his eyes transfixed to the floor, and the older man called Kase with his arms around the other in a comforting gesture. This kid just couldn't seem to catch a break. He ran a slender hand through long honey-coloured hair and stopped, looking at both boys on the couch.
"Let me get this straight. You-" he pointed at Kase "-came over to visit, but instead of finding Ken here, you found a note under the door threatening Ken." The older nodded. "And you-" he pointed at Ken "-got his-" pointed to Kase "-call about the note, and when you got outside to rush over, there was another note in which this mysterious person claimed to have Mamoru. Right?"
"Basically," Ken answered. His lovely tenor voice, usually so boisterous and happy, was now laden think with worry, pain, and exhaustion. It was enough to break a man's heart. The detective fumbled through his pockets and produced a pack of cigarettes.
"Do you mind if I…?" the brunette shook his head, and Yohji lit the stick, taking a slow, long, relaxing drag. This was some case, he had to admit. "And you've received no other information or contact from this mystery stalker?" Another shake of the boy's head. Well, shit. He didn't have very much information to work with, but something inside told him not to share that fact with his client. Nor should he begin inquisitions… The poor kid was under enough stress and crap as it was…
"Tell you what, kid," Yohji started. "I can start by bugging the phone line. If you like, I can install a hidden security camera inside the apartment as well." He paused, taking another hit of his cigarette. "All I can promise you is that I will be at your beck and call. If you think you're in immediate danger, or if this creep tries to contact you, I'll be right there to nail his ass." Ken allowed himself a small, grateful smile, which lightened Yohji's own worry.
"Thank you," the young athlete whispered. "I'd like that." The honeyed man nodded.
"Where are your phones?"
Another half-hour later, both phones in the apartment were bugged, and a mini-camera had been placed on the inside of the door. It would record anyone coming in and anyone coming out. Simply put, no one would be sneaking around without getting caught on Candid Camera©.
"Thank you so much, Yohji…" Chocolate eyes looked wearily into deep jade ones, staring sympathetically back.
"Get some rest, Ken. I'll take care of everything, so don't you worry. The great Kudou Yohji is at your service." He bowed low, a wide, reassuring grin on his face as he stepped out of the door. As soon as it slicked shut, Kase turned to his friend.
"Do you want me to stay with you?" Ken shook his head. "Ken, really. This is going to be tough. Are you certain-?"
"Kase," he interrupted, "I just… want to be alone now. Go on home and get some rest yourself." He felt a strong hand squeeze his shoulder, but didn't look up to meet the gaze he knew was there.
"I'll call you." Kase received no confirmation as he let his hand slide from the sullen boy's motionless form. 'Wallow, then, you bastard. This is what you deserve.' The older turned sharply and walked out. Slowly, numbly, Ken walked into his bedroom and collapsed on the bed. He thought his eyes had run dry, but the warm wetness that streaked down his face told him otherwise. He curled up against himself and cried.
It was dark, so very, very dark. And the silence… Mamoru cried out into the emptiness, but there was no answer. There hadn't been ever since he'd woken. He had no idea how long it had been, no idea what time it was, where he was, what was going on… The last thing he remembered was Ken telling him to go ahead without him, the warm sunlight on his skin, and then nothing. The world had disappeared in a split second, and when he'd come to, he was surrounded by darkness induced by a blindfold. His wrists and ankles had been bound tightly to a chair, this much he could tell. Everything else remained a terrifying mystery. Just as he was about to scream again into his surroundings, he heard the sound of a door opening in the distance.
"Who's there???" he demanded. An easy chuckle answered him, filling his ears with the disturbing sound.
"That's not important," a deep voice spoke. "The only thing you need to concern yourself with is doing everything I tell you." Mamoru snorted.
"Why should I do that?"
"Because if you don't…" There was a whooshing sound, followed by a sharp slap that sent Mamoru's head snapping to the side under the force of the blow. Suddenly the voice was very close, breath hot and angry against his ear. "…I will have to do bad things to you." He couldn't help it, but his breathing sped up. He was scared, as much as he didn't want to show it. That, and that slap had hurt. _Really_ hurt. The blonde listened intently as he heard retreating footsteps, then the sound of something being turned on. "Hello, Ken," the voice crooned. Why was this person calling Ken? What was going on?!
"Wha… Who is this?!" Kase grinned widely.
"Irrelevant. I told you I would contact you with instructions, as I am doing. And just for your information, that bugging device you installed will do little to no good against me. I might even have to punish Mamoru for your disobedience."
"NO! Please, just don't hurt him!" Kase strode over to his captive, grinning maniacally.
"Should have considered that before, Ken." He grabbed a handful of flaxen hair, jerking the boy's head back. A pained scream ripped through the air.
"MAMORU!!!"
"He's got a lovely neck, doesn't he, Ken? I wonder how much it bleeds…" Kase heard a sob on the other line.
"Oh, god… please don't, please… What do you want me to do…?" 'There's my obedient little Ken,' Kase thought with a wicked grin.
"You will throw the game tomorrow. I want your team to lose by at least three goals." Considering it was a soccer game, three was a BIG number. He waited for Ken's reaction.
"… All right. Just don't hurt Mamoru, please… I'll do it…"
"Then he lives for another day. Good choice, Ken." He hung up the special bug-scrambler phone a friend had found on the black market for him and looked down at the boy who's head was still wrenched back, exposing that long, slender neck. He bent down and traced his tongue along its gentle curves, holding back a chuckle at the revolted shudder that swept through his prisoner.
"Why are you doing this?" he whispered. Kase stood straight and released the boy.
"I'm just giving Ken what he deserves. He's earned every bit of what I'm giving him."
"How?" The older paused, then frowned.
"You talk too much. Don't make me gag you."
Mamoru swallowed his pride and his courage, and pressed on. "How?"
"He turned his back on me!" came the hissed reply, venomous and full of hatred. "He took and took and never gave back! He got success and fame and was content to leave me in the dust, standing in his goddamn shadow like some faithful dog!"
"You're jealous." Mamoru was met with another viscous slap, and then he felt something being pulled and tightened around his mouth.
"I'll take it off when you learn to watch your own mouth." Mamoru heard diminishing footsteps once more, and the tell-tale sound of a door slamming told him that he was once again alone in the mystery room. The bonds around his wrists were too tight, and he could feel the muscle beneath throbbing with pain that would explode when he was free of them. If he ever was free of them…
Through the black of night, a creature darker than the moonless shadows made his way through the front door of his mansion after the week-long business trip in Ido, followed closely by his second son. The trip had been a success. He now owned Gomaku Manufacturers, and with that came a safe place to store his smuggled and illegal goods. Hirofumi dropped his briefcase and coat onto the table in the hallway with an emphatic *thump*.
"So this is what you do for a living, is it, father?" Reiji met his son's piercing gaze with a dangerous one.
"You knew that. Don't act so surprised," he growled. "If you try to back out now, I will assure you that you will die." Hirofumi couldn't decide what was more disturbing- the fact that his father had just threatened his life, or the nonchalant way he'd done it. Albeit, his father spoke the truth. Little Mamoru was the only one who remained in the dark about his father's true occupation. Even their mother knew. She highly disapproved, but wasn't about to turn her back on one of the most dangerous men in all of Japan. Hirofumi had known since the time he was kidnapped those eight years ago. He'd also learned that he wasn't the initial target, that they were really after Mamoru. After that, he'd kept an extra-watchful eye on the boy, making it clear to his family that nothing was to happen to his little brother. He hadn't even had to add a threat to his demand; his point was made loud and clear. Surprisingly, his wish had also been respected. Over the years, there had been threats and elaborate plans, but none that were acted out after a death-promising glare from the middle son. He loved Mamoru, the only person in his family he felt anything but subordination to. He merely prayed he'd be able to save Mamoru from the life that would inevitably claim that innocence, that purity that set him apart from everyone else.
"Of course I wouldn't. Do you think I'm stupid? I am your son, after all. And… blood is thicker than water." Reiji smiled, as best as a cold-hearted, murdering, fuckhead of a human could.
"I'm glad to hear that," he said detachedly, before turning to climb the stairs to his chambers. "Just make sure you remember that in the future." Those were the last words uttered from the old man before he disappeared into the shadows, melting, his form distorting, twisting in the blackness. 'How disgustingly poetic,' Hirofumi thought on his way to the kitchen. The very same kitchen he and Mamoru had absolutely trashed in their failed attempt to make breakfast for themselves. They'd come up with some pretty good things, but nothing that could be classified breakfast, or even real food, for that matter. He felt a smile rise to his lips at the fond memory, but felt a twinge of pain inside him. He loved Mamoru, but knew… he knew that they would never really bond. They couldn't. How can something so pure coincide with something so twisted and ugly? He would save Mamoru, no matter what. Even if it meant… Even if it meant his own life! With a determined nod, the young businessman hurried up the stairs to the room on the opposite side of the stairs from his own. He knocked on the door.
"Mamoru..?" There was only silence to answer him. "Mamo-chan, you awake?" He turned the knob, relieved to find the door unlocked, and pushed the heavy door inward to the room. He stepped gingerly inside, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness. "Mamoru?" The room was empty, devoid of life. Not to mention cold… But where was his little brother?! It wasn't like Mamoru to leave without a note or calling his cell phone to leave a message, especially if he knew his nii-chan was going to be returning home. Maybe… just maybe he was at that Ken-kid's place… Yes, that was it. That had to be it, because…
"If anything is wrong with my brother, may God have mercy on his soul."
I know that a lot of people hate Hirofumi for what he did to poor lil' Omi-chan in the show, and they're probably going to be a bit incised by me writing him in as one of the good-guys. Something I think many people fail to realize is Hirofumi was Omi's only relative that truly cared for him (other than Ouka, who remains unheard of in this story). Yes, he worked him over pretty good, but he was trying to get him to turn on his friends, to come back to him. Selfish, yes, but he simply wanted his brother back. He just went about it the wrong way. Anyway, I'm rambling now. Just thought I'd expound upon that a bit. Let me hear your thoughts on it, ne?
Kourui
Chapter 8- False Friend
At the sound of a sharp rapping on the door, Kase stood and hurried over to it, throwing his frantic expression on, on the way. He jerked the door open and found himself standing there with an armful of Ken. The boy was frenetic, sobbing and trembling uncontrollably even when Kase wrapped his arms comfortingly about the smaller form.
"Ken…?" he began.
"Mamoru… He's got Mamoru…" Kase bit back a grin against his best friend's hair as he pulled him closer.
"Oh god, Ken… I'm sorry…" 'Sorry I didn't do this sooner.' "But how? Wasn't he with you the whole day?" He could feel the younger boy shake his head against his chest.
"Lunch break, when… when you called. I told him to go ahead, that I'd catch up, and then… then…" His voice broke and was totally lost to him. Kase helped him over to his couch, his arms never leaving the comfortable embrace he had the J-Leaguer in. Ken's hand raised up, a white envelope clutched in his fingers. Kase took it, even though he already knew what was in there. He'll he'd written it!
"What is it…?" he asked as he opened it. His eyes skimmed over the typed letters. It wouldn't have done at all to handwrite it. Ken would have realized immediately realized who it was, and all would have been for naught. "Oh, no," he whispered in mock horror.
"I couldn't protect him, Kase… I couldn't do anything…" Ken could feel his friend's strong fingers gently stroking his hair, that soft voice whispering gentle nonsensical words to him. "I…"
"Shh, Ken," Kase murmured. Ken fit so very well in his arms… If only things had been different, if only… "We've got to call the police." This caused a reaction. Ken jerked up, his eyes wide and bleak from tears, but full of fear and determinations, as well.
"Are you nuts?! Didn't you see what the note said?! If I call the cops, something bad is going to happen to Mamoru!" Kase chewed on this. 'Good… Ken isn't going to take a chance on this one. Everything is going according to plan…' At that very moment, something changed on Ken's face. The worry written across his features was suddenly replaced with something of an epiphany. "Yohji… I can call Yohji!" Kase quirked an eyebrow.
"Who's Yohji?"
"Detective Kudou Yohji, the one who came to me about those accusations!" Kase flinched internally. This was NOT good. The little bastard actually knew a detective, someone who could bust him wide open! How to deter him, how to deter him…
"Didn't you just say something bad will happen to Mamoru if you call the cops?" Ken shook his head, chocolate locks flying about him.
"This guy is a professional! He can find Mamoru without this guy even knowing he's being researched! I know it! Oh, Kase, he's the only one who could help me…" And with that, Ken subsided into tears once more. The older boy ran his fingers through Ken's hair soothingly, clenching his teeth as he did so. He hadn't counted a detective in as a factor of the equation. This would make things difficult. It wasn't as if Kase had no experience dodging the law or lying, but still… He didn't want to take chances with this, his last hope of giving Ken what he truly deserves…
"All right."
Yohji paced across the room for the nth time since he'd arrived about half an hour ago. Jade eyes glanced to the pair on the couch, Ken sitting with his eyes transfixed to the floor, and the older man called Kase with his arms around the other in a comforting gesture. This kid just couldn't seem to catch a break. He ran a slender hand through long honey-coloured hair and stopped, looking at both boys on the couch.
"Let me get this straight. You-" he pointed at Kase "-came over to visit, but instead of finding Ken here, you found a note under the door threatening Ken." The older nodded. "And you-" he pointed at Ken "-got his-" pointed to Kase "-call about the note, and when you got outside to rush over, there was another note in which this mysterious person claimed to have Mamoru. Right?"
"Basically," Ken answered. His lovely tenor voice, usually so boisterous and happy, was now laden think with worry, pain, and exhaustion. It was enough to break a man's heart. The detective fumbled through his pockets and produced a pack of cigarettes.
"Do you mind if I…?" the brunette shook his head, and Yohji lit the stick, taking a slow, long, relaxing drag. This was some case, he had to admit. "And you've received no other information or contact from this mystery stalker?" Another shake of the boy's head. Well, shit. He didn't have very much information to work with, but something inside told him not to share that fact with his client. Nor should he begin inquisitions… The poor kid was under enough stress and crap as it was…
"Tell you what, kid," Yohji started. "I can start by bugging the phone line. If you like, I can install a hidden security camera inside the apartment as well." He paused, taking another hit of his cigarette. "All I can promise you is that I will be at your beck and call. If you think you're in immediate danger, or if this creep tries to contact you, I'll be right there to nail his ass." Ken allowed himself a small, grateful smile, which lightened Yohji's own worry.
"Thank you," the young athlete whispered. "I'd like that." The honeyed man nodded.
"Where are your phones?"
Another half-hour later, both phones in the apartment were bugged, and a mini-camera had been placed on the inside of the door. It would record anyone coming in and anyone coming out. Simply put, no one would be sneaking around without getting caught on Candid Camera©.
"Thank you so much, Yohji…" Chocolate eyes looked wearily into deep jade ones, staring sympathetically back.
"Get some rest, Ken. I'll take care of everything, so don't you worry. The great Kudou Yohji is at your service." He bowed low, a wide, reassuring grin on his face as he stepped out of the door. As soon as it slicked shut, Kase turned to his friend.
"Do you want me to stay with you?" Ken shook his head. "Ken, really. This is going to be tough. Are you certain-?"
"Kase," he interrupted, "I just… want to be alone now. Go on home and get some rest yourself." He felt a strong hand squeeze his shoulder, but didn't look up to meet the gaze he knew was there.
"I'll call you." Kase received no confirmation as he let his hand slide from the sullen boy's motionless form. 'Wallow, then, you bastard. This is what you deserve.' The older turned sharply and walked out. Slowly, numbly, Ken walked into his bedroom and collapsed on the bed. He thought his eyes had run dry, but the warm wetness that streaked down his face told him otherwise. He curled up against himself and cried.
It was dark, so very, very dark. And the silence… Mamoru cried out into the emptiness, but there was no answer. There hadn't been ever since he'd woken. He had no idea how long it had been, no idea what time it was, where he was, what was going on… The last thing he remembered was Ken telling him to go ahead without him, the warm sunlight on his skin, and then nothing. The world had disappeared in a split second, and when he'd come to, he was surrounded by darkness induced by a blindfold. His wrists and ankles had been bound tightly to a chair, this much he could tell. Everything else remained a terrifying mystery. Just as he was about to scream again into his surroundings, he heard the sound of a door opening in the distance.
"Who's there???" he demanded. An easy chuckle answered him, filling his ears with the disturbing sound.
"That's not important," a deep voice spoke. "The only thing you need to concern yourself with is doing everything I tell you." Mamoru snorted.
"Why should I do that?"
"Because if you don't…" There was a whooshing sound, followed by a sharp slap that sent Mamoru's head snapping to the side under the force of the blow. Suddenly the voice was very close, breath hot and angry against his ear. "…I will have to do bad things to you." He couldn't help it, but his breathing sped up. He was scared, as much as he didn't want to show it. That, and that slap had hurt. _Really_ hurt. The blonde listened intently as he heard retreating footsteps, then the sound of something being turned on. "Hello, Ken," the voice crooned. Why was this person calling Ken? What was going on?!
"Wha… Who is this?!" Kase grinned widely.
"Irrelevant. I told you I would contact you with instructions, as I am doing. And just for your information, that bugging device you installed will do little to no good against me. I might even have to punish Mamoru for your disobedience."
"NO! Please, just don't hurt him!" Kase strode over to his captive, grinning maniacally.
"Should have considered that before, Ken." He grabbed a handful of flaxen hair, jerking the boy's head back. A pained scream ripped through the air.
"MAMORU!!!"
"He's got a lovely neck, doesn't he, Ken? I wonder how much it bleeds…" Kase heard a sob on the other line.
"Oh, god… please don't, please… What do you want me to do…?" 'There's my obedient little Ken,' Kase thought with a wicked grin.
"You will throw the game tomorrow. I want your team to lose by at least three goals." Considering it was a soccer game, three was a BIG number. He waited for Ken's reaction.
"… All right. Just don't hurt Mamoru, please… I'll do it…"
"Then he lives for another day. Good choice, Ken." He hung up the special bug-scrambler phone a friend had found on the black market for him and looked down at the boy who's head was still wrenched back, exposing that long, slender neck. He bent down and traced his tongue along its gentle curves, holding back a chuckle at the revolted shudder that swept through his prisoner.
"Why are you doing this?" he whispered. Kase stood straight and released the boy.
"I'm just giving Ken what he deserves. He's earned every bit of what I'm giving him."
"How?" The older paused, then frowned.
"You talk too much. Don't make me gag you."
Mamoru swallowed his pride and his courage, and pressed on. "How?"
"He turned his back on me!" came the hissed reply, venomous and full of hatred. "He took and took and never gave back! He got success and fame and was content to leave me in the dust, standing in his goddamn shadow like some faithful dog!"
"You're jealous." Mamoru was met with another viscous slap, and then he felt something being pulled and tightened around his mouth.
"I'll take it off when you learn to watch your own mouth." Mamoru heard diminishing footsteps once more, and the tell-tale sound of a door slamming told him that he was once again alone in the mystery room. The bonds around his wrists were too tight, and he could feel the muscle beneath throbbing with pain that would explode when he was free of them. If he ever was free of them…
Through the black of night, a creature darker than the moonless shadows made his way through the front door of his mansion after the week-long business trip in Ido, followed closely by his second son. The trip had been a success. He now owned Gomaku Manufacturers, and with that came a safe place to store his smuggled and illegal goods. Hirofumi dropped his briefcase and coat onto the table in the hallway with an emphatic *thump*.
"So this is what you do for a living, is it, father?" Reiji met his son's piercing gaze with a dangerous one.
"You knew that. Don't act so surprised," he growled. "If you try to back out now, I will assure you that you will die." Hirofumi couldn't decide what was more disturbing- the fact that his father had just threatened his life, or the nonchalant way he'd done it. Albeit, his father spoke the truth. Little Mamoru was the only one who remained in the dark about his father's true occupation. Even their mother knew. She highly disapproved, but wasn't about to turn her back on one of the most dangerous men in all of Japan. Hirofumi had known since the time he was kidnapped those eight years ago. He'd also learned that he wasn't the initial target, that they were really after Mamoru. After that, he'd kept an extra-watchful eye on the boy, making it clear to his family that nothing was to happen to his little brother. He hadn't even had to add a threat to his demand; his point was made loud and clear. Surprisingly, his wish had also been respected. Over the years, there had been threats and elaborate plans, but none that were acted out after a death-promising glare from the middle son. He loved Mamoru, the only person in his family he felt anything but subordination to. He merely prayed he'd be able to save Mamoru from the life that would inevitably claim that innocence, that purity that set him apart from everyone else.
"Of course I wouldn't. Do you think I'm stupid? I am your son, after all. And… blood is thicker than water." Reiji smiled, as best as a cold-hearted, murdering, fuckhead of a human could.
"I'm glad to hear that," he said detachedly, before turning to climb the stairs to his chambers. "Just make sure you remember that in the future." Those were the last words uttered from the old man before he disappeared into the shadows, melting, his form distorting, twisting in the blackness. 'How disgustingly poetic,' Hirofumi thought on his way to the kitchen. The very same kitchen he and Mamoru had absolutely trashed in their failed attempt to make breakfast for themselves. They'd come up with some pretty good things, but nothing that could be classified breakfast, or even real food, for that matter. He felt a smile rise to his lips at the fond memory, but felt a twinge of pain inside him. He loved Mamoru, but knew… he knew that they would never really bond. They couldn't. How can something so pure coincide with something so twisted and ugly? He would save Mamoru, no matter what. Even if it meant… Even if it meant his own life! With a determined nod, the young businessman hurried up the stairs to the room on the opposite side of the stairs from his own. He knocked on the door.
"Mamoru..?" There was only silence to answer him. "Mamo-chan, you awake?" He turned the knob, relieved to find the door unlocked, and pushed the heavy door inward to the room. He stepped gingerly inside, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness. "Mamoru?" The room was empty, devoid of life. Not to mention cold… But where was his little brother?! It wasn't like Mamoru to leave without a note or calling his cell phone to leave a message, especially if he knew his nii-chan was going to be returning home. Maybe… just maybe he was at that Ken-kid's place… Yes, that was it. That had to be it, because…
"If anything is wrong with my brother, may God have mercy on his soul."
I know that a lot of people hate Hirofumi for what he did to poor lil' Omi-chan in the show, and they're probably going to be a bit incised by me writing him in as one of the good-guys. Something I think many people fail to realize is Hirofumi was Omi's only relative that truly cared for him (other than Ouka, who remains unheard of in this story). Yes, he worked him over pretty good, but he was trying to get him to turn on his friends, to come back to him. Selfish, yes, but he simply wanted his brother back. He just went about it the wrong way. Anyway, I'm rambling now. Just thought I'd expound upon that a bit. Let me hear your thoughts on it, ne?
Kourui