Disclaimer: Hmm. If I could own one of F4 who would it be? Akira's pretty
darn cute, but I can't resist a weirdo like Rui. : D
Chapter 25: One by one they tumbled down
I glanced up at the television screen behind Susumu's head. It was more than enough to see it again. Images flashed up of each of the F4 being wheeled into the hospital's emergency room. A spokesperson emerged from inside the building to greet the throng of reporters eagerly waiting to get the scoop on the details of the incident. The man slowly cleared his throat.
"On behalf of the Doumyouji family we kindly ask you to respect their privacy and their wishes. According to the police reports and our own sources, last night's bloody incident was a failed kidnapping attempt. Upon entering the scene the hostages were found and luckily enough they were all rushed to the hospital in time."
"Can you tell us of the conditions of F4?" a reporter asked shoving his microphone closer.
"That is information we are unable to disclose of the moment. I'm very sorry, but this interview is over. Security please clear the area."
Like that the brief interview was finished. I watched as the reporters were being escorted away by armed guards. The outside of the hospital was now heavily surrounded by armed guards blocking any outsiders from entering the premises.
I bolted out of bed tossing off a whirlwind of sheets into the air. Leaving a stunned Susumu with an open mouth, I scrambled through the hallways knocking people over in my mad search. Although my body was still weak and aching from the night before, I ignored it. Not taking in any of my surroundings I ran through the winding halls with one thing in my mind- were they alive?
"Tsukushi!" hoarse voices called out from behind me.
I spun around with my hair whipping into my face. "Akira! Soujiro!"
My eyes widened in shock. Akira was slowly being rolled out from his room in a wheelchair. Both of his legs were propped up n huge casts. Soujiro was none the better with his head bandaged up. He carefully limped out of the door across from Akira's room. I ran over to them falling on my knees in front of Akira in shame.
"Oh god this is all my fault," I choked out. Uncontrollably I sobbed holding my face in my hands.
Akira gently patted me on the head not saying anything. For once he was at a loss of words.
"Oneesan!" Susumu ran towards us from the end of the hall. He scooped me off the ground and held me up.
"Come on. We're we going to check on the others," Soujiro grimly said. His face darkened at the prospect of venturing out to the other rooms not quite knowing what they would find.
As Susumu lead me down the hall behind Akira and Soujiro I couldn't help but notice how eerily quiet the entire ward was. Except for the beeping of the machines and a few of the doctors and nurses mulling about the there was an unmistakable eerie silence. At the end of each corridor men in black suits guarded every exit and entrance into the ward. Upon seeing Akira and Soujiro walking towards the double door into the next corridor the men quickly nodded their heads in recognition of F2 and stepped aside.
As we walked into the first room my stomach lurched. I walked past the two familiar faces from my childhood trying to remain calm. I bowed lowly not wanting to raise my face in shame. I was to blame for all this. "Hello Aoikesan."
The middle-aged woman sitting quietly in her chair next to her husband glanced up at me through red bloodshot eyes. "Hello Tsukushi chan. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances." She turned away and continued to stare at the boy that lie in the bed hooked up so many machines he needed to sustain his frail body. She placed her hand on her husband's who seemed to be in some faraway place lost in a daze. The small woman pulled her husband from his seat and led him towards the door. "We'll be back in a few moments."
I slowly inched forward wondering to myself if this was all just some sick dream. The beeping of the machine monitoring his heart beat was a piercing sound that made me feel jumpy each time I heard that loud beep. I sat down beside Kazuya and put my hand over his.
"Kazuya." There was no response. His eyes remained closed. His pale face was enough to indicate how critical his condition was. Only the small rhythmic rise and fall of his chest showed any signs of life in him. I stared at the bandage over his chest with a stain of blood seeping through. "Please, Kazuya, open your eyes for me?" I begged.
"He can't hear you Tsukushi." Soujiro's harsh words plunged right through my heart and soul. "We were lucky that the police found us. His heart beat was so faint they barely could find it. The bullet punctured one of his lungs. With the lack of oxygen going to his brain he fell comatose." Soujiro took one long deep breath before letting the words fall from his mouth. "They think he might be braindead. They won't be sure until he wakes up."
"No. he can't be. He'll wake up and he'll be fine. Right, Akira?"
"The doctors don't know. It could be a soon as days or even as long as years before he wakes up," Akira spoke up.
"Do his parents know about what really happened?"
"All they know is that the their son was kidnapped as part of a ransom plot. It's better they don't know the truth."
Warm tears dripped down from my face onto Kazuya's hand. I clutched his hand even tighter hoping he would squeeze it back, but there was nothing. His face was so peaceful, though. He was so calm and I could sense wherever he went he was had to be better than the cruel reality of the sterile hospital.
Soujiro placed a hand on my shoulder. "We should let him rest." He nudged my arm snapping me out of my thoughts.
"I'll come back later to visit you," I whispered as I gently squeezed his hand once more.
When we retreated back into the empty hallway there was a long silence awaiting us. We each just stared away from each other preparing us for the next room. Susumu tightened his grip around my shoulders preventing me from slipping down onto the ground in a huddled mass.
"What about Yuki?" I muttered.
"She's fine. They checked her out and there were only a few minor cuts and bruises," Soujiro answered. "Her parents have already taken her home."
I let out a heavy sigh of relief. At least she was safe. "Thank god."
"Rui and Tsukasa are down the hall." Akira lowered his head and softly said the next few words. "We're going to check on Shizuka now. After we got here she was hysterical. I'm sorry to say this but."
"What?"
"The only thing she kept screaming fro was that you not be allowed near Rui. She left strict orders that you not be allowed to see him."
My heart stopped. "She won't allow me to see him?"
"Yes."
"I understand." "Shizuka has been sedated for the last few hours. The doctors gave her something to sleep. She'll probably be waking up very soon. Now might be your only chance, Tsukushi. You go alone and we'll take care of Shizuka."
"Thank you, Akira."
We parted way and I watched Akira and Soujiro retreat into one of the many rooms of the floor. Now I trailed behind Susumu as he led me down the other end of the corridor. It felt like I was taking the last few steps on death row wracked in guilt and worry over the last two. Susumu released my hand and took a seat outside of the room understanding this was something I needed to do alone. Now was the moment of truth. Slowly I raised my trembling hand to the doorknob and pushed the door open. The sun was shining through the large windows sending off a white glare off the sterile hospital room. Rui laid back in the bed with his eyes closed. I felt my chest seize and tighten at the sight of him. It was only when I moved in a little closer that I was relieved to see the gentle rise and fall of his chest. I stood over him for a few minutes in silence memorizing every detail of his peaceful sleeping face knowing it would probably be the last time I would ever be a witness to it. I looked down realizing his arm was now held up by a sling.
Slowly his body began to stir. His eyes weakly opened squinting through the blinding light of the sun's rays casting over his face. A slight smile curled up one his lips. "Tsukushi."
"How are you feeling?"
"Been better," he laughed. "I don't really know what it's supposed to feel like after being shot. Not as bad as I expected," he lightly laughed.
I lowered my head and tears poured out onto my hands gripping onto the side of the bed. "How can you laugh about something like this?" I choked out in a hoarse whisper. "You could have. I don't know what I would do if you."
Rui hit me on top of my head with his hand. "Silly girl." he gently scolded. "I would never leave you. I said I would always be your guardian angel."
I wiped away the tears from my eyes. "I'm so sorry."
He put a hand on my cheek over the bandages covering the scrapes and bruises. "It's my job. Can you help pull me up?"
I got up to help prop him up against some pillows, but ended up clumsily tripping over something on the floor falling down against his arm in the sling. I scrambled up off of him.
"Oh god! I'm so sorry!"
"It's ok," he smiled. "I can't feel anything there anyway."
I looked down at his right arm wondering what he meant. "What do you mean?"
"The bullets caused some nerve damage. I've only got a small percentage of ever regaining full usage of my arm," he bluntly spilled out.
"That means. It can't be. Why don't you seem the least bit upset? Rui! You can't play your violin anymore!"
"It's a small price to pay to save your life. Don't give me that look. No matter what I would have done anything to save you."
I looked up and smiled as best as I could for him. From outside I heard a gentle knock at the door. It was Susumu's signal for me to leave. Shizuka would be here soon. "I have to go now."
He nodded his head in understanding. It was that unspoken connection we had to read each other's thoughts. "She can never stop me from seeing you."
I patted his hand one last time and arose form his bedside. Trying to put on a cheery face I strode out the door. "Maybe I should," I said in an inaudible whisper.
Doumyouji's room was adjacent from Rui's. I decided to visit him last. Every second I hesitantly stood outside that door was unbearable. I had ignored him long enough. Deciding it was better to get it over with I walked through the door with my head held up high prepared for the scene in front of me.
"Doumyoji!"
"Yo!" Doumyouji smiled as he lay propped up in bed. He put down the remote control for the TV he was furiously pressing before and signaled for me to come in.
"Shouldn't you be resting?! You were shot four times in the back!" I screamed in horror. I stood over him in his bed lashing out on him about needing to take better care of himself, but he did something rather unexpected.
"Be quiet."
He reached up and pulled my head down to his. It was his usual solution to getting me to shut up and well it worked. I pushed him away blushing profusely. "Why did you do that?!" I gasped trying to catch my breath.
"Well how else was I supposed to get you to shut up!" he growled.
"Fine. I can see you are very much alive. I'm going now!" I spun my heels around and proceeded to the door.
He grabbed my hand before I could make a clean get away. "So you were worried about me?" Doumyouji asked raising one eyebrow.
I swallowed back the tears. "Of course." I couldn't bear to turn around and look him in the eyes. I was being swept up in a tide of emotions. "I would never want one of my friends to be hurt because of me."
"Yeah, friend." He cleared his throat. "I noticed you went to his room first. I'll always lose to him, won't I?"
I slumped my shoulders. "Why do you always have to make it sound like a game where one of you comes out the winner? All I can say is that my love for you two can't even be compared. It's equal, but they are both so different. I don't think I could make a choice."
"Will you stay by my side while you decide?"
I opened my mouth to tell him my answer, but at that exact moment we were rudely interrupted.
"Hey who's having fun without the rest of us?"
I turned to the doorway to find a peeping Akira. Soon after Soujiro's head appeared from behind him.
"Tsukasa, you've got to have some kind of freakish superhuman body. You were shot four times in the back man!"
Akira slowly wheeled himself into the room next to Doumyouji's opposite side from me and picked up the remote flipping through the channels. In frustration he pumped all the buttons furiously. "We're all over the damn news! You'd think they would have something better to report on," he muttered to himself. Finally stopping on one channel his face lit up in glee. "Ooo. Doraemon Christmas Special!"
Soujiro sat himself down on the couch and leaned lazily onto the arm. He slapped one his hands against his forehead. "I can't believe you still like Doraemon."
"I remember this one! Doraemon brings out a special invention to help Nobita, but he ends up screwing it up.'
"You've just described every episode of Doraemon you idiot!" Doumyouji growled trying to get out of bed to snatch the remote away. "This is the one where Nobita is trying to find something special for Shizuka, so he steals one of Doraemon's gadgets."
"How do you know so much about Doraemon?" I asked trying to suppress my giggles. Before I knew it I couldn't hold it anymore and we all burst out in laughter.
Doumyouji's face turned a bright red. "Tsubaki and I would watch it together every Christmas since mother and father would always be away," he mumbled to himself. He redirected his attention to a snickering Akira and lunged towards him. "Give me that!"
Watching Akira clutching the remote for dear life singing along to the theme song of Doraemon and Doumyouji trying to pry it out of his hands was too much for me. Soujiro jumped over trying to break up their scuffle, but somehow managed to get caught in the middle between them. Thinking that someone was going to get hurt I snatched the remote out of Akira's hand and turned the TV off.
"Aaawww..I wanted to watch that," Akria whined. He folded his arms across his chest and sulked by himself.
I helped pull Doumyouji off of Akira and settled him back in his bed. "You shouldn't overexert yourself," I muttered under my breath.
"Hey oneesan! Look who I found outside!" Susumu pulled someone from behind him into the room.
I stopped what I was doing at the sound of a familiar loud voice. "Tsukushi!" Shigeru screamed running towards me wrapping into one of her huge bear hugs.
"Shi.ger.u." I gasped trying to breath. "Can't breathe!"
"Sorry!" she smiled releasing me from her death grip. "You had me so worried. There was blood all over the walls in that hall. I never thought something so horrible could have happened in my own home. There should have been better security."
"Don't worry. I'm fine."
"Everyone's been pretty quiet about what happened? The police are keeping a lid on who the kidnappers were. Tsukushi, where's Haru and the others?"
"Yeah, weren't all of them with you last night? I've been trying to find Hana to see if she got home okay last night."
The room became silent. A lump rose in my throat at having to be the bearer of bad news. Slowly I recounted the details of our predicament.
"I would never have guessed!" Shigeru screamed wide eyed.
Susumu remained sullen and turned away from me. He tightened his fist and punched the wall leaving a dent. "She used me to hurt you," me muttered under his breath. "I can't believe I was such a fucking idiot!"
I placed a consoling hand on his shoulder. "It's not your fault. I never would have imagined she and Jin were behind it all."
"None of us had any idea what they were capable of," Soujiro nodded.
Susumu placed his hand over mine on his shoulder. "What hurts the most is that I fell for her."
"By the way, how did you manage to find us?"
He managed a small smile feeling a little less guilty. "It was because of this," he pulled out a cellphone.
"My cellphone? What does that have anything to do with it?"
Susumu patted me on the head while shaking his head in a condescending manner. "When the lights went out I went looking for you and Hana. I was worried that something might happen to you two. Then I saw you. Some men were pulling you into a van with the others, and sped off. I tried to run after them, but I knew I couldn't catch up. It was a good thing I remembered that you always carry your cell phone. Also, I realized Doumyouji would buy the best phone with all the latest features including GPS capabilities. I called the company and told them that I lost the phone, so they looked up the location of where it was. It led me to the warehouse and the rest is history." He pushed my chin up closing my gaping mouth.
"I completely forgot I had that on me last night."
"Well now we know who got all the brains and good looks in the family," Akira laughed. "As I've asked many times before, what happened to you, Tsukushi."
"HAHAHA." I slapped Akira's propped up leg. "You're so funny!"
Akira grabbed his leg in pain. "Aaahh! Is that how you treat a sick man?"
Everyone looked away pretending they saw nothing. I stuck out my tongue at him in triumph.
"You deserved it," a quiet voice said entering the doorway.
"Yo, Rui," Doumyouji greeted waving a hand. "Where's Shizuka?"
"I told her to go home and get some rest. She'll be back later to visit all of us."
Rui slowly scuffled into the room finding a seat on the couch next to Soujiro with the aid of a nurse. He plopped down on the soft couch. "I think she is the least of our problems right now. She's probably heard about what happened already. She'll be coming here soon and knowing her team of spies they know everything. Tsukushi is implicated in everything. It's not going to look good."
Akira nodded his head in agreement. "I was thinking the same thing. We all know how Tsukasa's mother can be a real BI."
"Mother!" Doumyouji gasped.
".usy woman!" Akira quickly finished his sentence. "Hello. We were just talking about you," he sweetly smiled. He slowly slunk down at the deadly glare she shot him.
"Really Tsukasa, you must be careful about the type of people you associate yourself with."
The loud clacking of her heels shattered the peaceful calmness of the room. We could all feel the rising tension. She stopped at the foot of the bed and stared at my Doumyouji's hand holding mine.
"I flew all the way from New York the moment I heard about what happened. I knew that leaving her with you would be the biggest mistake," she spit out staring hard at me. "I was more than thrilled to find out that you two were no longer an item, but you always find some way to ingratiate yourself into this family and our money. I knew someone like you would bring only misfortune. YAKUZA! I always knew poor trash like hr would go with yakuza. It seems that now your little thug boyfriend has left you you've returned to my son with your tail between your legs."
I lowered my head in shame. "I'm sorry."
Doumyouji gripped my hand even tighter. "Get out of my room!" he bellowed.
Doumyouji Kaede widened her eyes in shock. "You dare speak to your mother in that tone!"
"I won't let you speak about her that way! She's done more for me than you have in my entire lifetime. Get out of my room you old hag!"
She stiffened her back. "It seems you haven't learned your lesson, Tsukasa. I'm giving you one last chance. Give her up."
"Never."
"Fine. Then you've sealed everyone's fates." She smiled sweetly one more time revealing all the wrinkles on her face covered by layers of expensive cosmetics. She turned around and walked out of the door, but stopped in the doorway leaving a few parting words. "You think you are mighty now, but even the mighty shall fall. I will take away everything that you have ever loved." With that she left the room.
We all remained silent for a few moments.
"I'm going to sleep." Rui stood up and ambled his way out the door back to his room.
"How about we watch the end of Doraemon," Akira suggested picking up the remote and turning the TV back on. He fixed his eyes onto the blue cat on the screen, but no smile lingered on his face.
"Good idea, Akira," Shigeru said sitting down beside Soujiro.
Soon the room was filled with the voices of the anime characters to distract us from our own thoughts.
"I hope we can watch this together every year," Doumyouji whispered into my ear. He settled himself against his pillows and a smile curled up on his lips watching the TV.
It was so easy for him to let those words go through him. He moved over a little and I sat beside him leaning against the same pillow staring into the screen trying to concentrate on something else. I stole quick glances around the room. We all stared blankly at the anime not really paying attention, but more lost in our own worries. After Doumyouji fell asleep I quietly slipped out of his room. Susumu escorted me back to my room and settled himself in a chair pulling out a pack of cards.
"I'm going to sleep," I announced.
Exhaustion overcame me and I quickly slipped into sleep.
"Hmm." I tossed over I my bed. I slowly opened my tired eyes. The room was now completely dark. I propped myself up on the bed and looked around the room taking in my surroundings. Susumu peacefully snored in the chair he had settled himself in hours before. It was almost midnight already. I rubbed my head now feeling a sudden dizziness from oversleeping.
"Tsukushi?" a voice called out in the darkness. He emerged from the shadows holding something in his hand.
"What are you doing here Haru?"
He walked over tot he bed and placed the bouquet of lilies onto the table. Seeing his face illuminated by the moonlight he seemed like a ghost. Cloaked in black he emerged like a dark prince of the night. His face was lax and he smiled at me with the smile he had only for me. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I thought you would have run out of the country already. What are you still doing here?"
"It's been crazy. Word has already spread about what happened. They're all waiting for me to step up now and take his place."
"You aren't going to. Are you?"
He let out a heavy hearted sigh. "Of course not, but we're letting them believe I am. In a few days we're leaving the country and probably the family we've built these last few decades will just fall apart or someone else will rise to the occasion. All I know is that it won't be me. I'm out."
"You shouldn't be here. There are guards all over the place."
"Don't worry. I'll slip in and out of here with no problem. It was a little too easy actually. I just wanted to come here and say I'm sorry about everything that happened. It was my fault that you were dragged into this." He I should be getting back. Fujio is keeping a lookout for me. I'll be leaving in five days. Here is a number where you can reach me if you need anything. I'll always be there for you." He put a slip of paper into my hand. "Goodbye." He bent over and gently kissed my forehead. Stealthily Haru made his way out the door disappearing once again into the shadows.
Clutching the piece of paper in my hand I leaned back and closed my eyes. A sudden breeze blew into the room sending the soft curtains dancing in the air. I opened my eyes to find where it had come from. I stepped out of my warn bed letting my bare feet touch the cold tiles of the floor. I wrapped the thin hospital gown tighter around me hurrying to shut the ajar window. As I pulled the window closed something caught my attention. I looked over at the house of cards Susumu had built on the table precariously held together. At that moment the house tumbled down into a wave of cards spilling onto the table and the floor. One by one they tumbled down.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
My eyelids slowly fluttered open upon the dawn of a new day. I inhaled deeply sucking in a sweet, light scent that lingered in the room. Turning onto my side I opened my eyes wide to see a fresh bouquet of lilies placed in the pitcher of water on my nightstand. I leaned over and ever so gently grazed the petals with my fingertips watching them shudder under my touch. A small smile curled on my lips. "Haru," I whispered softly to myself.
"You're finally awake." Susumu hoarsely whispered having fallen asleep in the chair next to my bed. He was a mess these past few days. He had made some silent vow to never leave my side ever again as my protector. There was no use in arguing with him when he was like this. I have to admit that even my calm level- headed brother couldn't escape the Makino stubbornness. He had practically moved into my hospital room only leaving me to go home, shower, and change clothes in the wee hours of the morning slipping past all the reporters camped out in their vans in front of the hospital in search for any scrap of news.
My eyes remained set on the lilies. At first I thought his appearance like a ghost in the night was all a dream, a trick my mind had played on me. However, I awoke the next morning to find the bouquet of lilies on the table. Although I never saw him again after that night, a new bunch would appear every morning to replace the old bunch. I took it as a message from Haru was still alive easing my worries. A twinge of sadness hit me realizing he would be leaving tomorrow. Leaving Japan and leaving my life forever.
"It's been quiet these last few days, a little too quiet if you ask me. Aren't you the least bit worried about what she'll try to do?"
"What can we do? All we can do for now is wait. She strikes like the snake she is, when you least expect it."
Susumu's body broke out into a shiver. "Just the thought of her gives me chills. That was the first time I ever laid eyes on that woman, but it was enough to give me nightmares. I feel bad for Doumyouji to have such a bitch as a mother."
"Let's not talk about her right now ok."
"Your right. Well, I have some good news, though. The doctors told me you can be discharged today."
"Really?!" My eyes lit up at the idea of finally being able to leave the cold, sterile hospital room. "I can't wait to go home to my own bed. Its been getting old sitting around the here. Let's go!" I jumped of bed in anticipation of shedding the drab hospital gown.
"Here. I brought you some clothes from home." Susumu passed me a bag before pacing around scanning the room for something.
"Thank you." I took the bag of clothes ad proceeded to the bathroom to change and freshen up. A few moments later I reemerged with my arms in the air pulling back my hair into a ponytail. Wearing a comfortable t-shirt and jeans I was ready to go.
"I wonder where they put your stuff. The nurse said she would drop off your bag of personal belongings." He fell to his knees and searched under the bed. "Found it!" He flipped the bag upside down and let the contents spill onto the bed. He picked up a rumpled ball of fabric and shook it loose.
My eyes widened in horror. The gown had large stains of dark red blood staining its once pure white color. I snatched it out of his hand touching the stains. I threw it back into the bag. "Burn it," I ordered.
Susumu nodded in agreement. "I'll go ask someone to take care of it." Before he left he held out two small items. "These were also in the bag."
I took the two little trinkets from him and stared at them. Unclasping the chain of the Saturn necklace I placed it around my neck feeling the cold metal against my skin. It felt right. It was back with its rightful owner. Raising my hand to touch the pendant my mind wandered back to the answer I was about to give him. The more and more I debated in my mind who I wanted to be with the more exasperated I became. Although spending the last few days visiting Doumyouji in his room opened up my eyes of how much he had changed these last few months. He seemed more patient and understanding. Without realizing it, I found the part of my heart that I had closed off from him opening up again. Perhaps we were truly meat for each other. However, these thoughts didn't last very long at the sound of Rui's voice filling the air. I had accidentally pushed the button while clutching the little toy I my hand. His words rushed over me filling me with doubts of what my feelings were. Even if he wasn't by my side he always found some way to get to me. Feeling suffocated at the moment I decided to take a walk.
Soon I absentmindedly found myself in the hospital's private enclosed gardens. Everything was frosted over encasing all life in ice. I was aroused from my dazed state at the sight of footsteps left in the snow. Feeling curious I followed the trail. I stopped towards the ends seeing the familiar figure of Rui standing alone under a tree. I held myself back from moving closer in fear that Shizuka might be nearby. His back was turned to me and his body showed no signs indicating he was aware of my presence. He stared at something on he ground and bent down on his knees to take something out. I peered over to see what he was so intently staring at and shock overtook me. He was gently touching the strings to a violin looking at it lie an old, familiar friend. In a matter of seconds he used hi good arm and picked it up. He turned around and I saw a look in his eyes burned in fury. He threw it with all his strength against the tree letting it smash into pieces.
I jumped back at the cacophonous shriek of the violin meeting its death. I backed up and carelessly stepped on twig letting out a snap sound. He quickly averted his eyes in my direction. The hate in his eyes extinguished and they softened at my frightened face.
"Tsukushi," he whispered in his usual dead tone.
"I'm sorry I disturbed you." I spun around wanting to run away from the scene. He had to hate me. I took away the one thing he could find solace in.
"Don't go!" he said in an abnormally loud voice startling me. "Stay with me for a little while." He walked over to a nearby bench and patted open space next to me inviting me to take a seat. "Please."
"Okay," I nervously sputtered out edging down not the bench. I edged away from him feeling like I was too close for comfort.
He sensed my obvious nervousness and slid closer over to me. We remained in silence.
"You must hate me for taking away the violin from you. Why else would you destroy it?"
Rui let out a heavy sigh and placed a hand over mine. "I'm angry, but not at you. You see that violin over there. It was a Christmas gift from my parents. They have no idea what happened to me. They could care less I suppose. All that maters to them is that I'm alive to marry Shizuka and save the company. They really believe that they can buy my pliancy with expensive gifts. They don't even know who I am."
"Well they must only want what's best for you. It might be in your best interest to marry Shizuka. She really does love you."
A pained expression spread over his face. "I don't love her. I love you."
I gently brushed a few stray strands of hair from his eyes. I started to get up, but he grabbed my wrist from behind pulling me back.
"Do you love me?"
"In some ways, yes."
"Then why won't you accept me?"
"I have my reasons."
"I've lost you to Tsukasa, haven't I?"
I couldn't help, but let out a sarcastic laugh. I kept my back to him while I spoke. "You two have more in common than you know. You're both rather childish. It's always a competition between you two. I'll tell you the same thing I told Doumyouji. My love for both of you are equal and yet not the same. No one can make me choose." With those words I pulled my arm away and walked back indoors leaving Rui to sit alone in his solitude.
I walked inside feeling shaken up and even more confused than ever. I braced myself by pushing my back against the wall to control my breathing. At that moment Shizuka walked past me saying a curt "Good Morning" before continuing down the hall probably in search of Rui.
"Are you alright?" a frantic voice asked.
I turned my head around. I pulled away from the wall and straightened my back. "I'm fine Susumu. What was that?!" I jerked my head way at the sound of a loud crash.
"It sounded like it came from Doumyouji's room."
Not waiting for Susumu I ran towards Doumyouji's room and burst through the open door. From the corner of Akira's mouth blood trickled down. What startled me the most was the attacker. "Soujiro!" Soujiro stood firmly planted glaring in contempt at his friend. His normally calm and collected composure was erased by the panicked and disheveled exterior. Soon Rui ran in from behind me with a look of disbelief. I was left as an innocent bystander as the scene unfolded.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Doumyouji bellowed.
"You did this!" Soujiro pointed a accusing fingers at Doumyouji and Akira.
"What are you talking about, Soujiro. What happened?"
"I've got nothing now. I noticed a sharp decline in our stock a few days ago, but dismissed it thinking it was only because of the rumors surrounding the kidnapping. She was behind this all along. It was a full out attack on us, a corporate buy out commanded by her."
"What does this have to do with Akira then?" I asked causing them to all stop and look in my direction.
"She couldn't do it alone. She brought in some help.the Mimasaka corporation helped fund the buy out in an acquisition of my company and to accomplish a merger with Tsukasa's. You've got to do something about this Akira. Talk your father out of the deal!"
Akira became very silent. "I can't. If we back out my entire family is screwed. When I tried to talk to my father about it he said he couldn't because of her. She's blackmailing him into this. Apparently one of the senior VPs was involved in some insider trading. She threatened to reveal this information to the public. My father would be implicated if any of this comes to light. Even if I tried to back out of the deal my father has put all our assets on the line to go through with this. If it falls through I lose everything." He shook his head.
"There must be some way to fix all this," Doumyouji said pacing around the room for an answer. "I could always give you a loan to try to get your company back. Let me call my accountant to wire the money over." Doumyouji picked up his cell phone and began shouting over the phone. "What do you mean I can't! Do you know who you are talking to?!" In frustration, he threw the phone against the wall. His eyes glazed over in defeat. "She froze my accounts."
"There's a way to solve all of this," Soujior spoke up. His voice was low and harsh. "Tsukasa, I've always supported you and Tsukushi. You owe me. Give her up and maybe your mother will reverse all this."
Doumyouji stared at his friend as if he was insane. "No."
"What do you mean no! Stop being a selfish bastard!"
"I'll never do it. I know my mother and she will stop at nothing. Even if I do leave her she will make sure Tsukushi pays for the trouble she has caused to her perfect plans for me. Who will protect her?"
"I will," a quiet voice spoke up.
"What about Shizuka, Rui?" Akira screamed. "You're supposed to marry her in a month. If you don't her family will lose everything. We've known Shizuka our entire lives and you're willing let her fall."
"You had Shizuka.You even had Tsukushi, but you tossed them aside. They were never good enough for you. I've always known she was the only woman I would ever love, but you. You don't deserve her.," Doumyouji growled lunging at Rui. He started pounding into him. "You've always tried to steal her away from me. You've always been trying to take her away behind my back. Y own friend!"
Akira and Soujiro each grabbed one of them and pulled them apart. Soujiro held onto Rui. Akira had a bit more trouble pushing Doumyouji back using wheelchair as a blockade.
"I've always thought she should have been with Rui," Soujioro snorted.
"You would want Shizuka's family lose everything," Akira replied with contempt in his voice.
"Better her than me."
"Now who's the selfish bastard?"
"Do I see you breaking the acquisition deal?" Soujiro sarcastically remarked.
Akira looked away. "You know my hands are tied."
"It's fine to be united as playboys. As friends we have nothing Akira."
"We can get through this. We are F4 remember. We have always relied on each other."
"F4? That's a load of shit. It's more like us taking care of Tsukasa. All we have ever done is cater to you, Tsukasa. What have you ever done for us?" Soujiro laughed. "There is no F4. F4 my ass." Soujiro stormed out of the door. He glared t with pure hatred. "You started all this."
"He's right. When it comes down to it. It's every man for himself." He slowly wheeled himself out of the room pausing in front of me. "You've destroyed us," he bitterly whispered to me.
I stood petrified as Rui and Doumyouji held their steadfast glares towards each other.
"Who will it be, Tsukushi. You've got to decide now," they both demanded at once.
"I."
From outside I could hear the pounding of footsteps running through the halls.
"He's going into arrest!"
"Get the paddles!"
"Blood pressures down! His heart beat is weakening!"
"We've got to defibrillate! Everybody! One! Two! Clear!"
THUMP
I ran out of the room following the frantic nurses running back and forth. I came to a halt as I saw Kazuya's body jolt up with the surge of electricity being sent through his body.
"What's happening?! Why isn't he breathing?!" Kazuya's frantic other screamed. Her husband had to pull the hysterical woman back to avoid interfering with the medical staff.
"No response!"
The doctor holding the paddles only increased the voltage by turning all the knobs at once.
"Damn it! Defib in one! Two! Clear!"
THUMP
"Still no response!"
"One! Two! Clear!"
THUMP.
Amongst all the chaos the erratic beeping of the machines came to a long waling beep. The doctor tossed the paddles aside.
"Time of death, 10:45."
"NO!" Kazuya's mother screamed falling into a fit of sobs. She collapsed onto the ground holding herself in fetal position. Her breaths became choked and her body convulsed. Her husband's face turned pale and all he could d was kneel beside his wife trying to soothe her.
NO. This can't be real. Kazuya is not dead, I said to myself. Hot tears began to streak down my face. He's alive. Any minute now the doctors will think of some way to save him. He'll be fine. We were supposed to take a second trip to Atami next year. He promised. He's not dead.
"Oneesan." Susumu placed a hand on my shoulder.
"He's not gone."
"I should take you home."
Susumu grabbed me by the shoulders and led me away from the sight of Kazuya's dead lifeless body. Halfway into getting into the taxi cab my brain ceased to function and I fainted.
I woke up a few hours later with a pounding sensation in my head. For a few brief seconds the pain that shot through my brain numbed me from feeling anything anymore. Nothing could be taken back.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
I glanced down at my cellphone on the floor. I cringed at the thought it might be Doumyouji or Rui. I relaxed seeing that it was only Yuki.
"Hello. Yuki."
Smal sniffles came through from the other end. "Tsukushi. I'm leaving."
"What?! What do you mean you're leaving?"
"My father was suddenly transferred to the Canada office. If he doesn't leave he'll be fired. After the kidnapping my parents are more than willing to go. I'm at the airport right now. We were only given one day to pack all our things. I tried to reach you in the hospital, but the security wouldn't let me talk to you. I've got to go. The plane's boarding. I'll miss."
Click.
"Yuki? YUKI!"
I dropped the phone onto the ground with a clatter. It was the end. She had won this time. She had managed to take away everything he loved. At the same time she had taken away all that I had left-my family. We were like those cards that leaned against each other holding our house together, a united front. Slowly pull one away and the rest tumble taking down the rest. What was there left fro me now. All I could ever do was bring hurt and paint to those most. I knew what I had to do. It was the only way.
I picked up the phone.
"Hello."
"I need to see you."
Chapter 25: One by one they tumbled down
I glanced up at the television screen behind Susumu's head. It was more than enough to see it again. Images flashed up of each of the F4 being wheeled into the hospital's emergency room. A spokesperson emerged from inside the building to greet the throng of reporters eagerly waiting to get the scoop on the details of the incident. The man slowly cleared his throat.
"On behalf of the Doumyouji family we kindly ask you to respect their privacy and their wishes. According to the police reports and our own sources, last night's bloody incident was a failed kidnapping attempt. Upon entering the scene the hostages were found and luckily enough they were all rushed to the hospital in time."
"Can you tell us of the conditions of F4?" a reporter asked shoving his microphone closer.
"That is information we are unable to disclose of the moment. I'm very sorry, but this interview is over. Security please clear the area."
Like that the brief interview was finished. I watched as the reporters were being escorted away by armed guards. The outside of the hospital was now heavily surrounded by armed guards blocking any outsiders from entering the premises.
I bolted out of bed tossing off a whirlwind of sheets into the air. Leaving a stunned Susumu with an open mouth, I scrambled through the hallways knocking people over in my mad search. Although my body was still weak and aching from the night before, I ignored it. Not taking in any of my surroundings I ran through the winding halls with one thing in my mind- were they alive?
"Tsukushi!" hoarse voices called out from behind me.
I spun around with my hair whipping into my face. "Akira! Soujiro!"
My eyes widened in shock. Akira was slowly being rolled out from his room in a wheelchair. Both of his legs were propped up n huge casts. Soujiro was none the better with his head bandaged up. He carefully limped out of the door across from Akira's room. I ran over to them falling on my knees in front of Akira in shame.
"Oh god this is all my fault," I choked out. Uncontrollably I sobbed holding my face in my hands.
Akira gently patted me on the head not saying anything. For once he was at a loss of words.
"Oneesan!" Susumu ran towards us from the end of the hall. He scooped me off the ground and held me up.
"Come on. We're we going to check on the others," Soujiro grimly said. His face darkened at the prospect of venturing out to the other rooms not quite knowing what they would find.
As Susumu lead me down the hall behind Akira and Soujiro I couldn't help but notice how eerily quiet the entire ward was. Except for the beeping of the machines and a few of the doctors and nurses mulling about the there was an unmistakable eerie silence. At the end of each corridor men in black suits guarded every exit and entrance into the ward. Upon seeing Akira and Soujiro walking towards the double door into the next corridor the men quickly nodded their heads in recognition of F2 and stepped aside.
As we walked into the first room my stomach lurched. I walked past the two familiar faces from my childhood trying to remain calm. I bowed lowly not wanting to raise my face in shame. I was to blame for all this. "Hello Aoikesan."
The middle-aged woman sitting quietly in her chair next to her husband glanced up at me through red bloodshot eyes. "Hello Tsukushi chan. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances." She turned away and continued to stare at the boy that lie in the bed hooked up so many machines he needed to sustain his frail body. She placed her hand on her husband's who seemed to be in some faraway place lost in a daze. The small woman pulled her husband from his seat and led him towards the door. "We'll be back in a few moments."
I slowly inched forward wondering to myself if this was all just some sick dream. The beeping of the machine monitoring his heart beat was a piercing sound that made me feel jumpy each time I heard that loud beep. I sat down beside Kazuya and put my hand over his.
"Kazuya." There was no response. His eyes remained closed. His pale face was enough to indicate how critical his condition was. Only the small rhythmic rise and fall of his chest showed any signs of life in him. I stared at the bandage over his chest with a stain of blood seeping through. "Please, Kazuya, open your eyes for me?" I begged.
"He can't hear you Tsukushi." Soujiro's harsh words plunged right through my heart and soul. "We were lucky that the police found us. His heart beat was so faint they barely could find it. The bullet punctured one of his lungs. With the lack of oxygen going to his brain he fell comatose." Soujiro took one long deep breath before letting the words fall from his mouth. "They think he might be braindead. They won't be sure until he wakes up."
"No. he can't be. He'll wake up and he'll be fine. Right, Akira?"
"The doctors don't know. It could be a soon as days or even as long as years before he wakes up," Akira spoke up.
"Do his parents know about what really happened?"
"All they know is that the their son was kidnapped as part of a ransom plot. It's better they don't know the truth."
Warm tears dripped down from my face onto Kazuya's hand. I clutched his hand even tighter hoping he would squeeze it back, but there was nothing. His face was so peaceful, though. He was so calm and I could sense wherever he went he was had to be better than the cruel reality of the sterile hospital.
Soujiro placed a hand on my shoulder. "We should let him rest." He nudged my arm snapping me out of my thoughts.
"I'll come back later to visit you," I whispered as I gently squeezed his hand once more.
When we retreated back into the empty hallway there was a long silence awaiting us. We each just stared away from each other preparing us for the next room. Susumu tightened his grip around my shoulders preventing me from slipping down onto the ground in a huddled mass.
"What about Yuki?" I muttered.
"She's fine. They checked her out and there were only a few minor cuts and bruises," Soujiro answered. "Her parents have already taken her home."
I let out a heavy sigh of relief. At least she was safe. "Thank god."
"Rui and Tsukasa are down the hall." Akira lowered his head and softly said the next few words. "We're going to check on Shizuka now. After we got here she was hysterical. I'm sorry to say this but."
"What?"
"The only thing she kept screaming fro was that you not be allowed near Rui. She left strict orders that you not be allowed to see him."
My heart stopped. "She won't allow me to see him?"
"Yes."
"I understand." "Shizuka has been sedated for the last few hours. The doctors gave her something to sleep. She'll probably be waking up very soon. Now might be your only chance, Tsukushi. You go alone and we'll take care of Shizuka."
"Thank you, Akira."
We parted way and I watched Akira and Soujiro retreat into one of the many rooms of the floor. Now I trailed behind Susumu as he led me down the other end of the corridor. It felt like I was taking the last few steps on death row wracked in guilt and worry over the last two. Susumu released my hand and took a seat outside of the room understanding this was something I needed to do alone. Now was the moment of truth. Slowly I raised my trembling hand to the doorknob and pushed the door open. The sun was shining through the large windows sending off a white glare off the sterile hospital room. Rui laid back in the bed with his eyes closed. I felt my chest seize and tighten at the sight of him. It was only when I moved in a little closer that I was relieved to see the gentle rise and fall of his chest. I stood over him for a few minutes in silence memorizing every detail of his peaceful sleeping face knowing it would probably be the last time I would ever be a witness to it. I looked down realizing his arm was now held up by a sling.
Slowly his body began to stir. His eyes weakly opened squinting through the blinding light of the sun's rays casting over his face. A slight smile curled up one his lips. "Tsukushi."
"How are you feeling?"
"Been better," he laughed. "I don't really know what it's supposed to feel like after being shot. Not as bad as I expected," he lightly laughed.
I lowered my head and tears poured out onto my hands gripping onto the side of the bed. "How can you laugh about something like this?" I choked out in a hoarse whisper. "You could have. I don't know what I would do if you."
Rui hit me on top of my head with his hand. "Silly girl." he gently scolded. "I would never leave you. I said I would always be your guardian angel."
I wiped away the tears from my eyes. "I'm so sorry."
He put a hand on my cheek over the bandages covering the scrapes and bruises. "It's my job. Can you help pull me up?"
I got up to help prop him up against some pillows, but ended up clumsily tripping over something on the floor falling down against his arm in the sling. I scrambled up off of him.
"Oh god! I'm so sorry!"
"It's ok," he smiled. "I can't feel anything there anyway."
I looked down at his right arm wondering what he meant. "What do you mean?"
"The bullets caused some nerve damage. I've only got a small percentage of ever regaining full usage of my arm," he bluntly spilled out.
"That means. It can't be. Why don't you seem the least bit upset? Rui! You can't play your violin anymore!"
"It's a small price to pay to save your life. Don't give me that look. No matter what I would have done anything to save you."
I looked up and smiled as best as I could for him. From outside I heard a gentle knock at the door. It was Susumu's signal for me to leave. Shizuka would be here soon. "I have to go now."
He nodded his head in understanding. It was that unspoken connection we had to read each other's thoughts. "She can never stop me from seeing you."
I patted his hand one last time and arose form his bedside. Trying to put on a cheery face I strode out the door. "Maybe I should," I said in an inaudible whisper.
Doumyouji's room was adjacent from Rui's. I decided to visit him last. Every second I hesitantly stood outside that door was unbearable. I had ignored him long enough. Deciding it was better to get it over with I walked through the door with my head held up high prepared for the scene in front of me.
"Doumyoji!"
"Yo!" Doumyouji smiled as he lay propped up in bed. He put down the remote control for the TV he was furiously pressing before and signaled for me to come in.
"Shouldn't you be resting?! You were shot four times in the back!" I screamed in horror. I stood over him in his bed lashing out on him about needing to take better care of himself, but he did something rather unexpected.
"Be quiet."
He reached up and pulled my head down to his. It was his usual solution to getting me to shut up and well it worked. I pushed him away blushing profusely. "Why did you do that?!" I gasped trying to catch my breath.
"Well how else was I supposed to get you to shut up!" he growled.
"Fine. I can see you are very much alive. I'm going now!" I spun my heels around and proceeded to the door.
He grabbed my hand before I could make a clean get away. "So you were worried about me?" Doumyouji asked raising one eyebrow.
I swallowed back the tears. "Of course." I couldn't bear to turn around and look him in the eyes. I was being swept up in a tide of emotions. "I would never want one of my friends to be hurt because of me."
"Yeah, friend." He cleared his throat. "I noticed you went to his room first. I'll always lose to him, won't I?"
I slumped my shoulders. "Why do you always have to make it sound like a game where one of you comes out the winner? All I can say is that my love for you two can't even be compared. It's equal, but they are both so different. I don't think I could make a choice."
"Will you stay by my side while you decide?"
I opened my mouth to tell him my answer, but at that exact moment we were rudely interrupted.
"Hey who's having fun without the rest of us?"
I turned to the doorway to find a peeping Akira. Soon after Soujiro's head appeared from behind him.
"Tsukasa, you've got to have some kind of freakish superhuman body. You were shot four times in the back man!"
Akira slowly wheeled himself into the room next to Doumyouji's opposite side from me and picked up the remote flipping through the channels. In frustration he pumped all the buttons furiously. "We're all over the damn news! You'd think they would have something better to report on," he muttered to himself. Finally stopping on one channel his face lit up in glee. "Ooo. Doraemon Christmas Special!"
Soujiro sat himself down on the couch and leaned lazily onto the arm. He slapped one his hands against his forehead. "I can't believe you still like Doraemon."
"I remember this one! Doraemon brings out a special invention to help Nobita, but he ends up screwing it up.'
"You've just described every episode of Doraemon you idiot!" Doumyouji growled trying to get out of bed to snatch the remote away. "This is the one where Nobita is trying to find something special for Shizuka, so he steals one of Doraemon's gadgets."
"How do you know so much about Doraemon?" I asked trying to suppress my giggles. Before I knew it I couldn't hold it anymore and we all burst out in laughter.
Doumyouji's face turned a bright red. "Tsubaki and I would watch it together every Christmas since mother and father would always be away," he mumbled to himself. He redirected his attention to a snickering Akira and lunged towards him. "Give me that!"
Watching Akira clutching the remote for dear life singing along to the theme song of Doraemon and Doumyouji trying to pry it out of his hands was too much for me. Soujiro jumped over trying to break up their scuffle, but somehow managed to get caught in the middle between them. Thinking that someone was going to get hurt I snatched the remote out of Akira's hand and turned the TV off.
"Aaawww..I wanted to watch that," Akria whined. He folded his arms across his chest and sulked by himself.
I helped pull Doumyouji off of Akira and settled him back in his bed. "You shouldn't overexert yourself," I muttered under my breath.
"Hey oneesan! Look who I found outside!" Susumu pulled someone from behind him into the room.
I stopped what I was doing at the sound of a familiar loud voice. "Tsukushi!" Shigeru screamed running towards me wrapping into one of her huge bear hugs.
"Shi.ger.u." I gasped trying to breath. "Can't breathe!"
"Sorry!" she smiled releasing me from her death grip. "You had me so worried. There was blood all over the walls in that hall. I never thought something so horrible could have happened in my own home. There should have been better security."
"Don't worry. I'm fine."
"Everyone's been pretty quiet about what happened? The police are keeping a lid on who the kidnappers were. Tsukushi, where's Haru and the others?"
"Yeah, weren't all of them with you last night? I've been trying to find Hana to see if she got home okay last night."
The room became silent. A lump rose in my throat at having to be the bearer of bad news. Slowly I recounted the details of our predicament.
"I would never have guessed!" Shigeru screamed wide eyed.
Susumu remained sullen and turned away from me. He tightened his fist and punched the wall leaving a dent. "She used me to hurt you," me muttered under his breath. "I can't believe I was such a fucking idiot!"
I placed a consoling hand on his shoulder. "It's not your fault. I never would have imagined she and Jin were behind it all."
"None of us had any idea what they were capable of," Soujiro nodded.
Susumu placed his hand over mine on his shoulder. "What hurts the most is that I fell for her."
"By the way, how did you manage to find us?"
He managed a small smile feeling a little less guilty. "It was because of this," he pulled out a cellphone.
"My cellphone? What does that have anything to do with it?"
Susumu patted me on the head while shaking his head in a condescending manner. "When the lights went out I went looking for you and Hana. I was worried that something might happen to you two. Then I saw you. Some men were pulling you into a van with the others, and sped off. I tried to run after them, but I knew I couldn't catch up. It was a good thing I remembered that you always carry your cell phone. Also, I realized Doumyouji would buy the best phone with all the latest features including GPS capabilities. I called the company and told them that I lost the phone, so they looked up the location of where it was. It led me to the warehouse and the rest is history." He pushed my chin up closing my gaping mouth.
"I completely forgot I had that on me last night."
"Well now we know who got all the brains and good looks in the family," Akira laughed. "As I've asked many times before, what happened to you, Tsukushi."
"HAHAHA." I slapped Akira's propped up leg. "You're so funny!"
Akira grabbed his leg in pain. "Aaahh! Is that how you treat a sick man?"
Everyone looked away pretending they saw nothing. I stuck out my tongue at him in triumph.
"You deserved it," a quiet voice said entering the doorway.
"Yo, Rui," Doumyouji greeted waving a hand. "Where's Shizuka?"
"I told her to go home and get some rest. She'll be back later to visit all of us."
Rui slowly scuffled into the room finding a seat on the couch next to Soujiro with the aid of a nurse. He plopped down on the soft couch. "I think she is the least of our problems right now. She's probably heard about what happened already. She'll be coming here soon and knowing her team of spies they know everything. Tsukushi is implicated in everything. It's not going to look good."
Akira nodded his head in agreement. "I was thinking the same thing. We all know how Tsukasa's mother can be a real BI."
"Mother!" Doumyouji gasped.
".usy woman!" Akira quickly finished his sentence. "Hello. We were just talking about you," he sweetly smiled. He slowly slunk down at the deadly glare she shot him.
"Really Tsukasa, you must be careful about the type of people you associate yourself with."
The loud clacking of her heels shattered the peaceful calmness of the room. We could all feel the rising tension. She stopped at the foot of the bed and stared at my Doumyouji's hand holding mine.
"I flew all the way from New York the moment I heard about what happened. I knew that leaving her with you would be the biggest mistake," she spit out staring hard at me. "I was more than thrilled to find out that you two were no longer an item, but you always find some way to ingratiate yourself into this family and our money. I knew someone like you would bring only misfortune. YAKUZA! I always knew poor trash like hr would go with yakuza. It seems that now your little thug boyfriend has left you you've returned to my son with your tail between your legs."
I lowered my head in shame. "I'm sorry."
Doumyouji gripped my hand even tighter. "Get out of my room!" he bellowed.
Doumyouji Kaede widened her eyes in shock. "You dare speak to your mother in that tone!"
"I won't let you speak about her that way! She's done more for me than you have in my entire lifetime. Get out of my room you old hag!"
She stiffened her back. "It seems you haven't learned your lesson, Tsukasa. I'm giving you one last chance. Give her up."
"Never."
"Fine. Then you've sealed everyone's fates." She smiled sweetly one more time revealing all the wrinkles on her face covered by layers of expensive cosmetics. She turned around and walked out of the door, but stopped in the doorway leaving a few parting words. "You think you are mighty now, but even the mighty shall fall. I will take away everything that you have ever loved." With that she left the room.
We all remained silent for a few moments.
"I'm going to sleep." Rui stood up and ambled his way out the door back to his room.
"How about we watch the end of Doraemon," Akira suggested picking up the remote and turning the TV back on. He fixed his eyes onto the blue cat on the screen, but no smile lingered on his face.
"Good idea, Akira," Shigeru said sitting down beside Soujiro.
Soon the room was filled with the voices of the anime characters to distract us from our own thoughts.
"I hope we can watch this together every year," Doumyouji whispered into my ear. He settled himself against his pillows and a smile curled up on his lips watching the TV.
It was so easy for him to let those words go through him. He moved over a little and I sat beside him leaning against the same pillow staring into the screen trying to concentrate on something else. I stole quick glances around the room. We all stared blankly at the anime not really paying attention, but more lost in our own worries. After Doumyouji fell asleep I quietly slipped out of his room. Susumu escorted me back to my room and settled himself in a chair pulling out a pack of cards.
"I'm going to sleep," I announced.
Exhaustion overcame me and I quickly slipped into sleep.
"Hmm." I tossed over I my bed. I slowly opened my tired eyes. The room was now completely dark. I propped myself up on the bed and looked around the room taking in my surroundings. Susumu peacefully snored in the chair he had settled himself in hours before. It was almost midnight already. I rubbed my head now feeling a sudden dizziness from oversleeping.
"Tsukushi?" a voice called out in the darkness. He emerged from the shadows holding something in his hand.
"What are you doing here Haru?"
He walked over tot he bed and placed the bouquet of lilies onto the table. Seeing his face illuminated by the moonlight he seemed like a ghost. Cloaked in black he emerged like a dark prince of the night. His face was lax and he smiled at me with the smile he had only for me. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I thought you would have run out of the country already. What are you still doing here?"
"It's been crazy. Word has already spread about what happened. They're all waiting for me to step up now and take his place."
"You aren't going to. Are you?"
He let out a heavy hearted sigh. "Of course not, but we're letting them believe I am. In a few days we're leaving the country and probably the family we've built these last few decades will just fall apart or someone else will rise to the occasion. All I know is that it won't be me. I'm out."
"You shouldn't be here. There are guards all over the place."
"Don't worry. I'll slip in and out of here with no problem. It was a little too easy actually. I just wanted to come here and say I'm sorry about everything that happened. It was my fault that you were dragged into this." He I should be getting back. Fujio is keeping a lookout for me. I'll be leaving in five days. Here is a number where you can reach me if you need anything. I'll always be there for you." He put a slip of paper into my hand. "Goodbye." He bent over and gently kissed my forehead. Stealthily Haru made his way out the door disappearing once again into the shadows.
Clutching the piece of paper in my hand I leaned back and closed my eyes. A sudden breeze blew into the room sending the soft curtains dancing in the air. I opened my eyes to find where it had come from. I stepped out of my warn bed letting my bare feet touch the cold tiles of the floor. I wrapped the thin hospital gown tighter around me hurrying to shut the ajar window. As I pulled the window closed something caught my attention. I looked over at the house of cards Susumu had built on the table precariously held together. At that moment the house tumbled down into a wave of cards spilling onto the table and the floor. One by one they tumbled down.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
My eyelids slowly fluttered open upon the dawn of a new day. I inhaled deeply sucking in a sweet, light scent that lingered in the room. Turning onto my side I opened my eyes wide to see a fresh bouquet of lilies placed in the pitcher of water on my nightstand. I leaned over and ever so gently grazed the petals with my fingertips watching them shudder under my touch. A small smile curled on my lips. "Haru," I whispered softly to myself.
"You're finally awake." Susumu hoarsely whispered having fallen asleep in the chair next to my bed. He was a mess these past few days. He had made some silent vow to never leave my side ever again as my protector. There was no use in arguing with him when he was like this. I have to admit that even my calm level- headed brother couldn't escape the Makino stubbornness. He had practically moved into my hospital room only leaving me to go home, shower, and change clothes in the wee hours of the morning slipping past all the reporters camped out in their vans in front of the hospital in search for any scrap of news.
My eyes remained set on the lilies. At first I thought his appearance like a ghost in the night was all a dream, a trick my mind had played on me. However, I awoke the next morning to find the bouquet of lilies on the table. Although I never saw him again after that night, a new bunch would appear every morning to replace the old bunch. I took it as a message from Haru was still alive easing my worries. A twinge of sadness hit me realizing he would be leaving tomorrow. Leaving Japan and leaving my life forever.
"It's been quiet these last few days, a little too quiet if you ask me. Aren't you the least bit worried about what she'll try to do?"
"What can we do? All we can do for now is wait. She strikes like the snake she is, when you least expect it."
Susumu's body broke out into a shiver. "Just the thought of her gives me chills. That was the first time I ever laid eyes on that woman, but it was enough to give me nightmares. I feel bad for Doumyouji to have such a bitch as a mother."
"Let's not talk about her right now ok."
"Your right. Well, I have some good news, though. The doctors told me you can be discharged today."
"Really?!" My eyes lit up at the idea of finally being able to leave the cold, sterile hospital room. "I can't wait to go home to my own bed. Its been getting old sitting around the here. Let's go!" I jumped of bed in anticipation of shedding the drab hospital gown.
"Here. I brought you some clothes from home." Susumu passed me a bag before pacing around scanning the room for something.
"Thank you." I took the bag of clothes ad proceeded to the bathroom to change and freshen up. A few moments later I reemerged with my arms in the air pulling back my hair into a ponytail. Wearing a comfortable t-shirt and jeans I was ready to go.
"I wonder where they put your stuff. The nurse said she would drop off your bag of personal belongings." He fell to his knees and searched under the bed. "Found it!" He flipped the bag upside down and let the contents spill onto the bed. He picked up a rumpled ball of fabric and shook it loose.
My eyes widened in horror. The gown had large stains of dark red blood staining its once pure white color. I snatched it out of his hand touching the stains. I threw it back into the bag. "Burn it," I ordered.
Susumu nodded in agreement. "I'll go ask someone to take care of it." Before he left he held out two small items. "These were also in the bag."
I took the two little trinkets from him and stared at them. Unclasping the chain of the Saturn necklace I placed it around my neck feeling the cold metal against my skin. It felt right. It was back with its rightful owner. Raising my hand to touch the pendant my mind wandered back to the answer I was about to give him. The more and more I debated in my mind who I wanted to be with the more exasperated I became. Although spending the last few days visiting Doumyouji in his room opened up my eyes of how much he had changed these last few months. He seemed more patient and understanding. Without realizing it, I found the part of my heart that I had closed off from him opening up again. Perhaps we were truly meat for each other. However, these thoughts didn't last very long at the sound of Rui's voice filling the air. I had accidentally pushed the button while clutching the little toy I my hand. His words rushed over me filling me with doubts of what my feelings were. Even if he wasn't by my side he always found some way to get to me. Feeling suffocated at the moment I decided to take a walk.
Soon I absentmindedly found myself in the hospital's private enclosed gardens. Everything was frosted over encasing all life in ice. I was aroused from my dazed state at the sight of footsteps left in the snow. Feeling curious I followed the trail. I stopped towards the ends seeing the familiar figure of Rui standing alone under a tree. I held myself back from moving closer in fear that Shizuka might be nearby. His back was turned to me and his body showed no signs indicating he was aware of my presence. He stared at something on he ground and bent down on his knees to take something out. I peered over to see what he was so intently staring at and shock overtook me. He was gently touching the strings to a violin looking at it lie an old, familiar friend. In a matter of seconds he used hi good arm and picked it up. He turned around and I saw a look in his eyes burned in fury. He threw it with all his strength against the tree letting it smash into pieces.
I jumped back at the cacophonous shriek of the violin meeting its death. I backed up and carelessly stepped on twig letting out a snap sound. He quickly averted his eyes in my direction. The hate in his eyes extinguished and they softened at my frightened face.
"Tsukushi," he whispered in his usual dead tone.
"I'm sorry I disturbed you." I spun around wanting to run away from the scene. He had to hate me. I took away the one thing he could find solace in.
"Don't go!" he said in an abnormally loud voice startling me. "Stay with me for a little while." He walked over to a nearby bench and patted open space next to me inviting me to take a seat. "Please."
"Okay," I nervously sputtered out edging down not the bench. I edged away from him feeling like I was too close for comfort.
He sensed my obvious nervousness and slid closer over to me. We remained in silence.
"You must hate me for taking away the violin from you. Why else would you destroy it?"
Rui let out a heavy sigh and placed a hand over mine. "I'm angry, but not at you. You see that violin over there. It was a Christmas gift from my parents. They have no idea what happened to me. They could care less I suppose. All that maters to them is that I'm alive to marry Shizuka and save the company. They really believe that they can buy my pliancy with expensive gifts. They don't even know who I am."
"Well they must only want what's best for you. It might be in your best interest to marry Shizuka. She really does love you."
A pained expression spread over his face. "I don't love her. I love you."
I gently brushed a few stray strands of hair from his eyes. I started to get up, but he grabbed my wrist from behind pulling me back.
"Do you love me?"
"In some ways, yes."
"Then why won't you accept me?"
"I have my reasons."
"I've lost you to Tsukasa, haven't I?"
I couldn't help, but let out a sarcastic laugh. I kept my back to him while I spoke. "You two have more in common than you know. You're both rather childish. It's always a competition between you two. I'll tell you the same thing I told Doumyouji. My love for both of you are equal and yet not the same. No one can make me choose." With those words I pulled my arm away and walked back indoors leaving Rui to sit alone in his solitude.
I walked inside feeling shaken up and even more confused than ever. I braced myself by pushing my back against the wall to control my breathing. At that moment Shizuka walked past me saying a curt "Good Morning" before continuing down the hall probably in search of Rui.
"Are you alright?" a frantic voice asked.
I turned my head around. I pulled away from the wall and straightened my back. "I'm fine Susumu. What was that?!" I jerked my head way at the sound of a loud crash.
"It sounded like it came from Doumyouji's room."
Not waiting for Susumu I ran towards Doumyouji's room and burst through the open door. From the corner of Akira's mouth blood trickled down. What startled me the most was the attacker. "Soujiro!" Soujiro stood firmly planted glaring in contempt at his friend. His normally calm and collected composure was erased by the panicked and disheveled exterior. Soon Rui ran in from behind me with a look of disbelief. I was left as an innocent bystander as the scene unfolded.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Doumyouji bellowed.
"You did this!" Soujiro pointed a accusing fingers at Doumyouji and Akira.
"What are you talking about, Soujiro. What happened?"
"I've got nothing now. I noticed a sharp decline in our stock a few days ago, but dismissed it thinking it was only because of the rumors surrounding the kidnapping. She was behind this all along. It was a full out attack on us, a corporate buy out commanded by her."
"What does this have to do with Akira then?" I asked causing them to all stop and look in my direction.
"She couldn't do it alone. She brought in some help.the Mimasaka corporation helped fund the buy out in an acquisition of my company and to accomplish a merger with Tsukasa's. You've got to do something about this Akira. Talk your father out of the deal!"
Akira became very silent. "I can't. If we back out my entire family is screwed. When I tried to talk to my father about it he said he couldn't because of her. She's blackmailing him into this. Apparently one of the senior VPs was involved in some insider trading. She threatened to reveal this information to the public. My father would be implicated if any of this comes to light. Even if I tried to back out of the deal my father has put all our assets on the line to go through with this. If it falls through I lose everything." He shook his head.
"There must be some way to fix all this," Doumyouji said pacing around the room for an answer. "I could always give you a loan to try to get your company back. Let me call my accountant to wire the money over." Doumyouji picked up his cell phone and began shouting over the phone. "What do you mean I can't! Do you know who you are talking to?!" In frustration, he threw the phone against the wall. His eyes glazed over in defeat. "She froze my accounts."
"There's a way to solve all of this," Soujior spoke up. His voice was low and harsh. "Tsukasa, I've always supported you and Tsukushi. You owe me. Give her up and maybe your mother will reverse all this."
Doumyouji stared at his friend as if he was insane. "No."
"What do you mean no! Stop being a selfish bastard!"
"I'll never do it. I know my mother and she will stop at nothing. Even if I do leave her she will make sure Tsukushi pays for the trouble she has caused to her perfect plans for me. Who will protect her?"
"I will," a quiet voice spoke up.
"What about Shizuka, Rui?" Akira screamed. "You're supposed to marry her in a month. If you don't her family will lose everything. We've known Shizuka our entire lives and you're willing let her fall."
"You had Shizuka.You even had Tsukushi, but you tossed them aside. They were never good enough for you. I've always known she was the only woman I would ever love, but you. You don't deserve her.," Doumyouji growled lunging at Rui. He started pounding into him. "You've always tried to steal her away from me. You've always been trying to take her away behind my back. Y own friend!"
Akira and Soujiro each grabbed one of them and pulled them apart. Soujiro held onto Rui. Akira had a bit more trouble pushing Doumyouji back using wheelchair as a blockade.
"I've always thought she should have been with Rui," Soujioro snorted.
"You would want Shizuka's family lose everything," Akira replied with contempt in his voice.
"Better her than me."
"Now who's the selfish bastard?"
"Do I see you breaking the acquisition deal?" Soujiro sarcastically remarked.
Akira looked away. "You know my hands are tied."
"It's fine to be united as playboys. As friends we have nothing Akira."
"We can get through this. We are F4 remember. We have always relied on each other."
"F4? That's a load of shit. It's more like us taking care of Tsukasa. All we have ever done is cater to you, Tsukasa. What have you ever done for us?" Soujiro laughed. "There is no F4. F4 my ass." Soujiro stormed out of the door. He glared t with pure hatred. "You started all this."
"He's right. When it comes down to it. It's every man for himself." He slowly wheeled himself out of the room pausing in front of me. "You've destroyed us," he bitterly whispered to me.
I stood petrified as Rui and Doumyouji held their steadfast glares towards each other.
"Who will it be, Tsukushi. You've got to decide now," they both demanded at once.
"I."
From outside I could hear the pounding of footsteps running through the halls.
"He's going into arrest!"
"Get the paddles!"
"Blood pressures down! His heart beat is weakening!"
"We've got to defibrillate! Everybody! One! Two! Clear!"
THUMP
I ran out of the room following the frantic nurses running back and forth. I came to a halt as I saw Kazuya's body jolt up with the surge of electricity being sent through his body.
"What's happening?! Why isn't he breathing?!" Kazuya's frantic other screamed. Her husband had to pull the hysterical woman back to avoid interfering with the medical staff.
"No response!"
The doctor holding the paddles only increased the voltage by turning all the knobs at once.
"Damn it! Defib in one! Two! Clear!"
THUMP
"Still no response!"
"One! Two! Clear!"
THUMP.
Amongst all the chaos the erratic beeping of the machines came to a long waling beep. The doctor tossed the paddles aside.
"Time of death, 10:45."
"NO!" Kazuya's mother screamed falling into a fit of sobs. She collapsed onto the ground holding herself in fetal position. Her breaths became choked and her body convulsed. Her husband's face turned pale and all he could d was kneel beside his wife trying to soothe her.
NO. This can't be real. Kazuya is not dead, I said to myself. Hot tears began to streak down my face. He's alive. Any minute now the doctors will think of some way to save him. He'll be fine. We were supposed to take a second trip to Atami next year. He promised. He's not dead.
"Oneesan." Susumu placed a hand on my shoulder.
"He's not gone."
"I should take you home."
Susumu grabbed me by the shoulders and led me away from the sight of Kazuya's dead lifeless body. Halfway into getting into the taxi cab my brain ceased to function and I fainted.
I woke up a few hours later with a pounding sensation in my head. For a few brief seconds the pain that shot through my brain numbed me from feeling anything anymore. Nothing could be taken back.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
I glanced down at my cellphone on the floor. I cringed at the thought it might be Doumyouji or Rui. I relaxed seeing that it was only Yuki.
"Hello. Yuki."
Smal sniffles came through from the other end. "Tsukushi. I'm leaving."
"What?! What do you mean you're leaving?"
"My father was suddenly transferred to the Canada office. If he doesn't leave he'll be fired. After the kidnapping my parents are more than willing to go. I'm at the airport right now. We were only given one day to pack all our things. I tried to reach you in the hospital, but the security wouldn't let me talk to you. I've got to go. The plane's boarding. I'll miss."
Click.
"Yuki? YUKI!"
I dropped the phone onto the ground with a clatter. It was the end. She had won this time. She had managed to take away everything he loved. At the same time she had taken away all that I had left-my family. We were like those cards that leaned against each other holding our house together, a united front. Slowly pull one away and the rest tumble taking down the rest. What was there left fro me now. All I could ever do was bring hurt and paint to those most. I knew what I had to do. It was the only way.
I picked up the phone.
"Hello."
"I need to see you."
