Disclaimer: I do not own Love Hina or any of the characters contained in
here. Love Hina is owned by Ken Akamatsu. This FanFic is purely for the
enjoyment of myself and for others to read. So please don't sue
To Help a Friend
(Early Afternoon )
Haruka drove Seta's van back to Hinata-Sou at a leisurely pace, (She didn't think rushing home would be a good idea right now- especially for her lone passenger.) They had just left her Doctor's office from the hospital and were processing all that was learned this morning. Mainly, the trip was met with a heavy silence as the other occupant, Motoko Aoyama, contemplated her fate- looking blankly out her window. Someone had to say something.
" I'm so sorry." Said Haruka, almost in a whisper.
For the first time since the trip back Motoko acknowledged Haruka's presence. "Thank You." Was all she could think of at that moment.
' Damn it all!' thinks Haruka punching hard on the dashboard. 'She just turned 16! She still has so much to do!' The unfairness of what was discovered starting to have is toll.
(Flashback to this morning)
Haruka had called ahead to Doctor Hikari about her bringing Motoko over. Hikari was her personal physician and friend to both her, Keitaro and the rest of the Hinata residents. She was a formidable woman who's striking physical appearance belied her true age of 38 (She looked more like 25). She was a red-head who liked to keep her hair short( like Kitsun'es) and was about as tall as Haruka herself.but with a more petite figure. She also had the most beautiful pair of green eyes you'd ever seen on a woman. When asked about her heritage Hikari admitted to having some Irish in her bloodlines and even had some family in Ireland itself. Needless to say, Haruka trusted this woman-with her, Keitaro and the rest of the girls.
Upon arrival at the hospital, both women made there way to her office and were pleased to see that she wanted to greet them first thing.
"Haruka! Motoko! Long time no see!" She said with some glee, "In my line of work.that's a good thing." She chuckled trying to lighten the mood some.
"Hiya Doc!" says Haruka knowing Hikari hates that nickname just as much as she despises Keitaro calling her 'Aunt Haruka'.
"Hello Doctor Hikari", Motoko says simply followed by a formal bow to her elder.
"Motoko, Motoko..no need to be so formal. We are all friends here"
"Yes Doctor"
"Now then," her tone all business now "tell me what happened this morning"
Motoko explained what she did up until the moment the pain began. Haruka also explained how she had found her doubled over in pain clutching at her chest.
" Ok then. I had a friend of mine at the lab prep some equipment to see what the hell is goin on in there. And before you ask about payment... don't worry about it. He owed me a favor and I also owed one to Haruka" Keitaro's Aunt nodded once in understanding.
"Thank You Hikari." Motoko said simply.
"Let's go."
After performing a battery of tests which seemed like forever to take.. the examination was finished. Hikari had stepped out to confirm her findings with a senior colleague---worry etched in her face. Haruka approached Motoko and squeezed her hand to hopefully give the younger girl some comfort.
" I didn't like the look she had Haruka."
"Neither did I. You DO know that whatever happens.. We will see it through together." Motoko knew exactly whom she meant by 'we'.
" I had no doubt in my mind that Keitaro and the others will help me .until the end."
"Now Now young lady... we don't even know what THIS is.so don't you give up on me yet. Could be gas for all we know!" Motoko had to chuckle at that last statement, not considering that possiblility at all.
" Im afraid that Gas is the least of our worries" replied Hikari as she re- entered the room.. results in hand. Though being the most professional woman she knows.Haruka could swear Hikari looked like she had been crying.
" No!" was all she said.
" Motoko." she started looking straight at the kendo girl " after examining the results of the tests, it seems that your nervous system has suffered some serious trauma. "
"What kind of trauma?"
"That's the scary part.. unknown. We have no idea what has caused this type of damage, only that it is severe." Not holding back the tears that started to form.
"How severe?" asked Haruka. Tears forming on her own face, as she had already known the answer before she had asked the question.
Looking down Hikari seemed to have trouble saying the next words. "Terminal I'm afraid" was all she could say.
"It is as I feared." Motoko said simply.
This surprised both women."Did you suspect something like this was going to happen?" inquired Hikari.
"There had been stories my family would tell us.of generations of past warriors who would fall prey to some silent enemy. A dishonorable enemy who doesn't fight on the mortal plane, a demon if you will."
"Well I don't believe in demons all that much.just in pure scientific facts."
"That is alright.its something that everyone in the God's Cry School always feared that it would strike at them.and it appears..I am the next to fall."
"Now hold on there Motoko. " Hikari walking up to Motoko and placing a hand on her shoulder, "I don't plan on giving up on this.. and neither should you."
"She's right." Added Haruka, "It's not like you to simply give up. You have always been a fighter..we can beat this!"
" I have not given up. I am simply more .acceptant of my fate. Do not mistake my acceptance as weakness." She said plainly and started walking away from Hikari to gather her things.
"I have prescribed some medication to help with any discomfort." She hands the prescription to Haruka and to her says" Make sure she takes this if she starts up again!"
" Don't worry." She said flatly " I'll make sure she gets it. Thank You Hikari." She gives her friend a slight hug and departs the room with Motoko.
' Don't give up girl. I don't want to have to sign your death certificate.' She turns back to the test results lying on a nearby desk 'Now to take a much closer look at her tests.something didn't seem right. I hope I find out what.before it's too late'
(Present time )
"Haruka! Are you alright?" asks Motoko as Haruka kisses the knuckles she hurt when she punched the dash.
"Yea. I'm ok." I just feel so helpless.
" I know what you mean. Believe me"
" Do you want to call your sister when we get back?"
" Not just yet." She pauses as if in thought.
"What is it?" worry showing on her face "has the pain come back?"
"Thankfully.. No."she turns to her friend " It's just the thought of leaving the girls unprotected after ..my passing.scares me"
"You know Keitaro won't hurt them." She says, a little annoyed, she is tired of the residents thinking her nephew is some sort of pervert. "He hasn't always been clumsy you know"
" I didn't mean to offend you. That wasn't what I meant anyway."
"No?" this did intrigue Haruka as normally Motoko is one of the first to bear arms against her nephew.
"I just hope that he can protect them sufficiently.if the need arises."
"You'd be surprised at what my nephew is capable of doing when he has to" she says in barely a whisper.
Motoko slowly turns to Haruka, "What do you mean Haruka? Is there something about Urashima that I should be made aware?"
'Shit..she heard me!' she scolded herself " Forget I said anything."
Now it was Motoko's turn to be curious.
" What is it that's so terrible that you cannot say? Is he dangerous? I could hardly believe if he was."
She didn't mean it to sound insulting.just the opposite , she admired the man for showing so much restraint against any of the girls. He had never shown indication that he was nothing more than meek.
" Look Motoko. I promised my nephew that I wouldn't say anything to anyone.ever!" that explains it then.Keitaro Urashima was very well known for one thing..his ability to keep his promises no matter how absurd. He took those that he made VERY seriously and would expect no less from those that had promised him as well.
" My apologies Haruka. " she said with some disappointment. " I did not realize it was that personal. I will not pry anymore."
Haruka had a hard time concentrating on driving as she was struggling with an internal conflict within herself. She promised him so long ago and didn't want to upset him. After a few moments.she made a decision.
" Motoko. You are worried about leaving the girls in harm's way correct.?"
"Yes."
"You care for them, right?."
" Of course"
'Here's the million dollar question'
" Do you trust my nephew?" she waited.
" I trust that he would do what he can .nothing more"
" What if I told you that he more than capable of defending them in your.absence."
"Haruka, I know he is your family and I don't want to upset you..but I have seen no evidence that he is capable of .such skills. I have examined his CHI and although it is unsual for someone to take as much punishment as he...I find nothing remarkable about it."
"Remind me to have a little talk with the rest of the girls about these ' punishments' you think he deserves. Its getting ridiculuous and I am getting tired of it."
"Gomen Haruka-you are right"
"Let me finish! About reading someone's CHI.the reason you can't detect anything remarkable about it..is because he has been suppressing it!"
Motoko's eyes grew wide in disbelief. "Suppressing it? But to have such a skill...one would have to have been trained extensively in the fighting arts." Then a thought struck her.
"Haruka?"
"Yup. Me too I'm afraid. And Kanako, Keitaro's stepsister, who you haven't met yet (Thank Kami). We all have that ability since we learned it at a very young age.
" But how.? And why did you need to hide this?"
"In my case.I simply use my skills as needed. I usually do my Kata's first thing before my morning smoke to keep in practice.."
" Kanako just wanted to be like her Oni-Chan(Older brother) and took to it just as well. She is one of the better fighters in our family."
" Haruka!. I never see your nephew practice at all. He is either cleaning the dorm or studying for Toudai or ..keeping us out of trouble."
" He doesn't need to practice. Keitaro was considered.'exceptional' by our sensei."
" Then why?"
" Why doesn't he show his skills? Or defend himself from you girls? Well, there's a story behind that answer. It's not a happy one! It even involves Naru"
Seeing the confusion in her friends face she makes another mental decision 'Forgive me Keitaro.. she needs to know'
"What I am about to tell you will involve a promise I made to Keitaro when he was much younger. One that I have to break so that you may understand why I feel he can put your mind at ease."
" Gomen that you should have to do this because of me Haruka..I will somehow make it up to you."
"Hmmm..anyway, it goes like this." Motoko listens to Haruka's tale of Keitaro's past. What had happened to warrant such a promise. Why he currently doesn't practice the fighting arts. And even Naru's involvement in the whole thing.
" I see" was all Motoko could say,disbelief slowly leaving her thoughts.
" Then he CAN help me" another thought hits her " How can we be sure that he'd be willing to take up arms again. It's been so long"
" I have an idea about that one, but its going to be a bit radical. Unfortunately, it's the only way I can think of. "
Haruka tells her of her plan, Motoko nodded.
"Are you gonna be up to it Motoko? I don't want you to have a relapse"
Motoko nodded " I feel that your plan is the only way to know for sure. Quite frankly.I'm looking forward to it. Except for the 'last resort' bit"
"Only if we need to." Was the last thing she said as she pulled Seta's van up near the Teahouse. ' here's is hoping it won't come to that...or someone will REALLY get hurt.'
Author's note: Sorry for the long winded chapter. I hope it will set some things up for the next couple of chapters. Before you all stone me.I WILL explain what Haruka said to Motoko about why Keitaro no longer fights. However I am gonna reveal it a little different. Anyways enjoy.and as always..READ AND REVIEW
To Help a Friend
(Early Afternoon )
Haruka drove Seta's van back to Hinata-Sou at a leisurely pace, (She didn't think rushing home would be a good idea right now- especially for her lone passenger.) They had just left her Doctor's office from the hospital and were processing all that was learned this morning. Mainly, the trip was met with a heavy silence as the other occupant, Motoko Aoyama, contemplated her fate- looking blankly out her window. Someone had to say something.
" I'm so sorry." Said Haruka, almost in a whisper.
For the first time since the trip back Motoko acknowledged Haruka's presence. "Thank You." Was all she could think of at that moment.
' Damn it all!' thinks Haruka punching hard on the dashboard. 'She just turned 16! She still has so much to do!' The unfairness of what was discovered starting to have is toll.
(Flashback to this morning)
Haruka had called ahead to Doctor Hikari about her bringing Motoko over. Hikari was her personal physician and friend to both her, Keitaro and the rest of the Hinata residents. She was a formidable woman who's striking physical appearance belied her true age of 38 (She looked more like 25). She was a red-head who liked to keep her hair short( like Kitsun'es) and was about as tall as Haruka herself.but with a more petite figure. She also had the most beautiful pair of green eyes you'd ever seen on a woman. When asked about her heritage Hikari admitted to having some Irish in her bloodlines and even had some family in Ireland itself. Needless to say, Haruka trusted this woman-with her, Keitaro and the rest of the girls.
Upon arrival at the hospital, both women made there way to her office and were pleased to see that she wanted to greet them first thing.
"Haruka! Motoko! Long time no see!" She said with some glee, "In my line of work.that's a good thing." She chuckled trying to lighten the mood some.
"Hiya Doc!" says Haruka knowing Hikari hates that nickname just as much as she despises Keitaro calling her 'Aunt Haruka'.
"Hello Doctor Hikari", Motoko says simply followed by a formal bow to her elder.
"Motoko, Motoko..no need to be so formal. We are all friends here"
"Yes Doctor"
"Now then," her tone all business now "tell me what happened this morning"
Motoko explained what she did up until the moment the pain began. Haruka also explained how she had found her doubled over in pain clutching at her chest.
" Ok then. I had a friend of mine at the lab prep some equipment to see what the hell is goin on in there. And before you ask about payment... don't worry about it. He owed me a favor and I also owed one to Haruka" Keitaro's Aunt nodded once in understanding.
"Thank You Hikari." Motoko said simply.
"Let's go."
After performing a battery of tests which seemed like forever to take.. the examination was finished. Hikari had stepped out to confirm her findings with a senior colleague---worry etched in her face. Haruka approached Motoko and squeezed her hand to hopefully give the younger girl some comfort.
" I didn't like the look she had Haruka."
"Neither did I. You DO know that whatever happens.. We will see it through together." Motoko knew exactly whom she meant by 'we'.
" I had no doubt in my mind that Keitaro and the others will help me .until the end."
"Now Now young lady... we don't even know what THIS is.so don't you give up on me yet. Could be gas for all we know!" Motoko had to chuckle at that last statement, not considering that possiblility at all.
" Im afraid that Gas is the least of our worries" replied Hikari as she re- entered the room.. results in hand. Though being the most professional woman she knows.Haruka could swear Hikari looked like she had been crying.
" No!" was all she said.
" Motoko." she started looking straight at the kendo girl " after examining the results of the tests, it seems that your nervous system has suffered some serious trauma. "
"What kind of trauma?"
"That's the scary part.. unknown. We have no idea what has caused this type of damage, only that it is severe." Not holding back the tears that started to form.
"How severe?" asked Haruka. Tears forming on her own face, as she had already known the answer before she had asked the question.
Looking down Hikari seemed to have trouble saying the next words. "Terminal I'm afraid" was all she could say.
"It is as I feared." Motoko said simply.
This surprised both women."Did you suspect something like this was going to happen?" inquired Hikari.
"There had been stories my family would tell us.of generations of past warriors who would fall prey to some silent enemy. A dishonorable enemy who doesn't fight on the mortal plane, a demon if you will."
"Well I don't believe in demons all that much.just in pure scientific facts."
"That is alright.its something that everyone in the God's Cry School always feared that it would strike at them.and it appears..I am the next to fall."
"Now hold on there Motoko. " Hikari walking up to Motoko and placing a hand on her shoulder, "I don't plan on giving up on this.. and neither should you."
"She's right." Added Haruka, "It's not like you to simply give up. You have always been a fighter..we can beat this!"
" I have not given up. I am simply more .acceptant of my fate. Do not mistake my acceptance as weakness." She said plainly and started walking away from Hikari to gather her things.
"I have prescribed some medication to help with any discomfort." She hands the prescription to Haruka and to her says" Make sure she takes this if she starts up again!"
" Don't worry." She said flatly " I'll make sure she gets it. Thank You Hikari." She gives her friend a slight hug and departs the room with Motoko.
' Don't give up girl. I don't want to have to sign your death certificate.' She turns back to the test results lying on a nearby desk 'Now to take a much closer look at her tests.something didn't seem right. I hope I find out what.before it's too late'
(Present time )
"Haruka! Are you alright?" asks Motoko as Haruka kisses the knuckles she hurt when she punched the dash.
"Yea. I'm ok." I just feel so helpless.
" I know what you mean. Believe me"
" Do you want to call your sister when we get back?"
" Not just yet." She pauses as if in thought.
"What is it?" worry showing on her face "has the pain come back?"
"Thankfully.. No."she turns to her friend " It's just the thought of leaving the girls unprotected after ..my passing.scares me"
"You know Keitaro won't hurt them." She says, a little annoyed, she is tired of the residents thinking her nephew is some sort of pervert. "He hasn't always been clumsy you know"
" I didn't mean to offend you. That wasn't what I meant anyway."
"No?" this did intrigue Haruka as normally Motoko is one of the first to bear arms against her nephew.
"I just hope that he can protect them sufficiently.if the need arises."
"You'd be surprised at what my nephew is capable of doing when he has to" she says in barely a whisper.
Motoko slowly turns to Haruka, "What do you mean Haruka? Is there something about Urashima that I should be made aware?"
'Shit..she heard me!' she scolded herself " Forget I said anything."
Now it was Motoko's turn to be curious.
" What is it that's so terrible that you cannot say? Is he dangerous? I could hardly believe if he was."
She didn't mean it to sound insulting.just the opposite , she admired the man for showing so much restraint against any of the girls. He had never shown indication that he was nothing more than meek.
" Look Motoko. I promised my nephew that I wouldn't say anything to anyone.ever!" that explains it then.Keitaro Urashima was very well known for one thing..his ability to keep his promises no matter how absurd. He took those that he made VERY seriously and would expect no less from those that had promised him as well.
" My apologies Haruka. " she said with some disappointment. " I did not realize it was that personal. I will not pry anymore."
Haruka had a hard time concentrating on driving as she was struggling with an internal conflict within herself. She promised him so long ago and didn't want to upset him. After a few moments.she made a decision.
" Motoko. You are worried about leaving the girls in harm's way correct.?"
"Yes."
"You care for them, right?."
" Of course"
'Here's the million dollar question'
" Do you trust my nephew?" she waited.
" I trust that he would do what he can .nothing more"
" What if I told you that he more than capable of defending them in your.absence."
"Haruka, I know he is your family and I don't want to upset you..but I have seen no evidence that he is capable of .such skills. I have examined his CHI and although it is unsual for someone to take as much punishment as he...I find nothing remarkable about it."
"Remind me to have a little talk with the rest of the girls about these ' punishments' you think he deserves. Its getting ridiculuous and I am getting tired of it."
"Gomen Haruka-you are right"
"Let me finish! About reading someone's CHI.the reason you can't detect anything remarkable about it..is because he has been suppressing it!"
Motoko's eyes grew wide in disbelief. "Suppressing it? But to have such a skill...one would have to have been trained extensively in the fighting arts." Then a thought struck her.
"Haruka?"
"Yup. Me too I'm afraid. And Kanako, Keitaro's stepsister, who you haven't met yet (Thank Kami). We all have that ability since we learned it at a very young age.
" But how.? And why did you need to hide this?"
"In my case.I simply use my skills as needed. I usually do my Kata's first thing before my morning smoke to keep in practice.."
" Kanako just wanted to be like her Oni-Chan(Older brother) and took to it just as well. She is one of the better fighters in our family."
" Haruka!. I never see your nephew practice at all. He is either cleaning the dorm or studying for Toudai or ..keeping us out of trouble."
" He doesn't need to practice. Keitaro was considered.'exceptional' by our sensei."
" Then why?"
" Why doesn't he show his skills? Or defend himself from you girls? Well, there's a story behind that answer. It's not a happy one! It even involves Naru"
Seeing the confusion in her friends face she makes another mental decision 'Forgive me Keitaro.. she needs to know'
"What I am about to tell you will involve a promise I made to Keitaro when he was much younger. One that I have to break so that you may understand why I feel he can put your mind at ease."
" Gomen that you should have to do this because of me Haruka..I will somehow make it up to you."
"Hmmm..anyway, it goes like this." Motoko listens to Haruka's tale of Keitaro's past. What had happened to warrant such a promise. Why he currently doesn't practice the fighting arts. And even Naru's involvement in the whole thing.
" I see" was all Motoko could say,disbelief slowly leaving her thoughts.
" Then he CAN help me" another thought hits her " How can we be sure that he'd be willing to take up arms again. It's been so long"
" I have an idea about that one, but its going to be a bit radical. Unfortunately, it's the only way I can think of. "
Haruka tells her of her plan, Motoko nodded.
"Are you gonna be up to it Motoko? I don't want you to have a relapse"
Motoko nodded " I feel that your plan is the only way to know for sure. Quite frankly.I'm looking forward to it. Except for the 'last resort' bit"
"Only if we need to." Was the last thing she said as she pulled Seta's van up near the Teahouse. ' here's is hoping it won't come to that...or someone will REALLY get hurt.'
Author's note: Sorry for the long winded chapter. I hope it will set some things up for the next couple of chapters. Before you all stone me.I WILL explain what Haruka said to Motoko about why Keitaro no longer fights. However I am gonna reveal it a little different. Anyways enjoy.and as always..READ AND REVIEW