OHHHHHHH THE END IS NEAR!!!!!!!!!!! Craziness. I've been working on this
story for forever! I don't think I'll ever get sick of this fic, it is my
fav so far. Once this is done I'm putting out another FY fic, but after
that one I'm putting out a Sailor Moon fic, so if your fans of either one
CHECK ME OUT! WOOOO. Ok, so two more chaps!! AHHH! Can u believe it? I sure
can't. I wish it didn't have to end. Be warned though, the ending is a
super huge cliffie. Like HUGE! So yes there will be a sequel. Yes I am
working on it, and it will come out maybe a month or two after this is
done. I'M SO SORRY! I know Lena will kill me. *Sigh* didn't mean to make
this so damn good! ~_^ I may not have many reviews (ok so all I have is
Lena), but I'm still going to post this. I can't not continue this. It's
almost done for Christ sakes! So, yeah. Please, please, please review cuz
it sux when no one does, but either way I'm still going to post. Anyhoo.
Disclaimer: I don't own a friggin thing. How sad. I feel so. so. POOR! *Sob*
"Hello." I said quietly into the phone. I hadn't talked to my mom in 5 years. What the hell was I to say?
"Kao-chan!" My mother squealed, "I'm so glad you called. How are you, honey?"
"I'm fine, Mom. Same as ever I guess."
"That's great."
"Where is everybody?" I didn't want to talk if my dad would accidentally walk into the conversation. My dad and I weren't currently on good terms, if you know what I mean.
"Your father is doing some late night practicing in the dojo; knowing him he'll be practicing for the next hour or so. The boys went out into town. They should be back in an hour, which gives us plenty of time to talk."
"How have you been Mom? How's business?"
"It's great. A lot has happened since you left. We have more students than we know what to do with."
"Is Akira in town too?"
"Yes he is. He missed you so much when you left 5 years ago. He really hasn't been the same, but he's getting better now."
"I'm glad. The two of us were going nowhere anyway."
"You could have gone somewhere if you wanted to."
"Mom..." I made sure that my voice was just cold enough to tell her to stay away from that subject, and thankfully she got the hint.
"Alright, we'll let's get down to business. What have you told them, Kaoru?"
"Just that I'm related to you."
"You told them I'm your mother. Ok, and is that all?"
"I didn't tell them that you're my mother. I said you were a relative. That's it."
"Why didn't you say I was your mother?"
"I just don't like people bringing up the past. I don't like to talk about it."
"Child, are you ashamed of your past?" She was getting angry with me. My mom wasn't normally an angry woman, but I still should have expected it. 5 years is a damn long time.
"I'm not a child." I said quietly.
"Oh yes you are! There is nothing wrong with your past. Why hide it?"
"I'm not hiding it."
"Then what are you doing?"
"Does it matter, mom?"
"Fine. Whatever you say Kaoru. I'm too old to argue with such a stubborn child."
"I'm not a child." I repeated.
"Well, you sure whine like one!"
"Mom, look, I got to go. Just don't tell Kenshin and Sano anything ok?"
"No."
"What?!?!"
"The only reason why I didn't tell them when they first asked was because I knew you would be angry with me, but now I realize that I don't care if your angry. Kaoru I will not lie for you so that you can burry the past. Yutaro wouldn't want you to."
"How do you know what he would want?" I asked; before she could respond the doorbell rang, and I told her to hang on for a second. It was Misao and Yahiko. Why the hell were they here?
"You're busy?" Misao said quietly. She looked really sad, and I didn't have to heart to ask her to come back later. Plus, I was almost done talking to my mom. I'd just have to pick my words carefully.
"No, come in." I held open the door for her, and after closing the door went back to the phone. "Mom, I've got to go, but I'll call you back."
"No need to call me back. I'll talk to you again in 5 years." She was still angry. Great, just great.
"Don't be angry please."
"It's too late for you to say please Kaoru. Now, I'll leave you so you can do whatever it is you do."
"Fine mom, bye."
"Have fun killing." Her voice was dripping with anger and sarcasm. It took all my control not to let the tears that were stinging in the back of my eyes fall, but I guess the hurt showed on my face because Misao was looking at me with concern in her eyes. Yahiko wasn't paying any attention at all.
"You don't mean that, do you?" My voice sounded small and distant. How could she say that? She didn't reply. I heard her say something muffled. Someone had probably entered the room. Probably dad. But then there was the distinct sound of a... gun shot? "Mom?" My voice shook with panic. The hell was that?
"Mom, what's happening?" I asked. Misao stood next to me. She was questioning me with her eyes, but all my attention was on the phone.
"If you wanna see your parents again, then you might wanna come for a little visit before it's too late." A thick deep voice threatened. Some guy with a gun was holding my parents hostage. I was so angry I had to fight to hold back a string of curses. He was going to die if he hurt my parents.
"Don't you dare..." Before I could finish my sentence, the phone went dead, and all I heard was dial tone.
"What happened?" Misao asked. Yahiko looked just as questioning. Looks like he had finally decided to pay attention.
"Nothing, I got to go." I grabbed my purse, and rushed for the door.
"Not until you tell me what happened to your mom. I can help."
"Misao, I don't have time to explain. I got to go."
"We can help." Yahiko said his hand holding onto my arm; fingers digging into my skin.
"No, you can't. Let me go Yahiko!" I warned.
"We're coming with you."
"No you're not." I yanked my arm back. Where his fingers had clung to my skin was red finger marks.
"Yes we are." Misao said snatching my car keys, which I had forgotten to pick up from the kitchen, and marched out the front door. I followed behind mentally cursing her. Great, just great.
~~~~~~~~~~
The ride was long and quiet. A normally hour and a half drive was 45 minutes. Yahiko cheered me on, while Misao prayed we wouldn't crash. I'd have laughed if I weren't so worried about my parents. The moment we reached the dojo I rushed out of the car yelling "Mom!" but no one answered. I ran into my house and everything was thrown around. Vases were broken, tables tipped over; chairs thrown across the room. It was horrible. Misao and Yahiko were right behind me, their mouths were gaping, and their faces were full of shock. After searching the house, the only place left to look was the dojo. The dojo, unlike the house, was immaculate. Nothing was out of place. However, in the middle of the floor was a note. I picked up the note, and began to read.
Roxanne,
Or should I call you Kaoru? You have lied to me. Now, we have to have a little talk. I have your parents, and if you want them back then your going to have to cooperate. At 12:30 AM go to the bridge. I'll be waiting.
Love,
Big J
"What's it say?" Misao asked.
"He took them." I was trembling. I was pissed. "I will not lose another person I love." I growled. I was not going to let anyone hurt them. Somewhere, however, under that anger was fear. What if he killed them? No. I won't allow it. Never.
"Someone took your mom?" Yahiko asked angrily. His mom had been killed when he was a kid, and I guess this struck a chord.
"Not just anybody." I checked my watch. I had an hour before I was to meet Big J, and I was going to be prepared. I kept a spare set of weapons in my car for emergencies. Well, now was definitely an emergency. I walked out of the dojo, ignoring Yahiko and Misao's questions. I was walking to my car when I saw Kenshin, Sano, and Akira walking in laughing like idiots. I glared at the trio, and as soon as they saw me they stopped laughing.
"Kaoru? You're back." Akira blinked making sure that I was real, and once he realized I was in the flesh, he ran and hugged me, but I didn't hug back. "What's wrong?" He asked pulling back from me.
"Where were you?" My eyes were hard and angry.
"We went out on the town. Why? What happened?"
"You should have been here. You should have protected them!" I yelled.
"What happened?" He asked shocked. He whipped his head around surveying the area, and then ran off into the house, and eventually came back, "Where did they go?"
"I trusted you to take care of them." I scowled, ignoring his question. "This is all your fault!" I yelled, and a tear ran down my cheek. Jesus, I was angry. He promised me he'd take care of them. He told me he'd protect my family while I was gone, but he didn't. He didn't help at all!
"I'm... I'm sorry." He was shaken, and on the verge of tears, and I realized that my parents were just like parents to him too. It really wasn't his fault. He wasn't their babysitter. Plus, if he had been at home he might have been taken as well. My anger subsided, and I swiped the tear from my face. "I didn't mean that Akira." I said quietly, "I just need someone to blame. It's my fault, and I didn't want it to be. Forgive me." Akira nodded, and quietly asked, for the second time, "What happened?"
"I was talking to mom when I heard a gun shot in the background." Everyone's eyes widened, "Someone came on the phone and threatened me. They told me to come get my parents."
"Mr. and Mrs. Kamiya are your parents?" Sano asked. He stared incredulously.
"Yeah. The kidnappers left a note telling me to meet them."
"Why you Miss Kaoru?" Kenshin asked.
"Does it matter?" I shrugged. That seemed to be the question everyone was asking lately. Does it matter? Does anything ever matter? The answer is: always. Even so, we keep asking, hoping that one day the answer just might change.
"Yes." Everyone said in unison.
"I guess the only answer is because it's my fault. It just is, and I'm sorry, but I have to go." I said moving to go to my car.
"You can not go alone." Akira grabbed my arm. Why is it that recently EVERYONE seems to be grabbing my arm?
"I'm the only one who can save them." I protested.
"You and what army?" Sano snorted.
"Just me." I glared. My anger was flaring up again. I didn't have time for this. I had to change into fighting clothes, and get my weapons on. I pulled my arm out of Akira's hand. "I need to go, now."
"What are you going to do, ask politely if they'll return your parents?" Yahiko yelled.
"No, I'm going to take back my parents, one way or another." I said through clenched teeth.
"It could be dangerous, Jou-chan. If you go, I go with you." Sano said pounding his fist into his palm.
"I'm going too." Misao said brandishing her Kunai.
"You can't even throw them." I said dryly.
"I'm sure I can work something out under pressure." She winked.
"Hey, if they get to go, then I go." Yahiko said, "I've been learning how to fight for two years now. I'm not amazing, but I can help."
"I'm coming too." Akira chimed in, "I promised you I'd protect them."
"I will protect you and your parents, that I will." Kenshin said his eyes swirled golden violet.
Everyone wanted to help, but I couldn't let them. I couldn't let them possibly die. My death is one thing, but theirs... no.
"I appreciate your kindness, but I can't take you with me. I need to get ready to go." I went to my car, and took out a black duffle bag.
"What's in there?" Akira asked coming to look inside.
"Everything I need." I moved into the house, and went into an empty room. Soon I'd have to go. Soon I'd have to save my parents. And soon, Big J was going to die. Painfully.
~~~PREVIEW: The anticipation I felt was exhilarating, but underneath it there was still fear. Fear that I was being arrogant. That I would not return. I would make sure my parents would, but my life was not a sure bet.
Disclaimer: I don't own a friggin thing. How sad. I feel so. so. POOR! *Sob*
"Hello." I said quietly into the phone. I hadn't talked to my mom in 5 years. What the hell was I to say?
"Kao-chan!" My mother squealed, "I'm so glad you called. How are you, honey?"
"I'm fine, Mom. Same as ever I guess."
"That's great."
"Where is everybody?" I didn't want to talk if my dad would accidentally walk into the conversation. My dad and I weren't currently on good terms, if you know what I mean.
"Your father is doing some late night practicing in the dojo; knowing him he'll be practicing for the next hour or so. The boys went out into town. They should be back in an hour, which gives us plenty of time to talk."
"How have you been Mom? How's business?"
"It's great. A lot has happened since you left. We have more students than we know what to do with."
"Is Akira in town too?"
"Yes he is. He missed you so much when you left 5 years ago. He really hasn't been the same, but he's getting better now."
"I'm glad. The two of us were going nowhere anyway."
"You could have gone somewhere if you wanted to."
"Mom..." I made sure that my voice was just cold enough to tell her to stay away from that subject, and thankfully she got the hint.
"Alright, we'll let's get down to business. What have you told them, Kaoru?"
"Just that I'm related to you."
"You told them I'm your mother. Ok, and is that all?"
"I didn't tell them that you're my mother. I said you were a relative. That's it."
"Why didn't you say I was your mother?"
"I just don't like people bringing up the past. I don't like to talk about it."
"Child, are you ashamed of your past?" She was getting angry with me. My mom wasn't normally an angry woman, but I still should have expected it. 5 years is a damn long time.
"I'm not a child." I said quietly.
"Oh yes you are! There is nothing wrong with your past. Why hide it?"
"I'm not hiding it."
"Then what are you doing?"
"Does it matter, mom?"
"Fine. Whatever you say Kaoru. I'm too old to argue with such a stubborn child."
"I'm not a child." I repeated.
"Well, you sure whine like one!"
"Mom, look, I got to go. Just don't tell Kenshin and Sano anything ok?"
"No."
"What?!?!"
"The only reason why I didn't tell them when they first asked was because I knew you would be angry with me, but now I realize that I don't care if your angry. Kaoru I will not lie for you so that you can burry the past. Yutaro wouldn't want you to."
"How do you know what he would want?" I asked; before she could respond the doorbell rang, and I told her to hang on for a second. It was Misao and Yahiko. Why the hell were they here?
"You're busy?" Misao said quietly. She looked really sad, and I didn't have to heart to ask her to come back later. Plus, I was almost done talking to my mom. I'd just have to pick my words carefully.
"No, come in." I held open the door for her, and after closing the door went back to the phone. "Mom, I've got to go, but I'll call you back."
"No need to call me back. I'll talk to you again in 5 years." She was still angry. Great, just great.
"Don't be angry please."
"It's too late for you to say please Kaoru. Now, I'll leave you so you can do whatever it is you do."
"Fine mom, bye."
"Have fun killing." Her voice was dripping with anger and sarcasm. It took all my control not to let the tears that were stinging in the back of my eyes fall, but I guess the hurt showed on my face because Misao was looking at me with concern in her eyes. Yahiko wasn't paying any attention at all.
"You don't mean that, do you?" My voice sounded small and distant. How could she say that? She didn't reply. I heard her say something muffled. Someone had probably entered the room. Probably dad. But then there was the distinct sound of a... gun shot? "Mom?" My voice shook with panic. The hell was that?
"Mom, what's happening?" I asked. Misao stood next to me. She was questioning me with her eyes, but all my attention was on the phone.
"If you wanna see your parents again, then you might wanna come for a little visit before it's too late." A thick deep voice threatened. Some guy with a gun was holding my parents hostage. I was so angry I had to fight to hold back a string of curses. He was going to die if he hurt my parents.
"Don't you dare..." Before I could finish my sentence, the phone went dead, and all I heard was dial tone.
"What happened?" Misao asked. Yahiko looked just as questioning. Looks like he had finally decided to pay attention.
"Nothing, I got to go." I grabbed my purse, and rushed for the door.
"Not until you tell me what happened to your mom. I can help."
"Misao, I don't have time to explain. I got to go."
"We can help." Yahiko said his hand holding onto my arm; fingers digging into my skin.
"No, you can't. Let me go Yahiko!" I warned.
"We're coming with you."
"No you're not." I yanked my arm back. Where his fingers had clung to my skin was red finger marks.
"Yes we are." Misao said snatching my car keys, which I had forgotten to pick up from the kitchen, and marched out the front door. I followed behind mentally cursing her. Great, just great.
~~~~~~~~~~
The ride was long and quiet. A normally hour and a half drive was 45 minutes. Yahiko cheered me on, while Misao prayed we wouldn't crash. I'd have laughed if I weren't so worried about my parents. The moment we reached the dojo I rushed out of the car yelling "Mom!" but no one answered. I ran into my house and everything was thrown around. Vases were broken, tables tipped over; chairs thrown across the room. It was horrible. Misao and Yahiko were right behind me, their mouths were gaping, and their faces were full of shock. After searching the house, the only place left to look was the dojo. The dojo, unlike the house, was immaculate. Nothing was out of place. However, in the middle of the floor was a note. I picked up the note, and began to read.
Roxanne,
Or should I call you Kaoru? You have lied to me. Now, we have to have a little talk. I have your parents, and if you want them back then your going to have to cooperate. At 12:30 AM go to the bridge. I'll be waiting.
Love,
Big J
"What's it say?" Misao asked.
"He took them." I was trembling. I was pissed. "I will not lose another person I love." I growled. I was not going to let anyone hurt them. Somewhere, however, under that anger was fear. What if he killed them? No. I won't allow it. Never.
"Someone took your mom?" Yahiko asked angrily. His mom had been killed when he was a kid, and I guess this struck a chord.
"Not just anybody." I checked my watch. I had an hour before I was to meet Big J, and I was going to be prepared. I kept a spare set of weapons in my car for emergencies. Well, now was definitely an emergency. I walked out of the dojo, ignoring Yahiko and Misao's questions. I was walking to my car when I saw Kenshin, Sano, and Akira walking in laughing like idiots. I glared at the trio, and as soon as they saw me they stopped laughing.
"Kaoru? You're back." Akira blinked making sure that I was real, and once he realized I was in the flesh, he ran and hugged me, but I didn't hug back. "What's wrong?" He asked pulling back from me.
"Where were you?" My eyes were hard and angry.
"We went out on the town. Why? What happened?"
"You should have been here. You should have protected them!" I yelled.
"What happened?" He asked shocked. He whipped his head around surveying the area, and then ran off into the house, and eventually came back, "Where did they go?"
"I trusted you to take care of them." I scowled, ignoring his question. "This is all your fault!" I yelled, and a tear ran down my cheek. Jesus, I was angry. He promised me he'd take care of them. He told me he'd protect my family while I was gone, but he didn't. He didn't help at all!
"I'm... I'm sorry." He was shaken, and on the verge of tears, and I realized that my parents were just like parents to him too. It really wasn't his fault. He wasn't their babysitter. Plus, if he had been at home he might have been taken as well. My anger subsided, and I swiped the tear from my face. "I didn't mean that Akira." I said quietly, "I just need someone to blame. It's my fault, and I didn't want it to be. Forgive me." Akira nodded, and quietly asked, for the second time, "What happened?"
"I was talking to mom when I heard a gun shot in the background." Everyone's eyes widened, "Someone came on the phone and threatened me. They told me to come get my parents."
"Mr. and Mrs. Kamiya are your parents?" Sano asked. He stared incredulously.
"Yeah. The kidnappers left a note telling me to meet them."
"Why you Miss Kaoru?" Kenshin asked.
"Does it matter?" I shrugged. That seemed to be the question everyone was asking lately. Does it matter? Does anything ever matter? The answer is: always. Even so, we keep asking, hoping that one day the answer just might change.
"Yes." Everyone said in unison.
"I guess the only answer is because it's my fault. It just is, and I'm sorry, but I have to go." I said moving to go to my car.
"You can not go alone." Akira grabbed my arm. Why is it that recently EVERYONE seems to be grabbing my arm?
"I'm the only one who can save them." I protested.
"You and what army?" Sano snorted.
"Just me." I glared. My anger was flaring up again. I didn't have time for this. I had to change into fighting clothes, and get my weapons on. I pulled my arm out of Akira's hand. "I need to go, now."
"What are you going to do, ask politely if they'll return your parents?" Yahiko yelled.
"No, I'm going to take back my parents, one way or another." I said through clenched teeth.
"It could be dangerous, Jou-chan. If you go, I go with you." Sano said pounding his fist into his palm.
"I'm going too." Misao said brandishing her Kunai.
"You can't even throw them." I said dryly.
"I'm sure I can work something out under pressure." She winked.
"Hey, if they get to go, then I go." Yahiko said, "I've been learning how to fight for two years now. I'm not amazing, but I can help."
"I'm coming too." Akira chimed in, "I promised you I'd protect them."
"I will protect you and your parents, that I will." Kenshin said his eyes swirled golden violet.
Everyone wanted to help, but I couldn't let them. I couldn't let them possibly die. My death is one thing, but theirs... no.
"I appreciate your kindness, but I can't take you with me. I need to get ready to go." I went to my car, and took out a black duffle bag.
"What's in there?" Akira asked coming to look inside.
"Everything I need." I moved into the house, and went into an empty room. Soon I'd have to go. Soon I'd have to save my parents. And soon, Big J was going to die. Painfully.
~~~PREVIEW: The anticipation I felt was exhilarating, but underneath it there was still fear. Fear that I was being arrogant. That I would not return. I would make sure my parents would, but my life was not a sure bet.