Author's notes: Ho humm… I'm leaving for Canada in a couple of days so this might be the last update for a while. Hoorah! I'm sooo excited... it's so hot here! I can't wait to feel the cold! Teeheehee…
Anyway, nice cliffhanger, eh? *nudge nudge* glad you all liked the previous chap! This time around, things are gonna get moving. *grin grin* Horns and tail are still growing, by the way.
Oh yeah, about Kenshin. *thinks* I knew that question will come up, sooner or later. To tell you the truth, I don't have any position for him in this fic. Maybe he'll just come out as I type along though. Really sorry about that, but this is mainly about Misao and… this guy. (oops. Almost spilled it there. ;p) As usual, any suggestions about this is welcome! ^_^
Dedication: Gomen… I do this for very special occasions only! Sooo… this chapter is for CECILLE Latini! (Chill, Kawaii Sakura- chan, etc) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GAL! ^_^ *makes peace sign*
Disclaimer: Yada yada. Don't own Rurouni Kenshin and characters. But that doesn't stop me from writing, does it? *bleh!*
Mission: Frustration!
By Tesuka- chan
Chapter 4
Surprise, Surprise.
While steaming off all her anger and humiliation, the genki woman didn't notice a hat rolling behind her on the wooden floor and the flash of silky white passing on the shadows, following her.
Hmph… this would be easier than I thought.
He lunged.
Oh, ick! I really do smell like fish! Misao thought as she pulled her wet fuschia shirt away from her skin. Gawd… that was the worse meeting ever! She suddenly bent down to pull off her right boot, pouring out the water.
A whoosh passed over her head.
Knowing that the 'whoosh' thing was no natural wind and feeling that it was too close for comfort, she quickly rolled over and kept low, squinting in the dark. She saw the cause instantly a few meters in front of her.
The bastard!
A harsh sea breeze whipped around the black figure, playing with the familiar long coat… and a white mane. The dark glasses were still on, still hiding the eyes. He was holding something long, like a stick of some sort. But she knew that stance… a fighting stance that can only mean that the man knows very well the arts. And one of them is the art of fighting. And that stick- like thing… was a sword in its sheath.
The corner of the man's lips quirked up. "You were lucky. If you didn't duck in time, you would be lying there on the ground by now. Possibly dead. Which you will be in a moment." He twisted the sheathed sword in his hands and ran straight towards her, moving in a speed that surely defies gravity.
Jade Jaguar watched all this in interest. Her eyes narrowed as she saw him rush at her, sword in hand. I see what this is. You're fast, mister… she held her hand behind her back, ready. … but not fast enough! She gracefully did a back flip, grabbing her trusty kunais in the process, and jumped as the man slashed on the empty air where she was crouching on a half- second ago. She flipped in the air and threw the kunais accurately at him, knowing that they wouldn't miss their targets. She landed on her feet, holding up her last piece of deadly metal, ready to throw in a flick of a finger.
The man expertly handled the sword, tapping the kunais away from him. He held up his weapon in front of him, his body in the same stance as before. For a moment there, both stood still, anticipating the other's movements.
The waves of the sea crashed loudly against the shore and the sea wind whistled through the cracks in the wooden floors of the pier.
Then suddenly, with a flick of his wrist, the man twirled his sword and lowered it, tucking it tightly on his waistband inside his cloak. The smirk never left his face. "I believe that the documents will be in good hands."
Misao's jaws dropped.
WHAATTT???
"You attacked me for that? What if I died? Who will steal those stupid documents then, huh? HUH?" I can't believe it! This bastard's crazy!
"If you'd died, it means that you're not worthy of the job, Makimachi- san," he drawled, taking off his dark glasses and wiping its lens. "Those documents are very important, more important than any other gem, treasures or money in the world. One should not only be able to steal it, but she should also be able to protect it. You fit the requirements."
Misao rolled her eyes while he talked, tucking her kunai at her back pocket. Oh I fit the requirements… she mocked. Oh gee, what do you know? I fit in my short shorts too. She snorted and glared at the man in front of her. "So I guess I passed the test. Lucky me. Now I can go on to the next level." Untrusting asshole… with really nice turquoise eyes. Her eyes widened. STOP! Earth to Misao! What am I thinking? She shook her head, thinking that the fish stench must've really gotten in her head.
He looked at her with amusement, and nodded. "Quite. And that level is the process of procuring the documents. Good luck, Makimachi- san." He put on his shades and walked away for the second time that night.
Hmph! And good riddance to you too, Mr. – err… hey, how come he knows my real name? SHIT!
"He-Hey! Wait! What's your name? How come you know mine?" Misao shouted at the retreating figure. The man stopped just before he reached the farther end of a warehouse.
"I do my research, Makimachi Misao. And they call me Yukishiro Enishi… the White Tiger."
And he disappeared in the shadows.
Enishi, eh? Sounds really evil. Misao pondered, picking up her cloak and slinging it over her shoulders. The flattened octopus dangled unnoticed, still stuck to the leather. She walked steadily back to the Benz, her thoughts a jumble inside her. What's so important about these documents, anyway? And I thought Sano already erased all info out of me in the net and everywhere else… I'll have to check that one out. And who is this guy, the White Tiger? Pretty weird.
[And what's with people with color and animal pseudonyms? Is the author of this story really crazy or what? (a/n: haha! Couldn't help myself :P)]
She walked on, hopping and skipping sometimes, towards the car. Well, at least we'll get 10 grand. That's all what matters, anyway. She grinned happily at that thought… then scowled upon seeing the snoring Sano on the backseat.
It's gonna take a lot more than a bucket of water and a few slaps to wake this guy up. She sighed and braced for the work ahead of her. No wonder he didn't come to look for her, the sneaky rooster- head.
A few moments later, a scream resounded throughout pier 109.
"AAAAAAACCCKKK!!!!"
Argh. What am I doing here anyway? He's as stubborn as ever! We're totally not gonna get anything out from him. And you call this a press conference?!
Kamiya Kaoru sighed for the nth time as she stared at the scene in front of her. Inspector Saitou Hajime was in front, answering all the questions all right, but he was so vague! Every question that was thrown at him was bounced back with a general answer. She wants to know the real deal… who IS Jade Jaguar? Is she a part of a gang? What does she look like? What are her likes and dislikes? Does she like fish? Is she really a cat… stuff like that. The people want to know more about this burglar… and she's going to give them what they want, through hell or high waters.
Kaoru looked at the slightly opened side door and an idea popped in her head.
"Ano… I'll just go to the ladies room. I won't be but a minute!" She nodded at her cameraman and went out of the room quite unnoticeably.
Okay… so where's his office? Must be one of those high- end ones… hmm… Kaoru thought as she walked stealthily down a corridor. Fortunately, only a few people were passing at this time of the day, most of them being inside their offices, working on stacks of paper that reaches as high as Mount Fuji. Kaoru flashed a smile at a cute officer, who blushed profusely and smiled back. How cute! My good looks are truly appreciated here! She grinned, her thoughts wandering away in 'wanderland', when she suddenly bumped into something… red.
OUCH! Uhhh… eh?
"Gomen nasai! I'm so sorry miss! Here, let me help you up."
Kaoru winced and rubbed at her butt as she extended her other hand to accept the lady's offer. "Thank you… I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking." She looked up at her rescuer and got the shock of her life.
A… a man??
With red hair and purple eyes.
The reporter stared dumbly at the short man in front of her, not knowing what to say. He looks like a girl? Is he gay?
As if reading her mind, the man chuckled and released her hand, saying, "I'm quite the eccentric around here. Don't worry, I don't bite." He smiled.
"Eto… Gomen ne! I was staring… that was rude of me." Kaoru bowed low to hide her reddened cheeks and total humiliation. Kami- sama, I'm really clumsy! Why is this happening to me?
"No, it's okay. I get that all the time. What are you doing here, miss...?"
"Kamiya. Kamiya Kaoru."
"Miss Kamiya. This is a restricted area for civilians and," he glanced at the PRESS ID that was pinned on her collar, "reporters."
"I- I was looking for the ladies room and I think I got lost." She laughed nervously. What a smooth move, Kaoru. Not to mention the fake laugh. She cringed inside. Damn it.
"Well, the ladies room is over at the other side. Don't worry, people get lost often here. It's a big place." He smiled at her calmly, his eyes gentle.
This officer's kinda cute. "Oh? Gee, I must've followed the wrong directions! Silly me. Thank you… err… officer...?"
"Himura Kenshin."
"Right. Well, then, Arigato! I'll be going now!" Kaoru rushed off to the opposite side.
"Oro…!" The confused officer murmured his favorite word before shaking his head. He shrugged his shoulders and walked back to the office, having to finish the paperwork that Inspector Saitou wanted.
Kaoru sighed in relief as she pressed her body against the wall on the hallway that intersects the one from where she came from. Great. Clumsy fool. Now where to? She quickly scanned the plates on the doors and finally found what she was looking for at the end of the hall. The nameplate read: Head Inspector Saitou Hajime.
Bingo!
She tried the door, and lucky enough, it was open. She quickly went in and closed the door behind her. Now… for the hard part… info on Jade Jaguar. It'll most probably in the computer. She turned on the computer and was suddenly faced with a dilemma called the PASSWORD.
Damn! Just… just type in whatever comes in mind! Maybe it was the eyes, or the aura around him – or even the cute, little, furry stuff toy that was perched on top of the computer – but the word 'wolf' came to mind. Hoping against hope, she typed it on the box and pressed enter.
She got in.
Well, who would've known? She smirked. Clicking here and there, it wasn't exactly difficult to locate the file since it was on the police department's database. She quickly scanned the information. Alright! Now, print and go! She clicked on the print icon and the precious information was transferred on paper as the high- tech printer buzzed happily away. Thank Kami- sama for good police funds!
But she wasn't as lucky as she thought.
"Having trouble finding the ladies room?"
Uh oh.
Kaoru lifted her blue eyes to the man by the doorway. It was that Himura guy that she bumped into earlier. And he had that disapproving look on his face that makes one feel utterly ashamed. As if she wasn't feeling ashamed enough already.
She fought the urge to bang her head against the keyboard.
She gulped. "Ah… he- hello Himura- san!" She moved so that he wouldn't see her getting the paper from the printer and slipping it in her bag. "Nice to see you again!"
She flashed him a bright smile.
Yeah, like that would work.
You wish.
Jade Jaguar clasped the last of the titanium wires on her cat suit. Checking all the necessary equipment with her, she whispered behind her mask, "All go."
"Roger that, Jade."
Misao smiled. After some prompting and pushing, not with a little bit of head smacking here and there, she was able to "convince" Sano to use appropriate words. She was quite pleased with herself for that accomplishment. Okay, you can do this, Misao. Just remember the instructions.
She was quite surprised with what the manila envelope contained. A map of the building, the detailed information about the safe, and how she can get inside without too much hassle. In other words, all she had to do was get her butt in there and steal the documents.
Even the way she will take to get in was stated clearly and precisely: the chimney.
The building is constructed in a very peculiar way. The safe room is sandwiched in between the only two elaborately decorated executive offices, behind their chimneys. So one executive can enter from his office and the other from his. It's a two- door safe. The identical chimneys go all the way up to the roof, a cylindrical tower in between them, made from the strongest metal alloy that money can buy, which cannot be cut through easily.
There are two square holes on the opposite sides of the safe room. This was due to the fact that a ventilation system used to run through it, which was altered for the room. The weakness is, it was not patched up properly, only fitting a square piece of the metal alloy on it as a cover, but it was not tightly sealed. This hole can be accessed from the sides of the chimneys.
I suggest that you take the west chimney for easier passage.
Then the west chimney it is.
Clutching the wire tightly, Misao lowered herself down the chimney, which was wide enough for her to fit in. Once inside, she activated her neon stick by cracking it, which immediately emitted a bright green glow.
Now where is that square hole? Aha!
She found the square shaped silvery patch of metal almost instantly. Before anything else, she got out a frequency machine and activated it, jarring and pausing the cameras inside the safe room so that the guards won't see her taking out a chunk off the wall. She then took out her kit and started working on the metal square, easing it out of the brick wall of the chimney. After a few minutes, she was able to loosen it out and lift the darned thing, putting it carefully on the heavyweight bag attached on the wire. Boy, is this heavy! Flexing her back, she tried to remember the rest of the instructions.
Inside the safe room, an empty circular table, which is about a meter in diameter, is located at the center of the room. Surrounding it are state- of- the- art- lasers: heat, motion, and sound sensitive. These net- like lasers works as a second wall (also floor and ceiling), not quite touching the steely surface, but only hung over it like a curtain. They move once in every five seconds, in a counter- clockwise motion, around the room.
The table, is the safe in itself. Pressing the right code sequence on the keypad embedded on top of the table will enable you to open it and get the documents. Note: never open the envelope.
Seems simple enough.
She'll just have to move with the laser beams every five seconds, walk on the wall with her suction cups on the spaces in between, attach the other end of her special nylon- like wire on the wedge of the other square hole, make her way in the middle, hung upside down while she attach the decoding machine, get the documents, and dance her way out of there.
Yep. As simple as that.
Slipping through the hole she poised herself on jumping on a space between the laser beams…
… when suddenly, the other square hole on the opposite side of the safe room eased open and a masked face peeped inside.
For a moment there, time stood still as blue clashed with blue.
What the HELL?
Various thoughts ran around her head, suggesting that there must be a mistake somewhere, or that this was the wrong building and the wrong safe. But then, something clicked in her mind, a really good explanation in two words… Flaming Ice.
SHIT! That bastard's coming to get my loot!!! The nerve!!! But how did he know? He came through the other chimney! Dang it! I am not giving this up!
Shaking herself out of her stupefaction, she quickly jumped between the laser beams on the wall, the suction cups doing their jobs by holding on the wall firmly. She counted the seconds and stepped every five seconds, moving with the lasers, keeping inside the spaces.
The other burglar did exactly the same, his body graceful and confident.
Jade Jaguar gritted her teeth in frustration, but could not really express her annoyance verbally because of the sound sensitive lasers. Relax… time is of the essence. It is just a matter of swiftness, and who will get there first. Upon reaching the other square hole, she quickly attached her the clasp on the wedge, creating a taut horizontal line across the room, and made her way in the middle. All this time, a part of her attention was concentrated on the other man's movements, and she knew what happened next was inevitable.
Both thieves met in the middle of the wire, hanging suspended right side up by a thin wire over the circular table.
He is not going to get them! Acting quickly, Jade Jaguar suddenly executed a round house kick, aiming for his head. Obviously surprised, her rival barely blocked her assault, holding up his arm to protect his face, but the force made him swing dangerously back and forth.
While he was otherwise preoccupied, Misao quickly attached another wire on her belt. She hung upside down just above the table and attached the decoding device. C'mon! Work faster! Attaching the last of the wires, she pressed the button… and felt the air from her lungs cut off as an arm choked her neck.
Gasping heavily, she tried to take off the heavy arm, kicking and squirming as her assailant locked her in a firm grip, also hanging upside down. Shit… this is not happening! Finally, she was able to smash his ribs with her elbow, making him loosen his hold on her. Not losing any time, she kicked on his shins, making him double in pain, and she reached out her finger, touching the OPEN button on the decoding device. The light flashed green. Yes!
Then suddenly, a wall of red laser shot up from the edges of the round table, heading right towards her.
Blue- green eyes widened in shock and paralyzed fear as she hung there by a wire. Oh no! This wasn't in the instructions! Kami- sama… I'm going to be cut in half! She squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for her doom.
A strong pair of arms unexpectedly surrounded her waist, smashing her whole body against something firm.
Wha- what just happened? Her eyelids flickered open. Where am I? What's this thing around my waist? Why can't I see anything? She moved her head slightly and looked up. Icy blue eyes met her sea green orbs. A feeling of recognition flashed throughout her system.
Do I know you?
Cold eyes stared back at her.
The wall of red laser surrounding them died out.
His arms abruptly let her go, and the weird feeling was gone. They were still hanging upside- down above the table. Behind her mask, Misao heaved a sigh of relief, her cheeks crimson. Baka, Misao! How can you be so careless? Now you owe your life to this… this… rival!
Feeling that the blood pumping on her head is not caused by her embarrassment any longer but by the pressure, she righted her body up and reached for the open tabletop. Her fingers bumped against his as he also reached in at the same time. Both suddenly recoiled. Snap out of it! Just get them now! She shoved her hand inside.
Her hand lifted a pretty light envelope. She narrowed her eyes. Too light. Damn the instructions! I'm going to see what's inside. Unaccountably angry for some odd reason, she ripped the top off the envelope and looked inside.
Nothing.
A clap was suddenly heard throughout the room.
"Bravo. I never really believed both of you can do it." A voice cheerily stated.
Two heads snapped up at the open entrance in front of them. An old man was standing there, smiling happily, nodding once in a while. Behind him, a tall man stood quietly, small spectacles perched on his nose, snow white hair on top of his head. Misao recognized him immediately. Yukishiro Enishi?!
"Well, you can stop staring and dangling like a pair of monkeys up there. If you look around you, I've deactivated the laser. It's quite safe to step on the floor now." His hand waved towards the floor, making a silent gesture of invitation. "Oh by the way, you can call me Jiya."
Eh?! What the hell is going on here?
The discombobulated Jade Jaguar unclasped her wire and landed gracefully on the luminous metal floor. She thankfully took off her mask, shaking her braided hair. Livid green eyes glared at the two by the doorway. "What the hell is going on here?" She voiced out, her voice trembling and dangerously low.
The one called 'Jiya' turned at her, shaking his head. "I'm quite disappointed with you, Jade- chan. You didn't follow the instructions."
"You didn't answer my question." Her whole being was trembling in indignation.
Jiya sighed and started, "Well, this is just a test run, or a simulation if you want to call it that. We gave both of you the same assignment, and we wanted to see who will succeed. To my pleasure, both of you did great, and it looks to me that it wouldn't be a bad idea if both of you work together."
Exasperated now, Misao put up a cocky pose. "Work together in WHAT?"
"Why," Jiya chuckled lightly, "in the assignment that I'm about to give you. I assure you, it is an offer you cannot refuse. I will give you more than 10 grand to accomplish this task."
Her right eyebrow flew up. More than 10 grand? I hope Sano's listening to this through the microphone. She fingered her mask, moving it a bit towards Jiya. This ought to be interesting. "I work alone in the field, mister. I wouldn't want to work together with that… that… scumbag over there." She tossed a glance behind her back, and instead of giving him an indifferent look, she ended up staring at him in surprise.
Then her blood boiled in anger.
Apparently, Flaming Ice had removed his mask a little while ago, and was just listening at the little repartee between Jade Jaguar and Jiya. Looking at him for the first time without his mask, her wide eyes absorbed the same long, dark hair and bangs, the very fine features, and the cold blue eyes. It is unquestionable. It's him. She's sure of it.
Her rival was… Aoshi Shinomori.
A/n: Teeheehee… I think I'm creating a little triangle here. *grins* Okay, I know that this is totally confusing all of you, but I do hope you get it a bit. In a nutshell, this chapter is about Enishi being the contact, Aoshi being the rival (heehee), and Jiya being the head of it all. That old man arranged all this so that he could test both Jade Jaguar and Flaming Ice, but he decided to use both of them instead of one. So there… that's just about it. ^_^
Oh yeah, I didn't mean for Kenshin to come out right away, but I'm just going with the flow around my head so I hope you pardonez moi. ^_^
Ahhh! Thanks so much to the following reviewers!!!
DarkFairy: Ehhh… happy now! *huff huff* I told you not to worry! Heehee. I hope you don't murder me in my sleep or something. ;p Well, thanks so much for reading! Yeah, I'm a growing little devil, ain't I? ^_^
Sugarsweet143: Hehehe… I hope you like this chap! Though I might keep you hanging for a little while… about a month or so? Haha… just kidding. I'll try to find a way to write during my vacation. *grins*
Fabi- chan: What do you think? *points above* I think so! He's very much included. I like him so much, anyway. ;P
Bee: yep! I totally agree with you! With that very genki attitude and high energy, she really is the perfect character for a spy or thief role. That's why I made this! Hehe. Hope you like this one too!
Kate: yeah… I got my grade today and I got low in grammar. *steams* Pero kahit na! That doesn't stop me from writing, even though there's a lot of mistakes. Haha! Thanks for that tip, dear! I was really thinking of Julius Caesar but the I typed down another thing. LOL. HEY! Where's you fic? *begs on knees* nakakainis ka naman! humph! Oh well, good luck in C.A.T! God knows bagay ka dun. Hahaha! Joke! ~_^
Kmye-chan: Glad you like that previous chap! Yeah, I think I got it all organized in my head. Thanks a lot! Actually, to tell you the truth, I was stunned and hurt for a few moments when I read you review… but I'm not the type that gives up easily so voila! Thanks for that! ^_^ (oh, I never really heard of cat's eyes before but thanks for the info!)
Devil: Eh… it depends… *grins* thanks for reading!
Misao silent- mode: I hope I answered most of your questions! Thanks so much for being supportive. You really think this could be even better than TVA? *rubs chin* hmm… cool! Hahaha! Thanks!
Chibi-ken14: Gomen ne! please don't kill me! *sees chibi-ken14 holding up a knife… and starts chopping veggies* Eh. Right. Thanks! Sorry, might not be able to update in a while, but I won't abandon this! I promise! ^_^
JadOo: Eh? I can't imagine Aoshi being Kaoru #2 *dies laughing* hahahaha! Well, it's just that Kaoru came out that way. I didn't intent to, really, honest! *smiles innocently* Hmmm… I'm not exactly familiar with Chou but I guess I can squeeze in Kamatari and Sou-chan somewhere. Don't worry, I'll think of something. ;P
EK: lol… you're just looking at the reviews! Hahaha, joke. ^_^ well, *sheepish* thanks. I was kind of surprised, actually. ^_^
Misao Shinomori: Yup, that husband of yours is totally sexy! Can I borrow him for some time? Hahahaha! Just kidding. ^_^ Well, here he is, I guess. ;p
Kawaii Sakura- chan: hallo Ces! If you're reading this, I hope you liked it! Let this be a temporary bday gift until I get back and bring you your cherry blossoms… LOL. ^_^ I'm looking at the website now and am laughing hysterically. Nice pic! *grins widely* Gah, pink. *sighs* Oh well. Happy Birthday again, friend! ^_^
Ahhh… I'm gonna miss my computer and its unlimited access! *huggles computer* WAH!
Oh well, make me happy by READING AND REVIEWING! Teeheehee… thanks bunch guys! ^_^
