(sorry, just fixed minor errors. ^_^)
Author's notes: …
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I'm almost afraid to start for fear of decapitation and lifelong torture.
Okay. Uh… I know that I haven't updated for a month, more or less, but I have promised to make it up. 'How?' You ask. Simple. I'll just write up a "special chapter" with weird stuff + OOCness + song + hyperactive imagination of author + angry mob waiting to throttle and kill = my very own version of MTV! Yes, folks! I shall pick a song and make a sort of "music television" (all right. A more wacky songfic type) out of it. Let's just say that's a peace offering. *grins* It's be fun… for me, you, and the characters of this story. Especially for the characters of this story. *evil grin*
So, I'm thinking: "James Dean" by Daniel Beddingfield (God- knows- why but it somehow makes me laugh), "Lifestyle of the Rich and the Famous" by Good Charlotte (very appropriate), or "A Praise Chorus" by Jimmy Eat World (personal favorite!).
Those are some of the songs that got stuck in my head… you can choose from there or, what the heck, suggest some of your own. You pick, you choose. (haha, got that from a local radio station ;p)
See. I don't even own that. Which leads us to the disclaimer… which will finally lead you to the story… that is if you haven't skipped the crappy a/n. Well, here goes. *takes a deep breath*
Disclaimer: I own shit. Nothing else.
Minnie me: awww now, don't be so pessimistic…
*throws shit on minnie me*
Minnie me: she owns shit.
Mission: Frustration!
By Tesuka- chan
Chapter 5
Say WHAT?!
Then her blood boiled in anger.
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.
Oh hell.
Jade Jaguar ignored the energizer bunny merrily hopping along somewhere inside her chest. She couldn't believe it… but then again, she could. After all, he is the only possible human being that can best her, since she learned most of what she knew from him. I think I have a soggy noodle for a brain… I should've suspected him sooner! That bastard! But the question is… why? Why does he go around robbing people when the last time I heard about him, he was a millionaire and a half?
She shook her head, the unanswered questions whirling around her muggy noodle overwhelmed her. Of course, it also helped that her action tore her gaze away from those blue- gray orbs staring intensely right back at her. At least she could compose herself and pretend that she knew it was him all along… yeah right.
Her bright cerulean eyes suddenly widened at a possible explanation.
He couldn't be in this for the money… unless aliens from Pluto invaded his penthouse pad and brainwashed him! They most probably told him that he's poor and that the only thing that can make him rich is to steal priceless stuff and give it to them – which are actually things that they need in order to conquer the world…! Or not. She was quietly contemplating the odds and ends on the possibility of this theory when she suddenly realized that someone was talking to her.
"Uhh… oh, sorry… can you repeat that?"
"Well," the old man said, faintly amused but clearly annoyed at the spaced out woman in front of him, "I said that you might want to discuss this in my office. It is dreadfully drafty in here, for a safe." He glanced unappreciatively at the holes on the wall.
"Uhh… sure." She replied, and secretly stole a glance at the other burglar in the room, but she quickly turned her green gaze away. He was still staring at her, his penetrating blue eyes seemingly absorbing her entire being. She couldn't figure out what those cold depths depicted… surprise? Bewilderment? A spark of knowledge and familiarity? She suddenly felt a shiver in her spine, a cold unlike any other enveloping her. It IS kind of drafty in here… get a hold of yourself! She mentally composed herself and started walking to the office.
The office was nicely furnished, all wood, leather and dark colors, very fitting for a millionaire bachelor who doesn't know what to do with his money. They came out behind the fireplace, which swung quietly shut when Aoshi came out. A floor to ceiling window covered most of one side, an ornate bookcase in another. There were lustrous black leather couches on one corner and an antique wooden table in front of the window. An executive swirling chair was behind this table, looking impressive and intimidating at the same time. The old Jiya sat on this, with Enishi standing beside him like a bodyguard.
"As I have said earlier, this was just a test, too see which is the better of the two." Jiya said, his steady gaze moving from Misao sprawled at a leather couch to Aoshi leaning quietly against the bookcase, his arms crossed indifferently in front of his chest. "I have observed Jade- chan's gracefulness and swiftness, her body perfect in many ways… for the job of course," something twinkled at the corner of his eyes (dirty old man, Misao smirked), " and Flaming- san's quick thinking and strong will." He paused for the effect. "If you worked together, you will be the perfect, undefeatable team for my assignment."
"What is this assignment?" Aoshi said, finally speaking up for the first time.
Enishi took out something from the table and tossed it to him. He caught it in mid- air and unfolded the paper. It was a cut- out from a newspaper.
Aoshi scanned it for a few seconds and raised a questioning eyebrow at Jiya after he passed the paper to Misao. "A mythical sword?"
Eyebrows furrowed, Misao looked at the title of the article.
ANCIENT MYTHICAL SWORD ABOUT TO BE UNCOVERED
Huh… so what's with this? It's just an old piece of steel, most probably rusted all over! Not to mention it belonged to a dead guy that lived a thousand years ago! Yech! Misao shuddered at the thought. It might even have cockroach eggs on them, for goodness' sakes! Ewww…
"So what do WE have to do with this? And what's so important about this sword?" She asked.
Jiya chuckled. "You obviously didn't read at least the first paragraph."
Sniffing slightly, and a little bit miffed, she read the article.
A huge project will undergo to find the mythical sword of Sunsanooh, also known as Ama- no- Murakumo- no- tsurugi (heavenly gathering of clouds sword). This was said to be one of the three divine articles that are part of the Japanese Imperial regalia, but lost in 12th century. Anthropologists had finally decoded and discovered the meaning of the puzzling texts that were written on ancient books. Dr. Kamimura Tomo, the head of group, said that these texts were actually instructions on how to find the sword of Susanooh. If found, the sword will be estimated to be worth five hundred million U.S. dollars.
Misao smirked. Myths and legends are just that... stories that brainwash you and fill you with the wonders of fantasy land. Geesh, it's just a piece of steel that's – HOLY CRAP! FIVE HUNDRED MILLION U.S. DOLLARS?
She couldn't believe it, she just couldn't. She REFUSED to believe that a piece of rusty metal would cost that much. It's just isn't possible… or is it? Maybe it's a fluke in the printing press… it happens all the time! Or they got the number of zeros wrong, there should only be six zeros, not eight! But however hard she tried to convince herself, the proof is there in her hands.
Five hundred million smackeroos.
Yup.
$500,000,000.
Wow. That's a shit load of money.
She didn't realize that she'd been thinking out loud until someone chuckled and spoke, "Yes. isn't that astonishing? Quite a lot. And since the commission is usually 10% of the total amount, imagine how much you'll get." A self- satisfied smug look settled on Jiya's face.
"50 million," she paused, as if thinking… but hell! What is there to think about? "I am definitely in!" Misao exclaimed and stood up. Her jade eyes twinkled in anticipation as she imagined everything that she can buy… and Sano would have his play station two and x- box! She might not even have to steal anything anymore! Wait. It depends though… well, she can buy her own mansion bigger than Britney Spear's or Michael Jackson's! She could buy Rolls Royce, Bentley, or even her own space ship! Why, with this money, she could bail herself out if ever she was caught! (which was never, of course, but it wouldn't hurt for her to feel some kind of security) She'd be invincible!!!
"Of course, you'll have to split up the money."
Everything went down the drain.
"You mean, I'll have to take HIM as my partner?" She spoke behind gritted teeth.
"Why, I did mention it before Jade- chan."
"Why him? Can't I just choose my own partner? Or I can go alone… yeah, actually I work better by myself. I don't need anyone to bother me."
"Do you find me that detestable?" A low timbre cut in the conversation.
She slowly turned towards that voice and fought to contain herself. Green eyes flashed. "I just don't like people who'll betray me to be in my team."
Aoshi's eyes narrowed at that.
Silence ensued as both tried to stare down the other. Of course, Aoshi had an advantage because he's a lot taller than Misao, but she wouldn't let that intimidate her for a moment. Nor she would let his cold, beautiful blue eyes either… errr… his cold blue eyes. Yeah. That big chunk of iceberg.
"All this is fun and dandy but we need your cooperation." Enishi finally spoke up beside Jiya, his slightly amused tone effectively halting the silent battle. "We wouldn't want you to kill each other now… not unless you want this assignment to be handed over to other people."
Misao raised her right eyebrow at him and stood cockily. "Fine. But I'm flying solo. That's it, or no deal." She raised her chin and clenched her jaw stubbornly. She won't be able to work with HIM, ever!
"But…"
Jiya held up a hand to stop Enishi. He had a brilliant idea, and everyone in the room can clearly see that. It is hard to miss anyway with that grin that reaches his ears and his twinkling eyes. "Shall we change the deal then? How about this: you will work solo, Jade- chan… but also will you Flaming- san."
EH? What is he talking about?
"Let's make things a bit more interesting. We'll turn this into a… shall we say, a contest between you two. Whoever gets me the sword first will be rewarded with 50 million." He paused, pleased with himself. Then, "no… let's put up the stakes. 100 million will do."
It was all she can do to prevent her eyes bulging from their sockets. She swore she heard Sano sputtering at the speaker in her mask (which was hanging on her wrist). Then she felt that rush of adrenaline and something akin to competitiveness going through her blood vessels. That will do… that will do VERY nicely.
"All right. I agree."
Jiya turned his gaze slightly to her right. "And you, Flaming- san?"
Misao saw him agree with a decisive nod towards the old man, not giving anything away with that stoic face. He never changed…
Jiya's face wreathed into a smile as the compromise was agreed upon. "Very well. Now then," he suddenly conjured a bottle of sake and four small glasses seemingly out of thin air. "Shall we drink to it?"
Misao took a glass, silently wondering where the wine came from. Jiya happily held up his and propose a toast. "Here's to the sword of Murakumo!"
She held up her hand and moved her gaze from turquoise eyes to cold ice blue ones. "May the best one win." She smiled brightly and drank the wine.
May the best one win indeed.
Kaoru moaned again as she looked at her ticket for the hundredth time.
"Shit. I should never have done that." She sighed and rubbed her temples. She remembered the shock when that girly Kenshin guy suddenly came in the room and caught her red handed. Now she has a record in the police. Trespassing. Great.
"Don't worry honey, at least you've got that information you wanted." Kamatari, her cameraman (more on camerawoman) patted her back comfortingly.
"Well, there is that." Kaoru took out the printed information that she took from that blasted Saitou's office. That blasted Saitou… it's his fault! If he had given us more interesting info about Jade Jaguar in the first place, I wouldn't have done it! She sniffed as she took a mochi ball and shoved it vehemently into her mouth.
They were in her apartment, just fresh from the police office. Kamatari went to her as soon as he heard what happened. Good 'ol Kamatari… she couldn't imagine why a guy like him would be a cameraman. She vaguely recalled him sniffing and saying, "well, since they clearly think that I'm too beautiful to show up in front of a camera, I decided that being behind the scenes would be just right for me." And he would give her a sly smile. "besides, I wouldn't want all the boys running after me after they see my beauty on air. I've got enough problems as it is!" And they would laugh and go on.
Well now, after that faithful incident at the station and the pressure in office, she was told by her superiors to "take a break and relax." Something like a forced vacation – they didn't even want an explanation. The blasted heathens said that it would be good for her. (Good for me? Don't you tell me what's good for me!) And here she was, sighing and bemoaning her fate. What was she to do now?
"Oh Kamatari, I don't know what to do anymore. I'm a wreck!" She put her arms on top of her kitchen table and laid her head on them.
"Honey, you're not a wreck. You're just in that stage, you know. Nothing like a bit of fixer- upper to help things. Organize your life… set your priorities straight. Do you know what you want to do?" Kamatari got up and opened the fridge to get more ice cream.
I thought I did… I wanted to become a reporter. Help people by giving them information… but now… she thumped her head against the table. "Auuggggrrrrr…"
I have this info about Jade Jaguar but I don't know what to do with it now… I can't write… at least Misao's doing a documentary somewhere there in the north. Hummmph… wait… a documentary? That's it!
Kaoru's head suddenly shot up, ideas running wildly around her head. Kamatari was washing something on the sink. She turned to him. "Kamatari… would you help me with something?"
"Sure sugar. I'll help you with anything… you know I will." His back was still facing her, which was good for him, otherwise, he would've seen the devilish smile across her face.
"I just had an idea that would definitely help my career!"
"Oh?"
"I'm going to do a documentary about Jade Jaguar!"
*CRASH*
"Kaoru, darling, do you feel sick? Do you want to lie down?" He was right beside her in a moment, his worried eye- shadowed eyes peering at her with concern, his glosssed lips pursed. He put his hand on her forehead.
Kaoru shoved his hand away, her thoughts roiling. "It's perfect! Jade Jaguar's mysterious… no one knows anything much about her… she's been terrorizing the mansions and millionaires… and with the information I have, I can make a documentary! I can even track her down! People deserve to know more about this feline fiend and it's high time that we should give them something what they need to know!" She started walking around her kitchen, blue eyes wide with excitement. And now that I'm free to do anything, I'll have time! It's perfect!
Kamatari looked suspiciously at Kaoru. "I don't know, hon. It can be dangerous. And it is difficult to accomplish it."
Kaoru suddenly went down on her knees in front of him and started begging with those puppy dog eyes. "Pleaassseee, Kam! I'd never do anything like this after! Besides, you still owe me!"
"For what?"
"For all my make- up you finished and my ruined dress that you tried on."
"That's different! Besides, I said I'll pay you!"
"PLEASE! PRETTY PLEASE! I'll even give you a chance to be in front of the camera!"
"Well," he looked at her then, pitifully begging and giving him THE look. "Oh fine. You know I won't be able to say no if you give me THAT look!" He pouted, turned away and started eating the mochi balls that was meant for Kaoru.
"All right! You won't regret this Kam!" She squeezed the man until he choked on the ice cream. "This will be the best project ever! They would have to take me seriously from now on! MWAHAHAHA!"
"I'm regretting it already…" Kamatari grumbled under his breath and shoved more of those green floury sweet stuff.
The evil maniacal laughter that echoed from the room of Kamiya Kaoru scared the little girl next door, giving her nightmares about evil witches and frogs for a whole week.
A/n: Ehhh… I know this ain't much but writer's block had me in his grip. It was so difficult writing this chapter after not writing anything at all for at least 2 months! Gah.. I'm beat… @_@
Anyway, I looked at my plot on the other day and decided that I hated it. So I cursed and cussed my way into a new one and ended up with a more complicated plot… which is very angsty. I don't know… I'm just figuring some things out in my head and I'm afraid this kind of gets a wee bit confusing. I hope you'll bear with me and be patient! ^_^ Thanks so much for everything! ^_^
Oh yeah, I did some research with the sword thingy, and if any of you are interested, just go to (Though I sort of twisted some things a bit ^_^)
Thanks to Darkfairy, Devil, Dallisse, Ek, bee, Prudence- chan, chibi-ken14, Kmye-chan, C-ko, lilshinineko, dynast, nekonomiko, kate, moonstorm, NatsuNoAme, Innocent dreamer and Kawaii Sakura- chan! Sorry didn't get to write individual stuff… the last one was months ago! ^_^' Arigato!
Please read and review!
