Author's notes: *sings* "On my own… pretending he's… BESIDE me!!" *sob sob* I'm going loco. We're taking up Les Miserables. Amazing piece of literature. *nods head*

Okay, I'm not avoiding the updating issue, really, I'm not. *sighs* Well, usual excuse: school work, author's block, and… a new computer!!! *smiles widely* Sooo happy… not to mention friendster. Bwahaha. 'Tis so addicting. :3 Ho well. My birthday's coming up, so I'm making a new chapter! Whoo!!! EGAD! I'm turning 17! O.o Gosh. One more year and I can forget about ff.net and hit the clubs! WAHAHAHA! (Just kidding of course! ^_^)

Disclaimer: blah, blah, blahbiddyblah.

Mission: Frustration!

By Tesuka- chan

Chapter 14

Moving in!

Breathe in… breathe out. I can do this. Yeah… I can! Think positive! Positive energy!

Kaoru breathed in deeply as she readied herself, her usual exercise every time she had an assignment or a reporting to do. This time won't be any different. She IS going to make a report – about Jade Jaguar. And she knew exactly where to look for her.

She practiced her no-fail-charming-smile one last time in front of the bathroom mirror, brushed an invincible speck of dirt off her crisp, white blouse, straightened her perfectly ironed slacks, and pulled her thoughts together. This was going to make it big for her. This was going to make her famous… the first reporter to give the world what it craves. This was going to show those sneering snakes in the office. She opened the bathroom door and went out.

Watch out Jade Jaguar, here I come.

*pause*

The combined aromatic smell and crackling sound of cooking pork tantalized her senses.

Okay… right after breakfast then! Grinning broadly, the reporter went straight to the kitchen where the red- haired policeman was cooking up a breakfast fit for the emperor.

"Mou, Kaoru! It's too early!"

"Oh, shut up Kam. I'm in a mission here!"

"But it's 6:00 am! No one's awake at this godforsaken hour!" Kamatari continued whining while dragging his huge camera behind him. He didn't care if the case would get scratched. He didn't care if Kaoru will just sweetly die a violent death in front of him. Hell, he didn't even CARE about his boots right now. That's something serious indeed. And to make matters worse, they had to park the car a few kilometers away from the site to be less conspicuous, and they were now lurking around the ground of the excavation site. He grumbled, wondering how he ended up with this woman.

*crackle*

"Kamatari, be quiet! We'll be heard!"

"That wasn't me! That was you!"

*AHERM*

Uh- oh.

Kaoru's mind began to work fast, knowing that someone else was there with them. She had to think of some excuse… damn, what excuse can you give when you're caught in the middle of a bush, lurking and looking suspicious? 'Umm… we were hunting rabbits?' I have to think of a better one… 'We are guardians of the mountain and we've come to inspect you!' Wait, that doesn't sound right. Crap!!!

The organ inside her skull that can hardly be called a brain is obviously not cooperating right now. Well, whatever happens, she will not go down without a fight! She quickly spotted a good enough branch out of the corner of her eye. Deciding on her course of action, she lunged at it and held it above her head, ready to strike any moment…

… and hit a tree just before a certain red- haired man emerged from the bushes.

"Oro… what are you doing here, Kaoru- dono?"

Oh, kami- sama! It's just Kenshin! Geesh… I thought it was some police guy – oh darn it! IT'S KENSHIN! What the hell is he doing here?! He definitely has the knack of popping up EVERYWHERE!

"A- ano… I might ask you the very same question!" Kaoru retorted defensively.  She straightened her spine and lifted her chin, the broken branch quickly discarded behind her back.

"Well, someone reported some disturbing noise out here. They thought that it might be a burglar or something." He knitted his brows together.

"We're not burglars! We're just – " Whoops. "Err… ehehehe. We're researching… something about amazing noisy bushes. Right, Kam?" She looked at her partner in crime for help. Seeing the tall figure curled up in a fetal position asleep on one side, using the camera as a teddy bear, she immediately gave up on that idea. She's stuck. Again.

"Does this, by any chance, have anything to do with Jade Jaguar, Kaoru- dono?"

Her blue eyes widened. "Wha – ? How did you - ?"

She twiddled her thumbs. Well, no use lying to this lie- detector policeman. Damn him for being one. "All right, all right! It has everything to do with Jade Jaguar!" She sniffed. "I hope you're happy now. You're too damn good in your job." *sniff*

"Maa, maa… I just don't want you to be involved with the world's most wanted burglar, Kaoru- dono. You might get hurt." He approached her trembling form and held out his hand. "I think you'd better go back, ne?" He smiled that rurouni smile of his.

It's probably his smile. It could have been his gentle words. It might have also been the worry in this voice, or the way he held her hand when she accepted his. Whatever it is, it made the headstrong woman comply and obey him. One just couldn't say no to that kind of man. How odd.

"Everything all right here?" a low voice asked.

A pale- haired man wearing dark glasses – who wears sunglasses in this time of the morning? – emerged from the bushes in front of them. He was wearing a turquoise silk polo under a sleek, black suit. He had a certain authoritative air around him, like he was someone important and powerful. There was something familiar about him, the reporter wondered, but she really couldn't put a finger on it.

"Ah, Yukishiro- san. Everything's taken care of."  Kenshin partially inclined his head towards the man. "I shall look around the perimeter to see if there's anything else amiss." Kenshin gave Kaoru an odd look, then quickly left.

Yukishiro- san shifted his attention to Kaoru and an eyebrow became visible above his dark glasses. "And who might this young lady be?" His glanced moved to the snoring Kamatari and the camera. "A reporter, I presume?"

"A- ano… I was… I mean, we were just…" she stopped, her mind blank. For the life of her, she couldn't think of any excuse. Or maybe she's just really bad at this whole lying thing in the first place. She suddenly felt like her conscience was giving her a pat on the back for realizing something new about herself. Well, pat away. Just say something!!! "Ah... we are making a documentary, you see – "

"You're part of the Tokyo University then? They are the only one allowed to make a documentary about the excavation."

Kaoru could only nod, her eyes downcast.

The tall man knitted his brows. "A few hours ago, the other one, Tomo- san, had left for some reason. I suppose you're just in time." He gave her a quick nod and started to move away, then hesitated. "You know, you could have gone straight to the site. No need for you to lurk around and alarm everyone." H gave her an amused smile and went on his way.

Kaoru's face burned as hot as a furnace. Probably just as red too. Hmmm… it's not like I'm not getting used to the continual humiliation bestowed upon me by the ever- gracious Kami- sama. She seethed inside. Well? Is this it? Is this all you have? I'm here! Just rain all the embarrassments down at me right now, will ya! Bring it on!!!

"I desperately need mochi balls," she grumbled, going over to the sleeping Kamatari, blissfully unaware of the impending woebegone fate that will fall upon him… soon.

"KAMATARI!!!"

*whoosh* *clonk*

The camera had quickly sat up, his forehead slapping a low branch of a tree nearby. "Itee… what now?" He grumbled. Yeesh. The girl's in a bad mood. She definitely needs mochi balls.

"C'mon! We have a job to do!" She practically dragged the taller man towards the excavation site.

Kenshin watched the bumbling pair from afar and shook his head, pondering on how things became so complicated since those two came into the picture. They certainly make things more interesting, not to mention more difficult for him. He sighed and his thoughts shifted to the owner of the company sponsoring the excavation. Yukishiro Enishi. A very interesting man. One of those profit- driven businessmen who only think about procuring money. Then why was his company sponsoring this excavation? It would have to benefit him in one way or the other… but whatever's found in this project is handed over to the museum. How exactly will he benefit?

Too many questions, no answers.

He narrowed his amethyst eyes and walked towards the site.

"I heard that Tomo- san left."

"Yeah, she probably couldn't take the professor anymore."

"Oh, you didn't hear? The professor left too. Some seminar in England, apparently."

"WHAT? In the middle of the excavation? No way…"

"How weird!"

Kaoru remained sitting in the corner, trying to look inconspicuous while listening to all the chatter around her. The white- haired man, Yukishiro- san, had invited her to the main tent to be introduced to the students and the people working on the excavation. She had just came in and sat in a monobloc chair when she heard all the rumors and speculations about the previous reporter/ student from Tokyo University. All of these things were very odd, indeed. She decided to find out more about this Tomo- san in the future.

The businessman finally came in and the crowd settled. Kaoru was introduced, along with the still- sleepy Kamatari. She looked around the vicinity from her vantage point to see any suspicious- looking characters (namely, someone that might be Jade Jaguar). Her gaze stopped at a certain red- haired man. Startled, her eyes widened, seeing Kenshin here. I thought he left already. His purple eyes caught hers, and she felt his penetrating stare go through her. She shivered and looked away, feeling utterly guilty. Well, why should she feel guilty anyway? It's not like she deceived him… well, not that much. Well, after this, I'll thank him, shake his hand, and go away. Probably for the best anyway… Kamatari and I are bothering him too much. And I should probably pay him for his hospitality. Right. She will do just that.

After saying a few words of gratitude for the warm welcome, she quickly walked to the side towards the corner while the crowd dispersed. Upon reaching the place, she couldn't find him. He was gone. Kaoru blinked a few times, thinking that she might've been hallucinating. Then she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Kaoru- san? I am very glad to meet you. I am Seta Soujiro."

She turned around and saw a slightly built, smiling young man. She smiled back at him and bowed her head, murmuring a greeting.

"Ano… were you a friend of Tomo- san?" The man had a troubled look on his face, though he was obviously trying to hide it. She became curious, as was her nature. She had to approach this carefully.

"Well… I've seen her from time to time but I haven't actually met her personally. I'm new in the university." That doesn't sound bad… lying skills are improving! Yeah!

"Oh. I see." Soujiro's face slightly fell, but he still held that smile. "Well, I was just wondering about her. She left so abruptly, after we found an important relic." He shook his head, as if trying to shake off a memory. Then his face lightened up again. "Would you and Kamatari- san like to get some coffee?"

"YEAH, SURE!!" Kamatari called out suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere.

Kaoru rolled her eyes at the cameraman. How predictable. I swear, that man has some unearthly sixth sense when it comes to coffee! She smiled back at Soujiro saying, "sure! Lead the way!"

Kamatari suddenly latched on to his arm. "Soujiro- san, I think we are going to be the best of friends!" He grinned rather creepily.

"Ehehe.."

Kaoru lagged behind, thinking how things turned out. This is perfect… she gets to be part of this whole excavation thing! With her lurking skills and adept way of acquiring knowledge from people, she will find Jade Jaguar and succeed in her mission! Everything will be smooth from now on… wahahaha!!! Grinning broadly and feeling mighty proud of her accomplishments, she had not realized the hand reaching out behind her until it was too late.

A hand grabbed her arm.

She almost jumped out of her skin and was already preparing to scream her head off when the attacker turned her towards him.

"OH GEESH KENSHIN! WOULD YOU STOP DOING THAT?! IT'S FREAKING ME OUT!"

"Ah… gomen nasai," the surprised policeman exclaimed as he let go of her arm. "I just wanted to talk to you for a second."

"Well, you could've just tapped me or called out," she grumbled, her initial panic simmering down. Really, she was getting paranoid for no apparent reason. She took in a few calming breaths to slow down her rapidly beating heart. Then she faced him. "Yes?"

"Were you planning to stay here?"

Uhoh. He found out that I deceived him! Ahhh!!! He might tell Yukishiro- san the truth and I might be kicked out! I might not get another chance like this again… drat! THINK!!!

"Well, uhh…"

"If you are, I'm just wondering when you will move so I could help you with your things."

Oh. *phew*

Wait a damned second… is he kicking us out?

"Oh… OH. I'm so sorry! I guess we've been really bothering you too much! We'll move here later today. Don't worry, Kamatari and I can manage while you're in your office doing… police- y things." She gave him a sort of confused smile. For some reason, she wanted to sulk. He WAS kicking them out. Hmph. Probably his girlfriend's coming and he needs the space, not to mention privacy. She blinked. Okay, where did THAT come from?

He was speaking again.

"Are you sure? I do have to submit a report to my superior…"

"Oh, I'm sure! If we can't do it, I'll just drag some help from my newly- acquired friends here. Oh yeah, I guess I should pay you for the lodging and the food." She started to bring out her wallet, thinking of a reasonable price when a slender hand stopped hers. She looked up at kind, violet orbs.

Kenshin smiled. "No need for that. I told you before, I like helping. It's my job."

Kaoru's insides were a mass of discombobulated thoughts and emotions. Why is he so kind? Wait, he was kicking us out! But he's so nice… irritatingly so. And those purple eyes… She finally managed to snap out of her reverie. "Well. O-kay… I'll just repay you somehow next time, in another way." She hesitated. "Thank you for all you help."

"It was my pleasure. I hope we meet again sometime, Kaoru- dono."

"Likewise."

He bowed his head, turned around, and left.

For a long minute, she stood there, rooted in the spot.

Her brows knitted in confusion and some ineffable emotion, she finally moved towards the mess hall to catch up with Kamatari and the young man Soujiro.


*OOFF*

Kaoru put down the last of the boxes from the car. She was tired, hungry, and sweating all over. For the hundredth time that afternoon, she wondered why Kamatari just HAD to buy all these shoes. And for the thousandth time that afternoon, she wondered why she HAD to put up with him. She shook her head, sending beads of sweat flying all around her.

"Kaoru- san! This is your trailer." A cheery voice called over to her.

She stretched out her arms and looked at the stainless steel trailer. Hmm. Not bad. She went inside to inspect the place and found it satisfying. Soujiro went in after her.

"This was where Tomo-san and Professor Shinomori stayed. When I knocked here this morning, no one answered so I entered. Their things were all gone and the place was spotless." There was a wistful tone in his voice as he told her all this.

The reporter, being one, noticed that something was going on and came to a conclusion, "you… liked this Tomo- san?" She grinned evilly.

His face flushed. "She was… a good friend."

"Hmmm."

"Kaoru, darling! Look! There's a huge cabinet here where I can put all my shoes!" Kamatari emerged from a door, looking like a child who was given a lollipop.

"Kam, that's the bathroom."

"Oh."

"Well," Soujiro started moving towards the door of the trailer, "I have to get going now. I see you guys later!" He smiled and left, quite in a hurry.

Kaoru chuckled and looked around. The place seems cozy enough, more comfortable than what she expected. She went out and trudged  back in with one of Kamatari's boxes full of shoes. Not knowing where to place the darned thing, she decided to shove it under one of the beds. Pushing and heaving the load, she finally managed to fit it under there. She started to stand when she saw something flash in the darkness under the bed…

*THUNK*

"Ouch! Argh!" She tentatively touched the top of her head where it connected with the bed. Annoyed, she looked back under to see what had distracted her.

Gold.

She blinked, not believing her eyes. Gold? She reached out her hand and yanked at the item in question. It wouldn't budge. He yanked harder, using all her strength.

*POP*

The thing popped out and she was flung to the wall because of the force she exerted on it.

"Kaoru! You okay? Don't start the party without me!" Kamatari declared as he entered the trailer with another box of shoes and headed straight towards the bathroom.

"Ha. Ha." Iteee… this thing should be worth it. She rubbed her head gingerly and winced. A bump was already forming. She sighed and opened her fist to look at what she just discovered.

It was a small, golden key.

a./n: Wahahaha! What IS that key? Where did it come from? *dundundunduuuunnn!!!* ^_^ Teeheehee… Cliffie. Hadn't written one for a while. ;p Ohhh, we're gonna see what happened to Sano next. Yeah, what happened to that guy? *ponders*

I have just seen "Spirited Away" And I must say… I love that movie!!! *cries* Now THAT is an example of a pestiferous cliffhanger. *shakes head* No wonder it won an Oscar. Hmph!

Anyway, thanks to the following reviewers! (especially those who keep reading even if I rarely update! I wuff you!!! ^_^)

Hitokiri-miao miao: Ahehehe… after another 10,000 eternities? *ducks and cover* Gomen, I'm really trying my best! Among all the tests, projects, and mind blocks, it's really difficult to write! Well, hope you liked this one!

Moonstorm: Well, I take that as a compliment. *grins* ^_^

Innocent Dreamer: Ehh… hope you're quite happy now! *pffft!*

Dusk- angel: Thanks bunch! ^_^ Sorry, this sort of concentrated more on Kaoru and Kenshin… hope you liked it anyway! ;p

Babyg2988: It's okay, at least you reviewed! *grins* Don't stay up too late then… if your mom kills you, I will have one less reader! (jke!) O.o hahaha! That was a selfish thought! ;p

Dark Phoenix: He IS  a horndog, isn't he? Teeheeeheee… just to put a little bit of spice in their lives. ;p Glad you liked it! ^_^

Yuki: *pokes yuki* You dead yet? (Minnie me: stop poking!) Anou… hope you're still alive. *sweatdrop* Gomen for the long wait!! I shall endeavor to write more chapters in lesser time! (Minnie me: right.)

Chibi Mai: Yeah, school sucks big time. XP Hey, I updated within a month, right? *smiles sheepishly* Haha!

Lazuli Silverwing: Wow! I'm glad you liked this wee bit 'o story! ^_^ Yeah, we can't help but like sappy moments. *sigh* I really love that couple. ;p Well, hope you keep reading! :D

NatsuNoAme: Ne, calm down! If I reveal anything to you, he wouldn't be so mysterious now, would he? :P That's the trick of writing… making readers curious so they'll come back for more! *cackles evilly* Haha… well, there's still a long way but certain things are beginning to be revealed. *moves eyebrows up and down* 

Moonmusic: Thank you! :D

Wah! I'm so happy… so many reviewers! *runs around in glee* Well, make me more happy and give me a review! It'll have a double purpose: a gift for my bday, and inspiration! *nudge nudge hint hint* Hahah! Thanks minna- san! Please read and review! ^_^