Author's notes: Goodbye high school, hello college! WHOO!!!

Oh, but before that… HELLO SUMMER!!! *grins*

And that means… more updates! *smiles*

Gomen nasai minna- san for the 3- month absence… that time was the ultimate hell of all the seven hells in hell!! (Uh, you get the picture :P) Now I have time! Time! TIME!!! Nyahahaha! ^_^

Minnie me: How about your uncannily huge dose of writer's block? HMM? *raises eyebrow*

Uh, well, I AM trying to get my muses back! I just need some rope and a gun! Probably a few cans of coke too… oh, and chips! Yeah… a few sugar-frosted Gonuts Donuts will do too… and –

Minnie me: *sigh* Here goes sugar rush. ~_~'

Disclaimer: Actually, I spent 3 months trying to steal the rights to RK... but ALAS! To no avail. *sob sob* I still do not own it… wahhh!!!

Mission: Frustration!

By Tesuka- chan

Chapter 17

The Seduction Scheme

*CRASH*

It started with a crash in the hallway.

"Watch it, NUMBSKULL!"

"Well, SO-ORY Miss all-high-and-mighty!"

"Just cluck away, rooster brain!"

"YEESH! That's one fox…"

"What? Did I hear you say anything?"

It was love at first sight.

(Misao: *scoff* You call that love? Looks like a war to me…

Sano: Just shut up if you want me to tell you how it happened.

Misao: *grumble*)

Right. Well, where was I? Oh yeah. Love at first sight.

It was high school. To put it simply, I was a regular, unappreciated Da Vinci (Misao: *smirk*). I got bored with classes and decided that it wasn't worth my time. I took the image of the common jock – sports maniac, girl-magnet, and "dumb". When I was at the peak of my boredom, wondering if everything's worth it, the CRASH happened.

She was the most gorgeous girl I've ever seen. Long, black hair, cinnamon eyes, and legs that go all the way up to the top of Mount Fuji. And she was really smart… very different from all the giggling airheads that I've dated thousands of times before. For me… she was a challenge.

After our explosive first meeting, I decided to pursue her. I went out of my way just to see her – I look for her in the hallways, wait for her outside of her science guild, see her in the mall, etc. We would always bicker and try to get to each other's defenses, try to break the other down and win, but it was always a draw. Nevertheless, I knew that she enjoyed it, noting the glint in her eyes and the flush of her cheeks. It went like that comfortably for a while.

Then one day, she didn't show up in school.

I waited for her in the hallway for our daily bicker. I was there a long time… but she didn't come. I thought it was one of her games, so I decided to play along. I looked for her everywhere, to the places where we usually fight. But there was no sign of her.

It was like she vanished.

I gave up and went to a club with my friends, something that I hadn't done for a long time. I was usually the party animal, the one who initiated every crazy thing. But that night, I was just not in the mood. I decided to go home and was on my way towards the exit when I saw her sitting in the darkest corner, drinking beer. I've never seen her like that before… stoned, lifeless, depressed, and with all those empty bottles on the table. And a bastard was beside her, taking advantage of her unusual state. He was goddamned groping her.

Of course, I got angry.

I stomped towards them, punched the lights out of the bastard, and drove away with the fazed Megumi. I was so livid that I couldn't speak. For the first time, we didn't fight. The car was silent for the longest moment. Then she suddenly spoke. It was the first time I ever heard her voice soft.

"Don't take me home. Please… take me anywhere… just don't bring me home."

So I took her to my secret place. It was on the top of an old, dilapidated building that was about to be demolished. Damned if I know why. I still didn't speak, afraid for the first time. Afraid of what might come out of my mouth, afraid of what might happen. We just stood there, the pair of us staring at the red sky.

"I'm scared, Sano."

Hearing my name on her lips using that soft voice, my anger obliterated. It was the first time she called me that. It was always "Rooster- head" or something animalistic in nature. My heart twisted.

"I can't stand it anymore… he always screams at me… beats me up…" she continued, her voice cracking. I didn't look at her, but I knew that she was crying. "I tried everything! I- I love my father, you know… but he changed when mother died… I can't stand seeing him that way… I can't stand him treating me this way… I-I just c-can't."

I suddenly hugged her. I hated her father for making her like this. I wanted to punch him for every scratch, every bruise, every drop of blood that he drew from Megumi. But for now, she needed me to be here. I hugged her more tightly to me, wanting to protect her from all the evils in the world. She cried on my shoulder. And for the longest time, we stood there.  

The stars twinkled in the inky back sky.

After a time when her sobs died down, she looked up at me. "You know, this is the first time we didn't fight."

"Yeah well, you look too damned beautiful to fight with."

That was the first time she smiled genuinely.

That was the first time I kissed her.

It was a lot of first times for me that day.

We were inseparable after that. We still fought a lot, but we know that we loved each other totally. Then on graduation day, I asked her to marry me. She said yes, her shining face making her look like a goddess. I thought I was the luckiest man on the planet.

But it didn't last for long.

After about almost a year, Megumi decided to go to college. But at that time, we had no money at all. I didn't have a job and she was working as a waitress in a lame café near our tiny apartment. I admit, I was a total wreck.  We really fought viciously at that time. Then I don't know what came over me, but I suddenly slapped her. I realized the gravity of my action only too late. I just stood there, stunned, as her eyes grew big in fear. Tears welled up as her cheek began to redden. She then quickly grabbed her purse and left.

I never saw her again. Until last week.

You know, my big date.

I saw her in a club. It really is funny how history repeats itself, in a way. But this time, she was… having fun. Self- confident. Cold. I recognized her right away – hell, she was still the most gorgeous woman in the whole damned place. She saw me, and we talked as if we were old acquaintances, as if nothing serious had happened in the past between us. I asked her out after that and miraculously, she agreed.

We had a date in this posh restaurant that she picked. She always liked beautiful things. She ordered the most expensive food, the oldest wine. I noted some changes in her, how the challenging glint in her eyes were gone, how cold she holds herself now. She talked like a professional. She was a successful doctor now, she said, after studying as a scholar in the most prestigious school in the country. We were doing fine when…

…well… when we fought again.

I don't really want to go to the specifics, but this time, she was the one who started it all. But I guess I shouldn't have taken the bait… but what the hell. It was done, and we parted ways again.

And now she's here.

Frankly, I don't know what to do.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Misao sat quietly in her bed as she watched Sano look at nothing in particular. After that story, she had been thinking. Wondering how, wondering what, wondering why…

"Wow, Sano… you really DO have a wife!!!"

Sano sweatdropped.

"WHY THE HELL AM I SAYING THIS TO YOU ANYWAY, WEASEL?"

"Geesh, c'mon! It really just registered in my mind now, okay! It's a really traumatic thing for me to imagine you settling down with one woman! She must be a saint or something… poor thing! What a horrid experience!" Misao made a dramatic pose, placing the back of her hand over her head.

"HEY! Who are you siding with, huh?"

"I'm just saying that because I empathize with all womenkind!"

"Pah! I just don't understand you, women!" Sano grumbled.

Misao suddenly grinned. "Hey, cheer up pal. At least you're not moping around with your sorry ass anymore. You really looked like a piece of shit earlier." She punched his shoulder playfully. That was actually the first time that Sano opened up on his past life before he met her. She was grateful for it, but if it means making Sano miserable to dig up on his past, she rather not dig. She is his friend, after all. She just wants him to be happy with his life.

Sano grunted. Then after a few seconds, he rolled his eyes and went back to his normal self. "You are such a weasel, weasel." He began to laugh. "And I can't believe you screwed up that key thing."

The female burglar's cheeks puffed out. "I can't do anything! Kaoru was there for kami-sama's sake! And she has it! I can't reveal myself to her… or to anyone else for that matter." Now she was the one who's grumbling.

Sano's face became thoughtful, if that was possible. "So… any bright ideas?"

Misao's brow crumpled. She was trying to think of a way to get it, but it seems like Kaoru wears it everywhere. She could come back while she's sleeping and get it… but from previous near-death experiences, Kaoru is NOT a happy dreamer. She moves around a lot in her sleep, so that scheme is next to impossible. Besides, Misao isn't ready to die yet. Hmmm… maybe I could make myself invisible, grab the necklace, and go! She smirked. Fat chance. Or maybe I'll use my telekinetic ability to float the key to me! Oh, wait. I don't have telekinetic ability. AAAARRRGGGHHH!!! This is just too difficult!

Why does it have to be you, Kaoru? WHY? WHY?

"Errr… HELLO? Earth to Misao! You're falling off the bed! "

"Huh? What? I'M CALLING OFF THE DEAD?!"

"Yeesh. Whatever you say, weasel." Sano said, wondering at the weird ideas floating around her mind now. Then again… he doesn't want to know.

*THUNK*

"OW! Why didn't you say I was falling off the bed?!!"

Sano prayed to kami-sama to give him the patience. Sometimes, Misao can be a handful. Okay… most of the time. Before he could reply to Misao, a strange sound was heard coming from…

*GARRRUUUGGGLLLEEE*

… Misao's stomach.

Misao blushed. OOPS! I just remembered… I haven't eaten anything even before I went to the camp! Damn… hunger pangs are killing me. She scrounged up her face as another loud gurgle came.

Sano burst out laughing. "Ah, geesh Misao, do you have a pet in there or what?"

The dangerous-when-hungry Jaguar scowled and replied, "Yeah. I'm starving it so that it can eat you after you're tortured and torn to pieces."

"Ooh… I'm so scared!" her partner snickered.

"I'll go and get some grub," Misao straightened out, rubbing her still sore butt, and headed towards the door. "In the meantime, clean out the cobwebs in your head and use your brain for once. Think of how we can get that key!"

"Ha. Ha. You're a genuine joker."

Misao stuck her tongue out at him and with a last growl of the stomach, the door slammed shut.

Sano shook his head. Now, the most difficult task lay before him. How to get the key from the Tanuki.

Difficult indeed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh… I really should've eaten a sandwich or something before I left. I think I could eat a whole cow! No, a whole herd of cows! No, a whole planet full of cows! Wait, is that the planet I'm eating or the cows? ARGH! Hunger is making me delirious!

The cow- hungry woman placed her hand on her impatient stomach. She looked at her watch. It was already 11: 38 pm. The kitchen might be closed already… but that won't stop her anyway. She's a burglar after all. She grinned.

Then she stopped.

Oh, wait a second… where's the kitchen again?

She looked around. Damn! I'm lost! Her stomach grumbled yet again. Patience… I'll find that kitchen even if it's the last thing I do! She began walking straight, then turned right. Then left. Then left again. And she was back to the lane where she started. Her conscience snickered. Huh, for a burglar, you can't seem to find your way to the kitchen!

"Shut up." She murmured to herself.

Uh- oh. Lone conversation. This is turning ugly. Have to find that kitchen soon!

She stopped to get her bearings. Who placed all these damned trailers anyway? Okay, if I come from here, then I'll have to go straight and turn left, not right. Right. What? Right or left? Or maybe –

"… Snow Top bar?"

Misao froze. Sounds like…

"Make sure they'll be there tomorrow. I have to get that key. Arigatou."

*click*

Shinomori.

It was definitely Shinomori. He's making plans to get the key himself! Jade Jaguar inched her way farther from the trailer and headed straight. Snow Top bar, huh? The wheels in her head began to turn. Possible plans began to formulate. She was too deep into her thinking that she didn't notice the pole in front of her.

She bumped right into it.

"Ow!"

"Hey!"

Hm. It wasn't a pole at all. If it was, it's an odd one that has a low voice and white hair. The pole turned around.

"Oops! Enishi - san! Gomen… I wasn't watching where I was going," Misao bowed, embarrassed. This just isn't her night. Just isn't her night at all.

"Quite all right, Misao- san. I didn't realize you were there either." He flashed her a smile. "What are you doing here?"

"Ah, well… ahh… I was just about to – "

*GRUMBLE*

One side of Enishi's lips quirked upward in amusement. "Go to the kitchen?" Misao swore she can feel the steam coming out of her face. "To tell you the truth, Misao- san, I was on my way there too. Shall I accompany you?"

Phew. "Well, sure, no problem!" She beamed up at him.

As she fell in step with him, Misao can't help but think of how different Enishi was compared to Aoshi. He was easy to talk to, charming, and light. He doesn't seem to have mood swings, and…well… he IS handsome. She looked at his arms. Those are DEFINITELY muscles hidden under that shirt.

"Is anything the matter, Misao- san?" Enishi asked, noticing her stare.

Oh, Hell… please open up and swallow me now. Misao swallowed. Then she had a brilliant idea. A stroke of genius! A plan.

She took a deep breath. Okay!

"Ne, Enishi- san, are you free tomorrow night? It's just that I really want to go to this bar and I have no one to go with… and I do deserve a break from all of these burglary stuff, you know." She smiled at him. A bit hopeful, perhaps. Come on, Makimachi! Use all your charm! If you don't have any in the first place, just squeeze something out! If this works…

Enishi looked a bit surprised – and pleased? – at her request. He tilted his head in an angle, as if considering it. "Well… I do have a lot of documents to finish…"

Misao struggled to contain her disappointment. "Ah! Gomen… I was too forward. I shouldn't be bothering such a busy man – "

 "- then again, I also need a break." He smiled, teasing her. "Who in his right mind would reject the offer of a pretty woman? It will be my pleasure, Misao- san."

"GREAT! Oh, I mean… thank you." She looked away, face flushing. What a flirt!

*GRUMBLE*

Enishi laughed. "I think we should think of dinner tonight rather than tomorrow… what would you like?" he asked as they finally arrived at the kitchen. It was open. Misao sighed in relief.

"Whatever's in there. I'm just really hungry."

"One can eat anything when one is famished… for my part, I think I can eat a whole cow."

Misao laughed. The irony of it all.

"Yeah, I think I can eat a whole planet full of cows."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

~~~ The following evening ~~~

Hair down. Check.

Light make- up and hoop earrings. Check.

A stylish, v-necked, semi-see through blouse. Check.

Tight- fitting Levis. Check.

High heels. Uhh. High heels… uhh… black leather boots! Check!

Erm. I think my checkboxes are full. Let's see…

The woman looked at the reflected image in the mirror. The transformation from a boyish form to a very womanly figure (in simple clothes, no less) was very astonishing. She grinned, content at what she saw. After checking out the target place, she had an all- day shopping expedition. She never really had the patience to walk around aimlessly while looking at unimportant material things, but she was glad that this shopping spree paid off. She made it her mission, for the meantime, to look good… and she never took any mission lightly.

She'll show them. They will pay for underestimating her.

Show who? Which one? Or maybe both?

She shook her head, berating herself. These random questions popping inside her head are becoming a bad habit of hers. She really should do something about it. She sighed.

"Misao-san, are you ready?"

She looked at her watch. 8:00. Right on the dot. She smiled. It's show time.

"Hai!"

She opened the door…

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The upbeat sound of lounge music met their ears.

Kaoru and Megumi entered the famed Snow Top bar. The comfortable ambiance created by the dimmed lights, the obviously expensive furniture, knickknacks and drinks – the reporter had a feeling that this was an exclusive bar. Her suspicions were confirmed when Megumi gave two tickets to an inconspicuous person on their right. Her blue eyes widened as she looked around. This is definitely the hang- out place of the casually chic. All the people here were effortlessly beautiful.

She followed Megumi's confident figure towards the bartender. Her new friend looked like she belonged here. She smiled as an image of a fox entered her mind.

"Ruko, is the back open?"

"Yep. There are already a lot of people, a couple of newbies."

"Sou ka… thanks." Megumi flashed a foxy smile and turned to Kaoru. "Let's go!"

The reporter blinked. "Aren't we here already?"

She winked, saying, "Well, you haven't seen anything yet."

Kaoru was suddenly afraid of the mischievous glint in her cinnamon- gold eyes.

They approached a closet – what? A closet? – and Megumi opened the door. Blaring, loud dance music came right at them, almost like a physical force that made Kaoru step backwards. Then she was suddenly pulled right inside, the door sealing them in. The only thing that Kaoru can think of was: great soundproofing.

The inner club was a stark contrast to its outer counterpart. Neon laser lights were everywhere in the dark, eerily dancing to the beat the same time the bodies were. There was a heady, almost addicting atmosphere inside, and the drinks were free- flowing. This was madness city.

Kaoru got lost in all of it. She never really had a chance to go to these kinds of underground clubs and her social life left something to be desired… by Kami-sama! She WILL have the time of her life!

It was crazy… it was wild… and it was definitely fun.

Then suddenly, she felt this prickling sensation on her neck, as if… as if…

–  her head snapped up, looking for something, then she saw it... or rather…

him

… as if someone was staring at her.

Amber eyes.

She blinked. It was suddenly gone. She stood there in the dance floor, shivering. There was something unnervingly intense in those eyes. Like a tiger on a hunt. Predatory. She shivered yet again. Damn, it was probably a hallucination. She needed a drink.

"Hey, Kaoru-san! Are you okay?" Megumi asked, wondering why her friend stopped dancing all of a sudden.

"Uh, yeah! I'm okay, don't worry about me! I just need a drink." She smiled half-heartedly and made her way towards the bar.

Kaoru sat on a stool and ordered Perrier. She needed to be sane, cool and calm. She unconsciously fingered her pendant. Maybe this whole Jade Jaguar business it taking its toll on her. Maybe she's doing it all wrong. Maybe everything's doomed to fail in the first place. Maybe you're getting scared?

Argh. What I would give for some mochi balls right now. Or maybe my bokken. Or both.

She sighed.

"What's this? A melancholic girl in a bar? We can't have that."

She looked at the direction where the low voice was coming from. It was quite dark, and the man was sitting a few seats away from her on her right. For a moment, she thought it was… then a spotlight passed through him and she knew that it wasn't. He had dark blue eyes. The man was handsome though – quite tall, with black hair gelled in a casual messy style. He had a silver piercing on his right lobe and he wore a simple black shirt with a blood-red rose decal. She couldn't see what he was wearing on his lower… oh, wait. He had stood up and moved nearer to her so she saw him clearly. He was wearing black leather pants.

Not a bad- looking guy at all.

"Here, miss," the bartender said.

A water bottle was placed in front of her. She took it and sipped, thankful for the refreshing feeling. Well, here she was in an exclusive bar-cum-disco place, and a guy was hitting on her… and she really didn't feel like it. There was something definitely wrong with her.

"Perrier? I would've thought that this is a place where water was banned."

She smiled slightly, saying, "well, I guess people do need something non -alcoholic to drink when they start puking."

The man chuckled. "Nice point." Then the corner of his lips quirked up and he said, "Do you mind…?" He gestured towards her necklace… no, the small key.

She raised an eyebrow. O-kay… what is this freak doing? Is he a robber or something? I thought people here are rich so they really don't go about stealing each other's necklace, right? Is he a kleptomaniac then? Oh, wait! Maybe he's an agent out to get this small, insignificant key because it is actually the only one that can open a box containing a valuable treasure!

Kaoru almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of her thoughts. Where she gets these ideas, she really doesn't know. Well, whatever it is, he is downright weird.

Probably seeing the suspicion in her face, the man hastened to straighten out his intentions. "Don't worry, I'll just do some trick to cheer you up. Something to soften that miserable look on your face." He raised an eyebrow, daring her to trust him.

Am I that transparent? She sighed. Well, whatever. Kami- sama knows, she needs some kind of distraction. This guy was weird, in a curious way.

She shrugged, took off her necklace and handed the small, golden key to him…

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

a/n: *sigh* What a beautiful cliffhanger! *tear* Okay, I cut the chapter in half, all right? So next chap will definitely come out by next week… OH COME ON PEOPLE! I haven't done this for a while… give me some slack, eh? *smiles nervously*

Minna-san: We'll give you some slack… HERE! *starts throwing stuff at poor tesuka- chan*

Tesuka- chan: WAAAAIIII!!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE YET!!! *runs away*

Minnie me: *sighs while looking at the stampede* Chaos is bliss. -_-'

Welll… I THANK ALL OF YOU PATIENT REVIEWERS!!! I love you all! ^_^ (I hope you haven't given up on this… I haven't! Really! :D)

Unique-starfish: Ahm… well, here's another abrupt ending! Ahehehe. Hehe. *ducks and covers* Well, I hope some of your questions were answered here! ^_^ More will come in the next chapter. :D

Moondemon: Glad you liked the candycane! Pah. Reminds me how long I haven't updated…. *sigh* I am guilt-stricken. Thanks, and hope you liked this chapter! ^_^

Kitty-jinxx: Well, my evil side comes out every time I write this story. Hehehe… Proof of that is up there. *points upwards* Thanks!

Fei_chan: So sorry for not updating sooner! Don't worry, I shall update more since it's already our summer vacation! *hurrah!*

oO-Innocent Dreamer-Oo: *sweat drop* Anou… I shall try (the keyword is TRY – bold, italicized, and underlined!) to put a kenshin-bopping scene. ;p About the gold box… hehe, I admit I committed and error but let's just pretend it's a different thing, ne? (Minnie me: the truth is… she's too lazy to change it. *grumble*) Hai! And there is such a thing as writer's prerogative, right? Wahahaha! ^_^

Kyia Star: This is as soon as I can get… gomen! I shall try harder next time! I'm glad you found it funny! :D

Moonstorm: Yup, poor Sano… *sigh* Well, things will get better in due time! *nods* Thanks for the hug! *hugs back*

Nekonomiko: I think I'm lagging behind again… :c But I made a promise to myself that I will update at least once every two weeks! I wonder if I can keep that. *thinks* But we shall try, ne? FOR THE SUPPORTERS! ^_^

Purpo kitee katx: Gosh, I guess your patience is probably worn thin to the point of breaking by now… whoops! I shall strengthen it again! ^_^ I'll update sooner, promise! ^_^

Dusk-angel: Thanks! I'm so glad you found it funny. :D Arigatou!

Noriko: I loooove surprises, don't you? Mwahahaha! ^_^ There will be more to come, I assure you. *insert evil laughter*

Hitokiri-miao miao: Here's another one! The next will be out soon… I'm happy you liked it! :D Thanks!

Indigochipmunk: All right, all right! Relax… it's here. Hehehe. ^_^

Amber_eyes: Gomen, gomen! I shall update sooner! ^_^ Hope you liked this! :D

Me Smee: I loved that idea too… that's why I put it there. ;p Thanks for the compliment, dear!

IrisKitsune (IrisRaven): Yeah, I know. I was going to release this earlier this week but due to some circumstances… well. Anyway, hope you liked this! *grins*

 Aggghhhh… well, that's a lot of apologies… *sweat drop* I shall try not to make you wait this long again! *raises right hand and chants it all over again* Hai! Well, you know what will make the next chapter come out faster? Yup! You're right… REVIEWS! So please read and review! ^_^