Hiya! I am SUCH a sucker for alternate pairings. While I do like Ranma for
Akane, I can't help but wish for Akane to end up with Ryoga instead. ^^
This one didn't come as fast as the others, I apologize. Thanks for
waiting, and I hope you like it.
............
To their credit, the parents took control of the situation and did not panic. One immediately rushed to the police, and made requests that the ports and all exit points be watched. The other went to all the neighbors and asked for more information.
It was the uncle who was stunned.
True, Mr. Yorkshire reported for work the next day, submitted reports, met several important clients and finished translating their documents in record time. But when the day ended, and no word or sign from the couple arrived, he hobbled back to the Kamiya dojo, deep in thought.
Kenji-kun was not dead, in that he was absolutely certain. There would be no point in killing him; neither side would get what they want, and people will be arrested for murdering a child. It was also improbable that he was carried off to Shanghai, despite the notoriety of that city to such things. The target of the kidnapping was in Tokyo, so they had to keep the victim at least within Japanese territory.
"Enishi...."
He knew he had been less than discreet about contacting the Himuras, especially when he was still remembering bits and pieces of what he was. People knew he was attached to the little boy, and that this would be the best way to get to him. And get to him, they did, he admitted to himself. The little boy liked him, when the rest of the world did not. The little boy accepted him, when he himself would not. Now the boy had been taken away, and he knew full well that it was because of him.
He thought he knew what Himura would feel when he "killed" Kamiya. The torture it would be to him when he saw the woman he swore to protect, dead at his feet. He did not know the half. He did not realize the pain to the heart, the pressure to the brain, the torture to the soul. He did not know. It was only now that he realized just how cruel he had been to his brother-in-law back then. Unfortunately, not only was he in no position to make amends, he was doing it to him again.
As much as he wanted to drown it out, he had to be content with staring at the open blankness of the dojo's practice area. There was not a drop of alcohol in the whole house. The couple had been too busy to explain why. No matter. Thoughts and fears that wanted drowning out, will be, some way, somehow.
"Yukishiro Enishi! Talk to me!"
Just not while the weasel was around, who insisted that he talk to her about it. NOW he understood how Shinomori got to be that morose, at least that serious. One can only stand so much from an eternally energetic weasel. He actually liked her for being feisty, and wanting her way. It reminded him that at least one person existed in the world whom he had to deal with. It was just annoying sometimes.
Nonetheless, he missed her, and he rather regretted that he did not tell her. In worrying that he would make her worried, he forgot that not telling her at all might make her more worried in the end. Men were easier to handle. He really had to get the proper timing right with women.
He would.....he would tell her....he promised. As soon...as he settled this problem about Kenji-kun. But HOW?
"Enishi!"
Alright, already, woman....because it was a woman shouting at him.
He looked up slightly, and made out a short black outfit and long hair.
He felt the woman sit down beside him. "Don't worry, my friend. We all make a good team. We'll find him."
They will find him, alright, when he gives in to the kidnappers' demands. The problem was, he did not know what they wanted, exactly. He could not remember. The final solution to the problem rested on him, and he did not know the final solution.
"You feel like only you have the answer to this problem, is that it, Enishi? You think it's your fault?"
How did this woman know what he was thinking? It was not his sister talking; it was another voice.
"That's not true, my white-haired baka," she said as she ruffled his hair. "It's not your fault this happened; it just happened. And we'll all help each other find him. It's not just you who will solve this; we all will. Alright, Enishi?"
He did not answer.
She continued. "You know, people think I'm this eternally optimistic girl who never cries. That's not true. I cry, I feel lonely, I get sad, like everyone else. I guess, what makes me different, is that I know I have friends around to help me. I've been through that, taking on the world by myself and telling myself I don't need others. In the end, I found myself going back to my friends, or winning new friends, friends who will help me through the problems."
He knew this woman, alright. It was his weasel, trying, once again, to talk some sense into him. What was she doing here? He would ask later. Right now, he was just glad she was around.
"You and Aoshi-sama, you're alike that way. You keep your problems to yourselves, until you could no longer contain it. Aoshi-sama broods it away; you explode or you, well, act like this. But both of you start the same way. If only you would let your friends know you need them, they would be more than willing to help."
He knew she was right. And he would take her at her word.
He moved one arm across her back to her waist, and moved the other arm as well, until he fully embraced her from behind. He leaned his head on her shoulder, and let the tears flow.
.................
"ARE YOU INSANE?!"
"Only as insane as you! How dare you leave without telling me!"
"I don't want you killed, that's why!"
"So do I! I do NOT want to be left in the dark again!"
"Stop acting like my guardian angel!"
"And stop acting like a lone ranger!"
"Kenshin, are you sure these two are getting married in a few weeks?" Kaoru asked.
"Oro," he replied.
"Well, at least they fight like a married couple," Yahiko chuckled. "That should be good."
It was the afternoon after, and the two were almost at each others' throats. The tiger was growling at the weasel with all his might, but the weasel held her ground and evaded all attacks.
"If they find out you're here, you'll be their next victim, and you'll definitely be killed!"
"As if I'll just let you die by yourself when I can do something about it?"
"The Tenken told you, didn't he? That traitor!"
"I made him tell me, you white-haired baka!"
"Even so-----"
"You really should have told me yourself!"
"YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE LEFT!" each accused the other simultaneously.
Then they laughed together.
"I call a truce," the tiger pulled at her braid.
"Truce accepted, but stop pulling at my hair!" the weasel replied.
The audience heaved a sigh of relief.
Misao took her seat beside Kaoru at the dining table. Enishi started to pace with difficulty. He assumed the demeanor of the powerful leader. "Well, what do you have?"
"Not much, I am afraid," Kenshin placed an arm around Kaoru's shoulder. "The ports and gates are all guarded now, but they all say it is now too late to catch up with any kidnappers."
"Nobody has seen anything suspicious," Yahiko added. "No crying boy carried off by some men..."
Enishi tsked. "It's too late now for us to chase after them. Make them come to us."
"How?" Kaoru asked.
"Tell them we have what they want, if they are willing to trade. We should not let them have the upper hand over us. It is we who are controlling the negotiations, not them. You have contacts with the police, yes?"
Kenshin gave him a patented rurouni smile. "Our contact is standing outside the door right now, smoking for three people."
Enishi turned around, and saw the shadow of the man who had been tailing him. "You! What do you want from me?"
The shadow gave one more puff, and came to the light. Well-pressed police uniform, well-slicked hair, as always. "Information."
"I.....remember you.....vaguely," Enishi smirked at him. "The man who wrote all those reports about me. I'm glad you think well of me."
The man hmphed, and leaned on a post.
"The potential fish to fry is so big, they had to call me in from Hokkaido. Your branch is after a set of numbers that it seems only you know. Those numbers are contacts for a massive weapons trade between Shanghai and America. One that both sides will deny, but a very lucrative one all the same. Therefore, if you have those numbers, surrender them now."
"You always had a fine way with words, Saitou," Kenshin sweatdropped.
"I don't know them," Enishi cocked his head at the policeman.
"You don't know, or you don't want me to know?" he retorted.
"I know I am a liar for a living, but believe me when I say I do not remember those codes!"
"If you want to see that little redhaired nuisance again, you better start racking your brains." Saitou took another puff.
Enishi raised an eyebrow.
"Don't think they will stop at kidnapping, Yukishiro," the policeman continued. "They will do to him what the organization did to you. But then," he shrugged, "maybe you don't care enough about the tyke to do anything. You will let him grow up as a criminal, much like you. It will indeed be some kind of revenge against Battousai, am I right?"
The household planted their eyes on Enishi. He became aware of all five people around him, carefully reading his face and his eyes. At first he was confused about all the attention. After all, the boy's safety was foremost on his mind. Then...he recalled and understood. He chuckled. "You folks are always suspicious of people you don't know. And, no, I have nothing up my sleeve." He walked out on them with a slight limp. "Give me time to think. Work with what I've already said. You're all pretty smart people."
"But, Enishi..." Misao called after him.
"Good NIGHT, weasel!" his voice answered with finality.
But as he sat alone in the guest room, pieces of paper laid before him remained blank. The mastermind of so many successful operations, did not have a plan.
...........
Poor Eni-chan, he's been a major outlet for me these past few weeks. Now I'm convinced that writing is good therapy. ^^ I am really so sorry for the delay, only to have this. I really can't think of what to do next yet! If you have any ideas I can use, my ears are open. I'll probably have something better for you guys over the holidays.
JML-Oh, dear, somebody's always first to my great ideas. ^^ Thanks for the support!
Maeko-Nohara and Nanami-What's up? Severe writer's block, that's what, along with my so-called life. I hope you've read Fire and Magic for the time being. ^^
CurlsofSerenity-We'll see about your idea, we'll see.
Sabbie-I hope you did get into that animation class you wanted!
Jbramx2-Thanks for the liking the dialogue. It's just me venting out through my boyfriend-erm, I mean, through Eni-chan. ^^ Yeah, I liked Sou- chan there, too. Thanks for liking the Yorkshire bit!
CatH-In my case, I guess it's too much Fushigi Yuugi and mushy anime in my lifetime that makes me do mushy parts. Classics do have their share of mushy moments, too. Yeah, I understand your point about Soujirou being mature for his age, but I still think he'll want to enjoy being a kid for a while longer all the same. Much like Kenshin, who in some aspects is a big little boy. ^^ Drool-worthy! Nice description for Eni-chan!
Thanks again, and I hope to see you in a few weeks.
............
To their credit, the parents took control of the situation and did not panic. One immediately rushed to the police, and made requests that the ports and all exit points be watched. The other went to all the neighbors and asked for more information.
It was the uncle who was stunned.
True, Mr. Yorkshire reported for work the next day, submitted reports, met several important clients and finished translating their documents in record time. But when the day ended, and no word or sign from the couple arrived, he hobbled back to the Kamiya dojo, deep in thought.
Kenji-kun was not dead, in that he was absolutely certain. There would be no point in killing him; neither side would get what they want, and people will be arrested for murdering a child. It was also improbable that he was carried off to Shanghai, despite the notoriety of that city to such things. The target of the kidnapping was in Tokyo, so they had to keep the victim at least within Japanese territory.
"Enishi...."
He knew he had been less than discreet about contacting the Himuras, especially when he was still remembering bits and pieces of what he was. People knew he was attached to the little boy, and that this would be the best way to get to him. And get to him, they did, he admitted to himself. The little boy liked him, when the rest of the world did not. The little boy accepted him, when he himself would not. Now the boy had been taken away, and he knew full well that it was because of him.
He thought he knew what Himura would feel when he "killed" Kamiya. The torture it would be to him when he saw the woman he swore to protect, dead at his feet. He did not know the half. He did not realize the pain to the heart, the pressure to the brain, the torture to the soul. He did not know. It was only now that he realized just how cruel he had been to his brother-in-law back then. Unfortunately, not only was he in no position to make amends, he was doing it to him again.
As much as he wanted to drown it out, he had to be content with staring at the open blankness of the dojo's practice area. There was not a drop of alcohol in the whole house. The couple had been too busy to explain why. No matter. Thoughts and fears that wanted drowning out, will be, some way, somehow.
"Yukishiro Enishi! Talk to me!"
Just not while the weasel was around, who insisted that he talk to her about it. NOW he understood how Shinomori got to be that morose, at least that serious. One can only stand so much from an eternally energetic weasel. He actually liked her for being feisty, and wanting her way. It reminded him that at least one person existed in the world whom he had to deal with. It was just annoying sometimes.
Nonetheless, he missed her, and he rather regretted that he did not tell her. In worrying that he would make her worried, he forgot that not telling her at all might make her more worried in the end. Men were easier to handle. He really had to get the proper timing right with women.
He would.....he would tell her....he promised. As soon...as he settled this problem about Kenji-kun. But HOW?
"Enishi!"
Alright, already, woman....because it was a woman shouting at him.
He looked up slightly, and made out a short black outfit and long hair.
He felt the woman sit down beside him. "Don't worry, my friend. We all make a good team. We'll find him."
They will find him, alright, when he gives in to the kidnappers' demands. The problem was, he did not know what they wanted, exactly. He could not remember. The final solution to the problem rested on him, and he did not know the final solution.
"You feel like only you have the answer to this problem, is that it, Enishi? You think it's your fault?"
How did this woman know what he was thinking? It was not his sister talking; it was another voice.
"That's not true, my white-haired baka," she said as she ruffled his hair. "It's not your fault this happened; it just happened. And we'll all help each other find him. It's not just you who will solve this; we all will. Alright, Enishi?"
He did not answer.
She continued. "You know, people think I'm this eternally optimistic girl who never cries. That's not true. I cry, I feel lonely, I get sad, like everyone else. I guess, what makes me different, is that I know I have friends around to help me. I've been through that, taking on the world by myself and telling myself I don't need others. In the end, I found myself going back to my friends, or winning new friends, friends who will help me through the problems."
He knew this woman, alright. It was his weasel, trying, once again, to talk some sense into him. What was she doing here? He would ask later. Right now, he was just glad she was around.
"You and Aoshi-sama, you're alike that way. You keep your problems to yourselves, until you could no longer contain it. Aoshi-sama broods it away; you explode or you, well, act like this. But both of you start the same way. If only you would let your friends know you need them, they would be more than willing to help."
He knew she was right. And he would take her at her word.
He moved one arm across her back to her waist, and moved the other arm as well, until he fully embraced her from behind. He leaned his head on her shoulder, and let the tears flow.
.................
"ARE YOU INSANE?!"
"Only as insane as you! How dare you leave without telling me!"
"I don't want you killed, that's why!"
"So do I! I do NOT want to be left in the dark again!"
"Stop acting like my guardian angel!"
"And stop acting like a lone ranger!"
"Kenshin, are you sure these two are getting married in a few weeks?" Kaoru asked.
"Oro," he replied.
"Well, at least they fight like a married couple," Yahiko chuckled. "That should be good."
It was the afternoon after, and the two were almost at each others' throats. The tiger was growling at the weasel with all his might, but the weasel held her ground and evaded all attacks.
"If they find out you're here, you'll be their next victim, and you'll definitely be killed!"
"As if I'll just let you die by yourself when I can do something about it?"
"The Tenken told you, didn't he? That traitor!"
"I made him tell me, you white-haired baka!"
"Even so-----"
"You really should have told me yourself!"
"YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE LEFT!" each accused the other simultaneously.
Then they laughed together.
"I call a truce," the tiger pulled at her braid.
"Truce accepted, but stop pulling at my hair!" the weasel replied.
The audience heaved a sigh of relief.
Misao took her seat beside Kaoru at the dining table. Enishi started to pace with difficulty. He assumed the demeanor of the powerful leader. "Well, what do you have?"
"Not much, I am afraid," Kenshin placed an arm around Kaoru's shoulder. "The ports and gates are all guarded now, but they all say it is now too late to catch up with any kidnappers."
"Nobody has seen anything suspicious," Yahiko added. "No crying boy carried off by some men..."
Enishi tsked. "It's too late now for us to chase after them. Make them come to us."
"How?" Kaoru asked.
"Tell them we have what they want, if they are willing to trade. We should not let them have the upper hand over us. It is we who are controlling the negotiations, not them. You have contacts with the police, yes?"
Kenshin gave him a patented rurouni smile. "Our contact is standing outside the door right now, smoking for three people."
Enishi turned around, and saw the shadow of the man who had been tailing him. "You! What do you want from me?"
The shadow gave one more puff, and came to the light. Well-pressed police uniform, well-slicked hair, as always. "Information."
"I.....remember you.....vaguely," Enishi smirked at him. "The man who wrote all those reports about me. I'm glad you think well of me."
The man hmphed, and leaned on a post.
"The potential fish to fry is so big, they had to call me in from Hokkaido. Your branch is after a set of numbers that it seems only you know. Those numbers are contacts for a massive weapons trade between Shanghai and America. One that both sides will deny, but a very lucrative one all the same. Therefore, if you have those numbers, surrender them now."
"You always had a fine way with words, Saitou," Kenshin sweatdropped.
"I don't know them," Enishi cocked his head at the policeman.
"You don't know, or you don't want me to know?" he retorted.
"I know I am a liar for a living, but believe me when I say I do not remember those codes!"
"If you want to see that little redhaired nuisance again, you better start racking your brains." Saitou took another puff.
Enishi raised an eyebrow.
"Don't think they will stop at kidnapping, Yukishiro," the policeman continued. "They will do to him what the organization did to you. But then," he shrugged, "maybe you don't care enough about the tyke to do anything. You will let him grow up as a criminal, much like you. It will indeed be some kind of revenge against Battousai, am I right?"
The household planted their eyes on Enishi. He became aware of all five people around him, carefully reading his face and his eyes. At first he was confused about all the attention. After all, the boy's safety was foremost on his mind. Then...he recalled and understood. He chuckled. "You folks are always suspicious of people you don't know. And, no, I have nothing up my sleeve." He walked out on them with a slight limp. "Give me time to think. Work with what I've already said. You're all pretty smart people."
"But, Enishi..." Misao called after him.
"Good NIGHT, weasel!" his voice answered with finality.
But as he sat alone in the guest room, pieces of paper laid before him remained blank. The mastermind of so many successful operations, did not have a plan.
...........
Poor Eni-chan, he's been a major outlet for me these past few weeks. Now I'm convinced that writing is good therapy. ^^ I am really so sorry for the delay, only to have this. I really can't think of what to do next yet! If you have any ideas I can use, my ears are open. I'll probably have something better for you guys over the holidays.
JML-Oh, dear, somebody's always first to my great ideas. ^^ Thanks for the support!
Maeko-Nohara and Nanami-What's up? Severe writer's block, that's what, along with my so-called life. I hope you've read Fire and Magic for the time being. ^^
CurlsofSerenity-We'll see about your idea, we'll see.
Sabbie-I hope you did get into that animation class you wanted!
Jbramx2-Thanks for the liking the dialogue. It's just me venting out through my boyfriend-erm, I mean, through Eni-chan. ^^ Yeah, I liked Sou- chan there, too. Thanks for liking the Yorkshire bit!
CatH-In my case, I guess it's too much Fushigi Yuugi and mushy anime in my lifetime that makes me do mushy parts. Classics do have their share of mushy moments, too. Yeah, I understand your point about Soujirou being mature for his age, but I still think he'll want to enjoy being a kid for a while longer all the same. Much like Kenshin, who in some aspects is a big little boy. ^^ Drool-worthy! Nice description for Eni-chan!
Thanks again, and I hope to see you in a few weeks.