I don't own Love Hina. Love Hina belongs to Ken Akamatsu. The story though is a pigment of my weird imagination. I apologize in advance for all spelling and grammar mistakes.
The U Project: Ultimatum
08
'Life is full of surprises. That's what makes it worth all the pain and suffering. To blindly go where no man has gone before. Well… I just hope I can get myself out of this mess,'
'The Circle Dance – Act 1: In a death-match, it is acceptable to give the first strike to an unknowing opponent without any hesitation,'
'I'll huff and puff 'til your house breakdown!'
---
Keitaro:
Did you enjoy your night out? I told you they have the best lobster meal. And I bet you tried some of their wine… absolutely superb, right?
There is an institution at Tokyo called the International Exchange Monetary Fund. It is a private depository connected directly to different Switzerland and European banks. Attached to this letter is a map. The location of this establishment is ofcourse not for public discretion. They use an international tourist agency as their cover. Once inside, two women will hand you a flyer. You are to tell them that you're there to make a deposit. That is the key. Then you need to show them the card that is included on this dispatch.
Trust you instincts. Follow what your mind says or how your body reacts. And as I have told you before, do not be staggered with the amount of money. It is yours, so use it wisely.
Good luck. Live and let live.
:U
---
"So?"
"Huh?"
The van veered hard to the right almost colliding with a speeding car coming from the opposite direction. Seta though did not show any sign of concern. His face still has that silly smile, happy eyes, tousled hair, and a cigar at the corner of his mouth.
"So… what do you think?"
"Well… it's very kind of you to let the Tokyo University professors know of my return,"
"They've been waiting for you… you know… apparently they heard good things about you after you graduated from the university at the United States. They received a copy of your archaeological proposal that you presented as your final thesis and they were pretty impressed with it,"
The van swerved again and avoided yet another should-have-been death-defying crash.
"So… when are you planning to meet them? They have an opening for another archaeologist to be part of a team headed for the Pararakelse Islands,"
"Really? Well… I'll go visit Tokyo University myself and arrange a time for a meeting. I really appreciate what you did Seta-san,"
"Think nothing of it! We're both archaeologists here you know! And I really think it's good for you," His voice changed, the tone solemn, "You need to move on Keitaro… you know… it's time for you to let go and start where you left off before,"
Silence.
Keitaro turned towards the window, stared at buildings that pass by like the wind and whispered, "I know,"
The letter arrived early that morning. And Keitaro's chaotic world once again focused. His doubts at that moment placed to one side. That nagging voices of uncertainties that eats through his brain silenced. For Keitaro, the anonymous sender of the letter was his only companion. His only salvation.
When Seta, Haruka and Sara arrived after breakfast, Keitaro politely asked for Seta's help. Although curious as to what this sudden trip for, Seta remained silent.
---
Kitsune grinned and examined the girls around her.
Haruka was engrossed playing cards with Tama-chan. Sara was busy showing Su stack of photos she gathered during their excavation trip. Shinobu was quietly setting the lounge table, right hand carrying a tray. Motoko was watching the television, her sword settled neatly on her lap. And Naru was at the edge of the stairs staring into an empty space with vacant look in her eyes.
Just your ordinary day at the Hinata.
Kitsune clapped her hands and seized their attention, "So! Are you gals up for it?"
Motoko turned lazily, eyes droopy, "Huh? Is this about that party again?"
"Oh yeah! That's for tonight right?" Su brightened, right fist in the air.
"Don't get too excited… geez… it's just a party and if you ask me, it'll be another all-night drinking fest…," Sara sighed, "Same thing that happened last year,"
"Yeah! I remember how mad you were when you woke up the next day with a massive hangover and lipstick drawings on your face!"
Sara flushed, "I still don't know why you have to drag the delivery guy… I don't blame him for laughing that hard… come to think of it… I never knew what I drank that night!"
"Oh come on hunny… you're not really much of a drinker you know… unlike your dad…," Haruka added offhandedly and gave her card opponent a hoot, "TAKE THAT YOU SLEAZY TURTLE!"
"Actually… I won't be serving any strong drinks tonight,"
"Huh? Are you sure Kitsune-sempai? It's very unlike you to have a party and not serve strong drinks… is there something wrong?" Shinobu settled herself comfortably beside Haruka.
"Are you sure? I won't trust anything that you give me!" Sara asked with suspicion, crossed her arms.
"I'm serious…," Kitsune smiled reassuringly, "And besides… this is not for us… this is for… Keitaro,"
Silence.
Motoko stared at Kitsune; Naru looked over as well.
"I just want Keitaro to have a good time… that's all… I mean… he hasn't been to any of our parties… right? So… let's make his first a memorable one… is that alright?"
For a moment nobody spoke. A cord has been struck deep in everybody's heart. Unseen yet felt.
The silence was deafening.
"Well… since you have that in mind… I guess it wouldn't hurt to let Keitaro see what he missed…," Motoko started but immediately felt awkward. It felt wrong to say such things. Insensitive.
"Yeah! And I need to get a chance to dance with him too… it's not fair that Motoko-chan's the only one he danced at Ocean's Best!" Su stood with energy.
Motoko blushed and turned towards the television again, whispered, "No comment,"
"Let me take care of the food," Shinobu offered with a smile, bowed slightly.
"That would be great Shinobu-chan! So everybody… I expect all of you at The Hinata Nite Life Club tonight!"
Just for you Keitaro. Just for you.
---
Keitaro found himself standing in front of an ordinary looking building, map on his right hand.
"Are you sure you're gonna be okay alone? You don't want me to come with you?" Seta called from inside the van, parked illegally at the street walkway.
Keitaro turned and smiled, "I'll be alright… it'll only be a few hours anyway… so don't worry,"
"Are you sure? Do you have your mobile phone with you?"
Keitaro felt for the bulkiness of the device in his back pocket and nodded, "Yep… I have it here… can't miss it,"
"Well… you give me a call and I'll pick you up, alright! Since we're here at Tokyo, I'll go to the university and let them know that you want to arrange a meeting… how's that?"
"Thank you so much Seta-san… I'm in your debt…,"
"I'll see you later then!" And with a wave, Seta drove away and avoided a signpost by an inch.
Keitaro sighed and entered the building.
To be treated like a child. But what else can I do? Can you help me…? U? Will you free me?
The inside was nothing like a tourist agency at all. A wide vacant space, a wooden wall at front with huge map of the world, large vases of exotic plants on each corner, a single door by the right. The right wall showcases myriads of photos showing foreign landscapes. And on the left wall there were signs written on different languages and on different writing styles. It was more like a distorted museum, with poor taste and lack of style. But the most baffling of all – it was totally empty.
Keitaro stood there and waited, unsure and confused.
He was about to go out and give up when the door suddenly opened. Keitaro held his breath.
"Can I help you sir?" A woman approached him, wearing clear round glasses, short skirt, professional look.
Keitaro was tongue-tied. For some odd reason, the woman looked oddly familiar. The way she spoke, the way she walked, the way she moved her hands, for Keitaro, he could feel some breeze of comfort. It felt like he has done this before… countless times. And the woman's actions showed it all. Her unconcerned gesture. That knowing look in her eyes. That shadow of familiarity. It's almost like a routine respond.
"I'm here to make a deposit," Keitaro said, handed her a card.
The woman inspected it. Looked up and said, "Certainly sir… follow me,"
---
The door revealed a small empty room. And directly in front of them was another plain wooden door. The woman though walked straight to the left wall, firmly pressed and it gave way to a frame, a hidden entrance.
Keitaro's heart was racing. Geez! What the hell is this place?
They walked into a hallway. Bright white light. The walls were painted silver. There were two video cameras attached to the ceiling, approximately a meter apart. A buzzing noise at the background. An unnatural breeze. And at the end was another nondescript doorframe.
The woman was a few feet away when the doorframe slid open. Two armed men came into view. Grim look on their faces. Weapons at the ready. Fingers on the trigger.
She turned towards Keitaro and smiled, found the look of worry on his face, "Don't worry sir… they are here for your own protection,"
Keitaro gulped, huskily whispered, "You don't say…"
It was a wide reception area. A long soft lounge lined the wall, facing the high table. There were a number of booths on the left and right side. Some were already occupied. Armed men on every corner, every wall, every side.
The woman approached the high table and passed the card to an attendant.
"Wow… it's so quiet here… it sure doesn't look like a bank…" Keitaro whispered, looking around, bewilderment in his eyes. It feels so… fake. Nobody's talking… no greetings… no signs of acknowledgement… even the employees around… it's like they don't know each other or something… it feels so heavy too… it's like they're expecting a sudden terrorist attack…
"Well that's because we're technically not a bank," The woman curtly answered, received a form and pencil, "This way sir…"
She then led Keitaro to a vacant booth.
Inside was an expensive looking table, leather chair, an emerald lamp on the corner and a red dial-less phone.
Placing the paper on the table, the woman offered the pencil, "Sir… if you could please write down the twenty-four alphanumeric pass key on the specified space…" pointing, she continued, "And if you could please write it three times…"
Keitaro sat and examined the paper. There was nothing in it but three consecutive numbers.
Keitaro's mind went blank.
What the hell is this? Twenty-four alphanumeric pass key! What the hell was I thinking? I couldn't possibly know something like that! And U didn't give me any clues… what am I supposed to do now! Should I tell them – look here… I don't really know anything about any passkey or what not… it's just that I'm following orders from an anonymous sender… gosh! That would sound even MORE suspicious! And those guys with guns… they're probably gonna kill me if I do this wrong! WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO NOW!
Keitaro panicked. His hand shook. And the thought that the woman was behind him, watching and waiting, only made matters worst.
Follow your instincts.
I trained you well enough for that.
Trust how your mind or body reacts.
Keitaro lowered his breathing. Calmed his overwrought nerves. Closed his eyes. Placed the pencil on the paper. Then started to write.
It was over in a few minutes. The woman smiled. Took the paper with her and disappeared into the reception area. And after a moment, a new attendant joined Keitaro on his booth.
"Good afternoon sir, my name is Alissa… I will be your personal banker for today… how may I assist you?"
"Huh? What happened to the other girl?"
"Oh? Her? Well… you don't have to worry about that anymore… she's just part of the authentication phase and since you passed that, the account is now open and ready for you…"
"Really?" A hand at the back of his head, Keitaro smiled, "Sorry to say this but she did made me feel a bit uncomfortable… its not that I'm complaining or something…"
"I'm not surprised… actually she's part of the overall security section of this building… I guess you can say that she's one of those guys with big guns…"
The heaviness in the air disappeared. Keitaro felt calmer. He felt at ease. The worst was over.
"Oh? I wouldn't have guessed… actually I'm here to make a withdrawal… if that's okay…" Keitaro flustered. He only had a vague idea of how much it could be but for some reason he deduced that it wouldn't be that much. He guessed that during his unknown six years he would have been working somewhere… so taking to account that he was never really good when it comes to money handling… he would have saved only a few.
"My pleasure… how much would you like to withdraw?"
"Well… I guess it wouldn't be that much… I'd like to withdraw all of it… if that's possible…"
Looking down on her card, she sighed, "That would be alright… but in your case… we'll have to issue you five separate cheques…"
"Huh? Can't we just do it in cash… I mean… it'll only be a few thousand dollars right?"
The attendant laughed. A genuine amusement, "You're pulling my leg… are you?"
"I'm sorry… but I'm not… if you don't mind could you tell me…" Keitaro took a deep breath,"Could you tell me how much is it really?"
"Okay… I'll just go along as you say," Reading directly from the card, announced, "Account Number MS0827IR0218, Account Name Keitaro Urashima, Account balance available – Five Hundred Million U.S. dollars,"
---
The sun was setting.
Motoko carefully closed the entrance door of the Hinata Apartments. Already, she can hear the raunchy noise of the party coming from Kitsune's bar. She felt excitement running through her. Tonight… maybe I can make you reconsider… if you forgot how it feels like… I'll make you remember… that's how it should be – for people inlove, Motoko blushed. Glad that she was last to leave the apartment.
Shinobu busied herself all afternoon preparing the dishes, helped by Haruka and Naru. Su and Sara decorated the club, left a sign by the door – Special Event Tonight: Invitation Only. Motoko and Kitsune did the groceries. Everybody was having a great time. They were closer to each other than before.
And it's all because of you.
Motoko can't help but feel warmth inside her. No matter how her heart has been broken by Keitaro's refusal to love, she could still feel the thrill of having him one way or another. And so she made a decision. It might rather be crude or indecent for others but she knew that she's a woman inlove. Tonight she would finally give in to her needs.
Keitaro… you will be mine tonight!
Motoko blushed again. Her whole body trembled with anticipation.
Then a scratching noise.
A shadow slowly appeared before her.
An apparition?
A ghoul?
No… it's the devil himself.
Motoko eyes went wide. There was a strong evil aura emanating from the intruder. An evil presence. She felt an extreme sense of danger. It swallowed her whole being. She felt herself drowning in blackness. She stepped back.
"I'm looking for Keitaro Urashima," The spectre said, his voice cold and deadly.
Motoko shook with fear, she couldn't help herself, as much as she wanted to stay calm, "Why… What do you want from him?"
The intruder smiled, "I want him… TO DIE!"
Then suddenly Motoko's view was filled with sudden flash of silver coming straight at her.
Hi there guys and gals! How is this chapter? Is this alright? Well… I hope so. Ultimatum chapters will end soon. Action is about to start. So stay tune and I promise you it'll be worth the wait! For all those who are worried about pairing… Keitaro will end up with somebody… I promise you. But its not gonna be who you think it'll be… but everybody will be happy with it. And to those who have their doubts… I intend to finish this story… so you can commit yourself. Thanks again to all those who gave their reviews. It means a lot to me. It doesn't really matter… I just wanted to see what everybody thinks of the story or if anybody is reading at all… to my faithful readers and reviewers – thank you!
Confused yet? See ya next chapter!
nivremous