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
10
'Life is full of inconsistencies. Most of the times… I wander around thinking of things that should have been. But nothing can bring back the past and all I can do is learn from them. No matter how painful,'
'The Circle Dance – Act 3: A hand to hand combat is merely a savage form of dance aimed to hurt or destroy your opponent,'
'A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!'
---
The air itself seemed to throb with uncanny intensity. The wind blew with feverish pitch. Trees swayed. Leaves danced around like silent audience. The show had merely started. Two warriors in a death match. Their arena, the front open ground of the Hinata Apartments. The clouds gave way to the moon, full and bright. Dark skies illuminated.
Motoko has her sword high. Tears streaming down her face. Her hands shaking with pain and fury.
It can't be true! It's all a lie! Keitaro is not dead! He did not die! He returned to us days ago… he returned to me!
Motoko flinched. And for a moment she stood there with her arms raised her sword high in the air. Her mind in chaos. Part of her wanted to believe it's all a lie. Part of her was desperate to believe it's all a lie. She closed her eyes. Concentrated.
I have abandoned this sword technique years ago. I willed myself to forget… it brought me nothing but his memories. This will be my last. But… can I do it? Will I ever summon my usual strength in this condition? I'm so confused… what has happened to you Keitaro? What has happened to us? Was it all too late? You suffered so much because we were too proud to admit how you meant to us… how you meant to me! I'm so sorry Keitaro… please… forgive me.
"HAAAAAIIIIIIIII!" Motoko screamed as images of the past flew through her mind as clear the night blue sky.
--- 'Let go of me! I'd rather drown in the hot springs than be saved by you!'
'You've got a fever! What if you get worst Motoko?'
'It's none of your business!'
'Yes it is my business because… because… I'm the apartment manager now WORK WITH ME!' ---
"AIR-
--- 'I don't want to end up like my sister! Let go of me Keitaro!'
'I have no idea what you're talking about! But no matter what you wear you're still the same Motoko nothing will change that!'
'Oh what?'
'For crying out loud it's only a stupid dress, what are you so afraid of?' ---
"SPLITTING-
--- 'I can't defeat my sister… its impossible'
'Motoko! It doesn't matter to me which path you choose, it's your decision! See? But before that you have to make that decision yourself!' ---
The ground trembled. As Motoko slice her sword towards the ground, the wind blew furiously around her. Leaves and dirt flew in every direction. The clouds hovered above them, flashes of lightning, echoes of thunder. It was an incredible phenomenon. Something that the Hinata have not seen nor felt for a long time.
Motoko's mind suddenly went blank. Then it was filled with one vision.
His face.
His smile.
Keitaro.
"SWORD!"
As soon as the sword touch the ground, the wind balled into one vast sphere gathering leaves, branches and rocks within. The earth groaned. The trees swayed towards the enormous orb. Lightning snaked through the ground and then in an instant the colossal ball shot towards its target burrowing a depression on the ground as it sped through like a massive bullet.
Motoko knelt. Her knees gave way as the last of her strength diminished. She dropped her sword and watched the destruction before her.
The enormous sphere exploded within contact. Clouds of dust shot upwards and then it waved around leveling anything on its path, wind blew everywhere, trees were uprooted and the target area was nothing more than a deep crater.
Then silence.
For a moment everything was in an eerie blur. Nothing could be seen. Nothing could be heard.
Then a shrill sound of laughter.
"HAHAHAHA! Wow! That was absolutely stunning!" A phantom emerged from the cloud of dust and dirt. His shirt disheveled, his hair blown, a look of complete surprise and amusement on his face, "You truly are incredible!"
Motoko's eyes were wide with astonishment, her lips trembled, whispered, "It can't be… you're still…"
"There's more to you than meets the eye young woman!" The enemy turned murderous grin, "Too bad though…"
Motoko grabbed her sword. She cringed, ignored the ache in her arms and raised the blade. A foot suddenly came into view and crashed her hand to the rocky ground.
"AAARGH!" Motoko screamed in pain. She let go of the weapon.
The intruder was standing before her. His sword on his right hand, raised, ready to deliver the final blow. A devilish grin on his face, eyes dancing with fiery malice, whispered, "Any last words… my dear fair maiden?"
"Damn you… damn you to hell!"
"Funny you said that… we're already in hell!"
Motoko snarled. Gave her last stand of defiance. Then closed her eyes. Resigned herself to imminent death.
I'm so sorry Keitaro. I'm so sorry for the things that I've done and have not done… things that I've said and have not said. I guess I have to watch over you from the afterlife. There are so many things I wanted to say… if only I could see your face even for a fleeting moment… I could die happy.
New tears warmed Motoko's eyes.
Farewell… my love. I wish you happiness… please remember me… even for a single moment of your life… I'll be grateful and my soul will rest to eternity.
Scuffling noise.
Slashing sound.
Then Motoko felt her body lift the ground. The wind blew across her face. She felt light.
Silence.
Am I dying? Is this death? Is my soul traveling now towards the heavens of my ancestors?
Opening her eyes, she gasped in complete shock. Close to her face was Keitaro.
Gods! Have you granted my final wish? A miracle? A passage towards my death tunnel?
Unsure of herself and her eyes, Motoko raised a hand and touched Keitaro's face. It was real. And it took Motoko a full minute to realize what was happening. She looked around and found herself in Keitaro's arms, being carried away towards the safety of the Hinata Apartments.
A few seconds later, Motoko was carefully laid to the floor. Keitaro's face looking down on her with gentle eyes.
Then all of a sudden, Motoko grabbed Keitaro and kissed him with intense passion. She locked her arms around his neck. Tasting his lips, his mouth, his tongue. Breathing the air he breathes and she could not hold on any longer. She cried helplessly in his arms, buried her face in his chest and trembled. She felt his arms wrap around her body and she felt warmth, security, safety.
"I'm so sorry Motoko. I promise you I won't let this man hurt you anymore…"
Then they heard the call.
"Keitaro Urashima! Or should I say… Keyu Unetvicesima… we finally meet again!"
---
Keitaro's heart was boiling with extreme anger and frustration.
He blamed himself for letting the people he cares get hurt. He has been warned before and yet he did nothing to prepare. It has been his mistake to let his guard down and just move on without the consideration that something this remote could be possible.
Anything's possible.
Nothing could surprise him now.
Nothing.
He gave Motoko a light kiss on the forehead as he stood to face his enemy. But she clung on to him, refusing to let go. Keitaro felt his heartache grew deeper. It has all been his fault.
"Motoko… I need to go…"
"No… please… don't… leave… me…"
"Motoko…" Looking down to her, he stared deep into her eyes, "Trust me. I will come back for you. Everything will be okay… trust me…"
For a long time they stared at each other. Then Motoko bowed and released him.
Keitaro faced his opponent.
"It's been a while… don't you think? Keyu?" The man smiled. His hair flowing into the wind. His sword glowing eerily in the dark, full moon shining above them.
Keitaro stepped closer. Slowly and apprehensively. His eyes darting everywhere, taking the environment in, the battleground, all details noted. He reveled in his own calmness. Part of him was ready, even eager to begin. And Keitaro was amazed. Already he could see several tactics in his mind on how to take this man down quickly and effectively.
Trust your instincts.
I trained you well enough to survive on your own.
"I guess not long enough…" Keitaro answered. Stepping ever closer.
A mad laughter pierced the stillness of the night.
"My dear Keyu jests!" A clapping sound, "I never hear you say anything funny before… you were always… serious – deadly serious,"
"Was I?"
"Oh yes… and you know what's going to be even funnier?"
"Oh? What is it?"
"When I bring your head into the table of the HOLY COUNCIL!"
The man charged. He stabbed straight towards Keitaro only a few steps away. But Keitaro managed to dodge the deadly blade and swung swiftly around; stretching his right leg high, shot a kick into the attacker's head.
The attacker spun, body lifted in the air and dropped heavily onto the ground. Clouds of dust. He tried to reach for his sword but it was kicked towards the oblivion of the trees as Keitaro came quickly above him to hit him again.
A sickening crunch echoed as Keitaro delivered a heavy blow onto the attacker's head. Blood sprayed upwards. He shook then finally went still. It was over in less than a minute. Keitaro looked down for the last time, a glint from his steely eyes then turned away.
---
Motoko felt rush of heat travel through her whole body.
She watched the fight with absolute amazement. Her heart was beating fast. She was sick of worry only to realize in the end that she has nothing to worry about. She felt wet between her legs. For some odd reason she felt aroused.
Where did he learn to fight like that? So much confidence… so much precision… his body moving like well oiled machine.
An assassin.
Her hand on her chest as she watched Keitaro swung with incredible speed and hit his target with confident precision. He came into battle unarmed yet he managed to maim his opponent with uncanny speed. It was so unlike the Keitaro she knew… yet she was amazed by his skills… the look in his eyes was terrifyingly cruel, cold and merciless. Shot his enemy with his foot without any hint of hesitation.
To destroy the enemies of the holy council.
Was it all true?
---
"Don't you ever turn your back on me Keyu!"
Keitaro paused. Surprised that his enemy was still conscious. Keitaro prepared himself for another attack. He quickly turned and he saw a flash of metal coming straight at him.
A swishing sound.
Then Keitaro's vision was covered by long brown hair, wide open eyes, soft little lips.
Naru.
Keitaro caught Naru just in time and found a bejeweled knife sticking at the back of her right shoulder. Blood everywhere, soaking her shirt.
"Naru… Naru!" Keitaro carefully turned Naru around.
"Tsk… what a waste. If she hadn't been on the way… it was a perfect shot,"
"You bastard!" Keitaro shot the man with a deadly glare.
"Do you wish to continue?"
"You bastard…" Keitaro's voice turned deadly cold.
They heard a noise coming from the stone steps. A few sirens at the background. Kitsune and the others were coming.
"Tsk… what a nuisance, we'll have to finish this somewhere else Keyu…" The attacker stood. His head bleeding profusely, his clothes torn. An amused look in his face, a malicious smile, "An abandoned facility on the northern beaches of Japan. We'll settle this where everything started," He raised a hand, waved then disappeared into the darkness of the trees.
"I'll be waiting Keyu Unetvicesima…"
---
"NARU! NARU! NARU!" Keitaro was trembling with desperation. This can't be happening… Naru! Naru! Please be okay! Oh God please!
Naru opened her eyes. Pain obvious in her face. She smiled.
"Keitaro… you're… okay…"
"No… don't speak… save your energy, the others are coming… we'll get you to a hospital… just hold on," A tear on Keitaro's eyes.
Naru raised her hand and touched Keitaro's face. Tears welled in her eyes.
"You're… so… kind…"
Keitaro rocked Naru gently, trying hard to suppress the tears that were threatening to flow. He nodded.
"You… know… I… I… never… really… got… over… you… that night… please… forgive me… Keitaro…"
"Naru… Naru…" Keitaro whispered.
"I… carried… it… with… me… for a… long… long… time… please forgive… me… Keitaro…"
---
It was raining. The Hinata Apartments was empty save for two, one tenant and one manager. The others were partying at Haruka's teahouse. It was the perfect time for Keitaro to spend his last night with Naru.
A loud crash.
And it wasn't the way he expected it to be. Keitaro shook his head, dusted himself, slightly dazed. His left arm was numb and his legs were aching. Looking around he realized that he crashed into Motoko's room.
Gosh… of all the places to crash… Motoko's going to be really peeved off with this.
Then he heard a thud behind him. His skin crawled with fear. He never thought that he'd actually be afraid of the one person he wanted to be with. The one person he cares the most. The one person he loves.
Naru.
Her eyes were glowing red with fury. One arm raised, hand balled to a fist.
"So… you think you can just run off from us like that… huh?"
"Naru… be reasonable… I'm not running away from you… I just need… I just…"
"Then what is it?"
"I just need to follow my dreams… I…"
"LIAR!"
A fist plowed into Keitaro's face. He felt his body lift from the ground, hurtle towards the next room and crash into another wall. Clouds of dust. Consciousness threatening to leave him. He fought hard not to pass out.
Naru was walking casually towards him. There were tears streaming down her face. But that did not lessen Keitaro's fears, it only worsen it. For the first time in his life he was truly afraid. He doubts if he would make it out alive tonight.
A flash of lightning
"LIAR! Your dream is to enter the Tokyo U… to finish your course with me! And now you're telling me this!"
"Why can't you understand Naru! I'll only be away for a couple of months… for crying out loud… I didn't even get a chance to start the semester because of you! Don't you remember?"
"What!"
Another painful blow and Keitaro found himself in a small crater across the hallway.
Geez… if we keep this up, nothing will be left of the Hinata Apartments… damn… if she wants to hurt me this badly why not just kill me right now!
Keitaro stood, listed for a moment but remained firm, "I've had enough of this childishness Naru! Will you just GROW UP!"
Keitaro braced himself for a blow, praying all the while to pass out to save himself from excruciating pain and a night of torment. But nothing came.
"You stupid idiot…" Naru has her head low, her mouth in an ugly snarl, her eyes red, face fully contorted with pure rage, "You stupid… stupid idiot…"
A pause.
"I DON'T CARE ANYMORE! YOU STUPID IDIOT! YOU'RE NOTHING! NOTHING! NOTHING! NOTHING! –
"YOU'RE JUST A SELFISH STUPID PERVERT WHO KNOWS NOTHING! YOU CAN NEVER BE ANYTHING! –
"YOU CAN JUST DREAM ON! I HOPE YOU NEVER COME BACK AT ALL… YOU CAN DIE FOR ALL I CARE! DON'T COME BACK HERE! THERE'S NOTHING FOR YOU TO COME BACK HERE FOR ANYWAY!"
A pause.
A flash of lightning.
Silence.
For Naru, she may have said too much. Her fury got the best of her but her pride won't let her give in. She watched how her words affected Keitaro. His stunned face, his unmoving and broken body. She could see how he felt right that moment. She may have broken his heart in ways more than one. For some reason she felt satisfied. She wanted to hurt him so badly.
You deserved it anyway… stupid idiot trying to leave us here all alone… what kind of manager are you? Are you a man at all?
Then Keitaro stood. His eyes closed. Naru caught a glimpse of a single tear flow from his eyes. But his face was a mask of grave seriousness. He never spoke a word. He just stood there, then turned quietly around and disappeared inside his room.
A flash of lightning.
Those were Naru's last words to Keitaro. And she knew deep inside that she had lost him... forever.
---
I'm so sorry… Keitaro.
The U Project
Ultimatum: Closed
Next
The Final Series
The U Project: Supremacy
Hey there guys and gals! How's it going? I apologize for the delay. I hope nobody got confused with how I wrote this last chapter of the Ultimatum series. It's quite a bit dramatic and I hope I didn't ruin much of the action thingy of the story. Again I apologize for the mix up in the end. 08, 09 and 10 is just one big chapter cut into three for convenient reading purposes. I hope that this second series was a bit illuminating with Keitaro's missing six years. Unfortunately, there's more to it than just that… and you'll be surprised at how it really turned out. Mutsumi might just have the answer!
It's been a long journey. Ultimatum chapters have been finally completed. I hope you stay tune for the next and final installment of this short and silly fanfic of mine. I promise everybody that all your questions will be answered with the final installment, I won't leave anything uncovered. That's one thing about this type of story… there should be a very solid conclusion. And there will be!
My deepest appreciation to those who never tire reading and reviewing. Please stay with me for a little while longer. There are only a few chapters left. So please keep writing your reviews, it really interests me to how you react with the story. Thank you.
See ya next chapter! Cheers!
nivremous