TITLE: TOUCH OF FAITH by: nekozuki1776
DRAMA/SUPERNATURAL/ROMANCE
RATING: PG-13 due to strong language, violence, and slight adult situations
SUMMARY: A guarded man of ice with little emotion. A spirited young woman with a tragic past. It was a simple matter of fate the two figures meet. AU. Akira x Yuya pairing.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Samurai Deeper Kyo anime, manga or any of its characters. Kamijyo Akimine is the true legal and spiritual owner.
Touch of Faith
Chapter 2: And They Meet
"What do you have to report Alpha?"
"Same as the usual, leader. She returned home ten thirty last night without incident and a regular jogging routine this morning."
"Nothing out of the ordinary?"
"No leader."
"Very well. I will pass this information on. Tell Beta to report to me immediately after his shift. That will be all."
"Yes leader."
-o-o-o-
"And as indicated in the report, this acquisition will allow the company to increase their assets by 30 percent which stands to raise their overall profit margin by…"
The meeting informing the latest status of his client's most recent endeavor ended successfully as the other department heads offered him their usual compliments. His employer approached him and appreciatively shook his hand.
"Thank you Akira for another splendid presentation. The President will be pleased to hear your report of the additional profits."
"I do what I can sir."
"By the way, a few folks from the Sanada Corporation came in today and we are meeting them tonight at Riccardo's. I was hoping you would be able to join us."
"I was unaware of this visit."
"Frankly, I just got wind of it myself. But I heard that's how they work--coming in at the last minute with little notice to make sure their contractors are running a tight ship."
"I suppose their unorthodox ways of conducting business shouldn't be surprising sir, seeing the arduous process we were put through before they decided to hire us as their consultant."
"Don't remind me. That Yukimura Sanada is especially brutal. He was the one that asked you to compile a globalized report comparing the financial status of the existing Japanese companies that do business with the EU countries in comparison to those in the United States within his specified range, correct?"
"Yes. And it turned out he already had most of the numbers and he was simply testing us to see how long it would take us to compile this report," Akira inwardly seethed just thinking of that unpredictable president's request over the painstakingly intricate task.
"Good thing you were able to acquire all the information quickly through your contacts."
"Yes, but I do wish that we could have avoided all that nonsense."
"Well the important thing is, you were the key variable in acquiring the Sanada account and now we stand to end this year on a great note if the acquisition takes place."
Akira interrupted him, "Not IF, sir, but WHEN the acquisition takes place."
He chuckled, "I stand corrected Akira. So what do you say? You can join us tonight, at least for the cocktail hour, I hope?"
Akira didn't want to go. The lack of sleep was already catching up to him and he had planned on leaving work on time this evening. But he knew by the Director's tone that there would be no room for a polite refusal; especially when it was concerning the Sanada Corporation.
"No problem sir."
"Great then. I'll have the most recent reports of the candidate company the marketing department put together sent to your office. And Akira, I know I've said this to you before, but please feel free to call me Shinrei."
He stated politely but quickly, in the form of an automated response system, "If it's all the same to you, I would rather address you by your title or sir."
"Ah. Very well. If that is your wish."
That was his wish and his response every time Shinrei asked this semi-command disguised under a friendly request. But Akira didn't wish nor need such familiarity with his boss. He could have called Shinrei Taishirou the water dragon for all he cared. It was a waste of time nurturing fake camaraderie and it was an unnecessary deviation from his normal regimen of a reputable firm.
Despite its firmly based roots, this traditional Japanese company was globally oriented with branch offices stationed throughout the world. More than half of the employees working at the headquarter alone consisted of employees other than those of a Japanese nationality. In order to accommodate its diversified workforce, it allowed a fair amount of flexibility compared to the other standardizations of Japanese companies.
Akira knew the Director utilized this air of conviviality to bring false sense of security amongst his employees. As one of the most formidable and feared executives of Taishirou Corp., Shinrei was infamous for flushing out any weakness or incompetence within his group and drowning them out with his brutal tactics.
It mattered not that he was related to the Founder and Chairman of Taishirou Corp. Although it certainly didn't hurt to have the nepotistic benefits of carrying the same name as those of the company, Shinrei was ruthless and revered in his own right.
Fortunately, Akira was far from displaying any weakness or incompetence. Since his entrance to the company fresh out of graduate school with his MBA, he had yet to show Shinrei any sign of these disdained qualities. A brilliant strategist armed with supreme logic and business instincts, Akira was considered one of the most prized employees at Taishirou.
Shinrei had recognized this from day one and had supported him in many of his straightforward, no nonsense tactics resulting in numerous profitable clients over the past two years. Although he would never be mistaken for the friendly and sociable sort, Akira never faltered from his consistent business acumen of always keeping things professional and never personal.
His practice of keeping a cautionary distance from everyone he dealt with was widely known in and out of the company. The "everyone" included colleagues, supervisors, strangers, acquaintances as well as friends. The few people he considered worthy of friendship were even kept at bay in order to prevent any more emotional ties than necessary.
He didn't need any more friends. And he especially didn't need to pursue a sham of a friendship with Director Taishirou.
"I will see you at seven o' clock at Riccardo's this evening."
Akira politely bowed to Shinrei in acknowledgement and exited the conference room.
-o-o-o-
Yuya walked hurriedly through the door as she was greeted by an anxious Mahiro.
"Hey Yuya! What took you so long? I thought you were supposed to come home a half hour ago!"
She threw an apologetic glance in her direction as she hurriedly walked towards her bedroom, "Sorry Mahi. I got stuck at work. Let me get changed and I'll be ready in a few minutes."
"Fine." Mahiro called out to her, "Just make sure and dress nice. The reservation at Riccardo's is for 7:30!"
Despite a long, first day of classes and a busy afternoon at work, Yuya was excited to spend some quality time with Mahiro at one of their favorite restaurants. Although she usually preferred less upscale eateries, she was looking forward to going to a high class restaurant like Riccardo's to celebrate her start of college and Mahiro's new position at the hospital.
She slipped on a yellow floral sundress that accentuated her petite frame. She pulled out her ponytail holder and rearranged her hair in a French braid attractively interlaced with a silk ribbon. She retouched her face with a coat of lip gloss and face powder. Her light, smooth complexion which already contained a natural glow required very little make-up, if any. She only wore the very basics, even for special occasions such as this evening.
As a final action item on her checklist, Yuya felt for the gold pendant that she always wore around her neck. It was a gift from her brother on her 14th birthday.
The last day of his life.
-FLASHBACK-
"Nozomu, thank you so much for the present. It's so beautiful! But this looks expensive, maybe you shouldn't have."
"Yuya, you're worth all the precious jewels in the world and then some. But this is a very special necklace. There are special… components concentrated within the pendant that I need to explain to you-"
Yuya laughed spiritedly, "Special components? What, like magic? Come on big brother, I'm fourteen, not seven years old! And anyhow, you don't have to make up any stories to convince me Nozomu. This is the best gift I've ever received and I promise to always keep it close to my heart!"
For a split second, he offered her a smile that almost seemed melancholy, sad, and maybe even…regretful?
But the expression was gone as quickly as it had come.
She shook her head, convinced she had imagined it.
"I just have to do this one thing and we'll celebrate your birthday at your favorite restaurant tonight, ok?"
"Ok but don't you dare be late Nozomu! You're always late! You promised me!" Yuya lightheartedly threw a punch on his arm. Not really minding since his habit of always running late was chalked up as a fond and accepted trademark characteristic that would never change.
She didn't care. He was a great brother in every other way. Without any parents or relatives, Nozomu was the only presence in her life who she knew as family. And he was all the family she needed. Just as long as he was there to watch over her, nothing else mattered.
"I won't be late. I just have to run this one errand and I'll come back in time to take you out for a nice birthday dinner, ok?"
-END FLASHBACK-
He never returned.
The wait. The worry. The search.
Looking for him frantically throughout the city. Running into an alley and discovering a shadow of a figure in front of her brother.
And a long sword that was embedded through Nozomu's chest.
Yuya recklessly charging the masked figure like there was no tomorrow and instead being viciously cut by that same sword.
The memory of the attack remaining in the form of a long, jagged scar across her abdomen.
The wound was deep, hurt immensely, and took over thirty stitches to mend.
But the pain was nothing compared to the emotional anguish of losing Nozomu.
She thought of her dear brother everyday. Her caring, wonderful brother that had been her sole caretaker ever since she could remember.
She was determined to find his killer. While the current lead detective on the case seemed competent and dedicated enough--especially compared to his old, disgruntled predecessor--she needed more. She understood that he had other cases and responsibilities, but to Yuya, all the dedicated effort in the world wasn't enough.
She even recently hired an independent private investigator to work on the case. It was one of the main reasons for the necessity of her part-time jobs. She had performed an intensive research looking for the right P.I. who would be willing to take the extra time and effort in finding her brother's killer. Mahiro, of course, didn't know anything about the hiring of the investigator. Yuya was afraid if she ever found out, she would insist on paying for it, or worse yet, maybe even discourage the investigation itself.
She shook her mind of these thoughts. She wouldn't think of this tonight. It was a first time in a long while of going to an elegant restaurant. She was also excited about spending some quality time with Mahiro. Even though they lived under the same roof, their busy schedule and frugal budget seldom allowed a nice night out on the town like this.
With a final check in the mirror and a light tug on her pendant, Yuya turned and exited the room; joining her sister for a nice evening out.
-o-o-o-
"And they kicked Jinpachi out of the bar after that stunt!"
Roars of laughter filled the private quarter of the posh Italian restaurant
A raucous discussion was lead by an entertaining man who sat at the head of the table, throwing various anecdotes to make everyone laugh.
Akira sat on the other side, his stoic countenance interrupted by an occasional smile or a polite chuckle; not betraying his thoughts of the futility of this gathering and how he wished he was home, catching up on his sleep.
He knew there was a real reason why their most valued client had made this unannounced visit. The President wasn't the only one who was doing the visiting. This time, he had brought four of his staff members along with him, all eccentric and formidable as the leader himself. And Yukimura Sanada never made an ostentatious move without a reason.
"You seem deep in pensive thoughts Akira-kun," a handsome looking man placed a casual hand on Akira's shoulder.
Akira was quick in masking his surprise and abhorrence in being addressed and touched in such an informal manner. He very rarely allowed anyone past his comfort zone. But Yukimura Sanada often took these friendly liberties. Worse yet, Akira found himself caught off guard on more than one occasion by this deceptively playful president of the Sanada Corporation.
His intuition indicated that Yukimura held no malicious intent towards him. But there was something about this man that made him uneasy. Maybe because Yukimura was one of the few who had been able to nudge his usually cool and unmoving demeanor.
He wouldn't have been surprised if Yukimura and his entourage like staff were a part of a secret society of elite ninjas—weaving in and out of businesses, relentlessly taking over one company after another like thieves in the night.
Akira turned towards the owner of the genteel voice and responded to his inquiry, "Not at all, President Sanada. I was simply thinking about the reports I received this afternoon."
Yukimura offered him a light nod of approval and a chuckle. "Always in the business mode even in this festive environment. I'll go as far as to say you were the only one not listening to my story of Jinpachi's misadventures at the bar last week."
Akira secretly thanked his ability to process surrounding information while tuning out the rest of the world, "Of course I heard your witty story, President Sanada. I especially liked the part when he pretended he was a celebrity so they would forego the cover charge."
Yukimura grinned more fully now, "Ah yes Akira, that's why I hired your company--for your competent ability. You're smart, you know your business, infinitely polite, and multi-tasking. You never miss a beat my good man!" he punctuated his comment with a light slap on Akira's back.
Akira smiled back politely, "Thank you sir, but if I may ask, what is the real reason for your unannounced visit?"
Akira saw a knowing expression form on his face when all of a sudden, they heard a loud crash outside the room.
Shinrei, who was sitting nearest to the entrance, immediately stood up and opened the door to a chaotic scene of a waiter and a young woman along with what looked like the first course of their dinner splayed throughout the hallway of the restaurant floor.
Quick to recover from the display, Shinrei spoke out sternly, "What is the meaning of this?"
The waiter, apparently new on the job, was very much in panic mode. He stood up quickly and pointed a finger towards the startled female and accusingly voiced, "She ran into me sir!"
Yuya, who was still splayed unbecomingly on the floor, could only stutter in embarrassment, "I, I, I'm sorry. I was admiring this artwork while walking by when I accidentally tripped and ran into you."
"You certainly did run into me you clumsy girl! Now look what you've done! These dishes were supposed to be for the VIP's here!" The server pointed to the opened doorway which was now occupied by well dressed, curious looking business executives.
Yuya propped herself upright with the push of her palms and ignored the sting in her right hand. She bit back a biting retort saved for the rude waiter in her overwhelming need to take care of more urgent matters. She quickly stood up and bowed deeply toward the executives, "I apologize for ruining your dinner. I-"
The server interrupted, "You better be sorry!"
At her wits end, Yuya exploded, "Look, I apologized to you. You are unhurt and I am currently in the process of owning up to my responsibilities. I will compensate for the broken dishes as well as the food I've ruined. So the next plan of attack is solving the problem instead of griping and throwing a tantrum like a spoiled little child, do you hear me!?!"
Taken aback, the server backed off. Realizing only now the utter mess she had caused, the frustrated blond left the apology unchecked as she crouched down and started the process of picking up the pieces of broken plates off the floor.
The clientele under different stages of surprise, appalled, and amusement of the events taking place voicelessly stood still except for Yukimura who approached the kneeling girl and spoke to her in his melodic voice, "Here miss, a lady such as yourself in beautiful attire should not be sullying herself with such a task. My name is Yukimura Sanada and you-"
He was briefly disrupted by the annoying sound of the waiter who continued to mumble unpleasant expletives under his breath. Yukimura shot a demonic glare towards the waiter, "And I think," he commented in a lower tone that made Yuya's hair stand up on her neck, "it would be quite ungentlemanly of those involved to not offer a hand in the matter. Don't you think?" He punctuated the last sentence in a manner that motivated the waiter to quickly shut-up and aid her in the salvaging process.
Yuya peered up to the elite looking business man with the shoulder length black hair and dark blue eyes. He promptly switched back to his normal voice that seemed almost too soft and gentle for a man let alone a distinguished looking business executive. "I'm sorry for the interruption miss. Like I was saying, my name is Yukimura Sanada, and you are?"
"Pleased to meet you Mr. Sanada. My name is Yuya Shiina. Thank you for your offer of help but I'm doing fine on my own. Please don't trouble yourself."
"The cut on your hand tells me otherwise," he produced a handkerchief and promptly proceeded to wrap her hand with it.
She looked at her right hand that was now neatly bound in the silk cloth before she even had the chance to protest, "Uh. Thank you."
It took a total of six minutes to call for the manager in charge, have the restaurant staff members perform an efficient clean-up, and Yuya to provide an apologetic summary to wrap up the mystery of the first course destruction.
Once again, it was Yukimura that made the first move to lighten the serious situation, "So the conclusion is, it was only the salad course that went into ruins, no one was seriously hurt, and Miss Yuya here got to witness a beautiful painting." He glanced at Yuya sneaking a peak at the said artwork which had started the destructive chain reaction in the first place. She blushed at being caught and returned her attention to the proceedings.
Yukimura continued, "So all is well that ends well," and he added as an afterthought, "And please allow me to pay for the damages."
Akira, who had been closely observing the scene in the background spoke up without hesitation, "President Sanada, please do not trouble yourself with this." And he turned to the manager who was still seemed to be processing the whole event, "Please send the bill of the damages to our company's attention."
Yuya abruptly turned to the owner of the curt voice, and found herself looking into the most intense set of eyes she had ever encountered. Her breath hitched slightly at the sight of the handsome blond figure that accompanied the captivating ice blue eyes but very quickly recovered as she shoved the thought aside; remembering her indignance to his insensitive offer.
"There is no need for your money. I will be paying for the damages."
The said eyes were now completely focused on her as he countered without a pause, "Miss, I was simply trying to resolve this situation as quickly as possible. I would have thought that you might be agreeable to this accommodating gesture."
Once again, she refocused her mental soundness as she enunciated more loudly than she had intended to compensate for the unwanted distraction of his hypnotic stare, "I will be taking full responsibility for it. I don't need some rich, pompous executive or his company taking pity on me with his accommodating gesture, do you understand?" Her green eyes burned bright with anger as she shook with emotion.
Akira regarded her for a moment with an unidentifiable expression followed by a short response, "Suit yourself miss." He then turned swiftly to the manager, "And I believe there are dinners to be prepared for us?"
"Of course sir, right away sir!" the server scuttled away, as did the manager, right before giving Yuya a glance and mumbling that he would speak to her later.
Everyone, including the business man with a chilly demeanor, turned away to head back into the private room. Only Yukimura remained, speaking to Yuya once more. "How is your hand?"
Yuya looked at her hand which was now tied neatly with his expensive looking handkerchief, "Oh, I'm fine, Mr. Sanada. And thank you for the handkerchief. It's got blood on it I'm afraid, so I would have to wash it before returning it to you or maybe I should just pay you for-"
"Please cease your offers of compensations. There is no need for that. What I was concerned about was the cut. It looked a bit deep and I wanted to make sure it was ok."
"Oh, it just stings a little but I've been keeping pressure on it and I think the bleeding has stopped."
He looked relieved, "Good. I'm glad you're ok. I apologize for what you had to go through."
"I'm fine, really."
Yukimura huffed lightly, "The nerve of that ungracious waiter being so rude as to complaining and placing the entire blame on you. It was quite unchivalrous of him."
Yuya smiled in amusement, "Well, I don't know about chivalry but I admit he was quite annoying and it doesn't take away from the trouble I caused here. "
"On the contrary, this is the most excitement I've had all day. And please keep the handkerchief," he took a card out of his front suit pocket and handed it to Yuya, "Here is my contact information should you experience any residual injuries or might want to contact me for any other reason. "
Before she could utter a surprised response to his overt friendliness, the door of the private room opened to a sight of a long haired man who had an aura of an overprotective bodyguard.
"Yukimura-sama."
The young president responded, "Very well, Saizo,"
Yuya spoke up first, "I won't detain you any longer from your dinner and I should be heading back to my table. Thank you again Mr. Sanada."
Yukimura bid her a good evening and walked graciously towards the doorway.
Before she turned to leave, she caught a sight through the opened doorway that made her breath hitch slightly once again. She couldn't have missed it if she tried. Those ice blue eyes that expressed so much yet revealed so little.
A force almost willed her to speak out to him. To say something… she didn't know what. And she thought better in the reality of the situation and instead gave him a piercing stare as if silently communicating that she wasn't intimidated by him.
She gave a polite bow towards the direction of Yukimura and his "bodyguard," turned on her heels, and started her way back to Mahiro. The owner of the said ice blue eyes briefly lingered on the retreating figure before closing the door and shoved away his niggling curiosity along with an unidentifiable twinge of emotion as he protectively enclosed himself back into his world.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-
A/N (11.23.04) – A cultural note about the name usage: In Japan, a person customarily introduces himself by his Surname first and his First Name second. For example, Yuya would introduce herself as Shiina Yuya and Yukimura would introduce himself as Sanada Yukimura.
The characters address each other on a first name basis in the SDK manga. In most cases, I will be following suit and will stick with the westernized First Name/Last Name format (hopefully a benefit to most readers).
Sometimes diminutive titles will be added to emphasize the state of the relationship between people. For example, in the polite form, Yuya could be addressed as Yuya-san or Miss Yuya.
When one is on more familiar terms with the other (friendship, close acquaintance, couples, family members) the first name could be used with or without a title, depending on the level of familiarity. For example, Yukimura at times adds titles like –kun (Akira-kun) to stress informality or when Yuya jokingly adds the ending –chan (Mahi-chan) to portray her sisterly affection towards Mahiro.
More specific explanation of some common Japanese titles:
1- san The universal title used amongst casual acquaintances, colleagues, and strangers
2- sama Title used when addressing someone with utmost respect or reverence. i.e. Yukimura-sama (Saizo's way of calling his boss/master).
3- chan Used when addressing younger females, or people of familiarity (i.e. Mahi-chan)
4 - kun Used when addressing younger males, or people of familiarity (i.e. Akira-kun) Yukimura often takes these liberties by addressing people this way to encourage camaraderie with everyone he meets, even his enemies. He does this sometimes to test the person's threshold or just to tease them.
Answers to a few questions:
Q: Who was the figure spying on Yuya?
A: It's not Akira, but it is a character from the manga.
Q: Will there be love triangles and love twists?
A: I don't know yet. Maybe.
Q: Will there be other SDK characters in this story?
A: YES. As seen in this chapter, Yukimura, Shinrei and Saizo have been introduced. I plan on bringing in a few more characters as the story progresses.
One of the characters I am seriously considering is an obscure figure from the manga; an intriguing character in a discomforting sort of way. I better stop writing before I reveal too much…
Thank you for your readership!
And a special ARIGATO to all the reviewers:
kazemar-kaemi, Lady of Genesis, shadowcat15, Arin Ross, Ayumi Omoide, Happster360, Starian Princess, yami1, LadyWater2010, The Narrator, mystylady, Triste1, Kaze on uta, and Alyson Metallium
I was blown away from all the kind feedbacks and helpful critiques. Your reviews mean a lot to me and give me further inspiration to write. Thank you. -nekozuki