TITLE: TOUCH OF FAITH by: nekozuki1776
DRAMA/SUPERNATURAL/ROMANCE
CHAPTER RATING: PG
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 3: A Roomful of Denials
"Yuya, where have you been? The appetizer arrived ages ago and I was about to send a search party after you!"
"I'm really sorry Mahi. I ran into a little trouble."
"What happened?"
"Well, I was admiring a painting in the hallway when…"
-o-o-o-
The two women chatted spiritedly as they finished off their appetizer and salad. The older of the two listened in amusement as the other finished the accounts of her recent adventure in the restaurant hallway.
Mahiro chuckled. Only Yuya could make a simple trip to the restroom into a misbegotten adventure. But there was one interesting piece to the story that definitely piqued her interest.
"Hmm. I'm just curious about one thing Yuya, who is this blue eyed character that you speak so fondly of?"
Sensing forthcoming entrapment, Yuya sat back quickly as she answered cautiously, "What do you mean?"
Her reaction to the instigating question was all Mahiro needed to continue the act as she displayed a look that spoke volumes, "Oh nothing. It's just that in your retelling of the events, you seemed the most animated in the part about the mysterious, hottie with the most striking ice blue eyes that you've ever seen."
Yuya sputtered, almost choking on the bread she was nibbling on. "I did not say it like that!"
"Not out loud but-"
"Look, I don't know what you're talking about. Like I said before, this person was, rude, callous, and nothing like the gentleman that helped me with the cut on my hand!" She lifted her wrapped hand to prove her point.
"As appreciative as I am of the person that was trying to protect you from the aftermaths of a minor cut, I can't help but observe President Sanada as a handkerchief donning gigolo who was trying to sweet talk his way into my sister's naïve little heart." Mahiro waved his business card in hand, allowing the scent of the designer cologne that emanated from it to float in her direction.
Yuya huffed arrogantly, trying to hide her embarrassment and awe of how accurately Mahiro was able to assess the personality of the admittedly overfriendly businessman. "He wasn't exactly like that."
Yuya then remembered to have the proper sense to be annoyed by the rest of Mahiro's statement, "And I am NOT naïve. I just tend to see the best in people. You said that was a good thing!"
Mahiro nodded, "True, which is why I find it curious of the negative commentary you're offering of him and the surprising number of times he seemed to have come up in your story considering your distaste for this man. He must have really made an impression on you."
On the verge of frustration overload, Yuya blurted out, "Let's not talk about this anymore, ok?" And as if a higher power was listening to her desperate plea, their main course arrived; forcing them to surrender to a temporary détente.
Mahiro observed her ward who was now scarfing down her dinner as if she hadn't eaten for days. While most of her teasings were done out of pure affection combined with a tiny bit of sadistic amusement, a small part of her wondered. It was quite obvious in her little sister's poor rendition of a poker face that this man had indeed captured her interest.
In the last ten minutes of her speaking, Mahiro had seen Yuya blush no less than three times, stutter in frustration mid-sentence twice and her bright jade eyes sparkle with an emotion she had never seen before.
She didn't have a problem with this, of course. If anything, Mahiro was relieved to see Yuya at least showing some evidence of what a normal eighteen year old should have been experiencing.
For the last four years they lived together, she had never raised any interest in boys, let alone go out on a date. With her studying, working, training, and helping to care for the home, she knew there wasn't much time left in her schedule for the social scene. Mahiro had hoped and even encouraged her to go out on numerous occasions but Yuya always brushed the question aside or simply smiled and stated there wasn't anyone in her life.
So it was with a sense of happiness and curiosity she looked forward to hearing more about the incorrigible, blue eyed man. He was obviously older than Yuya but according to her description, he didn't seem that much older; at least not as old as the hanky offering flirt, she bet.
Seeing that Yuya had long since surpassed her threshold for embarrassment, Mahiro reluctantly acquiesced in allowing her peace for now. She thought of encouraging Yuya to contact that Yukimura fellow to get through to the mystery man as her next course of action.
However, an image of the persistent president attempting further overtures on her innocent sibling nixed that notion as she decided it was best to let nature take its course rather than playing the overbearing cupid. Her rational sister would decide on her own accord if she waned to see him again.
When it came to discussing matters of the heart with Yuya, it was always best to give her all the facts to let her make sound judgments on her own cognition. Yuya always chose the wiser path as long as she was armed with the proper information and some guidance. And there had never been an occasion where Mahiro mislead her with an ill-gotten advice. For that matter, she couldn't think of a time when she kept important things from Yuya or blatantly lied to her.
With the exception of the investigation.
Mahiro was definitely walking a fine line with her secret rendezvous with the Detective. To be exchanging information regarding possible leads to Nozomu's killer without Yuya's knowledge was a potentially damaging act to their now close knit relationship.
She wondered if this was worth the risk as she sipped on her red wine, recalling this morning's meeting.
-FLASHBACK-
"Hey."
"On time as usual Detective."
The tall, black haired investigator approaching their usual table at the diner offered no verbal apology but an accommodating nod in her direction, "The chief was nagging me to have the paperwork filed on a longstanding case that was finalized yesterday."
She wondered if 'finalized' meant he had solved the case or it was abandoned due to one reason or another. She opted not to ask. "That's ok. I went ahead and ordered you a hearty breakfast."
Her eyes directed his attention to the cup of black coffee sitting demurely on the table.
He smiled. A smirk of a smile, but a smile nonetheless. It was rare for him to offer even that much of an emotion. Although she was initially put off by this man's demeanor when they met years ago, Mahiro soon got used to his neutral and oftentimes harsh character. She quickly learned that a genial personality mattered little when it came to being a street smart detective. She recognized him for the competent, justice driven man that he was--things that the previous detective on this case severely lacked.
The detective usually didn't say much and only answered when spoken to. He was pensively quiet but always observing. He rarely offered help, but was infinitely dedicated to a cause when he did.
And he had offered.
Soon after Nozomu's case was placed on the backburner as "indefinitely unsolvable," it was he who had initiated the series of meetings to discuss any possible leads offline--official or unofficial—to solve this case.
Mahiro didn't ask for an explanation of why he was helping. She learned long ago that when fate decides to offer you a hand, one should eagerly take it—even if it came in the form of a rough edged detective with a hell of vigilante streak.
He took a sip of his slightly cooled brew and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "Mind if I smoke?"
It was Mahiro's turn to smirk, "You ask me this every time and you know my answer. You're a big boy. You do what you want."
He countered in a sardonic tone, "Thought I'd ask, you being a doctor and all."
"Then you won't mind me telling you that cigarettes kill."
"Everyone dies, Doc. I just want to have a hand in mine."
"Then must you have a hand in my death?"
"Hey Doc, you think second hand smoke is any worse than the crappy pollution we got going on outside? At least I've got the decency to blow smoke away from you."
She shook her head in exasperation wanting to sternly rebuttal all the wrongs with his pathetic argument. His statement didn't hold water and he knew it. He puffed away her warnings without lament while having his fun testing the young doctor. They went through this song and dance every time.
She had remarked the effects of cigarettes the first few meetings in all the seriousness of her command until it soon became an integral opening to their every meeting. After months of the same biting dialogue, it almost had a comforting effect to now be able to banter with this usually unresponsive detective.
"Any results from the leads we discussed last?"
"No."
Mahiro sighed. Another meeting filled with nil results. She was getting tired of all the dead ends. It really felt as though the killer had never existed. But she knew the "it" was out there. That sword wielding murderer who left what could only be described as a professional hit on her best friend.
"But I have a new lead that might have some promise." He hesitated before going on, "I don't know if you're ready to hear this."
The detective's hesitancy brought Mahiro out of her straying thoughts. He rarely staggered when speaking. "I'm listening."
"Rumor on the streets is that there's an elite group that's supposedly endowed with certain… supernatural powers."
Mahiro blinked once, then a second time before responding, "What?"
He continued, "Look, I know this sounds ridiculous but there's been a few unexplainable incidents occurring in the city lately and I feel like it somehow points to this mysterious group."
"What unexplainable incidents?"
"Like darkness falling in the back alley in the middle of the day. Only to realize that certain stores within that area was completely cleaned out of their merchandise by the time it becomes light again."
"Grand theft under heavily overcast weather?" she suggested.
"I wish it was that simple. I know that's what everyone else saw it as but there was strange evidence that pointed to something else." He stopped; displaying another one of his rarely seen hesitant expressions.
"Go on," she coaxed.
"I felt an evil presence during my investigation at the site."
"Evil presence? Like an aura?"
Seemingly reassured by her show of curiosity rather than the expected ridicule to the less than scientific experience, the detective continued, "It was this dark, heavy feeling as if my instincts had kicked in, warning me that something was severely screwed up with this whole affair. But the real kicker is that this feeling was very similar to the presence I felt at the place of Nozomu's murder four years ago."
He sighed darkly, as if reliving the event and continued with his explanation, "There's also been a higher than average number of missing persons and deaths in the neighborhood where the incident took place. It hasn't been publicized as much because most of the bodies were identified as homeless citizens. The deaths have been attributed to natural cause or sickness due to the harsh outdoor conditions but I'm not entirely convinced."
Mahiro stopped to consider his statement. As a doctor, she had always been taught to rely on scientific evidence in seeking solutions. A system of analytical thinking with the use of empirical data had always given her the needed tools to resolve the many challenges that came up in her line of work.
But as a person who relied on her instincts in facing the more challenging events in her life, she was also a firm believer in the exceptions to the rule.
In the journey of life there are many paths--scientific and not so scientific-- each which carry its own advantages depending on the situation at hand. The important part was knowing which path to take.
"I see," Mahiro replied. "So what are you doing to investigate this matter and what can I do to help?"
"I'm keeping an extra close eye on the area while placing more security there. And the next time an unusual death occurs, I want to ask you for your assistance in performing an independent autopsy."
She was undaunted by his straightforward request. She knew that 'independent' meant carrying this out in the strictest of confidence. His grave tone indicated suspect of possible corruption within his network that might eventually lead to the identity of Nozomu's killer. As a long shot as it might be, she trusted his instincts and thus didn't require further insistence. In all the times they've known each other, he had never asked her for this type of help before and it was all she needed for now to comply.
"Fine. You know what my new hours are. Just try to work around it so we don't raise any suspicions, alright?"
He nodded and changed to a less serious tone as he broached a new topic.
"She called me the other day."
"Yuya?"
"Yes. I told her there weren't any new leads."
"That's not entirely the truth."
"So you wanted me tell her about this?"
"…No. Things are going really well for her now. The last thing I want to do is to have potentially baseless leads giving her false hope like it did so many times in the past. I also don't want her in any danger."
He nodded, giving her a look of agreement in her decision. "Interesting thing though."
"What?"
"She seemed less persistent than usual. Almost as though she was resigned in giving up or…"
"Or what?"
"I don't know. She just didn't seem entirely herself. Not in a bad way. Just not herself."
"Well, she was nervous about her first day of school."
"Hm."
"There's something you're not telling me here Detective."
"I'm sure it's nothing."
Not convinced of his answer, she restated her sister's continuing determination, "Yuya has always been reckless with anything concerning Nozomu. It's the only topic I have difficulty approaching her freely about without having the conversation go awry. She is so practical and rational on so many levels but at the mere mention of Nozomu, everything changes about her."
She closed her eyes in slight pain, remembering the last conversation she had on this delicate topic when Yuya's eyes turned a dangerous dark green as her expression turned to one of sadness followed by a distinct feature of cold, steeled anger. "If this isn't an example of the Pavlonian effect, I don't know what is."
"Interesting analysis. Does she also drool, Doc?"
Mahiro threw him a glaring look, "I'm serious Detective… And how many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me Doc?"
"When you stop calling me Detective."
She huffed haughtily in response.
"The kid's got a good head on her shoulders. I'm sure she won't do anything extreme."
"Like you?"
He offered her a lift of the brow, not denying her accusation, "That's different. My profession calls me to do extreme things. The outcome of a situation depends on how I handle it. And since most issues I deal with are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, I'm always poised to handle scenarios which call for extreme measures."
"Who's doing the analyzing now, Detective?"
"Takes one to know one, Doc."
Considering the discussion closed, he stood up, dropped a few bills on the table and headed towards the exit.
"…Kyo?"
Undaunted by the sound of his name, the detective seamlessly replied, his back still facing the inquiring doctor, "Yes?"
She had to ask. After all these years, she wanted to have some sign for the sake of her sanity that all this wasn't in vain; that it was ok to place some faith in this man.
"The longstanding case that closed this morning… does that mean you solved it?"
The tall detective turned around slightly, offering her a knowing smirk, " I always deliver what I promise, Mahiro."
-END FLASHBACK-
She sighed into her now empty wine glass. Although the one information that might lead to the mysterious group that Kyo mentioned seemed to hold some promise, she wasn't going to get her hopes up yet. Every time they were presented with a potential lead, it always lead to a dead end.
A soft voice now absent of the previously embarrassed tone interrupted her thoughts. "Hey Mahi, you've barely touched the chicken marsala, you want me to help you with it?" A fork headed in the direction of Mahiro's plate and pronged a bite-size piece of the chicken.
Mahiro retaliated by taking a bigger than bite-size piece of Yuya's fish. "Mmm. Because I was waiting to have a taste of that." She smiled as she successfully parried another thrust of the other's fork and contentedly proceeded with her chicken.
-o-o-o-
A more subdued group of people located on the other side of the same restaurant sat down to a delayed start of their first course.
"We apologize for the unexpected interruption President Sanada."
"Oh, a little excitement isn't bad, is it Akira-kun?" Yukimura winked and smiled, taking a sip of his vodka on the rocks.
"It was quite an unnecessary disturbance to say the least. And the rambunctious girl only made the situation worse."
"On the other hand," Yukimura countered. "I think it was the waiter that made the situation worse, not the fair maiden Miss Yuya."
He placed the glass back on the table after another satisfying sip and continued, "He was rude, ungentlemanly and quiet a cad in many ways. As an employee of the restaurant and as a male, he should have not given her any moment of disrespect or discomfort, even by chance that it was her fault. Frankly, the bumbling waiter looked like the clumsier one so I'm not even convinced it was her fault."
Yukimura paused momentarily, continuing to address the unchanging countenance of the man before him.
"In addition, I respect a person who takes responsibilities for her actions—admits when she is wrong and makes things right."
He took a marked pause and added, "And there was something else about her."
Akira didn't want to pursue the obvious trap but there was a similar thought niggling at the back of his mind that insisted he continue this unwanted conversation. Fortunately, the curious inquiry of the man accompanying Yukimura saved him from the task.
"What do you mean, Yukimura-sama?"
"Well Saizo, it was the art piece that started the whole chain of events. That particular piece is a print created from a Japanese artist of the early 1800's. He was especially known for his wood-block paintings. She seemed so enchanted by it. Not many people these days, let alone a young woman find this type of art intriguing anymore."
Akira made a subtle gesture, shrugging off the praise, "Sir, I believe that most people, even from her generation, has been taught the works of Hokusai."
"Ah yes, you're probably right about that. However, she wasn't viewing the artwork as if in some passing recollection of her high school art appreciation class. Her lingering expression appeared as though she really understood the piece, as if she could insert herself into the work."
Yukimura smiled as he went on, "And if I were you, I wouldn't be so quick in putting down her generation. If I'm not mistaken, Miss Shiina isn't that much younger than you, Akira-kun."
Akira quelled his growing annoyance towards the ninja like president. Yukimura was observantly smart. No, he was a genius. His seemingly easygoing veneer was only the surface which covered his deeper underlying motives. He was a passionate and viciously ambitious man that allowed no one to get in the way of his goals. And when it pleased him to do so, Yukimura easily switched off his vicious side and turned on his infamous charm to beckon an unsuspecting woman into his lair.
Like her.
Akira berated himself as he willfully refused to think any more of that obstinate woman. He assured himself the only reason she was on his mind was because that lecherous president continually invaded his psyche with praises of how the world would be a better place if populated with fair, honorable ladies such as Miss Yuya.
What a load of nonsense.
Akira was irritated by the man's words. Yukimura had barely met her let alone be able to go on an endless diatribe of extolling the virtues of the fair maiden. Unlike the flirtatious president, Akira was never one to seek attention by overtly playing the heroic savior to the damsel in distress. And by the sincere smile she offered for his help, she seemed extremely grateful. A smile that needlessly lingered through his mind, his thoughts, and his dinner.
And it irritated him all the more.
-o-o-o-
The rest of dinner took place uneventfully without incident. It was with a welcome relief Akira arrived home to what he suspected would be another night of restless slumber.
He heard the melodious sound of the grand piano wafting through the hallway as he stepped into his home. He followed the music through the living room where a blond man sat in the corner of the room; his fingers dancing skillfully over the ivory keys. Akira seated himself on the adjacent leather couch and propped his feet on the ottoman as he allowed himself to enjoy the music.
Another few minutes passed when the talented musician concluded his performance and without turning to the intruder, he announced coolly, "I almost managed not to hear you."
Akira retorted, "With all the noisy racket you're making, there's not much of a chance in tuning you out."
"Hell of a lot better than the crap you spout off to your clients."
"Up yours, Hotaru"
"Right back at you, Akira."
They looked at each other, chuckled, and fell into a companionable dialogue.
"I don't think I've heard this piece before. Is it new?"
"Yup."
"When does it go public?"
"In a few weeks. It's being released about the same time with the start of the tour."
"Not a bad piece. The last part was deceptively calming."
He gave him a cryptic grin. "Thanks."
If there was one person that lead more of a guarded life than Akira, it was his roommate, Hotaru. A private person by nature, it was only after years of acquaintanceship did the two form a gradual friendship. He, like Akira, was very cautious of who he let in his personal life.
Although they shared the lavishly furnished, luxury condo provided by Hotaru's production label as part of his recording contract, their busy schedules rarely allowed for a decent conversation.
"You look like hell Akira. What happened?"
His roommate was never one to mince words. Akira shot him a peeved look, not offering a reply.
"You haven't been sleeping well lately, have you?"
"…"
"You can keep quiet all you want, but you know we both have the ability to sense it. I usually don't like to pry but there's something different about you tonight more than your standard grumpiness and sleepless agitation."
Still unrelenting, Akira simply answered in a punctuated reply, "Just had a tough day at work, that's all."
"Ah, I see." Not fooled in the least, Hotaru played along to continue the dialogue, "I don't know how you do it. All that corporate mumbo jumbo. Catering to every beck and call of the client. Agh."
"There's more to it than that and you know it." Akira said, inwardly wondering if there was. "Anyway, you wouldn't last a day in the corporate world."
"And I wouldn't want to. You know all I want to do is to perform."
Hotaru had been a gifted pianist since he was a toddler. Many dubbed him as a prodigy during his childhood. But what made Hotaru so special was his eclectic singing voice along with his playing talent. He had a powerful, husky voice that accompanied well with the piano.
Readily going against his family's wishes as well as sacrificing his household name to earn a living as a musician, he dropped his given name of Keikoku Taishirou and started playing in smaller jazz clubs throughout the city under his new alias, Hotaru. After three struggling years, he was recruited by a major record label.
His exotic good looks and his mysterious demeanor only heightened the popularity of his singing and playing talent. The fact Hotaru seemed quite oblivious of possessing these desirable traits made his style of music even more attractive to a new generation of demographics that normally swarmed around music more popular to the their time and age.
The 26 year old was now quite content in reaching the pinnacle of his music career without the influence of the family name and fortune.
Although Hotaru and Akira had very little in common and did not interact as most friends did, it was obvious they held a strong respect and a level of concern for each other's well being. Hotaru was one of the very few people in his life that fit in Akira's circle of trust as he had in Hotaru's.
"Something good happened to you today?"
Jolted by the rhetorical remark, all Akira could do was to stare at the musician in an undisguised surprise.
"I knew it. I sensed something from you. Definitely a mixture of emotions."
Akira offered him a weary glance, not looking forward to the next inevitable question.
"So what's her name?"
"…"
-o-o-o-
The annoying sounds of the early morning construction and the chirping birds invaded his senses, failing to block them out during his early morning run.
He was particularly moody this morning because the workout facility in his complex was closed for a few days due to maintenance and he was left with the sole alternative of taking his exercise routine outdoors.
It had been a tough rest of the week at work. Although the Sanada Corp's visit had gone relatively well, Yukimura as to form requested a nearly impossible task that lead him to heading a month's worth of research to be compiled and reported within the week for a new proposed project. A project he didn't want to think about at the moment.
It also didn't help that an image of a certain hot tempered woman kept disrupting his mind at the most unexpected moments--further agitating his normal regimen.
He cursed inwardly, willing to sprint off his unwanted thoughts as he determinedly rounded the corner for his final lap around the block-
Thud
And ran smack into the arms of a headphoned, pony tailed blond with the most intense pair of green eyes he had ever seen--for the second time this week.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-
A/N (01/04/05 – Whew. Most of the major players have been introduced. More excitement to come as the villains start making themselves known. Sorry for the long wait between chapters.
And thank you for taking the time to read.
Responses to reviews from the previous chapter : I will try to respond individually in this fashion every few chapters or so when I'm not summarizing about one thing or another. I'm not very good at this sort of thing so please bear with me.
Triste1 – Although FF managed to lose your review, please know that I did receive and read your feedback. Your constructive points as well as an objective view were very much appreciated. More of the "spy scene" type of action you mentioned will be coming up very soon. Thank you for your kind words and support and here's hoping to no more MIA reviews.
Starian Princess – Glad you liked my version of Yukimura in this story. He'll get more fun and mischievous as the story goes on so be ready! I hope you liked this chapter with Kyo in it. I'm still pondering on the love triangle thing but there will definitely be some love twists. Thank you for your feedback. BTW - Although your review didn't get deleted like some of the others, it was shuffled to another page – strange things happened during FF's upgrading process. Ah, the volatile wonder that is the internet…
Lady of Genesis – /Smirk/ You're right about the usage of the title, –kun. I was only thinking of the standard form but I forgot it could also be used to describe dominance between two people. I better stop before my mind starts drifting towards the prohibited… /oops too late/.
Alyson Metallium – You are so kind in all your feedbacks. Your spirited reviews always make me smile a little more than usual. I am relieved that you find the characters in this story "true to their manga selves." I'm glad you also found Yukimura was in character. He will be making more appearances in the future to make the situation more interesting (or complicated). Thank you for all your support in this story as well as my other SDK stories.
autumnwind – I appreciate your interest in this story. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Ayumi Omoide – Arigato for your kind words and glomps! Your animated reviews are always uplifting and fun to read. There will definitely be more interactions between Akira and Yuya next chapter. And stay tuned for some love twists…
yami1 – Thank you! I'm glad you like the story so far.
Dagorwen of Ithilien – I hope you enjoyed this update. Arigato for your patience.
The Narrator – Glad to read your reaction of Shinrei. I love the affect he has on people. His personality just screams sadistic, doesn't it? He's a deep character that I would like to explore more in another story. Regarding the issue of Akira not being blind – I debated quite a bit before introducing Akira as he is in this story. He is not blind but is virtually blind in his right eye. The abuse he endured in the past has lead him to pursue different types of training disciplines to compensate for his visual impairment. More about this will be covered in the story. I know this story's character deviates from the blind Akira but I hope I don't disappoint. Arigato for all your support in my stories!
Aeris – It always feels great when a Kyo/Yuya shipper enjoys my work. I am a supporter of Kyo/Yuya pairing myself but I love exploring the what-if's of alternate couplings. I hope this story continues to capture your interest.
Arin Ross – Arigato for your nice review. I am relieved to know that a devotee of SDK such as yourself see the characters in sync with those in the manga. Thank you also for all your kind reviews in my SDK stories as well as your interest in the Akira/Yuya pairing. I also plan on writing stories containing other alternative pairings. (But I think Akira/Yuya will continue to be my favorite.)
Shiseiten Hikari – Thank you for your support fellow Akira/Yuya fan! I am looking forward to the next chapter in your story.
mandeleigh– I'm happy that you like this AU and you find them in character. It's very important for me to keep them in line with the original manga. I hope you like what I have in store for all of them—especially Akira and Yuya.
Thank you all and Happy New Year!