The characters in the story don't belong to me. Just borrowing them for a
little escapade so lay off with the lawyer's letters.
When I started writing 'Strings and puppets', I never expected to have so many characters popping up and becoming part of the story. Especially Misao. But now that she's here, I might as well. I would keep to the pairings in the comics so, yeah, it's Aoshi and Misao, Sano and Megumi all the way. But they would have their own stories after I finish 'Strings and Puppets'.
And thanks a bunch for all the kind reviews. It seems as if Shishio is the favourite guess for the mystery voice. Well, I did say it would be an easy guess but other than that, I'm not giving away anything else. And yes, errr…nameless? If you are looking for the book, the author's name is Lui Heng, Lui as in green and Heng as in scar. Hope you find it.
Chapter9
Kenshin had just gotten through the customs checkpoint when his handphone started ringing in his pocket. Nodding his thanks to the customs officer, Kenshin retrieved his luggage and headed out of the Narita airport. With one hand holding the phone to his ear and the other carrying his light black luggage case, Kenshin looked the very picture of a young, successful professional yet there was something different about him even to the most casual observer. An air of control, restrain and calculation. A suggestion that the man who got onto his wrong side would be very, very sorry……
"Hello," he answered, his voice low.
"It seemed that your suspicions were correct, Himura," the voice on the line was an octave deeper with a husky edge, "Your godfather is in this up to his bandaged neck. Last night, one of my men recorded a conversation he had with Usui. A very interesting conversation to say the least. I will fax you the report this afternoon after confirming some details," he paused. Shishio was a careful man who had his room swept for bugs everyday. It definitely strained all the resources he had to tape that telling conversation.
Inwardly, he made a note to give Chou a bonus for it was him who hung outside Shishio's twenty-fifth storey apartment window with the most sensitive recorder technology has to offer.
The information, therefore could not have been planted. Yet there was something that nagged at him. Shishio Makoto's certainty that he would be able to control them seemed to hint at some ace he had hidden from them. From what he knew of the man, he was controlled by his lust for power but he was not mad. He would not leave any thing to chance especially something so crucial to the finalization of his lifelong dream.
"Some results at last," Kenshin did not know what he felt right now. Although he expected this and was ready for it, to Soujiiro, it would be a big blow. Sensing his friend's silence, he felt that there was still something that he kept from him. "Was there something else that I needed to know?"
"Maybe. I would have to check it out first," Deciding that he had said enough, he changed the subject. "Heard about your impending marriage. Should I congratulate you?"
With that one question, he swept away Kenshin's dark mood. "Thank you. And by the way, you're invited."
"Oh?" That one single expression held a whole world of meaning. "Is that a heartfelt invitation or am I suppose to come incognito or disguised?"
Kenshin did not answer immediately. "Some interesting characters might gatecrash in their eagerness to offer their felicitations."
"Got it. I'll be there. And Himura," the voice was wryly resigned, "You don't ever have to worry about receiving an invitation to my wedding."
Ending their conversation, Kenshin slipped the phone back into his pocket. He had already reached the main entrance to the airport. Last night, Kaoru called to tell him she would be coming to fetch him. Where was she? From a distance he saw a black ferrari speeding down the road. Within seconds, it came to a screeching halt in front of him.
He smiled. Kaoru was at the driver's seat, dressed in casual black vest and jeans. This was the first time he had seen her looking so relaxed. The roof of the car was down and her hair was tousled and wild from the wind. She rested her wrist on the wheels, turned her head to meet him, throwing him a carefree grin. Returning the grin, Kenshin strode over and threw his luggage into the car. With a hand on the low door, he swung himself into the seat beside her. Once he got in, the car sped off immediately.
"You're in a good mood today," Kenshin observed. Technically speaking, aside from their childhood together, he had seen her only a grand total of three times. And the first time was four years ago. Seventeen years had changed a lot of things. Even now, looking at her, it seemed as if he was looking at her through a veil of mist. Sometimes the mist would fade away to show her true self but at times, it would gather to hide her from him. He did not mind. He knew the core of her, her very soul. As for the other sides of her, he had the rest of his life to figure out.
"And why not? You're here and as my husband, it is right and just for you to shoulder some of my burden," she gave him a saucy wink, "There's some details to be sorted out before our wedding. If you wish to get married, you better get down to work."
"What?! I just finished a pile back in HongKong! Kaoru, you can't do this to me!" Kenshin groaned. Although no paper record was done of their illegal businesses, of their legal ones, all the papers were properly filed and checked. After all, it was not safe to put all their eggs in one basket.
"Hah. I know you left it all to Soujiiro so don't try this trick on me. That's why he couldn't come today. When will he be here and who's the bestman?" Kaoru kept her eyes on the road even as she bantered with him.
Knowing that the battle was lost, Kenshin closed his eyes and leaned back, resting his head on his hands. "Soujiiro is taking care of business back home so he will probably be here the day before our wedding." In his heart, Kenshin knew Soujiiro could come earlier but wouldn't. He understood so he hadn't forced him. Soujiiro, Enishi and him. All three of them loved her and he could only thank his lucky stars that his love was reciprocated. "Sano will be the bestman," he paused, "And what about Enishi? When will he be coming?"
"Enishi? He said he had something to take care of in America. Can only come on the day itself. And Sano. He's the bestman, huh? That reminds me. He called earlier and said he will be here later today. Will get Megumi to come and fetch him."
"That would be best. Wouldn't want him to get lost again." Both of them smiled. Sano was never known for his sense of direction.
A comfortable silence descended. The strong wind racing against the speeding ferrari tugged playfully at their hair. A red strand latched itself onto Kenshin's nose, tickling it. Kenshin opened his eyes and rubbed it absently. He looked over at Kaoru and found that she was looking at him too. Memories of the kiss that they shared rose in their mind simultaneouly. But instead of passion, there was a feeling of warmth and closeness that linked the two of them.
Kenshin was about to say something when he noticed from the rearview mirror a car gaining on them. The cocoon of tempory peace was shattered. "Kaoru," he alerted.
Kaoru glanced at the rearview mirror on her side. "I noticed. Sit tight." Kaoru stepped down on the accelarator as she took a different route. One that was less travelled and would not attract police attention too quickly. But it seemed like their pursuers would not wait. A sharp hiss cut through the air and hit the gravel sending tiny shards of rocks flying. Kenshin snapped his head back. One of the shards had sliced his left cheek diagonally leaving a long line dangerously close to his eyes. In a moment, blood welled from the cut.
"Any arms?" Kenshin's voice was cold. Kaoru kept one hand on the wheel while digging under the seat with the other. Her hand closed on a gun and she tossed it at him. "There's a long-range rifle behind but you got to assemble it."
Kenshin hefted the gun in his hand. Fully-loaded, semi automatic. "This will do just fine." He fished his sunglasses from his pocket and put it on to shield against the reflection from the sun. Turning back, he took careful aim at the windshield of the car following closely behind. Just as he was about to shoot, Kaoru swerved sharply. Another two cars had appeared from the side and were crowding them. The windows of the car scrolled down and a gun appeared. It was aimed at Kaoru.
Without hesitation, Kenshin leaned over and pushed Kaoru down, firing at the enemy. The assassin was hit and the car fell back. But the other two cars gained in its place. Kenshin sat back, the harsh rumble of engine in his ears and blood. If Kaoru had been hit……His eyes flamed gold.
In a smooth twist, he stood up and fired at the two cars behind. Eyes narrowed, he fired three shots in measured succession. Windscreens shattered in an explosion of light like raindrops on pavement. The two cars swerved wildly before regaining control. Now all three cars were about a hundred metres behind. Sitting back, he asked Kaoru, still in that cold, almost unfeeling voice, "Are you all right?"
"Yes. Nothing I haven't seen before," sensing his barely leashed fury and understanding that it was for her, she gave him a reassuring smile. And almost wished she hadn't. His eyes landed on the bruise at the corner of her forehead that was turning yellow rapidly. She hit the door when he pushed her down. The flame of gold blazed even colder. Then he asked a question Kaoru never expected. "Have you played billiard before?"
"What? Billiard?" he wanted to make small talk now?
"Yes. I'm quite good at it." He stood up again and looked at the three cars gaining on them behind. He lifted his arms and took aim. He was not afraid of being shot at because all the assassins in the passenger's seat were dead. "First, you calculate the distance and the angle between each target." He swept his gaze over the three cars and smiled coldly, the gun following the way his eyes moved. "Then, you take aim." His arms stopped moving. "Lastly," he continued in that almost conversational tone, "You fire."
The bullet shot out from the barrel and headed unerringly for the first car. It buried itself in the left wheel of the car causing it to swerve madly to the left directly in front of the second car. The two cars collided in a deafening explosion sending tongues of flames into the skies. The third car could not stop in time and ended in the same inferno. Another loud, ear-numbing exposion sounded. Waves of heat roiled from the fire. Through the heat, images of the wrecked, twisted metal seemed to waver before disappearing from sight.
Kenshin sat down. "Does that happen often?" He asked. His voice sounded more normal. Not as cold nor as frighteningly calm as just now. Kaoru shot him a glance. "Not very often, no." She reached for the hankerchief in her pocket and handed it to him. He took it and held it over his cheek.
"In HongKong, car chases and gunfights on the roads are very common." He smiled ironically. "Usually, nobody took it seriously until it's over because they thought it's just a film-scene."
The wedding will be soon. That I promise. Soon. The billiard part I got from the book. Thought it was pretty cool so I kept it. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and Venusskies, I tried to make the dialogue more comprehensible already. Hope it worked.
Thanks for all the reviews(which I read and reread umpteen times) and do give me more so I can improve. Thanks again.
When I started writing 'Strings and puppets', I never expected to have so many characters popping up and becoming part of the story. Especially Misao. But now that she's here, I might as well. I would keep to the pairings in the comics so, yeah, it's Aoshi and Misao, Sano and Megumi all the way. But they would have their own stories after I finish 'Strings and Puppets'.
And thanks a bunch for all the kind reviews. It seems as if Shishio is the favourite guess for the mystery voice. Well, I did say it would be an easy guess but other than that, I'm not giving away anything else. And yes, errr…nameless? If you are looking for the book, the author's name is Lui Heng, Lui as in green and Heng as in scar. Hope you find it.
Chapter9
Kenshin had just gotten through the customs checkpoint when his handphone started ringing in his pocket. Nodding his thanks to the customs officer, Kenshin retrieved his luggage and headed out of the Narita airport. With one hand holding the phone to his ear and the other carrying his light black luggage case, Kenshin looked the very picture of a young, successful professional yet there was something different about him even to the most casual observer. An air of control, restrain and calculation. A suggestion that the man who got onto his wrong side would be very, very sorry……
"Hello," he answered, his voice low.
"It seemed that your suspicions were correct, Himura," the voice on the line was an octave deeper with a husky edge, "Your godfather is in this up to his bandaged neck. Last night, one of my men recorded a conversation he had with Usui. A very interesting conversation to say the least. I will fax you the report this afternoon after confirming some details," he paused. Shishio was a careful man who had his room swept for bugs everyday. It definitely strained all the resources he had to tape that telling conversation.
Inwardly, he made a note to give Chou a bonus for it was him who hung outside Shishio's twenty-fifth storey apartment window with the most sensitive recorder technology has to offer.
The information, therefore could not have been planted. Yet there was something that nagged at him. Shishio Makoto's certainty that he would be able to control them seemed to hint at some ace he had hidden from them. From what he knew of the man, he was controlled by his lust for power but he was not mad. He would not leave any thing to chance especially something so crucial to the finalization of his lifelong dream.
"Some results at last," Kenshin did not know what he felt right now. Although he expected this and was ready for it, to Soujiiro, it would be a big blow. Sensing his friend's silence, he felt that there was still something that he kept from him. "Was there something else that I needed to know?"
"Maybe. I would have to check it out first," Deciding that he had said enough, he changed the subject. "Heard about your impending marriage. Should I congratulate you?"
With that one question, he swept away Kenshin's dark mood. "Thank you. And by the way, you're invited."
"Oh?" That one single expression held a whole world of meaning. "Is that a heartfelt invitation or am I suppose to come incognito or disguised?"
Kenshin did not answer immediately. "Some interesting characters might gatecrash in their eagerness to offer their felicitations."
"Got it. I'll be there. And Himura," the voice was wryly resigned, "You don't ever have to worry about receiving an invitation to my wedding."
Ending their conversation, Kenshin slipped the phone back into his pocket. He had already reached the main entrance to the airport. Last night, Kaoru called to tell him she would be coming to fetch him. Where was she? From a distance he saw a black ferrari speeding down the road. Within seconds, it came to a screeching halt in front of him.
He smiled. Kaoru was at the driver's seat, dressed in casual black vest and jeans. This was the first time he had seen her looking so relaxed. The roof of the car was down and her hair was tousled and wild from the wind. She rested her wrist on the wheels, turned her head to meet him, throwing him a carefree grin. Returning the grin, Kenshin strode over and threw his luggage into the car. With a hand on the low door, he swung himself into the seat beside her. Once he got in, the car sped off immediately.
"You're in a good mood today," Kenshin observed. Technically speaking, aside from their childhood together, he had seen her only a grand total of three times. And the first time was four years ago. Seventeen years had changed a lot of things. Even now, looking at her, it seemed as if he was looking at her through a veil of mist. Sometimes the mist would fade away to show her true self but at times, it would gather to hide her from him. He did not mind. He knew the core of her, her very soul. As for the other sides of her, he had the rest of his life to figure out.
"And why not? You're here and as my husband, it is right and just for you to shoulder some of my burden," she gave him a saucy wink, "There's some details to be sorted out before our wedding. If you wish to get married, you better get down to work."
"What?! I just finished a pile back in HongKong! Kaoru, you can't do this to me!" Kenshin groaned. Although no paper record was done of their illegal businesses, of their legal ones, all the papers were properly filed and checked. After all, it was not safe to put all their eggs in one basket.
"Hah. I know you left it all to Soujiiro so don't try this trick on me. That's why he couldn't come today. When will he be here and who's the bestman?" Kaoru kept her eyes on the road even as she bantered with him.
Knowing that the battle was lost, Kenshin closed his eyes and leaned back, resting his head on his hands. "Soujiiro is taking care of business back home so he will probably be here the day before our wedding." In his heart, Kenshin knew Soujiiro could come earlier but wouldn't. He understood so he hadn't forced him. Soujiiro, Enishi and him. All three of them loved her and he could only thank his lucky stars that his love was reciprocated. "Sano will be the bestman," he paused, "And what about Enishi? When will he be coming?"
"Enishi? He said he had something to take care of in America. Can only come on the day itself. And Sano. He's the bestman, huh? That reminds me. He called earlier and said he will be here later today. Will get Megumi to come and fetch him."
"That would be best. Wouldn't want him to get lost again." Both of them smiled. Sano was never known for his sense of direction.
A comfortable silence descended. The strong wind racing against the speeding ferrari tugged playfully at their hair. A red strand latched itself onto Kenshin's nose, tickling it. Kenshin opened his eyes and rubbed it absently. He looked over at Kaoru and found that she was looking at him too. Memories of the kiss that they shared rose in their mind simultaneouly. But instead of passion, there was a feeling of warmth and closeness that linked the two of them.
Kenshin was about to say something when he noticed from the rearview mirror a car gaining on them. The cocoon of tempory peace was shattered. "Kaoru," he alerted.
Kaoru glanced at the rearview mirror on her side. "I noticed. Sit tight." Kaoru stepped down on the accelarator as she took a different route. One that was less travelled and would not attract police attention too quickly. But it seemed like their pursuers would not wait. A sharp hiss cut through the air and hit the gravel sending tiny shards of rocks flying. Kenshin snapped his head back. One of the shards had sliced his left cheek diagonally leaving a long line dangerously close to his eyes. In a moment, blood welled from the cut.
"Any arms?" Kenshin's voice was cold. Kaoru kept one hand on the wheel while digging under the seat with the other. Her hand closed on a gun and she tossed it at him. "There's a long-range rifle behind but you got to assemble it."
Kenshin hefted the gun in his hand. Fully-loaded, semi automatic. "This will do just fine." He fished his sunglasses from his pocket and put it on to shield against the reflection from the sun. Turning back, he took careful aim at the windshield of the car following closely behind. Just as he was about to shoot, Kaoru swerved sharply. Another two cars had appeared from the side and were crowding them. The windows of the car scrolled down and a gun appeared. It was aimed at Kaoru.
Without hesitation, Kenshin leaned over and pushed Kaoru down, firing at the enemy. The assassin was hit and the car fell back. But the other two cars gained in its place. Kenshin sat back, the harsh rumble of engine in his ears and blood. If Kaoru had been hit……His eyes flamed gold.
In a smooth twist, he stood up and fired at the two cars behind. Eyes narrowed, he fired three shots in measured succession. Windscreens shattered in an explosion of light like raindrops on pavement. The two cars swerved wildly before regaining control. Now all three cars were about a hundred metres behind. Sitting back, he asked Kaoru, still in that cold, almost unfeeling voice, "Are you all right?"
"Yes. Nothing I haven't seen before," sensing his barely leashed fury and understanding that it was for her, she gave him a reassuring smile. And almost wished she hadn't. His eyes landed on the bruise at the corner of her forehead that was turning yellow rapidly. She hit the door when he pushed her down. The flame of gold blazed even colder. Then he asked a question Kaoru never expected. "Have you played billiard before?"
"What? Billiard?" he wanted to make small talk now?
"Yes. I'm quite good at it." He stood up again and looked at the three cars gaining on them behind. He lifted his arms and took aim. He was not afraid of being shot at because all the assassins in the passenger's seat were dead. "First, you calculate the distance and the angle between each target." He swept his gaze over the three cars and smiled coldly, the gun following the way his eyes moved. "Then, you take aim." His arms stopped moving. "Lastly," he continued in that almost conversational tone, "You fire."
The bullet shot out from the barrel and headed unerringly for the first car. It buried itself in the left wheel of the car causing it to swerve madly to the left directly in front of the second car. The two cars collided in a deafening explosion sending tongues of flames into the skies. The third car could not stop in time and ended in the same inferno. Another loud, ear-numbing exposion sounded. Waves of heat roiled from the fire. Through the heat, images of the wrecked, twisted metal seemed to waver before disappearing from sight.
Kenshin sat down. "Does that happen often?" He asked. His voice sounded more normal. Not as cold nor as frighteningly calm as just now. Kaoru shot him a glance. "Not very often, no." She reached for the hankerchief in her pocket and handed it to him. He took it and held it over his cheek.
"In HongKong, car chases and gunfights on the roads are very common." He smiled ironically. "Usually, nobody took it seriously until it's over because they thought it's just a film-scene."
The wedding will be soon. That I promise. Soon. The billiard part I got from the book. Thought it was pretty cool so I kept it. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and Venusskies, I tried to make the dialogue more comprehensible already. Hope it worked.
Thanks for all the reviews(which I read and reread umpteen times) and do give me more so I can improve. Thanks again.
