Disclaimer:.....you know that I don't own anyone right? RIGHT?! good..well except for a few people that I will make up in the beginning
Chapter 6:: And so the plot thickens....
----Back in the Future..-----
The dark sky grumbled above the people of Tokyo, telling of a misfortune that only a handful knew about. The drizzle that had occupied the air had died moments ago and was now replaced by an empty feeling. Something was missing within the city of Tokyo, or rather someone, and now the search for that person was being executed with haste.
The door to an apartment building opened into its lobby; creaking on its unoiled hinges. The dark violet carpet was well furnished; as it had been just put in a month ago. The walls were painted a pale color and the ceiling matched the carpet. There were lights that hung along the walls and corridors of this very expensive apartment; flickering every now and then. The light here did not give out much and so made the place very dim and cozy. There were crimson colored chairs set within the lobby, placed neatly in rows and circles. Not many people were seen in this apartment for not many could afford it, and so there could be seen a couple walking straight for the crescent shaped desk set in the far back of the lobby.
The short but well muscled red-haired man approached the desk, followed by an equally short raven haired beauty. Her eyes took in her surroundings; flickering from the well furnished carpets to the crimson colored chairs and to the very expensive paintings that hung on the pale walls.
The woman fidgeted; she wasn't use to such finery or lavish surroundings. She was used to moving all the time, on account of her brother's order to move their primary base every two days so as not to be caught by anyone. To be frank, she didn't like it at all. She wanted a real true home; not a place where horror and violence filled one's memories.
She surprised herself when she finally took that step towards her freedom; that step out of hell and into a sort of purgatory where she could redeem herself for all the evils she had committed. She knew that her brother would stop at nothing to get her back and to commence with his final 'Plan.' Whatever that was. She didn't know why he wanted her to do the things she did; block a woman's visions and send them to someone else. She had never questioned her brother's motives before, but now it involved the lives of innocent people. She didn't want to be a part of something that hurt any living person.
As she thought back on her decision to leave her brother and his Organization, her thoughts were about her life and she realized that she was used to gain her brother power. Though she was small and easily influenced back then, she would occasionally catch a conversation that was about using her or killing others to get what he wanted. It was only ten years ago, when she was seven and he was seventeen, that she found out what her brother actually did with her gift and what he did to others when they did not meet up with his wishes.
She had come upon his door to talk to him about something, when she heard her brother shouting to another man about how the weak were merely food for the strong. Kaoru kept quiet and peeked in through the gap between the door and wall. She recognized her brother's attendant, Hoji, and immediately made a face of displeasure. She didn't like his tactics at all-they were all for war and violence and new ways to get more power over people.
She then spotted someone she didn't know, a tall man whose eyes were like those of molten gold; burning themselves into her soul. She then recognized him as a police officer, from his uniform, and wondered if her brother had gotten himself mixed up with the government.
Back then, she didn't know what her brother did and never asked since he told her once,"My business is my own. I will tell you of it when you need to," She always thought it strange that many men came and went out of the compound each day, handing Shishio reports on different companies and treaties to align him with other underground companies. Their family was one of the richest clans around, after it had merged with another a long time ago called the Tikara Ryu; owning most of the commercial businesses within Tokyo. One of them, but not the richest; that was where Hiten Mitsurugi Corp. came in.
Their family battled them to be the richest one and most powerful as well as influential. After the death of their parents, Shishio gave his oath to his father's grave that he would be the best.
Kaoru's gift came from intense meditation when her parents died. She found that if she concentrated hard enough on something powerful, that she could break it down and it could slowly die off. Shishio found out when he burst in in one of her intense sessions; and watched as a flower slowly crumbled and died in a pot.
But, this man was slightly different, she could tell by just looking at him. His neck length hair and his wolf-like face told her of some underlying plan that he had. He was discussing an alliance with her brother; an alliance that would benefit both clans with money and power.
By then, a rumor was going around the underground that a young girl of ten, had the power to predict the future, and would be very valuable to whichever clan got to her first. Though, there was a catch, she was very deadly with a blade, and all those who went up against her, perished. This much Kaoru knew by just the rumors going around the compound.
This police officer was offering his help in getting this young fireball and taming her for both their needs. He told Shishio of his son, and that he was the best fighter on his squad, and who would surely capture the young girl. Kaoru immediately knew that when the officer spoke those words, that there would be no treaty; no alliance. Shishio didn't like to share power; it was either all his or no one's. That was just the way he worked; greedily that is.
Kaoru wanted to run in there and tell her brother to stop gaining more and more power through the deaths of his enemies. She didn't want to help her brother anymore, not if it meant taking this young girl away from her life. Though, unfortunately, Fate was against her. She really wouldn't hate her brother until after he had threatened her life, just like he had with his partners or colleagues. She was just a pawn in his 'chess game' for gaining power.
Kaoru focused her sight on Shinta's back as he lead her away from the desk in the lobby and into the adjacent corridor. He pressed the up button for the elevator and turned his head to face Kaoru. He wrinkled his brow at her occupied eyes; she seemed to be in deep thought.
"Miss Kaoru, are you alright?" asked Shinta, concern lining his perfect features.
Kaoru snapped out of her musings, and faced Shinta saying,"Oh no, everything is fine." She smiled for emphasis when he didn't look convinced.
Shinta gave a half smile of his own and replied,"Alright Miss Kaoru, you just tell me if there is anything on your mind, alright?"
The elevator doors opened up and they both entered the padded floors silently. Kaoru smiled slightly at his concern and watched as he pushed the number 13 button.
The ride up was filled with an uncomfortable silence, as tension for the unknown question surrounded their minds and clogged up their nerves.
Finally, after the annoying elevator music, the door kimed and opened, revealing the same dark purple carpets and pale walls. They must have been on the top floor, for above them there was no ceiling, but pure skylight. The corridor had lights, but they weren't on; they go on when it is night. The gray sky blocked some of the sun's rays from penetrating the skylight, though there was sufficient light to see around the lavishly decorated corridor.
Shinta led the way to his apartment door; room 516, to be exact. The nicely trimmed oak doors with ornately styled door knobs adorned all the apartments. The lightly squeaking door opened Kaoru's vision to Shinta's living arrangements.
Her eyes widened at the wide living room; it had a black ceiling with one quite large skylight fitted in the middle of it. The kitchen was off to her immediate left, it was the size of a college dorm room. The refrigerator was a stainless steel silver color and about six feet in height and three in width. The stove was also a stainless steel color and was directly opposite from the refrigerator. It had five gas burners on the top, one of which housed a tea kettle. The black ceiling of the kitchen was curved inwards and had hanging lights. His pots and pans were hanging from hooks on the wall closest to his pantry, which was further down left from the entrance way. There was also a stainless steel sink; which was next to crimson colored cabinets; which was to the right of the refrigerator.
She turned her head to look ahead of her, and saw a huge living room area. There was two steps down which encircled the living space. She noticed the carpets on his floor were crimson, like his hair.
He motioned for her to sit in one of the black sofas within the circle-like living room. She happily complied, and sat down, her back to the silver and crimson pillows.
"Would you like some tea, Miss Kaoru?" Shinta asked as he went to the open kitchen.
Kaoru craned her neck to the right, smiled and said,"That would be wonderful Shinta, thank you."
"Not a problem Miss Kaoru,"Shinta responded happily, as he turned on the gas burner.
Kaoru relaxed a little bit into the comfortable sofa and closed her eyes. She sighed in contentment as the sofa caved in around her form.
Shinta smiled to himself as he opened up one of the overhead crimson cabinets which housed the tea cups. He picked out one with a cute little raccoon on the face of it and poured the steaming concoction into it.
Kaoru sniffed the air as she smelled a strange aroma and asked,"Shinta, what kind of tea is this?"
Shinta smiled as he mixed it together and said, "This is Gui Hua tea, that it is. It soothes your nerves, that it does."
Shinta handed the warm tea to Kaoru gently and sat down opposite her, and placed his tea on a coaster on his glass table.
Kaoru then scruntched up her features and asked, "I thought you lived at your family's dojo."
Shinta turned to her and replied; smile slightly faltering, "I just bought this apartment, about a month ago, had the place refurbished, and was about to bring my sister here to live here instead, that I was. I went home, to the dojo, and waited for her to come home last night." He paused as he looked down at his hands.
Kaoru placed her cup on her own coaster and placed a comforting hand on his slightly trembling one.
Shinta looked up into her blue orbs and continued with a shaky breath,"She didn't return, instead I got an emergency morse-code telling me of danger around the dojo, from her. That I should get out and away from the dojo as quickly as I could."
He sighed deeply gathering his thoughts, Kaoru's hand still on top of his for reassurance.
He closed his eyes as he continued,"I felt her ki signature go way up; alerting those who were out to get me, and luring them to her. I ran to her position, wanting to help. Though when I got there....she held out in her hand a small silver box; the time machine that she was sent to retrieve. And in a sudden flash of light, she was gone."
And I did NOTHING! Shinta screamed in his head, pent up emotions threatening to overthrow his already weak control. His fist clenched tightly underneath her soft hands.
Kaoru's eyes were brimming with tears of distaste for herself at what she was made to do and walked around the glass table and pulled the quivering man into a tight embrace. She felt the guilt wash over her as she cried into his shirt and hugged him tighter. Her apologies were muffled by the fabric of his shirt, though none cared as they both wept.
Shinta felt so bad for not being there for his sister, and when he felt Kaoru pulling him into a tight embrace, he hugged back for that was all he could do. He felt her warm tears dampen his shirt and heard her muffled apologies for what had happened. They stayed that way, comforting each other within the silence; a spark of hope glowed within them.
---------------------------------------
Hiko paced anxiously around the warehouse; awaiting the arrival of his allies within his company's hidden warehouse. He checked his watch again for the fifth time since he got there; gritting his teeth in annoyance.
"Mr. Hiko, you should relax, it isn't good to-" Okon started as she tried to ease the beast.
"Okon-Look, my best fighter has been put back in time to who knows where, by my sworn enemy and I don't know what he has up his sleeve-and you're telling me to RELAX??"
"Sorry, sir, but you really should take this a little better-you should believe in your students; ones that you personally know," answered Okon as she placed a hand on his taut shoulder.
Hiko sighed, shoulders sagging and head bent. He knew she was right, he should have more faith in Urako. But, he couldn't shake this lingering fear within his heart that something was wrong; that they could face some sort of failure that they would never be able to fix. He couldn't have that; failure was not an option.
He looked at his watch again and saw that the five hours were almost up.
One hour to go.....where the hell are they? Hiko asked himself, anticipation riding his nerves.
---------------------------------------
"Lord Shishio, the men that you have sent to retrieve your sister have not returned,"
"Hmmmmm...very well. Have the others done their jobs correctly, Hoji?"
"Sir, they have reported that all allies to the Hiten Mitsurugi Corp. have been notified of a disturbance and that they will be meeting some place,"
"Exactly as planned. They will surely meet at one of the hidden warehouses connected to the H.M Corp. Have my men find and plant bombs all around every single warehouse and leave nothing of our presence,"
"But, my Lord, there are many-it would take all day just to locate them-"
"We don't have twenty-four hours-we have four-so get moving Hoji!"
"Sir!"
"Hoji-another thing, tell everyone to start packing, we move tonight to another base!"
"Yes, Lord Shishio!"
---------------------------------------
Aoshi sipped his tea carefully; closing his eyes and enjoying the soft aroma of it. It burned his throat slightly, though that was a small sacrifice to pay for such a soothing drink.
He looked out of his office window; which was located on the top floor of the Aoiya, and sighed deeply. So much has happened within the last eight hours of this day. The Battousai had gone missing; thanks to Shishio Makoto. His action bluntly stating that if he couldn't get her, then no one could.
The Oniwabanshu didn't know all that much about the Battousai; only that she showed up one day with her brother in her arms and asking them to train him. She would show up occasionally, which Shinta would love, and tell him to be good and then leave. The Oniwabanshu of course, being the top spies that they were as well as curious, followed her one night to see what exactly she did. Shinta, being eight at the time, wanted to join and follow them. They complied, though, later regretted the decision.
Aoshi looked out towards the street and saw Misao running awkwardly towards the Aoiya. Something was wrong. Aoshi stood up immediately and walked out his door and walked briskly down the steps.
Misao burst in through the wooden doors of the Aoiya, face stricken with fear. Her left foot was sprained and she held her right arm, which was bloodied. The Oniwabanshu rushed to her side before she fell over from the loss of blood. Their faces were pained and fearful for Misao's health. Aoshi stood on the steps, face showing fear of losing someone close to him. His eyes filling with pain as he watched her seemingly lifeless body be carried hastily away to her room.
No....this cannot be....Misao… he thought, trepidation steeling itself within his heart. He rushed in after her, a cold wave of fear engulfing him as he thought of all the possible outcomes for her.
"Someone get Megumi in here!!!" Okina shouted to the rest of the Oniwaban.
"Yes Sir!" exclaimed a member of Oniwaban fiercely.
Omasu and Okina tended to her wounds as all the others brought in new clothes for her, as they awaited Dr. Takani. Aoshi stepped in, unnoticed by them. He looked at her small and petite form; one that was not moving, one that was not jumping around, one that was not lively.
"Cheer up Lord Aoshi! She isn't going to die!" Okina said as he slapped Aoshi on the back.
Aoshi's face tinted a slight pink and responded,"Of course she isn't, she is a strong girl."
"No, Aoshi, not a girl. A woman. Have you been so blind as to not notice it?" Okina asked, eyes twinkling knowingly.
Aoshi's head lowered ever so slightly as he thought, Yes, I have thought about it...and I have known for a long time...
"I see, well I'll give you some time to think this over," Okina said curtly and left the room, closing the door.
Aoshi turned his attention back to the sleeping form of Misao. What happened to you? he thought, brows creased in worry.
---------------------------------------
The two figures which were huddled together in a warm embrace, slowly came apart, staring into one another's eyes.
"Thank you, Miss Kaoru," Shinta whispered, his warm breath flowing over her cheeks.
Kaoru was slightly confused and asked,"What for? I did this shameful act!"
"But you are not the same as Shishio, you have a heart. And I thank you for helping me through this. You were made to do all those things, against your will- however horrible they were. And you're strong because you ran from that to stand up for what you believe in," Shinta said as he placed his fingers underneath her kin and tilted it so she looked into his eyes.
BANG-BANG-BANG
The two jumped away from each other; Kaoru grasping her chest as it heaved from the sudden noise and Shinta pounced towards the door, reverse-blade in hand.
"HEY!!! Hello?? Shinta!?" a boisterous voice boomed behind the door.
Shinta sighed in relief and responded,"Yes, Sano I am home, hold on." He quickly unlocked and opened the door.
A tall man with free standing brown hair held up by a red bandana came stalking inside the apartment. He wore a loose black shirt with the word, 'BAD', written on the back in white, blue jeans and deep chocolate brown eyes.
"Listen, man I heard-Whoa..Shinta who is the babe?" Sano asked bluntly, staring freely at the now fuming Kaoru.
Kaoru was steaming mad and she threw a pillow at Sano.
"Learn your manners! Shinta, I wouldn't have thought that this rooster-head knew you," Kaoru said as she balled her hand into a fist.
"Yeah? And why is that Miss Priss?" Sano mocked.
"Settle down you guys...Miss Kaoru, this man here is Sanosuke Sagara. Sano this is Miss Kaoru Makoto,"Shinta intervened quickly.
"Wait a minute, isn't she-"
"Yes,"
"But-"
"She is here to help us, that she is," Shinta said, trying to calm Sano down.
Sano looked questioningly at the young woman and then back to his friend, quirking an eyebrow.
He then grinned devilishly and said,"Is that all? I mean, you guys did take a while to answer the door-"
"HENTAI!!!" Karou screeched, landing her fist on his face.
Shinta only sweat-dropped, mentally shaking his head at his friend's bold thoughts.
Orororororororooro-Sano is a bold one that he is, stupid but bold, Shinta thought.
"Calm down you two, please!" Shinta asked pleadingly, trying to get in between the two hot-headed teens.
"But Shinta-" Kaoru started, as she tried to hit Sano's face.
"Miss Kaoru, I'm sure that Sano will keep his mouth shut from now on, that he will," Shinta coaxed, and turned to glare at Sano.
Sano got the message and backed away. Sticking his hands into his pockets, he stuttered,"So, ummmm, Missy, why are you helping us?"
--------------------------
Yellow angry orbs squinted as the man walked briskly down a maze of corridors and down flights of stairs. Hiko was a brilliant man; making his warehouses underground locations out in the middle of nowhere. A wolfish grin appeared on the tall man's face as he thought about his recent encounter.
-------------FLASHBACK-------------
A tall man with a blue Tokyo Police uniform on, stopped outside a large estate with the words 'MAKOTO'-written plainly on a marble plaque which was situated on an iron rod gate. The Makoto residence was over hundreds of acres wide and counting.
On the outside, the Makoto's were a respectable family; earning only that which they made, believed in hard work and labor, and accepted nothing but the best of the best.
But, on the inside-they were as disgusting as smeared road-kill, freshly hit. They had many alliances with dirty underground thugish companies and had made themselves a strong and influential power. No one ratted on them for fear of being beaten and brutally tortured and they did not rat on anyone.
It was still early morning, approximately a good three hours after the Battousai had mysteriously disappeared.
The police officer waited patiently in front of the iron rod gate, after establishing his name and reason of being there, and took in his surroundings.
He spotted three guards at far end of the perimeter of the residence; his left, facing the mansion. He calculated that there were three to his right as well; flanking any immediate danger and putting it out just as fast. He posed no threat to the Makotos at the moment, so he didn't fear them. Nor would he, if he had.
He spotted a man opening the large twin oak doors to the gigantic mansion, and closing them behind him, as he rushed out. He seemed, to the police officer, rushed.
"Ahh you have come as planned. Do you have the information that we require?" the man asked behind the iron gates.
The tall man smirked and lit a cigarette as he replied,"Of course, Hoji."
"Good, Lord Shishio will be pleased. What have you found?" Hoji asked, eyes glazed over from excitement.
"Hiko has already informed all his allies of what has happened thus far-and will be meeting them at his warehouses," the man said calmly as he exhaled.
"He has many-do you know specifics?" Hoji inquired.
"No, just that he will meet them in a few hours,"
"Do you know the whereabouts of these warehouses?"
"No, only that they bear the insignia of H.M,"
"Ahh-I have seen glimpses of these warehouses, they are located near the docks,"
"So I hear,"
"Thank you, your services are important to us and you shall be paid in full," Hoji replied, smile evident on his face as he sifted his hand within his jacket and produced a small case full of million dollar bills.
"I would have thought no less,"the man replied, extending his hand towards the iron gate.
"But, your information must be 100 trustworthy, and if we find out that you are a rat, then pray that we don't find you," Hoji warned, promises of torture seen within his eyes.
The man smirked, inhaled the smoke and blew it into the other man's face and replied,"I would be a fool to do so."
They glared at each other a few more moments, before Hoji let the other man take the case full of money.
--------------------------END OF FLASHBACK--------------------------
Fool, the man thought as he knocked twice on a steel plated door. The walls were dark and close and the lights were here were dying.
The smoking man was greeted by the stern face of Hiko, angry eyes ablaze with annoyance.
"Stop wasting my time Wolf and get your ass in here!" Hiko bellowed as he pointed to the area which was streaming with scientists.
"I was on time, was I not?" the wolf asked, smirking as he crushed his cigarette underneath his boot.
"Shut-up..you're about as reliable as the idiot boy!" Hiko cursed as he rubbed his temples.
The man looked around and wrinkled his brows in slight confusion and asked,"Well, where is the little nuisance?"
Hiko sighed irritably and pulled out his cell-phone and replied through gritted teeth,"He isn't here yet!"
The man snorted and lit another cigarette, though it was flung out of his hands by Hiko, who growled,"Saito! Don't smoke in here!! Do you want us to get killed by your lousy addiction?"
The man muttered under his breath and turned on his heel and walked towards the scientists to watch their progress.
----------------------------------------------------
"Well I-" Kaoru started.
RRIING RIINNGG
They all jumped for a slight second before Shinta walked over to the cordless phone on the glass table and picked it up.
"Hello? Himura speaking," he said into the phone.
"GET YOUR LAZY ASS OVER HERE!!!!!" a man Shinta knew to be Hiko screamed.
"Oh shit!! I'm sorry Hiko, that I am-I'll be right over that I will!"
"You had better be!! The Wolf was here before you!! Get over here now! We're all waiting for you!!" Hiko yelled.
"Alright I will! Is it at Mud Row?" Shinta asked, trying to cover his precious ears.
"Of course you idiot!" Hiko snapped and then hung up abruptly.
Shinta lowered the phone from his ears and looked at Kaoru and Sano apologetically.
"Hiko?" Sano asked casually.
"Yes, Miss Kaoru would you mind catching a ride back to your apartment by Sano? I have to go somewhere immediately, that I do," Shinta said, searking for his car keys.
Kaoru looked questioningly at Sano and then shrugged and replied,"Sure, but are you sure this rooster-head knows how to get around downtown?"
"Hey! That was uncalled for! Of course I know how to get downtown!! C'mon Missy!" Sano shouted back as he grabbed Kaoru's arm and went out the door.
"Bye Shinta!" Kaoru yelled as she was dragged out of his apartment.
"Bye Miss Kaoru! I'll see you tomorrow!" he shouted back.
----------------------------------------------------
---A/N-Ok..I haven't done author's notes after chapters so I am sorry, but I shall try to do so from now on-smiles Alright i love to do this b/c I am a fan of Fanfiction and the numerous writers out there!!
Especially LGS-Dove-chan-kibiBattousai-SuperNaturalove-Jou-Chan13-LadyChrisA-Lady Shiin-and numerous others!!!! Thanks for the inspiration even if you guys didn't know it!!
I dedicate this story to you LGS b/c you have been more than a friend-more than a beta reader-more than a consoling and understanding person!! I admire you for your strength and big heart! And I am honored to know you and to be called your friend! ;) much love - Fannie-dono(lol)