AN: Thanks for those of you who continue to support the story, hopefully I can continue to live up to your standards!
As always, Love Hina and its characters belong to Ken Akamatsu. Original characters belong to me and may be used with permission.
Bloodstained Heritage
Chapter 14: Regrouping
Motoko sighed as she leaned against the balcony railing of the Hinata-sou, her mind a complete wreck from her confrontation against Tsunari. Her eyes drifted down to the family katana she held in her hands - the very same katana that Tsunari passed on to what would become her ancestor. She sighed again and watched the forests surrounding the dorm, attempting to find focus in her life once more.
"I did the right thing..." The swordswoman said to herself. "But why do I feel so empty?"
"I find myself asking that everyday."
Motoko spun at the unknown voice, her hand ready to draw forth her weapon in a defensive stance. She then gaped in shock at seeing Michael Blade standing just outside of her sword's reach, and cursed inwardly at not detecting his approach. "You have a lot of nerve showing up here..." Motoko growled, beginning to draw her weapon. She then blinked as the weapon resisted her movements, then slid back into its sheath on its own accord.
"Now now, Motoko..." The Chairman smiled slightly. "There's no need to get worked up, besides..." He spread his arms to his sides, his dark business suit seemingly absorbing all lighting around him. "..It would look horrible on your honor as a samurai to strike down an unarmed foe, no?"
Growling in frustration, she relaxed her stance but left her hand on her katana's hilt. "Speak quickly and begone, demon." She narrowed her eyes at Blade. "Your kind is not welcome here."
"Brief and to the point, just like the Aoyomas I've met before..." Blade chuckled, turning to survey the Hinata-sou. "Tell me, Motoko. What do you know of the Red Dragon Brotherhood?"
Raising a questioning eyebrow, Motoko thought for a moment before replying. "The Red Dragon was part of the trinity that formed the personal guard of the Emperor, they were his unseen eyes, striking at the hidden threats to both himself and Japan itself."
"Precisely." Blade nodded, looking over his shoulder with a smile. "Of course, I'd be worried if a member of the Shinmei-Ryu didn't know that, seeing as they're part of that same trinity." Seeing the swordwoman's expression beginning to sour, he turned to face her again. "So what would you do if I were to tell you that they still existed, unknown to the world?"
"Lies." Motoko replied immediately, her arms crossed. "It was public knowledge that as part of the unconditional surrender of Japan during World War Two, that we were no longer able to keep any great military force, and first among the ones to go were the Brotherhood." She then smiled slightly. "Of course, that doesn't stop mothers from using them as the boogeymen in their stories to scare children into behaving..."
"You're well versed in our country's history, I'm impressed."The Chairman nodded. "Of course on the surface they disbanded, but they continued to serve in secrecy..." He then looked at Motoko, and smiled at seeing her shocked expression. "I see there's no need to explain further, judging by the look on your face..."
"That's impossible..." Motoko whispered. "The Brotherhood no longer exists..."
"What the Syndicate does, we do in permission and honor of the Emperor." Blade replied with a serious expression. "By fighting us, you defy the Emperor's divine mandate. Should you expose us, you risk defiling the Emperor's honor." He then narrowed his eyes. "I am not giving you a choice, Motoko. Give us Keitaro, or we will wipe Hinata-Sou off the map permanently."
"Just one question before I cut you down, monster. My honor be damned." Motoko snarled as she drew her sword. "Why Keitaro?"
"Soldiers." The Chairman replied. "Think on it, an army of immortal soldiers! Our Emperor will no longer be a mere figurehead, and our nation will finally rule the world as is our divine right!"
"Madness!"
Blade's expression was one of surprise more than pain as something shattered against the back of his head, pitching him face-first into the ground. Rolling to his feet quickly, he blinked at seeing Kanako holding a broken broom before her. The moment of hesitation was only for a few milliseconds, but was enough for Motoko to lash out with her sword, the Chairman stumbled as he grasped at the thin red line which appeared around his neck, before glaring at the two with malice in his eyes.
In that moment, the two tenants realized that they would not survive the ensuing combat against the Chairman. But both steeled their resolve and took up combat stances as they prepared to do as much damage as possible before they fall. Just as Blade was about to leap forward into combat, he cocked his head as if listening to something, before glaring at the two once more.
"You have twelve hours to present him, Aoyoma." The Chairman growled, then looked towards Kanako. "For your sake, don't remain here when we come to collect."
"For your sake, stay away from Hinata-Sou." Kanako replied coldly, and watched as the Chairman disappeared into a portal.
Stepping into the lab, Blade smiled as Fang stepped out of a stasis pod and cracked her neck. While Marik breathed a sigh and sat heavily into a chair, reverting back to his human appearance. You're immensely blessed with a strong body, Lady Fang. The scientist sipped from a coffee mug wearily as he spoke telepathically. But you must realize that everyone has their limits, please don't test them.
"Thank you, friend." The Chairman nodded to Marik, and ruffled Fang's hair. "Unfortunately, I can't let either of you relax. There'll be a mission tonight that I need you both on."
You're kidding... Marik sighed.
"Just as well, I'm just hoping I didn't get rusty from these couple days you forced me to stay here." Fang smiled, throwing a few punches at an imaginery foe and flexing her arms. "So, what's the situation?"
"In the time I was there, I was able to comfirm a few things through the moods within the inn." The Chairman replied, then raised an eyebrow. "Before I continue, where is Hakon?"
My brother has been sent by the high council to deal with our issues over in England. Marik replied. Seems the church and their valiant Knights of the Round don't appreciate our presence overseas.
"Bah!" Blade spat. "The only thing they have going for them is their superstitious organization and their pet vampire, both of which will be taken care of when Urashima is in our hands." Seeing their nods, the Chairman continued. "It seems Tsunari's death was not in vain, as Urashima seems to be struggling to heal his wounds. But in retrospect, the Giovanni sisters are indeed helping them, so expect opposition from them."
"Those brats?" Fang chuckled. "They're not even worth my time, but I'll take your word for it."
Nodding, Blade turned to leave, but stopped and looked over his shoulder at them. "We strike at night, and be sure to bring a proper present for the visit."
As you wish, Chairman. Marik nodded with an evil smile.
In the dorm, several of the tenants knelt around the bed ridden landlord. The concern evident on each face present as Motoko and Rei applied medical salves and changed his bandages. As they finished and were preparing to leave, Keitaro's hand shot out and grasped at the closest person, who happened to be Kanako. Surprised at Keitaro's sudden awakening, everyone quickly rushed back to his side.
"Ka... Kanako...?" Keitaro croaked weakly, his brow furrowed in pain as he spoke.
"I'm here, brother..." Kanako replied quietly, squeezing his hand gently in assurance.
"Motoko...?" The landlord slowly opened his eyes and focused on the swordswoman, who sat across from Kanako.
"Yes, Keitaro?" Motoko held his other arm, checking his pulse, then put her hand over his forehead.
"It looks like I'm going to have to ask you two to help protect the others..." The landlord remained silent for a moment, then sighed. "I'm sorry, everyone... Now you're all involved in something that I tried avoiding..."
"Hey now, don't talk like that!" Kitsune smiled sadly. "You took care of us, now it's our turn to take care of you!"
"That's right!" Naru added. "Besides, now we get to show you that we women take care of business better when they come next time!" This caused everyone to laugh, and even got Keitaro to chuckle.
"Okay, everyone..." Rei motioned with her hands. "He needs his rest, everyone out." Each of the tenants offered words encouraging his recovery as they left the room, and soon only Motoko remained. Watching the now asleep Keitaro, the swordswoman hesitated before leaning down and kissing his lips softly.
"My life for yours, Keitaro." Motoko whispered, then picked up her sword and exited the room as well.
"Someone explain to me why we're taking our sweet time getting to our target?" Fang grumbled in annoyance, wearing a full business suit as she sat with Marik in a local cafe. Across from her, Marik typed away on a laptop, both had a cup of coffee on the table to maintain appearances.
Because, Lady Fang... Marik replied calmly. The Chairman made it very specific that we attack at night. He then looked up from the laptop with a smile. And besides, I am working on the greeting gift I am to bring them...
"Right..." Fang sighed, then frowned. "Marik, I want to apoligize about your jaw..."
It's no big deal. Marik smiled. I can still communicate... The vampire stopped for a moment, then turned the laptop towards Fang. ...And I believe I just found the perfect present to give the residents of Hinata-sou.
"You're kidding me..." Fang chuckled as she studied the screen, then turned it back to Marik. "And you're not worried the slightest bit about security on something like that?"
Give me a break... Marik rolled his eyes, then continued typing away. This is child's play...
"How's the hand, Mutsumi?" Naru asked.
"Still hurts, but I'll be okay." The newest tenant replied with a smile, rubbing her bandaged hand.
"The glass may have gotten her when Keitaro landed on us..." Kitsune commented with a thoughtful look. "Do you remember anything before you fainted?"
"I don't, sorry..." Mutsumi shook her head, then sighed and stood. "I'm feeling a little tired, I think I'll turn in for the night..." She then took a few steps towards the stairs before wobbling, and was immediately steadied by Kitsune and Naru.
"Whoa, be careful Mutsumi!" Naru exclaimed.
"Yeah, no need for you to crack your head and getting Keitaro upset!" Kitsune smiled, and the two helped the anemic woman up the stairs and towards her room.
"I made Keitaro some soup to help his recovery." Shinobu commented, holding a tray with a large bowl. "Could someone help me carry the tea?" Naomi promptly got to her feet and fetched the thermos and a cup.
"I will go with them to check on his bandages." Rei informed the remaining tenants, and the trio made their way upstairs towards the landlord's room.
"They will come soon, we should get ready." Motoko spoke quietly, to which Kanako nodded in reply.
"I'm coming along, too." Kaolla added, walking up to the two with what appeared to be a giant futuristic rifle and a closed laptop, dressed fully in military fatigues.
"No offense, Kaolla." Kanako blinked at the inventor's appearance. "But things will probably be a lot uglier than the last time they were here..."
"Keitaro protected us each and every time, it's our turn to pay him back." Kaolla then clicked a switch, and the rifle began to hum as if building up energy. "I insist." The look on her face and tone of voice brooked no further argument, and the swordswoman nodded before turning to the front door with narrowed eyes.
"They come." Motoko hissed, drawing her sword and readying herself for combat.
"How cute, we got a welcoming commitee." Fang chuckled as she ascended the last of the stone steps leading to the Hinata-sou.
"Leave now, foul creatures." Motoko growled, leveling her sword towards her opponents. "Or you will perish on my blade!"
Cute, but the Chairman insisted on our visit. Marik smiled, then looked at the landlord's sister. Hello again, Kanako. Still defiant to the last, hmm?
"Go to hell, Marik." Kanako narrowed her eyes. "I have nothing to say to animals like you!"
"Enough babbling." Fang spoke calmly. "Your time is up, present Urashima or pay the consequences."
"You boast a lot for someone who's outnumbered." Motoko replied, shifting her stance in preparation for a fight. Kanako also took up a fighting stance, while Kaolla steadied her aim with her rifle.
"Idiots!" Marik snarled, changing into his shadowy vampire form as he snapped his fingers...
The Pentagon, USA
"Sir!" A technician shouted with a panicked look. "Someone has hacked into our orbital defense laser and is arming it!"
"What the hell!" An older man in a military uniform scrambled to the technician's side, watching the display screen in disbelief. "Someone trace the hack and stop the damn thing!"
"I can't break the encryption!" Another technician shouted. "It's bypassing all firewalls and setting up dummy access points!"
"Power generators cycling, ready to fire in one minute!"
"Emergency override!" The commander yelled. "Shut down the laser, self destruct it if need be!" By now, he was pulling at his hair. "That thing fires, and we'll have war on our hands!"
"The override isn't working!"
"Target confirmed and locked! It's a city named Hinata in Japan!"
A coffee mug fell from the commander's limp hand.
"Oh shit." Was the only words many in the room voiced, either verbally or mentally, as the laser fired...
The three women defending the dorm looked up in equal fear and surprise as a bright beam of light surged towards them from the skies, turning the immediate area around the Hinata-sou into day from night.
"You tell me to go to hell..." Marik smiled cruelly, his blue eyes gleaming with malice. "You three may go first!"
Like? No like? Please review!
I know, I promised I'd try and stay on top of it, and I didn't... I finally squeezed this between my dreadful morning shifts of work. (Starting at six in the morning, yuck.) Hope you folks enjoy, and more is definetly on its way!