Chapter IV
Lost Way
Dec 3, 2014 1230PM
Kyo and Joy both entered the aging warehouse door into a dark abyss, at least that is what Kyo saw it as; considering it was still daylight outside. The warehouse had and eerie feel, he begin to wonder what kind of 'business' this Guizhang chen was involved in. Even though it was totally irrelevant to what he was looking for. He glanced at Joy again; who seem to know where she was going; she flicked on flash light and begin heading up a stairway with Kyo following not to far after.
"Guizhang refuses to move his operations elsewhere; or modernize the warehouse. Must be nostalgia." Joy said casually.
Joy knocked on the door at the top of the stairs; and a man's eyes peeked through the slot within.
"Mother's Earth, Comrades, Father's heaven, Nine Dragons…." Joy recited annoyed.
"Sorry, Joy, but even you must recite the password…." A man from behind the door spoke in a cryptic voice.
"Yeah whatever, I only left just now; and who else looks like me? Oh and I have someone with me."
"Who might that be?" He asked suspiciously.
"Lee, why do have to get the third degree, I am Chen's wife after all…"
"It is for the Master's safety…"
"Well, this boy is Hazuki's son, so he will come with me"
"Joy….I can't…"
"Let him in….." A deep tone voice cut the tension.
She pushed open the door and gave the man standing in the shadows a nasty look. Kyo followed though not as enthusiastically as Joy. A lamp flicked on, and Joy was standing next to a man; possibly taller then six feet. He had a nice build for his height; as his stripe suit fit him considerably well; one of his favorites he had several tailored; it gave him a corporate look. His hair was neatly combed, splitting in an uneven manner by his forehead; overall his face favored an arrow shape rather then an oval. One could tell he was of Chinese decent, as did Kyo.
"Master Chen…?" Kyo inquired.
"Yes, and you'd be Hazuki Kyo." Guizhang didn't bother with formal greetings.
Kyo bowed diligently out of respect, then looked into Guizhang's eyes.
"Master I'll be blunt; I came here to find out about my father…."
"You are not in the position to ask me that Kyo…" Chen replied coldly.
"Master; my father he might be in danger…I must.." Kyo countered.
"If he is, what could you do? Ryo didn't take you for a reason; you'd be a liability."
"But…" Kyo was lost for words.
"Even if you insist; I cannot help you. Go home, your father is a great man; I knew him; he knows what he's doing. Lee, escort Kyo out."
Guizhang exited out of the adjacent door, feeling that he had done the right thing. What Ryo was involved in was to dangerous for his son to follow. Ryo had told him not to let Kyo know; so he would respect those wishes. As made his way to the base of the stairs he could sense someone was there; and got on his guard.
"Come out, don't be a coward." Guizhang said in an even tone.
"It is me, Master Chen…." A voice trailed in the darkness.
"I see…?" Guizhang questioned.
"Just want to inform you; the 'business' is getting more aggressive; and so will I."
"Don't do anything brash; you're my best man…"
"That isn't a problem…" New Yokosuka Harbor
Dec 3, 2014 1250 PM
Kyo started away from the warehouse; feeling as if the whole ordeal was a waste of time. Chen Guizhang was his last lead; and now he would have to start from square one; wherever that would be. He was about to cross the gate when he heard his name being called.
"Kyo wait up…"
He could see Joy jogging along; a cheerless expression contouring her face.
"He's just being stubborn; when it comes to this thing he's worse then your father…"
The honor code, never breaking your word; ever.
"But, I can help you with something." She said smiling finally.
"Anything…." Kyo said anxiously.
"Well, the last time you father left Japan; he went to China. I have a feeling that is where he is now……..Mother's Earth, Comrades, Father's Heaven, Nine Dragons….."
"A password?" Kyo wondered.
"Yes, you'll need this to come back….I know you will. You can't give up so easily…"
Kyo smiled; but that information was to general; China was a vast country and going without any direct leads would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
"Joy, Thank you for your help." Kyo bowed and then departed.
"Just like your father……don't get yourself hurt kid." Joy said in a concern voice.
New Yokosuka Harbor
Dec 3, 2014 1430 PM
Sora watch the martial artist pace back and forth; his feet unwavered by the constant punishment he put on them. He finally looked up at Sora after a long pacing back and forth; wondering how a girl like her could be as skilled in the martial arts as she was. Yes, at first look; she appeared to be an ordinary girl; but as he had observed in battle; she was as ferocious as a female lion protecting her cubs.
"Listen up young lady; those thugs we just handle rather soundly; you seem to be very familiar with the Martial Arts."
"I've been trained in the Shi-to Ryu Karate since I was seven….." She answered.
"Quite some time; you look about seventeen; about as old as my former student….." He seem to be downed by the statement.
The man went on in a different tone, a more serious tone.
"Now, those hoodlums were just lowly hopefuls who wish to join a bigger entity. I grew tired of them jumping workers and pedestrians in the harbor. However, I can't be there to help you again; I'd advise you to leave the harbor it is a very dangerous place."
Sora couldn't agree; she had to find Guizhang Chen; and she could feel this man was of some importance.
"I cannot; I must help a friend find a man named Chen Guizhang……."
The man seem to smirk on this statement; almost intrigued that a girl would be looking for such an influential man.
"Chen? What interest would your friend have in him?"
"He might know where my friend's father has gone….do you know anything?"
He turned his back acting as if he never heard the question and went on.
"No."
With that he begin to walk off; leaving Sora with her thoughts.
"Wait! You know something! I'll stay in this harbor, and I'll find Chen Guizhang……!" Sora shouted as he walked away.
Without turning around; he responded. "Then I cannot guarantee your safety; good luck."
And he was gone.
Hazuki Residence
Dec 3, 2014 2000 PM
Hazuki sat meditating in the dojo; it had the look of a traditional; very spacious inside; four candle stands aligned the room's corners. He got up and begin to stretching his muscles; loosening up for the impending session. Right when he begin to setup his form; Fuk-san stepped into the entrance of the archway. Kyo noticing this and bowed respectfully to his elder; Fuk-san returned the formality before speaking.
"Something troubling you Kyo?"
"I don't have any leads…Master." Kyo responded truthfully.
"Oh…so you are still on the hunt…I see."
Fuk-san put in hand on his chin; producing a contemplative expression rose over his face.
"So Guizhang Chen didn't help. He was the only major lead. However; there is another man that can be of help. His name is Himura; he owns a club in the Dobuita shopping district. BBB
"Himura..? BBB; what will I find there?" Kyo questioned; in a serious tone.
"I don't know; I don't believe I should have told you that. Yes, I definitely shouldn't have. In any case; you should find about Tatsauru there."
"How did you know I was looking for that man too?"
Fuk-san got into the Hazuki stance; his posture almost flawless; then looked at Kyo.
"I want you to find Hazuki-sensei Kyo. I fear he may be in over his head; and is trying to protect everyone; like before. You're strong; maybe stronger than your father when he was your age."
Kyo nodded to the compliment.
"You will likely face multiple enemies searching for man as dangerous as Tatsauru. Apparently; he may be the only lead that knows where Ryo is" He paused briefly before going on again.
"When your father returned from China; he implemented many new moves; some he probably didn't teach to you as of yet. Watch…."
The master lunged forward and performed a series of punches to the chest and abdomen section of the hypothetical opponent; finishing the combination with a powerful axe kick to the jaw; and which he quickly adjusted his bearing to the normal position.
"I think I understand, Master. You utilize the power from the momentum of the right leg; and use your agility to perform a succession of punishing blows to vital points; finishing with rising kick to the jaw."
"Yes, that is the basis; of the machinegun fist. But there are applications of course; its up to you do what you feel is right."
"Thank you Master."
Kyo bowed again; before departing to Dobuita.
BBB Club
Dec 3, 2014 2150 PM
Kyo walked up to the entrance; which was located down an alley which didn't smell to inviting. As he made his way around the corner he observed many people in line trying to do the same thing he was; get into the club. He wasn't about to wait in line; besides he was under age. There was only one option left; sneak in.
Hazuki noticed their was a window opened about one and a half story up; music seem to be bumping; neon lights reflected off the window . Probably for ventilation; he wondered why the establishment didn't some kind of sophisticated ACU system; but such thoughts were irrelevant to the matter at hand. It was a narrow alleyway; so he simply performed a split jump; between the two buildings; and begin working his way up.
Finally; reaching the top; he climbed in; jumping down onto the already crowded dance floor. No one seem to notice; as they were in a trance of high ecstasy one would get from dancing with the opposite sex. He worked his way through the crowd ignoring his rudeness; he begin to wonder where this Himura guy would be. Considering he did own the joint; he wouldn't be just casually browsing around. A man of his importance would be in the back room somewhere, counting chips; or monitoring some other kind of activity.
Wherever; he was; it would be heavily guarded; and since he was thinking worst case scenario. He was thinking like six to seven bodyguards at least. Highly trained ones at that, bearing in mind he probably made 3 million yen a night off this joint; and that was just weekdays; not including Friday and Saturday. Where he was making at least twice or triple that amount; with a place that had a three hundred occupancy limited.
There were some catwalks overhead; where it looked like security were patrolling back and forth; surveying the dance floor. He noticed one particular room were two sentinels stood assiduously at doorway.
"That's it…"
It wouldn't be as simple as walking up and saying he wanted to speak to their boss.Kyo noticed a man who had the same gear as the security crew; black hat, black shirt, and black shoes and black shades; but the rear of his shirt instead saying security in bold yellow letters; it said Head. Kyo went up to the man.
"Excuse me; how would I be able to arrange a meeting with Himura-san." Kyo asked in a rather polite manner.
The security head; threw him a dirty look; that Kyo couldn't see through his tinted shades.
"You think its that simple? Who the hell are you kid?" The man asked annoyed.
"I'm Hazuki Kyo…."
That name clicked a light bulb in his head; they had been looking for a man name Hazuki; he forgot the first name. But he was some sensei or something; and well while this boy didn't resemble a master of martial arts; he was the closes lead they had.
"Hmm, come with me then." He said trying to sound disinterested.
He led Kyo up the catwalk and just as he though they stopped at the door with the two guards. He gave them a secret nod indicated they would deal with the character that was behind them. So as they entered; the two guards followed; locking the door behind them.
The room was very spacious; a green wool carpet took up most of the surface. Chandeliers hung over the room centre; as well as expensive paintings which aligned the walls. Behind the oak desk which laid at the room's end sat a man dressed in a classy cashmere suit; his legs propped lazily on his desk. A rather handsome man at that; his dark hair neatly combed back; his eyes solemn. He monitored the newcomer who entered with immense scrutiny.
"Who is this?" The man asked annoyed.
"Hmm, his name is Hazuki….Himura-sama."
"Hazuki eh?" Another man said, revealing himself from the corner; were similar classy linens to his boss. His hair done rather sloppy; he wore shades; and seem to have a strong aura emitting from him.
"Well, that saves me the hassle of searching for you Hazuki. You know my main associate had a bounty on your head? You really think you could go up against the "business" and win eh?"
Kyo was confused; had his father been in this deep with this organization. And this associate; could he be talking about Tatsauru? There were many questions to be answered. He could feel the two guards from behind drawing in on him.
Hazuki didn't dissipate time by standing still; he moved out of the box they tried to created around him. He noticed the man that revealed himself late did not move from his position; perhaps he would observe; even so he would have to keep an eye on his pre-emptive strike.
"So, I guess I gotta do this the hard way…"
"It would seem that way…" Himura chuckled to himself behind the desk.
The first didn't waste anytime throwing the first punch at Kyo; not knowing the full extent of his opponent's speed. Kyo grabbed the arm and twisted it behind the stunned man's back; smashing in the back of the neck; letting him drop to the floor limp.
"Attack him in mass you fools, he'll dispatch you easily. Just look at your friends…." The nameless man said as he leaned against the wall nonchalantly.
Listening to his advice; the two remaining guards both charged at him at the same time. One aimed high from the left at his head with a haymaker; the other came in low to the right with a shot to his abdomen. Kyo threw both his arms out fiercely stopping the haymaker short of his head; and the lower strike to the right of his rib cage; in the same motion he rolled away between them. They followed; Hazuki ducked under a sweeping kick aimed at his head, he slammed his forearm into the man's neck upon rising. His counterpart watched as he buddy stumbled to the ground and charged at the Jujitsu practitioner recklessly. Kyo rotated his body three hundred sixty degrees; leading his leg into the bewildered sentries jaw. The impact of the blow was devastating. It sent the man twirling head first into the rug; blood trickled form the side of the falling man's mouth.
Kyo shrugged as if it was supposed to happen that way; although he had to admit he was aiming for the chest area; but he couldn't complain he had landed it so nicely. He now focused on the man who just stood out of the fight; who seem to smirk; as he threw down the jacket portion of his suit.
"So, you are skilled in the martial arts…so what. My best man Ryu is as well; you may have dealt with my brutes. But this is my right hand man; skilled in Koto-Ryu karate. Yes you will find it most difficult to defeat him.
Koto-Ryu it was a style that focused on intentionally breaking the bones and joints of an opponent with each strike.
Kyo watched the man's posture; and it seem genuine. Hazuki steadily stepped into his foe's range; in the intent of starting the battled. However, his adversary attacked first; launching a nearly invisible kick to Kyo's die; landing it perfectly. The man quickly capitalized by flinging Kyo over his his hip to the ground.
Hazuki had to rolled out of the way to avoid the finish dropkick the man had aimed at his throat. He staggered to his feet; holding the side which was struck so sweetly, breathing heavily now from the engagement.
"You see, Kentaro will defeat you and I will gather the information from you."
Kyo knew this would be a lengthy engagement if he didn't find this man weakness; but as he sized him up. He could find no weakness to his stance; this was no ordinary man.
The man came attacking again feinting with his right leg at first; but then fully extending it towards Kyo's head. He evaded it by stepping back; but that only led to more kicks. In which he switch back and forth from right leg to left; like a Taekwando practitioner almost. Seeing, that he was simply backing him against the ropes; he gracefully sidestepped the onslaught. Striking his elbow into the man's side as he did so, knocking him off balance from the blow.
Kentaro recovered instantly as if it was a wasted strike; flinging his leg in an unorthodox motion at his enemy's head; in which he found was skillfully deflected with a powerful forearm on to his shin. Kyo relieved his antagonist of his footing; after the well timed parry. Crashing into the ground with obvious disbelief in his stare. Showing no mercy, led his toe sharply into the man's rib cage; further punishing him.
The Koto-Ryu practitioner rolled over; coughing and wheezing from the blows. Struggling to return upright. Kyo watched him attentively; not trusting him to give up so easily; rather knowing he wouldn't.
Himura; looked on incredulously; wondering who this boy was; and how was he even a match for Kentaro. No, he was overreacting there was no way he win; even if he did possess some knowledge of the martial arts.
"I got careless…but I'll finish you this time."
The progressed towards Kyo more cautiously this time, both inched in closer; eyes intertwined; knowing that one mistake could mean incapacitation.
"Finish him!" Himura cried.
Kentaro attacked low and abruptly with a his leg; Hazuki saw through the attack using his own leg as a wedge to redirect his opposition's strike; using the leverage form the wedge to launch himself in the air delivering a rigid kick to the side of the practitioner's head; beads of sweat fluttered from his cranium; as he lost consciousness when contacting with the floor.
Kyo watched to see if he'd rise again just in case; before turning his attention to Himura; who didn't seem to be so confident now that his goons were taking care of.
"Well…ya see…uh uh….."
"Now, you were saying?" Kyo said with a grin.