Hiya. Almost done. For better or worse, this is 90 percent new work. And getting to read the fast-paced and incredible Arsene Lupin stories (the original ones by Maurice Leblanc, and not those by Monkey Punch, nyaha!) are nice ways to get happy enough to finish this. I've done first-person stories before, and, I swear, Maurice Leblanc is a master of the art of using first-person. I mean, sometimes Lupin himself is telling the story, and still I don't know anything of what he's planning to do! Awesome, yes?
Enough about Arsene. I'm here about Jiro. Here we go. Dialogue-intensive.
…………………………………
Two more days passed. Tsubame visited the prisoner on both those days, accompanied by Yahiko this time.
On that first day, she found the candy box already empty of its contents, and the prisoner seemingly asleep, hunched at the corner made by the bars and the wall. She pushed a small box through the bars of a sponge cake she knew he liked, and left.
On the second day, she found the little cake box had been opened, but the sponge cake only partly eaten. He was as she found him the day before, asleep and hunched by the corner. It seemed like he had not left the corner, but only reached out for the cake box, after all that time, then returned to that stupefied state. She passed her hand through the bars, and stroked his hair. She placed another little candy box on his lap.
"Why are you doing this, Tsubame?" Yahiko finally asked.
She did not mean it for him to hear, but if he did hear it, it was alright. "He has no friends except us, Yahiko. What kind of friend would I be if I desert him now?"
Also during that time Kenshin with or without Kaoru, Yahiko, and Enishi came and went to the precinct, providing information, brainstorming, and still convincing Saitou of Jiro's innocence. The inspector did not encourage it, of course, but he listened to the information nonetheless.
Thus, a young man with a distant look in his eyes was brought in for final questioning. Or rather, of a statement of newly-found facts. Surrounding the table were his employer, his friend, her fiancée, her college student friend, the inspector, and the redhead.
Saitou coughed into a fist and spoke. "Chou has returned from his investigation. He reports that all former testimony is inconclusive, and you, in fact, did not commit murder. The murders were indeed committed in two streets, but not the one where Myoujin found you. Also, it has been ascertained that you knocked out five men and Myoujin met you at a time much earlier than the time of the murders. Finally, it is now known that three of the people murdered were associated with, erm, Yuan Xue Dai, and the other two were killed because they were with two of the murdered during the time. Your master has shown enough documents to prove that severing ties with those men himself would not be profitable to his end."
"I know what I did…." It was all the young man said.
"SOUJIROU!" Kenshin shouted, and held him firmly. "You did NOT do it!"
"I know what I did………" he answered.
"I do not know what you know, or what you remember," Kenshin answered, "but the evidence shows that you did not commit those murders. Those 5 people? You did track them, and you did give them hell. But you only rendered them unconscious."
"Not true," the young man muttered.
It was then that Kenshin requested permission to check Jiro's sword. Saitou allowed it, and a younger officer went and returned with the confiscated item.
Kenshin took out Jiro's sword from its sheath, and checked it. He sighed with relief, and showed it to him. "You forgot, Soujirou. This new sword does not have an edge."
Saitou took the sword from Kenshin, and drew it out. Unlike Kenshin's – now Yahiko's – sword, which had a cutting edge at the non-contact side, Soujirou's did not have an edge at all. It was a steel dummy sword, one used in theatrical performances. It had the same weight and look, but could not cause major damage.
Kenshin then explained. "It was a business grudge against Enishi, and the murders done by a hired killer, who did it in two other streets."
"So….."
"The five people are still alive, and reprimanded for bullying other strangers besides yourself."
"So….."
"You did not kill anyone, much less five people."
It took quite a while before the information completely sunk in. "What happens to me, then?" asked the confused young man.
"Your crime has been changed from murder to assault. It is less serious, and you can be bailed out. Yukishiro would be crazy not to pay it." Saitou cringed almost imperceptively as he spoke.
"How much?" Yukishiro did ask.
Saitou gave a figure.
"WHAT! That much?"
"Of course we can keep your precious courier here indefinitely, for the good of the nation…"
"Sacre bleu…" and he took out a checkbook.
Kenshin patted Jiro on the shoulder. "When we lose control and return to what we used to be, having modified weapons saves us from ourselves. That is why you and I chose to have them."
"If it happens again?" Jiro asked.
"Having friends saves us then. That is why you and I have them."
"Enough drama out of the two of you. It irritates me," Enishi interrupted, still sore from the bail payment. "Do you know who it could be? The hired killer?" He asked Jiro.
But Jiro stared blankly at his sword and at Kenshin.
"Seta!"
"Sir?" Jiro cleared his head, then answered. "I think I might have seen the person, but I am not sure. The killer has to be forced to come out." He hung his head afterward.
"Is that all you can say? How do you suppose we force a killer out of hiding? My style takes a while and a lot of research…."
"Hmmm. I think I have an idea," Yutarou offered, as he faced the man in the Chinese suit. "You are the owner of a metalworks business, am I right?"
"Yes…" the businessman answered.
"Well, sir, I have some interest in that field…can we discuss some investment options, over dinner?" Yutarou asked with a sly grin. "Don't think I'm too young, sir; I make the major decisions about my family's estate."
"Why, yes, young sir, it will be a pleasure doing business with you," Enishi understood and went along. "Bring the charming young lady along with you. However, do you realize how dangerous this plan of yours might get?"
"Yeah, Yutarou," Yahiko added. "Fishing out a murderer is dangerous!"
Yutarou put on his most rich-man-like air. "And why should I worry, when I have a guard keeping an eye on us?" He pointed to Yahiko. "And so does Yuan-san," and he pointed at Jiro.
"I understand." Kenshin nodded. Jiro, however, gave a worried look.
Saitou shrugged and puffed. "Well, it's your plan. You work it out."
"Are you up to it, Jiro-san?" Yutarou asked.
Jiro looked down at his sword again, and did not answer. But Tsubame took up one of his hands and squeezed it. Jiro looked up at Tsubame's face. He looked at Yahiko, who nodded. He looked at everybody. "But, what if…."
"You will be alright, Jiro-dono," Kenshin added.
"Well, then, if you all think so," Jiro finally conceded.
……………………………..
The former rivals agreed to meet one hour ahead, under a tree beside the Chinese restaurant where Yutarou and Enishi arranged their meeting.
Jiro no longer had that face full of silent confidence, as at that last time they looked at each other face to face with swords in their hands. Yahiko did not know if he should be glad or sorry about that. He thought he could now see what made Kenshin hold back, even help, the Tenken no Soujirou, those many years ago.
"Ready?" he asked with a sad smile.
"Always," Yahiko replied with a bright one.
"If anything happens, Myoujin-san, protecting her and Tsukayama-san is your first priority. Never let them out of your sight. Don't worry about me."
"But…" especially because Yahiko knew that Tsubame was very safe with Yutarou.
"I'll be alright." He tapped his feet, and disappeared.
Yahiko found a hiding place for himself as well, with a good view of the interior of the restaurant.
Yutarou whistled a little happy tune as he entered with Tsubame, as a sign to Yahiko.
……………………………………
Yuan himself greeted the two young people, and led them to a booth with a fine lacquer table. Soon an army of servers that brought in rice, plates of food, soup, and tea, surrounded them. It was quite a treat for Tsubame, for once being served upon, and not doing the serving.
Tsubame poured out a cup of tea for each of them then sat down beside Yutarou. But Yuan immediately placed a hand over Yutarou's teacup, and shook his head just slightly.
"Are you sure, sir?" the younger man asked quickly.
"No, but I can't take chances," the other man replied. He withdrew the hand and took up the chopsticks.
Tsubame lowered her empty teacup onto the table. She poured herself a cup from the teapot. Yutarou noticed this, and lowered the teapot. "Don't drink the tea, alright, nee-chan?" he whispered. "Yuan-san thinks it has spoiled leaves."
"Oh!" Tsubame opened the lid and peered in. "Should we ask for another pot?"
"Nah, that would be rude," the young man grinned at the older one. "Let's just not let them know that we noticed."
The two men spent the rest of the dinner discussing business, as she listened politely. Tsubame was pleased that Yutarou held his own against the more seasoned businessman. Higher education was good for him, and he used it well. Even if the discussion made her feel rather sleepy, she was happy that her friend was doing well.
"You have very good sense, for a boy," the older businessman nodded, quite pleased. "This deal goes beyond the little show we're keeping up. I'll get Seta to arrange the paperwork."
"A pleasure doing business with you, sir!" Yutarou honestly replied. He looked down at their table now filled with empty dishes, and at Tsubame, whose eyes were starting to droop. "But we have to go now. We've kept up a good show, and my lady friend is feeling tired."
Enishi agreed, and asked for the bill.
The young people and the businessman parted ways at the door of the restaurant, Yuan being accompanied by an escort. They wished each other's safety, and success for the operation.
But the two had not walked ten steps when Tsubame tugged at Yutarou's sleeve, and held on. "I feel the ground spinning."
The young man supported her at the waist. "Was it something you ate?"
"I had one cup of that tea…..with spoiled leaves…" she said, sighed, then leaned her full weight on him as her eyes closed.
"You WHAT?" Yutarou paled while she started to fall. He barely caught her head and upper body as she fully fainted.
He looked up and thought he saw Yuan turn and look for a split second, but the businessman did not stop walking away. He did realize the danger in calling out to him, so he began whistling for Yahiko, urgently.
A dark figure appeared out of the shadows and stood in front of them. It felt her pulse and felt her chest. "It's not what I feared it would be, thank goodness," the figure said quickly. "She is alright, just asleep. Take her home. She will wake up tomorrow like nothing happened. Stay with her. Stay with Myoujin, and watch your back. You WILL be attacked." Then the figure sped away.
Yutarou whistled desperately two more times, the young lady in his arms, when Yahiko arrived with drawn sword. "What happened?" he almost shouted.
"The tea! It was laced!" Yutarou kept shaking her. "I didn't notice her drinking it! I'm sorry!"
Yahiko looked down at Tsubame. "Is she….is she…."
"I think it was Jiro a while ago; he said she'll be fine, but someone is coming for us." Yutarou got back his walking stick and took out the thin blade inside. "Get ready."
"I can't shake off the feeling that it's not you or Enishi they're after," Yahiko added quickly, and pointed far away. "They're after HIM." He kept looking out into the street, and looked around for a familiar building. He pointed. "There. That house. They know Tsubame. Ask for shelter. I'll come back."
"Where are you going?"
"After that half-crazy smiley." And Yahiko ran.
Yahiko soon heard the clanging of a sword a block away from where he currently was, and ran even faster.
He found Jiro frozen with his back to a wall, his sword in front of him in defensive stance. In front of him was a man with a sharp dagger in hand. That his rival was not dead was testament to his real skill, but he still found it odd that Jiro had not dealt with the man yet, unless the recent events still rattled his brain.
Yahiko took matters into his hands. With speed learned as a young thief, he charged in and grabbed at the man's dagger, then threw it far away. He twisted the man's arm behind him, and pinned him to the ground. "Oi! Jiro! A little help?" he called to the still-dazed man.
Jiro recovered enough sense to approach and knock the man unconscious with a firm chop at the neck. He then used an official police whistle and called for backup.
"Thank you," was all he said.
"Hmph," Yahiko replied, and yanked him. "Come on. I have to go back to Tsubame."
They returned to the house where Yahiko sent Yutarou, and knocked. It helped that the master of the house knew both Yahiko and Jiro from former dealings. The young men were escorted to a bedroom, where they found the young woman on a futon, and Yutarou kneeling beside her. "Glad you're both still alive," he greeted.
Yahiko immediately knelt beside the futon and held Tsubame's hand. "How is she? What will happen to her?….."
And a few more incoherent rapid-fire questions were asked, as Jiro approached the young woman as well. He asked Yutarou a few details as he checked her wrist, neck, heart, and breathing. He also opened her eyes one at a time. Then he sighed. "She will be alright. The drug is only meant to send a person to sleep." He lowered his head. "I have used it before, so I know."
"I guess it's better this way," Yutarou shrugged. "She didn't see anything."
"Yes," Jiro said.
"Yeah," Yahiko said.
By this time the two were sitting side by side, both looking at the girl with a combination of concern and relief.
She eventually began to stir. She yawned and looked up at three young men overhead. "Where am I?"
"At a friend's house," Yahiko answered with a smile. "Are you alright? Do you feel better?"
She nodded, and smiled warmly at both Jiro and Yahiko. "My best friend. My new friend. Together. I'm glad."
So were they. The two men looked at each other.
"Hey! What about me?" Yutarou asked with mock irritation.
In reply, Tsubame slowly sat up, and gave him a peck on the forehead. Then she grinned shyly.
"Not fair!" the other two simultaneously complained.
"He had to carry me," she explained.
And they all started laughing.
………………………………
Jiro Came to Town chapters 10 to 13 is the solid manifestation of what was really happening to me. Eyes of the Tiger (chapters 10-12), Tenshi, Firefly Story, and a few one-shots, was just me on manic phase for a few days. Even those had signs of that problem. Generally I was sunk after they were completed, and exasperated that I couldn't think the same way for Jiro-kun.
You have to understand. I never wanted to give up on this story, but things in real life prevented me from thinking straight starting last July. Thus, all good ideas for this story just disappeared past chapter 9. I was not sure if the old drafts were good enough, so I tried to think of other ways to take the story, but because I could not think straight no other ideas came to mind. Even worse, of whatever events were in my head, I couldn't think straight enough to think of enough description to go with it. Having no other choice, not knowing any other way to finish, I decided on using the old drafts until the ending. As I said, I did not want to leave the story hanging any longer, because I would not be able to work on it at all next school year. Thus, pathetic output or not, I continued posting whatever of the story was in my head or in the old drafts. And that is the story of how this fic got from okay to "what happened?".
Warg: Yeah, I do realize that, so sorry. Bakasaru06: Explanation above. Thank you for liking it this far. Junyortrakr: Thanks for still reading. Tofumice: Erm, sorry about the confusing dialogue. And thanks for the compliments. Maeko-nohara: I was a bit crazy, that's why there's a fast update. Skenshinsumi: Thanks for liking Yutarou in the chapter. Jbramx2: Long time, no see. Thanks for liking Yuan-san. Babygirl: No, he won't get killed, as you know by now.