DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY DEAD OR ALIVE CHARACTER. THOSE CHARACTERS BELONG TO TECMO, LTD. AND TEAM NINJA. I AM IN NO WAY INTENDING ANY COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND I'M NOT MAKING A PROFIT FROM THE USE OF THESE CHARACTERS. ANY CHARACTER NOT A PART OF DEAD OR ALIVE IS MINE AND MINE ALONE.
Author's Note: Hey, I'm sorry if it seems a little slow guys, but I promise that the next chapter will speed the plot up a bunch, k? Enjoy!
Chapter Thirty
Wednesday, December 28
11:30 A.M.
Downtown Okashima
Shark had waited a long time in the hospital, hoping to get a second shot at talking to the girl, but the cops had complicated things. Upon their arrival he promptly left the medical complex, abandoning any chance he would ever get to speak with Kasumi in a very long time, and maybe that was for the best. If the police had seen him, they would have noticed his shabby suit and ruffled hair instantly and want to know about the stain on his shirt and who had put it there. He didn't need that kind of trouble. Jack Wallace was plenty enough.
So after he left the Charity Medical Complex, Shark spent the night in a nearby storage building with a weak lock. It wasn't exactly a Holiday Inn, but it was enough to keep him warm for the night and it was better than nothing. But he didn't really get that much sleep. His plagued conscience made sure of that.
When he awakened late the next day he went out to wander the crowded streets of downtown Okashima, trying to figure out what to do next. He couldn't go to Jack and making a return trip to the hospital was both risky and pointless. Besides, Kasumi had made it abundantly clear with her teary eyes and wavering voice that there was no way he would get her forgiveness. The damage that he had done was too extensive for her to overlook, and he couldn't blame her for that.
So what now? Go back to Smith and work for the Organization? No, he would never work for that worm again. His cruel and merciless ways were unrivaled from any other man he had ever worked for, and Shark had worked for some exceedingly terrible people in his specific profession.
Should he help Jack and his former victim take Smith down? Shark shook the foolish thought out of his head as soon as it entered. Going back to Jack would only result in more violence and quite possibly his demise. And how would that help?
Shark was a turncoat now, but he was on nobody's side. He was standing alone and caught in the crossfire. But at least the girl had survived.
And then the ever annoying question returned, relentlessly driving itself into his mind.
Why do you care so much, Shark? What is so important about that girl?
He wanted to believe that it was because he had reformed. That maybe he could be a 'good guy' so to speak. But to tell the truth, it was his own personal greed that drove his motives, just like any other time. He only cared about his own mental health and didn't give a damn about how Kasumi felt because of what he did. After all, the only person that matters is number one, right?
So the only thing he really wanted to do at that moment was get drunk and forget anything had ever happened. But what he had to do didn't involve booze or any other drug. He had to go back to the Organization, but not to work for Smith. He would play his former boss like a good hand of cards because all he really wanted was to get a nice big chunk of inside information that might be valuable to certain people in town who would like nothing more than to see Smith disappear forever. So many people wanted to get rid of the Organization presence in Okashima that anything useful would be worth thousands upon thousands of dollars. He could really live it up then. And after he had struck it rich, who would need the forgiveness of a broken kunoichi and a washed up American detective?
Shark grinned. "I'll show them. I'll show them all."
Wednesday, December 28
1:00 P.M.
Charity Medical Complex
"I fold," Myamoto said with frustration.
Jack grinned as his friend placed his hand on the foot of Kasumi's bed, cards face down. That left only himself, Hayabusa and Kasumi who were left in the game. Ayane had folded long ago. Luck just wasn't with her this time and Jack could tell she wasn't in the mood for a game of poker anyway.
"Okay, anyone else feel like quitting?"
Hayabusa remained like a statue and his expression was solid like stone. He made no indication whatsoever that he wished to drop out.
Kasumi giggled and shook her head. "Nope."
Jack shrugged. "Fine, whatever you want. I see your ten yen and raise you twenty more, just to keep things interesting."
Kasumi examined her hand closely and wondered if Jack was bluffing or if he actually had a winning hand. It was always hard to tell with that man. She finally decided to take the risk, since they were playing for such a small amount of money anyway. She placed her bet and held her cards close to her face as if they contained a sacred secret. "Okay," Kasumi said. "You're turn, Ryu."
Jack glanced at Hayabusa with a friendly grin. "C'mon, you know you want to fold. Just quit while you're ahead."
Hayabusa really didn't know what he wanted because he didn't even know if he had a winning hand or not. He just agreed to play this silly game so that he would have an excuse to stick around until Jack left. Eventually, he decided to stay in the game as well. "I will continue."
"Okay," Jack said as he organized his cards. "Everyone show your hands."
Kasumi flashed her dazzling smile and placed her hand face up to reveal a three kings, a joker, and the ace of hearts. "Beat that," she said with gleeful confidence.
Jack feigned defeat. "Wow, that's a good hand." He placed his own cards face up on Kasumi's bed and grinned. "But I think a straight flush tops four kings, don't you?"
The odds that Hayabusa had anything that good were remote and it was most likely the man wouldn't realize it if he did, so Jack thought that he was definitely the winner.
Ryu's face remained stoic as he tossed his cards onto the bed. "Well, I don't know if that's good or not, but it was fun."
Jack stared in disbelief at Ryu's hand. "No way! That's a royal straight flush!"
Hayabusa nodded slightly. "So that's good?"
"Hell yeah, that's good!" Myamoto exclaimed with a chuckle. "Dude, that was awesome!"
Kasumi had been a little disappointed when Jack had beaten her, but now she smiled at the irony. "Looks like you've been taken out, Jack," she laughed. "Too bad."
He faced Hayabusa. "I'll tell you one thing; you have one hell of a poker face. Let's see if your luck holds, Ryu. Let's deal out another hand."
Hayabusa gave a slight nod. "Sure, if that's what you want." All Hayabusa wanted was for Jack to leave so he could get to the point and continue his mission. It wasn't his intention to sit here all day and play a foolish game of cards. However, he did find it amusing that he had beaten Jack with an undefeatable combination and wondered if he could pull it off one more time.
As Jack shuffled the cards, Kasumi turned to Ayane. "Do you want to play again?"
Ayane casually blew her lavender bangs from in front of her eyes. "I guess so," she muttered reluctantly. "What else is there to do?"
Jack handed Kasumi the deck of cards. "Okay, dish 'em out."
Kasumi eagerly took the deck with another bright smile on her face and began to deal out the cards. But before the game could start, Doctor Makita entered the room.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Jack glanced at his cards and then at Karei. "No. What do you need doc?"
Makita straightened out her white lab coat. "I just wanted to remind you that you should probably go see the police soon. The faster you give them your statement, the faster they can catch whoever did this."
"Sure. I guess I should probably let Kasumi rest some more anyway."
Kasumi put her cards down. "Aw, that sucks. I had a really good hand, too. Can't we just play one more, Jack?"
Jack smiled at her and then returned his focus to the doctor. "After this game, I'll go, okay? After all, I have to win my money back."
Makita nodded. "Just make sure you see them. You don't want to look suspicious do you?"
Jack fiddled with his cards. "Don't worry, doc. I'll be out of here in five minutes at the most."
After Karei left, Myamoto gave Jack a concerned glance, but he simply ignored it and examined his new hand.
Kasumi raised her cards once again and placed one of them face down on her lap. "I need one card, please."
Jack's hand blew chunks. He had a completely worthless assortment of numbers, so he decided to draw five and hope for something better. He tossed his cards onto the foot of Kasumi's bed and grinned. "Give me five."
"I want two," Myamoto said, sounding a little unsure of himself.
Hayabusa organized his cards neatly and nodded in approval, his face expressionless as always. "None."
Ayane sorted through the cards she was holding and scoffed. "What a lousy game. I want four."
Kasumi happily passed each player their cards and then held her hand close to her chest.
Jack watched each person carefully with his perceptive brown eyes as they received their cards, knowing that usually he could always tell who had a good hand and who didn't. Except Ryu, of course. That man was like a brick wall.
It seemed immediately obvious that Kasumi had a winning hand, because she was almost bursting with joy. Either she was winning, or she was just happy to be alive. Jack thought it was most likely a little of both, and was glad to see that maybe she was putting the pain behind her.
Myamoto on the other hand, had a pretty neutral expression, but Jack knew he had some strong numbers. He was just trying too hard to keep a straight face and it gave him away.
Ayane, like himself, most likely wasn't going to win. Her expression was dull and mopey, which told him as an investigator that it wasn't just the crappy cards she possessed that was bringing her down. But he already knew this and wasn't going to pry. That never usually did anyone any good. Especially with Ayane.
"Well, I fold," Jack said as he tossed his cards. "Luck just isn't with me."
Myamoto grinned as he looked at his hand. "I'll stay."
Ryu said nothing, his hard green eyes examining Jack closely. "I'll stay as well."
"There's no way I'm folding with what I've got," Kasumi laughed.
Ayane gloomily tossed her cards onto the floor. "This game sucks. I quit."
As it turned out, Kasumi did actually win with a very nice full house consisting of aces and eights. She beat Myamoto's two pair by a long shot and Ryu wasn't even in the ballpark with his numbers. Jack gathered up his deck of cards and placed them back in his jacket pocket. "I guess I should get going. Get some rest guys."
Myamoto put on his denim jacket and faced the girls with a new respect. "And I really appreciate what you did. Answering those questions could really help us out. Thanks."
Ayane rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just make sure that you let me get a piece of that asshole."
Jack grinned. "Don't worry, there will be plenty of trouble to go around, I'm sure. Let's get going Myamoto. You want a ride, Hayabusa?"
Hayabusa scooted his chair closer to Ayane and turned his back on Kasumi, who was already looking a little sleepy. "No, Jack. Thanks, but I think I'll stick around for a little longer."
"Suit yourself. I heard it was supposed to rain later, so when you have to swim back to the apartments, remember this offer."
Ryu simply waved him away and turned to Ayane.
As he walked out of the door, Jack sent a mischievous wink at Kasumi, who smiled back at him. "Get well soon, Kaz. I might be back later."
Kasumi smiled and nodded. "Okay. Be careful, Jack."
As soon as both men had left the room, Myamoto turned to Jack. "Is it just me or is the staff putting some serious pressure on us to go to the cops?"
"So it wasn't just me who noticed that? It does seem a little odd, but the doc's right. If I don't go now, I'll look bad. We need to get this straightened up, but the timing just doesn't sit well with me."
"But what about Smith?" Myamoto asked. "What's our next move?"
Jack shrugged in a carefree manner. "Smith? This is Kasumi's fight more that it is mine and I think we need to wait for her to get better before we try anything."
"And remember Ayane has a score to settle too," Myamoto added.
"How could I forget?"
Wednesday, December 28
2:30 P.M.
Somewhere in Chino
Corso adjusted his suit and dusted of his black fedora before knocking on the large white door with peeling paint. Hopefully, she was home. Hopefully, things would go as planned and everything would go off without a hitch. As the door slowly opened he remembered Annulus' email: 'We don't need trouble with the Law, Corso.'
There would be no trouble, of that he was most certain.
"Who the hell are you?"
Corso revealed his bright white teeth and flashed Jack's sister a charming smile. "Are you Miss Wallace?"
The gorgeous woman's chocolate colored eyes instinctively scanned the street in both directions and she leaned forward, pushing some of her flowing brown hair behind her shoulder. "That's for me to know and you to find out."
Corso maintained his cocky smile and strolled into Victoria's house like it was his own. "Cozy place you got here, Vicky."
She angrily narrowed her eyes into a hateful glare. "Don't call me that! And get out of my house, before I kick your ass!"
Corso glanced at her, obviously unfazed. "Nice to meet you too. I have a few questions and then I'll be out of your hair. By the way that's a beautiful necklace you're wearing. Was it Susan's?"
Victoria's hand flew up to her silver arrowhead necklace and she widened her eyes in surprise. "Did you know my mom?"
Corso knew that from here on in he would have to choose his words with extreme caution. "Yes. She was such a beautiful woman. Yet she had quite a spicy attitude, much like yourself. Tell me, is this how you treat all your guests?"
"You aren't my guest. A guest by definition is usually invited." Vicky's voice was offensive and her expression matched. "Now, if you don't tell me who you are, I'm calling the cops."
Corso was prepared for such a response. "Go right ahead. I won't stop you."
Victoria was taken aback, and she made no movement towards the phone.
"Oh, that's right," Corso laughed. "If you called them, you would have to explain why you have a stolen car parked outside. And then that would probably lead to the garage where there are twelve more waiting to be stripped down and parted out."
"That's not a stolen car," Vicky lied.
"Don't bother. I'm not here to bust your little operation. I'm here because of your brother. If you would be so kind as to clear a few things up, I'll keep your 'legitimate' business under my hat." Corso tipped his hat towards her as if he was reinforcing his statement.
Vicky balled her hands into fists. "I won't be blackmailed by some CYPHER goon!"
Corso was surprised to say the least. "Huh? CYPUgh!"
Victoria had sent a sharp left punch into Corso's stomach and was about to follow it up with a lightning quick right hook when Corso grabbed her forearm with almost instantaneous reaction time and countered with a powerful gut wrenching blow of his own, sending the beautiful woman crashing to the floor. As Victoria landed flat on her back, Corso began to laugh, which only pissed her off even more.
She jumped to her feet and took a stance.
Corso stopped smiling and tossed his hat onto a nearby chair. "You posture needs a little work, Miss Wallace. And your technique is very sloppy. But if you wish to continue, so be it."
Victoria smiled much in the same way her brother would in the same situation. "I'm so going to enjoy this."
She yelled angrily and lunged forward, faking a quick left and then shooting her right arm upward in a sudden uppercut, but Corso smiled and easily dodged her attack by simply leaning backwards. He acted as if she was nothing but a bratty child throwing a tantrum, and this fueled her anger even more. She let loose with a furious, yet powerful, blow aimed at his chest, but Corso juked left and she ran right past him, tripping over a phone cord and again landing on the stained tan carpet covering the floor. He had defeated her without landing a single blow.
"Don't even try, Miss Wallace. I'm just here about Jack." He mentally filed away the reference to CYPHER to be looked at later. He extended his hand down to the fallen woman at his feet.
Victoria slapped away the stranger's hand away and climbed to her feet, still fuming. "I don't have a brother. He died a long time ago, along with my scumbag father. Good riddance to both of them."
"So he's dead? That makes no sense. Tell me what he was like."
Victoria plopped down in her sagging leather chair and angrily tossed Corso his black hat. "If I tell you, will you leave me alone?"
Corso caught his silk lined hat and placed it back on his head. "I'm already gone, Vicky."
She sighed and gazed out of the window. "Jack was the golden boy. He was everyone's best friend and a great brother to have, even if he was a smart assed little punk." Victoria parted her lips in a nostalgic smile and then shook her head, erasing the old memories of her sibling from her mind. "But that changed twelve years ago. It all changed the day mom died. She was dad's shining star; his perfect dream. Susan was dad's everything and after she was gone, he fell hard. He came home drunk more often than not and most of the time he was passed out in his room, clutching mom's old pillow in his arms. It wasn't long before things hit rock bottom. If you ask me his murderer did him a favor. I'm just glad I wasn't around when it happened."
"What does any of this have to do with your brother?"
"You have to be the most annoying person in town." Victoria said with disdain. "Wait until I finish."
"Very well. Continue, Miss Wallace."
Victoria shot Corso a glare and continued her story.
Wednesday, December 28
3:05 P.M.
Organization Compound 32
Smith had spent the entire first half of the day complaining to himself and cleaning up the disaster that used to be his base of operations. Thomas had taken the night off and he was supposed to have gotten back a few hours ago, but there was still no sign of the British man.
Fixing things was definitely not how he had wanted to spend his Wednesday afternoon. Especially since he sucked at it. The entire compound was scrap and all he really wanted to do was hunt down and destroy Kasumi for bringing this down on him. If it weren't for her, none of this mess would've happened in the first place and things would've been so much easier.
"Don't you ever take a break? You've been at it for hours now."
Smith forgot about what he was doing and turned around at the sound of the thick cockney accent, his face etched with impatience. "Where the hell have you been! I can't repair this shit hole on my own."
Thomas toyed with his familiar Zippo lighter and chuckled. "Relax. You'll get this place up and running sooner or later."
"Sooner or later?" Smith hissed. "Do you realize what will happen if I fail to send my contact into DOA 4? I need this place finished now!"
Thomas strolled casually over to where Smith was standing. "What's the rush? DOA 4 isn't going to start for quite a while. You have plenty of time."
"Well excuse me if I don't want to spend all my waking hours in this hole in the ground."
Thomas rolled his eyes. "What else have you got going on?"
"Have you forgotten our favorite little runaway and her sister? I want both those bitches' heads on a stake! The sooner I finish fixing this dump, the sooner I can focus on hunting them down."
"What is it with you? All you ever talk about is 'Die Kasumi,' or 'I'm going to tear them apart.' You need to clear your mind or you're going to go nuts. They are of no more use to you. Why bother?"
Smith's eyes narrowed to hateful slits. "Why?" he laughed darkly. "Look around you. Do I really need an explanation? If I ever see her again, she's going to wish she was never born!"
"I think you may have already achieved that, you pathetic worm. After all, no one survives The Completion unchanged. Don't you realize that there are more important goals to focus on than your childish fits of rage?"
"Quit your incessant yapping and help me out, before I lose my patience."
Thomas stood tall and put away his lighter. "Screw off, little man. Do I look like an electrician to you?"
Smith balled his hands into angry fists. "Do you want your damn money or not!"
Tom gave a slight nod.
"Then do what I tell you."
Thomas shrugged. "Whatever."
As he walked over towards a damaged computer console to begin some simple repairs, he watched Smith storm off in a huff. That man really needed to let Kasumi and Ayane go and concentrate on the more important things. If his gut was right, they would probably be seeing those two again anyway. And then Smith could have his bloodthirsty revenge, no matter how distasteful and unnecessary it was. As long as the man left Jack Wallace to him, Tom could care less who Smith mutilates.
Thomas grumbled as the computer screen stubbornly refused to come to life. He pounded it with his fist and cursed loudly until the broken machine finally responded. Unfortunately, the data that flickered to life on the dim screen was corrupted. Or was it...
"Smith, get your ass back here. We have an intruder."
"Jack?" The short man asked.
"I don't know. Whatever it was, it activated the motion detectors. All visual surveillance equipment is still offline. Could be a stray cat for all I know."
"A cat? Who gives a damn about some stupid cat!"
"I said it could be a cat, not that it was a cat. Why don't you open your bloody ears and pay attention."
Smith cursed under his breath and studied the data on the computer console. "It's still here, too. Go check it out, Tom. We don't need any trouble right now."
Thomas nodded and walked towards the elevator. He would take out his frustration with the irritating man known as Smith out on whatever poor creature was waiting for him outside, and he was going to enjoy it. On his way out of the dark and dreary Organization facility, Tom made sure to grab a two way radio and clip it onto his belt. Just in case.
But when he arrived outside a surprising sight awaited him. Instead of a stray animal or even Jack Wallace and his ninja pals, a total stranger lurked in the shadow of the warehouse, shielding his eyes from the bright midday sun.
"Who the hell are you?" Thomas demanded.
"Is this warehouse fourteen?"
Tom made some tight fists and walked over to where the man was standing. "Who wants to know?"
The mystery man pretended to dust some lint off of his tattered suit jacket. "The name's Shark. Now, are you going to answer my question or just stand there like an idiot?"
Thomas took a quick glance at the man's electric blue eyes and laughed. "You have no idea what you're doing, do you? Go away while you're still able to leave. I don't have time to waste beating up some dirty hobo, no matter how tempting it is."
"Hobo? I'm no hobo, you English snob. I used to work for Smith and I'm here to resume my employment."
Thomas wiped the smile from his face. "Former employee? Hmmm..."
He considered the fact that if this man was telling the truth, he might actually be able to fix a few things. And if the base was repaired earlier, he could spend more time doing whatever he wanted instead of working in this cesspool. Shark could be Smith's new lackey and Tom would do what he did best; kill people that Smith wanted gone. But what if this stranger was lying...
"Prove it, and I won't beat you to a lifeless pulp."
"Sure," Shark said smoothly. He was now glad that his time with Jack had caught him up on Smith's current situation. "You guys have been working to find the Shinobi Village that's located somewhere on that mountain. So far, Smith has had a runaway named Kasumi tortured beyond any hope of full mental recovery, and he's taken a pretty good piece out of her sister, Ayane. But then Jack Wallace came along with a few of his angry Shinobi buddies to rescue"
Thomas held up his left hand and reached for his two way radio. "Smith, I think we've got another man to add to the payroll."
Static poured through the speakers for about five seconds before Smith responded. "What are you talking about? Who's out there?"
"Some guy named Shark. He says he used to work for you and wants another chance."
There was a very long pause and finally Smith's voice returned, full of flaming fury and hate. "Bring him down," he hissed. "I have a few questions for Mr. Shark."
Wednesday, December 28
3:10 P.M.
Nozome's Burger Hut
Myamoto took the last bite of his cheese burger and wadded up the wrapper. "Stop stalling, Jack. Rip it off like a band-aid. It'll be quick and painless."
"Painless my ass! I'll end up in jail if I go to them. What'll happen to Kasumi if I get locked up? I know she's no weakling, but right now she's in no condition to defend herself. She'll be toast."
"I see your point, but I think I have a solution."
"Oh yeah?" Jack asked as he swallowed a curly fry. "Lay it on me."
"Don't tell them everything. Right now, they can't link you to Duncan's murder and as long as you don't take your Beretta with you, they won't have a clue. Just let them ask all the questions and make sure not to volunteer any information."
Jack nodded. "I would like to think it's that simple, but the truth is that Kasumi may have already told them everything. And even if she told them it was in self defense, I'm not going to look good for waiting so long to report it. One way or the other, I'm looking a lot like a bad guy. And how will I explain our little attack on warehouse fourteen? That wasn't self defense, man. We were the ones who started that fight."
"Only to save Kasumi's life, Jack. She would've died a horrible death if we hadn't done what we did. And what about Ayane? We had to fight."
"Not really. I'm not saying that I'm not glad we saved Kasumi, because you know that I love her more than anything. But what I'm pointing out is that I thought she was already dead during that fight. I attacked purely for vengeance."
"But the cops don't know that."
"Good point, but what about Hayate and Hayabusa. How will I explain their presence without sounding crazy? 'Yes officer, Kasumi and Ayane are both Shinobi ninjas.' Tell me, would you believe that lame ass story if you were a cop?"
"Yeah, I see what you mean, but you don't have to mention them. Or at least not Hayate. Hayabusa is still in town so he could always provide a statement if it was needed."
"If he sticks around."
Myamoto shrugged. "Okay, well"
Jack glanced out the window and popped out of his chair. "Aw, shit! It's raining and I left the top down on my Jeep. We gotta get out of here."
Myamoto finished off his drink and nodded. "Yeah, I guess we should get going. But tell me this: Why the hell do you have the top off that Wrangler in the middle of winter?"
Jack shrugged as he put on his leather bomber jacket. "I just thought it would be nice if the interior of my Jeep got ruined even more than it already is." His voice was heavy with sarcasm. "What do you think?"
After struggling with the tan canvas top for almost half an hour, Jack and Myamoto managed to finally get the cover on the Jeep and start driving back to the apartments.
"So, what now? Are we going to the cops, or not?"
Jack took a quick glance at his watch and shook his head. "No. It's only three thirty and I still have plenty of time to get that done."
Myamoto gave Jack a disapproving frown, but said nothing more about the subject. Instead, he got out that piece of notebook paper with the questions and the responses. Studying them might give him an idea.
As they continued to the rain slicked streets of Okashima, Jack's phone rang once again, and the glowing blue screen flashed the same mysterious words: ID blocked.
Jack instantly grabbed for the sleek flip phone and answered in a rough tone. "Yeah?"
Again nothing but silence poured through his speakers.
"Listen you little punk, I'm not going to deal with your stupid pranks anymore. If you have something to say, spit it out already!"
The line suddenly went dead silent as the person on the other end of the call hung up, as they did before. Something strange was going on.
"Who was that?"
"I don't know and I don't care. It was another prank call." He paused a moment. "Hey, you seem to know a lot about Shinobi customs and stuff. Do you think you can answer a question of mine that been bugging me. I've been thinking about it ever since I found out that Kasumi was Shinobi and something just doesn't fit."
Myamoto looked up form his notes, clearly curious. "What is it?"
"Why do you think Kasumi doesn't live with the rest of her family? Hayate and Ayane are the only two relatives I know she has, and I only found out about Hayate when he showed up a few days ago. She's never once mentioned her mother or father. Hell, she doesn't talk about her past at all, even if I ask her about it. Why do you think that is?"
Myamoto shrugged. "Now that you mention it, I do find it a little strange that she doesn't live in the village."
"You mean you don't know? Some expert you are."
"Well, excuse me, Jack," Myamoto said, slightly offended. "It's not like anyone's ever talked to a real Shinobi before and lived to tell about it. Everything is best guess when it comes to your mysterious girlfriend. You should probably just ask her about it next time we're at the hospital."
Jack shook his head. "Not until I can get her alone. Ayane can't know that I know. I made her a promise that I wouldn't let anyone else find out. Especially her brother." Jack thought a moment. "You know, I remember asking her about it before she got sick and she mentioned that it had something to do with an attack on the village. Do you think you could dig something up?"
"I don't know..." Myamoto said, "That kind of information wouldn't be easy to find. But I'll do what I can."
Jack nodded. "Right. Then I guess we're going to your place to do a little snooping. Feels like the old days, doesn't it?"
Myamoto nodded with a smile. "Yeah, sure does. Watch the road."
Wednesday, December 28
3:27 P.M.
Charity Medical Complex
Hayabusa looked into Ayane's fiery amber eyes and sighed. "Are you sure that's what he may be after? How would anyone other than Shiden and Hayate even know about them?"
Ayane gave Ryu an irritated glare. "Do you think I would just make it up? You asked me what I thought it was and I told you. It's not my problem you don't believe me."
Behind him, Kasumi stirred from her deep sleep, the sound of Ayane's sharp voice waking her. "What's going on, guys?" she asked groggily.
Hayabusa showed no signs of disappointment or annoyance, but inside he was groaning at the fact that Ayane had managed to wake her sister. Kasumi had just fallen asleep about a half an hour ago, and he was hoping to get a little more information before being interrupted.
He turned to Hayate's sister and shrugged, his piercing green eyes boring into hers. "Nothing, Kasumi. You should probably get some more rest."
"Is there something you two aren't telling me?" Kasumi asked, obviously intrigued by Ryu's secrecy. "Maybe I could help or"
Hayabusa sent her a look that stopped her sentence cold, even though it wasn't hateful or aggressive. But it wasn't friendly either. "Don't bother yourself with it. It's a matter that no longer concerns you."
Kasumi was stung by Ryu's blunt statement. Without being hostile or angry, he had just shoved the fact that she was a runaway without a home in her face, and it hurt. But she didn't dare let it show. "Oh...I see."
Ayane glanced at her sister, slightly annoyed at how she was acting. "Don't be such a child, Kasumi. It's not like it's a big deal or anything. Just go back to sleep."
Kasumi sighed and gave a slight nod, knowing that trying to pry would only result in another argument. "Okay. I'm still feeling a little tired anyway. Could you at least try to keep it down over there?"
Ryu gave her a slight nod. "We will try."
As he waited for Kasumi to drift back into her deep sleep, he turned Ayane's answer over and over again in his mind. Could that really be what Smith wants? But how did he find out about them and what could he possibly plan to do with such a thing? Hayate must be alerted immediately.
Ayane watched Ryu's face intently as he continued to think and wanted to smile at him, but she stopped herself before anything happened. She never usually felt this way about her brother's best friend, and it wasn't a feeling she was used to.
Ryu glanced out the window and nodded. "Jack was right. It's raining pretty hard out there. It looks like I'm stuck here for a while. In the meantime, I want you to think hard about what you just told me. There has to be something else."
Ayane rolled her eyes. "Why did you even bother asking if you weren't going to believe me? That's what I think now, and I'm still going to think that in fifteen minutes. Nothing's going to change."
"Then pray that you're wrong, Ayane." Ryu said seriously. "Pray that you are wrong."
