Chapter 2

The young man strode swiftly through the evening streets, dressed formally in navy tie and suit, his jacket hanging from one finger over his shoulder. Kai took in the scents of Tokyo. He hadn't been outside for so long. Working until the early hours of the morning he had often found himself waking up, exhausted, still at the desk. Bags hung under his orb like violet eyes contrasting, like pencil smudges on paper, against his pale skin. Slowing to a stroll he inhaled deeply, the smell of food mixed with pleasant wafts of evening flowers stirring the beast in his stomach. Growling in hunger, he smiled at the so simply want. This involved no arduous business deals, long meetings or critical thinking of any kind.

Stopping leisurely at the nearest takeaway, he soon emerged with a small tray of multi coloured chow-mien and rice. Slurping and picking at it hungrily, he made his unhurried way back towards the bar. Tyson may be worried about him, but, most likely he hadn't even noticed yet. Thinking uncharacteristically fondly of his old team, Kai was older now, the petty arguments and rifts he had forged so long ago had faded. Seven years had given him along time to think about the team and himself.

Arriving all too quickly at the back entrance of the crowded bar he dumped the remains of his meal in a bin and, sighing heavily, forced his way back into the crowded, smoky room.

Max sat in a daze at his desk. Staring blankly into space, the thought of work never crossed his mind. That was until another grunt told him he had to go and see the MD. And that he should have been there ten minutes ago. Swearing mildly under his breath he rose and made his way quickly between the desks. Arriving infront of the manager's office, the glazed look never left his brilliant blue eyes. The MD was important. And anyone else in his company would have shaken themselves out of the daze by now. But Max had become sick of trying to suck up to people.

Opening the door without so much as knocking, he sat down. Well aware that he was pushing his superior's patience. "Now then, Mr Tate" The man infront of him began. "I have a proposition for you." The blond eyed him with mild interest, not saying a word. The man continued "we have a scheme going, which I'm sure you are well aware of. This scheme helps give less fortunate countries, or certain isolated areas, access to technology at very affordable prices…" And he just kept droning on and on. Max eventually switched off until a certain name brought him back to earth at lightning speed- "Now Ray Kon, the so called elder of this village particularly requested your help with this mission. Now, you must understand the financial risks of this endeavour-"

"I'll do it!" Max leapt up with such enthusiasm the MD was almost knocked off his chair. "Right then…" He blinked rapidly; the change in one of his most subdued inferiors was astounding. Come to think of it, he had never seen Mr. Tate look so happy. Smiling in a nostalgic, fatherly way the manager nodded and bade him leave, calling out that his plane left early the next day. No point wasting time. And that he could have the afternoon off to prepare.

Max drove home, giddy with excitement. He was going to see Ray again! He was going to see RAY again! After seven long years, the best day of his life swept them away like seconds. He was Max again. No more Mr Tate. Max, the master of the defensive blade was BACK!

Hilary and Kenny walked back slowly through the night time streets, contentedly full and drowsy. Reaching a bridge spanning the Thames, both stopped, a silent decision, gazing out into the waters. "I've missed everyone so much…" Hilary sighed, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. Maybe it was the over tiredness, or the happiness, she wasn't quite sure. Turning her gaze to the restless water beneath her, it was so tranquil. No one was on the bridge at this time of night and the city air was pleasantly warm.

Getting her emotions under control she turned to the young man beside her, like wise staring across the waters. "Hey Kenny…" The man nodded "How about, when I get time off we go and see the others? A trip to Japan can't cost that much. And it would only be for a few days." The man remained quiet, contemplating the suggestion. Suddenly the sound of running feet sprung up out of the night. Hilary turned; a figure sprinted towards them across the bridge. She tensed, he wasn't slowing down. Leaping to the side she was caught off guard as the figure changed course as well. She heard a muffled yell from Kenny as the man careered straight into her, knocking the wind out of her and sending her crashing to the ground. She senses blurred and she found herself lying in the road, gasping for breath, the night oddly quiet. Attempting to get to her feet she heard Kenny yelling to stop. He sounded so distant. Nausea was building in her throat. That guy must have hit her harder than she thought. Feeling dizzy and sick she complied with her friend. But where was he? Looking round she caught sight of someone standing over her until a vicious kick to the ribs caused her to curl up in pain. Unable to get breath into her lungs she felt the world slipping away. As hard as she tried to fight it, tried to work out what was going. She felt her head hit the ground and passed out.

Kenny stared, frozen with shock, at the shadowed figure that now stood over his friend. "Give me your wallet now old timer! Or she gets more of it!" The man was totally hidden in a balaclava and army coat, complete with unremarkable jeans and battered trainers.

One of the first things to penetrate Kenny's disbelieving brain was one of concern for Hilary. The second was something along the lines of "Hey! Who's this guy calling old timer!" Glaring fixedly on his assailant the gymnast found himself filled with an uncontainable rage. Taking off his glasses, he slowly rubbed them clean on his coat, mind racing, trying to think of a way out of this that didn't involve giving in to this creep. Clearly unnerved at such a calm act the mugger took a step back towards the fallen woman. "I mean it!" Reaching inside his jacket pocket the thief drew out a knife. Kenny froze again, horror jolting up his spine. "Right, this guy was asking for it" Taking off his long brown trench coat slowly, he held it out to the man. The army coated guy took a cautious step forwards. Reaching out for it he gave an indignant cry as it was jerked from his grasp and flung high into the air. Coming further forwards he stood ready to catch it. Taking this opportunity of distraction Kenny leapt into action. Jumping a good three foot into the air he twisted round with skill born of practise. Lashing out with his left leg he felt his foot collide with a hideous crunch against the other man's cheek bone.

With a strangled cry he was spun round, dropping his knife, and fell spread eagled to the floor. Standing over him, Kenny the Ex-nerd put one foot on the man's chest, pinning him to the pavement. Catching his coat in one hand he put it quickly back on. Picking up the knife he tossed it into the river. The man underneath him stirred with a groan. Ripping off his balaclava Kenny was again thunderstruck to find he knew that face.

"DAICHI!"

Sorry it took so long for me to up date on this story I just couldn't think of any ideas. Hope you like how it turned out 