TRUE LOVE, SWEET LIES / KISSED BY THE BADDEST BIDDER
PARALLELS – PAST AND PRESENT
Chapter Three – Asi, the Dark Sentinel (Part One)
Disclaimer
True Love, Sweet Lies and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc.
Kissed by the Baddest Bidder and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc.
All the wonderful characters for Sekai-Ichi Hatsukoi and Junjou Romantica are owned by their wonderful author Shungiku Nakamura. In the series (whether it be manga, anime, light novel, or drama CD), Ritsu's Dad is unnamed, and little is known about him, and so I gave him a name for the purposes of this fic – Akifumi Onodera.
The original characters Andrew James (AJ) Ishino, Tsuuri Troy, Michael Ishino, and Alexandra Emrys and any other original characters appearing in this fic are properties of PJ Zatken.
Author's Notes
For those who are familiar with otome games, Love 365, True Love, Sweet Lies, and Kissed by the Baddest Bidder, the female main character (MC) is part of the series' original characters. So how do the original characters (OCs) in my story figure out in this universe and fanfic?
The MC is the love interest of one of the playable characters in True Love, Sweet Lies.
I have seen how many folks are avid fans of True Love, Sweet Lies and Kissed by the Baddest Bidder although I do not know as to how many of them are also avid authors and/or readers in fanfiction dot net.
Background for this Fanfiction
This True Love, Sweet Lies fanfiction serves as a companion piece to my Junjou Romantica / Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi crossover fanfic Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive. The goal of this fic is to fill the little holes that would be there because the antagonist(s) and the problems he/she/they bring to our beloved JR / SH characters are complex.
Secondly, the people who are there to help our beloved JR / SH characters through this time have complex lives and equally complex connections.
I figured that the best way to show how intricate these relationships and connections are is through "companion piece" fanfics. First is so the focus for Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive would remain mostly with our JR / SH characters. Second, having "companion pieces" would give readers and "inside glimpse" of what was really happening behind the scenes so that there would not be any confusion when a character or characters from True Love, Sweet Lies are mentioned or would make a cameo in Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive.
As a result, my Disclaimer and Author's Notes on every chapter for Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive and each "companion piece" would properly mention and give credit to the fandoms and characters that appear in it.
These "companion piece" fanfics are experiments. I will do my best to do justice to the fandoms that I do, just as I have always done all these years. Come and enjoy this ride with me, and let me know what you think!
Best regards,
PJ Zatken
FLASHBACK
Timeline: A few days before Mission (Less than One Week from the Present)
Preliminary / Current Setting: Emrys Manor, England
Oh Soryu's Point of View (POV)
"Absolutely out of the question!"
"I'm not nine years old anymore, Gēge! Even then, no one got a say in where I go and what I do unless I allowed it!"
I'm just exasperated when I reiterate to Em, "I'm not treating you like a kid! Where are you getting this crazy idea?!"
Em looks straight at me and asks in a calm voice dripping with so much hurt, "Then why are you giving me that look, Gēge? That's the same look you've given me way back when…"
"When what, Mèi Mei?"
"The time when I first got in trouble after losing my parents… Then there's Mexico… Then another time when I woke up from a coma…"
Jii-san – Troy's grandfather – has been on the phone listening as Em and I argue back and forth in Cantonese for the past 30 minutes and counting. He remains silent throughout our conversation thus far.
The same goes with Yeye, who has been with us via phone conference as a participant in the conversation.
When I became the Ice Dragon's top boss a couple of years ago, I was told the secret that binds Em closely to Jii-san. I recalled that day vividly. I met with Jii-san and Yeye in Hong Kong to report back on Ryuun's ouster. I was surprised that she was there, too. The three of them told me what I needed to know.
The secret was that Jii-san was the past sentinel…and he and Yeye worked hand-in-hand for decades. Em had taken over the role from Jii-san for the last five years. She and I were now meant to work hand-in-hand just as our predecessors have.
The questions in my mind…? How come Ryuun didn't know about the sentinel's existence? How come Ryuun didn't know about the sentinel's true identity?
The bigger shock came when I was told that now I became head of the Ice Dragons, the sentinel will continue to serve as my sword and shield. The expectation is for me to lead with a code of honor – the same way that Yeye did.
I knew that the friendship between Yeye, Jii-san, and AJ's grandfather was a testament of how much they supported and cared for each other as siblings. Starting that day, it has been clear to me that their friendship along with this secret solidified the bond between them.
And on that day, Em and I have been made aware that the same secret and oath would perpetually bind us together, too. If ever she has shared this secret to another, that person has to give an oath to take her secret to the grave. Otherwise, that person immediately forfeits his or her own life in exchange for breaking the oath…with that life belonging to the sentinel.
As of now, Eisuke, Troy, and the rest of the auction managers don't know this particular secret. All they know is that Em has many connections to the underworld because she has been a covert agent all these years. In our unique circle, we've kept an unspoken rule of respecting each other's privacy. Along with that comes an unspoken vow that we would be there for each other when needed or asked.
As to Em's surrogate families in Japan and England, only Jii-san, Shido Kazuomi, Shiba Yuzuru, Soejima Kei, and Zack Thompson know this particular secret of hers.
Since I took over the Ice Dragons, I've made my intentions clear. I respect Em's position as sentinel. However, I don't wish for her to endanger herself. I've told her in front of our elders that I'd always be grateful for her constant thoughts and support, but I never wish for her life to be served on a silver platter as my sword and shield.
And argue Em and I did…
I yell, "I should be protecting you – not the other way around!"
"Please prioritize the fate of many innocent people. Your sentiment towards me is sweet and appreciated. However, set them aside right now and see me for who and what I am," Em says to me with passionate defiance in her eyes, although the plea laced in her voice shows that she still extends the respect that she has always given me.
"Damn it, Em! These people are dangerous! They sell women and children! What if something happens to you? What if they find out your other job…that you pose as a threat to them?"
"I don't entertain thoughts and feelings of failure. I only think about them as I strategize plans. I address all areas of concern as I plan my moves," Em quips, her arms crossing over her chest. Her penetrating gaze doesn't leave me as she continues, "I'm confident in you and our cause. There's no room for thoughts of failure or mediocrity. Give room to those thoughts, and they become your reality. There's no room for them in the Ice Dragons. There's especially no room for them in the one who leads the Ice Dragons. Oh Soryu most especially avoided giving any room for such thoughts or feelings ever since I've known him. If he couldn't avoid them, he used them as motivation to achieve the impossible."
"If you have so much faith in me, then stop proposing to come with us!" I abruptly tell Em, not letting her gaze intimidate me.
"I have the utmost faith in you, Gēge. What you insist from me is sheer lunacy – even downright careless and arrogant! And you're so quick to underestimate me. Why do you think Yeye and Jii-san opened this secret – my secret – to you? I could've operated in the shadows and you'd be none the wiser. Instead, I've chosen for you to know this."
"I do trust you! Don't take my words the wrong way. I've seen you fight. You're more than capable."
"That's Alexandra Emrys you've seen fighting. Again, I ask – why won't you accept my help?"
"You'll help me by keeping my mind at peace. So please stay safe and greet us with your smile and normal heartfelt gestures once we return."
Em's not pleased at all. She raises an eyebrow and says, "I don't wait around while everyone else is in danger!"
I tell Em, my gaze still not leaving her. "Blood or not, you're my precious younger sister! I refuse to expose you to such risk!"
Em narrows her eyes. "That won't be a call that you'd make on your own, Gēge."
"I never like arguing with you. I never like having any ill feelings come between us. We need to meet halfway. So please be reasonable, Mèi Mei…" I say to Em, still very much exasperated. "And here I thought that your reckless days are already out of your system."
Em chuckles meaningfully. "I won't be able to do the things that I do if it's out of my system. I'm just more methodical in how I do things."
"We need to meet halfway."
"A compromise…?" Em becomes tight-lipped as she keeps her steady gaze on me. "All right… If you don't want me to go, then take Troy with you."
My jaw clenches. Before I say a word in edgewise, I hear Em tell me, "With all due respect, Gēge, I've just done what you've asked. I met you halfway. What I've suggested is the only acceptable compromise for me. You don't want me to do my job, then I want someone trustworthy and highly enabled to stand by your side and back you up from start to finish."
There's silence….
I then hear approving grunts from Yeye and Jii-san, with Yeye asking Jii-san, "I'd say that's a fair compromise – don't you agree, Asukawa?"
"It's a great idea…" replies Jii-san, echoing Yeye's sentiments and approval. "Soryu, my boy…. I'm sure you have no doubts regarding Troy's skills and loyalty to you and your cause."
I fall silent. I then let out a heavy sigh and card my fingers through my hair. I'm exhausted. I close my eyes and say, "I never had doubts about Em. I just worry about her."
"Your Yeye and I understand, Soryu. You have to choose, my boy…. It's either Em or Troy…"
After a moment of silence, I then say, "Fine…. Troy it is…."
Em then looks sideways, takes in a deep breath, and says to the ones who have been in on our call via speakerphone, "Gēge and I have reached a compromise, Yeye… Jii-san… Do we have your permission for Troy to accompany Gēge in this mission…that is, of course should Troy say yes, Jii-san?"
Jii-san replies, "Why of course. You know that Troy wouldn't have it any other way, either.
"I do, Jii-san…. I know that very well about Troy, AJ, and Em…" I take in a deep breath, contemplating and making a silent commitment to myself…and eventually verbalizing the sworn words in my head and heart by adding, "I'll do everything in my power to keep Troy safe, Jii-san. Thank you so much for the help that your family's extending to us."
Yeye…my paternal grandfather and former head of the Ice Dragons before Ryuun…then tells us, "Then please take care, all of you. I'll pray for all your success and safety."
Em then tells me, still looking bothered even though a compromise has been reached, "All right, Gēge. After your mission, have Troy follow me to the United States. I'll be at Kaz's Dad's estate."
"Zack Thompson?"
Em nods with a small smile. "Yes. And with that, I wish the Ice Dragons the best of luck in the mission. Please take care and stay safe."
ANOTHER FLASHBACK
Timeline: (Still) Less than One Week from the Present
Preliminary / Current Setting: Port of Tokyo. Cargo Ship preparing for departure.
Final Destination: Port of Hong Kong
Oh Soryu's Point of View (POV)
That conversation was from a few days ago…. More developments have taken place since then.
There was another set of kidnappings. This time, two family members of an Ice Dragon were abducted on the day that Em and I made that compromise.
Zhao Feng's one of my family's trusted men. Three consecutive generations of the Feng Family patriarchs have loyally served as an Ice Dragon. He was orphaned at four years old. Just like me, he was raised by his paternal grandfather.
Zhao, originally from the Hong Kong branch, has been in living in Tokyo since he courted Akiko a handful of years ago. Being just a couple of years younger than me, he married young and started a family with her. He comes with us to save his kidnapped wife and child from being sold to human traffickers. We shudder in anger and dread as to what can happen should we fail to save his family along with the rest.
The Ice Dragons have been monitoring a certain part of the Port of Tokyo for two straight days now. Specifically, we've been eyeing on a particular ship and the activity of those who have been going in and out of it.
The ship hasn't sailed yet….
The men and I have plans on infiltrating the ship. To us, tonight's the perfect time for our rescue mission. We've also considered rather unusual signs as messages from the divine. One of those signs has been this somewhat colder and foggy evenings in the middle of July when it should normally be hot and humid. We all figured that we'll take every opportunity that we can get – starting with the dense fog that can cover us as we sneak inside the ship.
Working on multiple leads from Kishi Mamoru, the Ice Dragons, as well as Em and Troy, my men and I focus on tonight's mission. The ground that we need to cover is huge, especially with the limited amount of men that I have with me. However, nothing will stop us.
The destination for this ship – Hong Kong….
Our mission – to stop the ship from leaving Japanese shores and save these innocent lives from being trafficked.… A handful of those being trafficked are those with direct or indirect familial affiliation with Ice Dragon members.
Em reported to me that also victimized were those who have direct or indirect familial relations with Sakuragumi members. In addition, she shared compelling proof of the possibility that the Sakuragumi – the loyal ones – aren't behind in the operation.
Em and I also accepted the possibility that there might be traitors within the Ice Dragons – those who are still loyal to Ryuun. Jii-san and Yeye agreed with our assessment and left the matter for us to handle.
With guns in hand and ready to shoot in any given second, the men and I sneak inside the large cargo ship. As much and as long as possible, we want to remain inconspicuous. Even though it'd be a miracle, I want to complete this mission without incident.
In the real world, though, gunfire's expected. I've been aware of this reality and eventuality since childhood.
"Stay behind me at all times, do you hear me, Dìdì?" I tell the person behind me in near-whispered Cantonese without removing all of my focus at the front.
"Yes, Gēge…" Troy whispers back in fluent Cantonese. Armed just like the rest of us, he wears dark clothes and a black balaclava with fine netting over the eyes, nose, and mouth. I said that if he'll be joining us, then he should conceal his identity as best as he could.
If I really had my way, I didn't want to take Troy with me but a compromise is a compromise. Before leaving Ice Dragons' headquarters, I made Troy promise that he'd do as I say. We agreed to cover each other's backs from start to finish.
As our infiltration continued, I think back on my argument with Em just a few days ago. She has a point. She's not only capable in keeping herself and others safe. She's more than capable of inflicting damage when needed. Over the years, she and I mostly had each other's backs. She covered my back in two ways – one as a member of law enforcement, and two as an Ice Dragon.
I have nearly no worries about AJ. He's been isolated from this life as well as Em's secret. If worse ever came to worst, he'd know how to protect himself.
I have very few when it comes to Troy. Although he's far more exposed to the underworld because of Jii-san, he's protected from this specific part of Em's secret.
Em's a different story, though. Due to a strange twist of fate, any worry that I could've devoted to AJ and Troy have all gone to her. Could anyone blame me for being stubborn when I just want to protect my figurative little siblings from all of this, particularly my little sister?
But at least AJ and Troy are mostly safe – all thanks to Jii-san and Em. Because of the compromise she and I made, though, the tables have turned. Troy's by my side. She stays put and waits for us. I take comfort in that knowledge.
The select few and I reach the many steel cargo containers. We notice six distinct ones where there are no other containers placed on top of them.
These might be it. The people we seek might be here.
Troy and I agree to split up although the distance between us is still within each other's sight.
I order four other men. Two follow Troy's lead to the right. The other two follow me to the left. Each of the six of us chooses the closest cargo container for inspection.
In addition, 10 men who have been following behind us split up evenly to flank and protect us. We'll all need it, especially once we find the captives.
Each of the six of us jimmies the three padlocks that keep the cargo container steel door sealed.
Zhao's the first one who unlocks the cargo container before him. He signals to the rest of the five of us through his frantic nod that we've found what we've been looking for.
The cargo container has people in it. Chances are that the five other containers have people inside them, too.
Troy, Zhao, and I look at each other and nod.
As Zhao signals to the ones inside the cargo to keep quiet, I send a silent signal from my phone to Kishi. Troy maintains extra vigilance to cover Zhao and me while we're respectively distracted. My secured text message confirms to Kishi that we just found people inside the ship and are now starting our rescue operation.
Kishi mentioned to all of us auction managers earlier at Tres Spades about doing his best to stop or delaying the ship from sailing regardless whether we find victims or not. As much as I bump heads with him many times, he hasn't let me down yet on times that he's most needed.
I do hope that everything works out according to the plan…
Moments later, we six open the rest of the cargo containers. Sure enough, there are people inside. The cargo container I've opened has approximately 30 people inside, half of them being children.
And from there, emotions surge inside my heart as I see Zhao's child. He's a handsome, fair-skinned, respectful, and precocious six-year-old boy. He has silky straight black hair and expressive gray eyes that give anyone an innocent yet in-depth look of you.
Zhao and his wife have appropriately named the boy Rai…his child's name's meaning revolving around the words trust, lightning, and thunder. The boy may be young, but he's what Yeye and I'd consider to be an old soul. I'm sure that when he becomes a man, he'll take on the loyalty, steadfastness, and ferocity of the generations' worth of Feng men before him.
If I have my way, and maybe Zhao does the same, I'd love to see Rai have a fruitful and peaceful life outside the mafia.
I smile at Rai. I place an index finger on my lips while ruffling his hair. I then ask him in a near-whisper, "Did they hurt you?"
Rai shakes his head. I gauge that he's telling the truth. I can also tell that he's been traumatized from being kidnapped from home. I push aside the anger bubbling inside me.
Troy and I respectively signal Zhao that his wife and child have now been found.
Moments later, Zhao reunites with his family. He hugs his wife Akiko, the two crouching as they include Rai in their family hug. They embrace tightly as if their very existence and the air they breathed depend on the heartwarming gesture.
I put my hand on Troy's shoulder, and I feel Troy's hand over mine as we both look on. If we're in a better predicament, I can imagine as to how Akiko's silent sobs would've been louder judging by how her body trembles in Zhao's touch. Yet Troy and I see as to how Zhao and Akiko handle themselves with quiet dignity for the sake of their child.
Zhao draws away from Akiko. He kisses her forehead. He gives her a hope-filled smile. "Let's get out of here first, Love…"
Zhao then looks at his son. He smiles while touching the boy's head with such affection. "Let's go home, Rai…all right?"
Akiko and Rai both nod. They smile at Zhao's words…
Once the touching family scene wraps up before us, Troy and I respectively pat Zhao on the back…a gesture that Zhao welcomes with a grateful and tearful smile as he holds on to Akiko and Rai more tightly.
With our hearts warmer and being greatly encouraged, Troy and I exchange knowing smiles and nods. Our now-larger group now faces an even greater challenge – to quietly yet quickly head out to safely without being detected.
The men and I instruct all of those we've just saved to stay close against the containers and to us. My men who have already been pre-assigned to watch us from above the cargo containers continue to serve as our scouts. We all move in tandem, slowly but surely inching our way out of the maze of cargo containers.
We must get out before the ship leaves the dock. If we don't, we'll all be trapped in the middle of the sea.
By this time, Troy's eyes narrow at the phenomenon that's now blatantly obvious. He chooses not to verbalize his sentiments. He gives me a puzzled look. He nods when I become tight-lipped and gesture with my head for us to continue.
However, Rai murmurs to Zhao as the phenomenon begins to affect the visibility of the metal floor that we're walking on, "Bàba, there's fog in here…" The boy clasps the free hand of his father and mother Akiko.
Troy and I stop for a moment, seeing if Rai is okay to proceed with our escape.
Akiko gives Rai a calm smile. She bends over and tells the child with such affection, "Bàba and Oka-chan are with you, Rai. We're all here with you. Be strong…. All right…?"
Rai's eyes reflect the utmost trust and truth behind the very puzzling statement he now tells Akiko, "You don't understand, Oka-chan…. The fog… Asi's here…"
"Asi…?" Troy asks Rai.
Rai nods. "The fog and Asi are here to keep us safe. He has kept me safe all this time. He blends in…"
Akiko looks at the fog-covered floor. The fog continues to roll in and becomes denser, and her gaze shows that she's puzzled, too. She looks at Rai and smiles. Feeling like the rest of us, she nods while she tries to hide her curiosity and nervousness.
Zhao and I exchange puzzled glances with Troy. The three of us wonder the same thing about this fog. Troy and I currently serve as Zhao and his family's flanks per my orders to Troy, with me leading and Troy protecting Zhao and his family's back.
The fog becomes higher. I hide my rising worry as it now covers visibility on everything below my knees. I think about Rai and look behind me. I see that the fog is just below Rai's eyes.
"Rai, get on my back and don't let go," I tell Rai, and Zhao gives me his permission as I crouch down and give the boy a piggy-back ride.
"Ready?" I ask the boy, trying to sound cheerful. As the boy and I smile at each other, I rise to my feet and then our entire group proceeds.
When we make another turn to get out of this labyrinth of cargo containers, an enemy pops at the corner of my eye...
A split second later, the enemy falls down on the ground without consequence. It's as if he has been pulled in by someone…or something…lurking within the fog.
What my men and I see along our route stun us, but I dismiss it as coincidental accidents in our favor. And so we all move forward – with me taking the lead – in hopes of reaching the exit without incident.
Every now and then, we stop as we bump into men who have already been rendered unconscious.
I look behind me and ask Rai, "Did Asi do this?"
Rai nods and gives me a small smile.
With gun still in hand, I brace myself as chills travel up and down my spine. I find the circumstances far too weird. This isn't the first time that my men and I have encountered such mysterious lucky streak which petrifies and relieves us at the same time. In fact, it's been like this for years during some of my most crucial times.
Do I consider finding our enemies already knocked out a continued lucky streak? Yes, I do….
Do I feel good and comfortable about this lucky streak? No, I don't…. In fact, it makes me extremely nervous. Who or what is causing this?
As we make another turn, two of the enemy's armed men pop from the corner. They're surprised from seeing us make our slow escape with their hostages. They aim their guns right at me.
Troy and I shoot before the two men do…
The two men drop on the floor and we continue….
Another turn and another enemy pops out, aiming his gun…
But before the man's gun fires the fatal bullet going my way, something fast emerges from the fog. As snapping sounds of broken bones are heard, the silhouette's blurry appearance due to its quick movements and the fog's concealment becomes clear as it covers the man's mouth.
The figure whose cape and hood blend with the fog looks at me. It…he…has two glowing royal purple eyes which narrow, their owner's gaze silent and deep. Every other facial feature that this figure might have has been hidden by its clothing which blend with the color of the fog. It stands before all of us as it holds the man who was about to shoot me dead hostage in its hands.
"You're dea–" cries out the man with his threat…or at least he tries…
Before the man can finish his warning, another cracking sound reaches our ears. The man drops unconscious on the steel floor once the figure lets him go.
The dark figure, being covered by the fog, disappears during the subsequent seconds.
Troy, Zhao, the rest of my men, and I exchange tense glances. Each one of us put up our guards even further. We continue our quiet progress, yet deem it best to hasten our escape.
Before we move, though, I check on the most recently rendered unconscious man.
Everyone stops as I crouch beside the man due to signs that make my heart grip. Tense as I am, I check for a pulse and confirm that my hunch and fears are warranted.
A freezing chill travels down my spine….
The man isn't unconscious. He's dead. Neck broken…snapped like a twig…
I look back at the others and shake my head, giving the sign that the man is dead.
I then stir as we hear many urgent voices….
I take the dead man's two guns along with a hunter's knife that has been visible from his shoulder and hip holsters when I've examined his body. I secure them and then rise from my crouched position.
Seconds later, the Ice Dragons exchange gunfire with enemy men left and right. Some of our enemies fall from our bullets. Some fall due to that "coincidental accident" that has served as our "saving hand" during our ongoing escape.
On my command, Troy, Zhao, and the already pre-assigned men now go to Plan B. Hostages are divided into groups. Each man defends his assigned group of hostages while we escape together out of this maze.
Once there's a small opportunity, I look at Zhao and Akiko with a nod. I crouch down and tell Rai, "Go to your mother. Don't let go of her hand. She and your father will keep you safe."
Rai nods and then sprints towards Akiko and Zhao.
This time, Troy and I nod to each other. This is our way of reminding each other of our previous agreement – to protect Zhao's family at all cost. Mother and son are witnesses against the kidnappers and ringleaders. The two of them can identify whether the guilty ones are Sakuragumi members, Ice Dragon traitors, or Ryuun's pawns.
We all go as a long train through a maze exchanging rounds and engaging in a mixture of gun and fist fight with enemies. I'm thankful, though, with the presence of the fog and the additional help of some enemies left unconscious. Because of it, the danger we face has just been reduced.
We finally get out of the maze….
I signal for the others to be quick yet quiet on their feet as they guide the hostages and proceed to the next phase of the plan – for everyone to exit out to freedom, and leave Troy and me to be the last ones behind. Once that everyone's safely on their way within law enforcement's sight, then Troy proceeds out and I leave last.
Here's hoping that Kishi and his men are now or about to be in position….
When I feel that everyone's now safe, I change my mode to self-preservation and mission wrap-up….
However, I turn around fast once I hear a scuffle followed by a yell.
A split-second later, a bullet zings past me. It hits the wall and then ricochets thankfully away from me.
I turn around and aim my gun at the direction of where that near-fatal bullet came from. My eyes narrow. Adrenaline and rage boils inside me. I was this close to having that bullet claim me. For that, someone must pay.
I face the one who fired that gun. He and I now have our guns aimed at each other. Neither of us wavers nor flinches. Our eyes latch on each other, taking in each other's movements or a split-second opening to shoot the other.
I know him. In fact, I know him very well… He's Ando Hayate – a middle boss from the Sakuragumi.
My surveillance team within the Ice Dragons established that Ando has been linked with Ryuun all this time. Em and Kishi's own investigations confirmed this fact. Ryuun and Ando have no clue that we've got a pulse into their activities.
Moreover, all our varied sources have confirmed that Ando also has ties with Okada Aoi and his overseas associates.
Unfortunately, the Sakuragumi – those loyal to the current boss – also have no clue that there's treachery within their ranks. It was Yeye, Jii-san, and Em who broke this news to the current Sakuragumi head.
But as I face the barrel of Ando's gun and he faces mine, I ask Ando, "Why victimize people from your own clan? Have you no sense of loyalty?"
Ando, who's just a few years older than I am, looks at me with such gleeful derision. "I have enemies inside the Sakuragumi, too. I kill two birds in one stone. I knock down my enemies inside the Sakuragumi, and I cause chaos outside. Then it'll just be a small amount of time when I get rid of that weak leader of ours and that son of his who doesn't want part of us in the first place. And I'll have the Ice Dragons to take the fall for all of this!"
Disgusted from what I've heard from Ando, I spit out the words, "You took innocent people! They're mostly women and children! They're not cattle!"
"They're cattle when I say they're cattle!" yells Ando, his eyes narrowing in rage.
I don't move my gaze from Ando, but I do notice as to how the fog begins to rise again.
This time, the fog rises behind Ando...
A split second later, Ando cries out and falls down on his knees in agony….
The fog then thoroughly recedes, revealing a now-crouched and agonized Ando…
My blood freezes as to exactly what happened to Ando. Blood pours out from the sides of his head where his ears used to be. His blood seeps between his fingers as if the act will salvage or restore the now-removed appendage.
And who…or what...stands beside Ando as he reels and cries out in pain is the dark figure that I've seen lurking in the fog. Royal purple eyes glow as they look at me once more. The all-black-donned, gloved, hooded figure with the long cape and laced combat boots that reached right below its knees now stands before me. This figure does not have a face, nor shows any skin. I could not tell if the tall, lithe figure is a man or a woman.
I should be afraid, but for some reason I choose to exchange glances with this dark figure.
In absence of an entire face is eyes of royal purple. Its eyes speak volumes, and the message its gaze communicates puts me at a type of ease that is familiar…and familial.
A realization dawns upon me, and I freeze for a moment. I pull myself together, giving it a searching look as if I'm asking it, "Are you…?"
Finally, though, I find my voice again and verbalize my question to the dark figure. "Are you Asi?"
Before I can complete my thought, the dark figure's expression changes through those royal purple eyes… That expressive gaze and the messages behind it... They're the same ones given to me by someone very near and dear to me for more than a decade and counting.
As new understanding now dawns upon me, the dark figure then humbly nods towards me. Those eyes that glow in the dark also confirm that my hunches behind the two questions – the spoken and unspoken one – are correct.
In response, I put away my gun and place it back in its holster…my eyes still transfixed on this dark figure...
The dark figure moves its head. With the same hand that now holds both of Ando's now-removed bloody ears, it gestures me to move and be on my way.
I then bow my head in thanks, and that dark figure repeats my gesture in kind. Our respective gestures and gazes both carry the sense of care, gratitude, and respect towards the other.
I then run as fast as my feet can carry me, with the sounds of sirens blaring loudly as I leave the cargo area and exit the ship. I close my eyes and take in a deep breath as I think with much relief, "Thank you, Kishi…."
I continue running towards the designated spot where I meet with Troy, Zhao and his family, and those who have been kidnapped and now rescued who have ties with the Ice Dragons or Sakuragumi.
The rest of the hostages have been left behind for the police to secure and send home.
Troy, our designated driver, drives the cargo van where the rest of us hide…with all of us feeling that collected sense of relief as we have left the Port of Tokyo and more towards safety. He has it in his itinerary to fly to the United States
As the van continues towards its destination, I ponder about all that has taken place. After those thoughts as well as various trips down memory lane, I think to myself while my mind's eye still vividly sees that dark figure.
It wasn't just the sentinel that my men and I saw back there. Who we witnessed back there was Asi. I know that Jii-san briefed me on the difference between the sentinel during his time and with Em's. He hinted that as she inherited his duty, she brought back the sentinel of old and much more.
What my men and I saw back there was a being both corporeal and ghostly…swift and deadly…empathetic and protective to the innocent yet merciless to the oppressors.
I remember my school days with Ichinomiya Eisuke and Luke Foster in England. Those days normally bring back warm, secured feelings of friendship and family. In recalling the many books and stories we've read back then, I think back on the English and Mandarin translation of the Mahabharata and my first encounter of the name Asi – the first weapon forged by the gods of old, meant to be wielded by a warrior of just mind and heart. There's only one weapon, yet is has been passed from one worthy warrior to the next.
Who I saw back there at the ship…Asi…was both weapon and warrior in one body.
And Asi and Em are one and the same. I know Em's more than capable of protecting or causing damage herself. However, this realization…the way it unfolded before me…defied all that I know about her.
I fall quieter, reconciling with the idea that I've never really accepted the full truth about Em until it has now fully revealed itself to me. My mind keeps rewinding the events that happened in the ship. I'm still trying to fathom my feelings and make sense of everything. It's maddening. It's frightening. Most of all, it makes me sad and exasperated.
This is Em who I'm talking about. She's family…my one and only sister… Regardless of whether she's Asi or not, that fact never changes.
What am I to do now?
AND ANOTHER FLASHBACK
Timeline: (Still) Less than One Week from the Present
Thirty-Six Hours after Ice Dragon's Rescue Mission at Port of Tokyo
Current Setting: The Golden Lion's Estate (La Hacienda del León Dorado)
Zack Thompson's Home, Ranch, and Farm – Mexico
Zack Thompson's Point of View (POV)
The clink of a glass against a bottle echoes, followed by exchanged smiles and the mutual "Salud!"
Em and I share the tequila from my special reserve, with her drinking it neat from the crystal glass I've given her while I drink mine from the bottle. She and I enjoy the breeze and the view of the night sky by the poolside, sitting on comfortable rattan chairs and relaxing.
"You're looking a bit pale. Have you been getting a good night's sleep, at least while you're here?"
Em breathes in and then breathes out, telling me, "Just a lot going on. Just tired, but I'm fine, Dad. Don't worry."
"My little girl, sturdy, stubborn, and independent as always…" I think with a grin on my face after I take a nice swig from the bottle.
I think back on how Em and I first met here in Mexico when she was 12 years old. She jumped in and saved my life from gunmen, and in the process had gravely injured herself. At first, I thought she was like any unfortunate kid wandering and living off the streets. It turned out that she had already lost her memory months before we met when a mission of hers had gone sour.
Life gave us weird twists of circumstances since Em turned out to be the very person that Kazuomi, Kei, and Yuzuru lived with. I first met her eight years before she and I crossed paths once more in Mexico. She was this four-year-old prodigy and polymath that eventually became the boys' schoolmate at Oxford. She was also this cute little girl that I've chatted over the phone throughout the years whenever I'd call Kazuomi while he was in England. That friendship started when she was four years old, with her putting a smile on my face when she promised to learn Spanish so that she could have practice speaking it.
At the same time, I also met Em's parents and Uncle Gavin. Kazuomi, much surprised and very relieved, found out her predicament and that she was safely living with me. Eventually, everyone agreed that it'd be best for her to stay with me until she fully healed from her injuries and also hopefully recover all her lost memories.
Before Em and I parted ways, I became the fourth still-living person who knew all her secrets...the first three being Kazuomi, Kei, and Yuzuru.
Yosuke Sagara and Eisuke Ichinomiya know more about Em's secrets. They knew about Asi but didn't know the full extent of her covert work in law enforcement.
Eisuke's and Yosuke's groups of friends, for their protection, were meant not to know most of Em's secrets. There's at least this one vital secret about her that she kept from them - a secret that has been there for five years and counting...and that's Asi...
Truthfully, I believe that Em's biggest secret - Asi - started its roots eight years ago...those royal purple eyes being proof of that secret.
And from there, many memories have been built… Since then, my adopted sons – most especially Kazuomi – became protective older brothers to their one and only youngest sister. I, on the other hand, became the doting father to my one and only daughter.
Una y única hermana menor… Mi única hija… The whole dynamic had changed with Em being welcomed into my family. It brought out the gentler side in all of us, although she's as tough as nails. She blended in our rather unusual and risk-heavy family activities and endeavors while retaining who she was.
In that regard, Em reminds me so strongly of Kazuomi. They have that innate ability in capturing the path closest to people's hearts while dancing to the beat of their own drum…such forces to be reckoned with even at times when the odds are heavily stacked against them. And so it cheers me up to no end every time that either one of them comes for a visit here at the farm. It's double the cheer whenever both of them are here to join the rest of us.
I bring myself back to the present…telling Em while I hold on to those warm feelings brought about by past memories, "Still can hold your liquor, I see."
Em smiles, handing me her empty glass in which I pour more tequila inside her glass and fill it half-way. "I did have good teachers."
I hand back the glass to Em. "You're just like your brother and me. I wouldn't be surprised that next time, you'll tell us that you've made yourself immune to poisons, too."
Em grins like a Cheshire cat, muting that smile a bit by pursing her lips as she downs half of her drink.
And so I frown a bit, semi-chastising Em. "I don't like that look on your face."
Em blinks, pretending she's surprised and insulted. "What? What did I do?"
"You're cute, but not that cute!" I wag my finger while I give Em a wry frown. "That look of yours tells me that there's plenty of mischief behind that angelic innocent face of yours. You and Kazuomi are masters on this look."
"Just as I said, I had a good teacher," replies Em as she refers to Kazuomi. She then sits up, gives me a look, and laughs out loud. "Geez… You make Kaz and I sound like miscreants."
I raise an eyebrow, sitting upright.
Em gives me a consoling smile. "I'm just teasing you, Dad. Really, I am…."
Em and I stare at each other, with her hiding her smirk as she nurses her drink in her hand. I can't help but tell her, "That look on your face doesn't look like teasing to me. You gave me that same look when you told me that you deal with the supernatural. Then of course I find out later on that you were telling the truth rather than teasing me."
"Well, I have to dish things back whenever I can. I'm the only girl in a large family filled with men. What can I say?"
I laugh my heart out and shake my head. "Fine, fine…. Keep teasing your Dad to your heart's content."
My cell phone rings.
I look at my phone, nod towards Em, pick up the call, and say in a cheerful mood as I place the call on speakerphone mode, "Hey! Glad you called back right away. Em's here."
With a bright smile on her face, Em says as she sits cross-legged on the rattan beach chair, "Hi, Kaz!"
Kazuomi chuckles, and as he speaks I can picture that grin of his lighting up his eyes, too. "If you're still looking for a drinking buddy after Mexico, fly out to Phuket and join the three of us here. You're a muse and a drinking buddy rolled into one. The moonshine here packs a punch. It'll give that tequila you two are guzzling right now some competition."
Em purses her lips and blurts out her thoughts by asking, "Yuzu's going with you guys on vacation? Did pigs start flying?"
A voice interjects, and Em has a wry smirk escape from her lips as we know exactly who owns that voice, "I heard you, Miss Smart Aleck! It's still work-related."
Kei greets out, "Hi, Zack! Hi, Em!"
And Yuzuru says, still sounding grumpy yet we all know he's playing around, "Hi Zack! And Em – I'm not saying "hi" to you. That's what you get for teasing me! Such a shame, especially since I even have new gadgets for you to try…"
This time, it's Em's turn to pout and it makes us laugh. "Awww, Yuzu… You know that I mean it in a lighthearted way."
"Yeah, yeah…" Yuzuru deadpans, although we can all tell that he's finding amusement in the exchange.
Kei pipes in, telling Yuzuru, "You can't withhold fun from the Princess of Destruction, now would you?"
I let out a cocky laugh while the others chuckle. "From the way you boys sound, your moonshine's water compared to what we're having here. Why don't you three fly down here and join us instead? Let's throw a party. Make it into a reunion."
Kazuomi informs Em and me, "We've got things to wrap up here for the resort. Yuzu's doing additions to the computer and security system. We want to make it back days before your concert debut, Em."
And Yuzuru adds, "Make up for it then. Why don't you and Troy come here and join us before your concert debut?"
"I'll definitely take you three up on that offer. I do need to see you. It's rather urgent."
Kazuomi's tone becomes serious. "So urgent business brought you out to Mexico?"
"Urgent business… Also a family visit. Actually, one of my next stops is wherever in the world you three might be. You three together in one place will save Troy and me a lot of time… I'll fly out there as soon as I can. I have to make a handful of stops, including here."
I inform the boys, "Troy's on his way here. Soryu's dropping him off."
Kazuomi sounds as surprised as I was earlier. "Troy did an errand without you, Em?"
Referring to the mission that just happened in the Port of Tokyo…an Ice Dragon's mission that we four are all aware of…Em replies, "I was there. I just left immediately when it was done and flew straight here. He and Soryu had loose ends to tie up. They're due to arrive any minute now."
"Well, I'm glad you two are safe," Kazuomi responds, echoing my sentiments. "We heard much coverage on the news. It's a huge arrest. I'm sure someone's gnashing his teeth somewhere in the world."
Em interjects, "Soryu now knows everything."
We all fall quiet. We know exactly what Em means. Soryu became the fifth and last person who now knows most of her secrets.
Nonetheless, I still asked the question, "About Asi, the sentinel's true form, and you…?"
Em lets out a small sigh and says, "Yeah…"
I keep my eyes on Em. "So you purposefully introduced Asi to him?"
"It's long overdue," is Em's reply to us.
After we all fall silent again, Kazuomi breaks the ice and asks Em, "How did Soryu react?"
Once she finishes her drink, Em responds, "Quietly mulling over what he saw while in disbelief. Can't say I blame him…"
I can hear Kazuomi sigh at the other end of the line. "Sounds pretty much like us when you told us about it. We also have secrets to keep and blood in our hands. But those secrets we share made us stronger and closer to each other all these years…"
I offer my two cents and tell Em, "Have a good talk with him. Give him time to think things over."
Em murmurs, "I know. Not an easy conversation, but I figured the day will come."
After the long pocket of silence, I change topics by asking Em, "Now I have a request to ask you four. It has to do with your concert debut, Em."
I see Em's features soften, and she smiles. "Name it, Dad. Right, Kaz?"
Kazuomi, sounding like he's teasing, replies, "Speak for yourself."
All of us laugh, and then Kazuomi adds, "All right, Dad. Name it."
I tell them, "Em, I'm sorry that I can't be there for your debut with Troy. You know how I'd love to be there."
It relieves me every time that we have these types of conversation, these two kids of mine understand that unique circumstances dictate for me to lay low. It results in me missing important milestones in their lives. And even though these two let me off the hook every time, a father's guilt of knowing that he should've been there always lingers with me. It might be hiding behind a smile. It might be unspoken. Nonetheless, it's there.
Em gives me an understanding and consoling smile. She says out loud, "Hey, Kaz… Why don't you tell Dad what the five of us have been thinking?"
I glance at Em and then perk my ears up.
Kazuomi then tells me, "Kei, Yuzu, Em, Troy, and I are bringing the concert debut to you and everyone there at the farm. Let's party. Celebrate every occasion while we're together. Reunion, concert debut…fill in the blanks…we're celebrating it. Em and Troy will let us know when but it'll happen shortly after the Tokyo concert tour. We're doing the same thing in England for the charity foundations that Kei's family spearheads."
Em then adds apologetically, "I'm sorry, though, that you'll only have Troy and me. No opening or intermission acts. We have to keep it on the down-low."
"Are you kidding me? That's great news! I'm sure all your brothers and everyone at the farm will be so happy!" I tell them, feeling so grateful.
One of the maids approaches me, apologizing for the interruption in Spanish. I then tell everyone, "Troy and Soryu just arrived."
Em then stands up and says, "I'll have Troy take my place. I'll talk to Soryu."
Yuzuru tells Em, "Good luck."
Kei adds, "Good luck, Em."
Kazuomii says, "So we'll see you and Troy in Phuket?"
Em replies, "Definitely. Excuse me…"
Em kisses my cheek and then says as she holds my hand, "Excuse me, Dad. I'll just have a word with Soryu."
I touch Em's cheek and tell her, "It'll all turn out all right. You'll see."
"Thanks, Dad," Em replies with her small smile warming up more.
"Just let them know that the help will put their luggage in their designated rooms. After you're done talking to Soryu, you two come and join Troy and me. They'll have dinner prepared for us out here."
Em nods and then walks back inside the main house with the elderly maid, with me watching with a grin as the two chat animatedly in Spanish as they try to catch up.
The boys and I then continue our talks, with me filling them in on the purpose behind Em's impromptu visit and telling them, "She'll fill you in more once she gets to Phuket. Can you boys sit down and talk to her? Something seems to be bothering her. It's more than just Soryu. It's more than just the reason why she flew here out of the blue. She's wearing herself thin."
"Sure…" Kei jumps in, adding, "I'll figure out if there are work-related matters for Em and me. Her brain might be on overdrive as we speak due to work. We'll keep an eye on her when see come visits us here."
"Just a father's hunch. Feels like it's more than just work..." I then see Troy. I wave back as I now see him approaching while waving hello to me. I audibly greet him as my subtle way to tell the three boys that I won't be alone starting in a few minutes.
After Troy and I exchange hugs, we switch the gears of our conversation. Soon, Kazuomi ends our call.
Before we changed topics due to Troy's arrival, the boys assure me that they'll together continue to watch over Em. I throw a worried look at the main house with the hopes that the talk between Soryu and her go smoothly.
End of Chapter Three