TRUE LOVE, SWEET LIES / KISSED BY THE BADDEST BIDDER

PARALLELS – PAST AND PRESENT

Chapter Four – Asi, the Dark Sentinel (Part Two)

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: (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

Soryu Oh's Point of View (POV)

Em joins me at the estate's grand foyer. She smiles, greets me with her customary kiss on the cheek, and tells me in Cantonese, "You came. I thought you were kidding when you said that you'd be coming here."

I shake my head. I give Em a small smile.

"Thanks for accompanying Troy all the way out here, Gēge. I'm so glad you're all safe."

I keep my gaze on her when I ask, "You were also at the ship, weren't you, Em?"

It takes a moment for Em to admit, "Yes, I was." Her pause isn't due to hesitation but rather to gauge my feelings and thoughts.

After taking a brief pause, I then ask my second question, "You were the one who helped us out there, weren't you?"

Em becomes tight-lipped. She then nods.

"Come here…." I draw Em close to me, embracing her while I plant a kiss on her forehead.

It takes a little while before I feel Em's arms wrap around me to reciprocate my embrace. She rests her head on my shoulder as we hug.

I tell Em as gently as I can yet at the same time, I'm having trouble withholding my disappointment and worry from my tone, "We compromised, didn't we? You broke your word, Mèi Mei. Why?"

"Because I want you safe… Because I want to help the Ice Dragons save them all. Because those men must pay according to the law as well as to what's just," is Em's reply to me.

"I kept you away so you won't get tainted. You do understand that, don't you?"

Em gives me an unwavering look. "How can anything or anyone taint me more than I already am? What happened in the ship… What I did back there… That wasn't the first. That also wouldn't be the last."

Em and I stay in that position for a little while. One hand rests on the back of her head, and the other keeps her back warm as we embrace. I close my eyes, thinking back on what happened on the ship and ask her in a near-whisper, "What am I going to do with you?"

"You'll continue being the head of the Ice Dragons. I'll continue being the sentinel. I'll continue to be Asi. I'll continue serving all the roles and capacities that I've had all these years. Nothing will change those facts or the things that you and I must do."

After a few moments of silence, Em draws away from me. While she looks into my eyes, she adds, "And now that you know the whole truth, my selfish wish is to continue being family in your eyes. Because tainted or not, what you saw on that ship is part of who I am, Gēge. Again, nothing will change that fact."

"Why will you ever question your place in my heart or how secure it is?"

"I worry…."

I let out a sigh and cup Em's cheeks with my hands. I look at her as kindly as I can, asking her, "I still have to think about what happed back there. You helped us a lot on that ship. Things will change between you and me, but we'll always be family. Be patient with me whenever I ask you questions about Asi and the sentinel. Just give me time to sort things out, all right?"

Em nods.

I then share my thoughts with Em, and I tuck some of the loose strands of her hair behind her ears as I speak. "I realized something back in the ship when I saw you as Asi. These past years, you've worked in the shadows and kept my men and me safe during our most crucial missions. You also kept Eisuke and all the auction managers safe during crucial times, but you've never let us know of your presence. Baba, though, senses that someone was there keeping us safe."

"Because you're all important to me… As with you, a bond has always existed between the head of the Ice Dragons and the sentinel. How can you expect me to turn my back on a bond that has existed for many generations?"

"I know…" I let out a burdened sigh and run my fingers through my hair in my effort to relax. "I still want to keep you safe. I still want to protect you from all of this. At the same time, I understand you better now than before. I now understand why you're so insistent on joining this mission."

When I see the tears pool at the corners of Em's eyes, I draw her close to me once more and give her a protective embrace. I whisper in her ear as I add, "I want a normal life for you. I can't have one, so I want those I care about to have that freedom. But I realize now more than ever that you and I share the same fate."

"Gēge…"

"And if I didn't listen to you before, I'll listen more in the future." The kind smile I try to give Em becomes more generous. "I'll honor this additional bond that we share. I'll also be more than happy to release you from this bond when the time comes or whenever you wish to walk away from it. Just say the word."

Once again, Em nods. This time, a tear streams down her cheek as she smiles at me.

I smile back at Em, hugging her and planting a kiss on the crown of her head. I then look at her and say, "Lead the way. They're probably waiting for us outside. Let's talk more about this…okay? But let me tell you something before we go out there…"

Em throws an inquisitive yet quiet look. "Yes?"

"You and I… We're fine. Remember that," I tell Em while I point at me and then at her. When she still looks like she's in disbelief, I then give her a one-armed hug. "I'm still not fine with you breaking your word, but I understand why. Just give me time. Now… Let's go and join them…?"

"Yes…." Em nods and murmurs, "Thank you, Gēge."

This time, things feel more relaxed between the two of us. I have my arm over Em's shoulder as we walk out towards the spacious pool area where Zack and Troy are chatting.

Immediately after Zack and I exchange handshakes, the four of us sit down together and enjoy a feast that's spread before us.

Timeline: (Still) Less than One Week from the Present

Forty-Three 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)

For the past couple of hours, the four of us split into two teams – Soryu and Troy on one, and Em and I on another. The goal is to cover the entire estate grounds, not missing even a single crevice. I followed Em's directive, making stops on designated area. I'm thinking that Troy's doing the same with Soryu.

The four of us meet at the rendezvous point once the tasks are done. Em touches base with Troy. Once that the two are sure that they've done their part, they then ask me specific questions which eventually satisfies them that the tasks are done accurately…

As to what the shared task between the four of us would accomplish, only Em and Troy know.

"Let's test it to see if it works," Troy proposes to Em, and she nods.

The four of us take one jeep this time, with me being the designated driver. We make stops at designated spots, with Soryu and me watching Troy and Em stand on those spots. Each time that the pair get down from the jeep, choose a spot, and raise their right arms, a seemingly never-ending wall of neon blue light glows before them. The process repeats itself until we've covered the entire perimeter immediately outside the estate grounds.

Troy then asks me, "Zack… Em and I want to check everything from the skies, too."

I say, "That's fine. All four of us have a pilot's license for both a helicopter and a plane. If we're doing the same thing up there, then I'll do it. I'm more familiar with the skies here."

And so I drive the jeep to the landing strip. Soon thereafter, we're up in the night skies.

Troy requests me to fly towards the middle of the estate grounds, taking into account that I should include the perimeter we just roamed around.

Once I reach the designated spot, Troy and Em do the same…with Troy situated on the right door and Em situated on the left. The two of them raise their arms, aiming towards the estate grounds.

The same neon blue light now glows before us like a dome which covers the entire hacienda. I don't know about Soryu and this isn't the first time I've seen something supernatural since Em came into my family's life, but what I'm seeing right now just blows me away.

Troy explains to Soryu and me, "Em and I did the same thing with the Ice Dragons headquarters worldwide – starting with Hong Kong and Japan. Jii-san did the same ritual but with Em, Jii-san and Yeye suggested to renew these protective barriers. Em can do this alone, and so can I. It's easier if there are two of us."

"Wait a minute," I say to Troy and then look at Em, "I remember Em and I driving around like this, but I didn't know that she was doing this. It's my first time to see this for myself. I'm speechless."

"So am I," mumbles Soryu.

"The barrier doesn't stop humans. It stops beings, elements, influences, and attacks of a supernatural nature. If a human's possessed, the barrier stops it, too," says Troy as he closes the helicopter door and Em does the same on the other side.

Em touches my shoulder and tells me with a smile, "That's mission accomplished. Take us home, Dad."

"Sure thing," I tell my passengers, and then I fly us back to the landing strip.

After the helicopter trip and the jeep ride back to the manor, Soryu and Troy call it a night.

Once the two say goodnight and leave Em and me behind, my mind switches its mode. I ask Em, speaking in Spanish just as she and I always would when we're by ourselves or in the company of mostly Spanish speakers, "Aren't you going to bed, too?"

Em lets out a subtle sigh and smirks. "Why aren't you going to bed yet, either?"

I shrug my shoulder and stretch. "Ah, I couldn't really sleep. So…question right back at ya – why aren't you going to bed yet?"

There's a kind yet sad vein behind Em's smile. "Lots of things to think about…. I just need to unwind…"

I take out a Cuban cigar, and then show it to Em while asking her, "Need company…? I've time to kill. I also got another one of these, if you'd like."

Em shakes her head. "Your company's always welcome…"

I pull the rattan chair and prop it closer to where Em sits. She and I sit together, with me forming smoke rings from my cigar while we remain in comfortable silence with each other's company.

Finally, Em breaks the silence when she says, "I didn't mean to make you worry, Dad. You can't sleep because of what my analysis uncovered? Is it because of the vials I gave you? Is it both?"

I truthfully reply to Em, "Nah… I've always had a target on my back. That's a given. I'm more worried for you four than I am about myself."

When I say "four," I mean Kazuomi, Yuzuru, Kei, and Em.

"Kaz and I are more worried about you, Dad. I'm sure Kei and Yuzu feel the same way. The three of them know that Troy and I were heading here. Next stop will be wherever they are once Troy and I are done here, and that's Phuket."

With a smile as I rub Em's back to console her, I reassure her, "I'll be fine. But tell me… What are in those vials? What makes them work?"

"Well, it's not weed. In fact, it doesn't even have a drop of weed."

Em and I exchange gazes and then share hearty chuckles.

I let out a sigh, the remnants of laughter still in my system. "You just love ribbing your Dad, don't you? But seriously…what's in it?"

"All natural ingredients and then alchemy did the rest. Just as I explained, one of the vials is for sarin-ricin poisoning. The other one's specifically for ricin. And that black vial – the most potent one of the three – covers anything and everything. Call that black vial a contingency plan. It's the alchemic panacea I've given you a couple of years back."

I knew it! When Em gave me that black vial within the first hour of arriving home, I had a chill travel down my spine. This isn't the first time that I've encountered this black vial.

The first black vial panacea that Em made was when she lived with me eight years ago. She tinkered with the plants in the estate, the neighboring areas, hills, forests, and mountains. I thought that it was a wild goose chase. I also thought that she lost her marbles and I was a fool for indulging her. It turned out that something or someone had been guiding her to create it, even though she had no memory of who she was and what she was fully capable of.

Who also knew that the first black vial would be the second and third time that Em had saved my life?

And so I ask, "That black vial… Is that the same formula that you used on me before? The one that not only healed my knife wounds but also much more..?"

Em nods her head. "Yes, but the older concoction was slow-working compared to the one that I've just given you in case the need arises. The difference is in the alchemy."

"That thing in the black vial restored…healed…everything that was going wrong inside my body. You call it slow. That potion saved my life twice. If it weren't for it and I hadn't died from the knife wounds, the cirrhosis would've done me in later on. The doctors were amazed when all the liver panel tests came back normal. My liver was restored, and they couldn't medically explain how it happened. To this very day, I'm still fit as a fiddle."

Em smirks wryly. "And now that you've been healed, you and I are still drinking this potent stuff from your reserves because…?"

I give my daughter an incredulous frown. "Now don't give me a hard time. I've cut down a lot since then, believe me."

Em smiles at me, expressing her daughterly affection. "I know. I'm just busting your chops."

I sigh and smile for a little while, and then my thoughts move towards more serious considerations. "Why don't you have this medicine out there for the world? Think about the good that it'll bring if the world knows about it. Science has been searching for the miracle drug. If you ever bring that out into the market, count me in."

Em's eyes narrow as she gives my suggestion some serious thought. "The sarin-ricin combo and ricin antidotes, maybe... The panacea..? I fear unleashing it to the world. I can understand why my Mum, Dad, and Uncle Gavin each noted their concerns. Sure, it'll bring a lot of good. It'll also bring about a lot of ill."

"Why?"

"The benefits weigh as heavily as the consequences. Someone can reverse-engineer or copy it. It'll be difficult to near-impossible to copy it. That person has to possess a great deal of alchemic power and ability to transmute the components into the panacea that you now have in that black vial. As to reverse-engineering it, that'll be easier to achieve. Even though the resulting poison wouldn't be as powerful as the cure that the black vial brings, poison is poison. Also imagine the monopolies and greed that can be brought about from bringing that panacea to mass existence."

I observe Em closely, feeling her out. She then says in a thoughtful tone…

"I'm changing, Dad. I don't think I can stop it. And even if I could, I shouldn't because of everything that's been going on. Derek Anson and Madeline Harvey… Derek and Almagest are getting more powerful each day. I think it started five years ago, just a little before my quinceañera. Then it got worse a year later. That was after I encountered that entity in the caves at Santorini. You know how much I went through."

Yeah, I remember the day that Em was flown back from Santorini to Kamakura. Those of us who celebrated her 15th birthday here at the hacienda all waited for her to wake up. Shortly after she got out of the hospital and that boy dumped her, she stayed with me for a little while on my invitation. For a good, long while, she stayed away from Kamakura and jumped around in locations such as Mexico, New York, England, Hong Kong, China, and Dubai. It took a while for her to pick up the pieces of herself, but she did that. She grew up a lot because of it. When she felt that she started making peace with everything that had happened to her, she returned to Santorini. From there, she decided to delve deeper into music and to continue her secret lives which served and saved many.

And yes, I know that Derek Anson's been giving Em nightmares for the past four years and counting although she wouldn't tell me exactly what those dreams are all about. Knowing that he was messing with her head, I wanted to rush to Bridgehampton and pummel that sick bastard's brains to a bloody pulp but she stopped me. I don't think she ever told Kazuomi or anyone about her dreams, nor was it my secret to tell. For her to be this scared and disturbed about them, though, meant that those dreams shook her to the core of her being.

Em further explains to me, her body animated as she thinks out loud, "Sometimes when I use my abilities, I feel burning inside me…especially behind my eyes. Kaz, Kei, and Yuzu…and now Soryu and Hiroshi… They all mentioned that my eyes have been changing color lately. It happens when I communicate with spirits or tap into my abilities. What if I'm becoming less human over time…more like Asi, Dad? What if Alexandra Emrys eventually disappears and Asi's the only one left behind?"

There's something about the Spanish language that communicates the deeper level of emotions that English can't easily do. I've always seen Em as an open book when it comes to her thoughts and words. She's great in expressing her thoughts in English. However, her word choices and inflection while speaking in Spanish gives a whole dimension to what she wishes to say. It's as if the rawness and authenticity of her emotions are magnified in Spanish, and more so when she adds her animated demeanor on topics that trigger her need for body language as an additional communicative outlet.

"But you never lost any sense of self whenever you're Asi, am I right? You're still in full control, aren't you? You don't have nightmares about Asi, do you?"

"Yes, yes…and no…"

I give Em a confident and kind smile. "Then you have nothing to be afraid of. You and Kazuomi have iron-clad dispositions. You're the two kids I shouldn't have to worry about. But I'm your Dad. Kazuomi might groan about it God knows how many times. And you might keep teasing me to no end whenever I dote on you two. But I'll always worry about my children…about the two of you…no matter how capable and strong both of you are."

Em smiles, the tears pooling at the corner of her eyes...

"I have faith that if you do ever lose your way, you'll always find your way back to us. I know that because no matter what happens, you're still always going to be you." I then think about what Em just confided me with, and I let out a sigh before I offer my two cents. "As to this change you're talking about, I think it's more than just the changes brought about when you took over Jii-san's role as the sentinel and you became Asi."

"What makes you say that?"

"Because when you and I first met eight years ago, you were already exhibiting those changes. That was three years earlier than the time you took over for Troy's grandfather."

As her eyes narrow and she thinks back on those years, Em murmurs, "The first part of those days was hazy. Wasn't there a time that I was in and out of consciousness…delirious…?"

I nod grimly while I think back on those days. "Yeah, you were. That was a couple of months after you started your stay with me. Kazuomi and the others rushed here. They were relieved that you were found after you went missing for so long. You were very sick, then. Your doctor friend, Luke Foster, noticed that your irises turned purple. That was when I found out that you really had hazel brown eyes. That was also the first time I found out that you were actually close to Kazuomi, Kei, and Yuzuru. It made us all wonder why your eyes changed color, though. But when you got well, your eyes went back to hazel brown. Now that puzzled Luke. He said that trauma-related pigmentation changes in the eyes are mostly permanent. So he focused on making sure that your eyesight wasn't damaged. Since everything was fine, we just focused on being relieved and thankful."

Looking a bit bothered, Em comments, "I did remember Luke mention it in passing when I got my memory back. At the time, I didn't pay much attention to it. I'll ask him about it when I get a chance. He'll be attending the concert along with Eisuke and the others."

Em and I don't say anything for a while. By this time, I've already finished my cigar while she sits cross-legged on the rattan chair.

"Derek's been hitting it where it hurts all at once, Dad. Even in my dreams, he doesn't give me peace. Four years and counting now…and it has gotten worse." Em then looks at me, saying her plea with a small smile, "Just promise me that you'll stay safe and be on the look-out at all times….please?"

"Of course, I will."

"I know all nine of the targets. Seven of the nine targets are my loved ones – my family. Each of those seven, I'll do anything and everything to protect and save him. I don't even want to think on what would happen if I drop my defenses for even one moment. When my mind wanders that way, I can't help but think of…"

I'm tight-lipped as I say, "Prime Minister Elizabeth Brown…. I know that you cared a lot about her. You loved her like a parent, too. And I know that even if the Queen herself isn't a named target, she's included in this by default."

Em lets out a self-deprecating chuckle for a few seconds, and when it's done she shakes her head and the tears pool at the corners of her eyes. "I failed Liz, Dad. Liz supported me in so many ways just as you've done for me all these years. The Queen continues to do the same as Liz had done for me. She's giving Kei and me as much latitude as we need to solve this problem, especially me. You know how hard I took it Liz's death. I don't want to fail again."

"Is that why you're here in Mexico at a drop of a hat? Are you that worried you're going to lose me, too?"

"Kaz would've done the same if he has the direct means of protecting you and the hacienda. And even if that wasn't the case, he did tell me that he'll come visit you very soon." Em then smiles meaningfully. "He and I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you."

"But you need to remember that you need to take care of you, too. Just imagine how those who love you would feel if something bad happens to you – especially if you're sticking your neck out there protecting all of us. Understand?"

With a nod, Em tells me in a near-whisper, "I know, Dad…"

I close my eyes, and I reminisce the good and sad times that this daughter of mine and I have shared for more than eight years. She's hurting. I can feel it. And so I choose my word, hoping that my message will reach her. "That version of the antidote or panacea might not have been working fast enough to save Liz Brown. You might not have been able to bring her back from the dead. But her poisoning and death were the missing links to the perfected antidote and panacea. You told me that she mostly looked out for the greater good. If I put myself in her shoes, what you accomplished honored her life and sacrifice. So no, you didn't fail her. And no, she didn't die in vain. If she sees and feels how sad you are right now as you blame yourself for what happened to her, she won't find peace. I know because that's how a loving parent would be towards her child. You know this very well, don't you?"

Em stares at me for a while. Moments of silence later, she says, "I'm so thankful that you don't mind my unceremonial visits."

I give Em my winning smile, my voice sounding cheerful. "Are you kidding me? Why wouldn't I want visits from my one and only girl?"

I then reach out and kiss her forehead in my usual fatherly way, adding, "Live your life to the fullest, Em. Follow what your heart says. Don't dwell too much on social niceties, sense of duty, or stepping on toes. Be greedy and live for yourself more often for a change. Do what will make you happy. Live as if each day's your last. At the same time, accept that you'll live a long life surrounded by the people who love you. Don't hold yourself back. Grab every opportunity that presents your way…such as finding another boy to date!"

Em throws me a look of disbelief. "Geez, Dad… Thanks for embarrassing me!"

"What? You're surrounded by men! Don't tell me that they're all blind and they don't see you for the woman that you are!"

Em further pouts. She's definitely uncomfortable with the conversation. "Really, Dad...? Either you, I, or both of us are blind along with them."

"Don't say that because you didn't see what I saw. Things changed when you turned 15, Em. That old beau of yours who dumped you? He wasn't man enough to handle you. That birthday of yours here when you turned 15 was proof that you're more than just a younger sister to everyone. It might have not been obvious before you turned 15. But after that, it has been different...now, more than ever. So I'd say just forget about that Ishino boy and just date."

Seeing Em raise an eyebrow compels me to add, "And don't be a prude! You may be a woman, but you're as entitled as any single man to see what's out there and choose. There's plenty of fish out there in the sea. Go for it!"

"And here I thought that fathers should tell their daughters to watch out for other men's dog-like behavior. Silly me..." quips Em and then lets out a chuckle.

"Oh, I know you'll kick someone's ass if they go out of line with you and then some," I declare to Em with a smirk.

I then let out a sigh, the two of us remaining quiet for a little while.

With a smile as I now reach out and hold Em's hand, I tell her, "But seriously… I'm very proud of you. You're doing much better these past four years. I said what I said to remind you to keep it up."

"I'm doing better?"

"Your compositions, and now your concert debut with Troy. You come alive whenever music is involved. It opens you up. I also how it gives you the freedom and peace you've been begging for all this time. It helps you voice out all that's going on inside your head and heart. It gives you a different edge to the other things you do in life. It makes you…"

"More human…?"

Ah… There's what I'm hoping to draw out from my daughter – that heartwarming, relaxed smile of hers…brimming with confidence and hope. I nod for my reply. "You've been following music more actively for the past four years now. People can feel that happiness and lust for life you have right to the marrow of their bones. Let that fill you everyday, even while you're not singing."

As Em nods and smiles, I draw her close to me and embrace her just as a protective father would. I whisper in her ear, "You, Kazuomi, and I might not be blood, but we're all family. Even if the world turns its back or betrays you, remember that this is your home, too. This is where you're accepted and loved for all that you are. You'll always have a home here in our hearts, especially with Kazuomi and me. You'll always be my one and only daughter. I'll also always be your father. Never forget that, dear Em..."

Timeline: Present (August 5 – five days before Alexa's concert debut)

Current Setting: Limousine Leaving Fuse Investigation Office / Fuse Investigation Staff Residence

Destination: Sakura Manor / Sakuragumi Headquarters

Soryu Oh's Point of View (POV)

I nod, glad that Em has settled affairs with Fuse Nozomu. I see from her face that her load has lightened up.

Meanwhile, Inui and Samejima sit at the front of the vehicle with the chauffeur as the limousine now heads to our destination.

Once Em has settled in the limousine, I ask her in Cantonese as she accepts a bottle of seltzer water from me, "So, Mèi Mei…what can you tell me about tonight's meeting?"

Em opens her bottle of water, takes a drink, and then tells me as she keeps the open bottle handy for her to drink from, "The Sakuragumi owes the Ice Dragons for saving their kidnapped members and family. There were three kidnapped children from their clan. If they weren't rescued, the two younger Sakuragumi children along with five Ice Dragon children would've been sold for organs, labor, crime, or sex. If they were saved a moment too late, they would've been shattered and left as nearly-irreparable pieces of themselves. There'll be so much that must be done to bring them back at least half-way to where they were before the incident. Unfortunately, that's the fate of the third Sakuragumi child…the one that had been missing prior to the pair of kidnapped Sakuragumi children."

A little over a week ago, Troy joined the Ice Dragons in rescuing six cargo containers holding hostages – most of them women and children. Em and I coordinated everything with Kishi Mamoru to ensure that the human trafficking abductions would be handled by law enforcement – particularly public safety.

It was also that evening when I finally realized the full magnitude of Em's secret. Since that secret unfolded before my eyes, I now have a deeper understanding of the burden that she has to carry.

What…who…I saw out there was the sentinel of old. A shadow of a figure who kept the innocent safe and at the same time claimed lives of those who have wronged the innocent. Through little Rai Feng's eyes and words, I saw the comfort and protection that the shadow brought to him in his time of need.

At the same time, I saw that same shadow unflinchingly take lives in a snap.

Two sides of the same coin, but the same coin nonetheless…. The sentinel and Em being the same person… Moreover, Asi and Em are one and the same person…

I still mull over what I saw that night. I know that I'll arrive towards a state of acceptance. There's no doubt about that. I just need time to adjust. But as that time approaches, I have to do my best to communicate to Em that she'll always be family to me…that she'll always have a home with the Oh Family, the Ice Dragons, and most especially with me. I just hope that she'd believe me and take comfort in my words of assurance.

Em, the head of the Sakuragumi, and I have agreed that the matter would also be handled based on our clans' code of honor. There's damning evidence showing that the ones responsible for the children's abduction came from the Sakuragumi. The traitors set up the kidnappings as a fuel to agitate the already-existing feud between the Sakuragumi and the Ice Dragons. Also uncovered were traitors within the Ice Dragons – those who have half-hearted loyalty because of Ryuun's hold on them.

The main traitor, Ando Hayate – a Sakuragumi mid-boss, colluded with Ryuun.

Their goal…?

Ryuun wanted to take back the Ice Dragons from Yeye and me. Ando wanted to become the Sakuragumi boss by eliminating the Sakuragumi head and his heir.

Sakura Naogoro and his heir and only son, Sakura Naomasa, are both close to the former and current sentinel. From what I understand, the prior and current sentinels also made a vow to protect the Sakura Family and the Sakuragumi. This is the same vow that binds the sentinel with the head of the Ice Dragons and the Oh Family.

Jii-san and Yeye talked to Sakura Naogoro via telephone at great length about the matter.

Soon thereafter, Em and Troy traveled to Hong Kong for their biannual visit to Yeye, presenting to my grandfather Em's antidote vials. Yeye also received gifts coming from her, Ishino Michael, Troy, and Jii-san.

In reality, the Hong Kong meeting was for the sentinel to speak with the head of the Sakuragumi. Jii-san and Yeye were in attendance to serve as a collective calming presence and wise counsel for both sides.

Em was there not just as the sentinel but also as negotiator for the Ice Dragons' with Yeye's blessings. Her goal was to forge an alliance between the two organizations with her balancing the best interest of both parties.

As sentinel, Em could have rained down such wrath on the Sakuragumi offenders without having to consult with Sakura Naogoro. She could also make the Saguragumi head accept the aftermath with him having no say in the matter. This could include but not be limited to him himself being punished for not stopping such atrocity from happening.

I could have also demanded for retribution, but I believe Em and kept in mind that Sakura-san didn't know anything. In the mafia, especially those with Southeast Asian roots, the importance of "saving face" is still valued with such regard.

Em found a way that would keep Sakura Naogoro's dignity as a leader intact while serving the Ice Dragons' best interest. The same way would also address the deep-rooted short-term and long-term problems within the two clans. And the only way for leaders on both sides can fix the problems that would easily destroy any organization is to have a force strong enough to herald change while upholding the strength of its current and future leadership.

So tonight, we're all supposed to bear witness as to what form this force would take…and this meeting that Em and I are about to go along with Naomasa is simply just that. It's supposed to help our two families become respectively stronger, advocate for the present, and preserve everyone's dreams for a brighter and more peaceful future.

But first, Sakura Naogoro, Em, and I will deal with those traitors who endangered women and children from their own clan and dared sell their lives and souls like merchandise.

According to Jii-san and Yeye, that task falls on Em and Em alone to carry out…

My heart aches as my thoughts drift to the third kidnapped child whose well-being is shattered at the very least after undergoing such harrowing experience. "Em… About that young girl…? She'll do well someday soon, won't she?"

Em looks sadly at me, her eyes watering up from the rush of emotions that wells inside her.

The girl that I'm referring to is no older than seven years old, yet she has been beaten, tortured, and abused in all aspects of her being. My teeth grit when my mind's eye vividly remembers the examination that Luke Foster and Em have conducted on the child.

Em thoughtfully replies, "She's still in a state of shock. The poor girl went through a lot. But those responsible didn't even have a single qualm in feeding her to the figurative wolves. They'll all pay for that."

I stop for a minute, my gaze fixed on Em. "I'm just glad that the head of the Sakuragumi now accepts the truth. That's a complete reversal from how the clan accused the Ice Dragons of kidnapping those children."

Em leans her back against the seat, taking a deep breath as she explains, "Naogoro-san's a peace-loving man. He's not one to point fingers. It was Ryuun who planted that poison in the Ice Dragon's heads. The problem was that there had been a long-standing feud between your clan and theirs because of Ryuun. That was fabrication from Ryuun and Ando's part."

"Am I correct for saying that Ryuun did that to grab hold of the Sakuragumi?"

"It's a personal vendetta against Naogoro-san because he only recognized Yeye as the legitimate leader and you as the legitimate heir. Naogoro-san had this inkling that Ryuun will be usurping your rightful place. He stood his ground even more evidently when Ryuun blatantly insulted Naogoro-san and declared war against the Sakuragumi. For Ryunn, the best revenge is to crush your enemy and take everything that's his. But as you know, nothing satisfies Ryuun. He won't stop even after he had accomplished those things."

I let out a heavy sigh. Rahman and I know about Ryuun's nature. That's why Rahman came up with a way to make Ryuun pay for the misdeeds while keeping the latter as far away from the Ice Dragons as possible. But collection of payment for misdeeds didn't include this latest atrocity. And that along with the image of that little girl make my blood boil more now than ever before.

Em observes me for a while, noticing how I fall quiet. She tells me in a soothing voice, "Dealings with Ryuun left a bad taste in everyone's mouths. The lower ranks on both clans talk and gossip... There are traitors on both sides. One thing's for certain, though… The Sakuragumi has it much worse than the Ice Dragons. As strong as you are, the Ice Dragons still have silent factions of those loyal to Ryuun. They're just too afraid to emerge. They're waiting for the right time to strike against you. The Sakuragumi has factions within. They perceive that the clan's weak at this time. Part of that has something to do with Naomasa, the Sakuragumi heir, pursuing a life with the family but not as its head if he can do it. Regardless of what or when it might be, the problem needs to be fixed now."

"Sounds like déjà vu to me, Mèi Mei…."

"I know…" Em says with a tired sigh. She then looks straight at me with a kind smile. "Did Yeye ever tell you the full story of what happened behind the scenes when you decided to follow Naomasa's path at one point in time? The time that you chose to become a detective…?"

What Em just said piqued my interest. I take a swig from my own water bottle, my eyes narrowing as I search my memory. "No, he hasn't. That only happened less than ten years ago. A good part of the time that I was a mid-boss, you've already taken Jii-san's place as the sentinel."

Em nods, her eyes narrowing as well as she stretches her neck and arms to ease the tension from her body. Once she relaxes, she continues explaining, "What happened to you served as a negotiation point for tonight's talks. The Sakura Family is familiar with how Ryuun became the head of the Ice Dragons. Jii-san didn't agree with Yeye's choice for your regent. There was something about Ryuun that never sat well with Jii-san. A few months after Ryuun became your regent, Yeye realized that he made a grave mistake. I only found out about Ryuun after I took over Jii-san's duties as sentinel. Before you became the head of the Ice Dragons, only three people knew that Ryuun was only meant to serve as your regent – not your full-blown replacement. Those three were Yeye, Jii-san, and me. Our two elders requested me to leave it up to them to personally tell you the truth about Ryuun when the right time comes."

I look into Em's eyes, analyzing what she just said to me. I ask her, "Jii-san, Yeye, and then you mentioned on separate occasions about the sentinel going back to its original roots. What did you three mean by that?"

"The sentinel is like the bad man's boogeyman, Gēge. For those who live by a code of honor, it's like the guardian angel – either sent as a messenger, or as a protector. I did tell Yeye that because of the Port of Tokyo incident, Ryuun's life is now for me to take. What he and Ando did on that ship was a direct threat to the Ice Dragons and the Sakuragumi. Moreover, Ando and once again Ryuun threatened Naogoro-san, Naomasa, and you. That can't and won't be forgiven."

Em then takes in a deep, cleansing breath and adds, "And that's where this negotiation comes in. I don't want what happened to the Ice Dragons to happen again. No rightful heir should undergo the suffering that you've gone through. Ryuun was only supposed to be your regent. He was supposed to quietly step down once you decided to come back. That's not what he did. He claimed the Ice Dragons for himself. He reneged on the terms of the agreement. He tried to sabotage you numerous times. He also endangered your life as well as everyone else's because of his greed and ambition. It was Yeye who requested me to hold back and watch from the shadows. It was his way to see if you have what it takes to take over and lead the Ice Dragons. So you don't know how happy we all have been that you've succeeded in taking back what's yours. Because of your strength and leadership, the damage that Ryuun has done all these years is being repaired slowly but surely."

I keep my gaze on Em as I think out loud, "And that's why you're proposing an alliance between the Ice Dragons and the Sakuragumi? A co-regency to protect Naomasa's dream and the Sakuragumi – all while making the Ice Dragons stronger…with each organization standing on equal terms."

Em nods and smile. She senses that I like the idea proposed on the table. "Naogoro-san's open to the idea of an alliance between the Sakuragumi and the Ice Dragons. The proposal is for you to serve as his heir's regent. Starting tonight, I'll be there in the shadows to ensure that all Ice Dragons and the Sakuragumi members keep the alliance. If one of the heads defies the alliance without just cause, it's the sentinel's role to seek payment and retribution in blood. Should the sentinel fail in its duties, then the very sources that give the sentinel its power will wipe the slate clean…with the sentinel being the first one to be wiped out. Your regency starts once Sakura Naogoro passes away and Naomasa wishes to remain one step removed from Sakuragumi business. At the same time, the alliance means that the Sakuragumi and the Ice Dragons will protect each others as brethren and allies. The alliance officially starts tonight once you exchange cups of loyalty with Naogoro-san. The alliance will continue even after your regency over the Sakuragumi ends. The intention is for both clans to remain friends for as long as both lines exist, which had been the case until Ryuun ruined it for both sides."

I touch my forehead and I frown a bit, and I wonder out loud, "Cups of loyalty? Sakazuki…? Don't you need a Shinto priest to purify the room before the ceremony?"

With a kind smile escaping from her lips and lighting up her expressive eyes, Em tells me, "And tell me… Who in your closest circle of trust is a Shinto priest?"

I stare at Em as if the answer's written on her face. My eyes then widen as I mumble in disbelief, "Jii-san…?"

"Bingo…" Em says with a mischievous smirk escaping from her lips, that grin becoming more pronounced as she sees how stumped I really am over this pleasant news. "Jii-san and Yeye are already waiting for us at Sakura Manor."

I take in a deep breath and then let out a long sigh. "This is such a huge surprise."

Em's smile becomes warmer, more generous. She reaches out and interlaces her fingers with mine once we're holding hands. "Well, I do hope you're taking it as a good surprise. That's what it's meant to be."

"I am… I am…" I reassure Em with a smile of my own. I take in another deep breath and say, "I just didn't expect this."

"We struck while the iron is hot. We need the Ice Dragons to be stronger, and for their reach to be wider and longer…am I right?"

I nod my head with a smile as feelings of gratitude and humility fill me.

As if she's trying to wake me up from my stupor of disbelief, Em says, "You've come a long way, Gēge. You and the Ice Dragons deserve this. It's all been coming full circle. You shouldn't be surprised the least bit."

I chuckle and blush a bit, producing a leather bag and having it sit between Em and me. I pull out one of the long velvet bag and show her the content it's protecting. "I've brought gifts for our meeting, by the way. What do you think about two bottles of Juyondai sake? Do you think Sakura Naogoro will appreciate it?"

The grin on Em's face as she sees the bottle and nods as she studies it is such a relieving confirmation for me. It's as if she herself is receiving and appreciating the gift. "A pair of rare finds. Naogoro-san appreciates fine liquor – particularly sake. Most of the clan's bonding time revolves around alcohol. Tonight will be a good occasion for this sake."

"Thank you for this arrangement you've made between the Ice Dragons and the Sakuragumi," I tell Em while I maintain my eyes on the road, my right hand clutching the steering wheel much more intently than before. "It's a long-time coming for our two clans to finally have peace together."

"Tonight will culminate in a happy ending. The hostages are now safe. The short and long-term disagreements between the two clans have now been resolved." Em sighs and shakes her head. "It didn't help that the internal gossiping fanned the flames…kept them alive for so long. Sure, the two clans don't physically challenge each other but they have definitely not been at the best of terms."

"Yeye and I are not gossip-mongers, but Ryuun is. Under his leadership, the Ice Dragons digressed so much, especially in terms of work ethic and code of honor." I then fall quiet, thinking about the internal workings of the underworld in which I'm very familiar with.

Em nods thoughtfully. She and I know Yeye's and Jii-san's respective sentiments regarding the upcoming meeting before the Sakuragumi. "Well, this will clean up the last bits of Ryuun's dirty work. To tell you the truth, I have more selfish motives at work."

"And what is that…?"

"I don't want the Sakuragumi to fall into the wrong hands when the time comes, just as the Ice Dragons did at one point in time…"

"So you're saying an alliance between the Ice Dragons and Sakuragumi can help in that?"

Em nods once more, and further explains, "Naomasa wishes to live a life one step removed from the Sakuragumi. He's currently a lawyer and aids the Sakuragumi in that way. Naogoro-san supports his heir's choice just as Yeye supported you when you originally pursued life as a detective. You know the rest of the story. The Sakuragumi should and must continue, but Naogoro-san wants to continue upholding Naomasa's wish for a life outside the mob."

"It wasn't an easy decision to leave the Ice Dragons. It wasn't also easy to return, and to regain what should've been mine in the first place," I tell Em while I revisit the many hardships that my supporters and I have endured to get to where I am now.

"Your men respect you for what you did. They'll continue to stand for you. That's what matters most." Em gives me such a warm smile, her eyes communicating how proud she is of me…and it's a sight that touches my heart and humbles me. It touches me even more so when she adds, "And as long as you stand for what is just, you'll always have me by your side, Gēge."

The small window of the front part of the limousine opens up, and Samejima announces, "Boss, we're at the front gates."

"All right…."

Samejima closes the window once more and gives back the privacy that Em and I have.

Em and I exchange glances, and she asks, "Ready as we should be?"

I nod with a smile, and soon the limousine drives through the gates leading to Sakura Manor.

From a distance, Em and I can see three figures waiting for us: Naogoro-san, Jii-san, and Yeye.

Em holds my hand and gazes into my eyes. She smiles sadly as she holds my hand affectionately tighter. "Gēge… I know you haven't reconciled with what you've seen on the ship. May I ask for your greater patience and trust tonight? May I also ask for your honesty to tell me how you truly feel after tonight?"

I frown, puzzled over what I hear from Em. I then sigh and smile, having my free hand rest on top of our clasped hands. "I'll be fine, Mèi Mei. Didn't I tell you not to worry…to just give me more time?"

"You don't understand, Gēge. What you saw on the ship was only a small sampling. Tonight, you'll see more. And if what you see tonight is too much for you, then all I ask is for you to be honest with me. I'll do my best to understand how you feel and what you decide to do next. But afterwards, you and I do need to talk."

I fall quiet for a moment and then murmur under my breath, "You're serious about this…"

Em gives me a melancholic nod. "I am. I'll always be there for you, Gēge. It'll just be a matter of how I'll be there for you. And that all depends on how well what you see tonight will settle on your mind and soul."

Before my mind can digest what I just heard from Em, the limousine pulls up…followed by Inui and Samejima opening the door for her and me – all while Naogoro-san, Naomasa, Jii-san, and Yeye stand with all smiles upon our arrival.

The meeting now begins….

End of Chapter Four