The Next Phase

by MollyMuffinHead

Sequel to 'The Learning Curve'. Through a series of events, each host undergoes a major life change. Some bad, some good. Everyone's participation in the world is expanded through business, charity, tragedy, love, friendship, and luck (good and bad). Rated for Language and Smooching. Sequel up: 'The Way Forward'

11. Chapter 11 - Where Was I?

Author's Note: Answers to the cliffhanger in this chapter. I know you want to know…Thanks for the reviews!

Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.

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xXx

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Date Posted: 11/16/2019

Trigger Warnings: Minor and OC Character Deaths. Language. I tried not to describe anything too much.

The Next Phase - Chapter 11: Where Is She?

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CRASH!

I whipped my head to the left. A car just sideswiped us. It was weaving around and hit us again.

The guard rail snapped, and we tumbled down the ravine.

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Friday, February 4:

Evening: Photographer Witness, Two Cars Behind:

"What the fuck!"

Shit, that sweet girl.

I slammed on my brakes and pulled over. It's all on the dash cam. I swivel it to face the missing guard rail and bring my professional camera up.

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Witness, Right Behind:

"Oh, no."

I slammed on my breaks, pulled over, and jumped out.

Looking down, the car had obviously rolled several times. That huge tree stopped it. It's upside down, smashed into the driver's side.

There's a car behind me, and he's stepping out. "Call 119!" (1)

I didn't stop to see if he heard me. Anyone would have enough sense to call. I took off down the hill. They may still be alive.

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Photographer Witness:

He told me to call 119, but I called my boss instead. What does he want me to do? I've been following this girl for months and have come to think of her as a daughter. But, no matter what, I answer to the big guy. I can't mess that up.

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Phone Call Between Photographer and Employer:

Photographer: "She just drove off a cliff?"

Employer: "What? Slow down."

Photographer: "I'm following Fujioka like always. Some drunk asshole sideswiped the car and they drove off the road down a ravine.

Employer: "Is she alive?"

Photographer: "Unknown. Some witness ran down, I'm waiting for him. The car is on fire."

Employer: "Shit. Fuck."

Photographer: "Wait. I hear him."

Employer: …

Photographer: "He says she's alive. He's only checked her. The car could explode so he's going to pull her out."

Employer: "Tell me what's going on. Take pictures."

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Rescuer Witness:

I can't believe she's alive.

"Hold on honey. I'll get you out of here." She can't hear me. She's unconscious.

The car's upside down and the engine is on fire. I have to get her out now.

After unbuckling her, I grabbed her under her shoulders and pulled. Shit, her foot's caught. Gotta untangle it. She weighs almost nothing.

I had her about seven meters away, when I turned around to check the others.

A loud noise, a rush of hot air, gasoline smell coating my nose. The ground disappeared and I landed just past the girl.

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xXx

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Meanwhile, The Others Will Forever Think of This as What They Were Doing When Haruhi Crashed:

Tamaki at the Gallery:

It's Friday night, and the gallery is having another show. Japanese paintings from centuries ago. A collector is liquidating his holdings.

It's a much older clientele than last week. More upper crust as well. It's too bad Renge-chan couldn't be here.

"Tamaki?"

I know that voice. I turned and said, "Father?" I smiled, "Welcome to my gallery."

Dressed in a dark cream-colored suit with a bold red tie, he radiated strength and power. Will I ever do that?

"I wanted to see the collection and perhaps purchase one." He looked around at the paintings. Each in a gold frame, hung on a navy curtain background. It set off their detail and colors. "Do you know why the owner didn't hold an auction?"

"He's an old friend of Noguchi-san."

"Ah, that explains it."

"Have you met Noguchi-san? He's here for the showing. Let me introduce you."

I led my father over to the owner of the paintings and Noguchi-san and introduced them.

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Hikaru and Kaoru at Home:

"I can't wait to pick up the girls tomorrow. They're going to love it."

"What are we going to wear?" Seriously? Hika's asking me what to wear?

"Are you kidding me? You're a fashion guy…go pick something."

"Just thought you'd want to coordinate."

He gets stuck in our own world sometimes still. "We're going out with different girls. Let's dress like different guys. Plus, we'll attract less attention and have more fun that way."

"Whatever," he mumbled and went to his closet.

"Do you want to ride separately with Naoko?" he called out.

Did I? The other night was incredible. I had no idea she'd be that…forward? After that flashback, I don't want Hika focusing on what we could be doing in the back of a separate limo.

"Nah. It's a fun day out, not a date-date."

"How about jeans and a t-shirt? We'd want to blend in, right? It will be full of commoners."

"Sure, but you realize that t-shirt probably cost 30,000 yen (~$300)."

"So. Yours did too."

He's right, but I don't care. "These are what we have, so we'll wear them. It will be better than high fashion."

"True."

We had our clothes picked out and set aside. Now we can sleep in later tomorrow.

"You up for video games? I'll bury you."

"Nope, this time, I win."

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Hitachiin Yuzuha:

These pictures of Haruhi-chan are beautiful. She could be a supermodel if she wanted.

I kept swiping through the pics. The photographer had taken hundreds. Kaoru'd already gone through and marked the 'no's' and 'yes's' but wanted my opinion.

He's not being picky enough. I know he had feelings for Haruhi-chan before Hika's problem. I think his choices are reflecting that. He's marked several where she looks good, but the clothes are not displayed to their fullest potential.

It's better to have a small number of fantastic pictures, than overexpose the outfit with good pictures mixed in. He can always do another shoot with different clothes and sets.

Variety is the spice of life.

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Watanabe Naoki at Home:

That bastard, Kyoya-senpai. 'Report on the host club or I'll tell Kaoru we slept together'. Asshole.

I didn't regret it until he opened his big mouth. We had fun, and he wasn't a jerk until this mess.

At least he's not making me spy or dig for info. Just wants to know what I see and hear. I still hate doing it. Feels like I'm betraying my friends.

I really like Kaoru. He asked me to be his girlfriend, so he must like me too. How will he react if he finds this out?

I hate this stupid double standard. No one cares if a guy sleeps around, but a girl is a slut if she does. It's so stupid (2). It doesn't hurt anyone as long as you're safe, and we were.

I must stop thinking about this. There's nothing I can do. I'll keep sending him emails. I haven't heard back. He must be satisfied so far.

I'm going down to the kitchen to get a snack. Maybe that will help me refocus on tomorrow.

The four of us are going out. I have to figure out what to wear and how to do my hair. It's a casual place with families and lots of rides. Need to wear something like jeans. Maybe a ponytail.

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Ito Yuki at Home:

Mother warned me not to get too attached to Hikaru. Father wants to expand his business and is looking at an arranged marriage. I wasn't surprised. They've been hinting for a while. That's why I've been taking it slow with him.

I hope I don't hurt him. After what happened in the night club, I'm not sure about why he was missing last year. He didn't come back from the bathroom looking like he'd been sick. He looked like he'd been crying. Kaoru kept his eyes on him the rest of the night.

I'll keep going slow, maybe try to move back to friends. Tomorrow isn't going to be romantic, but fun. There should be no relationship expectations.

Except for the uncertainty of my relationship with Hikaru, I'm enjoying being included in the group. The study group has helped my grades. Haruhi-chan is practically fluent in English, though she doesn't realize it. She's not as confident in her knowledge as she should be.

The diner is a crazy thing. The strange food. Haruhi-chan's Father, Ranka. A drag queen? He's funny, and I can see her in him. Not the personalities, but the love for each other and enjoyment of being together. So many of the elite don't have that relationship with their parents. Maybe their nannies, but not their parents.

That Shinobu-san is…different. Before she started coming, I'd only been around one yakuza, Kasanoda-san. While menacing, he's also got a sweet side. She's all hard edges so far. Maybe she'll get used to us and become friendlier.

"Ring."

Oh, that's Naoko. She probably wants to know what I'm wearing tomorrow.

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Shinobu in Her Heavily Armored SUV:

This totally sucks. Whoever these shooters are, I'm going to fucking kill them. I had to beg Dad to let me go over to Ritsu-kun's compound. I was going stir crazy at ours.

What's going on between us? What we did in the limo was amazing, but he stopped us. I would have gone all the way if he hadn't. I was craving comfort and closeness.

He stopped us so he's not a total jerk.

I'm not giving him back his hoodie. It's mine now. However, I am going to leave a hair clip and see what he does. Will he keep it or give it back?

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Kasanoda at the Main Door:

It's great she could come over. I'd made plans to go out, because I thought we'd get those fucking shooters. Shit.

They shot at a boss as he got out of his car. On the fucking street! Those dumbasses.

Pops told me the dead ones are identified. Ex-yakuza. As we thought. Both from different syndicates. Neither have been hit yet.

All the bosses have men out there on motorcycles just cruising around. Shoot on site if they see a pair of black motorcycles, no plates with two guys on each, all dressed in black. Shoot first, questions later. That's how mad we all are.

Where is she? I know they're going a round-about way to shake any tails, but this is ridiculous. And Pops won't let me wait at the security gate. Nooo, I have to wait inside the main building. Sometimes being the heir sucks.

She didn't want shoot at our range, so I figure we'll go to the game room and see what's up. Maybe the movie they're showing won't be a waste of time. I won't suggest poker. Being wiped out by Haruhi was enough.

There she is. Finally. She looks hot tonight.

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Akito and Yuuichi at the Ootori Mansion:

"Do you think he's serious? About my internship?"

I took another shot of sake and slammed my glass down. "You heard what he said. He might take your suggestions into consideration. Where does he get off?"

"He won a game I didn't even know I was playing." Akito did another shot and filled both our glasses. "Not only did he take Father's part of the business, but he took ours. Didn't think that little shit was that petty."

"He's always hated all of us."

"Except Fuyumi."

"Sure. She's not a rival to squash. He can be nice to her, but there probably was an ulterior motive for that too."

"He named Sota-kun his heir."

"Are you shitting me?" Akito threw his glass across the room. It shattered against the wall and sake dripped down.

"No. He's the heir until Kyoya makes his own." I pulled another glass out of the cabinet and filled it for him.

"Knowing that cold-hearted son-of-a-bitch, he'll marry for purely business reasons. He'll knock up his wife and ignore her." Akito took a shot.

"Yeah, that's what I expect. It's what Father did to Fuyumi. Dumped her on a business associate and told her to make babies."

"Fucking little shit."

We both proceeded to get black-out drunk.

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Renge at the Gallery:

"Tamaki-kun!" I saw him across the hall with his father, Noguchi-san, and someone else.

"Renge-chan, I didn't think you'd be coming."

"My family meeting was shorter than I'd thought, so I came here. How's the show?"

"It's going very well. Let me introduce you around."

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Mori and Satoshi in the Dojo:

"Bro, it's got to feel weird when Mitsukuni goes out on a date and you stay home."

"Hn."

Takashi mopes around whenever Mitsukuni takes Cho-senpai out. Thought I'd bring him here and let him kick my ass.

"Are you going to take this seriously and hit me?"

The mean look in his eyes told me I shouldn't have said that.

"OUCH!" I yelled as his shinai made contact.

"Pay attention!" he barked.

"You're going down."

Of course, he won.

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Chika in His Room:

Let's see. If I sell these stocks and buy those…and if those others go up like my research says…

I must drop all the stocks from that company. If I put the information from those three articles together, I predict they are going to crash.

Kyoya-senpai is a complete jerk, but I'm going to put in another order for his stock. He has the personality of an evil villain but knows what he's doing in the business world. I learned a lot from just watching him this last year.

Can't forget to put in another order for Suoh shares. I have a plan for those.

Now that all my orders are in, I can watch that old karate movie.

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Yoshida Naoto Watching the Birth of a Litter:

"That's the last puppy, Yoshida-san. They're all healthy and mom is doing fine."

"Great. Thanks, Doctor."

"I'll stay for a while and make sure there aren't any complications."

Every birth is a concern, but this one was smooth and easy. Seven puppies, three girls, four boys. And they're already sold.

I pulled out my phone and took some pictures to send to Fujioka-san. I know she'll get a kick out of them.

I'm looking forward to going to the dog show with her next week.

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Tetsuya and Kono in the Kasanoda Game Room:

"I didn't know she could play basketball. She's destroying him."

I smirked at Tetsuya, "We all play. Quick way to blow off some steam. You might want to learn if this merger goes through."

"I already know. I destroy him all the time."

"He doesn't get better?"

"Don't think he cares. Just enjoys the game."

Kasanoda-sama might not be competitive in basketball, but he sure took his shooting seriously. She's been shooting for a decade and was a close competitor. Neither one won after their first bet. They decided not to go into a tiebreaker. Probably a good idea.

"Hey, Kono?"

"Yeah."

"Wanna play something?"

"Go?"

"Sure."

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Phone call between Kasanoda Ryuu and Himura Junto:

Ryuu: "Yeah, she got here fine."

Junto: "Good. Do you know what they're up to?"

Ryuu: "In the game room with Tetsuya and Kono. Not sure what they're playing."

Junto: "Does it have a basketball court?"

Ryuu: "Yeah…"

Junto: "That's what they're doing."

Ryuu: "She'll kick is ass. He sucks at basketball."

Junto: "Serves him right."

Ryuu: "A little pop to his ego isn't a bad thing."

Junto: "Where do you think they'll hit this weekend."

Ryuu: "Not sure. There are only so many syndicates left before they'll have to repeat."

Junto: "Still have those two the dead ones were kicked out of."

Ryuu: "Yeah. They're on high alert."

Junto: "I've got to go. Keep my kid safe and in a guest room tonight."

Ryuu: "No problem. There will be a guard in the hallway. They aren't ready for that anyway."

Junto: "No matter what they think."

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Honey and Cho at the Movies:

It's so different coming here rather than my private theater. I didn't realize how much better the experience would be with a huge audience.

"Cho-chan, want some popcorn?" Honey-kun asked as he held the bucket towards me. Such huge servings.

I held back the giggles as I reached in, took one, and tossed it at him. He saw my smile and laughed with me.

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Eiji at the Haninozuka Security Room:

"You sure Matsui can handle this weekend?"

"Definitely. He's been my backup every time we've guarded Fujioka-sama."

"Good. When's the party?"

"Sunday afternoon. Forty-five years my parents have been married. Thanks for approving the time off."

"No problem. Fujioka-sama's covered and family is important."

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Tanaki Gin at His Home with His Wife:

"Fujioka-sama liked the pen?"

"Yes. That was a good idea. Thanks."

"Sure, Gin. You're terrible at picking presents."

"She's learning so much and has a strong handle on the business."

I looked at his face and saw parental pride.

"She's getting to you, isn't she?"

"Fujioka-sama is like the daughter we never had."

"You must invite her over to dinner soon."

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Ootori Yoshio in His Cell in Brazil:

"That son of mine. Thinking he could move me, and I wouldn't know."

I watched the crazy, old guy circle his cell and mumble, but I couldn't make out the words.

"South America. Accents and smells. South America somewhere."

He curled up on his bed, still mumbling.

"I'm not crazy. He just think's I am."

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RONIN at their Base of Operations:

My followers. So loyal and dedicated. We will have our revenge and take what should be ours.

"This weekend we will strike another blow at those who abandoned us!" I screamed at the group. "We will have victory!"

"RO…NIN!"

"RO…NIN!"

"RO…NIN!"

"RO…NIN!"

"RO…NIN!"

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Gorou Maki at Home:

Finally. That English paper was so tough. I'll send it to Fujioka-san to go over.

I should do something special for her. Between my English and Mom's job, we owe her a lot, and help with some physics problems isn't enough.

Wonder when her birthday is?

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Suzuki Rin at the Diner:

"Boss, why are my shifts being changed?"

"Trying something out. Want to better organize the shifts."

"Yeah, but I'm the only one that was switched except for the person taking my old shifts."

Is he an idiot? He couldn't come up with a better reason? The only shifts he switched are the ones where that bitch comes in. Did she whine to someone?

"I'm trying to balance it out better with the volume of customers," he tried again. "Now, are you going to work the new shifts or am I going to look for another cook?"

Fuck. "I'll work the new shifts." Bitch!

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Someone, Somewhere:

I'm going to ruin that stupid Host Club. They'll wish they'd never met each other.

Haruhi, that…slut… She's jumping at any loud noise now. Even the backfire on my cell worked with a Bluetooth speaker.

Need to get a couple more speakers and use them in the hallway, the dining hall, and if I can get one in the club room, that'd make her completely break down.

She deserves it.

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Tachibana at Kyoya's Apartment's Parking Garage:

Kyoya-sama is treating Miss Haruhi better. We've talked once more about him being his father.

"Tachibana," the driver said, "Does Ootori-sama have plans this weekend?"

"Nothing social that I'm aware of. Office and here for the most part."

"Good. Nice, quiet weekend."

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Kyoya in His Apartment:

Phone Call:

Kyoya: "What the fuck was that?!"

Photographer: "Car exploded. That guy'd pulled her out already. He was going back to check on the others when it exploded."

Kyoya: "Is she hurt?"

Photographer: "Can't tell. She's unconscious. Some debris from the car landed on her."

Kyoya: "Fuck!"

Photographer: "Wait, that guy's up and getting them off her."

Kyoya: "Don't call 119. I'll call you back."

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"Haru! No! Not my Haru. You can't die."

I grabbed my phone and texted Tachibana to get up here now.

What can I do? She needs the best medical care. She's mine and I need to take care of her.

Need to make a few calls…

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Phone Call Between Kyoya and Private Ambulance Service (PAS):

Kyoya: "What's the closest ambulance to this address …"

PAS: "We have one ten minutes out."

Kyoya: "Send it now."

PAS: "Done."

Kyoya: "Listen very carefully. If these instructions are not followed to the letter, you'll never work in Japan again."

PAS: "Yes, Sir."

Kyoya: "The staff on the ambulance is not to tell anyone who sent them. Where they came from. Or where they are taking her. Have them say 'closest hospital'. Nothing more. But they are to take her to Juntendo Hospital. I'll met them there."

PAS: "Yes, Sir."

Kyoya: "They are only to take the girl. No one else. That's critical. They are to take her in and get her stabilized. That's all."

PAS: "Yes, Sir. I'll pass the orders."

Kyoya: CLICK

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"Kyoya-sama, you asked for me?" I barked as soon as I ran through the door.

My head swiveled through the apartment. No security risks. I had my gun out. Take no chances.

"Tachibana prep the car, not the limo. I need to get somewhere without being noticed."

"Yes, Sir." I called downstairs.

What's happening?

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Phone Call:

Kyoya: "I'm sending an ambulance. If anyone there asks, tell them you already called 119. She is only to be taken by my ambulance.

"As soon as it shows up, move your car. Get it out of there. Then you can call 119. Keep taking pictures."

Photographer: "Yes, Sir."

Kyoya: "I need your pictures. I can't be seen there. When the police arrive, leave. You should leave the city. Load all pictures to the encrypted site as usual. Dump your phone. No fingerprints. Wait a few days and buy a new one. Then call my burner."

Photographer: "Yes, Sir."

Kyoya: "Do not get interviewed by the police."

Photographer: "Yes, Sir."

Kyoya: CLICK

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"Kyoya-sama?"

"Haru's been in an accident. I've sent an ambulance. We're meeting them at the hospital."

I threw on some clothes, casual to blend in.

"She's mine and I won't let her die," I growled.

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xXx

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Crash Site:

By this time, several other cars have pulled up. Curious idiots.

I took pictures of every car and every person. Who knows what he might need?

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xXx

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Phone Call Between Kyoya and Black Onion Squad (BOS):

Kyoya: "Car accident at this site. Need two as stake out. Don't get seen. Don't get photographed. Collect info and report back up the chain."

BOS: "Yes, Sir."

Kyoya: "Need one armed guard dressed as paramedic and one dressed as a doctor at Juntendo Hospital immediately."

BOS: "Yes, Sir."

Kyoya: "Get my trauma doctor from Tokyo Main and bring him to Juntendo."

BOS: "Yes, Sir."

Kyoya: "Keep an entire squad on alert status." CLICK

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xXx

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Crash Site, Paramedics:

"Shit. That's a hell of a crash. We'll need the backboard and neck brace for sure."

"Let's go."

When we got down to the wreck, we saw the girl we were picking up. She was unconscious, and that arm must be broken. There are bruises and cuts all over her.

"Hey," some guy called. "Is she going to be OK?"

"Sir, who are you?"

"I came down and pulled her out before the car exploded. She was hit with flaming bits and pieces. I got them off her."

"Fast thinking, Sir."

We start bringing her up the ravine, and he yells, "Hey? What about the people in the car? Aren't you even going to check them?"

"Other ambulances are right behind us. They'll take care of it."

Loading her in the ambulance we were stopped by another nosy person. "Where are you taking her?"

"Nearest Hospital."

We slammed the doors and drove off.

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xXx

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Crash Site, Bystanders:

"Shouldn't the police be here by now?"

"Yeah. I'll call 119."

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xXx

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Juntendo Hospital Emergency Room:

We walked straight up to the admin and demanded to know where the girl in the ambulance was. I'm dressed as a doctor. The nurse immediately bowed and gave me the information. My partner, dressed as a paramedic, and the real doctor turned for the ambulance, while I stormed into the emergency treatment room.

"Status!" I barked. Act like you have the authority and people give it to you. Some are really like sheep.

"Stabilized. She has a…"

"Don't need a list of injuries. Get her ready for transport."

"Transport?" the doctor in the room yelled. "Transport where? She shouldn't be moved."

"She's coming with me. I have the transport papers. They read that she will be moved as soon as she's stabilized."

"This is outrageous!"

"Take it up with your chief of staff. Now get her back in the ambulance."

"I'll be talking to your superiors."

"Good luck," I smirked. This blowhard speaking with Ootori-sama is as likely as me winning a beauty contest.

I supervised her loading into the ambulance and watched as they sped off.

"Any problems?" Ootori-sama asked as I jumped into the car before it followed the girl.

"None."

"Were you photographed?"

"Video surveillance. I stayed in the blind spots."

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xXx

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Crash Site, Police Arriving:

"Get down there and check the car. Fire trucks are right behind us. You," I pointed to another officer, "set up a parameter and get the crowd under control. Find out if there are any actual witnesses."

It's nice to be the officer in charge.

"Officer?" Some guy is waving me down. He's dirty. Did he go down there?

"Yes?"

"I saw the whole thing. The car was sideswiped twice by another car. Then it went down the ravine, flipping until that tree stopped it." He looked around for something. "There was another car that stopped after me, but I don't see him."

Probably didn't want to get involved.

"Then what happened?"

"I ran down there to see if I could help. I pulled a girl out of the back seat and dragged her away. The car exploded before I could go back and check the others."

By this time firefighters had run hoses down and were putting out the car.

"Others?"

"Yes, there were at least two other people in that car when it exploded."

"Shit."

"Yes. I agree." He looked around again. "The paramedics wouldn't even check them. They loaded the girl up and drove away."

"Wait. The ambulance has already been and gone?"

"Yes, Officer. They put her on a stretcher and drove away."

"Which company? Did they say where they were going?"

"I was down the hill. I didn't see the ambulance itself. They didn't have a company logo on their coats."

"Did you notice her injuries?"

"There was a lot of blood, but I'm not sure if it was hers. She was unconscious. One of her arms was broken. It had a weird angle. She was burned by debris from the explosion before I could get them all off her. Don't know of any others."

"Thank you for stopping and helping." My officer had made it back up the hill and I called him over. "If you'll just go with this officer so he can get your contact information and more details, that would be helpful."

"Of course."

We need more people. I called dispatch and had them send another car with three more officers.

"Officer?" the firefighter called out.

I turned and spoke with him. "The car's out. There were three dead bodies burned bad. I called the coroner."

"Thanks. Any ID's?"

"Nothing. Everything inside the car is burned."

"Trunk?"

"I could tell they were suitcases, but what was in them is long gone."

"Alright. If I could get a preliminary report before you leave…"

"Being done right now. We'll have to stick around to help the coroner get the bodies up that ravine."

"Fine. Thanks." He grunted and went back to his truck.

"Sir?" my officer on crowd control called me over. "This witness didn't see the accident but saw the ambulance and paramedics."

"What did you see?"

"It pulled up real fast. They took off down the hill. Brought her right back up and took off. I asked where they were taking her. Said nearest hospital, but it seemed weird. They got here before you and fire."

"Any logo on the ambulance or the paramedics uniforms."

"Not that I saw."

"Thanks. Give your information to the officer here."

.

"Are you the officer in charge?" I asked.

"Yes. You got here fast."

"Was close by when the fire dept called. I need to get down there and examine the bodies."

"Need help with your equipment?"

"No. I brought another coroner's assistant."

"Is the coroner coming?"

"No. He's waiting for these back at the morgue. I'll give you what I can before we bring them up."

"Thanks."

Looks terrible. It rolled several times and then smashed into that tree. Exploded. And now we have three bodies that will be hard to identify.

.

My second car showed up with two officers. "Where's the third?"

"Busy tonight. Just us."

Fucking great.

"Get the tape up. Move these people along. We've already pulled the witnesses out of the crowd."

Need to find that ambulance and see if the girl's awake. She can give identifications for our three bodies.

I called the station and sent two officers to the nearest hospital.

Probably should call in a detective.

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xXx

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Nearest Hospital:

"Yes, officers. Can I help you?"

"We're looking for a car accident victim brought in. Young girl, small, short brown hair."

"When would she have been here?"

"Within the last two hours."

I watched her look through the paperwork. Did she really have to check? From what we were told, the kid was pretty banged up.

"No one here matching that description?"

"Check again. This is the nearest hospital to the crash site."

"I'll check, but the ambulance wouldn't necessarily take her to the nearest one."

"Why not?" This is my first traffic accident needing an ambulance. I'm still new.

"Depending on injuries, another hospital might be better for treatment. Where was the crash site?"

We told her and she suggested Juntendo Hospital. It's the closest with the right equipment, so we headed over there.

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xXx

.

Crash Site, Detective Arrives:

"Officer?"

"Detective Ueta. Thanks for getting here so quick."

As I listened to the officer go through all the details, I gave the site a good study. It's completely trampled and ruined by the water and foam. The coroner's already down there.

"I'll need to talk to the witnesses. Better call in CSI."

"Yes, Detective Ueta. Witnesses are over there with my officer."

"Thanks."

I looked at my watch…11:30 already. CSI and the coroner are going to take hours. Better call my wife.

.

"Excuse me, Detective?"

"Yes?"

"Just got the report from the officers I sent to the nearest hospital. She wasn't there. Nurse suggested Juntendo Hospital. They're on their way."

"Fine. Have them report directly to me."

"Yes, Sir."

.

xXx

.

Helicopter:

"Almost there, Ootori-sama."

I nodded, acknowledging my pilot. Instead of taking the ambulance, we loaded Haru, the doctor, the EMTs, and security onto a helicopter to take her to a safe facility.

Let the police chase their tails trying to find an ambulance.

"Tachibana, anything to report?"

"The officer we left at the first hospital reported in. Police haven't showed up yet."

"Good. Doctor, status of the patient?"

"Unconscious, but stable."

"Keep her that way!"

.

xXx

.

Crash Site, Detective:

I stood over the scene, watching the different experts do their job. CSI was doing a sweep and looking at the debris from the explosion. The coroner's assistances weren't done with the bodies yet.

Most of the crowd had left. Now that the fire is out and there will be no more ambulances, it's boring to watch.

I sent the witnesses down to the station to get a written statement and then be let go.

It's already past midnight. Glad it's not snowing.

.

xXx

.

Juntendo Hospital:

"Let's try this again," I said to my partner as we walked into the emergency room and up to the administration desk.

"We're looking for a young girl that would have been brought in within the last three hours. Small with short brown hair. She'd been a car accident, and her arm might have been broken."

This nurse didn't have to look at her paperwork. "She was here."

"Was?"

"Yes. We got her stabilized and the ambulance took her to another hospital."

"Why?"

"Don't know. The Doctor was insistent and had the necessary paperwork. Our ER Doctor was livid but couldn't do anything."

"We'll need a copy of that transport paperwork and her medical records."

"I'll make copies."

"What were her injuries?"

"Concussion, broken left arm, cracked ribs, burns, bruises, cuts, and a twisted ankle."

"Anything life-threatening?"

"She was still unconscious when she left."

I called the detective while my partner collected the copies.

.

xXx

.

Crash Site, Coroner's Assistant:

"The bodies are ready to come up, Detective."

"What's their condition?"

"Burned bad. ID will be difficult. Their fingerprints are gone and facial ID is a no go. The coroner's ready to start with dental. As for other ways to ID, all the phones, wallets, and stuff in suitcases burned in the fire. Temp tag on the car also burned. We're running the VIN."

He looked back at the bodies coming up the ravine. "Taking them in as Yamada Taro 1-3 (Equivalent of John Doe). I let the coroner know you're the contact."

"Thanks."

.

Phone call between Detective and Officer at Juntendo Hospital:

Detective: "Report!"

Officer: "She was here. They stabilized her and transported her to another hospital."

Detective: "What? You're telling me we don't know where our victim is?"

Officer: "Paperwork says Tokyo Main. That's where they took her."

Detective: "Get over there. Call on your way. I'm going to Juntendo and then coming there. Don't let anyone talk to her."

Officer: "Yes, Sir."

.

xXx

.

Medical Facility:

"She's settled in her room, Ootori-sama."

"Good. You, another nurse, and the doctor are the only ones allowed in there."

"Yes, Sir."

"I'll be in in a minute."

I turned and almost ran into Tachibana. "Kyoya-sama, what are you doing?"

"Giving her the best medical treatment available."

"In this place? With your personal doctor?"

"Yes."

"Why here? Why are you hiding her?"

"We don't know why she was run off the road. I have to keep her safe. This is my chance. My chance to change everything. Don't you understand?"

"But Kyoya-sama…"

"Go walk the perimeter," I snapped. He's pushing his familiarity with me. His place isn't guaranteed.

I walked into her room and sat next to her. "We'll be together now, Haru. Just us." And I took her hand.

.

xXx

.

Juntendo Hospital:

Waste of time. Didn't get anything more than the officers. They need to come back to get formal statements.

Ring!

They're calling from Tokyo Main. I answered. Five minutes later, I almost threw my phone across the parking lot.

She's not at Tokyo Main. She never was.

.

xXx

.

Crash Site, Detective:

I pulled up to the crash site and found the Officer in Charge.

"Anything?"

"Nothing yet."

"Alright. Let me get this straight. A car sideswipes this car twice. They go through the guard rail and flip down the ravine only to be stopped by the tree. A witness runs down and pulled a girl out of the car then it explodes.

"An unmarked ambulance shows up before the fire trucks or police. They take her to 'the closest hospital'. She's not there, but she's been to Juntendo. They say she's been transported to Tokyo Main, but they've never seen her.

"That about it?"

"Yes, Sir."

"So much for a simple traffic accident. I was hoping for some paperwork mix-up, but not today."

I called into my boss and told him we have a homicide and kidnapping. Sent out an alert to all hospitals in the area with a description of a Yamada Hanako (Jane Doe), young, short brown hair, and list of injuries. Too bad Juntendo didn't take a picture.

I sent an officer to the coroner's office to wait for ID's on our three unidentified men.

There's been an APB out for the car that hit them. No news yet. With a homicide/kidnapping label, more manpower will be assigned, and the traffic cameras will be analyzed.

We've also put out an alert for a stolen ambulance. Officers are calling all services to see if one is missing.

CSI is taking evidence back to analyze. They will be back when the sun rises to go over the scene again and tow the car out.

It's two in the morning and we have nothing to go on.

.

xXx

.

Coroner's Exam Room:

"I've looked over all three bodies. No fingerprints available on any of them. We'd have to do a tissue reconstruction for any idea of what the faces look like. The skin is too badly burned. One of them has too many head injuries for even that to work."

The officers were disappointed. I'm a coroner, not a miracle worker. What do they expect?

"I'll start on dental records and identification through past injuries."

.

xXx

.

Saturday, February 5:

Early Morning, Medical Facility, Tachibana:

I looked in on Kyoya-sama and Miss Haruhi. He hadn't left her room since she got here.

They were both asleep. He'd crawled into the bed and laid down beside her, his hand in her hair. They look good together.

This will never work. How do I tell him that and make him believe? It won't be long before at least seven elite houses are looking for her, and they will find her.

What will they do? The Black Onion Squad has been bested twice by Haninozuka Mitsukuni-sama. Morinozuka Takashi-sama can also beat us. If those two work together, we don't have anything to hold them off.

If Miss Haruhi wakes up with total amnesia and Kyoya-sama is able to keep her away from the Host Club forever, this might work.

I closed the door and made a circuit around the facility.

.

xXx

.

Daylight, Crash Site, Detective Ueta:

This is a strange case. A coordinated effort. First, a car drives them off the road, then they kidnap the girl. How is that possible? How would they know she'd be a survivor? Maybe they only needed to grab one of them, no matter who?

CSI showed up to do another sweep. They estimate about 10'oclock before the car is towed.

So far, no sightings of the car that hit them or of an ambulance with no logos. No reports of a stolen ambulance. Nothing back from our alert to hospitals.

.

xXx

.

Haninozuka Security Office:

"Ishikawa-sama, Matsui missed his 9 am check-in."

"That's not like him, Eiji."

"Correct. I've called his phone, but it rings and then goes to voice mail. Miss Haruhi's and Ranka-san's phones both go straight to voice mail."

"Did you ping the location of Matsui's phone?"

"Yes, Sir. It's here, still in Tokyo." Eiji showed me a map. It's not even a third of the way to their destination.

"Send a couple of guards to check it out."

"Already done. Waiting on their report."

.

xXx

.

Crash Site, Haninozuka Guards:

"Oh, no."

"Officer, may I speak with you?"

The uniformed officer nodded, and we introduced ourselves.

"The Haninozuka security force? I don't understand."

"We believe one of our bodyguards and his primaries were in this crash."

"Let me get the detective over here."

We were introduced to Detective Ueta. I set up a live stream from my phone to Eiji in the security office.

As soon as Eiji sees the car, he identifies it. He test drove it for Miss Haruhi.

"Detective, if we can find our officer's phone, we'll be able to give you a positive ID."

"I can't let you contaminate the crime scene."

"Our locator is showing the phone outside the designated scene, way over there." I pointed to a patch of trees about 10 meters (~30 feet) outside the police tape. Must have been thrown clear while the car was flipping. "We can get there without going through the scene."

"Fine. I'll follow you."

.

xXx

.

Haninozuka Dojo:

As soon as Eiji and I saw that car, I left for the dojo. Both families should be there.

I burst through the doors, and Yorishia-sama yelled, "Ishikawa, what's wrong!"

"Miss Haruhi has been in a car accident with her father. I need you in the security office."

"Takashi?" Mitsukuni-sama said.

"Hn." Takashi-sama turned to me. "Text me the accident location. Mitsukuni and I are going."

Everyone else followed me back to the security room.

.

xXx

.

Crash Site:

"Here's the phone. Looks just like mine. Standard issue Haninozuka security force."

Well, shit. I'm the detective on this case. I should have found it.

"Let me get CSI over here to photograph it before you pick it up."

CSI took pictures and took it into evidence. They allowed the security officers to clone the phone to a spare they brought.

.

xXx

.

Medical Facility:

"Haruhi, I'm going to make everything right. I promise. We'll be happy and in each other's lives. I won't fuck up this time."

She's still unconscious, but the doctor says she's fine. I'm whispering in her ear. Maybe she can hear me.

Her hands are so soft, so small in mine. I remember holding her close, her taste and the touch of her lips. I won't make mistakes this time. This is our fresh start. This is my second chance.

With Ranka gone, she'll need a strong protector. Someone to take care of her. I'm an adult – can I get custody? Can she be emancipated and then marry me?

"Aaaaa"

"Haru," I whispered. Her head is so sensitive. "It's me, Kyo."

Her eyes barely focused, but I could tell she saw me and knew who I am.

"It's alright. Everything will be alright," I whispered as I stroked her hair.

She dropped back into unconsciousness.

"I love you."

.

xXx

.

Crash Site, Video Call Conference Call:

Crash site: Detective Ueta, Police Officer, Two Haninozuka Guards

Haninozuka Security Headquarters: Ishikawa (Haninozuka Security Head), Eiji, Mori's Parents, Honey's Parents, Satoshi, Chika

Mori's car: Mori and Honey

.

Haninozuka Guard: "Detective Ueta, this is Ishikawa-sama, the head of Haninozuka security."

Ishikawa: "Detective. Please tell us what you know."

Det. Ueta: "There was a car crash last night. The car was sideswiped and went down the ravine, rolled several times, and was stopped by the tree."

(Security guard moves camera to show guard rail, ravine, and car.)

Det. Ueta: "A witness dragged a girl out and pulled her away from the vehicle. As he went back to check the others, the car exploded."

Ishikawa: "And the others?"

Det. Ueta: "They died either in the crash or the fire. The bodies have been taken to the morgue for identification."

Ishikawa: "We can help with that. Based on the car and the phone, the three men in the car were Fujioka Ryoji, Abe Jarou, and Matsui Itaru. The girl is Fujioka Haruhi. Show him the pictures."

Det. Ueta: The guard not holding the phone, pulled out his and showed me four pictures. The men's faces meant nothing to me, but I recognized the girl from the witness's description. "I believe that's the girl from the car. I didn't see her, but she matches the witness's description."

I turned to one of my officers and barked, "Get those photos. Send them to the morgue. Send the picture of the girl out to the officers searching. Update the alert to the hospitals with her photo. Have someone go to the witness's house and get them to identify her. Send someone back to Juntendo and get her identified."

Ishikawa: "She's at Juntendo Hospital?"

Det. Ueta: Here's where it hits the fan. "Not anymore…"

Haninozuka Yorishia: "What do you mean? Where is she!"

Det. Ueta: "When my officers arrived there, she'd been treated and transferred."

Honey and Mori: I looked over at Takashi. His face grew darker and his foot pressed harder on the gas.

Det. Ueta: "A doctor had transfer papers to Tokyo Main. The Juntendo doctor didn't want her transferred but couldn't argue with the paperwork."

Ishikawa: "So, she's at Tokyo Main?"

Det. Ueta: "No, Sir. She never arrived."

Haninozuka Yorishia: "What! You're telling me she's missing!"

Det. Ueta: "Yes, Sir. We've sent out an alert to all Tokyo hospitals. It's being updated with her picture. I have officers checking the ones we haven't heard back from yet."

Ishikawa: I turned to Haninozuka-sama and asked him to let please me handle this.

Mori: I skidded to a stop at the accident site and ran to the group around the video call. "You don't know where Haruhi is!" I yelled.

Security Guard: "Takashi-sama, glad you're here with Mitsukuni-sama."

Det. Ueta: I didn't need to be introduced to the heirs of the families. This girl must be important. "Right now we're treating this as a murder and kidnapping."

Haninozuka Yorishia: "I'm sending a Haninozuka lawyer to the morgue to wait for identification."

Ishikawa: "I want to send one to the witness's house for that interview as well." The detective gave me the name and address, and Haninozuka-sama made the calls.

"Now that Mitsukuni-sama and Takashi-sama are on site, we can let them take charge there. They'll call us with updates. Thank you, Detective Ueta."

CLICK

.

xXx

.

Haninozuka Security Headquarters:

Eiji: This is my fault. Ranka-san is dead, and Miss Haruhi is injured and missing because I let Matsui go instead of going myself.

I was assigned to protect Miss Haruhi, and she's missing because I wasn't there. She's my responsibility.

I will do everything in my power to find her and bring her back to safety. I swear on my life.

Satoshi: Haruhi-senpai was in an accident and they can't find her. My senpai is missing, and her father's dead. What do we do now?

Morinozuka Akira: That sweet girl. When I find out who's responsible for this, they will regret it for the rest of their lives.

Chika: I thought she was safe. How could this happen? How dare someone hurt Haruhi-senpai. No one hurts my friends.

.

xXx

.

Phone Call:

Haninozuka Lawyer: "I've spoken with the witness that pulled her out of the car. He positively identified her picture but didn't have anything new to add to his report."

Ishikawa: "Thanks. Get a copy of the police report for both interviews."

Haninozuka Lawyer: "Will do."

.

xXx

.

Haninozuka Security Headquarters:

(Haninozuka Kumi, Mother; Haninozuka Yorishisa, Father; Morinozuka Umeko, Mother; Morinozuka Akira, Father)

"We need to send for our head of security," Umeko said. "Oshiro needs to be here."

"Good idea. The more people searching, the quicker we find her," I called over to the Morinozuka estate and had them send Oshiro and another officer over.

"That's not the only reason, Yorishisa." We all looked at Umeko. "With Haruhi's father dead, we are her guardians."

"What? When did that happen?"

"When the threats against Haruhi kept coming and she and her father stayed with us for a while, he asked if we would be her guardians if anything ever happened to him."

I watched Akira put his arm around her shoulders and kiss her temple. "We said yes. Ranka-san wasn't sick or expecting to die, but he wanted to know she'd be taken care of. Our lawyers drew up the papers, and we all signed them."

"This changes some things," I said. "You'll need those death certificates as soon as possible and establish guardianship."

"I'll send a lawyer to the morgue and have another get the paperwork together."

"I'll call our lawyer at the morgue. He'll need to know that yours will be taking point."

"Thank you."

My wife walked over to Umeko and drew her into her arms. "We'll find her. Don't worry. She'll be fine."

Once Oshiro got here, we updated him on everything.

.

Chika and I stared at each other. Haruhi-senpai's going to be my sister?

.

xXx

.

Police Station, Detective Ueta:

"Report," my Captain barked.

I went through everything again, ending with the newest information. "Juntendo nurses and doctor positively identified the girl as Fujioka Haruhi, as did our witness.

"Still waiting on the morgue. It can take a while to get dental records for comparison. The Haninozuka's provided the morgue with their guard's records. They're working on that now."

"And the search?"

"We updated the alert with the pictures, but there are about six-hundred facilities in Tokyo able to handle emergency trauma. I've got officers going out to those that haven't replied to the alert." (3)

"This girl is important to both the Haninozuka's and Morinozuka's?"

"Yes. Important enough for both heirs to come to the crash site and assist in the search. They're out with officers now."

"Do we know why?"

"Was told she's a classmate, but I think there's something more they aren't telling us."

"Keep me updated. Call me at home if you need to."

"Yes, Sir."

.

I can't stand waiting, so I went down to traffic for an update.

"Where are we on the cameras?"

"Detective, I tracked the Fujioka car back from the crash site for several miles. Since she's now been identified, another tech just started at her apartment and following her to the crash site.

"The witness's car hadn't been following her for long. However, there was another car that was. It kept at least one car between them. Didn't get a picture of the driver yet but ran the plates. Fleet car for the Tokyo Daily newspaper."

"What are the tags? I'll send someone over there right now."

After an officer was dispatched, the traffic tech continued, "The car that hit them had been weaving for a mile or so. That's as far back as we've been able to trace it so far. Seems it was a drunk driver. It pulled up fast next to them still weaving and sideswiped the Fujioka car. Looks like he overcorrected and hit them again. That's what pushed them off the road."

He cued it up and ran it for me. Appears to be a typical drunk driver, except the weaving had a pattern. Whoever it is, they did a good job, but not good enough.

"Where did that car go?"

"I've managed to follow him for about ten miles before I lose him. He stopped weaving as soon as he turned the corner. Started ducking in and out of residential and rural areas. Places without good camera coverage. I'm still looking."

"And the ambulance?"

"That's weird. They pull up out of nowhere. I follow them to Juntendo and then leaving going south. After that, I haven't been able to catch them."

"Keep searching. Report when you find anything."

"Yes, Sir."

.

xXx

.

Saturday Afternoon, Joypolis:

"Kaoru-kun, this is amazing!"

"I had no idea this was here," Yuki-chan said as she hugged me, while Kaoru was getting one from Naoko.

"Welcome to the largest indoor amusement part in the country!" I said while waiving my arms around. Kaoru and I picked it because it was indoors and would be warm.

"What do you want to do first, ladies?" Kaoru asked them.

There's food, lots of arcade games, and tons of simulators. But they said, "Sticker picture booths!" first, so that's what we did.

"Hika, it's a good thing we have model training," Kaoru whispered in my ear.

"No kidding. I had no idea they were this nuts for these things."

Naoko and Yuki were giggling and editing pictures from the fifth one. Kaoru and I decided we'd download the pictures to play with later.

"Look, Hikaru! Here we are with cat ears and whiskers!" Naoko said, bouncing over and showing us.

"And we're wearing bunny ears," Yuki giggled as she showed me.

"Let's do one with all of us!" And they dragged us both into a sixth one.

.

xXx

.

Late Afternoon, Medical Facility:

The doctor keeps telling me that it could be a while before she wakes up. I haven't left her side except when there was no other choice.

Her color's better, and her eyes respond correctly when the doctor uses the light.

"MMMmmmm," I hear and then feel movement in the hand I'm holding.

"Haru, it's me, Kyo. I'm here. You're safe."

Her eyes focus on me. She's more alert this time.

"You were in a car accident, but don't worry. I'll take care of you. The best doctor in Tokyo is looking after you. You'll be fine."

I watch as her eyes lose focus. Before she goes back under, I squeeze her hand and reassured her, "I'll take care of you, Haru. You'll be fine."

.

xXx

.

Joypolis:

"I've always wanted to ride a motorcycle!"

"You're doing great, Naoko-chan," I called back at my girlfriend.

Unfortunately, Yuki wasn't doing as well. "Oh no, I crashed again."

"No problem. We'll just race again," Hika reassured her.

We'd been hitting the simulations since the girls got over their sticker booth obsession, but I'm not holding my breath. I bet Hika they'd want more on the way out.

After the driving, flying, and surfing simulations, we moved on the real rides. Hika and I had to try the Halfpipe – a spinning platform like a pendulum that goes back and forth like it's riding on a halfpipe.

The girls sat that one out and took pictures. When we met up with them, they were decorating the pictures of us screaming on the ride. Didn't know how much I'd hate seeing me screaming on a ride wearing Hello Kitty ears and a bow.

"Kaoru, we have to do this!" Hika grabbed my hand and Yuki's and I grabbed Naoko's and we ran to the VR shooting range.

Some quick training, a backpack, a gun, and some glasses later, we were yelling and running around this empty room shooting at monster robots.

"Get that one, Hika! It's going after Yuki!"

BANG!

"Saved you, Kaoru," Naoko called. "He was sneaking up behind you."

When the last one was shot, I grabbed her, dipped her, and gave her a huge smack on the lips. I am so falling for this girl.

.

xXx

.

Phone call between Detective Ueta and officer at the newspaper:

Detective: "What did you find out?"

Officer: "It's a fleet car for the newspaper and has been checked out for almost six months."

Detective: "By whom?

Officer: "Someone from the 'Special Assignments' department. That department doesn't have to supply a reason or a timeline due to the nature of the stories they may be pursuing. At the beginning of each month, however, they must confirm they are still using the car. That's been done every month."

Detective: "So, it's probably a reporter?"

Officer: "That's what I was told."

Detective: "And they won't tell us who?"

Officer: "Can't. The fleet manager has no idea. Special Assignments says they don't have to tell us that information because the driver did nothing wrong."

Detective: Shit. "Leaving the scene of the crime where you aren't involved isn't a crime."

Officer: "No, Sir, it's not."

Detective: "Get copies of whatever you can and get back to the station. Put our lawyers on it. Maybe they can force compliance."

Officer: "Yes, Sir."

.

xXx

.

Author's Note:

(1) Equivalent to 911 in US.

(2) Personally, I don't believe this at all. Sex is a personal choice. Wait, don't wait, sleep around, don't. As long as you're safe and EVERYTHING is consensual, it shouldn't matter. Please don't let yourself get pressured into anything. If he respects you, he won't pressure. If he doesn't respect you, walk away. That's my opinion.

(3) I looked it up. 600! There are five main hospitals in my city and several independent emergency rooms. Tokyo has to be HUGE!

Next Chapter:

When will they find her? What will Kyoya do? Who hit them?

Answers to some of these next chapter. See you next Saturday.

.