Author's note:
This story is a figment of my (er dark) imagination. Similarities to any situation is absolutely coincidental. Please Follow and Review! Thank you.
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS, Clamp does. I do not own the song Ever After, Bonnie Bailey does.
Chapter 19: "Hisashiburi, you moron"
"Hn."
Sakura watched as a sly smile formed on her cousin's face. Natsume lifted one of his fine eyebrows and wagged his finger at her. She sighed and stood up from the couch and went outside to the balcony and closed the door behind her.
"So you're on your way right now? I'll come and watch."
"Yep. We'll be there in 10 minutes." Tsubasa replied.
"Hn." Natsume ended the call and went off to where Sakura is.
"Yo, baby chick. I'll be heading off now to watch some training at the Ring, alright? Why don't you go back home and rest for a bit? We have some preparations to do tomorrow for your party on the 5th."
Sakura tilted her head as she study Natsume's face. "Something's up but I won't force you tell me now." she emphasized " I just need to know one thing."
Natsume smiled at her and flicked her forehead. "Nothing's wrong and we are all good. In fact, I believe that this is really a good thing. You'll know about it in a few days."
The cold expression on her face broke down into a smile. "Alright. I'll go home for now. Call me if something comes up." she stood on the tip of her toes and kissed Natsume on his cheek.
"Let's go down together." he said before placing his arm around her small shoulders as they walk out of the room.
--OoOo--
September 1, 2015
17:00
In a secluded area in Roponggi, Tokyo
Two burly men wearing all black gave Tsubasa a salute as he entered the basement parking of a 18-storey building. Syaoran thought that the building's glossed black marble exterior wall and the mix of yellowish and white light fixtures gave off an elegant and impressive facade.
"Won't even make people think that blood's freely flowing somewhere in this building." Syaoran flatly said as he and Tsubasa got out of the black Porsche 911 Carrera S.
Tsubasa laughed and gave Syaoran a friendly pat on the back as they enter the building. They rode the elevator and got off at B7.
Syaoran was surprised to see the spacious room. It has a high ceiling despite of being built underground and probably took four times the size of what the building outside looked like.
'So that is why there were no nearby buildings in the surrounding neighborhood.' He guessed that there were probably some other special facilities spread out in the vast underground area besides this fighting ring and the normal basement parking space.
Tsubasa pointed to a row of doors on the east side and told him to go and change into his fighting clothes. "Then enter that black double door that you will see once you get inside the lockers room. Go and do some warm ups. I've already assigned someone to guide you there once you get in."
Syaoran gave him a curt nod and walked towards the locker room.
Tsubasa then turned around and got in the elevator again. He punched the code and placed his palm on the monitor to gain access to the eighteenth floor. The door opened and he saw his cousins by the pool table with cans of beer littered on the nearby table.
"Yo, baldy. So Syaoran's already downstairs?" Koko asked without looking up. He accurately hit the white ball and the orange ball swiftly went inside the pocket. After a few seconds, the green ball also went in as he walked around the table to study his next move.
Tsubasa took a can of beer and gulped some down before answering. "Yep, I told Junko to assist him in the gym to warm up before the fight."
"Eh." Kitsu lifted an eyebrow as he hit the white ball and the violet ball fell in one of the pockets. "I do hope you are correct in this one, baldy. I can't wait for Syaoran to finally remember the good times we had."
He and Koko shared a look and said in unison "And finally do more exciting things in the next few days." they sniggered and continued to play.
"Where's Nattie?"
"He's in one of the conference room in the third floor. We got news that the Qian clan is asking around if Nattie's involved in a gang." Mochu informed him before taking a long drag of his cigarette. He and Tsubasa were at the lounge area near the bar and the pool table.
"Oh really? So Qian Yuan finally noticed that his old college roommate has a knack for killing , no?" Tsubasa chuckled and took one cigarette from Mochu.
"Seems like he finally found Natsume's insistent search for Xiao Shi in most of the Qian's territory a tad annoying so now he planned to retaliate." Mochu told Tsubasa.
"Eh. Well that's too bad for the puny Qian Clan then. We all know that they've been holding Xiao Shi hostage all these years, the only thing we need to know is where exactly is he."
Koko and Kitsu has finished their game so they strolled over and took their seats. While munching on a chip, Koko remembered something "Oi Mochu, did we succeed in the infiltration?"
"Infiltration? I did not know anything about this." Tsubasa turned to look at Mochu also.
Mochu lit up another cigarette and replied. "Oh yea, I forgot to tell you kids. The twins got in and I assume that they've already started the show."
--OoOo--
"Boss, Su Yue and Su Mei has sent a message that they will move tonight."
Natsume leaned forward and placed his chin on his hand. "Hn. This is good. They acted really fast and I have no doubt that they will find out Xiao Shi's location within twenty four hours."
"Yes, Boss. That is what Su Mei ascertained to me through her message. They have checked seven out of the ten hideouts within the Kanagawa, Tokyo, and Chiba prefectures of the Qian clan's Flying Daggers group."
"Where do they plan to go tonight?"
"They noticed a tightening of security in one of the hideouts in Kabukicho area so that had them believing that it must be where master Xiao Shi is held captive."
"Alright. Make sure to keep an eye on them and get some men to surround the area and provide assistance once the twins needed it. Make sure to inform me of any news about this, whatever time it is." Natsume stood up and exited the room.
Twenty men wearing expensive black suits also stood up and bowed to Natsume as they wait for him to leave the room. They then quickly went out and went to their respective offices on the same floor to make necessary calls and give out instructions.
--OoOo--
Instead of going to the upper floor, Natsume headed down to the fighting ring area. Everyone inside gave him a low bow and only straightened up once he passed by them. He pushed open the door to the gym area and found Syaoran and Junko along the rows of treadmill.
Syaoran has just finished his 10k run and Junko is telling him of his three sets of strength training when they noticed Natsume heading towards them.
Junko bent down and greeted him respectfully. "Boss."
Syaoran was surprised but he got back to his senses and simply said "Hyuuga san."
Natsume gave him a look over and turned to Junko "Is he ready to go?"
"He still has to do the strength training for thirty minutes and then he'll be ready to start the fight."
Natsume nodded. "Tell Ye Sha that I want him to be Mr. Li's opponent."
Junko's eyes widened in surprise but he just said yes and took out his mobile to call Ye Sha.
Natsume turned to look at Syaoran.
"I have high expectations of you, Mr. Li. Be on the ring at exactly 18:30."
With a final menacing look, Natsume turned away and left the gym.
"What the fuck was that all about?"
--OoOo--
The Nuvola Nera (The Black Cloud) is the official business base of the famous Nuvola Inc. which is located in a quiet neighborhood near Roponggi Hills. Although this is not within a private village, the Nera Street have guards stationed on both of its ends. Both hidden and publicly seen security cameras are also placed all over whole block.
Unlike the La Guardia, the Nuvola Nera only occupies one side while across it, two medium-rise modern style steel building with different amenities like a standard-sized tennis court, swimming pool, and a basketball court can be seen. On a wall by its front yard, the name Casa Nera is embossed in glossy black marble.
Everything in this neighborhood appeared as ordinary and normal as it can be.
People knew that the employees working at the famed Nuvola Inc. is provided with free accommodation in the luxurious twin style condominium. It was even rumored that some of the young masters who own the company lived at the two building's penthouse.
Plus, everyone knows that the Nuvola Inc. is part of the Amamiya Group of Companies.
The mere employees are too enviable ah!
No wonder there are tight securities everywhere.
"Wow, look at all the uniform black sedans headed to Nera!"
"Did you count thirty sedans too? I wonder what is happening there. Do you think they are having some corporate party? Do you think they've invited famous celebrities?"
"Thirty? An hour ago around twenty passed by in front of my shop!"
--OoOo--
"Nattie." Tsubasa clapped Natsume's shoulder before taking the seat on his left side.
Natsume did not spare him a glance and just grunted to acknowledge his presence.
Koko sat beside Tsubasa while Kitsu took the empty seat on Natsume's right with Mochu sitting on his other side.
"Ruka hasn't arrived yet?"
"He called and said he'll meet up with us tonight. He and Tono still have to meet up with the Chiba group."
"So you brought some audience, baldy huh." Natsume turned to Tsubasa.
"Yea. I prefer doing battles in front of an audience, you know. I bet Syaoran would like like this too." he smiled slyly as he watch Junko approach them.
Junko bowed and greeted all the young masters.
"Boss, Li sama is all good to go. I told him to wait by the side and come out once his name is called on the ring. Ye sha is waiting on the opposite side."
Natsume nodded and instructed Junko to start the fight.
The lights dimmed went off and the fighting ring at the center was illuminated with bright lights. Junko was standing at the center holding a microphone.
"Enter the ring, Il Lupo!"
Syaoran appeared from the left side of the ring. He was wearing black fighting pants and a black fitted shirt that emphasizes his well built upper body. After an hour and a half of training at the gym prior the fight, the previously cool headed and reserved Li Syaoran now exudes a slight amount of menacing aura around him. His usual emotionless face is a little flushed from the workout and his eyes has a bit of fierce glint in them as he stare across him waiting for his opponent to appear.
"Enter the ring, Ye Sha!!"
The crowd murmured as a tall and slender man wearing the same clothes as Syaoran, appeared on the right side of the ring. He has a handsome face, with a strong jawline and prominent nose. He emanated a powerful air around him and his black eyes appear depthless as he stared back at Syaoran.
"Bow."
The two fighters gave a low bow to each other then assumed a fighting stance.
"Begin the fight!" Junko's low voice boomed and a loud bell rang.
As soon as Junko quickly reappeared to the outer side of the ring, Ye Sha immediately disappeared from Syaoran's sight.
He felt a powerful punch on his left cheek and he moved to his side to try and dodge another attack from Ye Sha.
But alas, Syaoran is too slow for the seasoned fighter. A barrage of punches fell on his face and he was forcefully pushed back but he resisted enough to not fall on his knees.
He swiftly shifted his body and landed a kick on Ye Sha's left hip.
A collective gasp was heard from the audience. It was their first time to see Ye Sha receive a hit during practice training. Ye Sha after all, is one of the Black Diamond's prized pugilist.
Syaoran spit some blood and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand as he watch his opponent across him. The corner of Ye Sha's mouth curved upward as he flexed his muscular arms and long fingers.
"Nice kick."
"Thank you."
"Think you can hit me again?"
"Definitely."
A black blur formed on the ring and Syaoran quickly bent down his knees and quickly pushed himself with all the power he can muster to lunge towards it. A series of sounds of skin hitting skin resounded in the battle area and some people from the audience couldn't see how the fight is going on. But those with trained eyes and high martial skills level can clearly see the who is winning so far.
Tsubasa smiled.
Mochu snorted as he pressed a buzzer on his chair and soon after, a staff handed him his third mug of cold draft beer.
Koko and Kitsu did the same as Mochu and they sat back comfortably, clearly entertained with the show onstage.
Natsume's face is still void of any expression. But he took out his mobile and sent a text message to Ruka.
"Make sure you come at nine tonight at Nuvola."
He raised his head and continued to observe the match in front of him.
The strong stench of blood can be smelled from where they were seating.
With mirth-filled eyes, all the five young masters watch as Syaoran finally fell face-first and due to the strength of Ye Sha's last punch, his beat up body slid right in front of them.
Natsume signaled to Ye Sha with just one look and Ye Sha moved towards Syaoran and kicked his side. Then using his foot, he made Syaoran face Natsume and everyone sitting on his side can see how seriously beaten up Syaoran's face.
"Is that all you got?" Natsume's cold voice pierced through Syaoran's chest.
He could also hear some laughter after the question.
Syaoran could barely open his eyes and once he does, all he can see is red.
He tried to reply to Natsume but the strong feeling of vomiting blood was too much and when he finally did open his mouth to retort back to Natsume, a cupful of blood came out from his numbing mouth.
Suddenly, he felt dizzy and instead of getting up on his elbows, he realized that all he wanted to do right now is just to roll on his back and finally sleep.
Syaoran closed his eyes.
'Is that all you got?' the same sinister voice in his head asked.
I'm too tired. I can't move. Either I feel extreme pain or I'm feeling numb in some areas. I can't do this.
'I never thought we were this weak, Xiao Lang.'
He merely grunted in reply.
'Find me, Onii-san.' a new voice entered his subconsciousness.
Syaoran's eyes flew open.
Tsubasa and Natsume leaned forward on their seats and watched Syaoran's face like a hawk.
Natsume gave another signal to Ye Sha.
Ye Sha turned Syaoran on his back and he punched both his cheeks.
Blood splattered with each of his blow.
'Onii-san. Find me. Find me now.'
'Are you just going to lie down there and get killed? Has the bloodthirsty Xiao Lang of the Li Clan this weak? How pitiful. How disgusting. How laughable. The great Wolf turned into a complete wastrel.' the other voice sneered.
The crowd who has been cheering and yelling loudly for Ye Sha to finish the weak fighter suddenly couldn't find their voice.
The whole Basement 7 became too silent.
Majority of the audience stood from their seats as they stare in astonishment at the scene in front of them.
The young man covered in blood, with just a single punch, has sent their organization's best fighter flying out of the ring.
Natsume stood up from the frontmost row.
His eyes met Ye Sha's and in a flash, he was kneeling in front of Natsume.
"Forgive this servant for getting hit. It was due to my lack of power."
"You did well, Ye Sha." Ye Sha stood up and positioned himself behind Natsume's chair.
Syaoran sauntered over and as soon as he was within a foot in front of Natsume, he gave him a boyish smile and patted Natsume's cheek.
Everyone in the room held their breath.
That is their Boss. Who dares!?
"I'm back, Nattie."
Natsume punched him in the arm, a small smile visible on his thin lips.
"Hisashiburi, you moron."
(A/N: Hisashiburi: long time no see. This is a very common phrase to use when you meet someone that you haven't seen in a long time.)