SIX

Approximately twenty miles above sea level, a four-engine jet aircraft was steadily making its course within the cloudless stratosphere. It carried nearly four hundred passengers of different flight groups to their destination – Tokyo. Within the business class, a fine-looking young stewardess in her blue uniform was wandering and checking on the travelers, either inquiring them if they require any kind of assistance or attempting to remind them the policies during an air travel.

In the midst of these valued clienteles, a long blonde-haired gentleman stood out. He sat anxiously on his reclined seat, staring seriously and uninterestedly outside the window. He was wearing a dark brown pea coat, which underneath it is a grey hooded sweater, and light brown trousers and loafers.

"Would you like anything, Sir?" the female flight attendant asked graciously. Oh my!

"Hmmm?..." Ichiro Fujiwara tried to smile, "No, I'm fine. Thank you."

"Okay. If you would like anything, please don't hesitate to call us," she offered. I wonder if he has a girlfriend.

"I will..." he grinned, which made the woman bleed.

He's so dazzling. "Have a pleasant evening, Sir," the stewardess left him in private, giggling.

He gazed at her strangely and moaned. I'd better try to sleep. Ichiro shifted his position into his left side and shut his eyes. He hasn't got a decent rest ever since he discovered that he and his family were in pursuit by his father.

Nearly a year from now, Ichiro Fujiwara had an argument with his father, Chairman Tetsuya Fujiwara, which he believed started all this hide-and-seek and had almost endangered his wife and son. The two generations of Fujiwara were both in the top-floor modern office of a corporate building.

"Ha! You think you can live with that commoner?!" Tetsuya Fujiwara mocked, "You have a lot of future ahead of you! Riches, fame, a good education...," he enumerated everything he could offer, "and you, being my heir!"

"I don't need them! I'm sick and tired of being perfect," Ichiro snapped. He hated the word 'commoner' to describe his fiancé, "Hanako's a good woman! And I'm also a commoner before you introduced me to your luxurious world!"

"Why you?! Is this what you repay me for everything I've done to you?!" the aged chairman looked insulted.

"Please father, I beg you," Ichiro pleaded calmly. He knew that he almost reached his father's patience, and if he exceeds to that limit, anything worst could happen to his beloved father. "All I'm asking you is your blessing."

"Silence! I will never accept that wretched gold-digger as my daughter-in-law!"

"She's not what you think she is! She loved me for who I am and not for what I am," Ichiro defended. He sighed and knew that what was coming would shatter their father-and-son relationship. "I would still marry her with or without your blessing."

"What?! I'm warning you Ichiro! If you disobey me, I will disown you as my son," Tetsuya retorted. Ichiro knew that denying his existence as part of the Fujiwara household was his father's last option to stop him.

"I'm sorry, Father but I love her. I hope you'll understand me," Ichiro looked at him apologetically and slowly turned his back on him, "If you have to disown me, I would also no longer consider you as my father."

"Ichiro! Don't you dare disappoint me," Tetsuya ordered though he was also half-pleading.

"If mother was here, she'd understand me since she also did the same thing with you," Ichiro gave his final words and left his father dumbstruck since he knew those words hit him.

Ichiro opened his eyes and gazed longingly outside the window. Father...

In his mid-twenties, exactly at twenty-five, Ichiro Fujiwara had faced the greatest challenge in his life, suffering from a consequence that affected his entire existence – a single mind blowing decision that destroyed his future and his family. He was his father's own prey – a pursuit that lasted almost a year.

Ichiro's mother, Aiko Durant, was in her late adolescent years when she met his father, who was during at that time was twenty-seven, an influential man that no one could have ever imagined. His father, Tetsuya Fujiwara, came from a noble clan in Kanto Region, a powerful lineage of business executives, military officials, and politicians. Regardless of the numerous differences such as age gap and social class, Ichiro's parents fell in love.

Aiko Durant was born from a successful interracial matrimony, with a Japanese maternal descent and French on her paternal side. Aiko had long blonde hair and hazel brown eyes, which Ichiro equally inherited. She was a down-to-earth, smart, and an attractive woman. For this reason, she was compared both as a saint and a goddess – compliments that she would merely give her well-wishers and admirers a smile. Tetsuya Fujiwara, on the other hand, had athletic physique and mysterious black eyes that made his gender counterparts swooned over him.

As part of Ichiro's bedtime story, his parents met in London. Both were completing their education, his mother was in college and his father was taking up an MBA. It was love at first sight. Friends and family would warn Ichiro's mother not to gamble her future for a rich snob kid and forecast that she might end up dejected. Submissively, Aiko dumped the gentleman for several times in spite of her growing affection towards him, but Tetsuya was eager to woo her and win her heart. After almost a year, Tetsuya's perseverance was rewarded. For two years, they had a happy relationship, a kind of connection that in the face of all odds they made it happen.

However, not all love stories ended up like a fairy tale. Aiko was eight weeks pregnant when she discovered that her beloved was a married man to an aristocratic Japanese lady. Tetsuya explained that it was a parental decision, a pre-arranged wedding since he was a child, and breaking the tradition will damage his family's reputation leaving him with no choice except it was not a happy marriage. Tetsuya left for London to study, unwind, and to think over his married life. He was in despair until he met Aiko. Though mournful over the untold tales, he never regretted his love towards her. Nevertheless, Tetsuya went home without him knowing that Aiko gave birth to a healthy baby boy and their communication came to an end.

Ichiro was five years old when his mother died of a rare blood disease, living him orphaned at a young age. With his grandparents as his only known living kin, Ichiro grew up as what his mother had expected of him. When he reached at the age of eight, Tetsuya Fujiwara introduced himself as his father. Unknown to the entire Durant household, Aiko wrote a letter to her ex-boyfriend prior to her death with her forgiveness and last wish. After a series of confrontations, Tetsuya won his custody rights over Ichiro, brought him to Japan, and presented him as his long lost son.

Inside the traditional Japanese mansion, Ichiro met his kind stepmother, who like his parent was beautiful even with the fine age marks on her face, and his half-brother, Kimura, who was two years older than him. Ichiro was reluctant living in a new home although he was welcomed openly and honoured as a young master. Over the years, Ichiro learned his father's heritage, language, tradition, culture and as a member of the upper class.

As Ichiro and Kimura grew into adolescents, they became closer and inseparable ignoring the fact that they were born from different mothers. In contrast to their age, hair, and eye colours, they were often mistaken as twins. Both were good-looking, perfect gentlemen, and excelled in academics, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Despite the similarities, Kimura was raised to take over the Fujiwara fortune, consequently expectations were extremely high. Ichiro, on the other hand, grew to be his brother's aide which included covering him up over some blunders. In return, Kimura would either introduce his younger brother to a numerous single females in social parties or treat him to sports events with a VIP pass, which at times Ichiro would decline such offer.

Happy days were over when both brothers fancied the same woman. Hanako Yoshida was of the same year level with Ichiro but belonged to a different class. She had long raven-black hair, dark brown eyes, and was athletic. The brothers met her during their school sports festival when Hanako performed her stunts in gymnastics. Since then, Kimura was vocal about his liking towards Hanako and became aggressively competitive while Ichiro was secretly in love with her. Ichiro adored his elder brother more than anything else and sorrowfully decided to give up his fondness on his first love. Kimura persistently courted Hanako while Ichiro dated other girls. Surprisingly, Kimura was dumped for the first time and Ichiro suppressed his happiness.

Years later, Kimura went to Harvard University to pursue a business degree and mend his broken heart and ego whereas Ichiro preferred to continue his education in University of Tokyo. As if fate had written it, Ichiro and Hanako bumped into one intercollegiate affair and they declared their hidden love for each other. With a series of dates and schedule adjustments, they were finally and officially a couple. As soon as their last year in college came, the lovers decided to tie the knot after they finished their respective degrees. When the final ceremony came, they were engaged and made love. Then the rest was history.

"Ichiro, I think your father's trailing us down," the caller's panicked voice was heard in the other end of the line as soon as Ichiro picked up his mobile phone and answered the call. It was his beloved Hanako.

"What do you mean? My father's tracing us?" Ichiro clarified and he wanted to be certain that he unmistakably heard her.

"Yes," Hanako confirmed, "Obaa-san called me up today at work. There were four tall men in black suits who were looking for me. Then another group came to my workplace. Fortunately, I was doing some errands for my boss."

"Are you sure it was Papa's men?"

"I'm positive about it. Grandma and the receptionist similarly described them. They wore black suits and a pin-like replica of your family's emblem on their chests."

Ichiro was speechless and was as well quite convinced that Hanako's depiction was likely his father's subordinates. He knew that every single one of their body guards would wear their ancestral insignia as a distinction and as for security purposes.

"Are you still there, Ichiro?" Hanako felt the silence.

"Yes, I'm listening," Ichiro replied, "I know my father. He's not the kind of person who would give orders to spy on people. Besides, he hasn't even met you."

"Are you saying I'm making up stories now?"

"That's not what I meant. I truly believe you. Honest," Ichiro paused, "It's just that I don't seem to understand his motive behind this."

"Ichiro..." Ichiro took notice of Hanako's long and deep sigh, "All I know right now is that it's dangerous for me if I would prolong my stay here. I fear my grandparents' health and safety. I finally decided to leave Tokyo tonight. I called up my relatives up north and asked if I could stay there until I give birth. They did suspect why but I just made up a false story and convinced them. Eventually, they gave their permission."

"Hanako, you just can't leave Tokyo! It's too risky." This time it was Ichiro who was terrified.

"I know, but it's riskier if I don't. I am not doing this just for myself but also for our unborn child," she enlightened him. In years of relationship, Hanako knew how to make her boyfriend composed when he sensed fear, anxiety, and in extreme anticipation. She knew him all too well.

"I'm sorry..." It was all that Ichiro could utter.

"Don't be. It wasn't your fault. I chose to love you and I knew this could happen but I don't have any regrets of loving you." Hanako's soft tone inspired him.

There was a long silence before Ichiro spoke, "Do promise me you'll get in touch with me once you arrive at your relative's place."

"I promise," Hanako assured him.

"Please be careful," Ichiro sounded protective.

"I will," Hanako sobbed, "I love you. I'll see you soon."

"I love you too." Then after a minute of good-byes, a clicking sound signified the end of their conversation over the phone.

Recalling that discovery, Ichiro heaved a sigh and slumped into his seat. For a second, he closed his eyes and massaged his temples.

I am no longer a Fujiwara. But why would Papa do such a thing? He couldn't find the connection or the logical cause of their hide-and-seek situation.

Few months after Hanako left Tokyo, Ichiro surprised his father in his spacious top-floor office asking his consent for his marriage to Hanako. He knew that his old, perfectionist, and strict father wouldn't approve it, but he took the bait and he believed it was nonetheless the appropriate way before he would settle down. Then and there, they had a heated argument. His biological father denied him.

The following day, he left his hometown and followed Hanako. It did not take long for them to exchange their vows legally in the local town hall and immediately flew to France to live with his elderly grandparents. The newly married couple were satisfied and even more when Hanako delivered their son. For Ichiro, the simple things in life was all he had hoped for, though every now and then he yearned for his father and wished that he could have seen his grandchild.

If you could only see him, Father. Ichiro admitted he was a proud father himself.

Then, it was spring when his brother, Kimura, paid them a quick visit and gave them shocking information. Kimura revealed that their father was furious about Ichiro's marriage, which at the beginning he condemned of, and would use all means to have the family separated or ruin their lives as Ichiro's punishment for his disobedience. Much to Ichiro's dismay, he had only two options, either to go home and beg for forgiveness or continue living under his father's disappointment. When his older brother left, Ichiro made a decision to move somewhere for his grandparents well-being. The young Fujiwara family left for Italy and with circumstances arising, Hanako, with their son, escaped for Japan whilst Ichiro was stayed in Italy to keep the matters as low as possible. Then, a tough choice was made between the couple. Hanako left their son behind to a stranger's doorstep.

I'm sorry, Ruu. We had to do it for your protection. We'll get you as soon as I deal with your grandfather. This isn't the time to be a coward anymore. I have to fight for what is right and for you. Ichiro felt the hot tears rolling on his cheeks. He missed his son and his wife. He slowly opened his eyes and stared blankly at the compartment above him. Few seconds later, he felt he needed to sleep and managed to doze off until the rest of the flight.

Meanwhile, within the Takeshita District, a white colossal marble mansion stood above a small hill. Behind it was the renowned Mt. Fuji; therefore, it was the best location in the entire region.

"Look!" Ranmaru Morii was skipping as he entered the living room doorway, waving a white envelope. "We're on vacation!"

"We Are On Vacation," Yuki Toyama highlighted each word out loud. "I think you forgot that we're still on school break." He was watching his favourite comedy show in their 48 inches plasma TV.

"I know old pal, but I meant we'll be on a REAL vacation," Ranmaru stopped, positioned his arms on his sides, like a mother reprimanding a child, and looked down on Yuki, who was lying on his stomach.

"You're father opened up a new hotel and invited us, right?" Takenaga Oda deduced, laying down the journal he was reading. He sat on the large dark cushioned couch.

"Spoiler!" Ranmaru let his tongue out. As always for the Great Takenaga.

"I'm right, huh?"

"Yes, you are Mr. Know-It-All," Ranmaru stood proudly, "Papa bought the old hotel by the beach front, renovated and refurbished it, and finally it's open. Since, he knew that we're on our break, he thought we needed to enjoy and try out the new hotel for FREE!"

"Did you say free?!" Yuki and Takenaga stood in unison, walked towards Ranmaru, and grabbed the letter from him.

Dearest son,

Paradise Hotel is officially open. I know that you and your friends are on school break so I thought of inviting you to try it out. I want you to try every amenity the hotel has and I would like to know your comments on it.

Love,

Papa

"We're going to take reviews for the hotel?" Yuki raised one eyebrow.

"Well, Papa would use our evaluations for upgrades," Ranmaru explained truthfully, "what's more I heard there are underwater diving, water and extreme sports, and night market." And girls in skimpy bikinis.

"Hitting two birds with one stone, eh?" Takenaga crossed his arms. "I do think we'd better go. We do all need a holiday." I always wanted to try jet skiing.

"Yey!" Yuki leaped with joy. Oh boy! I'm going to try snorkelling!

"So, where are the two lovebirds?" Ranmaru noticed that his two other roommates weren't inside the living area. Making out again, huh?

"Sunako's doing the laundry while Kyouhei's upstairs watching over Ruu," Takenaga said plainly.

"So, when are we leaving?" Yuki changed the subject.

"Tomorrow!" Ranmaru announced.

"What?!" Yuki and Takenaga jolted, "You should have said it earlier!" They hurriedly scrambled their way out to break the news with the other members of the household and pack their bags.

They sure are excited than me. Ranmaru was amazed as he looked his two friends separated from the entrance.

Unknown to them, just few meters from where they stood, a pair of eyes in binoculars spied their every actions and analyzing their lip movements. After making sure that he made some mental notes, the unfamiliar person hid the specialized telescope under his black suit then took his cellular phone on the other side. He flipped it and dialed the numbers. He waited until someone came on.

"This should be a good one," a serious tone answered his call.

"Yes, Sir," the undercover agent affirmed, "they're leaving for Paradise Hotel tomorrow."

"Good," the voice was pleased with the news. "Keep an eye on them."

"Yes, Sir" then a loud click was all he heard from the other line.

Hints:

1. Kiruma was the elder son, yet Tetsuya said Ichiro was the heir. Which means?

2. Kimura warned the couple about Tetsuya's frustration yet he led the pursuit under his father's commands.

3. If you wondered how the characters look like, imagine them:

Kimura = Nakago of Fushigi Yuugi, but hair is shorter.

Ichiro and Hanako = older versions of Kyouhei and Sunako, respectively.

Ruu = yes, a familiarity of Ruu from Daa! Daa! Daa!

Tetsuya Fujiwara = both young and older version of Shuuichi Takatori a.k.a Persia from Weiss Kreuz

Aiko Durant = Millerna of Vision of Escaflowne, though Aiko's hair is straight

Taro = Domon of Flame of Recca, tougher and more muscular.