Chapter 3:
Nearly two hours later, he made his way down yet another corridor, and expensively designed at that. Stopping in front of a door with a golden nameplate with the words: Kazuo Kumai, Dominari Rector of NSAP engraved on it, he rapped on it loudly.
"Come in," came the voice through the doors.
Syaoran gently swung open the door, stepped in and bowed, closed the door behind him and stood at attention. The Dominari Rector had it pretty good. Pretty damn good. The room was about the size of his entire apartment. The floor was laid out with a span of carpeting and walls were oak panelled. Various brown leather sofas and couches were scattered around the room. At one corner, was a mini bar, equipped with whiskey, scotch, wine and other alcoholic beverages. At another corner was a silver, 60' flat screen plasma television.
Kumai-sama sat behind his large oak desk, currently typing information into his laptop. On one side of the desk, were scattered sheets of paper. On the other end were pens, staplers, paper clips, a glass of scotch, and the such.
"You wanted to see me, Kumai-sama?"
"Yes, yes," Kumai replied distractedly, waving a hand in the air. "At ease, Li. Take a seat," he ordered, motioning towards one of two seats in front of his desk. Syaoran did as he was ordered and waited for Kumai to continue. After several minutes, Kumai closed his laptop, folded his hands on top of his desk, and looked directly at Syaoran.
"I won't dance around the bush here, Li," Kumai said gruffly. "As you heard in the Green Room, your cousins will be protecting Fujitaka and Yakana will be with Touya. You also know Sakura will be under Eriol's care. Touya, I believe, will be well off with Yakana and the training and skills he has developed, but Sakura… Sakura is another matter entirely. That being said, this will be your mission."
Kumai handed Syaoran a folder, and upon opening it, Syaoran sat there in utter confusion. The very first page of the document showed a picture of a smiling little girl.
"But, I don't seem to understand-" Syaoran began.
" I saw the looks of your peers in the Green Room, Li. Did you? I knew what they were thinking. Why didn't he give Li a position in this mission? He's the best out of us all." Kumai saw the colour rise in Syaoran's cheeks and he chuckled lightly. " Don't be so modest, Li. You and I both know you are one of the best NSAP agents in all of Asia. Which is why I'm giving this to you especially. Our oraganiztion is not only an armed protection agency but we also specialize in training and producing the best spies and undercover agents. And you, Li are of our top pupils."
Taking out a folder identical to Syaoran's and with the information, Kumai began informing him about his role and background info.
"You will attending Freshman year at Tokyo U." Seeing Syaoran's open mouth expression, Kumai explained. " I know that you will be older than all the other students, but your cover up will be that your father was extremely sick.
For the past four years and you had to stay with him and the rest of your family to support them during that very difficult time in your lives. Now your father's health is showing signs of improvement and so you are now able to attend university."
"Hai, Kumai-sama."
" I have arranged it so that the two of you have all of the same classes, expect for one so that it won't seem too suspicious. The professors and other staff won't know that your part of NSAP - not that they would know what it was anyway - so won't get any special treatment. Eriol, Meiling and Ryu aren't going to be dressed in uniform, but casually so that they blend in with student body. However the staff will know that they are bodyguards. Any questions, Li?" Kumai asked.
"Yes, sir. Accommodations. A hotel?"
" Actually," Kumai said with a secretive smile, " you will be living somewhere else for the few months that you are undercover. You'll get the directions to your temporary home when we leave for Tokyo. That's pretty much all you need to know, Li. Any other information is in that file in your hand. You will keep your name for this mission. There doesn't seem to be any need to change it. You are dismissed. You may inform your colleagues on this mission about the part you are playing, although during the actual mission, you must act as if you don't know each other."
"Hai, Kumai-sama." Syaoran stood, bowed and headed towards the door. But before his hand reached the doorknob, Kumai called.
"Li! Don't think you are getting pardon for being late this morning. I am thinking up a punishment for you. Remember that. Go now."
Syaoran bowed again and stepped out of the room. After closing it and leaning against the wall beside it, he let out a deep sigh. Opening up the folder still in his hand, he looked down at the picture on the first page. Smiling back at him, was the photograph of the 12-year-old Sakura Kinomoto.
"That sucks!" Ryu whined. " Why do you always get the fun assignments, Syaoran?"
"Because he's better than you, you immature excuse of an NSAP agent," Meiling retorted on Syaoran behalf. Ryu stuck out his tongue in reply.
"Anyway," Syaoran began, wanting to change the subject, "do any of you know where you guys are staying during this whole fiasco? 'Cause I don't"
"Ryu and myself are staying in Fujitaka Kinomoto's house, Meiling said helpfully. "It seems like a goof deal. In his file, it says the he's some kind of amateur cook. Which in my opinion is better than fast food take-out and Ryu's burnt cooking," she said, making a face.
Ryu's indignant "Hey!" was barely heard over the outburst of laughter.
"His kids also have their own places, so we get to have their bedrooms," Ryu added when the laughter faded.
"I'm going to be rooming with Touya in his student residence," Yakana put in.
An evil smirk appeared on Meiling's face. "You better behave and keep your hand to yourself, Yakana-chan." Yakana's face reddened and blue eyes became icy crystal.
"Oh stuff it, Meiling," she growled. Meiling simply sniggered in reply.
"I don't know where I'm staying either, Syaoran," Eriol said. "It didn't say anything in my file. I'm guessing that since we both have Sakura to watch, we'll be staying somewhere near her place. Wherever her place is."
"I guess so," was Syaoran's only reply.
"Come on you guys! Let's go to a club or a pub or something. It's only barely 9 o'clock. What are we doing standing around in Eriol's office for?" Meiling said cheerily.
Everyone stood, putting on their jackets. Everyone that is, except for Syaoran.
"I don't think I'm gonna join you this time, guys," he said. " I pretty tired with the assignment, the talk with Kumai-sama and all the shouting I had to do with that girl this morning to get her out of my apartment. I think I'm just gonna head home and get some shut-eye. I didn't - "
"On no you don't, buddy," Ryu said teasingly. "Don't worry. We'll keep an eye on you. We won't let you get pissed. Well…at least not that much."
Half a week later
"Urghh." Syaoran his beeping alarm, and clumsily rolled out of bed. Walking over to his window/screen door that led out to his balcony from bedroom, other than the door that led out from his living room, he opened the door and walked out to meet the cool morning air. He stayed out for a couple minutes and after having another good yawn and another stretch, he walked back into his bedroom and began to get ready to leave.
Making his way into the washroom, he took a hot shower and brushed his pearly whites. With a towel wrapped around his waist, he walked back into his bedroom and began to get dressed. He shrugged on a white collared, long sleeved shirt over a tight, black tank and slipped into a pair of pants as equally dark black as the tank.
Grabbing the duffle bag and the suit case which he had packed the night before, he placed them near his apartment door and wandered around his place, checking for last minute necessities and making sure that he didn't forget to lock his balcony doors or turn off any of his electronics. He apartment was a pretty nice place. Hard wood floors, leather couches, latest kitchen equipment and entertainment system. He was pretty frugal with his salary earnings, though someone who took a quick look would think otherwise. But in truth, he was. For if he really did splurge, with all the money that he gets paid, he could afford to live in a small mansion with all the works.
When he was satisfied with his conduct, he grabbed his keys and cell phone and headed out. After locking the door of course, with his two bags, one rolling along behind, and the other slung oh so sexily over his shoulder. When he got to the lobby, he walked out onto the curb and hailed a cab.
Hong Kong Airport
Syaoran made his way through the many bodies of people, heading towards the terminal where Kumai instructed them to meet. Seeing a small café ahead, he couldn't resist the urge to buy a latte. After making his purchase, and making sure that he had enough time to spare, he sat on a nearby bench and placed his two suitcases beside him.
While finishing off the last of his drink, Syaoran heard a couple of voices call his name. Looking around, he spotted Meiling and Eriol heading towards him, each carrying a suitcase on tow.
"Ohayou, Syaoran," Eriol greeted.
"Ohayou, Eriol, Meiling," he said in turn.
"Are you ready to go, Syaoran?" Meiling asked. "Ryu said that Yakana, Kumai-sama, and himself are already at the terminal where we're supposed to meet."
"Yeah," Syaoran replied. "I was just finishing this off." He got to his feet, threw the empty coffee cup into the trashcan and got his suitcases. "Ready," he stated, and the three of them headed on their way. They were barely walking for a minute when Meiling called out.
"God, Syaoran! You're such a girl!" At this, Eriol laughed. "Why the hell do you have two suitcases?"
Syaoran frowned. "Meiling. I am going under cover for who knows how long. I am going to attend classes, learn 'new' things, and take tests that I could easily get an A at in a University. If I have to suffer, I might as well look good while doing it."
"Okay," Meiling said with a smile. " I take that back. You're not 'such a girl'. You're worse than a woman!" Eriol guffawed and Syaoran stocked off ahead of them.
"Hey, guys!"
"Ohayou, Ryu," Eriol replied.
"Ryu," Syaoran questioned, "how can you be so cheery at 5 in the morning?"
"I guess I'm just a morning person, Syaoran-kun," Ryu said in response. Syaoran grumbled.
Yakana giggled. "Ohayou, you guys."
"Hey, Yakana," they all chorused.
A cough was heard behind them and they all turned.
"Ohayou, Kumai-sama," they respectfully said, bowing.
"Happy you people could make it," he greeted in an even tone. "Let's move it or lose it people." He turned on his heel and walked off, the five others following in his wake, carrying and pulling their cases with them.
The six bodies walked the steps of a privet jet and gathered inside. The jet was able to seat twelve, six seas running down each side of the jet. A beige carpeted aisle running down the centre. Above each seat was an 8' flat screen. At the back of the plane was a washroom and what seemed to be a storage compartment. At the front was the door to a small bar/kitchen and the pilot's cockpit.
"Store your bags in that room there," Kumai ordered, pointing to the storage room near the washroom. "When you're done, take a seat and fasten up. We leave in ten minutes." With that he walked away and disappeared into the pilot's cockpit.
The five agents obediently did as they were told and stuffed their bags into the compartment and took their seats. Ryu in the third seat to the left with Syaoran behind him and Meiling sitting in the second seat on the right of the jet. Yakana sat behind her and Eriol behind Yakana.
"Please be seated and fasten your seat belts," came a soft feminine voice from the intercom. "We will be taking off in less than a minute." A moment later, the jet was running down the runway and lifting off the ground.
"Good morning, passengers," the same voice called. "The current time is 5:32 am. We are flying at an altitude of about 3,000 feet and are currently stable. We will be reaching Tokyo, Japan in approximately 3 and a half hours. When you see the light above the pilot's door turn green, you may be free to unfasten your belts and stand if needed. I hope you have a good flight." As the voice finished, the light above the door turned green and everyone released their seat belts and waited for the plane to land and their flight to end.
3 hours and 25 min. later
"Hello again," came the woman's voice. "We are landing shortly. Please be seated and fasten your seat belts." After landing the voice continued. "Welcome to Tokyo, Japan. Collect your bags when leaving and have a nice day. We hope your flight with us has been enjoyable."
When Syaoran and the other agents got up out of their seats and headed towards the storage compartment, Kumai stepped out from inside the pilot's cockpit and called the agents to him.
"Once you grab your belongings," he began, "head outside. There will be four black vehicles outside. Meet me out there and I will instruct you in what we are to do next." With that, he went out the exit doors and down the stairs. As he left the jet, the agents proceeded to do as they were told, gathering their luggage and heading out.
When they got out, they took a breath of the early morning air and met their leader. Kumai-sama was standing among five, sleek, black vehicles. They were all the latest models, one being a convertible, and the otherfour were SUVs. Kumai stood in front of them, arms crossed over his chest, waiting. When Syaoran and the others reached him, he began his instructions.
"Ryu and Meiling Li, Hiiragizaw and Sugawara. The four of you and myself are going over to Fujitaka Kinomoto's house. There, his son, daughter, and himself are waiting to meet with us. If you four would get into one of the SUVs,I would like you to wait inside the vehicles until further notice. Hiiragizaw and Sugawara in one vehicle and the Lis' in another." As the four agents began gathering their bags, he stopped them. "Syaoran will not be coming with us because of his role as an undercover student. He will be going to his temporary home directly. Before we leave, you may say your goodbyes."
The girls went over to Syaoran and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Don't you screw this up Syao," Meiling whispered. "Don't get in over your head. And be careful."
"I'll try my best, Mei," Syaoran whispered back, smiling one of his rare, real grins that made most women swoon. Meiling swatted him on the head for his cockiness.
The guys came up giving him a handclasp and a 'manly' hug. After that the four agents picked up their bags and got into the vehicles.
"Li?"
Syaoran brought his attention to Kumai and away from his friends. "Hai, Kumai-sama?"
"You are to take the convertible, Li." He took out a set of keys. "This is the key for your car. This silver one is the key to your new home." Seeing the questioning look in Syaoran's eyes, he took out a slip of paper and handed it to him. "This is your building, and your apartment number. There is also a security system installed in your building and this," he said, pointing to a plastic card attached to the ring of keys, "is the device that unlocks it. "He handed the keys over to Syaoran. "Your apartment has everything from your bed to your desk, and your kitchen supplies to entertainment system. An agent will come by in, say, about two days with listening devices, mikes, a laptop and other necessary gadgets." Kumai stopped and glanced at his watch. "I will be in touch. Your classes begin in a week. Good luck and don't screw this up, Li. Remember, you are to act as if you do not know your colleagues and the fact that they are NSAP agents."
With a nod to Syaoran, he walked towards the other agents and signalled them to follow him. Syaoran watched them as they drove away and out of the airport. One of the SUVs, most likely Ryu and Meiling's, honked it's horn as a final farewell.
When they were gone Syaoran walked over to his convertible, dumped his baggage in the trunk and slipped into the driver's seat. Looking at the car's interior, he saw black leather seats and the usual CD player, cup holders and other knobs for air conditioning and heating. There was also as attached phone in between the two front seats. Flipping open the compartment beside the phone, he found that there was a 6' screen. 'Probably so Kumai-sama can keep tabs on me,' Syaoran thought. He pushed the keys into the ignition and with a deep breath, and left the air port and drove to his temporary home, sweet home.
"Remember," Kumai said to the agents as they got out of their vehicles, "you don't know a Syaoran Li. Don't mention him to the Kinomoto family because they don't know that we're assigning another agent. If you see him act like you don't know him. I don't mean for you to be mean or ignore him. If you want, you can pretend that you become good friends during the mission but don't be hugging or anything on your first few encounters. The teachers and staff will know that you are bodyguards, but the others students, also meaning Li, won't. Is everything clear?"
"Hai, Kumai-sama," the agent chorused.
"Let's go then."
The five bodies made their way down the driveway and up the step. Reaching the door, Kumai-sama rang the doorbell and waited.