Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
March 5, 2000 (or two weeks later)
Rising out of a troubled slumber, Keitaro dragged his self out of the American style bed. He always had a chuckle whenever he rose in this bed. However this chuckle was completely devoid of warmth or assurance. No, this chuckle had only despair and bitterness. Moving towards the bathroom Keitaro glanced at the mirror and was a bit surprised at his appearance, both outward and inward. The Keitaro of more than two months ago was light skinned, who gave off an air of confidence and was always ready to help. Sadly the Keitaro in the mirror was none of these things. Thick, black bags encircled his eyes, and his skin was paler than a ghost. Whatever weight he arrived at the dorms in was all gone, now only a skeleton remained. The hair which was once such a vibrant caramel was now lifeless. Though Keitaro chose against killing himself, the Keitaro everyone knew and loved was dead. So what if he was right here brushing his teeth? What had once made Keitaro unique was gone and only a phantom remained.
When am I going to stop having that dream? Was the one and only thought going through his head. Said dream in particular was the one where his life went from hell to beyond hell. Two weeks had passed and all that Keitaro had learned was that, time doesn't heal all wounds.
Flashback
Breakfast should've been the first indicator that something was wrong. Shinbou's cooking didn't send anyone's tasted buds to heaven from the divinity of her cooking. Instead most died on that day and many wondered if Naru had done the cooking instead. Su was un-hyperactive and was eating her food at the pace of a normal person. Even the banana on her plate wasn't touched. Kitsune and Naru were looking as if they were whipped and beaten. The only one who actually was in high spirits was Motoko, smiling impossibly wide. Figuring she was in high spirits because she won another sword tournament, Keitaro dismissed everyone else's moods as it was a Monday and no one is ready on a Monday morning. Throughout the meal no one said a word though if Keitaro had looked up he would have seen; Su pushing her food around her plate, Shinbou on the verge of tears, Naru looking regretful, Mitsune chugging sake like there was no tomorrow and Motoko's smug smile never faded. Instead it grew and when breakfast had reached its ending the smirk encompassed her entire face.
After finishing his meal Keitaro stood up and was heading back to his room when all of a sudden Motoko called him to the main room. Quizzical as to what she wanted he headed there. Upon his arrival he saw all the girls there the exceptions being Shinbou and Su. Taking in the fact that Motoko, Naru and Kitsune were all drinking sake something must be going on. Spirits raised that maybe they actually needed him to do something for them that didn't include work, like a shoulder to cry on or maybe they had finally decided to stop the physical abuse. Then he felt an emotion rising, an emotion he had thought dead and gone from him forever. Hope. Hope, that his life will get better and if he had an accident he'll be given a chance to explain his self and not have to worry about the repair costs. Yeah right that has as big a chance as happening as Haruka giving up smoking, and Seta getting a clue. But since this is Keitaro who needed someone's companionship all of it seemed likely.
All hopes and dreams were dashed when Motoko handed him thick manila envelope. Confused Keitaro opened it and found three separate documents. With every word he read he felt a thousand red hot spikes driving deep into his body. The first was a disownment from the Urashima family on the grounds of participating in lewd activates, betraying Hina's trust and bringing shame to the family. The next was transference of ownership of the dorm from Keitaro to some lady named Tsuruko, with Motoko as acting manger. The one was the one the devastated his already fragile mental state.
Keitaro,
By the time you are reading this you will be wondering why all this is happening. Simply put you not only broke the law but you also betrayed my trust. You had once promised that you would never do such a thing and you know what happens to oath breakers in the family. I had known that you never had much interaction with females and what you did have often resulted in rejection and assault charges on the girl. Yet I was hopeful that by sending you to the dorm you would not only overcome your awkwardness around girls but you would make me proud. Instead you peeked, grabbed and want out of your way to cop a feel.
When I first heard from the girls what you were doing, I ignored it because of course they'll complain if someone as clumsy as you are in charge; on top you being born male. Yet once I received the proof I was revealed to only one course of action. Know this; you have brought it upon yourself.
I, Hina Urashima, head of the Urashima Family, herby banish you from aforementioned family. As compensation for your disgraceful actions, the remnants of your bank account and finical inheritance are divided among the girls with the exception being Motoko. She is given ownership over the dorm. As far as I'm concerned you never existed. Pray I never meet you again or it will be the last you breathe.
Hina Urashima
A variety of emotions swamped through him. Despair that he has just lost it all and is being spurned by his own ex-granny. Then came the rage, so pure and unbridled, Motoko feared if the former Urashima heir was demonic. How dare they! Keitaro mentally screamed. He had put his life into restoring the dorm to its former glory as an inn and what was his reward? Physically, mentally, and emotionally abused; he has never heard any of the girls give thanks or apologize without ulterior motives. Then they decide to contact Hina just to tell her their pack of lies. This resulted in his banishment on false charges. The rage slowly cooled as Keitaro's slightly stronger rationality took over. Normally this would be good but his idea o f rationalizing a situation is by placing any and all blame onto his self.
The guilt he felt was how he truly did deserve all of this and it was about time it did happen. Yes that's it! Hina would never do anything unless it was justified so he really did deserve all this. Even so it was so unfair, he was finally getting settled in only to be tossed out onto the streets. All the while these thoughts were being processed, Keitaro didn't catch the forlorn gazes Naru was casting his way; nor did he hear Motoko's commands to leave. So unfeeling of everything around him, Keitaro didn't even flinch or cry out as Motoko's sword stuck him and he went flying and crashed into a brick wall.
End Flashback
Shaking his head in a futile attempt to dispel the nightmare, Keitaro thanked Kami for the fact that Haruka believed him. Thanks to her he had a place to live, eat, stay and work. So what if his boss is a tyrannical dictator? At least he was off the streets for now. Opening the medicine cabinet Keitaro grabbed several bottles and started his routine.
Chomping on her cigarette Haruka was having thoughts around the same wavelength as Keitaro, only difference being she couldn't believe that her mom had bought that pack of lies! When Keitaro had stumbled into her tea shop and told her everything, Haruka wondered if all the blows were finally going to his head. And when she learned it was all true, she had called Hina and tried to argue for Keitaro's sake; to no avail. Unwillingly tears swelled up as Haruka recalled the phone conversation with Hina.
Flashback (13 days ago/day after Keitaro is kicked out)
After securing Keitaro as place to work and such, Haruka stormed to her phone in the kitchen area of the shop and punched in Hina's number. The goal? Try and find out if there is some way to get her to retract the judgment. Then she heard a soft "Hello?" on the other line. The voice who answered wasn't Hina. Instead the voice was dull and monotone as if the speaker has lost something very precocious to them.
"Kanako, may you please put Hina-san on." Even though she was furious, Haruka knew better than to allow her venom sweep into the words she spoke to an innocent. Hina on the other hand was absolute fair game. Receiving no reply Haruka waited until a familiar voice replied.
Ah my daughter it is so nice to hear from you again. This is what the family head had wanted to say but got cut off by an irate daughter.
"Don't bother with pretty words Hina. Why did you believe those girls and didn't even give Kei-kun a chance to defend himself against these false charges. You should know better than anyone Kei would rather die than commit such acts!" Haruka practically screeched. Now normally if you interrupt HIna you might live, but if you talked to her in such a manner and said she was in the major wrong. Well depending on her mood and how much she liked you would decide how much pain you went through before she killed you. "And don't give me that shit about who is that? I demand you tell me Hina!"
The die had been cast and now all Haruka had to do was wait for how Hina would reply. The silence stretched so long, one would've thought Haruka was talking to a graveyard. Then Hina replied, cold and low; freezing almost.
"I will only say this once so pay attention, IF you bring it up again then you will follow the same path. I'm only over looking this behavior because your emotions are ruling over you and not your brain." Threatened the matriarch of the family.
As badly as Haruka wanted to vent out onto the foolish mother, she knew that if she did; Keitaro would have no one else to look out for him. Unable to take her anger out through talking Haruka omitted to punching a massive hole in the wall, (think wrecking ball into a wall), Thus resulting in her feeling much better but had the unfortunate effect of causing the few customers and waitress in the building to flee lest, Haruka took her anger out on them next. Taking a deep breath and drag of her cig Haruka resumed talking.
"Mother I understand why you don't want to talk but I must know one thing, what did those bitches show you that turned you on him? If you had bothered to look through the reports I sent you, you've have know they wanted him out one way or another!" If she couldn't change Hina's mind then maybe Haruka could plant the seeds of doubt. This was not to be; instead it had quite the opposite of the desired effect.
"When you see it again tell it that if it so much as sets a foot in or on the area surrounding the dorm then he will be lucky if life in jail is all he gets. And the same goes for you tea shop. Do not ever call me or make any attempts at contacting me until you know your place." Slamming the phone into the cradle both women started to sob for very different reasons.
Haruka cried from the sadness and despair. Her own mother wasn't even following the age old creed, Blood is thicker than water. Hina had chosen to believe the girls over her own grandson and daughter. But Haruka is better at funneling her emotions than Keitaro. Keitaro would be depressed; Haruka instead funneled her negative feelings into determination. Haruka swore she will help her beloved nephew no matter the cost. Hina was crying because she never had to speak that way towards any of her family. If only her daughter was more understanding and how much it pained to her to pen the banishment for her former grandson.
End Flashback
Back at the dorms
Enlarging a picture of one of Keitaro's accidents, she drew in a gasp as she saw what had been hidden from them. The criss-crossing scars formed an intricate spider web down his right forearm. A web that is revoltingly beautiful would've been considered a work of art if not for what it was done on. When did he start doing this to himself, and is there an end in sight? Jumping in action she went through every single picture taken of him trying to figure out when it all started.
Tea Shop
Gliding down the stairs Keiko was once again amazed at what a voice changer; make up and a skirt could do for her. Gone was the dead to the world Keitaro, now only the hot tamale Keiko remained. Long magenta hair pulled back in a single pony tail encompassed a smooth ideal Japanese wife's face. Hands once rough from harsh labor were now smooth and pampered as a new born baby. Anyone who saw her wouldn't know that just a few hours earlier she was actually Keitaro. A leather choker went around her neck more to adjust her old masculine voice into a lighter feminine version, then for decoration. Throw in the fact that the waitress uniform wasn't made for a cross dressing male, and despite the Haruka's best efforts, it was tight in all the places right places for the male customers. It did help that there was padding placed in certain areas. And so started another day for Keitaro. He had been living like this, rising up early to apply the disguise, and then heading downstairs to work.
Thankfully he never had to worry about running into any of the girls while in the tea house. Even with his disguise Keitaro had no intention of risking his being discovered and attacked again. He didn't even need to worry about the school, Hina in all her righteousness has pulled him from the school and it was clear that whatever she did Keitaro couldn't go anywhere for schooling. So he lived in this safe haven of the shop glad that Haruka had done what she did. Shortly after being informed on as to what happened, Haruka made it clear that if any of them try and enter then she will remove them by force; regardless who it is even if said person was Shinbou. Only one who decided to go against this was Motoko stating that she had that right as manager and owner of the dorm. Haruka more or less sent her to the hospital after pointing out that the shop and dorm are very different places. The only reason it wasn't a body bag was because one of her Naru-like punches sent Motoko flying. If only this was to be the future then maybe Keitaro would have moved on and actually gotten over what happened to him. Then misery and heartbreak would have been avoided. This was not to be, all was discovered.
Dorm
Rummaging through the trash Su, found the one and only documentation of Keitaro's brief stay at the dorm. Brushing a banana peel off the cover, Su hurried back to her room/jungle to read and confirm her worst fears. Hoping against hope that she was wrong, and that she was just overreacting over what had happened. But deep down, after all she had seen in the pictures of his arms, Su knew that it was a futile hope.
Arriving in her room Su activated every single security system she had, settings were placed on kill on sight. Racing to her desk, Su placed the filthy and smelly journal onto the wood and began flipping through it. Every word she read filled her with dread. When Su had finished she was paler then a ghost and shaking uncontrollably in fear. Tears trickled down her cheeks as all of the pain Motoko, Naru, and all of the other girls caused him. She had thought that he was invincible and therefore didn't register any pain. No, all of this just caused him to go the distance just like it did to her older brother. Only Keitaro didn't off himself like her deceased brother did. Wiping away her tears Su glanced over at her Keitaro tracker, where it laid gathering dust and rust. Wrenching her gaze away Su reminded herself that she had sworn off using them because in the past they only caused him grief and pain. That is why Su had dedicated herself to this course of action, he might never be found again or he'll ignore her but at least this way Su had a shot at cleaning the slate with him. Su would've never thought that Keitaro was innocent but for what she heard.
Flashback (right after Keitaro went flying)
Guiding the traumatized chef to her own room, Su was an ocean of emotions. She was feeling rage that Keitaro would commit such an atrocity against the girls, especially when one of the results was Shinbou crying a river, no a 40 days 40 nights flood. Envy that the older girls in all their righteousness got to send that worthless piece of shit. In her mind Su imagined it as if she where the one sending Keitaro to meet his maker and not any of the other girls. Then as for all the other emotions she was a feeling, they were of such a complex nature only Su could comprehend them. Only one emotion stood stronger then all of the others, a crushed love. Not a love that Keitaro had for Naru, nor was it a creepy one like Kanako's love for her brother. It was a childlike love because he had filled in the void gap that her brother had left.
Lying Shinbou onto her pink bed surrounded by an army of fluffy animals, Su made as to leave but whether Shinbou did it consciously or unconsciously; Shinbou refused to release Su's arm. As Su tried to force it out, Shinbou actually started to whimper and fresh tears stained her cheeks. Relenting Su crawled into the bed and snuggled against Shinbou, trying to fall asleep.
Around Evening
After wiggling out of Shinbou's death grip, Su wondered the hallowed halls of the girl's dorm. Then as she walked past the old managers room Su heard loud arguing. Now normally this was a regular occurrence when Keitaro was still residing at the dorm. Since he wasn't here, Su placed her head against the door in an effort to hear what was going on. As she listened with growing horror, as to what was being conveyed back and forth.
Motoko, Naru, and Mitsune where arguing about the earlier events. Well to be more accurate Naru and Mitsune were the ones doing the bulk of the yelling with it being directed towards Motoko. Naru was saying something that she has had enough and was going to come clean with Mitsune. Then something like how Motoko was going out of control and things had gone too far. Then there was a loud crash as if flesh hit wall. Running was heard then Mitsune screamed out at Motoko, saying that she had gone crazy. The kendo heir's only reply was that if they wanted out then that was impossible. If they even tried to then Motoko will end them permanently. Any further talking was stopped by Shinbou crying out that dinner was ready. However at the meal Su was missing. Not that anyone noticed.
Su was snooping through Motoko's room for something, anything to tell her of what the girls were talking about earlier. Then in the suit of samurai armor she found the object of her search. After making a perfect copy with her copying laser, (this is Su remember), she headed to her jungle paradise and read the journal. Most of it was junk and about "perverted acts" near the end an entire page was dedicated to the plan.
Get rid of Keitaro
By: Motoko Aoyma
Sadly trying to push that scum to suicide hasn't succeeded and he unfortunately hasn't cut his self deep enough to end his insignificant life. However a new is now in place and effect. Though I've been forced to remind Naru and Mitsune of the scared goal; a very forceful reminder. When this plan is completed the scum of the Earth will be banished from the dorm forever.
Su was trembling with yet another emotion, Rage, but this rage was much more pure and deeper than her earlier misplaced rage at Keitaro. Su couldn't believe that Motoko would do something so atrocious, even going as far as to lie to Granny. Then a line reached her eye "he hasn't cut his self deep enough to die." No, not Keitaro! He was so funny, calm, and collected; no way would he do something like this. So Su left her room to find evidence of Kei's cutting and his innocence.
End Flashback
Su could now prove it all but what she had read and saw has been burned into her mind forever. She had a strong suspicion that Haruka was still in touch with him, but no one from the dorm got within 100 feet of that place. Su then proceeded to download it onto a small flash drive, planning to sneak in and place it on Haruka while she slept.
Tea House
Haruka had left earlier to acquire more supplies for the shop and for Keitaro's disguise, so Keitaro had a chance to kick back and relax while his aunt/sadistic boss was gone. Wondering to his room, Kei started to study. Even though he wasn't in school, he made it a point to continue to learn and not get behind. He had barely opened the book when the phone rang. Getting up Kei went downstairs and answered the phone only after checking that the voice changing choker was on and functioning. Turned out it was only Haruka, calling to say that she was taking a walk with an old friend and won't be back till the following day. Saying goodbye Kei decided to try and study.
Around 11:00 pm
Picking the lock, Su slowly opened the door to the tea shop, resulting in the light of the nearly full moon to fill the desolate shop. Running quickly with the grace of a ninja, Su went up the stairs and was going to search all of the rooms until she found Haruka's sleeping form; but for once she was in luck. Under one of the doors light filtered through and she could see the faint outline of Haruka apparently bent over something then a howl was heard from the other side of the door. Flinging open the door Su cried out "Haruka-san are you o-.." whatever else she had wanted to say died in her throat as she took stock of the person in front of her, who was most definitely not Haruka.
Neither party moved or spoke as they took the other in. Su was thrilled that big brother was alright and scared because she wasn't prepared to talk or even face him. Kei was furious, he had been kicked out and now in the only safe haven for him Su had tracked him; most likely to make his shitty life even more shitty. Narrowing his eyes until they became silts, Keitaro replied harshly "What the fuck do you want." He saw how Su visibly shrunk in the face of his words, not that he cared, and yes it pleased him to see her in fear.
Su raised her hands up as if attempting to convey the fact she came in peace. This was obviously how deep his resentment ran towards his former tenants. Choking down her tears Su resumed "I-I found proof that you are actually innocent." At this Keitaro let out a snort and muttered, "No shit Sherlock."
Trying to ignore it Su continued "And I' also know who was the master mind behind it all." At this he sat up straighter and it seemed as if the breath of life entered him. "It was Motoko-senpai." And so the grim future was set by one girl trying for redemption. Before Keitaro could say anything else, Su launched into a very detailed explanation on how Motoko was the guilty party.
"Su, a voice calm and the one she had thought to be lost to the ages spoke full of warmth to her, did you tell anyone else what've you discovered?"
At the shaking of her head Keitaro let out a sigh of relief. Thank the fickle Kami that no one else knew what she had discovered. Now he could give that bitch that ruined his life payback with some serious interest. Su had redeemed herself to a degree in his eyes by giving him this information. Because of this he covered the distance between them and embraced her as if she were a long lost sister. Shocked by the unexpected contact Su was momentarily caught off guard at his embrace. Then, coming to her senses she returned the squeeze. How long they stayed like that no one knew, and they sure didn't care, but sadly all good things most come to an end. Breaking apart Keitaro told Su not to tell or show anyone else until he told her to. Bobbing her head akin to a bobble head, Su left back towards the dorm and her bed.
Keitaro couldn't remember when he last felt so exhilarated. Finally he had the name of the guilty person and he will inflict judgment.
Following Night
Creeping through the darkness Keitaro once again checked his side where a massive carving knife was strapped to his right thigh. Dressed in traditional ninja grab, he glided as a wraith never making a noise and never being seen through the dimly lit hallways. One goal and only one was burned into his mind that fateful night, the murder of Motoko Aoyma. He will slice her throat, and then cut her stomach open just like she had threatened to do to him on so many occasions. Then as the last breath left her body he will dance on her entrails. Yes, once he was done with her no one would recognize her mutilated corpse. His dreams of her dying came to an abrupt stop as he arrived in front of her door. Taking a deep breath Kei slid the door open and nearly fainted, at the sight of the rolled up futon lying in the corner. No this isn't how it is supposed to go! Wait calm down now Keitaro. Deep breaths. After nearly two minutes of doing this Keitaro once again felt clear headed. And in this state of clear headiness he had a light bulb moment. His old room, also known as the manager's room. That room was the largest and to someone like Motoko who craved status and power, would be the only room she would be in. Grinning wickedly Kei left Motoko's old room and headed towards the managers room.
Coming upon his old room, he opened the door and crept in. Now just a matter of time before his revenge is complete, the biggest problem he was facing was which part of her body should he take off first? Then through the darkness he saw a shape rise up wide awake and alert! Cursing to his self Keitaro through subtlety to the wind and plunged the knife into the wicked women's body. Her warm blood gushed out, staining his hands and the futon. Then came gasp from behind him. Twisting his head as to see who dared ruin this picture perfect moment, Keitaro looked and stared in horror at who was standing in the doorway.
A/N CILFFHANGER! Story is almost done just two more chapters to go. Please keep those reviews coming. Any questions just PM me and I'll do my best in answering them. Tell next time ya'll!