[BeLieViNG iN You]
Chapter 15: Silk Screens
He stepped out of the taxi and stared.
The house was just as he remembered it, although the thick, solid outer wall of morbid grey stone was beginning to crumble. His eyes slid over the rugged wall, the rough concrete overgrown with ivy creepers, some of the leaves yellowing and dying but as a whole a green relief from the cement.
The soft sound of the taxi driver clearing his throat brought Masako back to reality as he paid the driver and slammed the door shut.
It seemed like so long.
The haunted house, the ghosts, the memories. He was the last one left.
Sunegiwara no Masako, the heir to the Sune fortune. He wasn't sure if Herumane knew of the assassination of his parents, but he had little intention of telling her.
Placing his hand slowly on the cold iron gate, he pushed it open, wincing at the eerie no-noise it made. The silence, but for the wind and rustle of dry leaves. Somewhere in the far background he could hear the click click of a neighbours rotational sprinklers.
An empty overgrown courtyard greeted his eyes, the result of servants long gone. However untidy everything was, it was still servicable, perhaps even able to be saved. Long grass stalks swayed, the narrow cobblestone path ruptured by grass root runners. And there was his sakura tree, standing proudly in amongst the mess, his cherry blossom, her wooden trunk still thick and healthy as ever. And the flowers, the lacey dress and crown that adorned his garden and the tree made everything alright, made it feel like home. A very lonely home, the wind whispered through the grass, stirring the blades and fallen blossoms.
Masako made no move to enter his house, instead opting for his first cigarette in two years. With a sigh he sat down on his stoop and lit a thin white cigarette up. He stared at his forearms, at the numbers and scars and tattoo's upon them. The lifetime of memories began to blur as one defiant tear and yet another fought to escape his eyes.
Eyes wide, never blinking, never shutting, the tears fell of their own violation to splatter on the white stone steps.
Breathe out the smoke, watch the tendrils curl around the air, choking it.
And he heard cars pull up.
Heavy, european luxury cars crunching up the gravel.
Sighing, he stubbed out his cigarette on the sun-bleached step and dusted off his pants as he stood to greet his visitors.
They were quick to know.
The gate swung open, and a group of figures ('How many? Count 1, 2, 7 Masako...') entered, dressed from head to toe in black.
They marched up the path like an army of ants until they reached where the grass flattened out and they could spread out as a group.
The silence was heavy, Masako's head lowered respectfully in a bow as the head of the group put his hand on his shoulder and made him rise.
"Little Brother, you've been away for so long, I hope you haven't gone soft in the head, will you continue to follow me? Do as I say?"
Masako knew it wasn't his fault, that they couldn't have saved him, this decadent life he led before was of his own choosing.
"Yes Brother Jun I follow you till the end, I made that promise four years ago, things haven't changed." He heard soft footsteps and the cruching of gravel as Tanaka Jun turned away from him, the pressure of Jun's hand leaving his shoulder.
Masako raised his head.
Tanaka Junichiro, or Jun for short, the head of his division here in Britain. He controlled the outer suburban ring and a majority of the urban community of London. Master Jun, or Jade Eye. He was nearing his late forties now, a rich man, pleasing to the eye with his head of full hair, even if it was greying. Their small elite group, or the M82 Sector was an underground organisation that was highly recognised in the underworld, both as Yakuza and Triad gangs.
Jun was a very powerful man. He had never had family close to him because he knew the constant threat and danger of rebellious or opposing forces, instead he only took lovers and any resulting offspring were sadly never to know the father that supported their mother and themselves. Standing at an easy 5'11", one only had to look into Juns strangely coloured eyes to see the great reservoirs of wisdom in there.
He was now facing the east wall, sighing and shaking his head at the overgrown mess the gardens, once so beautiful, had become.
"I am sorry for your loss, Masako-kun." He spoke fluent English with the lilt of his natural Tokyo accent. Masako felt the pain wrench at his heart once again. Jun had hardly known his sister! Or his mother or father...how could he understand?
But he had known Masako from an early age. From the tender age of 15, when he had seen Masako playing soccer in a field by himself, Masako had been under the watchful eye of Jun. The elder had always been there, watching, waiting. There was rumours that Masako was his chosen successor...if Masako did not get himself killed first. Known for his passion and his somewhat detrimental hobbies, Masako had a reputation for being reckless.
Jun's voice startled him from his reverie once again.
"We have found the assassins."
Masako looked up as the world seemed to slow down, as the thumping of his heart seemed to grow ever louder, as the blood that seemed to course sluggishly through his veins previously became a roaring, thundering rush.
"Nani? Will we be allowed to take revenge?"
Jun smiled a ruthless smile, flicking the cigarette butt onto the driveway and crushing it into the gravel with his toe.
"Of course. Nobody touches Sunegiwara no Masako and gets away with it. All you have to do, is think up the perfect revenge. Remember our rules Masako. And all will be well."
"Of course, Brother Jun." Masako bowed respectfully. Rule One; Always give face to your society. Rule Two; Sometimes you had to be cruel to be kind. Rule Three; Love, Honour and Obey. Rule Four; The path to the saint's life was paved with righteousness. Even after all the delusion and hallucination, he could never forget the code. In some ways, it was the samurai code for soldiers like himself.
Brother Jun smiled at him kindly, the smile not quite reaching his empty yet brilliant green eyes and he clasped his arm warmly. He turned to go, the small army turning to leave with him.
"Chotto matte kudasai..." Masako called. (Wait a moment...)
"Nan da yo?" Jun asked. (What is it?)
"What is their name?" Masako asked. Jun hesitated.
"The Chang Clan. They do have their alliances however, and Yuri was killed by one Eloise Midgen. But your mother and father were assassinated by Chang Shui Lung and Chang Ji Ket."
With that, they left the yard. Masako did not bother with a good bye because it was assured he would see them again.
Fate pre-ordained it.
Author's Note: *ahem* cough cough guess how this is going to inter-relate with the Harry Potter continum. *cough* Chang *cough*Sorry for the lackage of any original Harry Potter characters in this chapter...and intense focus on Masako...but I thought he needed a bit of background...I promise H, Her and D will be in the next chapter! And again, sorri for the lackage of updating also. Busy with starting TAFE and also work...-.-" aiyahhh...and again, thank you for reading!
THANK YOU's:
ICKLE RONNIEKINS GIRLIE
Why thank you for liking my story. Does that mean you'll continue to read it? :D
LEMONSTEALER
LOL ur review is not stupid. *frowns* I've lost my first Nic Tse cd. :( so sorry if any future chapters get depressing...author has PMS...ahahah jks. It will be merry and jolly...but I can't promise that. LOL oh and sorry this wasn't posted sooner. Sila was busy.... :(
TOMMY GURL
*scolds you* aren't you meant to be my beta? LOL *blush* sorry it's my fault not yours...gomen nasai...LOL I used to be into anime...and then...i wasn't...but I'd still spend a fortune on the things if I could buy any decent ones...but I have to go to tokyo to get those... o.0 Dammit. Which characters from before are you talking about? I dunno. Kids just have a sixth sense *shivers coz sila's reminded of the movie with the creepy lil kid that can see dead ppl* LOL no because hermione is ignorant. Maybe one day. Later on in the story. I hope this answers all your questions! *mwah*
WILLETE AKA BELLE
Hey u changed your name! hehe LOL yea like I said...alot of my story is plotless and just an escape for random imagery in my head that seems like a good idea at the time.
HOPELESS ROMANTIC
You! Might Like! But! I don't! intend! on finishing!! anytime! Soon! &!*! okay?! but thanks for reading and reviewing neway. :) kudos to you.
MERIMEET
LOL i doubt you're still checking back everyday to see if I have a new chapter because I am ugly and therefore haven't posted in a long time...mesa sorry :( *camel eyes* But here you go!!! :D
LITTLE TINA1
Okay...well i continued :) so tell me if good or bad....ahahah :P
SUSHIFELTON
I'm only just wondering now if anyone is even going to read these notes because I know I don't... -.-" and also these reviews were a long long time ago...*sigh* sila is so gayed... I'm glad you like the plot! I'm even gladder you could find one!! :D
AUBS2006
Here is more! :D me lub you long time if you review again... :P
MISSWILLTURNER
Yes...indeed I should change the rating. I will one day. In fact I might even do it after i finish typing allllllll these notes... x.x *sniff*
TRIGEMINI
You're BACK! xoxoxoxoo for being one of my longest reviewing/suffering readers!!! And...here is the new chapter. But...I'm sorry...it has no her/d...but the next will i promise! Sila knows she deserves a spanking... :( *elf ears droop* aahhaha I wish I had elf ears...
FF.NETSIMON
Well I did indeed. So I hope you liked it....*Fingers crossed* :D
BLACKDRAGONOFDEATH13
Have you seen my Nic Tse cd? :'( and why THANK you for the review...xoxox heheh
MUTSUMI
doomo arigatou for the review. continue I have. Now review you must....ok I admit I suck at the yoda thing. sorry. Sila was gay to even attempt it...*sniff* ahahha
ARTEMIS MOONCLAW
You're back also!!! xoxoxooxxo vanilla sugar and yummy chocolate dip and strawberries to you!! :D Continue? Continue what? Ohhh.... uhh...of course...right after I change the rating on this... x.x I dunno I suck at writing recently...lack of creativity...even my art sucks :'(
INSANITYSQUIRREL321
You know, your name is kinda freaky. But I love u for reviewing and reading anyway. And continue I did indeed. As I've mentioned about 50 gazillion times on this page already... -.-"
FOXXGLOVE
ahahha well you see I am a cruel and unusual person (therefore I am some sort of CUP) and you will not FIND out what is going to happen next in this chapter because it is allll about Masako...and it's not even very interesting stuff about Masako. Oh but don't you worry my pretty, there's a pretty little...uhhhh fishing thing... I mean lure! Like tempter thingy in there...oh wait nevermind...there's a taste of things to come for the smart ones who can read the fine print! ehheh xoxoxo my foots dead. .
JULES
New Draco? Nice?....:( does that mean I have to keep him that way? man I have to go back and read again now... -.-" lol heheh jks i'll see what I can do...
ANNONYMOUS;)
Indeed you are not. And continue writing I have.
and that is IT bwhahahhahahaha I feel so loved...
Chapter 15: Silk Screens
He stepped out of the taxi and stared.
The house was just as he remembered it, although the thick, solid outer wall of morbid grey stone was beginning to crumble. His eyes slid over the rugged wall, the rough concrete overgrown with ivy creepers, some of the leaves yellowing and dying but as a whole a green relief from the cement.
The soft sound of the taxi driver clearing his throat brought Masako back to reality as he paid the driver and slammed the door shut.
It seemed like so long.
The haunted house, the ghosts, the memories. He was the last one left.
Sunegiwara no Masako, the heir to the Sune fortune. He wasn't sure if Herumane knew of the assassination of his parents, but he had little intention of telling her.
Placing his hand slowly on the cold iron gate, he pushed it open, wincing at the eerie no-noise it made. The silence, but for the wind and rustle of dry leaves. Somewhere in the far background he could hear the click click of a neighbours rotational sprinklers.
An empty overgrown courtyard greeted his eyes, the result of servants long gone. However untidy everything was, it was still servicable, perhaps even able to be saved. Long grass stalks swayed, the narrow cobblestone path ruptured by grass root runners. And there was his sakura tree, standing proudly in amongst the mess, his cherry blossom, her wooden trunk still thick and healthy as ever. And the flowers, the lacey dress and crown that adorned his garden and the tree made everything alright, made it feel like home. A very lonely home, the wind whispered through the grass, stirring the blades and fallen blossoms.
Masako made no move to enter his house, instead opting for his first cigarette in two years. With a sigh he sat down on his stoop and lit a thin white cigarette up. He stared at his forearms, at the numbers and scars and tattoo's upon them. The lifetime of memories began to blur as one defiant tear and yet another fought to escape his eyes.
Eyes wide, never blinking, never shutting, the tears fell of their own violation to splatter on the white stone steps.
Breathe out the smoke, watch the tendrils curl around the air, choking it.
And he heard cars pull up.
Heavy, european luxury cars crunching up the gravel.
Sighing, he stubbed out his cigarette on the sun-bleached step and dusted off his pants as he stood to greet his visitors.
They were quick to know.
The gate swung open, and a group of figures ('How many? Count 1, 2, 7 Masako...') entered, dressed from head to toe in black.
They marched up the path like an army of ants until they reached where the grass flattened out and they could spread out as a group.
The silence was heavy, Masako's head lowered respectfully in a bow as the head of the group put his hand on his shoulder and made him rise.
"Little Brother, you've been away for so long, I hope you haven't gone soft in the head, will you continue to follow me? Do as I say?"
Masako knew it wasn't his fault, that they couldn't have saved him, this decadent life he led before was of his own choosing.
"Yes Brother Jun I follow you till the end, I made that promise four years ago, things haven't changed." He heard soft footsteps and the cruching of gravel as Tanaka Jun turned away from him, the pressure of Jun's hand leaving his shoulder.
Masako raised his head.
Tanaka Junichiro, or Jun for short, the head of his division here in Britain. He controlled the outer suburban ring and a majority of the urban community of London. Master Jun, or Jade Eye. He was nearing his late forties now, a rich man, pleasing to the eye with his head of full hair, even if it was greying. Their small elite group, or the M82 Sector was an underground organisation that was highly recognised in the underworld, both as Yakuza and Triad gangs.
Jun was a very powerful man. He had never had family close to him because he knew the constant threat and danger of rebellious or opposing forces, instead he only took lovers and any resulting offspring were sadly never to know the father that supported their mother and themselves. Standing at an easy 5'11", one only had to look into Juns strangely coloured eyes to see the great reservoirs of wisdom in there.
He was now facing the east wall, sighing and shaking his head at the overgrown mess the gardens, once so beautiful, had become.
"I am sorry for your loss, Masako-kun." He spoke fluent English with the lilt of his natural Tokyo accent. Masako felt the pain wrench at his heart once again. Jun had hardly known his sister! Or his mother or father...how could he understand?
But he had known Masako from an early age. From the tender age of 15, when he had seen Masako playing soccer in a field by himself, Masako had been under the watchful eye of Jun. The elder had always been there, watching, waiting. There was rumours that Masako was his chosen successor...if Masako did not get himself killed first. Known for his passion and his somewhat detrimental hobbies, Masako had a reputation for being reckless.
Jun's voice startled him from his reverie once again.
"We have found the assassins."
Masako looked up as the world seemed to slow down, as the thumping of his heart seemed to grow ever louder, as the blood that seemed to course sluggishly through his veins previously became a roaring, thundering rush.
"Nani? Will we be allowed to take revenge?"
Jun smiled a ruthless smile, flicking the cigarette butt onto the driveway and crushing it into the gravel with his toe.
"Of course. Nobody touches Sunegiwara no Masako and gets away with it. All you have to do, is think up the perfect revenge. Remember our rules Masako. And all will be well."
"Of course, Brother Jun." Masako bowed respectfully. Rule One; Always give face to your society. Rule Two; Sometimes you had to be cruel to be kind. Rule Three; Love, Honour and Obey. Rule Four; The path to the saint's life was paved with righteousness. Even after all the delusion and hallucination, he could never forget the code. In some ways, it was the samurai code for soldiers like himself.
Brother Jun smiled at him kindly, the smile not quite reaching his empty yet brilliant green eyes and he clasped his arm warmly. He turned to go, the small army turning to leave with him.
"Chotto matte kudasai..." Masako called. (Wait a moment...)
"Nan da yo?" Jun asked. (What is it?)
"What is their name?" Masako asked. Jun hesitated.
"The Chang Clan. They do have their alliances however, and Yuri was killed by one Eloise Midgen. But your mother and father were assassinated by Chang Shui Lung and Chang Ji Ket."
With that, they left the yard. Masako did not bother with a good bye because it was assured he would see them again.
Fate pre-ordained it.
Author's Note: *ahem* cough cough guess how this is going to inter-relate with the Harry Potter continum. *cough* Chang *cough*Sorry for the lackage of any original Harry Potter characters in this chapter...and intense focus on Masako...but I thought he needed a bit of background...I promise H, Her and D will be in the next chapter! And again, sorri for the lackage of updating also. Busy with starting TAFE and also work...-.-" aiyahhh...and again, thank you for reading!
THANK YOU's:
ICKLE RONNIEKINS GIRLIE
Why thank you for liking my story. Does that mean you'll continue to read it? :D
LEMONSTEALER
LOL ur review is not stupid. *frowns* I've lost my first Nic Tse cd. :( so sorry if any future chapters get depressing...author has PMS...ahahah jks. It will be merry and jolly...but I can't promise that. LOL oh and sorry this wasn't posted sooner. Sila was busy.... :(
TOMMY GURL
*scolds you* aren't you meant to be my beta? LOL *blush* sorry it's my fault not yours...gomen nasai...LOL I used to be into anime...and then...i wasn't...but I'd still spend a fortune on the things if I could buy any decent ones...but I have to go to tokyo to get those... o.0 Dammit. Which characters from before are you talking about? I dunno. Kids just have a sixth sense *shivers coz sila's reminded of the movie with the creepy lil kid that can see dead ppl* LOL no because hermione is ignorant. Maybe one day. Later on in the story. I hope this answers all your questions! *mwah*
WILLETE AKA BELLE
Hey u changed your name! hehe LOL yea like I said...alot of my story is plotless and just an escape for random imagery in my head that seems like a good idea at the time.
HOPELESS ROMANTIC
You! Might Like! But! I don't! intend! on finishing!! anytime! Soon! &!*! okay?! but thanks for reading and reviewing neway. :) kudos to you.
MERIMEET
LOL i doubt you're still checking back everyday to see if I have a new chapter because I am ugly and therefore haven't posted in a long time...mesa sorry :( *camel eyes* But here you go!!! :D
LITTLE TINA1
Okay...well i continued :) so tell me if good or bad....ahahah :P
SUSHIFELTON
I'm only just wondering now if anyone is even going to read these notes because I know I don't... -.-" and also these reviews were a long long time ago...*sigh* sila is so gayed... I'm glad you like the plot! I'm even gladder you could find one!! :D
AUBS2006
Here is more! :D me lub you long time if you review again... :P
MISSWILLTURNER
Yes...indeed I should change the rating. I will one day. In fact I might even do it after i finish typing allllllll these notes... x.x *sniff*
TRIGEMINI
You're BACK! xoxoxoxoo for being one of my longest reviewing/suffering readers!!! And...here is the new chapter. But...I'm sorry...it has no her/d...but the next will i promise! Sila knows she deserves a spanking... :( *elf ears droop* aahhaha I wish I had elf ears...
FF.NETSIMON
Well I did indeed. So I hope you liked it....*Fingers crossed* :D
BLACKDRAGONOFDEATH13
Have you seen my Nic Tse cd? :'( and why THANK you for the review...xoxox heheh
MUTSUMI
doomo arigatou for the review. continue I have. Now review you must....ok I admit I suck at the yoda thing. sorry. Sila was gay to even attempt it...*sniff* ahahha
ARTEMIS MOONCLAW
You're back also!!! xoxoxooxxo vanilla sugar and yummy chocolate dip and strawberries to you!! :D Continue? Continue what? Ohhh.... uhh...of course...right after I change the rating on this... x.x I dunno I suck at writing recently...lack of creativity...even my art sucks :'(
INSANITYSQUIRREL321
You know, your name is kinda freaky. But I love u for reviewing and reading anyway. And continue I did indeed. As I've mentioned about 50 gazillion times on this page already... -.-"
FOXXGLOVE
ahahha well you see I am a cruel and unusual person (therefore I am some sort of CUP) and you will not FIND out what is going to happen next in this chapter because it is allll about Masako...and it's not even very interesting stuff about Masako. Oh but don't you worry my pretty, there's a pretty little...uhhhh fishing thing... I mean lure! Like tempter thingy in there...oh wait nevermind...there's a taste of things to come for the smart ones who can read the fine print! ehheh xoxoxo my foots dead. .
JULES
New Draco? Nice?....:( does that mean I have to keep him that way? man I have to go back and read again now... -.-" lol heheh jks i'll see what I can do...
ANNONYMOUS;)
Indeed you are not. And continue writing I have.
and that is IT bwhahahhahahaha I feel so loved...