Systems Analysis and Catching Up 4
Disclaimer: I do not own Kim Possible, Street Hawk, Transformers or Full Metal Panic! Wish I did, though.
Author's Notes: This chapter deals with after Tessa left Tokyo. It'll be a two-parter, so our favorite Captain will make an appearance in the next segment. Here we go!
(Fifteen hours ago; Tokyo; Sagara Apartment)
To say that Mizuki and Issei are stunned at meeting Sakura for the first time would be a severely gross understatement. Sakura's hair nicely coiffed, dressed in a blue yukata with pink lotus blossoms, contrasts very much to her brother's usual appearance. Forest green fatigues and scruffy hair being the norm for Sousuke. Mizuki and Issei both look at both siblings before shrugging.
"Sorry, but I just don't see how you can be related to Sousuke, Sakura." At Mizuki's words, Issei nods before going on.
"Yeah. I mean, you're not sneaky, underhanded, dirty, deceitful or nutso. If anything, you're like the girl next door. Uptown-style, anyway." Sakura can't help but blush before sighing.
"It's not brother's fault we're so different from each other. He's seen warfare ever since he was eight. If I'd been there too, I'd have gone through the same things he had. If I'd survived what Oshimura had done to Mother and Father, that is. But, as luck, good or bad, would have it, I was too sick to go along with them to Afghanistan. So, I stayed behind with Uncle Ryu and Aunt Naoko." Mizuki and Issei can't help but blink before Issei poses the question.
"Who's Oshimura?"
"That'd have been Hangi Oshimura, Issei. Sousuke's Godfather." Kaname's reply gets the attention of both Mizuki and Issei while Sousuke goes over to Sakura's side. Ready to comfort her if she needs it as Kaname goes on.
"He gunned down Sousuke and Sakura's parents in cold blood. All because they wouldn't let him experiment on Sousuke. The only reason that Sakura was spared the madman's plans was because he didn't even know about her." Mizuki can't help but take a tentative gulp before asking.
"What kind of experiment, Kaname?"
"The less you know, the safer your mind, Mizuki. But you can rest assured that jerk's idea will never happen to anyone ever again. Sousuke killed him in retribution for that crime from years ago."
"Darn. If he was still alive, I'd have gladly used my 'Thrombotic Fist of Death' on him. Experimenting on children? That's the lowest thing I've ever heard of. I don't think even you would stoop that low, Sagara."
Mizuki gives a nod of agreement before she chips in. "He may have been and still be socially awkward, but at least he had the same scruples then as he still does have now."
"Well put, Mizuki." Giving Sousuke a smile, Issei adds, "Based on what I've heard so far, Sagara, you're a saint compared to the likes of Hangi Oshimura."
"Wow. Coming from you, that's a real compliment, Issei." Sousuke's words get a soft grin from the Amateur Karate Club's Captain before he goes on.
"It is as intended. I mean, sure, you're deceitful and underhanded, but at least you're not cruel and sadistic enough to harm children. Anyone that would or want to harm a child like that should be shot."
"Been there, done that, shot the book. Repeatedly. Next?"
Sousuke's words can't help but get Issei, Mizuki, Kaname and Sakura to laugh before Sousuke joins in. Just before Sousuke Jr starts crying. Before Sousuke can move, Kaname does. Intent on seeing to the little boy. Sakura and Mizuki in tow. Sousuke and Issei look to each other before shrugging and Sousuke poses the most important question.
"Whose parents will be called first? Yours or Mizuki's?"
"Well, seeing as Mizuki's kinda busy right now, I can call mine and when she gets done, she can call hers."
"Agreed."
With that, Issei calls his parents to let them know about a mediation session. When he's done, he gives Sousuke a 'thumbs up', indicating his parents had agreed.
(Thirteen hours ago; Tokyo; Mikihara Home)
Mizuki and Issei are sitting across from each other, their respective parents sitting on either side of them. At one end is Kanji Mikihara, his daughter Ren at his side. At the other end is Sousuke, with Kaname at his side. Kyoshiro and Kemiko Inaba size up Saizo and Aimone Tsubaki before looking over toward Sousuke. Not quite believing this is the same young man that had, quite frankly, turned their daughter's school into a 'war-zone'.
Clearing his throat he turns to Mizuki and asks, "Why is he here?"
"Sousuke is here to act as mediator, Daddy."
"But, he's a menace to Japanese society! If not the world!"
"It's not his fault, Daddy." Kyoshiro can't help but be impressed by how calm his daughter is in Sousuke's presence. "You don't know the things Sousuke's seen before he arrived in Tokyo. If you were in his shoes, after seeing so much chaos, only to be dropped into peaceful surroundings, how would you react?"
"A lot better than what he did, that's for certain." Mizuki's light scoff stuns him slightly before he looks over at Kanji. "What about your friend's Father?"
"Lord Mikihara agreed to host the mediation in his home because Sousuke and Kaname's place is too small for all of us to fit."
"Okay, that I can understand. But, of all people you could have picked to 'mediate', why Sousuke Sagara?"
"Because he knows how to take control of a situation and get results with as little bloodshed as possible." Kemiko lightly gasps at that, causing Mizuki to wince. "Sorry, Mom."
"It's okay, Mizuki. I just didn't expect the 'b-word' coming from you." Giving Sousuke a genial glance, she then asks, "You're not going to hurt anyone here, are you?"
"No harm will come to anyone as long as no one attempts to inflict harm on another person present. Those are one of my more acceptable parameters. After all, a peaceful resolution is always best for all involved." Next thing he knows, Aimone speaks her mind.
"Then why'd you make my little boy's school into a war zone? His education and the dojo he was with were going just fine until you came along!"
"Mom, chill out! Like Mizuki said, it's not his fault!"
"But, he used rubber bullets, gas, grenades and distraction to beat up my baby boy and his friends!" Before Issei can inch away, Aimone wraps her arms around him. Pressing him into her cleavage. "My baby!" His voice muffled slightly, Issei goes on.
"Mom, he's seen combat since he was a little boy. The people he faced off against taught him a few things. Such as 'If you wish to survive, be ready to fight dirty'. That's why he used such underhanded tactics against us. If you want someone to blame, blame those that taught him."
"What do his parents think about all this, Issei?" Saizo's soft voice gets Issei's attention as it goes on. "Surely they wouldn't approve of their son using such methods."
"Dad, his folks are dead. They died when he was eight years old. He's been a warrior ever since."
"I see. In that case, then…" Saizo lunges over to Sousuke and is quickly knocked out by a rubber bullet from Sousuke's shotgun. Aimone, Issei and Mizuki can only blink in astonishment at how fast Sousuke's draw was. Issei breaks the silence, a soft chuckle coming out.
"Wow. You're fast as ever, Sousuke." Upon seeing the welt on Saizo's head, he adds, "It occurs to me that I've never actually seen a welt from a rubber bullet impact. Often because I've been hit and knocked out by them. But, to see it up close and personal…"
"Issei! Don't encourage him! He may decide to shoot everyone else here with rubber bullets!" Mizuki's panicked voice has a hint of amusement within as she goes on. "We're supposed to find a satisfactory arrangement, not give Sousuke live targets to use his rubber bullets on!"
"Oh yeah. My bad." Looking over at Kaname, Issei can't help but notice her nodding, smile plastered onto her face. "Are you keeping track of his antics or is there a point to nodding?"
"A little of both." Turning her attention to everyone still-conscious, she goes on. "As you all can clearly see from Issei's Dad, Sousuke has wickedly fast reflexes. Any fast movement he determines to be hostile and he will act appropriately according to the threat level."
"So, in a nutshell, no one moves fast, no one gets hit by a rubber or any other kind of bullet. Correct, Mrs Sagara?"
"Correct, Mrs Inaba."
"I can accept that."
"Kemiko! You have no voice here!" Kyoshiro then turns toward Sousuke and sees the young man start to aim his shotgun at him. A mean grin on his face. "WHAT?"
BLAM
As Kyoshiro falls back, a big red welt on his forehead, Sousuke sighs in disappointment. Only Kaname catches it.
"What's wrong, Sousuke?"
"It's just that I have a feeling this'll be an absurdly long mediation session."
"Maybe not, Sousuke." Turning to Kemiko, she asks, "Mrs Inaba, what do you think about Issei?"
"Well, when Mizuki told us about him, along with seeing him, I was kind of wary. But I got to see his heart every time he took Mizuki out for a date. He's very caring and won't hesitate to protect her. A far better man than Satoru Shirai was. Much like I can see Mr Sagara is with you."
"Yes." Turning to Aimone, she nods. "You're up, Mrs Tsubaki."
"Mizuki's a very nice girl. Issei's always been a bit of a wild child. Which is why his Father and I got him enrolled in Karate dojos wherever we could find them. If only to burn off his ample energy at first. But instead of burning it off, it caused it to grow in endurance. Mizuki changed all that. I'm guessing that Sousuke is wild as well, Kaname?" Both Sagaras can't help but go beet red at Aimone's implication.
Deeply amused, Lord Mikihara lets out a light chuckle before it becomes a minor gut-busting guffaw. Shaking his head as he guffaws, he nods his approval at how well it went. Just as Saizo and Kyoshiro regain consciousness.
"Anyone got a Tylenol? I've a headache that feels like I got hit by a sledgehammer."
"You too, Tsubaki?" At Saizo's nod, Kyoshiro scowls before asking, "Just what did we miss, anyway?" The next voice both men hear is Kanji's.
"The issue between Mizuki and Issei has been resolved. Ladies Inaba and Tsubaki discussed it and decided it's better to let the couple be together." Scowling, he adds, "That is final. You both had your says and blew them in your own ways."
"What about what 'he' did?" Pointing to Sousuke, Kyoshiro goes on. "He shot Tsubaki and myself with rubber bullets from his shotgun!"
"I know. I saw it. Quite frankly, I'm in agreement with his actions. You were both without discipline." Turning his attention to one of the men, he asks, "Saizo, why did you lunge toward Lord Sagara?" Kanji can't help but relish Sousuke's eyes going wide at 'Lord'.
"It was only to give him paternal affection which he was clearly deprived of with the deaths of his parents." Next thing Saizo knows, Sousuke clears his throat.
"If I may, Lord Mikihara."
"By all means, Lord Sagara." Grinning lightly at Kaname's own surprised face, he nods.
"Mr Tsubaki, when I was among the Afghani rebels, I had a surrogate Father. A brilliant strategist that also fought against a Soviet Spetsnaz soldier. Often with me by his side. The soldier and I tried many times to kill each other. Only to join forces when a common enemy attacked a rebel camp. Ever since then, the strategist and that soldier have been my surrogate Fathers." Smiling lightly, Sousuke adds, "So, while your gesture was unnecessary, it was also heartwarming."
"Touching, Lord Sagara." Turning his attention to Kyoshiro, Kanji goes on. "You told your wife she has 'No voice'. Now, even though I don't know how you do things in your family, I don't like what I'm seeing. When Ren's Mother was alive, she always had a voice in family affairs."
Looking up toward Ren, he wistfully adds, "Every time I look at her, I see her Mother in her. She was a kind, loving soul that left far too early." Smiling at Ren's serene smile, he returns his attention to Kyoshiro. "Am I clear, Mr Inaba?" The steel in Kanji's voice is palpable, convincing Kyoshiro.
"Crystal clear, Lord Mikihara."
"Then this mediation session is concluded. Lord and Lady Sagara, would you kindly stay behind with young Lord Tsubaki and Lady Inaba?" Unsure still about the address, Sousuke and Kaname look toward each other before nodding at each other. With Sousuke giving their reply.
"We would be happy to, Lord Mikihara." As the Inaba and Tsubaki parents exit, all are silent until Ren closes the door after exiting. Kanji pauses briefly before sighing.
"Twenty years and those two haven't changed one bit."
"HUH?" Their united question brings a smile to his face before he goes on.
"That's right. Kyoshiro, Saizo and myself were old friends since Junior High. But an event happened to cause a rift in the portion of the friendship between those two." At Issei's raised hand, Kanji nods. "You may speak, young Lord Tsubaki."
"Mizuki's and my Father were friends once? Just to be sure?"
"So I confirm, young Lord." At Mizuki's raised hand, he replies, "Young Lady Inaba."
"What kind of event, Lord Mikihara?"
"A most heart-breaking event. It involved the two of them being in love with the same woman. Only she had died from a terrible disease before they could even tell her. They both blamed themselves and any time they'd tried consoling each other, it'd end in a fight."
"Oh boy." Kaname's words, even though they were an interruption, get Kanji to nod.
"Correct, Lady Sagara. 'Oh boy' is an apt way to put it. One such fight, vicious words were exchanged. Severing the friendship between the two. I was devastated. I tried many times to be a middleman of sorts to try patch things up, only to be gently rebuffed by both. For years, the fractured friendships I had with both of them stagnated. Even though I'd tried keeping in touch with them."
"So it took Mizuki and I getting together to flare things back up again."
"Yes, young Lord Tsubaki. It is so."
"Is there anything we can do, Lord Mikihara?"
"I've asked myself that question many times, young Lady Inaba. The only way, far as I can tell, to get them on peaceful terms with each other, is to unite the two families."
"MARRIAGE?"
Blushing in embarrassment as Kanji works on getting the ringing out of his ears, Mizuki and Issei look at each other. Mizuki's blush goes even deeper while Issei swallows.
"Correct. It doesn't need to be a public ceremony. Family and close friends only." From there, he lays out his plan.
(Maison K Apartments; Tuttle temporary; same time frame)
As Tara, Kim, Bonnie and Jessica fuss over Norma with Jane in the family room, Norman catches up with Felix, Ron, Hirotaka and Stuart in the kitchen.
"So that's what happened in Okinawa."
"It is so, Norman-san. Hangi Oshimura and Leonard Testarossa stained themselves with evil plans and deeds." Smirking wickedly, he adds, "Blowing away Leonard's Alastors were fun, too."
"At least you guys haven't lost your touch in working with Sousuke and Kaname." Turning to Ron, he asks, "What happened in Indonesia?"
"We got attacked during the drop by a Decepticon named 'Incinerator'. War Bird took a hit to the tail rotor and had to piggy-back onto Sky Base until we got to Merida. Lt Sachs is working on the repairs right now."
"Ouch. And the Thunderbirds?"
"Thunderbirds 1 and 2 got minor damage." Snarling, he adds, "If only we had saved some MBS rounds. Then we'd have seen how a Decepticon can handle it. Or if at all."
"Well, we could always contact Mr Miles and see if he could spare some of the formula. If only for experimentation purposes." Ron considers it before shaking his head 'no'.
"Nah. He wouldn't go for it, Norman. I guess we'll have to find another way to try fighting back in case there aren't any Autobots nearby. Even if we're not active anymore." Pondering it, he adds, "Of course, we could think about it even more. Bonnie wants 'Incinerator's head on her wall as a trophy in a really bad way."
"That'd be a pretty big-ass trophy, Ron-man. You'd need a heli-crane and an open roof to get it into her house." Norman can't contain his amusement at Felix's words. "He would!"
(Tokyo Memorial Gardens; Sagara gravesite; same time frame)
"Here they are, Liz. Finally back home where they belong." Liz can only nod at Luke as he prays at the graves of Fumiko and Keiko Sagara. After he prays, he smiles and says, "I saw Rokuro a short time ago, Uncle, Aunt. He hasn't changed very much, except for a slight damper in his usual mood. But I'm sure his lady-friend can get him out of it." Turning to Liz, he grins before turning back.
"This is my wife, Liz. She's a cop from Detroit, Michigan. I met her while delivering the force's new uniforms to the precinct she works out of. Now, I know my job isn't glamorous and her job's dangerous as Hell, but somehow it's working out pretty well. We're even…"
"A sight for sore eyes. Though I don't know about her, Luke." Luke and Liz turn toward the voice and see a slightly elder man and woman very familiar to Luke.
"Mr and Mrs Fujisaka."
"What'd I tell you before, Luke? You can call us Uncle Ryu and Aunt Naoko, seeing as your Father was my dear departed sister's brother-in-law." The woman nods before taking over.
"That makes you family. Even if not by blood."
"Okay." Unsure still, Luke tentatively says, "It's nice to see you again, Uncle Ryu, Aunt Naoko."
"Likewise." Ryu smiles widely as he steps forth and clasps Luke's hand into his. While Naoko eyes Elizabeth intently. "How long has it been, my boy?"
"Too long. Sousuke's Grandmother doing well?"
"You haven't stepped foot on Japanese soil in years and the first question you ask is about Mother? Even though she didn't like the family Keiko married into? You've got a big a heart as Keiko's." Smirking, he then says, "By all accounts, then you know about Sousuke, Kaname and their little boy."
"Yeah. Liz and I just saw the happy couple in Okinawa about three weeks back during our honeymoon. The big question here is why weren't you at the wedding, Uncle? Aunt?" Luke's question in itself gets Ryu to chortle and Naoko to giggle before she gives their reply.
"Even if we knew about it, there was no way we'd attend a wedding in, of all places, a Hospital Chapel! The event should've been held in a Shinto shrine." Giving Liz a soft glance, she adds, "Even more, you married a lovely woman. Congratulations to you both on your marriage." Liz can't help but blush rosy red, gently rubbing her belly.
"Thank you, Mrs Fujisaka." Next thing she knows, Naoko wags her right index finger toward her.
"What Ryu told Luke goes for you as well, missy."
"Okay, Aunt Naoko." Giving her a soft smirk, she adds, "Oh, and I'm not 'missy'. I'm Elizabeth." As Ryu chortles again, and Naoko giggles again, they give Elizabeth applause of delight.
"I'm pleased to see that Luke has great taste. You're a real spitfire." Liz can't help but lightly blush while Ryu chortles still. Naoko has a serene smile as she adds, "It's nice to meet you, Elizabeth. May your home be blessed by many beautiful children."
"Thank you, Aunt Naoko." Turning toward Keiko's marker, she goes on. "From what Luke told me about Keiko, she was very kind." Next thing Luke and Liz know, Ryu sighs. With Naoko clasping Ryu's right shoulder in support.
"Yes. Keiko was very kind. Even if those were not from the same caste as she was from. Of course, Mother didn't share that one aspect." Casting a gaze toward Keiko's marker, he softly goes on. "Ever since he was born, Sousuke had the love and devotion of both Fumiko and Keiko. When Sakura was born in my home three years later, he vowed to be her 'protector'. Her 'sentinel' or any other name you can think of. Naoko thought it was the cutest thing."
"Who's Sakura?" Luke's question stuns Liz, Naoko and Ryu until the latter two smile warmly.
"I'm guessing that Fumiko hid Fukoa having a niece, judging from your question."
"I'm guessing so. But, why, Aunt Naoko?"
"With Fumiko, it was to protect her from what Hangi Oshimura originally had in mind for Sousuke and didn't want him to know about her. Or Fukoa to be interrogated for something he didn't know about." Before he can go on, Luke and Liz hurriedly exit the cemetery, rendering Ryu and Naoko amused.
"Just like his Father and Uncle. Kimiko and Keiko are undoubtedly laughing themselves silly right now."
"Yes, Ryu. Without a doubt, they are."
As they rapidly exit the cemetery, Liz turns her attention to Luke and can't help but feel worried about him.
"You okay, honey?"
"I don't know. I mean, I find out I have a cousin I've never met before. Sousuke hadn't mentioned having a sister at any time at all. How should I feel, Liz?"
"Luke, think rationally a bit, will ya? Sousuke's been fighting since he was, what, eight?"
"Yeah." Slowing down, he allows Liz to catch her breath before going on. "He's seen various Hell-holes from one side of the globe to another."
"Do you think that if he'd remembered having a sister, he'd mention it?"
"True." His eyes opening up, he then smiles in realization. "Which means he must've just found out about her! Come on!" Bolting away from Liz, he yells out, "Come on, honey!"
Liz can only sigh in exasperation before hailing a cab. When one stops, she remembers one line in Japanese as she gets in.
"Follow that man."
"Yes, ma'am." As the cab driver drives, he catches up to Luke and asks, "Where you going to, buddy?" Not breaking stride, Luke gives his reply.
"Maison K Apartments."
"Ah. Care for a lift?" Luke glances toward the voice and sees a smirking Liz sitting in the backseat. Luke can only sheepishly grin as he gets in beside Liz. Amusing the cabbie to no end. "So, what was the rush for?"
"I have a cousin I've never met, it seems. I aim to rectify that."
"Ah. And the pretty lady that's smirking?" Sheepish grin in place still, Luke drapes an arm across Liz's shoulder. With Liz luxuriating in the partial embrace.
"She's my wife. I bolted off, forgetting she's expecting, sure she'd be able to keep pace with me. Silly me."
The cabbie can't help but guffaw while Liz giggles. Even though she didn't understand what was being said, she got the gist of it. From there, she leans herself further against Luke, wrapping her arms around him as best she can.
"So, what do you do, ma'am?" When the cabbie doesn't get a reply from Liz, he looks in the rearview mirror and lifts an eyebrow at seeing her blink bewilderedly toward him. Returning his attention to Luke, he asks, "Her Japanese is not complete, is it?"
"Correct."
"Could've fooled me. She sounded like a native when she told me to follow you."
"That's because she's a cop from Detroit. All throughout the honeymoon, we either came across people that spoke English or I translated for her. Most of the time, it was half-half." Next thing they know, Liz's voice comes up. In totally amused English.
"I don't know how, but I know you two are talking about me." As the cabbie chortles, he can't help but turn to English.
"Sorry, but you sounded like a native when you told me to follow your husband."
"Yeah, well, of all the phrases I learned before we eloped, that one was the one I remembered the most."
"Ah, because of your Police work in Detroit, ah?"
"Yeah." Giving Luke an exasperated look, filled with love, she adds, "I don't know how long I'd have lasted without Luke as translator. But I'm guessing not very long. Your English is pretty good, by the way."
"Ah, thank you. I like to practice any time I get non-Japanese tourists in here."
"Keep practicing."
"I will." Curious, he then asks, "Your names?"
Luke can't help but beam widely as he replies, "Luke and Elizabeth Sagara."
"SAGARA?" Slamming his foot onto his brakes, he jars the both of them forward. Putting the cab into 'park', he bolts out screaming. "NOT ANOTHER ONE! AHH! I QUIT! I QUIT! NO MORE!" As he bolts away, Luke and Liz exit the cab in extreme befuddlement. Liz then turns to him, bemusement on her face.
"What the fuck's with him, Luke?"
"No idea at all, Liz. But, judging from his response to our last name, I'd say he came across Sousuke before."
"What an odd reaction from a man in this profession."
Luke can only give her a nod as they walk away from the abandoned cab. Cars behind the cab blaring their horns. As they walk, intent on their destination, Liz goes on.
"I mean, it's not like Sousuke threatened to shoot him, right? At least without good reason."
"With guys like that, who knows? It's a weird world, after all."
"Oh, how true that is." Gently caressing her belly, she asks, "What kind of name would you like for the baby, Luke?"
"Well, when I turned six, I asked my parents about where my name came from. It turns out that Dad was a 'Star Wars' buff. He got Mom hooked on it and they decided that if I turned out to be a boy, it'd be Luke or Han."
"Why the 'or' part?" At Liz's question, Luke can only shrug haplessly.
"Dad was torn between the two." As Liz giggles, Luke chortles before going on, "If I was a girl, Leia."
"Well, seeing as you're a boy, why didn't you have a sister?"
"Oh, if I could've, I would've. But, after I was born, there were complications."
"What kind?"
"The kind that any further births would've killed her. Along with the baby. When I came out, I was pretty big for a newborn. According to Dad, anyway."
"Oh, honey." Giving Luke a soft peck, she whispers, "I'm sorry."
"You've nothing to apologize for, Liz. I may not have had a sister, but I got a cousin that was more like a brother to me about four years after I was born. When I went into Junior High, I met Rokuro. Sousuke was six at that time. Rokuro treated him like the baby brother he never got to have. If not cousin."
"How'd that make you feel?"
"Like I had two brothers instead of being an only child."
"How'd you and Rokuro meet?"
At Liz's question, Luke can only smile fondly.
"My first day of Junior High, I was so nervous and excited at the same time, I accidentally bumped into him. Knocking his satchel from his hands. We both butted heads, literally, when we both bent down to pick it up." Liz can't help but giggle in amusement.
"That must've been awkward." Luke can't help but nod as he chortles.
"Awkward, but fitting. While we were rubbing our foreheads, we looked at each other and cracked up laughing. The both of us heard some girls giggling as they walked by while we laughed."
"I would've loved to have seen that!" At Liz's giggles, Luke can only chuckle as well.
"Yeah, well, from there, we'd been the best of friends." From there, his jovial mood fades slightly. "Of course, his folks weren't exactly thrilled with the prospect of their son being friends with a military brat. They felt that those from the military and business castes don't mix well."
"Oh, the self-important type, huh?"
"Yeah. His brother, Kentoushi, was no better. He even looked down at Sousuke as if he was a bug to be stepped on and forgotten."
"Kentoushi sounds like an immature and arrogant asshole. As do the others of the Okajima clan."
"Yeah. Of course, out of the Okajima clan, Rokuro was the most mature and least arrogant one."
"What'd your folks and Sousuke's think?"
"They loved him like family." Smirking, he adds, "It was even a gag in our family that Rokuro was a Sagara abducted at birth by a crooked doctor or politician."
That in itself gets Elizabeth to giggle madly before saying, "That'd explain why he got along so well with your family." Nodding as he chortles, Luke sighs before sighing sadly.
"Yeah. We even told Rokuro what we thought and considered getting him tested. But, his Birth Certification indicated for all intents and purposes that he was an Okajima. Regardless, we treated him like he was one of our own. Even Uncle Ryu and Aunt Naoko liked him. At times, they even acted like Rokuro was a nephew of theirs as well."
"You know that crooks with political connections can get them altered. Could it be that someone got to the paperwork and swapped it out or something?" Luke can only shrug as they arrive at their destination.
"Hell knows, babe. But, I'll tell you this much. Rokuro was and still is like family to me. Asahi made a big ass-fucking mistake in giving him up for dead. All just to protect their worthless asses. And don't even get me started on the Okajima clan."
"Mistake indeed. I just hope Revy takes good care of him." Her face scrunching up, she muses, "I can't help but feel as if I've seen her before, though."
"From Detroit, hon?"
"Nope. Out of town. New York, I think. I'll check when we get back to Michigan, though. Commander Murphy might be able to help me in finding out why she's so familiar."
"Yeah. But, it's probably nothing major."
"Yeah. Probably." Giving Luke a grin as she embraces him, she adds, "Hell. I'll let it go just as long as she takes good care of him."
"You saw it too, huh? An unspoken attraction between the two, I mean."
"Yep. I can't help but wonder how they met."
"Whatever the story is, it must be a doozy." Liz can only nod in agreement as they go into the building. "Let's take the elevator, honey."
"Okay." As Liz presses the button, she can't help but wince at how noisy the elevator is. "When's the last time they lubed the shaft? Or the pulley for the cable at least? The '60s?"
"No idea."
It takes the squawking elevator thirty minutes to get to them and another thirty minutes to get to their desired floor. Almost, that is for just before the elevator gets to their desired floor, it grinds to a halt.
"Aww. You're kidding." Shaking his head, he can't help but look over at Liz and sees her with a sultry smirk. "Liz?"
"Yes, Luke?"
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Just feeling randy right now. Must be my hormones going bonkers with the pregnancy." With that, she goes onto her knees and opens Luke's trousers. "Just to pass the time away." Before Luke can even grin, Liz goes to it.
(Twelve hours ago; Mikihara Home)
"So, are all in agreement then?"
"Yes, Lord Mikihara. The 'surprise attack' will commence at 0930 hours tomorrow. The Inaba and Tsubaki men won't know what hit them."
"SOUSUKE!" Kaname can't help but be exasperated as she goes on. "It's a 'wedding', not an attack on a psycho stronghold."
"I'm aware of that, Kaname. However, all such plans must include the possibility of psycho strongholds." Much to Kaname and Sousuke's surprise, Mizuki nods.
"I'm with the mad otaku on this. If Daddy was to find out early, he'd go psycho before throwing me into a convent. And, quite frankly, I'd make a terrible nun." Kaname can only think one thing.
'No argument there!' Checking her watch, she grimaces and says, "We better get going. It's almost time for Sousuke Jr's feeding."
"Very good, Lady Sagara. Motherhood suits you well."
"I thank you, Lord Mikihara." With that, Kaname and Sousuke exit, both wondering why they were addressed as such still. But, they both learned early on that to question a Yakuza chief like that is to invite death. However…
"Lord Mikihara." Mizuki catches Issei's panicked expression and ignores his attempts to dissuade her from her current track.
"Yes, young Lady Inaba?"
"I'm curious regarding our being addressed as 'Lord' and 'Lady'. We don't qualify such titles, sir."
"Perhaps not to you. But, you're friends with my Ren. That is what qualifies you such titles." Tapping his chin thoughtfully, he remarks, "Come to think of it, you're actually the first person to ask me about the titles. It's not like I'm going to kill you or anyone for asking me. I may be in a bad line of work, but I'm not that bad. " Next thing he knows, Issei lets out a sigh of relief.
"Phew. For a while there, I thought we were goners."
"You mean you thought that I'd…" Unable to resist guffawing, he does so. Smirking in amusement as he guffaws, he adds, "That must be why Lord and Lady Sagara didn't ask. Lady Sagara's clearly been watching too many bad Yakuza movies and she prompted him to not even ask."
"Shall we explain to them, Lord Mikihara?"
Getting himself back under control, chortles still escaping, Kanji gives a nod before speaking.
"If you wish to, you may, young Lord Tsubaki."
"Sir."
Kanji then smiles as he dismisses them before snickering. As Issei and Mizuki exit, they both hear Kanji burst out into laughter even more. The next ten minutes between the two is in silence until Issei clears his throat.
"He took your question a lot better than what I expected. Though I didn't quite expect him to start laughing his head off."
"Uh-huh." Stretching out her arms, she asks, "Are you up to tomorrow, Issei?"
"Yes and no. Yes because we're getting 'married'. No because once they find out, our days are sure to be numbered." Mizuki can only nod before gathering her determination.
"But it's like Mr Mikihara said. It's the only way he can think of for those two to reestablish their portion of the friendship with him."
"Yeah. It must've been lonely for him since Ren's Mother died. Well, aside from Ren watching over him."
"Yeah. Ren's good like that. She'd make a good Mother some day." Her mouth twitching into a smile, Mizuki adds, "I can't help but wonder what Sousuke looked like as a baby."
"That's a rather abrupt switch. What's up?" At Issei's question, Mizuki can only shrug.
"I don't know. Maybe it's from seeing Kaname and Sousuke with their son that's making me think maternal thoughts. You know about Kyoko and Shinji, right?"
"You mean…" At her nod, Issei can only exhale sharply. "I can just picture their kid. A cute as a button shutterbug with a military fetish."
"It won't be that bad!" The voice behind them startles them before they turn around and see Kyoko Tokiwa and Shinji Kazama. Kyoko has her right hand on her still-slender belly as she adds, "At least I don't think so. How about you, Shinji?"
"I don't think so, either. But I think Issei got one aspect right. This little one's going to be cute as a button. Especially considering the Mother."
"Shinji!" Her face going beet red, Kyoko can't help but giggle as she pecks Shinji's cheek. "What am I going to do with you?"
"How about marriage?"
Kyoko's eyes can't help but go wide as Shinji brings out an engagement ring. With Mizuki and Issei smiling widely, plotting going on in their minds. A second later, all of Tokyo can hear Kyoko's reply.
(Maison K Apartments; Sagara Apartment)
As she rocks Sousuke Jr in her arms, Sakura feels herself being lulled to sleep. Only to be startled to fully awake when she hears a joy-filled feminine yell. Puzzled at the yell, she can only ask one thing.
"What the heck?"
(En route to Maison K; Roadwolf)
As Kaname enjoys the air flowing through her long blue locks, with Sousuke behind the wheel, she gazes lovingly at the one man that affected her life in so many ways. As she reaches over to his hand, she's soon startled by a familiar voice. Amplified by joy.
"YES!"
Blinking her eyes, Kaname can't help but think, 'Kyoko?' Only she hears Sousuke chortling quietly in the background. "Sous-kun?"
"Yeah, Kana-chan?"
"Was that Kyoko I just heard?"
"Affirmative."
"Okay. Why were you chortling?"
"It seems Shinji's proposal elicited the desired reaction."
"A sneak attack proposal, then." At his nod, Kaname can only giggle in exasperation. "Only you, Sousuke. Only you."
"I take it you approve, then."
"Well, I'll put it to you like this. If it'd been anyone else, I'd be cross with them. Blindsiding Kyoko like that. But, with you, it's actually quite fitting that she got blindsided." Curious, she then asks, "So what brought that on, anyway?"
"Shinji asked me to help him propose to her. I agreed, telling him the best element in a soldier of any kind's 'bag of tricks' is surprise. Be it a soldier of war or love." Not quite sure if he got it right, he adds, "At least, I think that's the way it goes."
"That'll work. Kyoko'll make such a pretty bride, too. Along with a loving Mother."
"Affirmative. Much like you are."
"Oh, Sousuke." Kaname can't help but giggle, thinking, 'The honeymoon may have ended, but I think I could get to like treating it like it's still going on!' Shortly afterward, she begins thinking about Mr Nakasumi's offer.
Casting an askance glance at Kaname, he can see she's thinking deeply.
"You okay, honey?"
"Yeah. It's just that I'm thinking of taking up the offer from Mr Nakasumi. That way I'd have something to do when you're away on missions. Of course, given your status of 'on-call for emergencies only', it'd give you something to do as well."
"True. It really is too bad terrorists and drug lords don't keep regular hours. It'd make Mithril's job much easier to do."
Kaname can't help but giggle mirthfully as they reach the Maison K apartments. Sousuke looks out to the distance and sees a tow truck taking a seemingly disabled cab out of traffic.
"It would appear as if that taxi's maintenance has lagged somewhat. Or, it's a terrorist plot. One of the two."
"What makes you say that, Sousuke?"
"Why else would a tow truck be needed?"
"Breakdowns happen unexpectedly, no matter how well-maintained a cab is. Terrorists? Geez. Why would an insane lunatic use a taxi for terrorist plots? They're crazy enough as it is. They don't need to be any crazier."
Shuddering at the thought, amusing as it is, of a terrorist careening through traffic screaming out incomprehensible gibberish, Kaname puts it out of her mind as she tugs Sousuke into the building. Only to stop when she sees the crowd in front of the elevator. Grumbling about it being out of order.
"Looks like it's the stairs for us, Sousuke."
"Roger. It won't be a problem as we are in excellent shape." His hand lightly brushing her right thigh, he adds, "You're so nicely toned, Kaname." With that, Sousuke heads toward the stairwell, a beet red Kaname stone still. Until…
"Why you… get back here!" Giggling as she chases her chortling husband up the stairs, Kaname can't help but think, 'With this maniac's graceful antics, my life will never be dull! I never want him out of my life! I will never let him go! No matter how annoyed he makes me, he is my love and I am his!'
Reaching their floor at the same time, a chortling Sousuke takes a giggling Kaname into his arms. Planting a massive kiss on her lips, he gazes into her warm brown eyes and sees them alight in love. In turn, she gazes into his steel grey eyes and sees his strength of heart for her. To her, that's the most important thing about him. Well, along with…
Giggling as she reaches down to his crotch, she sultrily purrs as she strokes his bulge.
"Is that a grenade in there or are you enjoying yourself, Sousuke?" Feeling playful himself, Sousuke smirks.
"Why don't you open my zipper and find out for yourself, Kaname?" The glint in her eyes is positively smoldering as she purrs in delight.
"Now that is an invitation I can't possibly pass up." Just as she gets ready to open his zipper, she can hear a man crying out in ecstasy. The cry is faint, but she can easily hear it. As can Sousuke. "Was that a man in the elevator, Sousuke?"
"It sounds like it, Kaname. Much as I'd like us to continue…"
"Agreed. Help first, play later." Her eyes still alit, she tenderly kisses him as they exit the stairwell and head for the elevator. Much to their surprise, Ron's there already. "What's going on, Ron?"
"Bon-Bon's having a craving and I was elected to get the ingredients for her. Only the elevator's stopped working."
"You mean it was working beforehand?" Ron nods at Sousuke's question, prompting Sousuke to ask, "Do you how far down it is?"
"I'd say between this floor and the next one down."
"So it was a little shy of getting here, then. Not a problem. I've got something in the apartment I've been eager to try out."
"Marvy. While you get it, I'll work on getting this door open."
"Roger. Give me 120 seconds."
"You got it, buddy." With that, Sousuke and Kaname go into the apartment while Ron works on getting the door open by bypassing the control panel. Within a minute, he has it bypassed and the door opens, prompting his next remark. "Open sesame." Thirty seconds later, Sousuke comes back out, a small multi-jointed ladder on his shoulder. Kaname right behind him.
"Not bad, Ron. Feel up to seeing why the elevator's not running anymore?"
"Sure, Sousuke. I'm kinda curious about something, anyway." Kaname can't help but find herself curious about Ron's words.
"About what, Ron?"
"Just how old an elevator's motor has to be before it burns out."
"That's what you're thinking?"
"Yeah."
"Well, good luck to you. Be careful, though."
"You know me, Kaname."
"Why do you think I said for you to be careful, you nut?"
"She's got a point there, Ron."
Ron can only chortle at Sousuke's words as he reaches into the shaft and grabs hold of a rung of the shaft's emergency ladder. As he clambers up the ladder, Sousuke follows suit.
Only he goes in the opposite direction. Upon reaching the elevator car, he steps lightly onto it and knocks on the emergency hatch.
"Knock knock." A female voice familiar to Sousuke answers him.
"Who's there?"
"I am." With that, a male voice very familiar to his ears chimes up.
"I am who?"
"I am here to get you out." The female voice can only groan in exasperation.
"That's a bad knock-knock joke if I ever heard one. It's gotta be Sousuke. Only he can make jokes that terrible." Sousuke can only grin at his cousin-in-law's exasperation before taking the ladder off his shoulder.
"Hang on, Luke and Liz. Just gotta get the hatch opened up and…" Hoisting the hatch door up, he grins upon seeing his cousin and new cousin-in-law. "Looking forward to getting out of here? Or haven't you had enough of the 'shaft' yet?"
"Damn right we are, Sousuke. As for the 'shaft' bit…" Liz's tone tells Sousuke that she's in no mood for levity. Especially from Sousuke as his jokes, in her opinion, have a tendency to be bad.
Unfolding the ladder, Sousuke grins as he lowers the ladder through the hatchway. Stepping onto the ends on the roof of the car to stabilize, he smirks downward.
"Ladies first." Liz gives a smirk right back to him as she climbs up. Unable to resist a wiseacre comment herself.
"At least common manners aren't lost on the Sagara family. Of course, you guys being the only Sagara men I know, I could be biased." Reaching the top of the ladder, she gives Sousuke a quick hug, whispering, "It's great to see you again, Sousuke."
"Same to you, Liz." Looking back down, he adds, "You're up, Luke."
"Right. Once I get up there, though, you and me are going to have words."
"How do you mean, Luke?"
"I'm talking about Sakura, of course." Rolling his eyes as he begins climbing the ladder, Luke adds, "Liz and I came across Uncle Ryu and Aunt Naoko at Uncle Fumiko and Aunt Keiko's graves."
"Ah. Well, come on up so we can get caught up onto the same sheet of music."
"You better believe I will. Plus, you won't believe who Liz and I came across at Narita when we arrived. Of course, it's likely you don't remember him."
"Huh?" Five seconds later, Luke's on the car's roof and Sousuke can faintly hear Ron's voice. "What was that, Ron? I didn't get that!"
"The motor's fried, Sousuke! Old age did it in!"
"Roger! I'll let the building super know!"
"Coming down! Heads up!" About thirty seconds later, Ron slides down the cable like a fireman does a pole. Leather gloves on his hands. "That was so cool." Luke and Sousuke can't help but smirk at Ron's words before Ron notices Luke. "Hey, it's been a while, Luke." Luke can't help but blink perplexedly at how casually Ron greeted him.
"Do I know you from somewhere?"
"Yeah. We met in Okinawa, remember?"
Sousuke can't help but stifle a chuckle, knowing full well that Luke hadn't only met Ron at Okinawa, but in Shanghai as well. Along with Ron not being very recognizable in other circles, it made Ron blending in quite easy. Luke then snaps his fingers in remembering where he met Ron in Okinawa.
"Oh yeah. We went diving together while Mr Altobelli went fishing. How is he, by the way?"
"He's doing fine, on his way back to Metro. He left out before you and Liz got here." Luke is understandably perplexed about it all.
"Huh. I thought he'd left out long ago." Ron can only shrug as he starts climbing the shaft's emergency ladder to get to the doorway while Sousuke refolds the smaller ladder.
"What can I say? The man loved the fishing in Japan so much, he extended his stay."
"Ah. How about you?"
"My wife, our friends and I flew in from the States to see Sousuke, Kaname, their son, Sousuke's little sister." Catching Sousuke's grin, Ron grins back and adds, "Who we still have yet to meet, by the way. Plus some other friends that moved here some time back."
"Oh, so you didn't know Sousuke had a sister either, then."
"That's right. Of course, he didn't even remember her from being out in the field for a long time. After all, being a warrior from a young age does tend to make one a mite forgetful. So, it's not his fault. If you want to blame someone, blame Hangi Oshimura." Slapping his forehead in exasperation, he misses Sousuke's attempts to wave him off.
"You may need a Ouija Board to do the blaming, though. Seeing that the asshead's dead and all." Much to Sousuke's surprise, Luke doesn't even ask Ron or Sousuke how Ron knows about Oshimura. Instead, Luke mentally asks himself how. Along with…
'I know I came across him before Okinawa. I just know it! But how? Him knowing Sousuke was no mere happenstance. Is he Mithril personnel or allied in some way to the group?' As Ron leans down to give Liz a hand-up, her accepting, his mind going on.
'The way he moved was familiar. Where did I see it before?' Once Liz's on the destination floor, he watches as Ron leans down toward him, intent on giving him a hand-up. 'I'm so terrible with things like this. Hopefully Liz's noticed something.' Sure enough, as Ron helps Luke out, Liz has noticed a few things.
'His movements are efficient. No waste of energy at all. Something like what you'd find on a person that…' Curious, she verbally asks, "Ron, did you ever ride a motor?"
"A motorcycle? Not until I got my prosthetic knee put in a couple years back. In fact, I've been thinking about getting a new DN-01 while we're here in Japan." Liz can't help but feel curious about Ron having a prosthesis. Let alone one for a knee.
"Why would you have a prosthetic knee, Ron? Wouldn't your religion frown down on it?"
"My original one was destroyed when Josh 'Monkey-Boy' Mankey sabotaged my last mission with Kim. As for my religion, I'm not exactly a conventional Jew. Way I see it, long as I live a righteous life, I've got it made. Even if not all of me is original." Giving the prosthesis acting as his right knee a soft pat, he grins.
"I'll tell you one thing, though. It's certainly good to be able to flex my right leg again. Going around like a peg-legged pirate is no fun after a while. Heck. It was no fun whatsoever. I couldn't even be the Mad Dog anymore. Now how wrong-sick is that?"
"I'd say very wrong-sick." As Ron nods at Liz's words, she thinks, 'His answers are perfect. Too perfect.' Shrugging as he hefts Luke out of the shaft, she smiles softly at her husband as he takes her into his arms. As he smells her hair, he can smell the scent of apples and cinnamon.
"I love that scent. Makes me think of apple pies." Luke's words get Liz to giggle while Ron helps Sousuke out of the elevator shaft. Luke's eyes then go wide as he sees a young girl that looks like Keiko standing in the hallway. "You've got to be Sakura."
"I am. You are?"
"I'm Luke Sagara. The son of Fukoa and Kimiko Sagara."
"Daddy told me about his brother, as had Uncle Ryu. Both of them told me I had a cousin named after a 'Star Wars' character. All because Uncle Fukoa was a fan of 'Star Wars' and decided to honor one of the heroes of the rebellion." Bowing, she adds, "Sakura Sagara. Nice to meet you." Luke is perplexed at Sakura's bow until he hears Liz giggling.
"My bad. Sakura, this is my wife. Elizabeth Davis-Sagara. Officer of the Detroit Police Department."
"Hello, Sakura. It's nice to meet you."
"You as well, Elizabeth."
"Please. You can just call me Liz."
"Okay, Liz. One question though." Liz can't help but feel Sakura's about to ask a wiseacre question. But, she decides to allow it anyway.
"Sure."
"Were you ever called 'Lizardbreath' or any other name with 'Liz' in it?"
"Oh yeah."
"Did it hurt?"
"Well, when it came to those that said it spitefully, yeah. For those that meant it as a term of endearment, not really."
"I see." Looking down sadly, she adds, "I guess you had it easier than me."
"Sakura, you okay?" The sound of Sousuke's voice gets Sakura to look up briefly before nodding. "No, you're not, Sakura. What's wrong, sister? Are you thinking about what the others called you before…"
"Kinda hard not to. Even though you're before me, alive, I can't help but think about how easy it would've been to 'accept' your death. Just to fit in. But, but…" As Sakura breaks down, she feels a set of arms encircle her. Looking up, she sees Luke's face. Gentle smile gracing his features.
"I know how you're feeling, Sakura. Until I was reunited with Sousuke in Detroit after the fight with the Sho-Da-Kah and their lackeys, I had no idea I'd be coming across him. I had a slight feeling that he was alive still, but it wasn't enough to convince me."
"So what sealed it?"
"He remembered our oath as 'blood brothers'. Even though we were cousins. He also remembered the toy we fought over the most."
Sakura doesn't say a thing. She just snuggles into her older cousin as Liz comes up behind her and starts gently rubbing her back. As Liz rubs Sakura's back, Luke turns back to Sousuke and sees him standing beside Ron. Grins on both their faces. Returning the grin, Luke then remembers Rokuro and his situation.
"Sousuke, I don't know if you remember, but here goes. Rokuro Okajima." Sure enough, Sousuke only blinks perplexedly. "He was a friend of mine from Junior High. From before your life got all fucked up. He treated you like the little brother he never got to have." Still nothing. "I guess it'd been too long since you saw him, then."
"If I can't remember him, then that'd be the case. Sorry."
"It's okay, cousin." Taking a deep breath, he goes on. "Liz and I came across him at Narita Airport. He was in the company of a woman named Revy. He said she'd come across a Yakuza swordsman."
"Are they requiring protection?" Sousuke's question gets a light chuckle from Luke before he goes on.
"Nah. It seems Revy's able to take care of herself seeing as Yakuza swordsmen don't believe in draws."
"Ah. So, where do I come in?"
"Rokuro was working for a company named Asahi Industries. They gave him up for dead just to conceal the fact they're doing nuclear weapons research and smuggling it." That, in itself, keys Sousuke's interest to no end.
"Does he have any proof of these allegations?"
"Dunno. We managed a short conversation until the announcement for their flight came up." Ron, unable to contain his curiosity, pipes up.
"Where were they heading to?"
"Roanapur, Thailand." The mention of Roanapur raises Sousuke's hackles lightly, yet Ron and Luke manage to catch it. "Sousuke?"
"Roanapur, Thailand is a smuggler's paradise. Mercenaries, criminals of various ilk and the occasional hapless victim find their way there at one point or another." Ron can't help but nervously gulp.
"Please tell me you're not thinking what I think you're thinking."
"I could, Ron, but it'd be a lie."
"Snap."
"Affirmative. If Rokuro is there, he's undoubtedly a hostage. Who knows what this 'Revy' is doing to him as we speak?"
(Flight to Bangkok; same time frame)
A young woman with long purple hair suddenly sneezes, multiple times, awakening both herself and her companion.
"You okay, Revy?"
"Yeah, I'm okay, Rock. Must be allergies from moving from one climate to another. That's all." Giving him a soft smile, she asks, "What else can you tell me about the Sagara family line?"
"Well, not much really." Rock's face taking a soft grin, he adds, "But, Luke's parents, Uncle and Aunt shared a running gag with me. One that possibly explained why I got along so well with them. Along with his Aunt's brother and his wife. As opposed to my own family." Her eyes alit in glee, Revy can't help but purr out seductively.
"What was it, Rock?"
"They felt I was a Sagara, taken from them at birth. By a lowlife with political connections."
"Hmm." Giving Rock an appraising glance, she nods as she says, "I can actually see that, Rock. I mean, look at how we first met. We took you captive for ransom, your former company threw you to the 'wolves', you came up with the plan that saved our asses and you became one of us." Rock can only shrug in agreement before Revy lobs out another question.
"Did you ever find out for sure whether or not you're actually a Sagara?"
"Nah. It wouldn't have been any use. My birth certification was notarized, with my family's seal on it. I was born an Okajima and I 'died' an Okajima. I'm now Rock."
"You are now, yeah, but didn't you ever… didn't you ever question it? I mean, the way you spoke about your family's apathy toward you when you didn't do so well the first time around. I seriously doubt that the Sagaras would've done that shit to you. No matter what kind of marks you got."
Shrugging, Rock replies, "No. I never saw any point to question. I mean, my family never lied to me… at least, I'm pretty sure they didn't." Unsure, Rock softly asks, "Why would they want to? I was their son. Wasn't I?"
"Oh, Rock." Wrapping her arms around him, she softly runs her fingers through his hair as he starts sobbing. As she holds him tightly to her lithe form, she thinks, 'If you are truly a Sagara, I'm going to see to it that you get back to Luke. I promise you that.' To seal the deal, she lightly kisses the top of his head. "It's okay, Rock."
In minutes, he's cried himself to sleep. With Revy holding him tightly to her still, fuming with anger toward the Okajima family, along with Asahi Industries. For the way they treated the nicest guy she'd ever met, along with the Sagara family, like garbage. Not once during the rest of the flight is he released from her arms.
(Tokyo; Sagara Apartment; same time frame)
After Sousuke, Luke and Elizabeth get Sakura into the apartment, Luke tells Sousuke all about what Rock had managed to tell him in a short amount of time. In the background, as Kaname cradles Sousuke Jr in her arms, she finds herself unable to accept the notion that a company like Asahi would find it acceptable to declare a person deceased. Just to protect research of an illegal nature. Let alone send mercenaries to ensure the person is deceased.
"So, what do we do? We can't let Asahi get by with it."
"With no hard evidence, there's not much Mithril can do, Luke. But, if we can get someone on the inside, as an investor or something, we can find a way in." Curious, Luke leans forward.
"Where are we going to find someone like that, Sousuke?"
"It'd have to be someone unknown, yet shady. Able to talk the talk and somewhat able to walk the walk." Grinning up at Luke, he asks, "Ever consider doing undercover work?"
"Sorry, cousin. Not going to be able to. One, if I was to use an alias, they'd see right through it as Liz and I are in the papers with you two. You know why, right?"
"Oh yeah. That shark in Okinawa. What about you not using an alias?"
"Still wouldn't work. The article from Okinawa mentions that Liz is a cop from Detroit. She may be on leave outside of her jurisdiction, but Asahi could consider her to be on an international assignment and kill her before me. Sorry, much as I'd like to help you, Sousuke, I can't." Taking Liz's hand into his, he adds, "Besides, I worry about her too much these days. Making sure she's eating right. Both for herself and…"
"I understand. You came to Japan a couple and are leaving with an extra passenger. Congratulations." Luke's eyes go wide, as do Liz's, before Liz regains her wits.
"But, how?"
"Kaname had that same maternal glow when she was in her first trimester, Elizabeth. And, I wouldn't consider worrying about her health worrying about her too much. Far as I'm concerned, there's no such thing as too much." Giving his cousin and cousin-in-law a fond smile, he adds, "It's probably better you not get involved beyond this point anyway."
"Yeah, probably. But, what about Rokuro being in that 'Den of Smugglers'? Wouldn't Roanapur be dangerous for him?"
"If he's still alive after Asahi's dealt with, we'll get him out of there. But, as far as I can tell, Roanapur's going to be the safest place he can possibly be in. If he's around mercenaries, and they know him well enough, he should be just fine."
"If not?"
"Then at least he wouldn't be suffering anymore." Luke's wince gets him to wince as well. "I know. I sound cold and callous like that. But I've been to Roanapur before." Kaname can't help but find herself curious.
"What was it like, Sousuke?"
"I'll put it to you like this. If you're a merc on the job or vacation, Roanapur's a resort village."
"I see. So, you did some work there, huh?"
"Affirmative. It may be a 'Den of Smugglers', but it's a way of life there. Doing whatever you can to survive."
"That I can understand." Switching back to the topic at hand, Kaname asks, "Who should we get to do what you have in mind?"
(Ten hours ago; Asahi Industries; Tokyo Office)
"Guys, are you sure about this?" As he looks up along the side of the skyscraper, Stuart grimaces. 'Why are there so many tall buildings here?'
"Very sure, Stuart. You're the most anonymous one I know of, plus you have acting experience of sorts." Sousuke's voice is barely reassuring in Stuart's Bluetooth-style earpiece as it goes on. "Mr Nakasumi will vouch for you should Asahi's CEO have any questions about your business there."
"But, why not Kim? She's more notable. Surely Asahi wouldn't pass up a chance to 'do business' with her." The next voice he hears isn't Sousuke's, but Ron's.
"You know what Kim would say to that, Stuart. She may be famous, but what Asahi did to Rokuro was enough to make her feel like vomiting. And don't get me started on Bonnie or Tara."
"Bonnie, I understand. But why Tara?" Smirking, Stuart asks, "How about Felix and Tara for this? They'd be able to pull it off." Much to his surprise, Tara comes up.
"Much as I appreciate the vote of confidence, I don't like the thought of people being screwed over for no good reason. Never have, never will." Before Stuart can ask, the bubbly blond goes on. Her voice's pitch rising in anger with every word.
"Felix was screwed over by Ben Logan, Ron was screwed over by Josh Mankey, Bonnie was screwed over by her 'Dad', Sousuke was screwed over by his 'Godfather'... Need I go on?"
"No. You needn't go on." Grunting out, he adds, "I just hope I can pull this off." With that, Sousuke's voice comes back up.
"Affirmative. Just remember, Stuart. You'll be all alone in there and facing almost certain death."
Stuart can't help a wry smirk as he retorts, "And loving it." Mustering his nerve, he adds, "Okay. I'm going in." Striding into the building, he gives the lady working the front desk a soft grin. Remembering his alias. "Hello, I'm Stuart Atkins, here to see Mr Asahi."
"Let me see here… yes. You're just in time, Mr Atkins. Mr Asahi's anxious to meet you. As is Mr Kageyama." Stuart can't help but blink in 'bewilderment' before she goes on. "Mr Kageyama is Mr Asahi's right hand man."
"Ah. Like a Vice-President, then."
"Yes. Executive Boardroom, twenty-eighth floor."
"Thank you kindly, Miss…"
"Just call me Junko, cutie." Stuart can't help but feel flattered at the lady's comment. Deciding to let her down easy, he shows her his engagement ring. "Oh, darn. Why are all the cute ones already taken?" Shrugging, Stuart heads for the nearest elevator. A smitten Junko watching after him. Once he's in the elevator, he exhales loudly.
"Why couldn't you have come in with me, Jessica?"
"I'm not much for company politics, Stuart. Sorry." A playful tone soon comes across as she asks, "Was she cute?" At that point in time, Stuart's reached the elevators and entered one. After selecting his destination floor, he gives his reply.
"I didn't really take the time to notice. After all, I'm engaged to a lovely young woman and intend to live the rest of my life with her."
"Hmm, right answer. Good luck in there."
"Thanks. I'll be needing all the luck I can get." When the elevator reaches it's floor, the door opens and Stuart exits. When he gets to his destination, he knocks on the door.
"Who is it?"
"Stuart Atkins. I'm here to see Mr Asahi."
"Ah, yes of course. Come on in." With that, the door opens and Stuart goes in. As he walks into the office, he sees two older men watching a television intently. Upon noticing it's a news channel, he asks, "What's new in the world, gentlemen?"
"A US Marshal's gone missing in the American Southwest. He and his truck." The man that answered looks up and sees Stuart before smiling sheepishly. "I'm Mr Kageyama. It's nice to meet you, Mr Atkins."
"Likewise, Mr Kageyama." At that, the other gentleman turns off the television. But not before Stuart can get a look at the man and the truck. 'That's the truck Ron saw back in Middleton.' Next thing he knows, the other man shares Kageyama's sheepish smile before going on.
"It's nice you showed up on time for our meeting, Mr Atkins. But I'm afraid you caught me in a disgraceful manner. For that, I apologize."
"It's no big deal, sir."
"I'm Mr Asahi, head of this fine corporation."
"Nice to meet you, Mr Asahi." A tense moment passes by before Asahi goes on.
"What can Asahi Industries do for you, Mr Atkins?"
Author's Notes: I thought I'd stop it right here and start another chapter to wrap up the timeframes.