~ Author's Note ~
Here comes the awaited Ch. 17! And today, as a guest on POL, we have the amazing author of the amazing RikuKana fic "Puppeteer", ROSE RAIN 7! *heart claps and whistles from audience*
Rose: *shuffles her way through wearing a black hoodie and sweatpants* Wassup.
Kubinashi: Hey there, Rose. Glad to see you after so long.
Rose: *Turns all jelly* Oh my Kubinashi! Thanks so much for inviting!
Kana: Welcome, Rose-san!
Rose: *Eyes pop out of there socket* My love Kana-chan! *bear hugs her* you are so KAWAII AND BEAUTIFUL!
Rikuo: =_= That scary girl again . . . . *shivers*
D.T: *clears throat*
Rikuo: I mean, welcome!
Rose: *side eye Rikuo while muttering this* I should have killed him in my fanfiction.
Tsurara: Nice to meet you! Glad to see someone who isn't a rival for Rikuo's love on the sets!
Rose: Who said I wasn't? *Dark aura comes off from a certain Yuki-Onna* Just kidding. He is just was way too overrated! He is nothing special *shoot arrows at Rikuo's pride* he probably stinks like a dead rat. *continues shooting* I've never fallen in love with him *Lies through her teeth*
Rikuo: She is definitely doing this out of revenge for calling her scary.
D.T: Rose! Disclaimer please?
Rose: She doesn't own anything other than this awesome plot. *dodge an attack from Tsurara* Enjoy this lovely chapter while I take care of some business... *Falcon punch Rikuo to the moon*
D.T: Enjoy the chapter guys!
Rose: I'll bite you to death! I-I mean good bye! ^_^;
Ch. 17 – Onset of Clouds
It was a bright moonlit evening, the white heavenly body a full circle in the sky. There were not too many stars accompanying it as the sky was heavily clouded, spelling signs of heavy rainfall. In spite of the unfavorable weather condition, many cars sped along the roads in the direction of one of Hokkaido's most popular nightclubs, Kyuso Dreams for the Autumn Arrival party.
From: Kazuma Hinata (Kappa)
Rikuo-sama, something seems to have happened to Ienaga-san. She is on her way with friends to Kyuso dreams but I noticed her crying. Please come as fast as you can.
Rikuo stared at the text message with worried eyes. He'd already thought she would've been attacked by now but he wasn't hoping for it to happen this soon. And not only that, she was going to Kyuso Dreams for the Autumn Arrival. The major nightclub owned by that rat, Kyuso Raimon. He didn't think he could be as much disgusted with someone as he was with that blonde playboy.
And now, when his date with Kana had been made public . . . . . he knew Kyuso wasgoing to do something to her. And it worried him.
Flashing lights outside drew his attention out of the window, his red eyes settled on the large Porsche in the driveway. A big, burly man stepped out of the driver's seat and opened the door to the passenger seat. Meanwhile, his butlers started taking out numerous luggage bags and taking it inside his large mansion. And out of the passenger seat stepped out a graceful woman dressed in an off-white, knee-length dress, black shrug and black gladiator heels. She ran a hand through her long black hair and her gaze immediately flitted towards the window where Rikuo stood.
Their eyes met; both the cousins' expressions unreadable.
There were three soft knocks on the door to Rikuo's room. The young Nura heir turned back and replied "Come in, Kuro."
The door opened and the sleek black-haired man stepped in, his expression not too happy. With an adherent bow, he said "Wakana-sama desires you downstairs, Rikuo-sama." He didn't need to say why.
Rikuo turned his attention back to the window, only to see everyone gone and the Porsche slowly being driven to the huge Nura garage. Half-heartedly, he muttered "Let's go." He had to deal with this first, before he could go see Kana. Kuro bowed again and together, they walked out of the large room.
The Nura mansion was a huge western-styled mansion but when Rihyon had first built it, it'd been a Japanese style manor with a large, immaculate Japanese garden. After a few decades, Rihan had broken down the mansion and had it re-built in a western way with a new, western-themed garden. However, a part of the Japanese garden had still been kept in the backyard of the Nura mansion.
Walking down the stairs, Rikuo could hear greetings from downstairs. "It's nice to see you again, Wakana" he heard a familiarly unpleasant voice say. From the top of the stairs, he saw her and his mother bowing smiling at each other, Ao standing beside his mother and Tsuchigumo standing beside her. Contrary to the smiling women, the two brawny men were glaring daggers at each other.
"Ne, you've come after so long Hagu-chan!" beamed his mother, as she took the raven-haired woman in an embrace. Even in her late forties, his mom looked really pretty with a smile that could light up the darkest of nights. And in the butterfly printed, cream-colored kimono with her shoulder-length hair in a top bun, she looked unusually graceful.
After he finally reached the bottom flight, Rikuo walked towards the two women and bowed. "Welcome home, Hagu-nee-chan" he smirked, knowing very well how much she hated the nickname. As they shook hands, both the cousins squeezed each other's hands painfully, making their dislike for each other clear.
The mentioned woman smirked back – unpleasantly – and said in her usual condescending voice. "Well, well, you look all dressed up Rikuo," she replied, her malicious dark eyes scrutinizing him "Going somewhere?"
Rikuo flinched on the inside but his smirk wasn't wiped off from his face. Damn the nosey bitch."Just out to a nightclub," he shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "Would you like to join?" If she says yes, I'm done for.
Gitsune stretched her muscles and stifled a big yawn. "I'd love to but I must decline. All those flight hours are killing my muscles."
Wakana, with her ever friendly smile, said "Then let's go to your room, Hagu-chan." Nodding to both her and her bodyguard, she said "Follow me."
As Wakana walked away, Gitsune started to follow her but stopped beside Rikuo. Putting her mouth close to his ear, she whispered, "And your new play toy seems to be a pretty little thing. But she also seems to be so breakable Rikuo." Her sentence sent waves of repulse down his body. "So easily breakable." And with that, she was off.
After they'd disappeared up the stairs, Ao muttered "Damn that fucking Gumo. Even after three years, he hasn't even gained an ounce of respect."
"Much like you?" Rikuo questioningly joked earning a weak protest from Ao. The three men walked into the cool evening air and towards the Nura garage, fully well knowing their destination. For tonight, Rikuo wanted to drive in his dark blue Jaguar and as he got in the passenger seat, he checked his phone for other messages.
In no time, they were out and on the streets. Kuro, who sat beside Ao on the driving wheel asked "You have your meeting tomorrow, right Rikuo-sama?" then he muttered to himself "We must get home by 10:00."
Rikuo looked up from his iPhone and leaning back in his seat muttered "Yup." He was wearing his new Blackberry dark blue blazer today over a graphic white shirt and faded blue jeans. He seldom wore such casual clothes but he had to admit, they did wonders as a disguise since Rikuo Nura rarely dressed casually in public. Then, taking out a black beanie, Rikuo pulled it over his thick mass of two-colored hair and donned his Ray Bans.
Ao, who was dressed in a muscled graphic tee and dark blue jeans, wolf whistled "You look hot, Rikuo-sama." Rikuo pushed down his glasses and both he and Kuro gave him a disapproving look. "I didn't mean it in that way!" Kuro smirked while Rikuo just nodded and chuckled.
Kuro had pulled his shoulder-length black hair into a smooth ponytail and he was wearing a black blazer, white shirt with first three buttons undone and black suit pants. As he expertly drove through the busy Hokkaido streets, suddenly, a long red car from the opposite direction grabbed his attention. His eyes darted over to the rolled down passenger seat and his mind suddenly blanked out.
It can't be . . . . .
"WATCH OUT!" Ao yelled as he pushed his friend to the side and swerved to the right, the Jaguar barely missing a speeding truck. Kuro, who'd been staring after the disappearing red car, was harshly pulled back into reality.
"What's the matter, Kurotabo?" Rikuo asked a little annoyed.
The black-haired man opened and closed his mouth once before replying "I-I'm sorry, Rikuo-sama. I just . . . . well . . . . I'm sorry." He took back the wheel from Ao, who could just stare at him with wide eyes.
As the drive continued, the big brunet stared at his friend from the corner of his eye. What just . . . . . happened?
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Natsumi was worried; very worried about Kana. The brunette had told them that some thief had come to their home but the cat-eyed girl had a hunch it had been something more. Kana-chan . . . . . isn't gonna lie to us right? We're friends. Of course she wouldn't lie to us! You're overreacting, Natsumi. You're overreacting . . . . . .
Kana stared out of the window of Kiyotsugu's Ferrari, Kiyotsugu and Jiro's chatter and Saori and Natsumi's gossip fading in the distance. She leaned her head against the window, staring outside at the several passing cars. Many of the vehicles seemed to be going into the direction of Kyuso Dreams for the Autumn Arrival.
However, that wasn't the primary subject which inhabited her mind currently.
Someone had broken into her home. Possibly to kidnap her. Or even kill her. She lightly shuddered at the latter thought. Dry tear lines marked her cheeks, her mascara having been completely smudged and removed. Saori had offered her set but the brunette had refused. Who would be in the mood for make-up after such a frightening ordeal?
Somehow, she'd managed to convincingly lie to her friends that it was only a thief; oh, if only it'd been something as minor like that! Who should she blame her misfortune on? . . . . . . It was her fault. Only if, back during Rihyon Nura's speech, she hadn't been so nosey. Damn her intuitions. She knew they would get her killed someday.
Was it . . . . Rikuo who'd sent someone to kill her? But he wouldn't do that, right, especially since it was himwho'd revealed about his and Hikage Daito Ryu's connection. She thought it wasn't him. She hopedit wasn't him.
Then there was the person who'd tried to kill both her andRikuo – or possibly only Rikuo – in Eden Gardens. Come to think of it, the black-haired bodyguardhadmentioned something about Rikuo having an enemy.
And there was only one other option left; the figure had been Hikage Daito Ryu.
She shuddered violently at the thought. She'd heard about how he brutally mutilated his victims; she'd been too grossed out to see the actual bodies. Japanese Underworld's most dangerous assassins. But he was working for the Nuras, right? And she was . . . an acquaintance of Rikuo – or at least she hoped. Maybe, he thought of her as a pesky witness. One he had to finish off quickly.
She reallyhoped it wasn't that.
"We're here guys!" whistled Kiyotsugu, stopping the Ferrari so the others could've a good view of the huge, luxurious nightclub in front of them. "This is Kyuso Dreams, peeps."
The whole building was covered with black glass, allowing clear view from the inside but darkness from the outside. Colorful, florescent lights lit up the whole place, a huge banner depicting 'Autumn Arrival'hung on the front. Below the building was a large gateway that went spiraling underground into the gigantic parking lot. Even as they spoke, various cars went on their way inside the basement. However, they had to pass through a giant scanner and strict security check up before they could enter the huge building.
As Kiyotsugu started driving, he asked "Hope you all have brought your age and identity proofs!" The girls nodded in unison but a shriek was heard from the blonde boy who sat in the passenger seat. Jiro, who felt around his clothes countless times for his Voters ID, froze, looking like he'd just eaten a spider without realizing. Kiyotsugu sighed as he slapped his head on the steering wheel. "You forgot, didn't you?"
Jiro slowly nodded, snot and tears dripping down his face. "Argggggggghhhhhhh!" Saori growled in annoyance, slightly getting up from her seat and slapping Jiro on the back of his head. "You idiot! I reminded you thrice, THRICE, to check your pockets! You're impossible Jiro!" Turning to Kiyotsugu, she said "Let's just leave him here!"
The blond boy bawled in the background while Natsumi smiled nervously. "Wait, wait, wait, Saori-chan!" she said, rubbing the annoyed blonde's shoulders soothingly. "L-Let's see if we can work something out with the guards!" Saori just muttered something incoherent under her breath before sitting down again.
Meanwhile, Kiyotsugu properly combed back his hair and smirking in the mirror, said "Don't worry. I'm sure the guards will make way for the handsome Kiyotsugu Kiyojuji, the heir of EasyLife Electronics! I'll just use my charm!" Saori rolled her eyes but prayed that the guards would bend to his will.
As the Ferrari entered the scanner, two bulky looking guards in black muscle shirts and tight jeans knocked on the rolled up window of the Ferrari. Kiyotsugu rolled it down and smirked at the guards – but the man's expression didn't change from that of a stone. "Identity and age proofs," he barked out in a gruff voice.
After Kana, Kiyotsugu, Natsumi and Saori had shown theirs, the guard turned to Jiro and raised an eyebrow, his dark shades gleaming in the neon lights. Jiro shivered before pulling on Kiyotsugu's dark blue shirt. "Well, you see my good man," smiled Kiyotsugu – rather uncomfortably – "My friend here forgot to get his identity proof." Pointing his thumb at Jiro, he said "So we were hoping you would-"
"Out." the man said without hesitation.
Kiyotsugu flinched a little but didn't back down. "Come on, my man." Flashing out his wallet, he smirked "If you let us in, you're gonna get-"
But before the dark blue-haired boy could complete his sentence, the man, along with three other bulky bouncers walked threateningly towards them. Saori and Natsumi huddled together, Kana backed away against the door and Jiro was on the verge of wetting his pants. "Listen, pretty boy." Kiyotsugu flinched at the nickname. "I know who and what you are but if you don't walk out this instance, then I'm gonna-" Suddenly, a crackling sound was heard from somewhere and the bouncer's hand flew up to his right ear, which held an earpiece. "Yes, boss? . . . . Allow them? Are you sure? . . . . Which gi-Ah, alright, alright boss." Then, he turned to Kiyotsugu again. "You can go."
Saori and Natsumi squealed and hugged each other with relief, Kana put a comforting hand on her heart, Jiro kissed Kiyotsugu (literally) and Kiyotsugu kicked him away in annoyance. Then, the Ferrari drove in, soon lost in the spiraling tunnel-like parking lot.
After parking the blue Ferrari, Kiyotsugu and the others got out, walking towards the elevator. There were already many cars but they knew that many more were to come. After all, it was only still 7:30. The real party began at 9.
As the elevator made its way to the top floor, Saori and Natsumi quickly got their make-up kits out and began painting themselves. Kana just stared at the glassy elevator, into the streets below and suddenly caught sight of a familiar car outside. Before she could watch any further, she felt someone pulling her. "Good grief, Kana!" scolded Saori, putting some compact on her victim's face. "All your make-up's gone! Why don't you ever bother to clean yourself up?"
"I'm okay, Saori, I really am," said the brunette, lightly pushing her friend away.
However, all it earned was a scoff from Saori. "Like hell you are!" She took out her eye-liner and mascara and quickly began working on Kana's eyes. "Remember how pretty we made you for the Nura date?" Kana almost gagged on the memories. "I'm gonna make you so pretty that any guy you come across is gonna fall head over heels for you!"
"If only Rikuo Nura would be here," muttered Natsumi dreamily "It would be a dream meeting for Kana-chan! And if his handsome bodyguard would come along as well!" Hearts appeared in Natsumi's eyes when she squealed the last sentence, a smiling Kuro's image appearing in her head.
"Handsome bodyguard?" the two boys muttered in unison, staring at each other.
Saori, who was working on a protesting Kana's lips, snorted. "Don't be absurd! What would Rikuo Nura do here of all places?"
"Well, most of Hokkaido's youth are coming here tonight" said Kiyotsugu, his index finger placed thoughtfully on his chin. "So he might come after all."
Saori, after a thorough examination, clapped her hands and happily exclaimed "Done!" Everyone stared at Kana and Jiro even wolf-whistled.
Kana blushed and looking away, asked in a low voice "Does it look too much?"
"No, it's perfect!" smiled Kiyotsugu, in his own pompous way. "Pretend to be my girlfriend for tonight, Kana-chan!"
"No, no, no!" yelled Natsumi, holding out her arms protectively in front of Kana. "She's Rikuo Nura's, not yours!"
Meanwhile, Jiro had playfully taken Kana's arm and as soon as the elevator opened at the designated floor, he ran away – dragging her – and grinned "The princess is mine!" Thankfully, the hallways were quite empty.
Kiyotsugu gasped pompously and playfully running after them, yelled "Come back here, you wicked Captain! Bring back my fiancé!"
Natsumi, somehow managing to run in her heels, chased them. "Don't destroy my OTP! Kana-chan belongs with Rikuo Nura!"
As the surrounding people gave the running teenagers weird looks, Saori shook her head and muttered "Kids" under her breath. But after a smile lit up her face, she ran to catch up with her friends, yelling "Leave Princess Kana alone!"
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It was a quite night in the Hokkaido airport. Not many people were around. There were only a handful of foreign tourists and the rest were all Japanese.
Ryuuji Keikain stood near the aisle, surrounded by his bodyguards as usual. His eyes darted around the large airport before finally settling on a petite figure with short-black hair walking towards him, dragging a large black suitcase behind her. He stood up straight from his leaning position on the wall and walked towards her.
Many people stared at the rich Keikain boy, wondering what he was doing in an airport today of all days. The woman his gaze was settled on quickened her pace and soon, they stood face to face.
Ryuuji, unlike his usual self, bowed and said "Welcome home, nee-sama." Turning to his bodyguards, he barked "Take her suitcase." The tall men immediately complied, taking the heavy baggage from her.
Yura Keikain took off her Aviators and smiled faintly at her brother. "It's good to be back, Ryuuji. It's good to be back."
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Tsurara suitor's list:
Tsurara suitor's list
Gozumaru (5) – Nayrael, Silver Gold Moonlight, Ally My Life, Skylar Knightwalker, Fede 194
Jiro Shima (3) – Rose Rain 7, Night Dreamer, Mariseseki
Kubinashi (1) – The Crest of Anubis
Shoei (1) – Dennou Writer