Scared
Wicked was being fine tuned. They hadn't met with the TV producers from America yet but they wanted the song ready if it was chosen for their TV performance.
Sakuya was sweating, they all were. They were giving it their all just as if an audience was before them. The song ended and Sakuya dropped where he stood. "Damn that was good." His melodious voice told the ceiling.
"Yeah, damn…" Yuki backed up until he found a wall then slid down it with his guitar still in his hands.
Two drumsticks arched through the air then dropped smacking the drums and symbols randomly as Santa fell off his chair and onto the floor barely missing the wall behind him. "We rock!" He yelled in triumph.
"Oh yeah." Atsuro removed his guitar then dropped Indian style to the floor. He rested his elbows on his knees.
Towa shook his head at them, put his bass on its stand then calmly took a seat on a chair. "We're the shit!" His comment had them all freezing, Miya suddenly coming to mind. Towa looked shocked that the words slipped out of his mouth but his lips twitched. "Well we are! Forgive me Miya!" He covered his mouth slouching in the chair as laughter consumed him.
Seeing Towa let loose, gave the rest of them permission to do the same. From the floor, Santa reached one of his drums and pounded on it with a fist. This went on for several happy moments till only a few chuckles sounded in the air along with some tired breathing.
"Miya doing okay?" Yuki asked as he finally lifted the strap to his guitar over his head and rested the instrument between his legs.
Towa threw back his wet hair and took a breath to relieve his strained lungs. "Yes, her strength's almost back to normal. Only thing is, I think romantic dinners out are over for a while. That and all takeout food are a no-no. Can't say I blame her but there are some favorite places I'm going to miss until she feels comfortable eating out again." Some of the good mood faded as they remembered what caused Miya's current phobia.
"I've got someone looking into it but so far nothing." Sakuya sat up leaning on his hands.
Towa nodded his thanks and before he could speak, Santa asked his question. "What the hell was going on in the gym the other day? The girls were freaked – seriously freaked. Was it, was it Marcy?" The eldest member crawled around the drum set so that he could see the faces of his friends.
Sakuya frowned mightily. "Aine won't say. I've all but threatened to beat it out of her but she shook that little fist of hers and told me to mind my own damn business!" The outrage in Sakuya's face made them smile again.
"Sakuya! You shouldn't badger Aine that way!" Yuki chastised but would have loved to have seen Aine telling him off.
"Like I would hurt her! And she knows it too, little minx." He muttered but his eyes showed he'd enjoyed her defiance.
"Atsuro?" Towa asked wondering if Yuuka was also keeping secrets.
The red-haired man shrugged. "All she would say was that it was a misunderstanding but…she seemed scared or worried about something every time I brought it up so I dropped it." Yuuka was a year older than he and growing up she'd been very protective of him but that was soon reversed as their relationship changed. He'd stopped seeing his stepsister and saw a woman. He began to love her in a different way and with that love came the need to protect her. If asking about the other day, frightened her, Atsuro was reluctant to put that look of wariness back on her face. Besides nothing had happened.
"They talked to Maria." Yuki spoke up gaining their attention. "I don't think Maria told me all of it and I haven't noticed anything but then the Lucifer Ladies haven't been around much lately…" Very lightly Yuki strummed his guitar, his long hair obscuring part of his face.
"So? What'd she say?" Santa was so curious he scooted forward.
"Marcy…they think she doesn't like them very much. Actually, according to Maria – hate would be too tame." He waited a moment then looked up; the guys didn't seem to get it.
"She's possessive; don't tell me you haven't noticed that? Especially you Sakuya!" A flat note sounded on Yuki's guitar.
"Yeah but what's that got to do…Shit! Not this shit again!" Sakuya was up off the floor like someone had jerked him upright with strings. He began to pace. "Is this about Marcy plastering herself to my side and making decisions without asking first? They think she's like an obsessed fan?! Yeah, she's a bitch but that's all!" He turned twice before frowning hard. "Right?" Sakuya thought back to the gym. Marcy had been bearing down on Aine. What had she been going to do? I'd immediately felt the need to take Aine in my arms to protect her. From Marcy? Is the woman that bad?!
"I don't know. I have to admit, I've caught Marcy glaring at the girls before for no good reason. Or maybe she thinks she has a reason. Maria explained that there were some women who just didn't like other women. They prefer the company of men always and if another woman gets in her way, there's liable to be some hurt feelings if not action." Yuki didn't want to believe that but who ever really understood women?
"The Lucifer Ladies." Towa and Santa said together grinning, both realizing those four were a force to be reckoned with. No would dare mess with…
"Miya?!" Towa was now on his feet standing over Yuki.
Santa was up and pulling Towa back. "Stop it! We don't know who did that."
"That's right and Maria didn't hint that Marcy had anything to do with that." Not in so many words anyway. But she did me that the LL's would stay out of Marcy's way as much as possible until they'd made it to London. Maria then asked if we would consider letting Marcy go. There had been so much in Maria's eyes but little of it had left her lips. Honey, why won't you confide in me? Frustrated by the whole situation, Yuki stood up.
"Santa's right. Since nothing else has happened, it could be a completely random event. Sakuya's got someone looking into it and we know the girls have a problem with Marcy so we'll keep them a part. And we know Marcy likes to run things into the wall so we just have to keep a better reign on her and let Mr. Takayama in on it. That way we keep everybody happy. Alright?" He put down his guitar and reached for Towa's shoulder. "Towa?"
Miya was poisoned; she could have gotten an infection or something and been unable to fight back if her immune system had been overly compromised. Is it possible, Marcy could have done that to her?! God – she'd better hope not! "Make it happen Yuki. If I find out she did that to Miya…" Towa was very angry.
It was unusual to see this side of Towa. Normally he was Mr. Relaxed, taking things in stride and that fit with his feminine image but now the strong line of his jaw was very visible. His wide shoulders were tensed and the anger in his eyes was a warning to anyone foolish enough to hurt the one he loved.
They all stood close to Towa offering their support. It was a new situation for them without a doubt and each was confused with just how to handle it. They were a band and they made music. They were the best of friends – family. But this situation – this was a minefield and either way they stepped, something could explode.
Santa's stomach growled loudly and they all jumped then gave sheepish grins. "When's Yuuka coming with the food? It's been," He checked his watch. "Hey it's been about two hours since she called. Shouldn't she be back by now? Man, what if there was a traffic jam or something? I don't want anything out of the machine!" He whined.
Atsuro's eyebrows pulled together as he checked his watch to confirm the time he'd last spoken to Yuuka. "A traffic jam wouldn't have slowed her down. The place she was going was only two blocks away. Maybe they were busy and she had to go somewhere else. Be she would have called." He said that last sentence quietly as he pulled out his cell and called hers on speed dial. As it rang unanswered, Atsuro paced. "Pick up Yuuka." He didn't know why, maybe it was what they'd just been talking about but he was starting to get really worried.
Sakuya went to the phone on the wall, called the front desk and asked to be connected to the gym. "She could still be here. Maybe she got held up." He explained as he listened to that phone ring. "Yuuka! Oh sorry. Yeah I'm looking for Kiryu Yuuka, could you see if she's still there? Yeah I'll hold." Sakuya saw them all staring at him and he couldn't take the pressure so he looked out of the window into the empty hallway. "No women in there at all? Locker room? No one answered – okay thanks. Sorry to bother you." Sakuya hung up the phone then looked at Atsuro. "Anything?"
"I just called the apartment – no answer. I'm going to try her cell again." The tap of his shoes on the floor was not a comforting sound, it was agitated at best. "Yuuka, dammit! Answer the phone!" A knot was forming in his stomach.
Santa wandered over to Sakuya. "Call the front desk again. Maybe they can tell us when she left." Nerves made his drummer's hands twitch.
"Yes, they're supposed to keep track of everyone entering and exiting the building! Yuuka may have even told them where she was going or which direction she took." Towa joined them at the wall phone.
"Give me the name of the place Yuuka was going. I'll see if she's shown up there. Maybe she's planning something special. I'll call Maria next!" Yuki smiled for Atsuro hoping to ease his tension.
"Yeah, yeah. Here's the number – we go there a lot. She knows how much I like their food." Atsuro smiled too but it was weak as he brought the number up on his phone so Yuki could dial it. Immediately he called Yuuka's cell again then looked over at Sakuya pausing to listen to his friend's low spoken words.
"You haven't seen her? You just came in an hour ago? What about the other guard? Gone…well – everybody who's a visitor has to sign in and out don't they? Check the damn log! When did Kiryu Yuuka leave?!" Fear clutched at Sakuya's stomach but there wasn't any real reason for it to. But not being able to find Yuuka was scaring him. His thoughts turned to Aine and how he would feel if she was missing. While still on the phone with the guard, he got out his phone to call her.
Towa seeing this immediately did the same. "Miya…be at home!"
"Maria have you heard from Yuuka? No? Stay by the phone sweetheart – I'll call you back. No – later!" Yuki didn't want to take time to explain to his wife what was happening.
"Miya? Thank God! Is Yuuka with you? Have you talked to her? No? Umm, okay see if you can find her please and call me back! Love you!" Relieved, Towa hurried off the phone also unwilling to explain things.
"Huh? What? She didn't? Are you sure?! Would she have? Does everyone have to? Do you see everyone coming and going? Dammit call the last guard! Found out what he saw NOW!" Sakuya yelled and slammed down the phone and put his cell up to his other ear just to hear it ring. "According to the log, Yuuka never signed out. He says nobody comes and goes without signing the log – visitors anyway since we never have to. I told him to call the other guy, maybe he saw her leave or left at the same time." Sakuya listened to the phone ring then his eyes lit up but he punched the wall in frustration. "It went to voicemail." He hung up and quickly dialed home. That phone rang ten times then was picked up. Sakuya dropped his head against the wall, his heart returning to his chest.
"Aine…where were you? Shower. In the shower…umm Aine? Have you talked to Yuuka today? Were you guys planning anything for tonight? No." Sakuya turned to look back at his friends and saw that Atsuro's hand shaking so bad that he was about to crush his phone. "Look Aine, Atsuro's trying to find Yuuka. He wanted to take her out to dinner. Could you possibly call around and try to find her? Yeah we're still at Jupiter. Call my cell if you find her. Thanks Aine…I love you." He closed his eyes in relief at hearing her repeat the words back to him.
"Yuuka. Yuuka. Where is she?" Atsuro whispered and gripped Yuki's shirt and stared wildly into his friend's face. Yuki was the leader, their lighthouse in the storm; surely he would know what to do next.
"Atsuro - !" They all jumped when the wall phone rang startling them. Each watched anxiously and crowded around Sakuya as he jerked it off the wall.
"Yes! You found him? What'd he say?" Sakuya looked at Atsuro as he listened and nodded. "Okay, I want you to send someone up to the twelfth floor to search. We'll search from the bottom up. Yeah, I mean it. Just do it!" He straightened from where he'd been slouched against the wall and reached for Atsuro's shoulders.
He couldn't breathe right. He felt as if he were going to fall down and never stop falling. Yuuka was missing and his world was upside down. Wrapping his hands around Sakuya's forearms, Atsuro whispered, "What?"
"According to the guards, she never left. Yuuka's still in the building somewhere. I thought – I thought maybe she's still here somewhere talking or working on something. Maybe she lost her phone or its at home. Miya and Aine are trying to find her so let's do the same here." Sakuya could feel his fear and held Atsuro tighter.
"Yeah, the place is closing down for the night. Maybe she got locked in somewhere." Santa offered but thought that all Yuuka would have to do was call the front desk for someone to come let her out. That is unless she was…hurt. "Let's take a look around and see if we can find her. Like hide and seek." Oh that was so weak and stupid but what am I suppose to say? Yuuka can't be found! If I had a woman and she was missing…damn I just don't know. "It can't hurt to look."
"He's right. Someone's still at the front desk – Sakuya call them and give them your cell number. We'll search together and we'll find her." Yuki told Sakuya and Atsuro. If she's here. Be here!
Sakuya called back one more time while Atsuro listened to Yuuka's phone ring.
Since they were in the basement, they had to go up and they all piled into the elevator. The silence was heavy with tension and worry. At this time of the day, there wasn't any music playing in the elevators but even if it had, no one would have heard it. The phone continued to ring.
The guard was waiting for them in the lobby saying that he'd take care of that floor and to continue on up. There was nothing else to report.
Lights were out and some office doors were locked. Cubicles were searched, men and women's bathrooms, copy rooms, break rooms, storage rooms were all checked before they took the elevator up to the next floor. In a way it was good that Yuuka wasn't found, that she wasn't hurt or anything but at the same time, everyone's hearts wouldn't slow down because, Aine, Maria and Miya had called saying they hadn't been able to find Yuuka. Aine had even called Yuuka and Atsuro's parents, they hadn't heard from her either.
On the seventh floor the security guard called. His people were on the eight floor and they'd found nothing. Atsuro threw his phone across the room where it broke into pieces. "YUUKA – WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!" He dropped to his knees as he called out her name.
Towa knelt as well and wrapped an arm around his friend. "We'll find her. We will!" He promised but the helpless look he threw his friends was returned since they didn't know where else to look.
"I'll go down to the lobby and check it myself. Who knows, they could have missed something." Santa suggested while mouthing, 'I'll call the police.' If Yuuka wasn't in the building and no one could find her then perhaps she'd been in an accident. He hoped it was just an accident, if someone had hurt Yuuka… He rushed to the elevator. It dinged open, waiting for him.
"…Yeah we didn't check it! We should check it! And, and the studios too! She could've gone to-to the wrong one! Yuuka's looking for us in the wrong studio!" Atsuro was almost screaming as he struggled to move his worried-stiff body.
They didn't speak but stayed close to him as they hit the elevators. Atsuro repeatedly pushed the buttons but both were active and were heading down. They wouldn't come back up until after they'd reached the lobby. "DAMMIT!!! THE STAIRS! WE'LL TAKE THE FUCKING STAIRS!!!" Atsuro banged his fist on the metal surface then kicked the doors leaving a dent in them before storming towards the stairs.
"Atsuro! Slow down!" Yuki ran after him and pulled him back before he could enter the stairwell. Things would only go from bad to worse if Atsuro got hurt and Yuuka needed him. "Watch him!" He ordered Towa and Sakuya.
Sakuya got in front of Atsuro and Towa hooked his arm through Atsuro's so he couldn't go anywhere without him. The red-head growled but let them have their way just as long as they got downstairs to do what the guards had already done.
He ran lightly down the steps one hand on the rail and watching his feet. Yuki was wracking his brain on where Yuuka could be and how they would handle it if something horrible had happened. He was there in that stairwell yet he was caught up in his thoughts so the smell caught him off guard and Yuki almost missed a step. He stopped suddenly.
"What is it?" Sakuya asked catching the railing to keep from hitting Yuki. "Hold it guys." He said before they hit him.
Bile rose in his throat. Yuki was sick to the stomach and sick at heart. He was about to turn to the second flight of stairs. He smelled blood and urine. Taking the next step and turning he saw the contents of a woman's purse covering the steps and at the bottom Yuuka's crumpled body. "Sa- Sakuya call Santa and tell he we need an ambulance – now! Towa hold him!" He didn't wait for his orders to be followed but ran to Yuuka's side stripping out of his shirt.
"YUUKA! YUUKA! NO DAMMIT! LET ME GO! SHE NEEDS ME! YUUKA! I'LL KILL YOU TOWA! MOVE OUT OF MY DAMN WAY! I FUCKING HATE YOU! FOR GOD'S SAKE LET ME GOOOOO!!!!" Atsuro punched and kicked, even tried to bite Towa. He pulled on the man's long hair but Towa locked his hands around the railing and jammed his shoulder into Atsuro's chest.
Sakuya loudly and quickly told Santa what was going on then hung up the phone. Turning quickly he punched Atsuro on the jaw. He'd tempered it so it wouldn't knock him out but it would put him down. "Sorry man, I'm sorry but…I don't think she can be moved. If we let you go down there, you gotta be calm and don't touch her. Yuuka needs you to be strong for her." Atsuro had landed on his ass and was holding his jaw in shock but with Towa continuing to hold him down and Sakuya gripping his shirt, blue eyes begging him to calm down and Yuki's voice talking to his too silent lover it finally seemed to get through to him. He needed to be calm for Yuuka.
"I won't hurt her. I promise – just let me be near her. Sakuya…please!" Atsuro begged.
Below them they heard a metal door bang open and several pairs of feet running up the steps.
"My God! Oh – oh Yuuka." Santa's voice rang out and his heavy breathing echoed off the cement walls. "Here – we brought blankets but…I'm scared to touch her." There was a new sound of a hand slapping something – Santa's hand covering his mouth so that he wouldn't be sick but he could do nothing about the tears in his eyes.
Atsuro clutched at his friends. "Sakuya –." He was lifted by Sakuya until he could stand. It was all he could do to breathe and nod his thanks. Not once did he complain when Sakuya and Towa each took an arm and walked him down the stairs. He gasped and his mouth opened and closed like a fish. "Yuuka…." Her name a whisper and a prayer.
Yuki was bare-chested having used his shirt to cover Yuuka. He knelt at her side. There really wasn't much to see since now she was covered with the blankets but her face was bloodless, eyes closed, her mouth open with shallow breaths just barely escaping her lips. On the floor near Yuki's feet was blood and there was some splashed on the wall. That coppery smell and that of her emptied bladder coated his tongue. Atsuro blinked and blinked again as he looked at her legs – one was pointing in the wrong direction. His knees got weak and only his friends were keeping him up right.
Santa cleared his throat. "Hey girl – did I ever tell you about the time Atsuro split his pants on stage?" There wasn't a smile on his face or humor in his voice as he began to tell the silly story but he wanted Yuuka to know she was with friends.
The sounds of sirens could be heard approaching the building and the guard who'd come up with Santa jumped down several steps at a time to go get them and lead them back. Hearing the sound of help arriving spurred Atsuro on. With Sakuya and Towa, they were at her side in seconds slipping in her blood.
"Yu-Yuuka…hey baby." His voice was barely over a whisper. "I'm right here with you – don't worry about a thing. You're going to be – fine!" Atsuro's voice broke and he leaned as close as he dared to kiss her cold forehead.
Running footsteps, the banging door – "Get out of the way! Let us help her! Somebody tell us what happened!"
It seemed to take forever but before they knew it, Yuuka was on a stretcher and being gently carried out. Towa and Atsuro went with her, the other guys would follow shortly. They stayed behind to talk to the police and tell everyone the bad news.
As it turned out Aine, Miya and Maria arrived at the hospital before the guys did. Already worried, Maria had called for a taxi, left the baby with the nanny then headed over to Aine's. Miya was going to meet them at Jupiter Records. Since the guys wouldn't tell them anything, they would go find out for themselves what was wrong. The calls came just as they were nearing Jupiter, in fact as they listened to Sakuya, Yuki and Towa they saw the ambulance speeding away and Miya heard the frantic speech of the EMTs.
The taxi made a U-turn and followed, Miya only minutes behind. They didn't speak the whole ride. They ended up at the same hospital that Miya had recuperated in. Nervously they waited for Miya to find a spot then hurried into the emergency room.
Towa stood immediately and opened his arms for Miya. Even though he'd known she was safe, seeing her face reassured him that all was right in his world. Aine touched Towa's back as she moved to take his place next to Atsuro. He'd been sitting leaned over with his face in his hands. At her soft voice and touch, Atsuro fell into Aine's arms.
Aine looked at Maria scared to death. If he's this upset, just how badly is she hurt?! Neither woman spoke but Aine rocked him and Maria stroked his back. They waited for the doctors and nurses to fix Yuuka in silence.
"ATSRUO! ATSURO? WHERE'S YOUR SISTER? WHERE'S OUR DAUGHTER?" The Kiryus arrived looking frantic. Atsuro's call was short and hurried. Their son had been crying.
Atsuro shuddered violently and hugged Aine so tight she couldn't breathe. He didn't want to face them. Aine's hands on his neck and the kiss on his head gave him the strength to stand. "Thanks." He stood still holding Aine's hand. "Okaa-san, Otou-san – Yuuka's still in with the doctors. She fell…she fell…she…fell down…stairs!" The tears came again at remembering the sight of his beloved broken at the bottom of the steps.
Seeing their son in such pain, the Kiryus rushed forward to hold him. The Lucifer Ladies crowded around Towa seeking comfort and strength by being together as they watched the family cry. He whispered to them all that had happened and though Yuuka was the priority, it didn't escape his notice the look that passed between Miya and Maria.
"Aine!" Sakuya rushed forward, lifted her off her feet into his arms. He hid his face in her hair. "Thank God." She's safe. Aine is safe. "How's Yuuka?"
Yuki kissed his wife desperately. He couldn't get that first sight of Yuuka out of his mind and he kept picturing Maria in Yuuka's place. "Yukihiko?"
"Home – safe. Nothing yet on Yuuka." Maria answered his unspoken question as she cupped his face and saw the intense worry on his face. Oh God, what did you see my love? She noticed he was wearing an old T-shirt and wondered what happened to the shirt he'd been wearing but then looked at his pants and saw blood. Maria gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.
Santa stood watching them all with his hands stuffed in his pants pockets. It hurt to be alone at times like this, no one to hold and comfort or to be comforted. He couldn't look at Atsuro and his parents at all. Like Yuki, he'd gotten a good look at Yuuka's injuries and it hadn't looked good at all. He was about to slip away and throw some cold water on his face when someone called his name.
Takayama, Sasaki and Kai all hurried towards him. Santa would have smiled if the situation wasn't so tenuous. Work attire had been replaced with casual wear. A black Lucifer T-shirt and jeans covered Takayama's lean frame. Polo shirt and slacks for Sasaki and Kai was in shorts and an oversized Hello Kitty shirt.
Seeing her look so worried, Santa held out his arm and she slid under it. "Hey guys. Did you go by the office first?" They'd left as soon as possible telling the guards to inform Takayama of what happened.
Silently shaking her head, "How is she Santa?" Kai asked a hand on his chest. Seeing the usually unflappable Lucifer all but crying in the emergency room scared her to death.
"No we came straight here after the security guard called. Any word? Was it…deliberate?" Hitoshi prayed it was just a horrible accident. If this was a calculated act then someone was targeting people close to Lucifer which would be just as effective as hurting the band itself because these men would quit if it meant keeping their families safe.
Santa shrugged. "Don't know, the police are looking into it." He looked over his shoulder at his friends then back to Takayama. "Where's Marcy?" The edge in his voice made them look at him twice.
"We couldn't reach her. Why? What's going on Santa?!" Takayama stepped closer but just then a doctor came toward them, blood on his clothes.
"Kiryu?" The doctor asked. He blinked when he saw them. No he wasn't a big fan of rock music but there were some songs by the group Lucifer that he really enjoyed. And here they were! Putting aside his admiration he focused on why these famous people were at his hospital. The young woman must be important to them.
"How's our daughter?" Atsuro's father asked immediately.
"Kiryu-sama, would you like to have this conversation in private?"
Atsuro started to speak but differed to his father's wishes. He and Yuuka were not yet married so his father had the final say in Yuuka's treatment.
Kiryu-sama looked at his son close his mouth then suddenly became aware of his and Yuuka's friends gathered behind him. "No, just please tell us about Yuuka."
It wasn't good news but it wasn't fatal either. Yuuka had broken her right wrist, a clean break easily set. That was the best news the other…her left leg had broken in several places and had torn through the skin which was why there had been blood around her body. That break meant surgery to fix it. There was another complication – because she'd lain for so long on the cold cement floor and that blood loss, her body was not yet stable enough for surgery so they had to wait plus she had a slight concussion. Yuuka could only have the mildest of sedatives for pain as they waited for her body to stabilize. The wait could be up to twenty-four hours or more and there was always the risk of infection on such a bad break.
"We have to be very careful and limit her visitors. Family only please and you'll have to wear protective clothing when you go see her. She's being moved to intensive care now and as soon as she's able, we'll operate. If you're ready, I can walk you there." The doctor offered.
Atsuro turned to look at his friends. "Everyone…"
"Go we'll be here." Yuki spoke for them. "Give her our love." He pulled Atsuro into a quick hug then pushed him towards the doctor.
"Thank you." Atsuro's mother bowed to them all before leaving.
Lucifer and company spent the night in the hospital. They were moved into a private room close to Yuuka's where they could wait. Unfortunately, while the staff knew to be discreet, the same couldn't be said for visitors and word was leaked that someone in Lucifer had been hurt. Sasaki left to handle the media and he finally reached Marcy who was surprised to hear the news of Yuuka and met him at the office to do damage control. Maria left the next morning for Yukihiko's sake but the rest slept or paced the morning away.
"Miya…do you think Marcy is responsible for this?" Towa asked out of the blue startling everyone. "Tell us. We were just talking about that scene in the gym before this happened to Yuuka and Maria told Yuki that you all thought Marcy hated you – hated you enough to hurt you. Is it true?" Towa's hand slid into her short hair, cupped her head and directed her face to look into his. "Are you saying she poisoned you and possibly…pushed Yuuka down the stairs?" His voice was steel and his touch firm. Towa wanted an answer.
"What? What? What the hell?!" Takayama snapped closed his phone and sat up. He'd been on the phone with Sasaki but Towa's voice and question had penetrated his conversation. "Marcy did this? She poisoned you? What?!" He stood and looked about the room. "Somebody tell me what the hell is going on – now!"
Miya was in the spotlight – a place she hated with a passion. She worked behind the scenes for a reason, she was comfortable there. Maria wasn't back yet and Aine lay against Sakuya's chest looking away from her. She was on her own.
"It's true." Miya stated but stopped when Aine interrupted.
"Miya – we don't…" Aine didn't know what to say and she fought with Sakuya when he tried to lift her chin.
"It's true that she hates us – the rest, I don't know. We're just guessing…there's no proof of anything." Miya looked into Towa's face then pulled away from him to stand up.
"Hates you? But she's always polite and appreciates your work." Takayama said confused then frowned when Miya let out a scoffing laugh.
"Men are always so easily fooled! A smile and a little attention and you lap it up and think she can do no wrong!" She had been facing the door but turned suddenly. "I suppose you forgot Marcy's initial reaction to Aine!" Miya pointed at the girl who was looking at her with owl eyes. "Disdain and contempt! And when you stood up for her – what happened? Aine got the work of ten people! She struggled and you did nothing! WE stepped in and helped Aine!" Miya was pacing on a roll now.
"Only Kai escaped Marcy's notice because she too is more or less Marcy's boss and hateful bitch that she is – she's no fool! Peons like me are ignored as second rate and below her notice until I do something that puts me in her way and yes I got in her way!" Miya didn't elaborate and just barely noticed the door open and close behind her. "That woman was alone with my food. I don't know it was her but I think it was her! I won't give up on you guys or your dreams and Marcy…" She spat the name. "Is important for that dream but I'm telling you now – keep that bitch away from me and if you value the women in your lives, you better make sure Marcy's miles away from them!" Miya was flushed and agitated thinking about what happened to her and Yuuka. The attitude of the band and the others wasn't helping either.
"Agreed." Maria said walking to Miya's side and handing her little Yuki which of course made Miya smile and relax. Babies could make you smile at anytime. "We have nothing against Marcy and what we do have can be called nothing but women's intuition. She did this; I know it in my heart." She saw Aine shake her head and open her mouth. "Aine, I love you but you wanting to believe in her only speaks well of you –not her. You can't tell me you weren't scared of her that day in the gym – I know you too well for you to deny that. Stay away from her. Sakuya, keep Aine at home. She can work there just as well as she can at Jupiter." Maria was done trying to be tactful.
Takayama looked at the women. There was conviction in their concerns, defiance as they waited to be ridiculed for those same concerns and underneath it all fear. He was going to argue with them but calmly stating that they were wrong when Atsuro popped into the room.
"They're taking her to surgery! We can walk with her if you want!" He held out his hand for Aine who'd jumped up and run to him. Atsuro was excited and worried. "She's been in so much pain but her vitals are okay so they're going ahead." If he noticed the tension, Atsuro never said as he led them to Yuuka's room.
"Did she regain consciousness?" Aine wanted to know.
"Kinda…she recognized us but didn't make much sense. She kept asking where she was and why it hurt." A shuddering sigh slid out of his lungs. Atsuro ran a hand over his face. "Mostly we just tried to keep her calm – look! Here they come." The gurney was just leaving the room followed by Yuuka's parents who looked weary but they smiled at the crowd of people.
Yuuka's eyes blinked slowly and she saw blurred shapes but they looked like her friends. "Heeyy…Luuuuccc…" Her words were slurred. "Aaaiii…whaaat…hurrtttt…?"
"Shh sweetie. You'll feel better in a little while." Aine walked beside the gurney. "We love you Yuuka, be strong and we'll see you in a little while." Tears ran down her face as she let Atsuro take her place as they were nearing the operating room.
"Me, Okaa-san and Otou-san will be waiting for you right here Yuuka!" He watched her disappear through the swinging doors then dropped to his knees. "Even though they waited…there's a chance something could go wrong…" Atsuro would have curled on the floor if Aine hadn't stepped in front of him. Ever since she'd become their lyricist, she'd had a special relationship with Atsuro. Their personalities were similar and it was as much a sibling relationship as the one he'd had growing up with Yuuka.
One of the doctors following Yuuka's care had been ready for this and with the parents' permission, swiftly gave Atsuro a shot. He resisted but lack of food and rest, the sedative put him under quickly. The band members watched shocked and confused at first but then Sakuya and Santa stepped in and picked him up.
"We managed to nap but our son never once slept. Yuuka will come out of this but she'll need him. Atsuro will have to be strong. Please watch over him and make sure he eats before allowing him to come and wait with us." His mother pleaded with Aine who was only too glad to agree. They took Atsuro back to the room there were using so they could do as his parents asked.
They lost another twenty-four hours waiting. Yuki took his family home for a while and people were there outside the hospital to get a glimpse of Lucifer. Again they informed the press that no one in Lucifer was hurt but it was a close personal friend of theirs in the hospital. A second incident had the media pondering much like Takayama and the band was doing.
Aine manage to stay awake long enough to care for Atsuro and send him to his parents after making him eat and clean up then she collapsed so Sakuya took her back to their place for sleep, food and a change of clothes. Taking turns, when Sakuya and Aine retuned, Towa took Miya home and finally Kai gave Santa a lift to his place.
Takayama left soon after the surgery began. There was much he had to think about and look into. He wanted to talk to the police and again to those who had been around when Miya got sick. When he next saw Marcy it was with new eyes but still, she seemed normal to him, not dangerous in the least. She was ambitious but then that's what led him to hiring her in the first place. But because he cared so much for Aine and respected the other women, he had give their concerns his attention. Hitoshi just hoped they were wrong.
His first stop was the roped off stairwell where Yuuka's blood could still be seen. Fighting the sickness he felt, Hitoshi searched for himself finding nothing then went upstairs where he ordered his assistant that he shouldn't be disturbed unless it was news about Yuuka.
By the third day, the worrying was over. Yuuka made it through surgery. Though her recovery would be slow and pain would be her constant companion, she would get better. She slept a lot so talking to her was out of the question. The band minus Atsuro made various public appearances and spoke briefly on what happened. Atsuro and Yuuka's relationship was known but not hyped up like Sakuya and Aine's but now there was grist for the rumor mill about brother/sister incest. True fans knew they weren't blood related but still there was bad press from many trying to make money or gain fame. Sakuya almost hit one such unscrupulous reporter. Atsuro eventually made an appearance and the fact that he looked so haggard gained him sympathy from the public reducing the rumors to almost nothing.
Still they were all waiting on Yuuka to learn what truly happened to her. On the day she felt well enough and coherent enough – they were all there again minus Marcy. Takayama had asked her to take care of some business in his place and let it be known to her and the rest of the staff that Yuuka wasn't to have any visitors so that she may rest. Marcy's part in this was still questionable but just in case; he would keep her away from the hospital and Yuuka.
Yuuka was awake. She had a fairly large room and her mother and Atsuro shared the space with her, neither willing to leave her alone after such an ordeal. Currently her parents, the band, the girls, Sasaki, Kai and Takayama were all there. They sat and stood around her bed anxious to hear what she had to say. Yuuka was still very pale and she was quite weak. Recovering not only from the fall but the surgery was going to take time.
There was one more person in the room with them, a representative of the Japanese police force. Since they had been called first and were there to see Yuuka's condition, they had begun an investigation. "Can you tell us what happened?" The police detective asked kindly.
It had been a long ordeal and though she was drugged and had slept for what seems like days, Yuuka was still unbelievably tired. At first she'd remembered nothing; the only thing she'd been aware of was pain. In her dreams, some of the past came back to her but she was still unsure of many things. "…Things were getting back to normal…the fashion show?" She questioned then nodded when everybody smiled encouraging.
"I feel stupid. Why is this important? I just…fell." Yuuka squirmed trying to get comfortable. Her leg was suspended to keep her from moving it.
"I'm sorry Yuuka. We need to know for legal reasons." Takayama said sheepishly. It was true but also, he needed to know if Marcy had anything to do with it.
She had an alibi for the estimated time of Yuuka's fall. Hitoshi hadn't come right out and asked for an alibi but casually asked her whereabouts then checked her computer and phone. Her office phone had logged her on a call to the States for twenty minutes and then she'd left soon after just before the security guard. Marcy couldn't be responsible.
"Oh…okay." Yuuka shook her head feeling the pull of sleep hitting her again. She was still on a strong sedative because all the work done on her leg – without it she'd be in immense pain. "I went to work out…then called down to the band to see if they wanted dinner."
"You knew they were there?"
"Yes, working. The TV show is happening soon. Lucifer has to be ready to wow them." She looked at Atsuro with a small smile. "I wanted a walk on part – to be on TV but I guess that's out." Yuuka blinked slowly.
"How about a roll on part?" Santa joked meaning that Yuuka could use a wheelchair instead of walking and was relieved to hear her small laugh.
"I'll take it!" Yuuka yawned and knew she wouldn't last much longer. Her time awake was short these days. "The stairs are quicker and a good way to end a work out. I was thinking of the housework that needed to be done…then I fell. I just fell." She tried to shrug but her shoulders wouldn't move.
"You were alone? There wasn't someone there…perhaps behind you?" The detective asked casually.
Although everyone had been silent while the detective and Yuuka talked, now the room was hushed. The drip from her IV was audible and they either leaned forward more or inched forward in anticipation of her answer.
The question pushed sleep back a little and Yuuka frowned at them wondering what was going on. "…No, no I was alone." Her brows wrinkled as she tried to remember everything. "I was alone – why? Did you think someone…pushed me?!" She eyed them in confusion then her eyes flew to Aine, Maria and Miya. A wiry smile crossed her face. "She wasn't there - just me." Yuuka knew they all thought Marcy was up to no good, well except for Aine and she even had her doubts but Yuuka knew the stairwell had been empty. She'd felt the emptiness of it. "No I was running down the steps in a hurry. I know how hard Atsuro and everyone works and I knew they'd be starved. Also I wanted to watch for a little while – my own private show." She held out a hand, the injured one for Atsuro who took her fingers gently and kissed each one.
"Sorry…Marcy's not to blame." Yuuka found herself wishing it were true for some unknown reason. "I was running down at an easy pace – not too fast then if felt as if my ankle got caught on something and I fell." Yuuka was settling back onto her pillows letting sleep wrap around her again. "Tried to catch myself…that must be how I broke my wrist." She sighed. "I'm getting really sleepy."
The detective was scribbling quickly. "Your ankle? Maybe you caught your foot on the rubber strip on the step." He stood up and gently tapped her left hand. "Was that it? You caught your foot?" Again it got silent but this time everyone was looking at the policeman.
Yuuka yawned and concentrated for she was losing the battle against her eyelids. Foot or ankle? No not my foot. "Ankle…like it was being held back by something. Maybe I…overdid it…in the gym. Sorry…can't stay…awak…" She breathed deeply and drifted off.
"You know something." Takayama said softly his body rigid at the possible implications.
"Outside please. Kiryu-san needs her rest." The man closed his notebook and bowed to Yuuka's parents.
All but her mother followed the policeman out into the waiting room. They gathered there next to one of the windows where fans of the band could be seen loitering about. "She mentioned a Marcy. Who is this woman?" The detective once again opened his notebook.
"Please…are you saying Yuuka didn't fall?" Yuki spoke up. Worry was easily written across his face as he pulled Maria into his chest.
Atsuro's father stepped forward. "Did someone hurt my daughter? They did – that to her?! On purpose?!" He flung an arm back towards Yuuka's hospital room.
"Please Kiryu-sama; I need to hear all the facts before I say anything. Takayama-sama?" The policeman was in forties and appeared content to wait having been through these scenes many times before. He would wait them out and let their suspicions run rampant until he got his facts.
Takayama crossed his arms and explained that Marcy was Lucifer's new publicist. When the cop asked why Marcy's name had come up, he reluctantly explained that too. Hitoshi didn't look at the women as he conveyed their concerns as if he didn't want to give them any creditability.
"Ah yes the poisoning. That was never resolved either. And for reasons known only to the women, Marcy is suspect. Is that all of it?" He looked at each of them but when Aine didn't meet his eyes, "Yukimura-san?" The girl knew something.
Aine jumped and her eyes flew open. When all the guys stared at her and silently demanded and answer, she shifted away from Sakuya and closer to Maria. "Umm, you should talk to our photographer – Tokugawa Kyo. He had…an incident with Marcy." The only reason Kyo wasn't here now was that he was out of town on location for photo shoot. He'd called Aine when he'd read the newspapers. Kyo had been prepared to come back but Aine convinced him Yuuka was alright and that he shouldn't cancel his business. It had been him who'd questioned her about Marcy that made her think to tell the police about to talk to him. That thing with the fashion show affected him more that Lucifer anyway.
"What?! Aine what are you talking about? How come I don't know about this?" Hitoshi grabbed Aine's arms and shook her.
"Back off! Let her go!" Sakuya knocked his hands away and slid between them. "This isn't Aine's fault!" He wouldn't let Aine be abused by anyone but at the same time, he wondered just what the hell she was keeping from him and why.
"That's right and we don't know what happened. This is just a discussion Takayama. Hitoshi…" Yuki took hold of the man's bicep and pulled him gently away from Sakuya.
The policeman waited until Takayama jerked his arm away, flung his hair over his shoulder and faced him again. He raised an eyebrow questioning whether the theatrics were over and smiled a little as Hitoshi gestured to him and gave mock bow for him to continue.
"Thanks for the information – I'll look into it." He nodded politely at Aine who just shrugged. "What Kiryu-san said was telling." He paused as they all absorbed that. "When we inspected the stairwell and the building inspector also confirmed this, around about point where Kiryu-san fell we found something. Admittedly it isn't much but there was this." He pulled a little plastic bag out of his pocket but it appeared to be empty.
Like watching a magician they all crowded closer to see what was in his hand and as he tilted the bag, the object became visible. "It's a piece of wire – very strong wire and mostly invisible to the eye. It's by chance we even found it." The cop told them then went on. "Plus in the wall we found a hole. It was cleverly concealed with matching putty. Only because we were looking did we find these things. So even if this Marcy is innocent – someone set Kiryu-san or anyone who would be using that stairwell up." The detective told them as he watched their reactions carefully.
Atsuro's father blinked hard several times before holding up a hand. "Wait…a hole? What's so significant about a hole in the wall?" He was clearly confused.
"A hole was drilled into the wall; the wire was tied to a screw then the railing. Anyone coming down the stairs was bound to hit it and trip over it. We're just lucky Kiryu-san is alive to tell us about it. A fall from that point – midway down then with her hitting the wall – that fall could well have been lethal." The police detective put away his notebook and took in the looks of shock and fear on their faces and nodded to himself. It seemed these people were innocent, of course one could be a very good actor but for the most part they were frightened and angry at what happened to their friend.
They were in a private wing so there weren't many people around, a few nurses and doctors. TVs and machines were the background noises as the band, their females and their bosses plus the cop all stared at each other. Too much had been said and yet not enough for there were no answers for the fact they were being targeted.
The detective soon took his leave and after one more visit to Yuuka's room, everyone else left as well. They couldn't go back to the office so instead they went to Sakuya and Aine's apartment which was closest.
Aine, Miya and Maria disappeared into the kitchen to fix drinks and snacks for everyone. At first they didn't say much but Maria spoke up quietly.
"Are you starting to believe yet?"
"She has an alibi Maria. We've got nothing to say it was her." Aine almost whispered.
"We know she's good, the woman does a damn good job for Lucifer. She may be just as good at hiding that she's trying to hurt us." Miya said with an edge to her voice.
"We don't know that! We don't know anything!" Aine slammed the refrigerator door shut.
"That's right we don't so why don't you all come out here and tell us what you do know Aine. If Marcy or someone is doing this we need to know what you know. No more secrets!" Sakuya said from the doorway startling them. There was a scowl on his face.
"Watch it Sakuya!" Maria said sternly not willing to be told what she could and couldn't do by one she considered her little brother. "Since you're here – carry something!" She thrust a tray at him then waltzed out of the kitchen ahead of him.
Sakuya growled. She had his number but he kept his scowl and waited on Aine and Miya.
"You don't scare me either. I do your makeup and if you don't want to look like a fool…" Miya smirked and let the threat hang in the air.
"Aine." Sakuya said firmly knowing that at least with her he had some control.
"I can go visit my parents for a while, leave you high and dry in the sex department – alone and lonely here all by yourself. Be careful my love." Aine took a page from Maria and Miya's books and sashayed out in front of his shocked face.
"Women!" He muttered and followed after them. Sakuya watched her hips wondering if she really would punish him like that then noticed the smile she gave him when she looked over his shoulder. "She has me wrapped around her little finger." He frowned when Santa hooted letting him know he'd heard. "Shut the hell up!"
The others didn't know what had been said but Santa's laugh made them smile for a moment. Food and drink was passed around and for a few moments they let it go but Takayama couldn't get Aine's words out of his head. "Aine…tell me what happened between Marcy and Tokugawa." He moved to the edge of his seat, anxious.
"…I can't." Aine cringed from the multitude of male outbursts at her refusal to answer them.
"It's not her place to tell. Kyo should tell you himself. Aine do you know how to reach him?" Maria spoke up.
"Maria?" Yuki's voice suddenly had an edge to it. "You know too? You know what happened between them?" He lifted her face so he could see the truth. "Dammit Maria! You told me what the girls were thinking but you couldn't tell me this?!" Yuki had a core of steel in him that he inherited from his strict father and now it showed itself to his wife.
Maria sighed. She rarely kept secrets from her husband but this whole situation was way out there and just who would know exactly how to handle it. "Yes I know but as I said, it's not Aine's or my place to tell. Ask Kyo." She didn't pull away but let him know with her eyes that what she'd done hadn't been meant to hurt him.
"….Maria…" There was warning and exasperation in Yuki's tone.
Aine hopped to her feet and all but ran to the phone. "I've got his itinerary and cell phone number – his direct number." She lifted a paper from the table and began dialing.
"And why do you have those? Is he trying to make a play for you again? That bastard!" Sakuya's long stride ate up the feet between them.
"No Sakuya, he gave me these after he found out about Yuuka. He wanted to know in case…the worst happened." She looked guiltily at Atsuro as the words slipped out of her mouth. "He was upset when he read about Yuuka in the papers. Atsuro…he was ready to come back. I told him to finish his work…was that okay?" She listened to the phone ring as she looked to Atsuro for reassurance.
Atsuro nodded. "It's fine Aine. It's good to know he cares so much." He sat back with a weary smile. These last few days had been a little taste of hell for him.
Aine smiled then blinked as the phone was answered. "Kyo-."
"Son-of-a-bitch! What happened between you and Marcy and why'd you swear the girls to fucking secrecy?!" Sakuya had taken the phone from Aine and yelled into it. Aine sighed and hit the speaker button then hit Sakuya too but he just captured her hand and held it gently.
"Hello to you too – you juvenile delinquent!" Tokugawa Kyo's voice was heavy with sarcasm. "Scream at me again asshole and I'll hang up!"
"Please don't! Kyo, sorry but I let the police and Takayama know what you told us the other day about what happened with Marcy – not the details but that something happened. I'm not sure she had anything to do with Yuuka's fall but they wanted to know if there was anything suspicious about Marcy's behavior and…sorry but the police are going to contact you soon." Aine finished lamely.
"They already have. Don't worry little one, it's all right and I suppose that bully of a boyfriend of yours has been demanding answers?" There was humor in the photographer's voice now.
"Actually we'd all like to hear." Takayama said getting up and moving closer to the phone. "I'm surprised you didn't tell me yourself. I know you and Marcy aren't the best of friends."
"Hardly! And I didn't tell because it might have reflected badly on Lucifer and I will not be the cause for holding those guys back. Despite my hating the bitch, she is helping them." Tokugawa said despising the truth of that.
That had several pairs of eyes blinking. It wasn't that Tokugawa wanted to help, from the moment he'd signed on with them, he'd been on their side. From what he'd just said, whatever Marcy had done could have ruined all their hard work.
"Tell me. I need to know what she did." Takayama leaned over the phone listening intently.
Kyo told them everything not just that she tried to get him fired and had basically insulted those famous designers but about everything she'd said and done to ridicule his work and boss around his staff. Kyo also let it be known how she treated Aine and Miya, like they were her servants.
"Honestly Hitoshi, she may be good at what she does but she's only going to make enemies with that attitude of hers. I smoothed things over with Armani and Versace. Lucifer proved themselves and showed their star power but you can be damn sure that they won't deal with Marcy again. It irked them just knowing she was even there!" Kyo listened to the silence and sighed. "Look I got to go. I hope you learn to handle that woman before she has the opposite effect on the band's dreams. Aine – you call me if you need to. Atsuro my thoughts are with you and Yuuka."
Atsuro stood. "Thanks man."
"No problem and Aine, either I or one of my photographers will be there for your graduation! Been a long damn time since I went to one of those! I'm looking forward to it." Tokugawa chuckled happily.
"Oh, you don't have to!" Aine was worried that Sakuya would be angry because it was unlikely that he would be able to go.
"I'm expecting some good stuff Tokugawa. Thanks for looking out." Sakuya pulled Aine close and smiled down at her.
"Yes, thanks so much Kyo. We appreciate you handling things so well." Yuki stood as well to face the phone.
"Got to protect my investment! You guys are going to go to the top and me along with you! Alright guys check you later and take care of the women. If it isn't Marcy… Sakuya don't make me have to kill you! Keep Aine safe." He said it with humor but was quite serious too.
"Got it and you can kill me if I don't." Sakuya told him for if he lost Aine, why would he want to live? "Talk to you later."
"…Right, I'll be gone a day or two more but I'll be back soon. Call if you need me or well just call okay?" So much could happen but Kyo didn't want to speak any of it out loud.
Aine and Takayama both said they would and then the photographer disconnected leaving them listening to a dial tone.
Yuki pulled Maria up into his arms in apology for his earlier anger. "So he told you the day of the barbeque. Kyo did spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I just thought he was flirting with Aine!" He looked over at her with a smile then froze.
"Damn…DAMN!" Yuki held his wife tighter and looked at his friends one by one before finally focusing on Takayama. "Someone was watching the house!"
"Our house?!" Maria broke away from him and jerk up her purse from the floor. She dumped it onto the sofa and snatched up her phone and called home.
"Are you sure?" Sasaki asked as he and the others moved forward to listen as Maria checked in with little Yuki's nanny.
Yuki scrubbed his face as he waited on Maria. When she was talking to their son on the phone he let out a huge sigh and was grateful for Santa gripping his shoulder keeping him upright.
"Yeah, I noticed the car pulling off as everyone was leaving. No headlights. I just thought it was some fan. I had security increase patrols but now with everything…maybe I should send them away." Yuki looked back at his wife as she slowly closed the phone.
"He's fine – playing. My sweet boy asked after his Oba-san Yuu. I'll take him to see her when she's feeling better. I told them to stay in today and make sure all the alarms are set." Maria had been strong 'til then. Now she sank weakly to the couch. "She – whoever would come to our house?! Yuki!" Maria threw herself into his arms as he knelt before her.
Takayama shook off the shock that seemed to be hitting him every few hours or so. "Sasaki increase security for them - a bodyguard for each of them. Atsuro, I'd like to move Yuuka to a private hospital with better security as well. Miya, you'll have a guard too since you'll be traveling with Lucifer and needed on the TV set. Aine – you'll have to work from home and when you do go out, you'll have a guard as well – no more riding the trains and no taxis! We'll provide you guard with a car. Yuki…it's up to you to decide how to protect your family." Guilt and responsibility weighed heavily on Hitoshi's shoulders. If Marcy was behind all this then he was the one who'd brought her into their lives.
"Don't send us away! Yuki please….I'd worry too much not being with you - all of you!" She looked at them all but held Aine's stare.
Yuki looked into her dear face. No I couldn't bear to be parted with you either. "My father hasn't seen Yukihiko in a while; maybe we could have an extended stay with him." The Todo estate was a world unto itself. No strangers were allowed inside its gates without the Master's permission.
Maria touched his face. Yuki and his father had a truce of sorts but maybe this crisis would heal their relationship for good. She nodded and kissed him. "Yes, it will be good to see your parents and Yukihiko will love the gardens!" Just picturing her son running about those gardens chased the fear away a little more.
"The Americans will be here in two days, what will we tell them? Anything?" Kai spoke up once again standing next to Santa. She was offering support and taking some as well.
"Right now nothing. We'll assess the situation after they get here." Takayama sighed. He went to each female and kissed their cheeks. "Sasaki we should head back and get started on the things we just discussed and I need to have a talk with Marcy." His beautiful face was grim. "See you tomorrow." He and Sasaki left minutes later.
They were…unsure. Things with music they tackled head-on and met each of those challenges. Even obsessive fans – they'd gotten used to but now the question hung in the air – was Marcy or someone out there was trying to hurt Lucifer by hurting their loves? One by one they'd been hurt. First Miya had been poisoned and while what happened to her wasn't necessarily fatal, if her body's immune system had been weak then no amount of antibiotics would have saved her. Next was Yuuka in a fall that could have easily broken her neck or snapped her spine taking her from them. That just left Aine and Maria.
Maria was the big sister, sometimes the mother figure. She spoiled them and loved them. Aine was their inspiration coming up with song after song taking them to the tops of the charts and more importantly she had changed Sakuya. Yeah, Sakuya had always been one of them but he'd never been truly happy until he loved Aine.
If the pattern continued, one of them was next on this sicko's list. They'd been ignorant of the fact that Miya and Yuuka had been intentionally hurt but now they knew a real threat was headed their way and they would do all they could to protect these two very important women. Still they were scared in a way they'd never experienced before. This unknown didn't lead to success or happiness but to hurt and possibly despair. They were simply scared of what the future held.