Destruction
Sakuya and Aine spent the morning in bed. They slept spooned together and as deeply as children. The day was theirs to do with as they wanted. No interviews, no rehearsals, no lyric writing and no composing. Their schedules were completely free. The night before had been exciting, something new and enjoyed to the fullest but it had or rather the whole process had worn them out.
It was a little after mid-day before Sakuya began to stir. He felt warm and comforted. The scent of flowers filled his nose and he became aware of Aine in his arms. Her steady heartbeat beat in time with his. The plump flesh of her breast was cupped in one of his hands; he squeezed it gently and got pleasure just from that small action. His other hand was curled loosely about her small waist. Sakuya flattened that hand against the small curve that was her belly. It made him smile to think that one day his baby would grow inside her just where his hand lay. To say he was happy was an understatement. Sakuya didn't know if he would ever find the words to explain just what Aine had brought him but really he didn't care because all he needed was this. Smiling, he slid one long leg between her softer ones and gently pulled her closer to his body. Aine sighed and settled her head on his shoulder. He kissed her hair and let himself drift away. There was no reason in the world to leave this heaven just yet.
At two in the afternoon, Aine yawned mightily. She stretched and felt Sakuya's hands on her. With a smile she turned in his arms laughing as he pulled her with him until he was on his back and she on his chest. "You're awake. How long?" She rubbed her face against his chest and kissed the warm skin.
"On and off for a while." Sakuya cupped her head and let his other hand sweep down her back to her bottom curves. As they lay there his stomach grumbled.
"Oh! You're hungry! Sakuya you should have woken me." Aine felt guilty and tried to get up but two large hands held her still.
"I'm fine. It just now started doing that. I much prefer being here with you than eating food. Good morning – afternoon!" Sakuya grinned as he checked the clock then lifted her to his mouth.
"Mmm…" Aine murmured. She loved it when her days began this way. Her hands framed his face and played in his hair as she felt his body respond to hers. "Me first?" She giggled he slid beneath her so he could nibble at her breasts.
"Definitely! No dish in this world is as good as you!" Sakuya flipped her over and moved between her legs. Their loving laughter filtered down the stairs and the two bodyguards moved into the kitchen so they wouldn't hear everything going on up in the master bedroom.
Sakuya swaggered and Aine blushed when they finally made it downstairs about two hours later. Only Sanosuke was there in the living room watching some TV.
"Hey, where's Charlie?" Sakuya greeted the man with a smile. "Did we run him off? Aine can get loud sometimes." He caught Aine's elbow as she tried to put it in his stomach.
Sanosuke blushed a little then grinned. "Taking a nap. We've been trading off every two hours, can't let our charges be without protection. It was a late night after all."
"Oh yeah, sorry about that." Sakuya apologized. It was easy to forget that these guys weren't friends instead of employees and that unlike he and Aine, they couldn't just sack out and wake up whenever.
"Don't worry about it – it's our job. Umm, you guys get enough sleep?" Sanosuke teased and laughed as Aine's blush deepened.
"Oh hush or I won't let you have anything I cook!" Aine wagged her finger at him and bounced into the kitchen.
Sanosuke's mouth dropped open and he hurried off after Aine, much to Sakuya's amusement. Both bodyguards had already learned that Aine was a damn good cook and he quickly apologized and offered to help. Sakuya picked up the remote, turned on some music, sat down then picked up the paper and read while he waited for his meal.
Before long, Charlie showed up, the smell of cooking food woke him. He did a check of the apartment, walked around outside to make sure no one was hanging about then returned to help with dinner. Aine made enough for an army since she and Sakuya were starved and she had two more men in the house to feed. The four of them sat down and decimated the food. Between bites they recalled the night before and gossiped about people in the music/movie industry they knew.
Sanosuke loaded the dishwasher while Sakuya made coffee. Charlie was cutting the cake Aine had made earlier in the week while the pretty chef relaxed on the couch. She picked up the remote and turned off the music then turned on the TV. It was early evening now so the news would be on shortly. Aine smiled and wondered if they'd made the news. There had been some TV cameras at the location shoot last night. She thought that maybe she should call her parents and tell them to look for her. Giggling, Aine looked for and found her favorite station.
Sakuya arrived with a tray of coffee, cups, cream and sugar. Charlie followed with their dessert and Sanosuke hurried in drying his hands. As they settled in with coffee and cake, the news was about the weather, the stock market, local events then they interrupted a report about a children's festival for a special report. It was about a firefight in downtown Tokyo. Apparently a car crash had started it all and it appeared that a gang might be involved as well. People were warned to avoid the area at all costs and stay tuned for further information. They had some long range photos of the scene and that's when Charlie paused, mouth open for the cake on his fork but he slowly dropped his hand to his lap. Sanosuke did a double take, put his coffee down and reached for his phone but it rang before he ever got it off his belt. Charlie's phone rang a second later followed by the apartment phone. The goodwill and satisfaction after the meal was gone that quickly. The TV news was about them alright but it wasn't good.
Yukihiko's was in Yuki's mind's eye as the car raced to the hospital. It was the same damn hospital. Yet another of the Lucifer Ladies was hospitalized there. His son had been crying and was being held in his Otou-san's arms as he left the house at a run. His parents would look after his child while he learned the condition of his beloved. Yuki didn't know how to move or talk the entire way to the hospital. It was more than an hour away at normal speeds. Daisuke was driving dangerously over the speed limit but in the back of his mind, Yuki wished for Sakuya to be behind the wheel for he drove like a bat out of hell.
Thirty minutes later, Daisuke slammed on the brakes and they both jumped out and ran for the entrance. By now he knew the way to the emergency room and not caring for anyone who got in his way, Yuki frantically searched out his wife. "MARIA!"
There was a commotion to the left and Yuki heard his name, he ran that way. Turning the corner he saw all of the bodyguards first then his band mates. Because the Todo estate was outside of town, they'd all made it to the hospital before him. "Santa! Where's Maria? Where's my wife?!" He slammed into his friend and gripped his shoulders in a punishing grip.
"It's okay Yuki! Maria's going to be fine!" Santa spoke loudly staring into his friend's frightened eyes. He'd never seen such an utter look of terror on Yuki's face before.
Yuki blinked rapidly, his eyes wet while his lungs sucked in air. "She's okay?"
"Yuki?" Maria called out. Her voice wasn't very loud and there was weary tone to it as well as yearning.
Yuki's head snapped to the right where there was a partially open door. He shook his head and stepped away from Santa but his friend gripped his arm as his legs didn't seem to want to work. Together they entered the room. Miya and Kai were at the back of the room standing close together. Aine's back was to him but she turned and gave him a soft smile and there sitting up in the bed was his wife. "Maria!" He rushed to her, sank down on the bed and pulled her into his arms. "Maria, Maria…thank God…Maria…" He felt as if his heart was about to burst out of his chest as he cried into her hair and felt her tears on his chest.
Aine backed off then turned when she felt Sakuya behind her. They held each other tight. It had been such a close call and they'd all feared the worst. Around them, the others paired off with their significant others while Atsuro watched from the hall as he talked to Yuuka on his cell. It was against the rules but since she couldn't be there and he couldn't hold her in his arms, talking to her was the next best thing.
It was only as the nurse entered the room that Yuki backed away to get a good look at his wife. He hadn't seen anything at first, only that she was alive but now as the nurse checked his wife's pulse and gave her a few pills to swallow, Yuki saw what had been done to her.
"Where the hell is Shinji?" Yuki growled. The man was hired to protect his wife. He had not done his job. "Where the hell is he?!"
"Cool it Yuki. He's in surgery man. Shinji got shot." Santa moved forward. He could understand Yuki's anger but it was directed at the wrong person.
Robbed of his righteous anger, Yuki choked on his words. "I – I'm sorry." He looked out into the hall where Daisuke and the others were. "What happened? Maria?"
Maria lifted a bandaged hand to wipe away her tears. There were bruises on her face and her bottom lip was split open. Her other arm was in a sling from where she'd been grazed by a bullet.
"It was planned – the accident, all of it. We were surrounded before we knew it." Maria spoke softly. "Shinji told me to stay in the car but he got out with a gun." She let out a sad sound. "I don't like guns but if he hadn't had it…" Maria sighed and settled back onto the pillows. "I didn't see much of what happened with Shinji since the car was being attacked. For a while it was okay but then one of them pulled a gun…" She had to stop to catch her breath, the fear still lingered. "He shot at the glass until it broke. …But I was ready! I was going to fight…for you Yuki and my baby. I fought for you!" Maria was crying again and held out a hand for her husband.
"It's okay, it's okay sweetheart. Shh, shh, please Maria don't cry." Yuki pleaded then got up, picked her up then held her in his lap rocking her.
Aine turned in Sakuya's arms with tears flowing down her face. "We can tell him if you want Maria." She offered. The police had been there earlier getting a statement from her. Maria hadn't cried then possibly because she was still in shock but they knew most of the details. If she couldn't or wouldn't go on, they could tell Yuki.
"Please." Yuki wanted only to take away his wife's fear and pain but all he could do was hold her and love her. He stretched out on the bed and did his best to make her comfortable.
"There were six of them." Sakuya began. "Shinji took on two of them according to witnesses. Those two weren't carrying guns but pipes I think. He tried to reason with them but when they got near the car, he attacked them but not with the gun. He fought hand to hand, took the pipe away from one of them, smashed the kneecap of that one then knocked the other one out." Sakuya shook his head at the violence even as he admired Shinji's skill.
"Yeah," Atsuro entered the room, his phone still connected to Yuuka so that she could be with them. "After that he turned to help Maria. It was as the bullet-proof glass was broken that he turned to see Maria knock that guy down with the car door. I think she said she sprayed mace down his throat." A quick grin flashed on Atsuro's face at the thought of the bastard choking on the nearly lethal gas. "That one was down for the count but that still left three guys. You guys were so brave Maria, really. We're all proud of you and Shinji." Atsuro blinked and wondered if he'd have handled things so well.
Yuki looked down in amazement at Maria and held her tighter. My woman… "Go on, what happened after that?"
Santa with his arm around Kai, walked closer to the bed. "Both of them were attacked by the remaining three. One grabbed Maria but she still had the taser and the fool never knew what hit him but the other guy knocked the taser out of her hand. That's how she got the bruises and hurt her arm but Maria didn't give up. Yeah the jerk hit her but she hit back! That stick thingy – well she dropped it but she got her hands on it again. Maria broke his arm then knocked him out! I'll never make her mad enough to hit me like that!" Santa swore vehemently and got the needed smiles from everyone.
"But that's when the last guy got desperate." Aine said in the silence. "He was as good a fighter as Shinji and somehow he stumbled over the gun the other guy had dropped." Even though the danger was over, everyone tensed up in anticipation like something horrible was about to happen. "Shinji had been knocked to the ground by a kick to the chest, when he looked up; he saw the man….he was pointing the gun at Maria." Aine was breathing hard imaging the scene. "Shinji quickly drew his own gun and fired. It went wild but it was enough to frighten the guy but still, Maria's arm was hit as she dove out of the way." She pulled Sakuya's arms tight about her waist.
Yuki gentled his hold on Maria hoping he hadn't given her more pain by holding her so tightly. He felt sick knowing just how close he'd come to losing her. "You survived. You survived. I love you Maria." He kissed her head.
"We owe Shinji a lot." Towa joined in solemnly. "His next shot didn't miss but neither did the gang banger's. They shot at almost the same instant. Shinji's bullet went right between the guy's eyes and the bastard's into Shinji's chest. It hit a rib, his lung and is still inside him. They don't know if he's going to make it or not." Worry was the first emotion followed by fondness.
Shinji had been quiet and professional in the beginning but Maria's fun loving personality won out and she soon had him talking and laughing. Apparently Shinji had a great sense of humor and often you would see him laughing or making others laugh. He was a man to be admired for his skill and commitment but also because he had become a friend.
"He has to live!" Maria spoke quietly, her words a little slurred. The pills the nurse had given her were working. "Yukihiko really likes him. Yukihiko!" Her head fell back heavily so she could look at her husband. "My baby! Where's my baby? Is he safe!" Maria woke up then, anxious.
"Yes he's fine! He's safe Maria. The house is locked down and more guards have been sent. He's fine." Yuki reassured her.
"Yes its Yukimura Aine. We're here at the hospital with Maria. She'd like to talk to little Yuki if that's okay?" She'd called the Todo estate and was now talking to the Master. Yes sir, she's going to be just fine. Really? Thank you. Hey Yukihiko! Its Aunt Aine." Still crying but smiling she headed for the bed. "Want to talk to your Ha-ha? Here she is!" Aine handed the phone to Maria then accepted a kiss from Yuki. "Let's go outside guys." Aine looked at her friends then at the couple on the bed talking to their son. "They need some time alone."
The guys all gathered about the bed to either gently touch or kiss Maria softly before leaving the room. She was their sister and they were thankful to still have her. Towa closed the door giving them some privacy then looked at their guards. "Any word yet?"
Sanosuke answered. "No. We're told the surgery could take hours." He scrubbed his hands over his face. He and Shinji were co-workers but they were also good friends. "I suppose you want to stay awhile?" He asked Aine who lay against Sakuya's side.
"We do but…is it safe?" Miya asked before Aine could. She looked at all the men in dark clothing, the men protecting them.
Daisuke, Yuki's guard spoke up. "I spoke with the police and hospital security. Maria-san's going to need to stay at least overnight but we're waiting on them to set up a bed in a secluded wing. With all of us here, the hospital restricting all movement of non-personnel and cops are being assigned to this floor and outside – I think it's alright if you stay awhile but considering what's happened, we'd all prefer to get you guys home and under wraps before long. There is the worry that if the men who attacked Shinji and Maria-san are truly gang members, there may be some retaliation." When Yuki had joined his wife, Daisuke had been busy gathering information and making plans.
"There's doubt? This wasn't a random attack?" Atsuro was glad that he'd ended the call with Yuuka.
"Yes. Besides personal tattoos, none wore an identifying tat that proves they are a part of any affiliated gang. It's possible this was just a group of assholes hired to do a job." Now it was Charlie speaking as he stood behind Sakuya and Aine.
With a face of chiseled stone, Towa asked the pertinent question. "Where's Marcy?"
There were hurried footsteps as Takayama, Sasaki and Tokugawa came their way. "Marcy's at the office where she's been all day! We've had meetings most of the day and we left her to work out a press release for the media. How's Maria?" Hitoshi pressed a hand against his heart trying to calm its racing beat. "How is she?!"
Tokugawa looked them over, none appeared like they were going to fall apart with grief and he sighed in relief. He went to the ladies and kissed their cheeks.
"She's going to be fine thanks to Shinji." Kai relieved her boss's anxiety then filled him on the rest.
"It can't be Marcy's doing. Like Takayama said, she's been at work all day." Sasaki said crossing his arms.
"Like she couldn't have planned this ahead of time? How easy would it have been for her to have someone watching Maria and report to her when and where was the best place to attack? Give me a break Sasaki!" Towa's anger was just below a boil and Miya went to him, hoping to keep him calm.
"That's enough!" Hitoshi commanded. "This is not the place or time. We'll discuss this tomorrow at the office. Right now we need to concentrate on being there for Yuki and Maria and praying for Shinji." He nodded when they all grew quiet. Just then a doctor appeared then entered Maria's room.
It wasn't long after that Maria was moved upstairs. She was already sleeping so the group sat out in the waiting room. They wouldn't leave until they knew Shinji's fate. It was ten in the evening before they knew that Shinji survived the surgery and that now it was up to him whether or not he recovered.
Sakuya and Santa chose to stay at the hospital with Yuki. Atsuro and Towa hated to leave but they also felt the need to stay close to their women. What happened to Maria just brought back the previous horrors. Tokugawa promised to see Kai safely home and Sakuya sent Aine home with both Charlie and Sanosuke.
Lucifer's schedule was completely disrupted. There had been interviews scheduled for the morning but the band canceled. It had taken an intervention from the police to keep Maria's name out of the news reports. Instead of promoting the band's appearance on the American TV show, it was decided that they should have a lunch meeting at the office to discuss this recent attack.
The sun had barely made an appearance when Sakuya got home. Aine was still sleeping. He joined her on the bed and held her.
"Hmm, Sakuya…Sakuya!" Aine woke as he pulled her into his chest. "Sakuya?" She whispered and wrapped an arm around his waist.
"We could have lost her." Sakuya tasted Aine's hair as he let himself cry. Last night it had been shock, anger and worry. Now he was able to release his fears.
"Oh Sakuya. We didn't. You still have her!" Aine kissed his chest then broke free so could pull him to her breast and caress his dark head and back. Maria had been the first woman to ever truly care for Sakuya after his mother died. Actually, he'd received more love and attention from Maria because his mother hadn't been capable of loving him the way a mother should.
They lay there for a couple of hours, first just so he could cry and then so that he could sleep. Aine eventually got up and fixed a light breakfast and some black coffee for him and took it back upstairs. She learned from Sanosuke that Shinji was holding his own.
Sakuya came out of the shower looking refreshed, hugged Aine and drained the coffee cup. "Thanks." He didn't mean the coffee.
Aine just shook her head. "I love you." Was her answer.
"And I love you." Sakuya sat down to eat his breakfast. "Promise me you'll stay home today." He said suddenly.
"But I wanted to go see Yukihiko. You know he's missing his mother and Yuki probably won't want to leave Maria's side. The estate is safe Sakuya. I'll spend a few hours with him then come home. Please?" She reached across the small table to touch his hand.
Worried blue eyes roved her lovely face. Sakuya turned his hand over so that he could hold hers. "Alright but you'll have, Sanosuke and Charlie with you at all times. I've already got another bodyguard for myself." Sakuya was already planning to have even more escorts for Aine but didn't plan on mentioning that to her. She's the last one. Well there's Kai but I doubt she'll be targeted. My Aine is next on this wacko's list. I know she won't allow me to lock her away but she'll be as protected as possible.
Aine smiled softly as she read his thoughts. "I'll be extra careful, I promise. Want to go with me? Yukihiko loves his Uncle Saku." She felt it would improve his mood to see the child.
Sakuya lifted their hands so that he could kiss hers. "Can't. The meeting at the office may take all afternoon and I want us both home before dark." He let her hand go so that she could cup his cheek.
"How much longer Sakuya? When will this be over? If it's really Marcy…" Aine didn't want to accuse her outright but truly she was finally starting to believe it was the redhead. Maria had laid into the woman harshly and the attack against Maria had been just as harsh.
"We can't just fire her without proof Aine." Sakuya went back to eating. "It will all be discussed at the meeting." He drank some more coffee. "She's done wonders for Lucifer and it would make us look bad if we just up and got rid of her. Maybe we can have her work with one of the other bands. is doing really well and plan on taking the top spot in Japan when we leave for London." Sakuya was lost in thought after saying this. It sounded like a good deal all around.
Aine kept her own council. She wouldn't worry Sakuya with things she couldn't prove, he was right about that. "Would you like some more?" She asked as Sakuya cleaned his plate.
"No I'm good. Are you ready to leave now?" Sakuya said sipping coffee.
"I want to bake some cookies first for Yukihiko and Maria. She'll be released today won't she?" Aine drank some juice.
Sakuya shrugged. "She didn't have a good night. Even though the pills helped her to rest, Maria had nightmares. In order to make sure she gets some rest, they may keep her another day. Aine?" He sat forward as her eyes went sort of blank and she shivered.
"I'm alright but I completely understand about her nightmares. My…my attack was of a different nature but knowing that someone deliberately wants to hurt you, not just wants to but tries with all their strength…it's hard to let that go." Aine got up and walked to the window.
Sakuya opened and closed his mouth a couple of times before getting up and joining her. He held her shoulders. "I thought the nightmares were gone." He leaned down to kiss her head.
"They are mostly but every now and then I remember his hands on me." Aine shivered again and accepted Sakuya's embrace willingly.
"I'm sorry…I just thought…I should have known!" Self-hatred pulled at him. She was his, he should know when she was upset and scared.
"Hush Sakuya! I don't bring it up because I don't want to focus on it. The memories don't stay for long. You still remember your past don't you? Before Lucifer?" She was facing him now holding his face. "We all have baggage, we just have to love each other and help each other through the bad days. Right?" Aine stroked his lips until they curved for her.
"Right. Come here." Sakuya lifted her until she was eye level then just held her as they looked out at the new day.
With a little help from Sakuya, Aine had prepared and baked four dozen cookies. There was a dozen for Yukiko and Maria, two dozen for Lucifer and a dozen for the guards. She planned on doing the same for Shinji when he was able to have them. It didn't matter what kind he wanted or how many, Aine wanted to show him her appreciation for all he'd done to save her friend. She left soon after and before Sakuya. Aine was in one car with Sanosuke and Charlie, led by another car and followed by another. She thought it was a bit much but at the same time was grateful. Aine knew it was dangerous especially after what happened to Maria but she couldn't stop thinking about Yukihiko and what he must be going through. He'd seen neither of his parents since the day before and though he was safe with his grandparents, she wanted to do what she could to reassure not only the little boy but his mother as well. Maria would appreciate Aine spoiling him during this time. Still during the whole ride over to the Todo estate, Aine prayed. She prayed for all of them and an end to this horrible situation.
Jupiter Records was a beehive of curiosity and rumors. A few key people knew exactly what had happened but the rest only knew that there had been another attack. As one by one, Lucifer arrived, the speculation grew. Santa arrived with Kai, Towa and Atsuro came together, while Sakuya arrived alone and Yuki didn't show up at all.
Sakuya dealt with stares and whispers on a regular basis but usually that didn't occur at the office and it irked him. Whenever he caught someone staring, he cut them down with his ice blue eyes. It was a relief to finally reach the conference room and shut the door on the assholes!
Takayama didn't say anything when Sakuya slammed the door. He understood how yesterday's attack had destroyed their piece of mind. Just looking around the room at the bodyguards lined up against the wall, confirmed that things were getting out of hand.
"Good everyone's here. Yuki you ready?" They'd set up a conference call with the band leader since he was reluctant to leave his wife.
"Yes. Thanks for understanding guys." Yuki said. He was watching his wife sleep at the moment. She'd been given a suite and he sat across the room from her hoping not to disturb her.
"Of course Yuki. We would be there with you if we could." Towa spoke pushing his hair behind his ears. For once he didn't look glamorous. He was unnaturally pale and there were smudges under his eyes.
"I know and Sakuya? Aine's the best. I'll owe her a hug the next time I see her. I was going to run home to see Yukihiko but knowing she's there with him, I can stay with Maria and hopefully we'll both see our son this evening." They could hear the hope in Yuki's voice.
"I won't argue with you. She even baked everybody cookies." Sakuya slid a container onto the table. "Comfort food she called it. You'll have some waiting for you at home too if the little guy doesn't eat them all." Sakuya was able to smile because just thinking of Aine made him feel good.
"That Aine." Atsuro grinned and helped himself then passed the container around the table. They all got a cookie or two then either got coffee or a drink before settling down for the meeting.
"So where is Marcy? I was expecting her to be here." Towa said. He was ready to blame the woman after everything that had happened to their women. He didn't know if she was actually the culprit but nothing like this had happened before she'd shown up.
"She's here in her office. I've asked her assistant to keep tabs on her so we'll know where she goes or who she talks to." Sasaki frowned. "I still find it hard to believe that she'd ever do anything like… Marcy is a businesswoman – not a, a thug!"
Hitoshi sat back in his chair and crossed his legs. "I've talked with the police." He said and everyone stiffened. "They weren't a gang or at least they didn't belong to one yet. They were just a group of teens and young men – high school dropouts who would do anything if the price was right.
"Who paid them to kill my wife?" Yuki's tone was low and hard.
"No idea." Hitoshi sighed. "The guy Shinji shot had handled everything for the group. He met with the 'client', took payment then planned the assault. Also they were told that it wasn't absolutely necessary to kill Maria…maiming her was good but if they managed to kill her – they'd get a bonus." Feeling sick to the stomach, Hitoshi took a drink of water. Just telling them what he learned was almost as worse as knowing how close they'd come to succeeding.
Yuki looked over at Maria then quickly got up and left the hospital room. He paced outside the door fuming. Maim Maria and a fucking bonus if they killed her?!
"Yuki – they didn't!" Santa leaned over the table speaking into the speaker. "Maria survived!"
"I know." He whispered, tears slipping from his eyes. "THEY DAMN NEAR DID THOUGH! SANTA – I'VE NEVER THOUGHT I COULD KILL ANYONE BUT NOW… THIS 'CLIENT' – IF I GET MY HANDS ON HIM – HE IS DEAD!" Yuki didn't care who heard him but thankfully except for their guards, the hall was empty.
No one spoke as Yuki's voice made the speaker whine in protest then gradually wane until there was silence. "…Sorry."
Atsuro shook his head. "No, don't be sorry. In fact I think I'll help you. Yuuka could have died on that staircase." His fists clenched. "Right here! Whoever it was - was here! In this building!" Atsuro pounded the table. "How the hell do we catch this guy?" He looked at Sasaki and Takayama.
"Or woman." Towa said quietly. He was raging as well but quietly. He looked at his friends. "I know we don't have proof but it could very well be Marcy. She didn't like Aine from minute one. She worked them all like dogs. Miya told me that whenever she was alone with the woman that Marcy acted as if she weren't even there." Towa now gripped the table. "What about the gym? She was threatening Aine and Yuuka! We know she was because neither of them would tell us what happened but both of them were scared. Soon after Yuuka fell. We have to do something about Marcy."
Sasaki was as stiff as a board as he flipped through his leather binder. "We can't. We have no reason to break her contract and if we do, it's going to cost us. It will cost us enough to delay the trip to London."
"So? If it means Maria and the others are safe – we don't need to go to London!" Yuki told them.
"I agree." Santa said and looked at Kai. "My relationship with Kai is new and she hasn't been threatened or attacked but the thought that she could…it scares me. Besides, Maria, Yuuka, Miya and Aine are like my little sisters – I love them and protecting them comes first!" He saw his friends give him a kind look and knew they were thankful for his support.
Hitoshi shook his head. "I'd thought you'd say that. While I don't want to do this, not when we're practically on the airplane but I guess we have no choice." He held out his hand for Marcy's contract and looked it over. "She could cause problems for us and since we're the one's breaking her contract, Marcy has no reasons to keep our secrets. That includes Lucifer's lyricist. Are you okay with that Sakuya? Aine will more than likely be hounded by the press and the fans. Her privacy will be over." This was the part he hated the most. Bad press they could deal with but hurting Aine was something he dreaded.
All eyes looked his way. Atsuro, Towa and Santa all looked shocked. They hadn't considered everything that firing Marcy would mean. Now they looked like they wanted to take back their words. Sakuya chuckled and bit into his cookie. "I helped bake these you know, you guys should thank me."
"Sakuya we don't want this to affect Aine." Atsuro was frowning now.
"That's right. Maria won't accept that either." Yuki added as he peered into the room. Maria hadn't moved.
"It won't because we don't have to fire Marcy." Sakuya smiled when he saw their stunned faces. "Tell me, does her contract state specifically that she works for Lucifer or Jupiter Records?"
"Jupiter. Why?" Sasaki answered automatically then sat back with a smile.
"Then we just pass her along to . She's done what you hired her to do – help us get to London. Our faces are out there, here in Japan, the UK and the USA. Marcy can stay here and make just as popular as Lucifer or try!" Sakuya grinned. "And we can go to London. Problem solved." He shrugged and finished off his cookie.
Towa nodded. Atsuro blinked. Santa laughed. Yuki chuckled as well. It was a good idea and if anything happened with then they would definitely have grounds to fire Marcy.
"Done." Hitoshi smiled and nodded to Sakuya. "Also…I think I'll reduce just how much contact she has with the band. She spent a great deal of time with you guys I thought in order to get a better feel for Lucifer and how to sell you but she could have done the same with only the briefest of encounters. In fact, I'll inform her that she has no reason to contact you at all anymore." Hitoshi also decided to look for other ways to legally break Marcy's contract. If she was the source of the trouble then they were better off with her gone sooner than later and even if she wasn't – Lucifer's Ladies would be glad to see the back of her. Marcy had disrupted things her very first day with them and if Aine, Yuuka, Miya and Maria weren't happy then Lucifer wasn't happy.
Kai was pleased as well. She hadn't said much but the fact that Maria's attack had been the worst of them all, scared her to death. Immediately that scene at Tokugawa's place had come to her when she'd heard about Maria. If that was Marcy's response then what was she planning for her and Aine? As it was she was trying to figure out how to avoid Marcy in the future. Unlike Lucifer, she would still have see and work with the woman.
"Well if that's settled, let's get down to some real business!" Sasaki said with purpose. They needed a change of subject and London was something they were all looking forward to. He would be going with the band to London and was sure they were going to be a success over there. This wasn't only a step up for Lucifer but for him as well.
Hitoshi laughed. "What about you Yuki? Can you stay on the phone a while longer?" He also wanted things back to normal as much as possible.
Maria was still sleeping and knowing that he'd have some good news to tell her when she woke put Yuki in a slightly better mood. In order to keep his mind off the events of yesterday, he would gladly stay on the phone with his friends. "Oh yeah, I'm good. Have we got our first gig in London yet?" He smiled.
Aine stared at the stuffed bear. It was one of Yukihiko's favorites and he wanted his Ha-ha to have it. The little boy had been hesitant but had pushed the bear at Aine saying it would make his Ha-ha feel better just like it always did for him. It had been hard not to cry at how sweet he was but Aine had hugged him fiercely then chased after him with kisses. For a child so young, he was very in tune with his parents and he was worried about them. He was able to play and enjoy himself as she visited but often he'd grow quiet and look at the various pictures of his parents that were all over his grandparents' home.
She'd stayed almost five hours at the Todo estate. Although Yuki's parents were very proper, they'd made the effort to be less so in order to make Yukihiko feel more comfortable and she found that the elder Todo was strict but nice as well. He and Yukihiko had given her an impromptu Noh performance and it had been adorable. She'd left as the little boy was finally tiring. The Noh master thanked her for her attention and care. Aine just told him the truth; Maria and Yuki were like family and Yukihiko like her nephew. He'd bowed to her gratefully and welcomed her back any time.
Although she'd promised Sakuya that she'd go straight home, Aine had to deliver the bear to Maria. She knew it would help chase away the nightmares and have a small piece of her baby with her until she could go home and hold him herself.
Yuki was surprised to see her and her little companion. He caught her up in a tight embrace outside of Maria's room. "Thanks for coming Aine." He still held her and rested against the wall with her in his arms.
Aine blinked away tears. This had been hard on him and he needed to be strong for Maria so he couldn't let his own fear and pain be seen. She held him much as she had for Sakuya. Aine looked up when he started to shake then pulled him to a chair so that she could hold him better and let him grieve over the knowledge that there was very little that he could do to keep his family safe from harm. She handed him the bear, saw his sad smile and kissed his head as he cried.
Yuki finally lifted his head looking a little embarrassed. "Thanks Aine. …Don't tell Maria." He wiped at his tears.
"Of course I won't but she'd understand. You should know everyone has probably cried over this. Maria's precious to all of us." Aine looked deeply into his eyes. "You could use some sleep Yuki. Don't push yourself so hard."
She was cute – all worried about him but sweet. He could see exactly what it was about her that captured Sakuya's heart. "Yes ma'am." Yuki found an easy smile happening on his face. The fears had been keeping him tense and now that he'd let go of some of it, he was feeling better. He cupped her head, leaned close and kissed her cheek. "Thanks Aine. I find I like having a sister." Now he laughed at her blush. "Why don't you take this little guy in to Maria while I go out for some air and coffee?"
Aine nodded, unable to speak she was so touched. "Umm, take your time." He pulled her to her feet and took one more hug before walking off down the hall, Daisuke at his side.
Maria was out like a light. The nurse explained she was probably trying to come to terms with all that had happened to her plus the medication for the pain made it hard for her to stay awake for any length of time.
Aine saw her lying in the fetal position. She remembered doing that after the attempted rape. As far as she knew, this was the first time Maria had been hurt because of her association to Lucifer. It was sad when Aine thought about how she would be able to help Maria through this. No a gun had never been pointed at her but she'd been beaten, threatened, kidnapped, molested and nearly raped several times. A few of those times, she'd sincerely feared for her life. And all because I love him. Most women would have given Sakuya up but I feel as if I truly would die if I lost him. I wish I'd never once suffered for our love but it's happened and I have to live it. Hopefully the worst is over, not only for me but for all of us. Oh God I hope so.
Maria was on her good side, injured arm pressed between her breasts. Aine moved closer and lifted one hand and placed the bear under it. After a few moments, Maria responded to the soft fur and the smell of Yukihiko. She turned ever so slightly to bring the bear to her breast. Her face rubbed against the top of the bear's head and the tension around her eyes disappeared. Maria sighed deeply and seemed to rest better.
"Looks like Yukihiko is the hero of the day." She laughed softly and took a seat near Shinji's replacement and waited on Yuki to return.
Marcy was ready. Today was the day. By nightfall, Sakuya would be hers. It was hard to conceal her glee. Laughter was just under the surface boiling to come out but she held it in. She knew she was being watched and with what had happened to Maria, it would be suspect if she were found laughing for no reason at all.
Those idiots didn't succeed in killing Maria but that's okay. She won't be running her mouth any time soon! Too bad about Yuki, he just might escape my plans for the rest of them, oh well I can't have it all I guess. Once Sakuya's mine then I'll contact Aine. Eeeee! I can't wait! Marcy tapped her feet beneath her desk where no one could see. A knock on the door frame had her looking up curiously. She stopped her tapping feet. It was Mr. Hitoshi Takayama.
"Marcy, may I come in?" Hitoshi noticed a strange look in her eyes. They were almost glowing but not in a good way, it weird almost manic.
"Of course. How's Maria and Yuki? And the rest of the guys? They're here aren't they? I'd like to check on them and offer my help if you all are through with your meeting. A meeting I should have been at!
Hitoshi walked in and half closed the door. He took a seat but didn't get comfortable, he wouldn't be there long. "Yes the meeting is finally over. Lucifer is having a late lunch right now and discussing music. Talking about or creating music seems to soothe them. They'll probably be going home soon or over to the hospital in a little while." He paused as her eye twitched. "There's no need for you to see Lucifer…not now or ever again. At least not as their publicist." He got to the point.
Her calm expression left and Marcy sat up straight frowning at her boss. "Excuse me? Are you firing me? Wait you hired me as Sakuya's - Lucifer's publicist! They need me!" Her voice rose with each question.
"Not anymore. Technically no you are not fired but you won't be working with Lucifer anymore. From now on you'll be 's publicist. Sakuya, Yuki, Atsuro, Towa and now Santa all work better with their ladies around and well there's obvious bad blood between you and those women. We want to be a success in London and the Lucifer Ladies will all be going so to keep them and the band happy, we're leaving you here in Japan. 's popularity is constantly rising and they will be the top band in Japan once Lucifer is gone. I've no doubt they'll eventually want to go global as well and despite the problems with Lucifer, you've done a remarkable job as their publicist. Now you can do the same thing for ." Hitoshi stood. "As of today, you're to cease all activities having to do with Lucifer. Please turn over all your files to Kai and you should meet up with 's manager – he's expecting you. As you've been doing, reporting all your ideas before acting on them, that still stands. We don't want you overstepping your authority or causing problems for as has happened with Lucifer. Marcy? Marcy do you understand all that I've told you?" Actually he was hoping she would quit on her own and end all their problems but if not, he'd make it quite hard for do any more damage at Jupiter Records.
Marcy blinked trying to digest what the man had just said. It didn't matter that she would be leaving this job behind her very shortly or that she would never see Hitoshi or the rest of them alive again. She was mad as hell that they were pushing her off on another band! She was being treated like she'd done something wrong when she'd worked her ass off for Lucifer! IT'S BECAUSE OF ME THAT THEY WERE EVEN GOING TO GO LONDON! THOSE BITCHES! "They – those women asked you to do this didn't they?" Marcy stood placing her hands flat on the desk to keep from strangling the man before her.
He tilted his head at her. Hitoshi could sense her anger but she was doing a good job of not showing it. He respected her ability to do that. Surely that was a point in her favor, if she was really guilty, wouldn't she be screaming and complaining now?
"No this was Lucifer's decision. The women weren't asked their opinion. It just seemed the best idea all around for the women, Lucifer and you. Please finish up whatever you were working on and have it ready for Kai. She'll be by in a while to pick it up." Hitoshi stared at her a minute longer as Marcy dropped her head preferring to look at her desk than at him. He turned, left the room and closed the door firmly behind him.
She began to pant like a dog that had run too fast. "Dead. Dead. Dead. Dead. You're all dead! Jerks, assholes and bitches all of you! Who do you think you are to treat me this way! Dammit! Hush! Calm down Marcy!" She pounded the desk with her fists then swung around angrily to look out on Tokyo. Never once had her voice gone above a whisper. No one but the posters on the walls knew her rage.
"I really wish I could take my time and kill you all slowly. As it is the bitches will be left alive but at least I'll get the men. Stupid Atsuro, that fag Towa, and the idiot Santa! Oh and Aine! Huh, that will be the most fun." Long nails made a faint scratching noise on the window. "I'm sure Sakuya was against this idea, I'll reward him for that later!" Suddenly she remembered what Hitoshi had said about the band leaving in a little while. Marcy smiled then removed her purse from her desk. "That's what they think! Today marks the end of Lucifer and my beginning with Sakuya!"
Maria did wake before Aine left and she was surprised to find the bear in her arms. Her tears this time were happy ones when she found out Yukihiko had wanted her to have it. She hugged Aine and Aine told her friend that all she had to do was call and Aine would be there. Since it was now early evening, Aine thought she should head home so that Sakuya wouldn't worry if he beat her there. Yuki walked her out to the hallway.
"You and my son really made her day Aine, mine too. I'll have to repay the favor some day." Yuki held her about the waist as they joined Daisuke in the sitting area. The evening news was just coming on.
"What favor? Although I'm sure just having his parents home will make that little boy the happiest Noh actor around!" Aine laughed at his surprise and proceeded to tell him of the show his son and father had done for her.
The two were laughing about the precious little boy when like déjà vu, the newscast was interrupted with a special report. Yuki didn't know how he knew the report concerned them but he did and his fear infected Aine. She clutched at him as the Jupiter Records building appeared on the screen.
'As you can see there is smoke billowing out of Jupiter Records. Apparently there was a call made to the business about there being bombs inside. Not just one but at least more than one. Before the building could be evacuated, a bomb went off somewhere on the first floor. There is a fire inside. As you can see, the police and fire department are getting people out as fast as they can. I'm told there are several of the companies' artists inside the building now including and Lucifer, their two top bands. So far we've not seen – OH MY GOD! THE GROUND JUST SHOOK. I BELIEVE SEVERAL MORE BOMBS JUST WENT OFF. WE NEED TO MOVE - BACK UP! SOME PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HURT!'
The woman reporter continued to report but Aine was already running for stairs, Sanosuke on her heels. He was already on his phone telling the cars to be ready for them. Yuki was torn but he yelled for Daisuke to wait for him. He flew to Maria's room and found her on the phone with their son. "I'm going to see Aine home okay?" He was smiling as he blew her a kiss and hoped that his recent acting experience allowed him to lie convincingly to his wife. She didn't need to know about this just yet. Leaving Maria looking curious, Yuki chased after Aine. He held the railing as he remembered finding Yuuka broken on the stairs but he jumped the flights not bothering to even touch the steps. Doing this he reached the cars just as Aine was yelling at them to go.
"I'm here! MOVE IT!" Yuki pulled Aine to his side. "They're fine. They're fine." He repeated this for several miles praying it was true as they sped towards Jupiter Records.
They had talked music for a little while then found themselves talking about Maria. She was a year older than Sakuya but still she'd been so young and naïve back in the beginning. It had been fun and easy to shock her but she'd learned quickly and was soon turning the tables on them with her teasing. It was by watching her and Yuki together that they learned what it was they wanted from a woman and a relationship. They had fun remembering her back in the old days before Lucifer had gotten so popular and then when she'd gotten pregnant they'd all spoiled her terribly and had been fascinated to watch Yukihiko grow in her belly. They'd teased Yuki horribly, of course not in front of Maria about how he must have put it to her and how often because she'd quickly become pregnant after their marriage. Yuki had been embarrassed at first but his pride in his wife and child was obvious and he went along with and embellished their teasing. One day they would tell Maria some of the things her husband had said and watch as he tried to play it down. They were looking forward to that!
Having spent a few hours talking about the couple, the remaining members of Lucifer felt the need to reconnect with their friends and prepared to leave when the fire alarm went off. Automatically they paused wondering if this were just a drill and if they actually needed to participate. Each of them recalled the drills they'd had in school and how Santa and Sakuya would often skip the rest of the day while Atsuro and Towa were the good boys. While they were still in a good mood and ignoring the drill their bodyguards were not. They were on their phones trying to find out what was going on and to have the cars ready down in the garage.
It wasn't until Kai came at them running at full speed and when an explosion rocked the building did they knew that this was no drill. The guards crowded close to their charges trying to protect them from the panicking crowd.
"We need to evacuate! Somebody's setting off bombs!" Kai held tight to Santa's hand but she reached and grabbed at the rest of them as well. She knew that Sakuya, Towa and Atsuro all had women who would want their men safe and she would do her best to get them all out safely. "Come on! We have to take the stairs!" She hesitated for what seemed like an hour but was only a second as she realized the extra fear that came from going down the very stairs that could have killed Yuuka. Feeling Santa pull her to his side firmly, Kai knew he'd read her mind.
"We can't control these people! In order to keep you guys safe, you need to stay as close to us as possible! This may be how the suspect intends to get rid of you guys!" One of the guards yelled.
"Let's do this together guys. Towa, you stay with Atsuro and Sakuya you bring up the rear!" Santa said as the faint traces of smoke started coming up through the elevator shaft. They all looked at each other knowing that earlier Takayama had told Marcy she was more or less fired as Lucifer's publicist and each wondered if this was her doing but they really didn't have the time to stand there speculating.
During a fire, people are supposed to remain calm. This hardly ever happened. Men and women were running, screaming and yelling at each other and were on their cell phones. They were calling family, their lawyers, the police, the fire department and the more selfish – TV stations hoping to make it on TV as one of the survivors. It was a stampede of humans. There was hardly any difference between them and a herd of cattle except for fewer legs and clothing.
Lucifer plus Kai waited as the bodyguards forced their way into the queue. Despite their best efforts they weren't all together but close enough. Unfortunately the line didn't seem to be moving much. It was still an hour or more before closing so the office was full of employees on every floor and each of them were trying to go down the same set of stairs.
They, the guards and the group of friends were all silent and watchful as they inched towards the stairs. Since Maria had just been attacked, they realized that absolutely anything could happen. Although this was over the top, burning down or blowing up Jupiter Records just to get at Lucifer was a distinct possibility. With this thought in their minds Atsuro, Towa and Sakuya were all doing what the others were – trying to get in touch with loved ones just in case this was goodbye.
~mg~
Marcy was producer, director, actor and stunt person. The scene was set. She counted down on her watch. "Five, four, three, two, one!" Marcy stumbled out of supply closet nearest the stairs. As she did so, she pulled the metal rack with her so that it would fall on top of her. And as she appeared, another explosion rocked the building.
The lights blinked, walls buckled and part of the ceiling fell. Smoke bubbled up making eyes and throats burn. People fell and screamed and pushed forward anxious to get out of the weakened, burning building.
"HELP ME!" She coughed and from her position on the floor she could see Sakuya. He was pressed hard from the back by people trying to escape and covering his mouth. "OH SAKUYA – PLEASE HELP ME!" Marcy screamed sounding panicked and needy.
Dammit! We'll get crushed before we ever get out! Huh? Did somebody call my name? Sakuya was already hunched over because the taller he stood, the more smoke he inhaled. Bending over as much as he could, he saw a hand reaching out to him from the floor. Glancing around, Sakuya saw that no one else noticed the fallen person. Everyone was too concerned about themselves to help anyone else. He hesitated for several moments thinking of Aine and how helping this person could mean he'd never get to see her smiling face again but then what if something like this had happened to Aine? He'd pray that someone would help her. Sakuya made the decision and broke away from the crowd.
"SAKUYA! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?! SAKUYA COME BACK!" Atsuro had been aware of Sakuya behind him but suddenly his friend's presence was gone and he turned his head to see Sakuya run away from the stairs and further down the hall where there was no possible exit.
"GO – I'LL GET HIM!" Hayase, Sakuya's new bodyguard yelled. He felt anger that he hadn't held onto Sakuya's arm and now the singer was in more danger if possible. They'd finally reached the door but now the rest of Lucifer were heading downstairs minus their front man. "Dammit! SAKUYA!" Hayase ran after the stupid young man.
"Marcy!" Sakuya blinked at her but didn't hesitate. "Hold on!" The rack which had held pens, paperclips, notepads and envelops was over her back and legs. It wasn't heavy but he assumed that she was too scared to realized that and get out on her own. He kicked some boxes out of his way and proceeded to lift the rack so she could crawl out.
Hayase assessed the situation quickly and pulled the woman out by her wrists then helped her to her feet. "COME ON – WE'VE GOT TO GET BACK IN LINE! DAMMIT, ISN'T THERE ANOTHER SET OF STAIRS?" He gripped the woman's hand then pushed Sakuya ahead of him.
Marcy coughed into Hayase's shoulder and gripped his arm briefly. She yelled out. "YES BUT THEY ONLY LEAD DOWN TO THE STUDIOS! THEY'RE DOWN AT THE FAR END OF THE HALL!"
Sakuya shook his head, he'd forgotten about those stairs but there were fire exits down there. He looked for Santa and the others but they were already gone, the line finally moving enough for them to get down the stairs. "LET'S GO! WE'LL BEAT THE OTHERS OUTSIDE!" Amazingly the fire alarm still sounded even though most of the lights had quit working. The three of them ran back down the hall, beyond the stairs which were still packed with people to the opposite end. It was a small door and even smaller stairwell, rarely used. The three of them plunged down the stairs.
The streets were blocked off and against their bodyguards advice, Aine and Yuki got out of the car. They forced their way through the crowd knocking people over and pushing them out of the way. They didn't have time to be polite not when the lives of the people they loved were in danger of going up in smoke. Even as they rushed towards the barriers another explosion shook the ground.
"No!" Aine cried and stumbled but Yuki was there. He pulled her up, wrapped an arm about her waist and practically carried her the rest of the way. "Where are they?"
Yuki gripped the yellow plastic barrier, his eyes scanning the groups of people rushing out the lobby doors. He recognized many of the office staff even some of the interns but his band, his manger, director and producer were nowhere to be found. "I don't see them. Maybe they got out another way!" His hand lay just beneath Aine's breast and he could feel the erratic beat of her heart. He recognized the beat for his own was doing the same.
Daisuke and Sanosuke were immediately behind them and were trying to use their two-ways to contact their coworkers. Because of smoke, electricity in the air and communication between rescue personnel was of more importance, even their two-ways weren't working. The best they could do was keep their charges safe until they knew the condition of the rest of Lucifer.
Someone noticed Yuki and the crowd despite the fear and awe of the fire began to get excited. Reporters zeroed in on the woman at his side and a few fans recognized that it was Sakuya's girlfriend. Questions were thrown at them and the reporters began to speculate that one or more members of Lucifer were still inside Jupiter Records and most definitely one of those members was Sakuya.
Because the crowd was beginning to get too rowdy, Charlie asked one of the police officers to let them through the barrier and let them wait near the rescue units to avoid a scene. It only took a few moments for the cop to confer with his superior who agreed to the suggestion as now people were pushing and shoving forward heading for the burning building instead of away from it.
Yuki held Aine in his arms as he continued scanning the people helped out by firefighters. They knew that it was possible that Lucifer wasn't even there or worse yet that they couldn't get out. All they could do was watch and suffer the unknown.
Sakuya used his cell phone to light the way because the power was out. There were emergency lights placed throughout the basement but there were long periods of darkness between them. If anyone had thought to use the back stairs to escape, they were long gone because just the three of them were down there. The smoke was thick too and they got down on their hands and knees trying to see and breathe. There were five studios and they had to go past all of them to reach the fire doors.
Hayase was dragging behind Marcy and Sakuya and no matter how he tried, he couldn't seem to speed up that plus breathing in all the smoke – Hayase knew he wasn't going to make it out of there. It was Marcy's fault, instinct told him so and he had to warn Sakuya.
"SA-KYUA! SAK-YUA!" He found the breath to yell and slid forward trying his best to protect Grazer-sama's brother.
Sakuya was on a mission. He'd counted four doors and knew they had one more then maybe about five more feet until they could breathe fresh air again. He could feel Marcy staying close to his side, her long legs working in her favor but he suddenly realized that Hayase wasn't near. The man wasn't as tall as he but he was quick so if nothing else, he should be in front of them. It was then that he heard his name being called. "Hurry Hayase! We're almost out!" The alarm suddenly shut off and Sakuya wondered if its power source was also cut off or if the danger over. He turned to look for his bodyguard and grew alarmed to see the man down on the floor weakly trying to move. "Shit! He must have inhaled too much smoke. Marcy go on ahead and open the door. I'll bring Hayase!" Sakuya looked at her long enough to see her nod then he went back to his fallen bodyguard. He didn't know Hayase like he did the others but Sakuya would never leave a man behind.
"Hayase! Hayase! Come on man, don't pass out on me now!" Sakuya reached him in seconds. The man was face down on the floor, his chest barely moving. Sakuya turned him over and Hayase appeared unconscious. He slapped a few times then gave up and pulled the man to his knees. He would carry Hayase on his back. Before he could turn around, Hayase open his eyes staring intently at Sakuya.
"Dan-ger. Get out. The woman. Marcy…" Hayase gasped for breath.
"Yeah I know, Marcy's probably out by now. Don't worry – we'll be out in no time." Sakuya promised then started when Hayase's eyes went wide in fear then he clutched at his heart and collapsed. It seemed he said one more thing before his mouth went slack but Sakuya couldn't make it out. "HAYASE – DON'T YOU DARE DIE ON ME! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTING MY ASS NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!" He yelled then had a coughing fit. It was just as Sakuya was getting his air back that Marcy placed a hand on his arm. Sakuya looked up intending to let her know what was going on but her dazzling smile stopped him.
"It's our time now Sakuya." Marcy spoke sweetly as she plunged the syringe into his neck and forced the drug in.
Sakuya jerked away from her, dropped the useless body of Hayase and started to crawl away but his limbs suddenly weighed a ton. He dragged his body to the now open fire doors. Clean air, evening light and freedom beckoned him but Sakuya couldn't reach them. He found his face dipping towards the floor then the cold cement against his chest. Sakuya closed his weighted lids and they didn't open again.
Sasaki was holding up Takayama by the waist as they tumbled out into the night. Both were coughing, lungs burning and eyes wet with tears. Even though they were directed towards people who could give them air and treat their minor wounds, they stood to one side waiting. They'd heard Santa's voice behind them on the stairs and they were going to wait until their most lucrative band and they're close friends were safely out before they went anywhere.
"HITOSHI!" Yuki generally called the man by his last name out of respect for his position but now used his first name because his friend had made it out alive. He and Aine were trying to get closer but the police weren't allowing them to move.
"WHERE ARE THEY? WHERE'S LUCIFER? ARE THEY ALRIGHT?!" Aine was clutching at Yuki but also pulling at him wanting to get closer to the only link they had to Sakuya and the others.
Neither man could talk. They just waved and gave them the thumbs up sign hoping they'd be reassured by that. Even as they did that, more people came hurrying out – E. MU hustled out followed by about twenty more people or so but then a man and female seemingly joined at the hip burst out into the air. Immediately behind them, two men were pushed out by some men in black suits. Seeing their producer and manager, Towa, Atsuro, Kai and Santa all leaned into each other then fell to their knees coughing and retching from the smoke. Even though fear and physical discomforts affected them all, they crowded close together checking on each other then looking back for the one that was missing and nowhere to be found.
At first they smiled, the camera, fans and the cell phones of those fans caught those smiles. Everyone could see the relief on Yuki and Aine's faces. As they focused on the dusty and tired people that had come out of Jupiter, their relief slipped right off their faces. You could see Aine pointing and counting and Yuki making eye contact with each of his friends but one was missing. The tall, blue-eyed one, the youngest of them all was not there.
"SAKUUUUYAAAA! WHERE'S MY SAKYUA!" Aine screamed and pulled away from Yuki.
Yuki felt the same panic as Aine but he quickly grabbed her sleeve as he ran alongside her. The police men tried to stop them but it was a lost cause because Daisuke, Charlie and Sanosuke made it possible for them to break free but just as he made sure Aine could get to her friends, something caught Sanosuke's eye.
"GUN! GET DOWN! GUN! AINE, YUKI!" Sanosuke ran at Aine as bullets sailed by his head.
Yuki's intense fear had him dropping to his knees even as Daisuke hit him in the back. He knew he was supposed to get down but he turned and reached for Aine desperately.
Santa felt hot metal graze his temple as he covered Kai with his own body. One of his friends yelled out in pain but he couldn't look up to see which one as his body was covered by another.
Atsuro pulled Towa backwards into the burning building trying to avoid the gunfire but at the same time he tried to see what happened to Aine and Yuki - they had been in the line of fire.
As Sanosuke and Daisuke provided cover for Aine and Yuki, Charlie dropped, turned and pulled out his own gun. Each of them went armed now after what had happened to Shinji and Maria. He saw the man. The shooter wore a mask and held two guns and was firing both at the same time, not accurately but still with so many bullets, he was bound to get lucky if he wasn't stopped. Charlie saw the police yelling and running towards the man but as right now, he had a clear shot and was ready to take it when yet another masked man appeared. "Good God – No!"
Charlie looked back over at the gathered rescue vehicles and ran like a demon was on his heels. There was an ambulance, its end facing Jupiter Records and because of the shooting, it was empty, abandoned and thank heaven the keys were still in it!
All the bodyguards were trained in all types of fighting, martial arts, shooting and driving. Charlie had never driven an ambulance before but his training gave him the needed skill. The way was clear behind him and at a speed fast enough to leave rubber on the street, Charlie drove the bulky vehicle to where Aine, Yuki and his co-workers lay in the street. He slammed on the brake and jumped out. "MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT! GRENADE!"
The second gunman had a rifle with a grenade launcher attached. He'd been aiming for the front entrance of Jupiter Records where not only innocent people were still streaming out of the building but where three members Lucifer and three of its staff were gathered.
Panic. People running. Jupiter Records was burning. Gunshots hurt delicate eardrums. Smoke clouded the sky. Blood streamed over puckered and tortured flesh. A small, black pineapple sang threw the sky and hit the ambulance. One second then two went by and time seemed to stop. The pineapple exploded knocking the vehicle over on its side and towards the building. The gas in the ambulance caught fire and there was another explosion. Sanity and safety were found out to be a complete and utter myth.
"Mr. Grazer, we'll be landing within the hour." The pilot's voice sounded over the intercom.
Ralph opened his eyes sleepily for a moment disoriented then realized where he was. "Umm, yes thank you." He cleared his throat then looked down at the woman asleep on his shoulder.
The seats on the private plane were quite large and Mizuki had joined him in his. He'd reclined the leather chair so both of them could get some sleep. Because of a storm, they'd had to make a detour and were arriving later than expected.
Ralph kissed the top of Mizuki's head then reached for the remote. They should be close enough to get the local news. He flipped through the stations until he found the one he owned then blinked and turned up the volume. Ralph sat up and in the process woke Mizuki.
"Ralph, what is it?" She'd been blissfully asleep but as the chair went upright, Ralph's body became hard as stone and the arm around her tightened enough to hurt her. She looked at his handsome face and saw disbelief mixed with horror. Mizuki quickly turned her head to see what was going on. She gasped.
The TV news was recapping the events of how Jupiter Records had received bomb threats and then from inside the building several bombs had indeed gone off. The reporters told of the brave policemen, firefighters and EMTs who were working hard to help the staff evacuate. There had been several musicians inside the building at the time but many had gotten out safely. Things had turned from bad to worse when three members of Lucifer tumbled out of the building. They'd already shown a distraught young woman identified as Sakuya's girlfriend and the also distressed leader of the band, Todo Yuki. It had seemed that all would be well for Japan's favorite rock band until it was shown that Sakuya was not with the group and it appeared as if the band members and the girl, Yukimura were all expecting him to exit with the others. He did not.
Ralph was breathing too fast as he reached for his satellite phone. He was scared to death of what this could possibly mean and he knew he had to let his father know before the old man saw it on the news. He pushed the speed dial for his father's personal cell. As he waited for his father to pick up, the news went live again. Ralph stood taking Mizuki with him.
"Shots are being fired! And it looks like they're being aimed at Lucifer! Because of the panic in the crowds, the police are having a hard time reaching the gunman! Oh no – a second gunman and, and it appears like he's going to fire a GRENADE! RUN!" The reporter ran, the cameraman did as well but backwards. He was going to get the shot no matter what.
"Ralph? Ralph? What is it?" Rupert Grazer spoke into the phone. "Ralph?!" He grew silent then, "What's happened? Is my son…dead?" He sounded like a scared old man.
Ralph watched Aine disappear behind an ambulance then saw it explode. They'd been protected somewhat but with the second explosion; it was questionable if any of them had survived. "I don't know. I think I'm too late. Oh God, I think I'm too late!"