Scene Stealing
Actions had been in the works the moment Rupert Grazer found out his youngest son was missing. It didn't matter that he was half a world away, there were things he could do to help Sakuya and did.
Investigators were sent to the mental hospital where they gathered information on Mary Lockhart and the last few years of her stay there. When they left, a few of the staff left with them, relieved of their jobs for withholding the escape of a dangerous patient. From there, Rupert's people visited her parents. They were hurt and disbelieving of the accusations against their daughter but told all they knew which wasn't much.
Rupert, learning of the money they'd given her, then followed that trail. Within a few hours he'd had a report for Ralph and their security people in Japan and new investigations started there.
So when the meeting was done in Towa's room, he and Sakuya's friends got down to the business of tracking Marcy. By the time of the press conference, they were well on their way to knowing the woman's movements.
It was the money that was proving the most useful way of tracking Marcy's steps. From the moment she'd gone to the bank with her parents for the transfer of money, she'd left a trail. Actually once they truly focused all their attention on her actions from the moment she escaped, it fairly easy to see what she'd done with her time from the moment she changed her name, glamorized herself, worked successfully for quite a few clients then landed in Japan. Mary or Marcy was a bit more careful when she reached Japan by relying only on cash and so Ralph had people out on the streets. His people at the security firm were completely involved in finding Marcy. Two of their brethren were dead and one lay in a hospital bed clinging to life. Marcy would be found, the question was, would she live once she'd been found?
Aine sat between Ralph and Kyo in the back of the limo. She was drained of energy and back at the hospital, she hoped she'd have work waiting for her. Some of Jupiter's phone lines had been rerouted there. She and the other ladies would be listening for credible clues as to Sakuya's whereabouts.
"You should rest Aine. Tomorrow is soon enough for you to work." Hitoshi said opening a bottle of water and handing it to her. "I know you were acting for the camera but…" He broke off as she shook her head.
A tiny smile showed on her face. "You know I'm not an actress, all that was real. I meant everything I said." Aine took a deep breath then swallowed some water. "So do you think Marcy will take the bait?" She looked up at Ralph.
Cautiously he took Aine's free hand then rubbed it between his own when he found it to be ice cold. "Yeah I do and since we offered her two targets and knowing her state of mind, I doubt Marcy will be able to resist. She'll either come after you or me." Ralph leaned his head back. "I hope to God it's me. I owe that bitch." As he stared up through the sunroof, he could see Mary's manic face.
"Actually she could come after all three of you." Kyo nodded at Hitoshi. "You did fire her right before all that crap started. I doubt she's just going to let that go." He crossed one long leg over the other.
"Fine by me. We were stupid before and didn't realize just how dangerous she was. Now we know and considering how callously she's treated the people around us – I mean people are dead! Even enraged at the rest of us, she didn't have to kill innocents! I'll have no problem taking her on." Hitoshi enjoyed the persona he showed the world – a womanly male but he was physically fit and had a few belts in karate. And if that wasn't enough, he knew how to use a gun too.
Kyo noted the angry and vengeful face of Hitoshi and thought to himself it was about damn time. Only after nearly all the girls were killed, the company half destroyed, people dead and Sakuya kidnapped did Hitoshi's eyes finally open! We warned them over and over that there was more under the face that Marcy showed them but all he could see was Marcy the publicist. Hell – all of them – Lucifer too! They were just as bad as Hitoshi, anxious to get to London! He looked out the window to give himself time to calm down. They all share equal responsibility for failing the women but no one could have predicted the lives Marcy would take or the amount of damage she was willing to cause just to get her way. Anyway, this is not my problem. This is something they'll have to work out between themselves. All I have to do is be there for them. Had they not been friends, people he'd come to care for and count on, Kyo would have turned his back on them long ago. Looking at Aine he slid an arm around her shoulders. She looked like she was ready to fall asleep.
Aine welcomed the warmth of the men next to her for she was cold. All she could think about was Sakuya and what he was having to endure as Marcy's prisoner. She hoped he'd understood. If Marcy had allowed him to see the press conference then he should know that his band, his best friends were not dead. Also she hoped he was aware of what they were doing – trying to lure the crazy woman out of hiding because as of right now, they had no clue where she was.
Taking a deep breath, Aine leaned into Kyo's side and decided to take a short nap. The explosions and subsequent emotions following it had exhausted her. She needed to have her wits about her to out think Marcy. The woman had played them and they'd let her. Now it was their turn but she needed rest and as she drifted off, Aine prayed that Sakuya was safe and knew they were coming for him.
"She's sleeping." Kyo informed the others as he turned into her taking on more of her weight. "Aine's got guts. Not since getting her hearing back has she slowed down. She only rests when there's nothing to do otherwise she's doing whatever she can to help with the search even if it's only handling phone calls." He brushed her hair off her face. "I wonder if your brother realizes what he has." Kyo looked over at Ralph who still held Aine's hand.
"He does, yes Sakuya knows. He gave up a Fortune 500 company and any inheritance from Father for her." Ralph smiled a bit as they blinked at him. "Father had taken it all away from me and made Sakuya president and heir but he signed it all back over to me just to have Aine. I'd taken Aine from him, forced her stay with me. I thought I loved her, well I do care for her a great deal but to Sakuya – she's his world." Ralph looked at Aine. She was sleeping but he could see the tension in her, her worry over Sakuya.
Kyo chuckled softly. "I hate to admit it but these two did teach me something about love as well. Learning what you just told me, I'm surprised he didn't kill me when I tried to take her from him. And I tried my best but Aine wasn't having it!" A wry smile showed on his face.
"She's just a girl but she's captured all our hearts." Hitoshi admitted. "But unlike you jerks, I just loved her from afar. I at least knew she was Sakuya's and he, Aine's. They almost need each other to breathe." Hitoshi stared at Aine.
They drove in silence for a while just staring at the girl. None could picture her with anyone except Sakuya. Before they knew it, they were comparing tales of seeing the couple together. Hopefully their words would keep what the couple had alive.
His body had betrayed him but at the same time it saved him – this time. Sakuya ejaculated into her grasping mouth but at the same time, feeling unbearably sick, he'd thrown up everything he'd just ate.
The house was quiet as he lay against the bare mattress. Sakuya huddled under the bedspread. The air from the open window was chilly. Despite everything that had happened, he felt better than he had since he'd woken up in this hell. Throwing up had apparently cleared his system of all the drugs Marcy had been forcing on him. Shame still lingered over responding to Marcy's attentions but he'd learn to deal with it. Hope weighed more in his heart and mind now. Hope that help was coming and hope that it would come before Marcy tried yet again to have sex with him.
Sakuya curled on his side and tried to get comfortable but of course that was impossible since he couldn't pull his arms and legs too close to his body. He thought back to a few hours ago and grimaced. Had he been watching that scene on TV or in a movie, it would probably have made him laugh but as it was he was just grateful for the lingering scent of vomit in the room and the absence of Marcy.
Instinct had made him lean over the side of the mattress. He didn't completely miss the bed and the edge of it had been splattered with his stomach contents. Also he'd jerked himself from Marcy's lips and she'd gotten a different kind of facial.
The strawberry-blond had been happy, he'd seen it in her gray eyes but with his body ejecting two very different kinds of fluid, Marcy had sat up in horror. To make matters worse, once she'd seen the remains of his dinner, she threw up hers – his cum. She'd tumbled off the bed, slipped in the mess and fell into it. Gagging and choking she'd ran to the bathroom to shower. Marcy stayed gone for almost thirty minutes and when she returned it was with a bucket, gloves and a towel tied over her face to block the smell. She hadn't said a word as she cleaned up the mess but her joy of having Sakuya in her mouth and forcing him to a climax was very much gone.
He didn't speak as she stripped the bed of its sheets, only moved as best he could to help for the stench was getting to him too and he was having dry heaves. Mess cleaned up and bed stripped, Marcy had opened the window to air out the room. She brought Sakuya a toothbrush, toothpaste, a bowl and a bottle of water then left the room without ever once saying a word.
"At least she let me clean my own damn teeth!" Sakuya rolled onto his back and flung an arm over his eyes. He thought back to the press conference and knew that it had been Aine and Ralph's intention to get Marcy to focus on them, show her hand so that she could be caught. "That's so damn risky!" He whispered in the cool room. But at the same time he really wanted it to work. Sakuya wanted to go home.
Growing up, life had been hard. His mother could never forget he was the product of rape and would never let him forget it either. He looked Japanese until people saw his eyes and then the questions started or disdain would appear because he had blue eyes proving he wasn't all Japanese. He didn't have to deal only with the cruelty of his classmates but those of the adults as well. And then his mother died leaving him completely alone.
Since his mother had been a gifted singer and piano player, she had made sure he knew music, her one true gift to him. And so, he used that gift to stay alive. Looking older than his age, he began working in one of the clubs his mother performed in. He sang and played the piano for room and board and to cover the expenses left from his mother's hospitalization. For a child who should have been playing sports and with video games, Sakuya worked like an adult already burdened with adult concerns. Then at age twelve, he became a man and supplemented his income by sleeping with older women for money. It was school, work and women and not one day of happiness.
It wasn't until Yuki and Santa showed up looking for someone to sing vocals for their band that happiness had crept into his life. He had friends for the first time in his life and was making music that pleased him. A couple of years later Aine showed up. Life suddenly became everything he thought it would never be. There was more than happiness, he finally had love. "Aine." Just saying her name made him feel better. Sakuya knew there wasn't much he could do while chained to the wall. He would try to understand Marcy's way of thinking. Sakuya knew Aine's mind and heart and hoped that would give them an edge. If he guessed what Aine's plans were then possibly he could make Marcy walk right into Aine's trap. "Aine." Feeling tired, Sakuya brought the blanket up over his chest and drifted off to sleep.
Not having any clothes in Sakuya's bedroom, Marcy had stayed naked the entire time it had taken to clean up that disgusting mess. She retreated to one of the other bedrooms where she kept some clothing and put on a pair of jeans and a sweater. Then she went downstairs for coffee and to think.
Night was fast approaching and where they were, away from the city, it got dark quickly. The house was cold but she did nothing to remedy that. She sat at the kitchen table staring out the window until all she could see was her own reflection in the class.
"I was so damn close!" The cup clattered against the table. "He was so hard, he couldn't resist me! I tasted him…but then he got sick! Dammit!" Marcy gripped the cup so hard her fingers hurt. "The food must have been bad or maybe he has a weak stomach. Or maybe I should have just stuck with Japanese food…" Marcy thought back but knew Sakuya ate all kinds of foods. She had no idea why he'd gotten sick and at that exact moment!
She got up to pour more coffee. "It would have been my turn next. He'd have still been hard even after cumming like he did. I want him inside me!" Marcy's hand shook spilling coffee on her hand. "Shit!" She put her hand under some cold water and took a few deep breaths.
Once she dried her hand she leaned against the counter and stared down at her feet. "I'm like any normal woman in love. I have Sakuya here, in bed and oh so naked but I've yet to make love with him. I've touched him, kissed his hard body, tasted his cum but we still haven't done it. I should have just taken him when I first got his clothes off!" Marcy shook her head. "But I wanted him awake and to look into his blue eyes as we came together. I want it to special, the first time. The first time should always be special. I don't want to wait any longer!" With that thought in mind, Marcy headed back up the stairs. She would replace the sheets, relight the candles and they'd try again.
"Sakuya!" She burst into the room to find him asleep. One muscled arm covered his face. She could see his chest rise and fall in steady, even breaths. "Oh Sakuya…" He was adorable in sleep. Adorable and sexy. There was dark hair growing in his armpit and she longed tickle him there. His fingers stretched then curled closer to his palm. Marcy longed for those long fingers to hold her breasts, stroke her skin, enter her body, just to love her like she did him.
Marcy shivered as she walked further into the room then hurried to close the window. "It's freezing in here! No wonder you've got the blanket pulled up so far and you don't have sheets!" Marcy went to the bed and blinked. Sakuya was shivering. That's why his fingers kept twitching. She left the room to go turn on the heat. "I can't have you getting sick my love. Nor is it fun to make love if we're freezing to death!" When she returned to the room, Marcy intended to wake him but he looked so peaceful. With the heat now on, his body relaxed deeper into the bed and he yawned contentedly. "Alright Sakuya, you sleep. We still have time and I have to find you some food to eat. I'll go out tomorrow and get you something fresh. Would you like that?" Carefully she sat on the bed and stroked his hair.
"Hmm…Aine…" Sakuya murmured.
Marcy's hand froze. She glared down at him then silently got off the bed. Her goodwill disappeared with that name escaping his lips. Quietly she left the room again, turning off the lights and firmly locking the locks on Sakuya's door. Going into another room, Marcy got undressed and into someone else's bed.
"I will NOT stand for it! As long as Aine is alive, Sakuya will call for her. It not that he loves that little bitch but he's taken care of her for so long that he just can't help himself! Sakuya is a caring man and he's concerned for her but that is over now! I mean that's one of the reasons I fell for him, his caring nature. So unlike his selfish brother! Ralph only cared about Ralph! The bastard." Marcy sat up in bed and folded her arms angrily under her bare breasts. The room was dark and the only light came from outside. One window was un-curtained showing the night sky and the lit stars.
"Aine and Ralph. They still live and pull at him. I have to eliminate that pull. Sakuya needs to stand on his own two feet and claim his birthright." Marcy smiled in the darkness. "Losing both his sons or at least believing he's lost them should drive that old goat into the grave! And if not, I'll just help him get there after Sakuya and I get to the States. But first Ralph or should it be Aine or maybe I can take them out together. Yes that may be best. Ralph seemed awfully protective of that stupid girl. Huh! They all did - all three of them! Takayama and that damn photographer too! Well I won't bother with Tokugawa – not worth my time and though I hate Takayama too, I can take care of him later. Hell his career should all be but over since his most lucrative band is no more and people have to be questioning why he's still alive out of all of them!" Marcy began to laugh. "Yes, that's it! I'll plant some evidence to make them think it was all Takayama's fault!"
Marcy slid down in the bed hugging a pillow giggling. She'd seen how Takayama looked at Aine, the man had feelings for the girl. "He did it all just to have Aine to himself! A fitting end for the pompous jerk! Even if he doesn't end up in jail, the suspicion should ruin him. Hopefully it'll destroy his reputation so badly that he'll kill himself and save me the trouble. Oh how wonderful that would be!" Her mind slid to Sakuya in the bedroom across the hall and how much she'd rather be with him but it was possible that their lovemaking would have to wait until he knew Aine was dead. She didn't like that idea much and knew that if it came down to it, she'd drug him and take him. Not rape since she loved him but simply making love to him while he slept. It happened between couples all the time.
"Okay so Takayama and finally making love to Sakuya, I've got that worked out. That just leaves Aine and Ralph. How do I kill them?" She yawned and sank into sleep dreaming of death.
"I think we should ask one of the doctors to take a look at her." Takayama said as they entered the hospital.
"Maybe so, she scared me to death." Ralph said running a hand through his hair.
"She had a bad dream! Leave her alone!" Kyo said angrily. He was concerned too but they seemed to want to baby Aine when apparently she had already put it behind her.
"Thank you Kyo. There's nothing wrong with me so stop going on about it!" Aine snapped at the other two and entered her room at the hospital which had been turned into an office with the bed pushed up against the wall. She went to the bed and threw her small bag on it. "Give me something to do!" Small desks were set up in the room and each of them had both laptops and phones on them. Electric cords crisscrossed the floor making walking difficult.
"Just take a seat Aine. The computers are set up with different lists of realtors. Just pick one that we haven't already contacted and call them then mark them off once you've called. There's also a list of questions to ask them. You can email a picture to them of Marcy or if they don't have email, fax it or if necessary, get the security guys to take one to them." Maria said looking over Aine's face. The girl was pale with lines around her eyes and lips. "I thought the press conference went well. I'm sure – I'm sure Sakuya heard you Aine." She reached out for the girl's hand and squeezed it when Aine seemed to clutch at it but Aine quickly let go, took a desk and got down to work.
Most of them were in the room. Maria, Miya, Kai, Yuki, Atsuro, Sasaki and Mizuki. Santa was still having dizzy spells so had been forbidden to help out. Towa was still too sore to do much of anything and Yuuka still had her therapy to do and just couldn't fit in the room with her cast. She did what she could, when she could from her own room.
"Aine? Would you like something to eat or drink?" Mizuki offered once Aine hung up the phone with a sigh.
"Yes I would and some aspirin. Nothing heavy. Thank you Mizuki." Aine gave her a weak smile.
Mizuki blinked then smiled. Aine hadn't looked too pleased to see her earlier nor had spoken to her of course she had a lot on her mind so Mizuki was happy that Aine was allowing her to help her in any way even if it's just to fetch her some food. "You're welcome Aine! I'll be right back! Umm, would anyone else like something?" She said as she got to her feet. In the end, Ralph and Takayama went with her to help bring everything back and to check with their people on the progress they were making back at the office.
Yuki got up from his spot and went to wrap an arm around Aine's shoulder. She shed a few tears as she typed then forwarded the email with Marcy's picture. He stroked her hair. "What happened on the way back?"
Aine couldn't look at them but leaned into the warmth and took the comfort Yuki offered her. "It was just a dream." She whispered. "I don't even really remember it. I was just so tired after the press conference so I fell asleep on the way back. Sakuya – of course it had something to do with him. There was so much…sadness and sickness inside of me. I woke up gasping and retching like I was going to throw up." Aine dashed away her tears with one hand. "I don't understand it! What could it have meant?" She finally looked at her friends.
"Come here." Yuki pulled her to her feet and into his chest. "Shut it down you guys. Most of the businesses are closed or are closing. Let's rest for a little while." He rubbed Aine's back. Most of them were still feeling pains from the attacks. A couple hours to rest and to be there for each other was needed.
"I'll work a little longer sending out the emails. Knowing realtors, they'll still check their messages even if the business is closed and we are offering a reward for information so I'll keep at it." Kai said. She got up to touch Aine's back. I'll work from Santa's room. Get some rest Aine." Expertly she extracted the laptop and left.
"I can still work too. I'll see you all later." Sasaki said also picking up the laptop. He gave them all a nod and left them alone.
Miya and Atsuro pushed the desks against the wall then with Maria joined Aine and Yuki. They stood close to one another and remembered. When Aine was about to be raped, Sakuya knew. He could feel it – Aine was in trouble. It was more than possible that what Aine felt was also an indication that Sakuya was in trouble or suffering.
"He's okay. He has to be!" Aine said into Yuki's chest.
"Of course he is." Atsuro said with conviction. "She did too much to get him, she won't hurt him!" At least not like how she hurt us but Marcy could certainly hurt him in other ways that would make him sick. Just being close to her when he loves only Aine would disgust him. Damn Sakuya, what's she doing to you?
No one said much as they stood together waiting for Aine to calm down and trying not to think too hard about all the things that could happen if they didn't reach Sakuya in time. A knock on the door had them separating.
"Hey! I heard you guys were hungry." Santa said pushing in a cart with some food on it. Kai had told him that Aine had come back upset and he couldn't just stay in his room. He'd met Mizuki and Ralph in the hall and had asked for some time alone.
"Santa, how are you? How's your head?" Aine quickly wiped away her tears. She didn't want him to worry, not with his wounds troubling him.
"I'm okay pretty girl. How about a hug?" Santa opened his arms to her and held her tight. "You did good today. We were all proud of you." He kissed the top of her head. "Okay, why don't we sit and eat before the food gets cold?" Santa looked up at his friends who nodded. They'd fill him in later, now it was important to do just do something normal like dinner with friends.
They settled down but not before Miya went and brought Towa in to join them. It was a friendly meal, quiet. A few jokes were told, some interesting stories shared. The plan was to keep things light.
Aine was asleep before long, exhausted by the day's events and overwrought emotions. There were worried whispers about her and Sakuya and in the end she never slept alone in that room because she had friends.
Sakuya woke to the smell of black coffee and breathed it in deeply. For one nanosecond he thought he was at home but the jingle of chain disabused him of that notion when he moved his arm. Taking a fortifying breath, he opened his eyes and lifted his head.
She was there next to the bed with another tray of food. There was a whole pot of coffee, various pastries, fruit and something on covered platter – eggs if his nose was correct. Marcy moved away from the bed to open the curtains. When she turned around her smile made his heart skip a beat.
"Good morning Sakuya." Marcy was dressed in tight jeans and a black T-shirt with Sakuya written across the front in white. Her hair was wild but sexy about her face, makeup flawless. The grey of her eyes were bright, too bright, unnaturally bright. "I went out early this morning and got you some fresh food. Maybe that frozen food wasn't the best thing to eat after the drugs you took. I cooked eggs and sausage for you too. Don't worry, I'm excellent with eggs. You need to pee right? Let's get that taken care of and then you can eat!"
She sent chills up his spine. Marcy was too calm and she was dressed. Since they'd gotten here she'd either been half naked or completely naked. What did it mean when she had all of her clothes on? Sakuya did as his body commanded then watched her warily but all she did was put a tray over his lap then stepped back to watch him eat. Sakuya didn't know if his hand shook from hunger or fear.
The coffee soothed his nerves and offered a hint of the normal. He loved coffee and preferred it black. He drank the pot and finished everything she brought him even all the sweets. The grapes were saved for last. Grapes. Aine. Aine and grapes.
"Good boy! You were hungry!" Marcy went back to the bed and loaded everything on the cart and took it out of the bedroom. When she returned, her arms were full of sheets, one of them was plastic. The fear in him flared.
Another humiliation to endure – a sponge bath. The plastic sheet was to keep the bed from getting wet. Marcy was thorough from his ears, to his privates, right down to and in between his toes. Surprisingly she didn't try anything sexual and her hands were gentle with him. It occurred to him several times that he could kill her. He was physically stronger than Marcy and it would solve the problem of being raped by her but it wouldn't solve his captivity. He would have to either pull the chains out of the walls or end up breaking his arms and legs trying to get free and then he didn't know where they were. He could starve to death before help arrived or so injure himself that he'd die from his wounds. As much as he hated it, Sakuya clenched his fists and endured it.
Next he had to move from one side of the bed to the other while she put sheets back on the bed. She still went with silken sheets so that he slipped and slid on them. Sakuya supposed they could be fun for sex but just for sleeping, they were irritating as hell. Once the sheets were on and the bedspread changed as well, Marcy brought the TV back into the room and turned it on.
"I have to go out darling. I'll leave the bedpan close by – you did drink a whole pot of coffee!" She laughed flinging her hair back over her shoulder. "As you can see, I've left you the TV so you won't get bored. Kiss me." Marcy had approached the bed and now leaned over it, her face next to his. "I said kiss me Sakuya."
Sakuya's blue eyes met hers for a long moment then he lifted his chin and met her lips. He did nothing but kiss her, a touch of lips to lips. He resisted gagging when her tongue slipped into his mouth but thankfully she kept it brief. Instead of wiping his mouth and spitting, Sakuya asked a question. "Where are you going?"
Marcy's eyes narrowed but her attitude remained upbeat. "Curious are you? Well it occurred to me last night that I can't let Takayama get away with firing me and just why should he get to live when everyone else died? So I'm going to make sure he doesn't enjoy his survival. I mean it wouldn't be fair to let him think he go off scot free now would it?" Marcy smiled at him her hand at her lips. Our first real kiss. He was so tender too. I'm right to wait!
"He's lost them all. Why not leave him alone?" Sakuya tried to keep all emotion out of his voice. If he showed that he cared, she wouldn't hesitate to kill Hitoshi.
"Because I hate him and people I hate deserve to die." Marcy watched his eyes widen with knowledge and smiled widely. "Yes, everyone I hate. That includes your half-brother Ralph and that tiny little girl with the big ego. I haven't yet come up with a plan for them yet but Takayama, he'll be going down soon." She sat on the bed facing him and held one of his long-fingered hands tightly between her own. "Sakuya…Sakuya I know you feel some sort of …responsibility for that girl. Again in your sleep, you said her name." Marcy's gray eyes were accusing as she looked up at him. "You won't let go of her even though you're with me now and I cannot have that Sakuya. It hurts me." She stared at him for countless minutes until he dropped his gaze in shame. "See you understand, I'm glad. Can't promise I'll make it an easy death for her or Ralph but you won't have to live in the same world them for much longer. It shouldn't take me but a few days to come up with a suitable plan. Alright?" Her voice brightened and she leaned forward to run her fingers through his hair.
His heart trembled and Sakuya knew he didn't trust himself to look at her without fear and dread in his eyes so he just nodded. Of course if this mad woman succeeded in truly taking Aine away from him, he'd find a way not only to kill himself but to take this bitch with him to hell.
"You're so adorable!" Marcy squealed and went up on her knees and crawled forward until she could hold Sakuya against her breasts. She kissed his black hair, ears and forehead lovingly. "Just because you're being so sweet, I'm going to let you have your 'virginity' for a little longer." Marcy laughed. "I want you to only think of me when we finally make love. …Of course if you stay this adorable I might not be able to resist you!" She kissed him again then looked at her watch. "Oh! I'd better get going. It's a nice long drive from here to the city and back." Marcy lifted his head for one more kiss on his lips then got off the bed. "You've got water, a few snacks, the bedpan and the TV. I'll try to be home before dark. Okay lover?" She walked towards the door and in the entrance she turned. All trace of goodwill gone from her face and voice.
"Those chains were made for bears. There's a security alarm here and if its breached on either side of the windows or doors, an electric shock is given to the intruder or in your case, the occupant. These are all dead bolts that can only be opened from the outside. I've taken you as my own Sakuya. If you tried to escape you'd only be hurt and make me very angry. Don't make me angry Sakuya, you wouldn't like the consequences." Her gray eyes held his silently with grim promise. Marcy found her smile again then blew him a kiss. "Just a few hours apart my love. Later!" Smiling she closed the door and engaged all the locks.
Sakuya sat completely still in that huge bed until he heard the roar of an engine. Marcy took off seconds later. The car was something slick that would eat up the miles. More than likely it was a car he'd own or drive. Bit by bit his nerves eased and Sakuya slumped back on the pillows. He shook his head in wonder. Never in his life had he ever met anyone like her. Somehow he'd missed meeting someone this insane in his short life. He hadn't even reached twenty yet!
The window was open just a bit letting in fresh air but he could see the fine wires imbedded in the pane and around the window itself. Sakuya didn't doubt that it was set up to send out electrical volts, probably just shy of enough to kill he'd bet. Looking down at his wrists he saw how thick the leather and the chains were. "For motherfucking bears!" He muttered under his breath. "Damn…" It occurred to Sakuya to look around the room. He was searching for cameras. He wouldn't put it past her to have cameras everywhere watching his every damn move. Even if he tried to escape, she'd see it long before he could make any headway. "Two. No…four of them!" Again he whispered. Dejected Sakuya picked up the remote she'd left him and searched for news on Aine. She would probably punish him for that too but he didn't care and besides if she killed Aine…who cared what happened to him? Certainly not he.
The first part was the easiest to accomplish. Marcy got a cappuccino then sat down with her back facing the wall. She didn't think she'd see anyone she knew here but she was taking precautions. Mostly only college kids frequented this café and maybe a few of the younger professors. In any case, this place had what she needed, an anonymous internet connection. She surfed the various Lucifer websites to see what the fans were up to and what they thought of recent events. Many were devastated by the loss of their favorite idols. The speculation was ripe that it was an assassination of some kind. With a smile, Marcy began adding her own comments about how the death of Sakuya and his friends was actually a plot to free up Aine. To free up Aine to give Takayama Hitoshi no competition for her heart.
Next she borrowed a cute young man's phone to see if she could locate just where Takayama was at the moment. Marcy was so pleased with the information she gathered that she kissed the student on the mouth then with a wave, she left to go visit Hitoshi's apartment.
Parking a block away and wearing a black wig and a white sweater, Marcy let herself into Takayama's apartment. Months ago, she'd gotten a copy of his house key and it only took a few tries to bypass his security system. Like most people his code was the birthday of someone close to him, in this case, his sister. Under her sweater in one of those fanny pack things, Marcy carried the ingredients for Takayama's downfall. First she went to the kitchen and deposited a small vial in the cabinet beneath his sink. It wouldn't be obvious to the casual observer; someone would have to really look for it to find it. Next, Marcy was surprised to find that in the utility room, there was a tool box.
"Never would have thought those girlie hands would even know what a hammer was!" She smirked then proceeded to place several screws in the box along with some wire almost too thin to be seen when unspoiled into the tool box. "It's a nice place for a bachelor I guess. Hmm, his sister has a room here too." Marcy said as she opened the door and saw pastel colors and posters of Lucifer here and there. The next room was the master bedroom. "Okay now where to put this. It can't be too obvious or he'll spot it but it needs to be somewhere the police will have no trouble finding it. Let's see, let's see…" Marcy turned in a circle looking the room over.
It couldn't go in the dresser or in the orderly closet. Night stand was out. In the desk? Under the bed? Or… "Yes! If I leave the hinge just slightly undone…you will be in jail so fast your head will spin you bastard!" Marcy laughed as she placed the C-4 into a vent just out of sight behind the desk in Takayama's bedroom. With a sharp eye, Marcy exited the apartment then humming the tune to Black Crow, walked almost skipped back to her car.
She rode by Jupiter Records and saw the hazard tape was still up. There were a few workers there cleaning away debris. Idly she wondered where they would be doing business from and recording new music because nothing but clean up and remodeling would be going on in there for the next few months. Marcy shrugged and drove to Sakuya's apartment. There were fans gathered outside with flowers, most weeping and calling for him. She stared hard at the windows but was sure there was no one inside. "So where's Aine staying? At her parents?" For a moment she thought about driving to the Yukimura's place but decided against that. Even if she found Aine, she didn't yet have a plan to kill her yet.
Instead Marcy went shopping. She found a lingerie shop. It wasn't that she needed any more sexy clothes since she'd bought most of that before leaving the US but she was looking for things for Sakuya. There were many toys and creams she wanted to try with him. More than likely Sakuya didn't need these things but Marcy wanted their sex or rather their love life to be completely different from what he'd done with that little girl.
Her bag was heavy as she stepped out of the shop. She did some window shopping and strolled through Shibuya. As she did, Marcy began to see the faces of Lucifer on billboards and screens. Japan was remembering one of their favorite bands. Videos played and their music could be heard coming from many shops. It was as she was picking up more fresh food that one of the larger screens showed a music TV show with as their guests and of course they were talking about Lucifer.
"It's an unbelievable tragedy. All of them so young – we're basically the same age." Daisuke said shaking his head, the leader of the group. "Yuki has – had a young child too." He blinked rapidly. "And Sakuya, a voice like his is sorely going to be missed. He and the rest were on top of the Japan music world. They were our rivals but they were friends too. Whoever took them from us – it was a cruel thing to do. Hell's too good for you!" His eyes flashed in the lights of the studio and no one could mistake the pain he was feeling.
"But Daisuke-sama, we don't know for sure Sakuya is dead. Have you heard otherwise?" The female interviewer scooted to the edge of her seat.
"No, there's been no word. I pray Sakuya is alive, for her sake." He said gently. When the woman prompted him to go on, he did. "For Aine. Yukimura Aine. I…I learned a lot from the two of them about what true love is. They were – are the definition of love. Honestly I can't see Sakuya performing without his band but and Sakuya if you can hear me – come home man, Aine needs you!" This time it was him leaning forward urgently in his seat.
The audience and many people in the street stopped for they were just as touched by Daisuke's words as he was to say them. There was a commercial break but still no one moved and waited until the program came back on.
"You said you had something you wanted to tell us Daisuke-sama."
"Yes, I do. A few us - ourselves, Neon, Feel and Jesus – to name a few, have decided to do a kind of memorial for Lucifer the day after tomorrow. It's more a gathering of their friends and other bands at the Cradle. The owner, affectionately known as the Master by Yuki and the others suggested it. That was where Lucifer first performed as a group. I'm afraid it will be closed to fans but we plan on having the live recorded. I'd like to officially invite Aine and the others – Lucifer's family to come. Many of them haven't been seen since the…incident. We just want them to know we're there for them." Daisuke smiled sadly. "Please come Aine, Maria-san – we love you guys." He looked steadily at the camera then dropped his gaze.
answered a few questions about themselves and then the interview was over. The show lasted another fifteen minutes and in that time, they reiterated the information about the memorial and who would be performing, where and when. The air date was questionable but it could be aired live. Decisions would be made soon and for everyone to check the TV website or listen to the radio or wait for the official TV announcement.
Marcy was thoughtful as she stored the goods in her car. The sun was getting lower in the sky and it would more than likely be dark before she arrived back at the house. Buildings flashed by barely seen by her gray eyes as her foot rested heavily on the gas pedal.
"A concert at the Cradle. She'd go wouldn't she? Ralph too maybe. They'd be together or at least in the same place. It's possible I'd have my chance then!" Marcy was getting excited. "The day after tomorrow…I've got work to do!" Smiling she raced back to Sakuya.
"Did you know about this?" Ralph asked as he muted the TV. Everyone was gathered in the cafeteria for a dinner break. They'd ordered out for a change needing some comfort food to make the confinement less confining. Ralph asked this question of Hitoshi.
"No I didn't but I guess when I think about it, it's not unexpected. Lucifer and its position in the Japanese music world were much admired and many of those bands were seeking to take their – your place. None of them would have chosen this way for it to happen though. Professionally was the way they wanted to knock you guys off your pedestal." The band's producer looked at his friends.
"I want to go." Atsuro said wistfully. "We've performed with a few of them over the years but all of them together in one place – at the Cradle! Man, what a jam session it would be!" He looked excited for a moment but then sighed. "But it would be like showing up at your own funeral wouldn't? We'd scare the hell out of everybody!" Ruefully he shook his head and sipped his tea.
"You know they're probably going to upset with us when this is over. We could even lose some fans, possibly that pedestal you were talking about." Towa commented looking over at Takayama.
"Can't be helped, your lives are more important than a few hurt feelings." Sasaki said. " will understand and so will the other bands. As for the fans, well they're always fickle – you lose some, you gain some more." He shrugged and ate more sushi.
Yuki smiled and nodded. "True. Besides it will take a while for all our injuries to heal. Maybe before we leave Japan, we can do that jam session for real. Of course after this, we've lost all the momentum we'd gained. It could take us another year or more before we're able to reach the spot we were in just a week ago!" His smile had long disappeared to be replaced with a frown. He brought down a heavy fist on the table. Maria reached over to cover that fist but her husband wouldn't look at her.
"Are you kidding me?" Santa spoke up. "Okay yeah, so we have to wait till Towa can pick up his bass again but why do we need to wait any longer than that? Think about it Yuki. We are going to come back from the dead! Marcy may not have intended to do us any more favors but dammit, why don't we use this to our advantage! We survived guys." Santa looked at Yuki, Atsuro and Towa. "Guns, grenades and fucking bombs! We survived! The publicity from that alone should pave the way to our dream. She's hurt us enough. The best way to hurt her is to continue our way to the top of the world!" Santa's smile was huge and good vibes were flowing from him.
"Yeah." Atsuro grinned.
"I'm a fast healer. I won't hold us back." Towa was smiling and nodding.
"You always were the cheerleader of the group." Yuki teased Santa. "Done. We get Sakuya back and we take on the world as planned." Now he lifted his wife's hand to kiss it.
A phone rang and Ralph looked at the display. "The TV station." Again he'd been watching them. They were so easy with each other, they thought along the same lines. Being with them made him envious but at the same time he was fascinated. "Aine? Since you're the one mentioned specifically or rather, you're the only one left alive, would you like to go to this memorial? …It'll be hard pretending everyone is gone in front of your friends and the cameras." His voice trailed off. She sat with no expression on her face.
Aine had remained silent through it all. She ate automatically but that didn't mean she wasn't paying attention. "This it. She'll come for me then. I know she will. If I'm there, I know Marcy will come to kill me." A smile bloomed on her face. It wasn't a happy smile but a determined one. I'll play my part. Pretending will bring Sakuya back to me. You'll owe me an Oscar when this is over!" There was a new vibe in the room – it was vengeance.
Ralph considered it and returned her smile. "We'll both be there. Don't worry about a thing Aine. We'll cast a net and catch us a barracuda!" An evil laugh escaped him as he walked out in the garden to take his phone call.
"I'll be there as well." Yuki promised. "I have to be. I have to see her go down." He spoke to Aine but to Maria as well. "She tried to take you from me. Marcy has to pay for that." He looked over his wife's face so tender and precious to him.
"I want to say no but I understand. Do it for both of us Yuki." Maria gave her consent.
"Well then I'm going too!" Atsuro stood up abruptly. "I can't forget the sight of you in that stairwell." He spoke to Yuuka. Her leg was out in front of her like it always was in the long cast. She'd be in that one a little while longer before switching to a different one. Yuuka's recovery would be a long term event. "I need to see her broken just like she broke you." He said softly as he squatted next to her chair.
Yuuka blinked at the tears. For herself, she was doing her best to forget that fall. She nodded. "Just be careful." Gratefully she took the kiss he gave her.
"Don't even think about it!" Miya said before Towa could open his mouth. "Let them take care of Marcy and you stay here with me and help. We still need to locate Sakuya. Aine will get her for us, right?" She looked over at her friend.
"Absolutely! She's right Towa, you could hurt yourself. Please find Sakuya. I doubt Marcy will just tell us where he is." When Kai cleared her throat she looked at Santa. "I think Kai wants you to stay out it too." Aine smiled. "Remember the plan Santa, we heal and then we move on, right to the top!"
"I'll stay but know I'd rather be there to see you kick her teeth in!" Santa gave in. His head wound was healing but his dizzy spells were unpredictable as well as frequent headaches.
There atmosphere was now of hope and anticipation. Two days and they would have Marcy's head on a platter. They talked of having another get-together at Yuki's or maybe at Sakuya's place. They talked of the food and games they would play and of the jam session none of them could get out of their heads. Lucifer acknowledged the talents of their friends and couldn't wait to pit their skills against the others on stage. Mizuki found herself wanting in on the jam session. She hadn't had much time with her brother yet but she was sure Kazuki would be up for it.
"Excuse me." They were interrupted by the police detective who'd been working the case since Yuuka's fall. He'd been told much but not quite everything that had been going on. The detective knew of Marcy or Mary but not the woman's past or her particular grudge against Ralph. "Takayama-san, I'm afraid we need to ask you a few questions." The detective wasn't alone; he had two officers with him. "And you should know there's been a warrant issued to search your apartment. I have men there now." Carefully he observed the shock and disbelief on the faces of everyone.
"Sakuya! I'm back! Did you miss me as much as I missed you?" Marcy called out as she entered the house. "I need to put a few things away then I'll be up shortly!" She informed him then started putting away the perishables.
He'd known of course. He'd heard the car enter the drive. Sakuya was not glad that she'd come back. While alone in the big house, he'd imagined her dying in a fiery crash or the victim of a hit and run or that she'd just keep on driving never to return. Sighing, Sakuya sat up in the bed.
Boredom had plagued him and restlessness too in the hours Marcy had been gone. He'd eaten all the snacks, drank all the water and wished for something to do. Uncaring of the cameras recording his every move, Sakuya had tested his bonds. They were strong, stronger than he. But he couldn't sit still. Sakuya did leg lifts and sit-ups and any other exercise he could think of to do while being tied down just to relieve the stiffness in his muscles.
Once he'd worked up a sweat, he continued to look for news on himself and his friends. They'd shown Yuki's father visiting the police station and then going to visit a temple. Atsuro's parents had also been seen talking to a priest presumably about his funeral. Sakuya's heart hurt and he tried with all his might to believe Aine's words. They just had to be alive.
The music stations were doing profiles on them and Sakuya watched those some. It amazed him at how accurate some of their information was and how some of it was totally fabricated. The truth and the lies mixed together so well it was hard to know what was real and what wasn't. But he didn't watch for long because it made him homesick and wonder if they would ever be a band again. Aine had hinted that they lived but Sakuya had seen the explosions. Even if they'd survived, they could have been permanently injured. All of them were honest to God musicians and needed their hands to play the guitar, bass and drums. Grenades and bombs…any of them could have lost a hand or arm! I have no idea what's happened to them! I'm closed off from all of it! Actually…I'm more alone now than I ever was!
That thought had staggered Sakuya. After his mother had died, he'd been more or less on his own. He was alone and lonely but then it was his life and all he knew. But then Yuki, Santa, Atsuro and Towa had become his friends and brothers. Maria, Yuuka and Miya were friends and sisters. And then he'd found Aine and love. He was no longer alone or lonely but now being here in somebody else's house and chained to a wall by a woman not in her right mind and separated from his life, family and friends, Sakuya experienced aloneness unlike anything he'd know before. Because now he knew what was missing. Before he hadn't known those things Lucifer and Aine had given him but now… A few hours of the day, Sakuya had covered his head with the sheet and wept with the pain of loss.
So of course her voice calling out to him was not welcome. He would have preferred to live the rest of his life alone and starving that to see or hear that woman again. Sakuya turned the sound back up on the TV and changed the channels. He ended up putting it on a shopping channel while he'd shed his tears. He hadn't wanted to hear or see or think about anything to do with music, Lucifer or his life as told by reporters. As he went through the channels he saw the group . Sakuya kept going then stopped. was with Jupiter Records, same as Lucifer. They might know something!
Quickly he backtracked to find the channel. When he found it, Sakuya noted at the bottom of the screen that the show was taped earlier in the day. Whatever had been said on the show was being re-aired for any who'd missed it. Sakuya sat tensely as he waited for the current guests to leave and to be introduced.
"Sakuya!" Marcy entered the room all smiles carrying another tray of snacks and her bag of toys. "How are you? Did you have a good day?" She frowned when he didn't respond only glance at her then back at the television. "Don't ignore me Sakuya." She warned.
"…Hey. It was a day." He answered gruffly still looking at the TV. Finally Daisuke led his band to the couch and sat next to the interviewer. Again he turned up the sound.
Marcy had placed the tray down on a table and was about chastise Sakuya once more when she heard what was being said on TV. "Oh, they're showing that again? Didn't you see it this afternoon?"
"Huh? No I didn't." Sakuya looked at her briefly and noticed the interest in her eyes then focused once again on Daisuke.
Marcy went about cleaning up after Sakuya, throwing away his trash from the earlier snacks and emptying the bedpan. She did this as she listened to the interview. She had a tentative plan already but of course it all hinged on if Aine was going to the memorial. Marcy washed her hands then began to strip off her clothes. Naked, she retrieved the tray of soup, cut vegetables and dip, bread and tea. "Here take this for me Sakuya." She ordered and waited for him to comply.
Sakuya's lips tightened ever so slightly but did as he was told and took the tray. He held it up while she got in the bed then put it down over both of them. She'd all but glued herself to his hip.
"Go ahead and eat." She said with a smile. "So what do you think about that? They're going to give you a memorial." Marcy pointed at the screen. "Everywhere I went today; I could see your face or hear your voice. You're well loved in Japan but wait until we go to the States!"
A memorial. All the groups gathered together to play for us and at the Cradle too. Why didn't we ever do that before? It would have been so much fun squaring off with those guys. We'd win of course! The humor surprised Sakuya who'd been so depressed earlier. Guess I haven't lost all hope yet. Absently Sakuya picked up his soup and drank some down.
The interview drew to a close and then the woman who'd originally done the interview appeared on screen live.
"Good evening. As you know that interview was done earlier today and Daisuke personally invited Yukimura Aine to attend. If you were unaware of who this woman is, she's Sakuya-sama's girlfriend. The two lived together and from all appearances, they were very much in love." A series of screen shots were shown of the couple including pictures from Tokugawa's book and some snippets from the TV movie they'd just completed. "We tried to contact Yukimura-san but were unable to reach her but we have since heard from Jupiter Records and the owner of this station Ralph Grazer-sama."
The scene switched to Ralph leaning against a desk with a panoramic view of Tokyo behind him. "Good evening. First I'd like to thank for coming up with this idea. I believe Lucifer would have much appreciated a gathering of this kind. I have tried to work it out that this would be seen live but contractual obligations prevent this on such short notice but this coming Saturday the event at the Cradle will be played in its entirety." Ralph stood his expression becoming solemn. "Of course there is no news yet on Sakuya nor has…nor has his body been located. We are still hoping and praying that he lives and ask again for your help. Please if you have information, no matter how small, please call us. As you can see we miss Sakuya and want him back, not only because of his wealth of talent but because we love him." Ralph took a breath. He admitted it live and on television that he loved his brother. Ralph prayed Sakuya heard him. "One more thing, Yukimura Aine was invited to this event along with the others who made up Lucifer's family. They will be attending the event, myself included. I will thank all who are giving up their time to do this for those who were lost and of course the owner of the Cradle, the Master himself. I hope you will all enjoy the memorial when it airs on Saturday and please continue to pray for Sakuya's return, the families of Lucifer and all those who also lost their lives because of this senseless tragedy. Thank you all for listening and good night." Ralph bowed formerly and the screen switched back to the young interviewer.
"And so there you have it. There will be a celebrity filled event held at the club Cradle the day after tomorrow and it will be shown on this station the following evening. Please do all you can to support the families lost in the Jupiter Incident and good evening to you."
There was a moment of silence from the naked couple in the bed. The food was half eaten, forgotten as they'd watched and listened to Ralph speak. One contemplated the fact that his half brother had said he loved him and also the fact that Aine would be attending a memorial for him leaving her vulnerable to attack. Yes Marcy was here with him but she'd already proven that she could get to them even when protection was provided. Aine…Ralph – you need to be careful!
The other felt excitement bubble up in her. The prospect of killing both Aine and Ralph was within her reach. Both would be dead before the week was out!
"This just in." A newscaster interrupted the current program. "We have news regarding the attack made on Jupiter Records." Again both individuals were riveted to the TV. "It would seem that Takayama Hitoshi has been taken into custody as the number one suspect in the bombing at Jupiter Records. Bomb making materials were found in his home. It's very possible he is responsible for the deaths of the members of Lucifer and Sakuya's disappearance as well.
While Sakuya gasped and his blue eyes blinked in disbelief, Marcy laughed her head off in delight. She laughed so hard she rocked the tray, her stomach hurt and she had trouble breathing. Things were going exactly as she planned.