Chapter 16: My revenge has just begun
"Your friend, Mokuba, has been kidnapped, you say, Herr Leon? By whom?" asked Monte Cristo.
"Yes, your Excellency! Here, read this," said Leon. "It's a letter from his captors, the Triads! I can read and write some Chinese, which is how I was able to translate it."
The Count read the letter:
If 378,200,000 Chinese Yuan (A/N: about 50 million USD) are not in our hands at six o'clock in the morning, then Mokuba Kaiba, the younger brother of the world famous, Seto Kaiba, will die an hour after the deadline. Should you have the money, hand them over to the bearer of this letter.
"And who brought you this letter, my troubled, young friend?"
"The same man who you apparently saved earlier today, Count. The store owner who sold counterfeit products from the Triads. It seems that they took him in, as he'll be able to continue selling their stuff to the public."
"I see. But, why did you come here tonight? Surely, you have the ransom money with you?"
"Well, actually... Count. I only brought 3 million Euros... which is around 31 million Chinese Yuan. I also can't seem to access my bank account for some reason."
Monte Cristo then walked to another room, and came back with a bag full of gold. "Here, my young friend. Take it all, and save your kidnapped friend. I'll have my chauffeur, Valon, drive you to--"
"That won't be necessary, Count. The bearer's just outside, waiting. But... is the ransom money really needed?"
"What do you suggest, Herr Leon?"
"If we went together to meet Mokuba's captors, surely they would not hesitate to release him, should you wish for it to happen?"
"Why do you believe that will happen if we were to go together?"
"I thought that you pardoned the Italian-Chinese store owner, Peppino, no?"
"I did. So, shall we depart at once?"
"But, shouldn't we take up arms to defend ourselves?"
"For what? There is no need for that or the money. As you said before, the Triads would not hesitate to do as I command for a man of my stature. And, you said that the bearer was waiting outside for us?"
"Yes, Count."
"Then, we shall take our leave. I'll summon my right-hand men, Rafael and Valon to accompany us."
"All right, Count."
"Rafael! Valon!"
Suddenly, two men appeared before their master. One an American, the other, Australian. Since both of them knew each other years ago, they quickly used one another's talents to become Monte Cristo's right-hand men.
Both men inquired, "Yes, your Excellency?"
"The two of you shall accompany my guest and me. Valon, you know what to do."
A few minutes later, the Count, the German, and the former's servants leave the fancy hotel and find Peppino outside. At first glance, the store owner saw a dark figure followed by three foreigners. Upon seeing his savior walk toward him, the pardoned fell to his knees, and bowed graciously to Monte Cristo.
"I shall never forget your kindness, your Excellency!" cried the store owner.
"You can stand back up again, Peppino."
Peppino did as he was told, and looked straight at Leon. "Oh, you can speak in my presence, Peppino. You see, this young man beside me... is a friend of mine." said the Count.
The nobleman then turned to Leon, & spoke in German, "It is required to call you as such, Herr Leon. Otherwise, you shall not gain Peppino's trust."
Now, turning to the store owner, the Count inquired, "Now, how did my young friend, Mokuba Kaiba, end up in the hands of the Triads?"
"Well, your Excellency... your Japanese friend attempted to bed with a certain Chinese woman, who just happened to be the daughter of the Shan Chu (Leader). Xiao Li (the Boss' daughter) became amused at this, and flirted with Mokuba for some time. The Boss decided to kidnap him for his actions; he then planned to torture young Kaiba to death. You see, The Boss disguised himself as the driver of the limo that Mokuba & Xiao Li rode in to do so."
"And I trust that Mokuba's being treated under the best of care?"
"Oh, yes! The Boss' daughter insisted that her 'lover' should not be mistreated at all. It seems that she has fallen for the young man."
"But, even if Li Xiao wanted to, Mokuba wouldn't be released even for her?" asked Monte Cristo.
"Unfortunately, no, your Excellency. Only the ransom money can do such a thing... or if The Boss should wish it."
"I see, Peppino," said the Count. "Herr Leon, it would seem that if you hadn't come to visit me tonight, your dear friend's life surely would've been forfeit."
"So, we're still going to find Mokuba?"
The dark figure replied, "Of course! All the more reason to since your friend is in trouble. Now, have you ever been to one of the places that has one of the world's most powerful criminal organizations as regulars before?"
"No, Count. But, I never knew that to visit such a place, my best friend would have to be kidnapped!"
"It looks like this'll be your first time, then, my young friend--"said the Count.
Leon stared gapingly at Monte Cristo; the German sees this 'opening'. "Bah! Please don't think of it as that, Herr Leon."
Peppino asked, "Does His Excellency wish me to serve as a guide to where the Triads are holding His friend?"
"Why, yes, Peppino. That would be fine."
About a minute later, Valon got his master's limo ready to depart as soon as the Count wished. When the dark aristocrat went inside his luxurious vehicle, he was immediately followed by Rafael, Leon, and Peppino. Peppino went in the seat besides Valon, as to guide the way to where the Triads' lair is located.
The Count took out his watch & sighed, "Hmm... it's almost 1 o'clock in the morning. Odd, we could've left around five, and still could make it in time."
"Yeah, but I don't want Mokuba to spend a whole night anxious about his fate."
"Likewise, Herr Leon. But, answer me this... have you and Mokuba been friends for a long time?"
"Yes, Count. We've known each other since the end of the Kaiba Grand Prix tournament years ago..."
"So, the two of you are childhood friends. Ah... to always have good friends... it's such a pleasant thing, no?"
But before Leon can respond, the limo stops at some rundown area in Hong Kong. "It looks like we have arrived. Now, time to save our young friend, Mokuba."
"But, is it safe to enter that basement club, Count?"
"For us, yes. You see, the Shan Chu of this triad, Wo Shing Wo owes his life to me."
"How so?"
"I once captured him and the other prominent members of the Wo group. In exchange for his freedom and for the others, he promised me that he would carry out any orders that I give, even if he was to end his life without hesitation. I immediately ordered that he & his group was to not harm anyone I know, and of course myself."
Meanwhile, Peppino informs what seems to be some sort of bouncer of the reason for the shadowy figure's arrival. Peppino's access is then confirmed by the bouncer. Once, he gains proper access, Peppino reluctantly ordered to his savior, "Your Excellency, please follow me."
"Very well." said Monte Cristo. "You heard him, Herr Leon. Follow this gentleman."
The three men then entered the shady building, while Rafael and Valon remained at the limo on their master's orders. Once inside the club, the visitors had to walk through a long dark corridor. Because of his ability to see in the dark without a light, Monte Cristo apparently lead the two young men.
'I wonder if the Count truly is a vampire...' wondered Leon.
About 2 minutes later, the three entered a vast clubbing room, filled with a couple dozen triad members; naturally everyone except Peppino and Leon wore mostly dark clothing. In the farthest corner of the room, sat their leader. When the Count stepped forward away from the two youths, all of the triads produced handguns, aimed at him.
The Shan Chu noticed another dark presence and looked up. Perfectly calm, despite being the target of the Triad's weapons, the Count began, "Well, well. Is that how you treat all your friends, Father Lam?"
"Put your guns down," ordered Lam; his underlings obeyed. "Please, forgive me and my men, your Excellency. I did not expect to be honored by your presence at such a late hour."
"Which is quite understandable, but apparently, you've forgotten about our agreement, Lam."
Startled, the Shan Chu replied, "I have?"
"Did you not agree to me that neither myself nor my friends would be harmed in anyway?"
"Why, yes, your Excellency. But, how have I violated such a sacred oath?"
"Earlier today, I believe you have kidnapped a certain Mokuba Kaiba. Did you not?" asked the Count in a frightening tone, "Now, this young gentleman just so happens to be one of my friends. He and his other friend here, Leon von Schroeder, both stayed at the same hotel as I; they planned to have several love affairs during his stay in China..."
"And?" asked Father Lam.
Taking out something, the Count continued, "AND yet I find this letter, which is blatant proof that you've disobeyed my order!"
"Damn!" cried the Shan Chu, as he suddently turned towards his men. "Why wasn't I informed of this?! If I find out which one of you knew that Kaiba is the friend of my friend, the Count of Monte Cristo... you (my men) should know that breaking one of the Triad oaths is punishable by death!"
A moment later, the Count turned to Leon and spoke in German, "You see? You had nothing to fear for your friend after all."
"Eh? Who's this?" asked Father Lam.
"Ah, I almost forgot. This young gentleman received the letter that led to us coming here. In addition, I brought Leon von Schroeder so he can see that Boss Lam is a trustworthy man."
"Oh, I see. Come here, so that I, Father Lam, may ask for one of His friend's forgiveness." Leon then reluctantly went to the crime boss. Apparently concerned, the Count inquired, "And where is my good friend, Mokuba Kaiba?"
"Oh, that... well, last I checked, my daughter was... with him... for the past 3 hours..."
"Ah, I see. Shall we leave the two lovebirds alone for a little while, then?"
"Perhaps, so, Excellency."
"Then, my friend, Leon & I shall take our leave. But, please send Mokuba Kaiba back at the hotel no later than 7 o'clock in the morning. That's an order, Lam."
With that, the shadowy figure left the building along with Leon. The two went back at the hotel; the German had some trouble to sleep; Monte Cristo, however, barely slept at all, as his thirst for vengeance began to rekindle.
'My revenge... has just begun...'
Early in the morning, Mokuba was dropped off at his hotel by the Triads. His former captors informed of the reason for his release before he was given a ride. He then walked back to his room, and decided to thank the Count of Monte Cristo personally later that day. A few hours later, he and Leon paid a visit to His Excellency.
When the two young men entered the Count's room, they were told by Rafael to wait in the drawing room for his master. Five minutes later, Monte Cristo appeared before his guests.
"I was informed that the two of you wished to see me this morning?"
"To thank you for your overwhelming kindness, your Excellency!" cried Mokuba.
"Surely, you jest?" chuckled Monte Cristo, "that is merely an exaggeration on your part, my young friend."
"I guess so... but there must be some way I can repay you, Count!"
"Although I knew that you were going to make some sort of offer... I know not of what to ask of you."
"But, there must be something I can help you out with. Isn't there?"
"Well... I've always wanted to take up residence in the city of Domino..."
"Oh, really?!"
"But... because I have not a single connection in that city, might I ask if you act as a sort of go-between for me in Domino?"
"Why, of course, Count!"
"Very well. Then, it's settled; I shall visit you in Domino three months from today. Just give me the information regarding where you live, so that I may take the courtesy of making arrangements."
Mokuba did as he was told. Afterwards, he took his leave after thanking his savior again. Once the guests have left, the Count went back to his study, and thought:
'The bitter tree of betrayal must now be picked... especially at every branch... Joseph, Kaiba, Téa, and Pegasus... I promise that I will take everything away from you all as you did me! For God's vengeance shall and will be carried out.'