Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Rosario Vampire. I am merely twisting the creator's vision into my own dream. If the supernatural, sexuality, or violence is offensive to you, than you should not read this.
Chapter 263
The men from Tate no Kai may have believed in what their captain had to say, or not. Tsukune watched them, because he knew from experience and training that men who truly believed in the reasons for what they did could become dangerous if that purpose was insulted by others. Even an imagined slight could make a fanatic react violently against the offender.
Tsukune held Kurumu's hand and watched the Tate no Kai thugs. Around the restaurant, the other hostages tried to stay calm. While the leader of the thugs would periodically rant about Tate no Kai's mission, most of the time he just talked quietly with his men as they made reports. The hostages were kept in the near darkness and made to silently face their own nervousness.
From beyond the restaurant Tsukune occasionally heard yelling. Men in black uniforms came and went, checking in with their captain. Tsukune figured out that the entire mall was blacked out, and wondered how much of the place the Tate no Kai thugs controlled. He wondered how many hostages there were throughout the mall.
Time ticked by and the air started to become stuffy. The air conditioning had been cut off with the power. Tsukune could smell the nervousness of the people around him. When one of the thugs passed close by, Tsukune could tell that the man was nervous as well, if not as much as the hostages.
Small conversations rose and fell around the restaurant. They would start with tiny whispers and start to swell. The hostages learned to watch their captors. If the thugs started to move towards the people talking it was a sign that they had gotten too loud. As long as the voices were kept down, conversations were permitted, unless the Tate no Kai captain was talking, then silence was demanded from the hostages.
XxX
Outside of the mall, the police were gathering in force. The news was covering the incident because the mysterious general of Tate no Kai had called them and told them of the hostage situation. All around Japan, people quickly became glued to the news. At home, at work, or wherever they happened to be. Family and friends of the hostages were especially worried.
Ruby hugged a pillow tightly as she watched the news. She knew that her master was among the hostages on a date with Kurumu. She knew that Tsukune could face incredible challenges, but that did not keep her from fearing for his safety.
To add to her anguish, Ruby was unable to decide what she should do. Moka was away, summoned to court by Lord Gray. Mizore lived where modern news would be a day or more to reach her, and even then she would have no way of knowing that Tsukune was involved. Kasumi, Tsukune's mother, who never seemed far from a television would probably be fascinated by the news, but would not know that her son was among the hostages.
Ruby was paralyzed with indecision. She had it in her power to let Mizore and Kasumi know what was going on, but was afraid to. Niether woman would be able to do anything to help, and it would make them worry if they knew. Even Inari, who was working at the moment, would be unable to do anything more than watch the news unfold. Feeling powerless made Ruby feel ill. She was trying not to cry as she watched the news. When the phone range she nearly jumped out of her skin.
XxxxxX
Lieutenant Tanaka Ito viewed his professional relationship with Aono Tsukune with mixed feelings. For the most part the whole thing had just been a headache for him. On the other hand, Tsukune had been there when it counted, protecting Tanaka's daughter, her classmates, and others. That ability to stand in harm's way, and the willingness to do so, was something that Tanaka respected and approved of. But the headache side of things still persisted.
Very few among the Imperial Guard knew about Tsukune and his connections and friends. Too many people, in Tanaka's opinion, knew something more than too much but still not enough about Aono and youkai, leading them to speculation and prompting the spreading of rumors. Some of those rumors made Tanaka's hair stand on end. Because of his investigations back when he was first looking for Aono Tsukune, they had both somehow become connected to several incidents, even though the lieutenant only learned of them well after the fact. From that mix-up of crumbs, speculation put together rumors that Tanaka was somehow in charge of a special unit.
Tanaka's team, that did not really exist, was the kind of thing action movies were made about. Rumors around the coffee pot suggested that the secret resource that Tanaka was in charge of was a team of special-ops, with special training in modern intrusion methods and ancient martial arts. Other rumors painted a picture of a secret batch of ninjas loyal to the Imperial Household. After all, Tanaka visited the Imperial Palace; so he was probably getting and/or giving special instructions outside the normal chain of command.
Tanaka once had the displeasure of overhearing some of the younger office staff speculating about his secret agent. They imagined some kind of 007 super spy. One of them even suggested that Tanaka himself was the agent, and that his public job with the Imperial Guard was just a cover.
The rumors were diverse when it came down to what kind of resource Lieutenant Tanaka was in charge of. Whether it was a special individual or some kind of team, the rumors could not agree. Where the speculation found common ground was that the special resource was for use against special threats. The "terrorists" that had attacked the graduation ball was a perfect example of the kinds of threats Tanaka was in charge of dispatching his agent/team to deal with.
Tanaka did his best to ignore the rumors and speculation. He had enough regular work to do, including good old-fashion investigations, that he was able to keep busy. Ross, his friend, underworld contact, and unofficial partner from time to time, had no problem passing information along about possible threats to the security of Japan, which helped Tanaka stay busy and productive. After all, a safe and happy Japan was a productive and profitable Japan, and the yakuza was all in favor of things that were good for business.
Tanaka Ito was proud of his job, and truly enjoyed his work, but just like everybody else, he also liked to be able to relax. When it was time to go home, Ito liked to leave his work in his suit and tie. He might stop off for a drink and to loosen up along the way home, but it was at home that he was the most comfortable. He looked forward to when he could enjoy the atmosphere of his home.
Having a maid, regardless of her being something other than human, had turned out to be a blessing. Ito's wife, freed from the housework, had turned her available time towards her hobbies. Her largest hobby was an appreciation of traditional Japanese music. She had even take up the Koto. Fortunately she had done most of her early practicing while Ito was out of the house, but there had been a few evenings that had been painful to his ears. He didn't complain though, because of all the years that she had put up with him, she deserved his full support.
On that particular evening, Ito was just sitting down to supper with his family. Iris was even home that evening. Onna had prepared a fine meal for them all. It was just the right moment for it to be the wrong time for the phone to ring.
XxxxX
Telephones were busy all across Japan. People called each other to talk about what was on the news. Men and women were called to put them to work. Media outfits were sending their people in all directions to get more information, and to get reactions, about what was happening. Men and women of Japan's emergency services were being mobilized to help with security, safety, and the possible injuries that were to come.
Once such call was made to the cell phone of Aono Tsukune. When he did not answer, Tanaka Ito called the home number he had for the young man. He was glad that the phone was answered on the third ring.
"Good evening," A pleasant woman's voice answered. "Aono Household."
"Good evening," Tanaka replied politely. "I am sorry to bother you, but it is important that I talk with Aono Tsukune."
"I am sorry," The women said. "But my master is not available at the moment."
Tanaka blinked in surprise at that. He did not know that Ruby was being so formal because of her nerves just then. He imagined that whomever he was talking to was a maid, like Onna in his own home.
"This is Lieutenant Tanaka," He introduced himself. "I need to speak to Aono Tanaka about official business.
"Lieutenant Tanaka?" The woman seemed to recognize the name. "I am sorry, but Aono-Sama is not home right now. If you are calling about the story on the news, Aono-Sama went there on a date and is probably one of the people still inside."
Tanaka swore before he could remember that he was on the phone with a woman.
"Yes sir," The woman replied. "I feel about the same way."
"Thank you for your time," Tanaka said before hanging up. He felt the heat of impotent anger. His secret resource was already at the scene, but it wasn't going to do anybody any good.
XxxxXxx
As the hours counted past, the tension was taking a toll on everybody. Tsukune was confident that he had the face of every member of Tate no Kai as close to memorized as he could. The hostages, over the initial shock of what had happened, were running out of energy, looking tired and afraid, instead of angry. The Tate no Kai members were also showing the signs of being under pressure. While their leader still looked driven, the men were starting to slouch as they eyed the hostages and each other.
Tsukune could tell that whatever discipline Tate no Kai instilled in their members was not going to last. The way they were looking towards their captain, and each other, said that they did not have a lot of trust in their companions. As the emergency lights faded, their batteries running of of power, the restaurant was growing darker. the Tate no Kai flashlights and lanterns were already less bright than when the whole ordeal began. If the thugs started turning off some of their lights to conserve batteries, there would be little light to see by. Under the cover of darkness, discipline would be abandoned.
Tsukune knew that something had to give soon or things would turn ugly. With a casual appearing gesture, He leaned a little towards Kurumu with a smile. What the human around him did not know was that he had started reaching for his youki and willed it to flow to his lover. Kurumu knew he was ready for something the moment his energy start to change.
"Hide us for a moment," Tsukune whispered. "I want to see if I can learn anything." He reached slowly for his cell phone.
Tsukune could tell by the feel of her energy and the focused look on her face that Kurumu was casting her illusion. He couldn't see it because he was not the one she was casting it on, but that was as it should be. He concentrated on what he was doing and trusted her to hide his actions. He turned on his cell phone, agonizing over the seconds it took for the thing to boot up. Once it was awake and ready for use it showed him his missed calls, and he saw that one was from Lieutenant Tanaka. Tsukune did not call the lieutenant, but instead quickly typed out an email and sent it off. Now he just had to wait for the reply.
XxxxxxX
The email from Aono was the best news that Tanaka had received since the whole ordeal had begun. Aono Tsukune was alive and well, and while under guard, was able to take some independent action. He had reported what he knew of the situation, and had asked for any suggestions. The email was the opportunity Tanaka had been praying for.
The situation outside the mall was only a little better than what was happening inside at the moment. The police had the mall closed off so nobody could escape, and were watching for any sign that the extremists were going to try anything. The situation was a stalemate at the moment. The list of demands that had been made were too foolish to even consider. In addition, the extremists were demanding a ransomed for the hostages. There was no way the government would negotiate, so everything was now a standoff to see who would crack first.
Lieutenant Tanaka sat in his office and as he watched the reports on the news and receiving reports through official channels. Public opinion was against the group calling themselves Tate no Kai, but that could change. One of the extremists in a black uniform had appeared, briefly, where the police and news cameras could see him, while holding a female hostage in front of him as a living shield. The woman had a swollen face, evidence to the brutality that the extremists threatened would soon befall more of the hostages.
Tanaka considered his options quickly. He knew that Aono could be a precision tool in resolving the situation, or he could be a grenade thrown into a powder magazine. The lieutenant decided to make some calls rather than act on his own authority.
It wasn't long before he had an answer. His own captain had been surprised when Tanaka had informed him that there was a special resource inside the mall. The captain had heard all the rumors about Tanaka's special-ops team/agent, but had never taken them seriously before. He called the commander on scene at the mall before giving Tanaka an answer. Once he had the answer, Tanaka sent an email back to Aono.
XxxxxxX
'Protect the hostages,' Tsukune read the email. 'Stop Tate no Kai's control of the situation. Take prisoners if possible.'
Tsukune turned off his phone and gave Kurumu a smile. It was a smile that gave her chills. It wasn't a warm smile, meant to reassure her. It was not kind and loving. It was a smile that was filled with confidence, and more than just a touch of dark desire. That smile made Kurumu worry a little about Tsukune's safety, but at the same time it excited her.
"I am going to start a distraction," Tsukune whispered. "Watch me and see when you can use your illusions to help out, but don't attract any attention to yourself."
"Whatever you say, Tsukune," Kurumu said with a nod.
Tsukune took deep, calming breaths as he readied himself and put his plan together. He was going to use his skills, training, and supernatural abilities against humans, and that was a little frightening. When he was ready, and his power was flowing gently though him, he set his plan into motion. He stood up, and then with his voice low but firm, Tsukune started to sing.
"Saraba chikyuu yo tabidatsu fune wa," Tsukune gave voice to the opening of the Space Battleship Yamato theme song. "Uchuu senkan YAMATO" As his voice grew louder everybody in the restaurant turned their attention to him...
"Uchuu no kanata ISUKANDARU e
unmei seoi ima tobidatsu
kanarazu koko e kaette kuruto
te wo furu hito ni egao de kotae e..." Tsukune stood and moved away from the table and Kurumu as he sang. His body was stiff, and his movements deliberate. He was putting himself on display and willing those around him to notice. He wanted them to feel caught up in the song.
"Ginga wo hanare ISUKANDARU e
harubaru nozomu
uchuu senkan YAMATO."
Tsukune marched between the tables while projecting his presence. With each line he made eye contact with a different man in the restaurant. Extremist or hostage, it did not mater.
"Saraba chikyuu yo tabidatsu fune wa
uchuu senkan YAMATO
uchuu no kanata ISUKANDARU e..." Tsukune gestured to the people he sang to, motioning them to stand. "...unmei seoi ima tobidatsu
kanarazu koko e kaette kuruto
te wo furu hito ni egao de kotae."
The Tate no Kai captain had been caught off guard by Tsukune's sudden choice of action. Dressed in his costume, singing the iconic song, Tsukune had brought back a sense of childhood excitement that the man remembered when watching the anime so many years ago. He managed to give himself a shake and opened his mouth to call to his men to reign in the man causing the disturbance. But then Tsukune made eye contact with his opponent...
Kurumu recognized that song Tsukune was singing. She had never watched the anime before she had been invited to the restaurant. Once she learned of the of the restaurant, and its main theme, she had made a quick study of it. It had given her ammunition for her negotiations with Tsukune about going in costume. Now that Tsukune was singing the theme song, and drawing others in, Kurumu saw an opportunity to help him.
Kurumu spun a large and complex illusion, trying to touch everybody in the restaurant. She created the barest, thinnest of images, scenes from the anime, and projected them. People might realize that they were seeing them, but would, hopefully, think it was all coming from their own memories and imaginations. In addition to the images, Kurumu added the suggestion of the theme music, like something remembered but not truly heard, supporting Tsukune's singing.
"Ginga wo hanare ISUKANDARU e," Tsukune sang as he locked eyes with the enemy captain.
"Harubaru nozomu
uchuu senkan YAMATO"
Around the restaurant people were getting caught up in the moment. The song was well known. Men joined in the singing first. Men and women started clapping in time. Even the extremists were infected by the desire to sing.
"Saraba chikyuu yo aisuru hito yo
uchuu senkan YAMATO
chikyuu wo sukuu shimei wo obite
tatakau otoko moeru ROMAN
dareka ga kore wo yaraneba naranu
kitai no hito ga oretachi naraba..."
Tsukune was projecting his power, not just into his presence and voice, but into an idea as he did not have the power of illusions that Kurumu posessed. Instead, he was casting a Glamore. He wanted everybody to be excited. He wanted them to be caught up in the rush of the moment. Space Battleship Yamato had been about standing up to impossible odds to save the world. Tsukune projected that desire to stand up, stand together, and to fight for victory into his voice and into the Glamore he was casting as he marched up to the enemy captain.
"Ginga wo hanare ISUKANDARU e
harubaru nozomu
uchuu senkan YAMATO..."
When he reached the end of the song, Tsukune turned his back to the Tate no Kai captain. With a look, he took in everybody in the restaurant. There was just a short pause as he raised his hands, conductor-like, as he took a deep breath. Tsukune closed his fists as if beckoning everybody to stand, or to follow. When he started to sing again, nearly everybody joined in.
"Saraba chikyuu yo tabidatsu fune wa
uchuu senkan YAMATO
uchuu no kanata ISUKANDARU e
unmei seoi ima tobidatsu
kanarazu koko e kaette kuruto
te wo furu hito ni egao de kotae..."
With everybody standing and singing, Tsukune turned back to the extremist captain. Without missing a beat or a note, Tsukune knocked the man out with a single blow. That launched the counter attack. The hostages turned on their captors, some still singing, and took them down.
With Tsukune's Glamore and Kurumu's Illusion, the former hostages had more support then they knew as they went on the offensive. They did not go out of their way to hunt down members of Tate no Kai, but they also did not turn away from them. Armed with captured batons and assorted improvised weapons, they followed Tsukune out of the restaurant.
"Keep together," Tsukune instructed in his commanding voice. "And keep singing. We are leaving."
The group marched from the restaurant and through the mall. Members of Tate no Kai that tried to confront them were quickly beaten, by Tsukune or the others. Other hostages in the mall heard the singing and were touched by the magic, the rose up to defend themselves as well. By the time they reached the entrance to the mall, men in fleet uniforms from a classic anime were leading an organized mob of former hostages on a march to freedom.
Tsukune stopped inside the entrance and ushered everybody else through. While they were still singing as they exited the mall, their voices trailed off by the time they reached the police lines. Once the outflow of civilians trickled down, squads of police started rushing in. The storm was past, now it was just time for the clean-up.
Tsukune, with a smiling Kurumu on his arm, slipped out of the mall with the last of the former hostages. Hidden in a small illusion to escape anything more than casual notice from the press or police, they were just another couple that had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"It is a shame that our date was ruined," Tsukune commented to his lover.
"I know," Kurumu pouted. "I hate how that keeps happening."
"Me too," Tsukune nodded. "But at least we had some time to enjoy together, so it wasn't all bad."
"Thank you for that," Kurumu said with a small sigh.
"But you know," Tsukune said with a crooked grin. "We still have a little time before we have to get serious. Why don't we go back to the hotel?"
"Oh?" Kurumu's eyes widened as a pleased smile started to spread across her face.
"And if you happened to bring that spandex costume..." Tsukune's words trailed off as Kurumu gave a delighted laugh.
Xx
Original / Romaji Lyrics
English Translation
saraba chikyuu yo tabidatsu fune wa
uchuu senkan YAMATO
uchuu no kanata ISUKANDARU e
unmei seoi ima tobidatsu
kanarazu koko e kaette kuruto
te wo furu hito ni egao de kotae
Farewell, Earth, the ship that is departing is
The Space Battleship Yamato
It departs now to Iskandar,
at the end of the cosmos, bearing its fate.
"We will come back, no matter what it takes"
Answer with a smile to the waving people
ginga wo hanare ISUKANDARU e
harubaru nozomu
uchuu senkan YAMATO
Going far from the Galaxy towards Iskandar
A faint gleam of hope
The Space Battleship Yamato
saraba chikyuu yo tabidatsu fune wa
uchuu senkan YAMATO
uchuu no kanata ISUKANDARU e
unmei seoi ima tobidatsu
kanarazu koko e kaette kuruto
te wo furu hito ni egao de kotae
Farewell, Earth, the ship that is departing is
The Space Battleship Yamato
It departs now to Iskandar,
at the end of the cosmos, bearing its fate.
"We will come back, no matter what it takes"
Answer with a smile to the waving people.
ginga wo hanare ISUKANDARU e
harubaru nozomu
uchuu senkan YAMATO
Going far from the Galaxy towards Iskandar
A faint gleam of hope
The Space Battleship Yamato
saraba chikyuu yo aisuru hito yo
uchuu senkan YAMATO
chikyuu wo sukuu shimei wo obite
tatakau otoko moeru ROMAN
dareka ga kore wo yaraneba naranu
kitai no hito ga oretachi naraba
Farewell, Earth, farewell, beloved ones
The Space Battleship Yamato
Bearing the fate of saviors of Earth
The men fight and the romance burns high
Somebody has got to do this
If we are the people they count on...
ginga wo hanare ISUKANDARU e
harubaru nozomu
uchuu senkan YAMATO
Going far from the Galaxy towards Iskandar
A faint gleam of hope
The Space Battleship Yamato
animelyrics_com/ anime/ yamato/ yamato_htm
I would like to give credit to the site where I found these lyrics, but I am restricted under this site's TOS