Love Hina Fan Fiction ❯ Brother's Keeper ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

-Chapter 2-

 

-Thanks for the reviews (edit: If you are reading this on FFN. Doesn't quite make sense if you are reading it on Mediaminer where I don't have ANY reviews yet). At first, I noticed that, I had TONS of hits…but few reviews. Given where this story is going, maybe that isn't a bad thing since maybe the people who weren't reviewing, were following the rule of `If you don't have something positive to say, don't say it at all!' So, not having a ton of reviews could be a positive! Especially when the alternative might be…tons of flames!

 

-However, I have not gotten one negative review, constructive criticism or flames yet! Given that this is one of my oldest story ideas since I started seriously thinking about writing fanfiction, I'm glad that people are enjoying it so far!

 

-Now, rant mode on (like it wasn't on before. :-P), if you didn't read my profile before I cut it short (since this is now a real story and not an idea), you might be wondering how I got into Love Hina when I don't have all the mangas yet. Well, I did see Love Hina anime…six episodes of it at least (and they were all over the place with watching the beginning, end, and a few episodes in between). Not exactly the most dedicated fan now was I? Still, it led me to the fanfictions, and this was where I formed my idea for this story! It also made me hungry on seeing either the rest of the anime, or read all the mangas. I decided doing the latter would be easier, and would be what this story is based off of, so, here we are!

 

-Oh, and one last thing…while it is T rated now, given what I have planned, don't be surprised to see this M rated. Heck, if I really go overboard, maybe MA on another site! Yup! Dark!

 

-Well, before I continue ranting, and bore you with a long Author's Notes that I'm sadly known for, let's get this chapter started!

 

Keitaro and Naru's Apartment

 

“OKAY!” Keitaro said in a slightly scared voice. “Bye!” He quickly ran out and slammed the door behind him. He was about to take a step towards the stairs when he suddenly hesitated. `I feel like I'm forgetting something…' His eyes widened as images of Naru's lovely face appeared in his mind. “Oh!” He spun around, unlocked and reopened the door. He looked in and saw Naru in the same position that he left her. Lying on the couch with a cup of lemonade next to her. “I'll see you tonight! Remember I love you!” He watched her smile for a moment before slamming the door shut again.

 

Keitaro took a deep breath. `I love her so much. And I know she loves me too!' Keitaro thought as he started to muse the last few months. `Even though at times, it seems like, she's forgetting that.' He quickly shook his head to get rid of that thought. `Come on Keitaro! You can't be thinking that! Naru would never question their love!' Satisfied with his reasoning, he continued on his journey to the first floor, and onto his recently purchased white van that oddly enough, looked just like his mentor, Seta. Apparently Keitaro was looking up to his mentor a little TOO much.

 

That's when he noticed something odd parked just across the street from their apartment complex. Keitaro stopped in his tracks as he noticed a black mid-sized SUV on the street. He raised an eyebrow. “That SUV has been parked there for a few days now. I wonder who it could be?” `Maybe…the Yakuza?'

 

Suddenly, Keitaro found himself daydreaming that very possibility. He, being the famous and `adored' archeologist that he is, was whistling some non-descript tune while he headed towards his van. Out of nowhere, nasty looking men, all carrying katanas dressed in black suits with dark sunglasses surround him. Another woman, dressed in black and a cold looking expression in her eyes, held his lovely wife hostage. Keitaro, being the `brave' man that he was, suddenly discovered that he's now sporting a yellow and black leotard, and was also carrying the demon-free Hina blade. The expression on his face was of sheer determination indicating that he was ready to kick ass and ask questions later! Keitaro began to spin around, fly up in the air, punch, kick, and slice to shreds those yakuza members with no mercy! Blood and body parts splattered everywhere! It was on the walls, the floors, and on the corpses as well! Oddly enough, he was remarkable clean. At the end of the battle, he found himself face to face with a girl in a schoolgirl uniform with a spiked ball of chain. Though before he could face her, Naru, despite being a hostage, was somehow able to send her fist straight to his face. All the while the word `PERVERT' echoed in his mind.

 

That knocked Keitaro back into reality. He quickly shook his head as he remembered the daydream, and then turned his attention back to the SUV. He chuckled at himself for allowing his overactive imaginations to take over. “What was I thinking, Yakuza? Sheesh! I know my life has been crazy since my time as a ronin at the Hinata Sou, but that?”

 

Keitaro entered his van and sat for a few moments in order to calm his nerves. He shook his head and smiled. “I really need to stop watching those American action movies!”

 

He turned on the ignition and sped away.

 

-Meanwhile…

 

Inside Keitaro and Naru's Apartment

 

“Now you'd be a good girl and come with me, yes?” The man harshly whispered in her ear.

 

“Mmph!” Naru mumbled under the man's gloved hand. Suddenly, fear in Naru's eyes…turned into complete rage! She got one arm loose and quickly elbowed the man with it.

 

“Oft!” The man felt the wind being taken out from him, and reflexively loosen his hold over her.

 

Naru took this chance instantly as she spun around and, with the full force of her fist, made contact with the ski masked man. POW! It knocked the guy through the wall behind her!

 

Suddenly, right behind her, she heard footsteps were quickening their pace coming towards her.

 

A thinner ski masked man came trough the doorway and headed straight towards Naru.

 

Naru launched her fist into the newcomer. “NARU PUNCH!”

 

POW! The thinner ski masked man was sent through the wall behind him. His head was now inside the wall, with his butt sticking out of it. Dust and pieces of the dry wall fell all around him.

 

Naru nursed her fist. “That will teach you two to mess with a pregnant woman!” Naru turned away from the second man. A vein was throbbing on her forehead. “And to think I was scared of you two! Hmph!” Naru reached the counter and was about to pick up the phone to call the police when…a new sound reached her ears.

 

It was the sound of a blade being removed from its sheath.

 

Naru spun around to catch this new intruder. She raised her right arm up ready to strike.

 

Then there was a quick silvery blur.

 

“AH!” Naru feel to the ground as a sharp pain ran up her right arm. She grabbed and choked her right arm, as the pain seemed to intensify with each passing second. Tears formed at the edge of her eyes. She could feel the wetness trickle down her arm. She slowly opened her eyes to see the wound caused by this new intruder. Her eyes widened considerably when she sees her right hand.

 

Or more appropriately, what's left of her right hand.

 

Naru was in too much shock to react. She wanted to scream, but the sound was stuck in her throat. Her whole body was shaking in horror and in fear. Suddenly, her mind reverted back for the reason for the pain…

 

As drops of blood made soft tapping sounds in front of her.

 

She slowly turned her head up to see the face of her attacker. Her mouth fell open as she sees who it is.

 

Naru opened and closed her mouth several times as she tried to speak the words that kept dying in her throat. Finally, after a few moments, with all her courage, she forced those words to come out. “What…are you…why…why are you doing this?”

 

The woman in front of her only grinned maliciously. She brought her left index finger to her mouth and quietly shushed Naru. “Shhhhhhhh…”

 

Naru again opened and closed her mouth at the response she received. She was on the verge of hyperventilating when the attacker made another abrupt movement.

 

The blade the attacker was carrying rushed towards Naru!

 

“No!” Naru squeaked out as she quickly shut her eyes awaiting her fate.

 

-Later…

 

Tokyo University

 

“Come on Ema…you can do it!” Ema continued to say over and over again in the Todai hallway. In front of her were the test results for the entrance exams. Ema, who had been fighting with herself over whether or not she should see what the results were for the past few hours or so, was all alone in the mostly quiet hallway. “Just imagine it says that I passed! Yeah! Just keep thinking that, and it will come true!”

 

Of course, the meek conspiracy girl had been saying this for the past few years, over and over again. But when she opened her eyes and finally looked at the results, her little dream shattered each and every time. Despite the stories that she heard about the Hinata Sou, it seemed that the magic of that placed, wasn't rubbing off on her. `Maybe I was too cursed!' She thought after each failure. Compared to all the other girls of the Hinata Sou, she certainly felt…left out in more ways then one. While Motoko, Shinobu, Kaolla, Mutsumi, and former residence Keitaro and Naru all attended Todai sometime in the past, she herself can't get in. The only reason why Kitsune never attended the due to the fact that she was the oldest of the group and had no intention of going to Todai in the first place.

 

And not only was her inability to pass the entrance exam her only flaw; she was certainly not as well endowed as Mutsumi, Motoko, Naru, and Kitsune. Heck, even the younger girls, Shinobu and Kaolla Su had bigger breast then hers. `Why do I have to be so unlucky?'

 

At times, she even thought about giving up on this silly dream of going to Todai.

 

Except for one man, the former manager of the Hinata Sou continued to egg her on. He kept reminding her that he too, wasn't very successful in passing the entrance exam. He also reminded her about all the hardships that he had faced in the past. Yet, after years of persistence, he was finally able to succeed in realizing his dream. Heck, they even made a promise together. She will get into Todai, and he would become her first professor! He even promised not to be too hard on her!

 

At least, hard as in…him being strict to her in class. Given his experience of misunderstandings, he needed to make this final statement to her just incase certain girls were in the area.

 

And so, with that promise in hand, Ema continued to study as hard as she can. Going to cram school, having Motoko, Shinobu, and Su as mentors, and taking practice exams day in and day out.

 

And it all came down to this moment.

 

Just outside the hallway, after lecturing for four hours straight, and meeting students for another two, Keitaro's workday was finally over. With Finals coming up, his office hours were a little busier then usual. Even with his reputation of being an `easy' teacher, a lot of students still wanted to clear a few things up before Finals.

 

Still, he was glad to see many young eager faces looking up to him. He was elated to see so many youngsters interested in archeology.

 

Keitaro yawned as he headed towards the exit. “It's been a long day. Can't wait to get back home and…” He suddenly stopped as he noticed a woman in the hallway. “Ema? What's she doing here so late?” Keitaro blinked until realizations hit him. “The results!” He got behind a wall and peered past the corner and waited for Ema to finally make up her mind.

 

Ema continued to walk around in circles. `Each time, I was faced with disappointment. But this won't be the time! It won't! It won't! It won't!' She took a moment to look at the paper taped on the wall behind her, before she whirled her head away from it again. “But what if…” Ema gritted her teeth. “I can't take it anymore!” Ema ran up to the paper and prepared for the worst.

 

First, she looked at the bottom portion of the list, expecting her ID to be there. So far, she couldn't find it. `Maybe I did so bad that they didn't even bother to record it?' Still, not giving up hope, her eyes slowly made it towards the top. “Ah, there it is.” Ema said absentmindedly. “Second number from the top.” She turned away, disappointed at herself. “Well, I didn't expect anything else.” She said as she took a step away from the paper.

 

Keitaro slowly made a smile as he saw Ema's expression change when what she said sank in.

 

“See…see…seeeeee…second place?” Ema spun back to the paper and reexamined her placement on the Entrance Exam results. Sure enough, her ID was in second. “I did it.” She said, still unsure if it was real. “I did it…I did it…I did it…” She kept repeating it for fear that if she stopped, it wouldn't be true. Finally, the moment truly dawned on her. “I PASSED!” She jumped up and down. “It's all true! The magic…it…it made even me a Todai student! My dream…my dream came true!” She began running out of the hallway. “I have to tell the others!”

 

Keitaro smiled at the departing girl. “I knew you could do it!” After seeing her go through the doorway, he continued on his trip to his van.

 

-Later…

 

Keitaro and Naru's Apartment

 

Keitaro unlocked the door to his apartment. “Naru! I'm home!” Keitaro cheerfully said expecting his lovely wife to answer back at him.

 

But the only sound that could be heard was the door screeching open.

 

Keitaro blinked in confusion. “Naru?” Slowly, fear built up from the bottom of his heart. He took a step forward. He looked from side to side. That was when he noticed another thing that was out of place. There was no lovely aroma from Naru's cooking filling the air.

 

Keitaro gulped. Something was wrong, VERY wrong. He slowly walked through the entrance. The apartment was quiet, TOO quiet. Only the squeaking sound of the floor can be heard. Everything seemed to be in its place. Until he flipped on the switch, illuminating the kitchen.

 

There were holes on the walls that were near both doorways that led to the kitchen. There was a trance of blood on the floor. A knife lay silent on floor for reasons Keitaro didn't want to think about. And one of the lower cabinets had a slit in it. There was also something on the floor that he couldn't quite make out at the moment. But whatever it was, small amounts of blood was coming out of it. If he looked closer, he might not be able to hold down his light lunch that he had in the afternoon.

 

Still, even without knowing what that last thing was, he knew something horrible had happened. His eyes widened at the full scene. “What…what happened here?”

 

“Oniichan!”

 

“Huhhaaaaa!” Keitaro took in a breath that was caught in his throat. He twirled around and saw a very familiar face. “Ka…Kanako?” Keitaro took a moment to calm himself down after being taken completely by surprise. “What are you doing here?”

 

“I came to see you oniichan!” Kanako smiled at her `brother'.

 

“That's…that's great!” Keitaro gave a shaky smile since he was still worried about Naru. Still, he was glad about this unexpected reunion. `Maybe she knows what happened here?' Keitaro thought as he looked at his sister. “I haven't seen you since the funeral…”

 

Keitaro wasn't able to finish his statement as Kanako took out a small container and sprayed him with some sort of substance.

 

Keitaro felt his eyes grow heavy as he fell into unconsciousness. He slumped over Kanako who gingerly held him.

 

Kanako smiled and patted the unconscious man. She `soothed' him in a low tone. “Don't worry oniichan! I'm going to make it all better.”

 

-Meanwhile…

 

Tea Shop

 

“Shinobu!” Ema burst through the doors of the restaurant.

 

Everyone in the crowded restaurant stared at Ema.

 

Ema, uncomfortable with all the attention she was receiving, backed down a bit and gave a slightly embarrassed wave. “Um…hehehe…hi everyone?”

 

Kitsune, who was taking orders at the time, grinned at the meek little girl. “Shinobu is in the back cooking. But is it something only Shinobu needs to hear? Or can you tell me too?”

 

“No I mean…YES!” Ema freaked out a bit. She was still a little uncomfortable around people…even after three years living at the Hinata Sou. “I PASSED THE ENTRANCE EXAM!”

 

“WHOOHOO!” Kitsune raised her fist. “I knew you could do it Ema!” In reality, given how bad she was doing in the years prior to this, she wasn't so sure that she could. But, knowing the effect the Hinata Sou had on people, she still held out hope too. “I guess this means that we will have a PARTAH!” Kitsune then looked back at Ema.

 

Or, at least where Ema used to be.

 

“Huh?” Kitsune darted her eyes from one side of the room to the other. “Where did that girl go?”

 

In the kitchen, Shinobu was cooking up a storm. She yelled back to the new sous chef that they hired. “Sentaro! Get the duck ready!”

 

“Already got it done Shinobu!” Sentaro winked back at her.

 

Shinobu blushed at his action. “Tha…thank you! You've been…so good to us!”

 

“That's my job!” Sentaro smiled as he began cutting some vegetables.

 

“Shinobu!” Ema burst through the kitchen door.

 

“Aiee!” Shinobu dropped a plate of already prepared sushi to the ground. “Ano…”

 

“Eek!” Ema freaked when she saw what she did. She started bowing many times in a row. “I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry…”

 

“It's okay Ema!” Shinobu picked up the broken plate and ruined sushi. “It's not your fault! I really should've been more careful!”

 

“But…”

 

“No it's okay!” Shinobu replied. Living with Ema for the past few years, she really didn't want her to feel threatened in any way. Knowing her, Shinobu had seen her panic at some of the most mundane things. Maybe it was because she was, for most of her life, a social outcast that believed almost every conspiracy on the face of the earth. But for whatever reason, Shinobu felt that she needed to make sure that Ema was accepted into their little group. “It's no big deal! I can just make more!”

 

“But…”

 

“No more buts!” Shinobu commanded. While deep down inside, she was the same insecure girl of her youth, now, she was much more assertive. “This truly isn't that big of a deal!” Shinobu walked up to Ema and patted her on the back. “So please remember that!”

 

Ema looked down, unsure of herself. “Okay…”

 

“Good!” Shinobu smiled at her. “Now, what did you want to talk to me about?”

 

After hearing that, Ema's eyes lit up. “I PASSED THE ENTRANCE EXAM!”

 

Shinobu's eyes lit up as well. “Congratulations! I knew you could do it!”

 

“I just…can't believe it…” Ema noted. “I mean…it took me four times before and…”

 

“See?” Shinbou smiled at the young girl. “Since you kept by it, your dream came true!”

 

Ema smiled at that notion. `It was true! I was ready to give up so many times before that…'

 

“By the way…” Shinobu started, interrupting Ema's thoughts. “Did you tell sempai yet?”

 

“Sempai?” Ema asked slightly confused. “Oh!” Ema exclaimed as she realized whom Shinobu was talking about. “No, I haven't told Keitaro yet…”

 

“Then we must tell him now!” Shinobu grabbed her hand as they exited through the kitchen door.

 

“Oh hey there you are!” Kitsune said as she saw Ema and Shinobu exit the kitchen. “I have the sake ready for the party!” Kitsune winked at them.

 

“Sake?” Shinobu looked at Kitsune oddly. “I thought you stopped drinking?”

 

“I decreased my intake Shinobu! Not stop!” Kitsune grinned. “And don't worry! I already informed Mutsumi about it so there wouldn't be any strange surprises!” `At least, there won't be any strange surprises due to the party. Knowing the Hinata Sou, there are bound to be something out of the ordinary happening!'

 

“The manager?” Ema said as she stopped in front of Kitsune. “Wait, does that mean she…”

 

“Yeah…” Kitsune looked around. “Oh, I'm sorry! You wanted to tell her yourself?”

 

“No!” Ema quickly shook her arms in front of her. “I'm just…surprised that you did it so fast!”

 

“Yeah well…” Kitsune grinned. “When there's a need for a party, I'm the one to turn to!” Kitsune then stopped and notice that Shinobu was holding Ema's hand. “By the way, what are you two guys doing?” Kitsune gave another grin at the two. “You're not…into that stuff are you?”

 

“EEK!” Both girls screeched out as they let go of each other.

 

“No! No! No!” Shinobu repeated over and over again. “I'm just…taking Ema to Sempai…um…Keitaro so that Ema can tell him the good news!”

 

“Yeah! Tha..that's it!” Ema stuttered. “I'm going to tell Keitaro the good news!”

 

“So take care of the kitchen for us while we're gone!” Shinobu quickly said before she retook Ema's hand and ran out of the door with her.

 

“Hey what's the rush?” Ema said just moments before she was dragged out of the restaurant.

 

“Sure thing!” Kitsune said with a smile. A smile that didn't last after Shinobu's words sank in. “Wait a second…take care of the kitchen…” Kitsune looked at the patrons in the crowded restaurant.

 

Impatient patrons I might add.

 

“Uh…hehehe.” Kitsune gave a slightly frighten wave. “Um…two seafood sukiyaki bowls right?” Kitsune gulped at the task that was given to her. `I hope Haruka doesn't come back anytime soon!'

 

Subway Train

 

Ema made little circles with her thumbs. She was slightly shivering due to the anticipation of telling Keitaro the news. “Um, why didn't we just…call him?”

 

“Don't you want to see his expression when you tell him Ema?” Shinobu asked.

 

“I…I guess.” Ema meekly replied.

 

“Nervous? Don't worry!” Shinobu gave a reassuring smile. “He's going to be so proud of you!”

 

“Yeah…” Ema said as she thought about the amazing man she was about to see again.

 

After a short moment of silence…Shinobu spoke up.

 

“I can't wait for Keitaro and Naru baby to be born!” Shinobu said excitedly. “It's going to be so wonderful!”

 

“Yeah!” Ema said as her eyes lit up. “I love babies and I certainly can't wait to see him!”

 

“It's amazing all the changes that has happened in our lives isn't it?” Shinobu said to Ema. Well, more to herself then Ema since she was reminiscing about the time she had spent at the Hinata Sou since the first day that she arrived. She was especially thinking about Keitaro who, despite all the time that went by, she still held a certain fondness over him.

 

“It is.” Ema agreed. Though she was only thinking as far back as her recently passed Todai entrance exam. `Maybe…that's not the only thing that will change!' She looked down at her…not so ample bosom. `Maybe…just maybe…'

 

The train came to a full stop at the train station.

 

Streets of Yokohama - Near Keitaro and Naru's Apartment

 

Ema and Shinobu quietly walked towards Keitaro and Naru's Apartment.

 

Ema took a deep breath. The moment where she can tell Keitaro her news was fast approaching. “Keitaro once said that no matter the promise, it would be fulfilled no matter what!”

 

Shinobu nodded. “And all the promises sempai made, had been fulfilled!”

 

Ema looked at Shinobu questionably. “You don't think…Keitaro is some sort of magician do you?”

 

Shinobu gave a light giggle. “No! I don't think that! But…” She smiled at Ema before continuing. “It is definitely magical!”

 

Ema blinked in wonder. “Magical…”

 

At that moment…a black cat brushed along side them.

 

“Eek!” Ema jumped from side to side.

 

“It's just a black cat.” Shinobu reassured Ema. “It's harmless. Besides, it's not Friday the Thirteenth either!”

 

“True…” Ema said as she was thinking the same thing. Then her eyes widened as she thought of something. “Black cat. That reminds me…didn't the previous manager own a black cat? Wasn't she…Keitaro's sister or something? Whatever happened to her?”

 

“Kanako Urashima?” Shinobu answered. “Yeah…adopted sister…” Shinobu cast her eyes down as she too, wondered the same thing. “Ever since Grandma Hina died, and when she left her position as the manager of the Hinata Sou, she just…disappeared.”

 

“Hmm…” Ema was now in deep thought. “Maybe we should ask Keitaro about her.”

 

“Sure.” Shinobu replied. Though she wasn't sure if Keitaro would have any news about her. The last time Kanako was brought up, Keitaro didn't know anything. “But first, we tell him your news first!”

 

“Yeah!” Ema excitedly replied. “And then I can tell him that I will be in his class first thing in the…” Ema blinked as she realized that she doesn't know when Keitaro's classes are held. “Shinobu, do you have the Winter Semester schedule?”

 

“Hehehe.” Shinobu giggled at the eager girl. “Sure thing! I'll give it to you right after…” Shinobu started to slow her pace as her eyes caught something that shouldn't be there. “We…meet…with…”

 

Ema saw Shinobu slow down. Concern started to build up in her. “Something wrong Shinobu?” She then turned her head forward and gasped at the scene in front of her.

 

Keitaro and Naru's Apartment complex was surrounded by police cars. The entire area was blocked off with police standing guard all around the apartment complex.

 

“Sempai?” Shinobu gave out a frightened response.

 

-------End of Chapter 2

 

While this chapter was easy to write, not having all the mangas still slightly impeded this story. Sure, this story is set after the mangas, but, well, to make this story consistent with said series, knowing all the little details is still important. For example, right now, I have no idea when the Todai Entrance Exams are taken (the mock exam and the exam themselves), and when the results are posted. While it might not be the most important detail for this story (given that the University will not play an important part of the story after the next chapter), given my desire to be as accurate as possible to both, the series and the real world system in Japan, things like this still go a long way. Heck, I even went to the official Tokyo University website in order to get some information. Though, even then, it wasn't a whole lot of help.

 

Note, since I'm not sure how the Japanese university system is like, I simply substituted the American system in the few times I will mention it (asides from the Entrance Exam of course). For example, Keitaro just got out of office hours in this last chapter. Do they have office hours in Japan? Don't know. Finals day, is it just a day, a week? Or do they substitute the last `lecture' day as the time for examinations? Is it true for the Summer Session? Until I get more information about their system, I will leave it like this for the time being.

 

Heck, if I get even more time on my hands, I might even put REAL train numbers, REAL train stations, and Wards of where Keitaro and the gang live and so forth, instead of just generalities. I know the Hinata Sou is in the Kanagawa Prefecture. Heck, I even made the city that Keitaro and Naru live in as Yokohama. But beyond that…I'm stuck with generalities.

 

Oh, and Motoko, while I haven't introduced her yet, she WILL become very important in this story. Count on it.

 

One last rant before I close, the SUV (originally black van) was originally supposed to be a Naru discovery in the last chapter (she looked out the window while she was in the kitchen). Well, given how I tend to `forget' small scenes like that until I post up the update, I decided to change it to a Keitaro discovery instead. I think it worked better in this case given that Keitaro wasn't under the same trepidation as Naru.

 

-Next Chapter…where has Keitaro been taken? Is Naru still alive? What does the other Hinata Sou do when their find out Keitaro is missing? Until then…later!