Love Hina Fan Fiction ❯ Brother's Keeper ❯ Chapter 6

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

A new update!

Unknown Location - Basement

Naru squirmed as she took in this new information in front of her. “What… what… Kanako?!” The pit of her stomach churned. She shook off another drop of water that landed on her when she looked up at the woman in front of her. “What, what are you doing?! Where am I?”

Kanako stayed silent. She simply stared at Naru for a few seconds. Their sights caught, Kanako’s eyes bored into Naru’s mind, seemingly slicing through her soul with her gaze. Her mask hiding whatever expression the Goth girl would have had. But to Naru, her eyes told her everything. And what Naru saw terrified her to the core.

“Why? Why the fuck are you doing this?!” Naru screamed at her. Another drop of water landed on her forehead. The cool water that was now mixing with the salty sweat that permeated her brow.

Kanako lightly shook her head. She took a steps forward. “Now now, you shouldn’t use that kind of language in ‘my’ house.” She said in low condescending tone. She took another step towards Naru. Another one. And another one. When she reached the edge of the pregnant woman’s confined feet, she slowly shifted her direction and began to circle her ‘prey’. Step, by step. All the while, tapping the wrench in her hand. The shadow that was cast from the single light bulb, slowly shifted across Naru’s body with each step Kanako took. Naru instinctively tried to futilely scoot back from her position, with the only result was her back depressing into the pipe.

The soft tapping sound seemed to resonate within Naru’s ears. The way the metal wrench hit the latex covered hands shook the very bones in Naru’s body. The dull thuds told all Naru needed about the weight and density of the object in Kanako’s hand. For a moment, that sound took her mind off of the constantly dripping water above her. As the woman came closer, and closer to Naru, so did the sound of the tapping.

The woman Naru followed stopped. Her breathing quickened as Kanako stood mere inches from her face. She was so close that Naru could smell the rose scented perfume the black apron wearing woman wore that night. The auburn haired woman’s face was covered in the darkness. The tapping continued above Naru. The tapping shadow danced across Naru’s left side repeatedly. The once proud school teacher was terrified for what would happen if she dared to look at a woman she had not seen for over a year.

The tapping stopped.

The shadow that draped over Naru lay still. Naru continued to stare forward as she waited for the next move from her apparent tormentor. However, the anticipation of this ‘next’ move was beginning to wear down what little sanity she had left. She tentatively peered up to the dark shadow next to her. Sweat continued to pour down her tear stained face as she forcibly silenced the voice in her mind to not meet those cold eyes again. She shut her eyes and allowed another drip of water to pass down her face. A pause as she built up enough courage to face Kanako. A face that was both familiar reminder of a wondrous time in her life, and yet, a face that she now wishes she could tear every thread of existence from her memory.

The face, covered in darkness, stared down at her target. Only a stray light reflected in those eyes.

Kanako raised the wrench back in a quick move.

Naru held her breath. Terrified to the bone, Naru shut her eyes as hard as she can and quickly looked away.

Outside Cat’s Paw

Kitsune strolled down the bustling streets in this district outside Tokyo. The crowded sidewalk left very little room for movement for those that dared experience the ‘nightlife’ in this area of the city. Those that valued personal space would have a hard time here given that there seemed to be a contest on how ‘few’ people you could bump in a block or two. With most people losing that contest by a wide margin.

Kitsune wore a more modest dress shirt with a white undershirt on, as well as plain jeans and brown casual shoes. She decided not trying to attract any ‘unnecessary’ attention during this tense time. While she was still attractive, after all, you can not hide her well endowed chest, there was something more important than giving the other gender something to drool over.

She passed by one of the many neon signs hanging over her. She noted two police officers in standard uniform passed by her left side. Something that normally would not have given much of a reaction before, given the notoriety of the Cat’s Paw as a rough and edgy bar. Rowdy customers was the norm especially if said customers had too much to drink at Happy Hour. True, most of the people that caused the trouble were foreigners compared to the local populous, but this raucous was what made the Cat’s Paw so appealing as well as infamous.

Of course this night was a much different occasion.

“Miss Konno, do you hear me?” A voice spoke through the ear piece that was in her ear.

“Yeah I hear you.” Kitsune whispered.

“What?” A loud eardrum piecing voice questioned.

Kitsune grimaced as the sound rang loud and clear. It was clear the man on the other side of the ear piece, Inspector Ishikawa, could not hear her from the street noise around her. She eyed the area, and noted a small alleyway next to her. She was hesitant of entering the semi-dark alleyway, illuminated only by a light that hung above a side door to one of the buildings. However, if it prevented the Inspector from screaming through the earpiece again, it would make sure she would not go deaf in that ear. Besides, if anything did happen to her, she had cops watching her back right? After making sure no one suspicious was in the alleyway, or any place that could be deemed a ‘hiding spot’ for someone that was, she tentatively stepped foot into it. Sure enough, once she entered the narrow passage, the ambient sounds subsided.

“Yes?!” Kitsune said in the harshest tone she could muster, without raising her voice above a whisper.

“Good.” Inspector Ishikawa said in a more casual tone. “You know what to do don’t you?”

Kitsune sighed. She did not feel comfortable being the ‘informant’ of sorts in this situation. But after repeated attempts by the police to get answers from the bartender all failed, along with the owner of the club threatening to sue the police for harassment, they decided to turn to someone who they believed would be able to give them their answers. Someone who was a familiar and friendlier face to say, the gruff police officers that just passed her by.

“You mean just talk to him and simply drop a few hints that would hopefully give me answers?” Kitsune rolled her eyes at the almost overtly simple command. “I think even one of Su’s sister’s animal could understand it.”

“…it’s easier said than done.” Ishikawa retorted. “If you go on too hard, he might suspect something and keep quiet.”

“And I thought the bartender wasn’t a suspect?” Kitsune replied with a bit of skepticism.

“He isn’t.” Ishikawa gruffly said. “But given how dangerous the people we’re dealing with here, getting information about them could be problematic. Having a friendly regular that also had some connection to what had recently happened should give us a leg up.”
“And what’s with the wire?” Kitsune continued skeptically. “Can’t trust my own words?”

“Just added insurance.” Ishikawa said. “This will help us once we get these sons of bitches. It can’t be used as evidence in a court case, especially if we were somehow unable to protect him. But it should at least get us the warrant to go after the perps.”

“Well whatever.” Kitsune peered out into the street, making sure there was no one eavesdropping on their conversation. She turned towards the back alleyway to make sure that her assumption that it was empty remained true. “As long as this leads to Keitaro and Naru being returned safely, I’ll do anything.”

“Which brings up another topic…” Ishikawa butted in, making sure he did not lose her before the operation commenced. “It’s about your dress…”

“What?” Kitsune interrupted as she narrowed her eyes. “You wanted me to wear something even more revealing so that you had something to wank off to when you got home?”

“What?!” Ishikawa jolted with astonishment with what Kitsune said. “No! Absolutely nothing like that! I mean, I have a wife and… It…” Ishikawa took a big sigh before he continued. “It’s all about normalcy here. If you somehow came in wearing something that isn’t your usual attire, that too, can tip him off that something isn’t right.”

“Sheesh.” Kitsune frowned at the implication. “What do you take me for, a slut?” Kitsune continued before Ishikawa could object. “Besides…” Kitsune closed her eyes for a second before reopening them. Hoping that when she reopened her mouth, she would not be screaming through the wire. “Something isn‘t right about today. After all, how would I react when my two best friends are kidnapped?”

“…okay, okay, fine. Sorry for mentioning it.” Ishikawa agreed. “Now, begin the operation and get him talking. Even the smallest information could be important.”

Kitsune sighed. “Okay, here goes.” Kitsune, checking the alley way again to make sure no one was eavesdropping, quickly rounded the corner and headed towards her destination. The Cat’s Paw.

Cat’s Paw

Kitsune shoved the thick paint-chipped metal door open. The door swung opened and she entered the small establishment, which can basically be said to be a hole in the wall. Kitsune gave a tentative wave to the Bartender.

The bartender stopped wiping the counter for a moment, and gave a brief glance at Kitsune. Recognition instantly took hold as he welcomed her. “Irashaimase! The usual lady?”

“Hehehe. You certainly know me.” Kitsune winked at the man as she took her usual seat.

The bartender placed a small paper coaster before placing the glass cup in front of Kitsune.

Kitsune stared at the dark colored liquid placed in front of her. She downed the shot as quickly as she can, ignoring the incoming protest in her ear. She could barely hear what Ishikawa said. Something about not drinking on the job or something. She placed the glass shot and beckoned for another one. “Just like old time huh?”

“What do you mean?” The bartender peered up at the unusual question from a regular.

Kitsune blinked as she wondered exactly what she meant with that question. “I meant the cops I passed by before I entered. I’m just surprised they weren’t taking a drunk away.” Kitsune raised an eyebrow. Her senses dulled a bit, but a single shot was not enough to give her even a hint of a buzz. “You seemed tense. It looks like you need this more than I do?” Kitsune chuckled a bit.

The bartender’s eyes relaxed. “Oh, that was nothing. They just asked me a few questions.”

“Really?” Kitsune eyes perked up. “What was this all about?”

“Oh it was nothing.” The bartender continued to wipe a cup on the counter. “They just asked a few questions. That’s all.”

“So does it have anything to do with the recent kidnapping?” Kitsune blurted out.

The bartender became very quiet. “What do you mean?”

Kitsune winced as another barrage of profanity laced reprimands were coming from her eyepiece. “Um, well…”

The bartender shifted his eyes from side to side. “Look, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The bartender slammed the glass down on the counter and glared at her. “Are you feeling alright?”
Kitsune realized the bind she was in. Ishikawa continued to beret her for the collapse of the operation. Kitsune’s eyes narrowed, her joyous attitude gone. A more serious tone took hold. “No.” Kitsune replied in a low dark tone. She downed another glass and slammed it on the counter. “Especially when your two best friends are disappear, and their face is all over the news.”

“Oh…” The bartender backed up a bit. “What makes you think that has anything to do with me?”

“When did I say that you had anything to do with it?” Kitsune tapped the bar, indicating she needed another drink. “Though I did hear a few things from those two police officers that just passed me by. It’s amazing what a few naughty words can do to get them to talk.”

The bartender nervously grinned. “You do have a way with words.” The bartender poured her another shot of sake.

“Yeah.” Kitsune downed that drink. Her vision began to waver. But she still had a ways to go. “Of course the police are being a bunch of pricks. You’d think they would have a little more sympathy given how my two best friends were up and taken by someone.”

The bartender shifted his eyes again. He leaned in closer to Kitsune with his elbows on the counter. “I might know something about it.”

Kitsune smiled a bit, but gave a questioning look at him. “Now why would I want to know that?”

“What you do with this bit of juicy info… I’ll leave that up to you.” The bartender noted. He looked confused as to why he would reveal anything. But seemed to have passed it off as just his better side getting to him. “Just remember you didn’t hear it from me…”

Unknown Location - Basement

Creak!

Naru opened her eyes. The constant drip of water that she felt subsided. She looked to up at the pipe and where the source of drops came from. Above her in the dimly lit room, the shadowy female figure stood over her with the wrench, tightening the bolt.

“There.” Kanako brought the wrench into her hand and knelt down and faced Naru. Her face inches from Naru. “That should take care of that pesky leak.” Kanako took out a handkerchief and wiped Naru’s face. “Now, let’s have a little talk shall we?”

Naru took a few deep breaths. She gritted her teeth and glared back at Kanako. “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Naru let out a loud screech.

Kanako shut her eyes, apparently grimacing by the loud piecing noise. Though Naru could not tell in the darkness, and Kanako’s mask covered face.

Naru continued for a minute. Her lungs emptied, and was forced to stop and take in a breath. She did not continue however and just sat there, staring at Kanako.

Kanako lightly shook her head. “Now now, did you finally let that all out of your system?” She took her gloved hand, and lightly caressed Naru’s face.

Naru flinched at the touch of the plastic on her face. She tried in vain to get away from the touch. Succeeding only in lowering her head in her bound state. “What is it that you want?”

“What I want?” Kanako cocked her head. “All I want is to talk. What makes you assume I want anything else?” Kanako said if as she was talking to a child.

Naru gritted her teeth. “Well, why else would you… you hurt me and bring me here?!” Naru said in an elevated tone, careful not to strain her voice.

“Now now.” Kanako stood up and ushered her maid over. “We shouldn’t be making assumptions now.” she placed the wrench on the tray that the maid was holding out. “I did nothing of the sorts. All I wanted was to make sure you were safe and sound from those ‘bad’ men.”

“Bullshit!” Naru curtly let out. “You were there. I saw you! And and…” Naru wiggled from side to side, indicating her confinement. “And this?!”

“Oh Naru, I only did that to protect you.” Kanako knelt down. “After all, I don’t want you, hurting yourself now.” Kanako cocked her head.

Pth!

Naru spat at Kanako. A streak of spittle dripped down her face. Kanako brought out another handkerchief and wiped her face. “And all the things I’ve done for you… and this is how you repay me.”

Naru agitated. “You did for me?” Naru’s confinements clanged to the pipe. Resonating throughout the basement. “What you did to me? You bitch!”

“Now now Narusegawa.” Kanako stood up and place a foot on Naru’s leg, stopping Naru’s movements. “I told you that you are a guest in my house. You wouldn’t want to face my wrath now do you?” She beckoned her maid over. “But don’t worry Naru. I’m not mad.”

“What, what are you planning to do?” Naru’s breath quickened.

“I’m just going to give you a makeover.” Kanako’s eyes glared down at Naru. She placed her hands on a pair of long sharp scissors. “You’ll going to love the new you.” Kanako’s hand was on the scissors. She opened and closed them as she slowly knelt down besides Naru. “Snip, snip, snip…”

“Naru continued to shift and turn as much as she can. “No. Please don’t! No… No… NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”

Yokohama Police Station

“And you thought I’d screw this up.” Kitsune grinned at the inspector. “Maybe I should make this my day job. He was on my like putty!”

“Don’t get too cocky.” Ishikawa bit back. He was sitting at his cluttered filled desk typing at his computer. The monitor had post-it stickers all over the rim of the screen. “If what that bartender said was true, then what we’re dealing with here is just a couple of everyday gang-bangers.”

“You sure about that?” Motoko, standing behind Kitsune, asked in a demure tone. “Why would a few street thugs care about Keitaro and Naru?”

Ishikawa frowned. “That’s the main problem.” Ishikawa swiveled the monitor around towards Kitsune, Motoko, and . “The two perps, Sato Ito, and Suzuki Jiro. Arrested on drug charges a few years ago, and was just released last month.” Ishikawa rubbed his chin. “The most they have ever done was push a few drugs on the street. Kidnapping is quite a bit of a step up for them.”

“Well then…” Su did cartwheels behind Ishikawa. “We should grab them off the street, bind them, and force them to tell us where Naru and Keitaro is!”

“It’s… not that easy…” Ishikawa meekly said before being interrupted again.

“Ara ara! And if they refuse to talk, we can hold their feet to the fire, and dangle them over boiling oil.” Mutsumi beamed.

“…” Ishikawa looked at the innocent looking woman. “Sometimes that girl scares me.” He turned back to the other women in the room. “Look, we have rules and regulations we have to follow. Right now we have to wait for the judge to approve arrest warrant them.”

Haruka crossed her arms. “What do you mean? Why can’t you just detain them now? It isn’t like we’re charging them right away.”

“Yeah.” Kitsune eyes narrowed. “I’ve seen enough Law and Order to know how things are supposed to work. You ask them to come to the police station for a few questions, and then your charge them when you have the evidence.”

“…this isn’t the United States…” Ishikawa weakly defended. “Besides, we’re also trying to prevent a lawsuit coming our way if we arrested them prematurely.”

“Lawyers and bureaucracies.” Haruka took out a cigarette and placed it in her mouth. “Gotta love them.”

Kitsune eyed Ishikawa with suspicion. “Well, if you say so… as long as we get them to tell us where Naru and Keitaro are, we should be fine.”

“Anyways, we’ve already tracked them down.” Ishikawa sat back in his chair. “All we have to do is wait for the judges order, and give the word.”

Haruka lit her cigarette and took a few puffs. “Though if you are correct and they are just your everyday gang-bangers, then it’s clear that someone hired them to do the job.”

Su stopped her cart wheeling, and turned to Haruka. “You don’t suppose it was Kanako wasn’t it?”

“I… don’t know anymore.” Haruka answered. “She did disappear after Grandma Hina died. We’ve lost all contact with her after the funeral.”

Ishikawa frowned and looked down in a contemplated pose. “I was hoping Urashima-sama’s death wouldn’t have stopped it. If this means that a resurgence…”

Haruka eyed Ishikawa suspiciously. “What do you mean by that?”

“Uh… nothing.” Ishikawa quickly said as his cell phone buzzed. He flipped his phone opened and noted a text message on the screen. “The warrants been approved. Let’s go!”

Unknown Location – Keitaro’s Room

Keitaro tossed and turned on the opulent bed. He tried to put up a brave face. He tried to sound confident in Kanako’s word. That she was doing everything in her power to find and protect Naru. His precious Naru. Yet, he could not get the feeling out of his heart that someone was amiss here. “Naru, Naru…” He patted the area where Naru would normally be if they were sleeping together in their more modest bed.

Keitaro uncovered the covers, and sat on the edge of the bed. His breath in rapid succession. The uncertainty gnawing at him. “I have to know where Naru is! I have to find her!”

He pushed himself off the bed and walked to the closet. It was full of his clothes. Everything from his underwear, his pajamas, his everyday clothes, and even the suit that he wears to work. It seemed Kanako was able to get a big chunk of clothing from his apartment. A task that baffled Keitaro a bit since it seemed a bit extreme on Kanako’s part. It’s like she made this, this huge mansion, his home now. What’s missing however was Naru’s clothing. This further fueled his suspicions. “Why did she get my clothes, and not Naru?”

As he did a double take on his surroundings again, he had to admit, he would love to have this place as his and Naru’s bedroom. He could just imagine little Keitaro Junior running around the bed, asking if they could play outside.

“Outside…” Keitaro shot his head to the decorated doorway. He took a few steps towards them before stopping. “Should I ask that maid if I can go outside?” Keitaro frowned. “Wait, why would I need anyone’s permission to leave? I mean, this is Kanako’s house and all… I think.” Keitaro gave an uneasy chuckle. “Besides, it’s late night. She should probably be sleeping by now…” Still, something about this place felt uneasy to him. He grabbed the door handle and turned.

The door creaked open. He peered down the dark hallway, illuminated only by the moonlight beaming through the windows. He slowly took a step out into the long deep hallway.

Unknown Location - Hallway

His bedroom door shut behind him with a soft click. Keitaro scanned the hallway again, which was lined on one side by windows that went from ceiling to floor. On the other side were European style medieval paintings, and candle shaped light fixtures in-between them.

The ceiling was even more impressive, with arches and a chandelier separated every few yards down the hallway. Whoever built this mansion must have been rich beyond imagination.

Keitaro sighed. As much as he enjoyed the architecture of this building, his mind was focused on only one thing. “I have to find Naru. There must be a way to get out of here.” He walked down at a steady pace as he headed towards what he believed was where the dining room was. His mini-tour was not sufficient enough to have had him memorize where every room was. As he walked down the long hallway, he began to have the sneaking suspicion that it would take days to figure out where every room was.

Keitaro stopped. “I don’t even know where the entrance is.” The first thing he remembered was waking up at the dining table in front of Kanako. The only places that he went with Agafia was to his bedroom. Or at least the bedroom Kanako apparently designated him to stay in.

He still had tons of questions he wanted to ask Kanako, but right now, the only thing on his mind was getting out. Failing that, a phone call to the outside world would suffice. Exploring at this time of night did not seem to be a wise thing to do, as Keitaro noted when he bumped into an end table with a fairly big vase. Contrary to Keitaro’s luck, the vase, after a bit of swaying, stayed on the base. Keitaro gave a big sigh, thankful that he did not have to explain to Kanako why one of her vases was broken.

Keitaro took a few steps back from the end table and peered down the hallway again. “Maybe the stairs are at end of this hallway.” He headed that way as the unease in his stomach failed to subside. The night was quiet, with only the sound of his footsteps breaking the silence.

Kazu Bar

“Damn it!” The portly bald man nasally said. His nose had a bandage in the middle. “That bitch knew how to throw a punch.”

“You’re tell me.” His skinnier companion noted as he rubbed the back of his bandaged forehead. “That Goth chick better pay up like she promised.”

“Yeah she better.” The fat man downed another shot of tequila. “If she fails to give us the payment, I’m going to make sure this cock is rammed up her tight ass.”

“Heh.” The skinner man smirked. “Would suit her well given the shit she had us do.”

“Sato-san and Suzuki-san.”

The two men looked behind them.

“Who’s asking?” The fat man said with suspicion.

The well dressed man stood behind them. He wore a black suit, white shirt, black tie, and expensive looking black shoes. He wore sunglasses and had a short beard that covered the area around his mouth.

“Sato-san…” The man addressed the fat man. He turned to the skinny man. “Suzuki-san.”

“Yeah. What do you want?” Suzuki eyed the man suspiciously.

“You should not be insulting my employee.” The glasses wearing man warned. “Especially to those that don’t know their place.”

“What did you say?” Suzuki stood in front of the bar. He took a few steps towards the man.

Sato placed a hand on Suzuki’s chest holding him back. “I assume you’re here for our payment.” Sato glared at the man. It was clear he did not like the man. But even he was not stupid enough to let paycheck pass by because of a silly altercation.

“I am.” The well dressed man replied. He held up a black suitcase in front of him. “Of course, your payment has nothing to do with money.”

“What?!” Sato rose up from his stool. “Are you saying she’s reneging on our contract?!” Sato grabbed the man’s tie.

“After your poor performance on the… acquisition, my master has decided a much more fitting payment for the two of you.”

“That’s bullshit.” Sato lifted his fist back. “Tell your master this!”

The well dressed man slammed the palm of his hand into Sato’s forearm, the arm that had the hand that held his tie. Swirled to Sato’s side, grabbed the back of Sato’s neck and slammed him to the ground.

“You fucker.” Suzuki took a knife out from his belt and lunged at the well dressed man.

With one foot on Sato back, the well dressed man shifted to the side, grabbed a hold of the knife welding arm, crushed a knee into Susuzki’s chest, and shoved him to the ground on top of Sato. The well dressed man clicked open the suitcase and allowed a few blades to fall. Before each one hit the ground, he grabbed the handle, and sent them each to Sato and Suzuki’s limbs. Pinning them to the ground.

“Ahhhhhh!” A man in the corner, with scruffy hair and a brown jacket, fell out of his chair, and rushed out the entrance.

The well dressed man ignored the leaving man and knelt down next to Sato and Suzuki.

“Ah…” Sato grimaced in pain. “You… fuck…” Blood pooled around his limbs.

“My master doesn’t take kindly to mistakes.” The well dressed man sneered. “Prepare to be cleansed in the fire of damnation.”

The well dressed man stood up, dusted himself off, and walked towards the back exit.

Outside Kazu Bar

“What’s going on?” Ishikawa roughly said as he watched a man race out of the bar.

“We don’t know.” A uniformed police officer replied. He stood on the sidewalk across the street from the bar. “There could be some sort of altercation…”

“Is that so?” Haruka noted with bemusement. “You don’t suppose something is happening to those gang-bangers now do you?”

“Shit.” Ishikawa noted. He grabbed the receiver from his patrol car. “All officers, proceed no…”

BOOM!

A earthshaking boom permeates the area. Steel, tile, glass, and dust scattered everywhere. A car that was parked next the bar flipped over and landed on its roof. Flames spewed everywhere. The heat and the dust reached the officers. Ishikawa and the police officers instinctively flinched and raised a hand over their eyes as the dust covered them.

“Get the fire fighters, paramedics…” Ishikawa gave out a hacking cough. “Damn it! Get every police officers down here.”

Police officers, after recovering from the sudden shock of the quick turn of events, began directing the pedestrians on the street to safety.

Car alarms blared up and down the streets and in the distance.

Kitsune and Motoko watched in horror as the bar that their suspect was being held at, was reduced to nothing more than flames and dust. Both were glad Su, Mutsumi, decided to join Ema back at the dorms. Neither of them wanted the others to be this close to the danger.

Haruka however, stood firm and allowed the dust to wash over her. “I take this as bad sign isn’t it?” Haruka said nonchalantly. She took another puff from her cigarette.

“Sir.” A police officer in uniform rushed up to Ishikawa. “We caught the man.”

“What man?” Ishikawa glared back at the officer. “The man that did this Officer Tomoko?”

Tomoko shook his head. “No. The man that ran out minutes before the blast.”

Ishikawa glared back at the officer. “Get him to the police station immediately! We have to protect him at all cost.”

“Yes sir!” Tomoko saluted. He rushed back to his squad car.

“This night just got a whole lot worse.” Ishikawa sighed. He was not looking forward to the overtime.

Unknown Location - Hallway

“There, now don’t you look much prettier?” Kanako held up a cracked mirror in front of Naru.

Kanako had rendered Naru’s once long and sleek hair into a rough and more tomboyish look. Her clothes was covered Naru’s severed hair. Naru big her lip as she forced herself not to cry. Not in front of this woman at least.

“Next time, I think I’ll bring the razor.” Kanako mused to herself. “That way, I can make you look even prettier!”

“Are you happy now?” Naru spat out. A few tears falling from her eyes. “Have enough your sick fun yet?”

“Oh Naru,” Kanako cocked her eye as she brought the sheers closer to Naru’s chest. “The fun has just begun.”

Unsure about Kanako’s next move. Naru held her breath and remained as still as possible.

Kanako brought the sheers towards the bottom of Naru’s shirt. The thin cotton material slowly gave way to the sharp edge of the blade. Kanako did not even need to snip as she slowly brought it the scissor to the collar. As the last piece of thread gave way on the loose shirt, the shirt fell to the side of Naru’s ample bra covered chest. Kanako began to snicker.

Naru’s bra covered the entire breast, leaving almost everything to the imagination beyond the ‘mounds’.

“Why Naru, I always knew you were modest.” Kanako snickered. “But this is taking it a bit far. When I was rummaging around in your drawer, I always thought your undergarments were much more revealing than this.”

“I’m… six months pregnant.” Naru quietly answered. “I can’t exactly be wearing scantily clothing now.”

“Maybe.” Kanako smirked as she brought the blade towards the middle of Naru’s bra.

Naru held her breath. Unlike her shirt, Naru’s bra was form fitting and close to her skin. She refused to let go of her breath.

Slight tear appeared on the bra at the blades edge. “It seems so tight on you. I assume you have trouble breathing.”

The tear grew bigger and bigger. Kanako was careful not to slit the skin. Each thin thread loosened and cut.
As the final thread was severed, Naru’s breast poured out of their confinement. Her bra, now cut in two, fell to the side of her chest, following the remains of her shirt.

“Snip snip.” Kanako continued and sliced the straps off. She grabbed the remains of Naru’s bra, and threw it behind her. “There, now do you feel better?”

Naru remained silent, refusing to answer the Goth woman.

“Hmm.” Kanako grabbed a hold of one of Naru’s breast, and kneaded it. “They seem a bit bigger than I remembered. But then, that shouldn’t be surprised with a ‘little one’ on the way right?” She made circles around her tit with her thumb, following the path of her areola. noting a bit liquid on her gloved hand. “Lactating already? But what would the baby drink?”

Naru shook her head. “That’s… just colostrums. My doctor says, it’s not unusual for small amount of it to leak… out.”

Kanako grinned. “I should take note of that.” Kanako moved her hands to the other breast and began kneading that one. “I have to admit, these are quite soft. Makes me wonder about many things.”

“So, this is what you want you perv?” Naru glared back at Kanako. “You want to play with my tits all day?”

Kanako chuckled. “Oh no. My interest is only men. One man in particular actually.”

The maid next to her leaned down to Kanako’s ear and whispered. Kanako got to her feet and stood up. “Looks like I’ll have to turn in for the night. Don’t worry I’ll be back real soon. I promise.” She strolled towards the door. She turned back to Naru before leaving up the stairs. “Oh, and try not to catch a cold. It wouldn’t be very fun if you got sick. Besides, think about your baby.”

Naru waited for the loud metallic door to shut before allowing her head to drop. Fatigue taking a toll on her. Cold and exposed, the only thing she held out was the hope that the others would rescue her, and the hope to see his face again. “Keitaro…” She let out a loud shuddering cry.

Unknown Location - Hallway

Keitaro felt like he was walking in circles. Every door he tried was locked. He was not even sure if the hallway he just entered was a different one, or if he was even getting closer to the exit. He did not even find the stairs that would take him to the first floor at least.

“How big is this mansion?” Keitaro wondered out loud. “Where is the exit in this place?!”

“Keitaro?” A small mousy voice sounded.

Keitaro flinched as he eyed the source of the voice. “Agafia? What you are doing up late?”

“We, have a lot of obligations that need to be finished Ma… Keitaro.” The Russian maid meekly replied. “Now please Keitaro, return to your room. Master Kanako would be worried.”

“I can’t.” Keitaro curtly replied.

“Why?” Agafia stared at him worried.

“I have to know where Naru is!” Keitaro’s voice rose a bit. “I can’t… I can’t sleep knowing that she’s out there. Possibly in danger.”

“Do… do not worry.” Agafia bit the tip of her thumb. “Mistress Kanako has people wi… looking for her. She…”

“That’s not good enough.” Keitaro brought down a shaking fist in the air. “I… how do I get out of here.”

“Keitaro…”

Keitaro cut in. “Agafia, how do I get out of here? Where’s the exit? Where’s phone?! Anything!” Keitaro grabbed a hold of Agafia’s arms.
“Keitaro I…” Agafia’s eyes became teary.

“Oniichan.”

Keitaro let go of Agafia. “I… Kanako?”

“Don’t tell me you’re out trying to harm your maid now?” Kanako stared back at him wearing a more modest black and grey suit. Her arms crossed.

“I…” Keitaro stared at Agafia who was on the verge of tears. He bowed his head. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“It’s okay.” Agafia wiped a few tears away. “It is my duty to be at your disposal completely. You could… do anything to me that you please.”

Keitaro shot his head up to Agafia after her response. “What? No… I…”

“Oniichan, what were you doing up this late?” Kanako asked uncaring about Keitaro’s conversation with his maid.

“I… uhhh…” Keitaro swiveled towards Kanako. “Kanako! How do I get out of here? I need to find Naru!”

“Like I said Keitaro, I can’t let you do that.” Kanako took a few steps towards Keitaro. “It’s for your own safety.”

“I don’t care!” Keitaro grabbed Kanako’s arm. “I need to find her! She’s everything to me! I can’t… I can’t just…”

“Keitaro.” Kanako curtly replied.

“I…” Keitaro looked at where his hands were. “I’m… I’m sorry. I’m just…”

“There there.” Kanako’s hand began to rim the base of Keitaro’s shoulders. “It’s okay. Just calm down. A good nights rest is all you need.”

“I… I can’t get to sleep.” Keitaro’s shoulders dropped. “I need to know where my Naru is!”

“Tomorrow will be a better day.” Kanako smiled as her hands began to explore Keitaro’s body. “Here.” Kanako ushered her maid Kyoko, the Japanese maid, towards her. “All you need is a drink. It’ll help calm your nerves. I’m sure Naru wouldn’t want to see you like this.”

“You’re… right Kanako.” Keitaro took a deep breath as he looked towards the tray that the Japanese maid held towards him.

On it was a Champaign glass with a clear liquid in it.

“It’s okay Oniichan.” Kanako rubbed Keitaro’s shoulders. “Just drink it and all of your problems will go away.”

Keitaro tentatively nodded as he took hold of the Champaign glass and quickly downed it. As soon as the last of the liquid left the glass, he felt his nerves loosen, and the tension fade away. He also felt the onset of sleep setting in.

Kanako grabbed the Champaign glass before it fell to the floor. Agafia took hold Keitaro as he fell unconscious.

“I promise you Oniichan, our lives will be wonderful from this night forward.” Kanako smiled.

Yokohama Police Station

Ishikawa slammed the interrogation room door shut. “Okay. This is what we know so far.” Ishikawa said to the three remaining women that decided to stay on the chase, rather than go back to that dorm, or whatever place they called home. However he did hear the ‘princess’ off looking for her own lead on the case. He frowned at the thought given that this was not exactly the spirit of cooperation. “A fat man and a thin man, I assume Sato and Suzuki, met some a man in a black suit. Some sort of fight occurred and the man in the black suit pinned the Sato and Suzuki to the ground. After that, the our witness scuttled out of there before someone decided to eliminate the joint from the map.”

“So this confirms that someone hired the gang-bangers.” Haruka said. Her cigarette hanging from the edge of her mouth.

Kitsune shut her hand into a fist. “We were so close to getting somewhere.”

“Did he get a good look at the man in the black suit?” Motoko cut in.

“Eh hem. I’m the Inspector here.” Ishikawa coughed a few times. “And yes, he did. In fact, an artist is with him right now coming up with a sketch.”

-Later…

“And here it is.” Ishikawa showed the sketch of the face to them. “Normally I would have kept this under wraps, police procedure and all. But since in the spirit of cooperation…”

“Wait a second.” Haruka eyed the sketch with great interest.

“Haruka?” Motoko eyebrow rose at the sudden intense interest Haruka gave the sketch.

The sketch was a simple one. The man, wore dark sunglasses, his cheeks caved him, his hair slicked back, thick eyebrows, and an oval goatee. At first glance, it could have been anyone.

But Haruka was staring at the sketch with much intensity.

“Ursashima-san…” Ishikawa wearily eyed Haruka.

“I’ve seen this man before.”

-End of Chapter 6

Not much to say. Other than, World of Warcraft is the great Evil! That and, one more class to finish before I ‘hopefully’ graduate. Oh, and a bit of warning. The last bit of this chapter, didn’t get my usual ‘look over’ as I usually do (it’s 4 am right now). I might go back and fix it later but… yeah. I’m just happy to have finished (if unpolished) the update.

I hope to get more writing done. I would have done some more if it wasn’t for that evil WoW. And oh, Wrath of the Lich King is coming out this week (DAMN YOU ALL!).

Anyways, tentative schedule is to attempt at least, write the next chapter of Fallen Blade and Fullmetal Evangelion. Conflicted Hearts should be in there too.

Next time… Who is this man that Haruka recognizes? Will it take them one step further to finding Naru and Keitaro? And what secret does the Urashima family hold? Until then, later!