Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ The Getaway ❯ Hallows Eve Party: Arcia's assailant ( Chapter 9 )

Chapter nine: Hallows Eve Party: Arcia's assailant

A nerve-racking feeling came to jolt her spine when she entered Shishio's office. The room was so silent; all she could hear was the non-stop bureau work outside the scope. Makoto Shishio sat along his desk as his pure-brown eyes came to pore over her tension. "Have you found the answers to my question, Ms. Rinslet?" his question took Arcia's attention when her body reacted equally with his voice.

She raised her head only to meet Shishio's piercing gaze. "I did." She took a deep drought before nodding, "The answer is yes, I agree with your transaction." As much as how she hates to admit, it is necessary for her to agree with him for the sake of everything. Even if this would take the chances of reaching vengeance once and for all.

A wicked smile came forming on Shishio's face when he heard her answer. He stood from his seat and walk towards the guilt-ridden girl. "I know you would never break my trust…" he brought his hands and took her face between his palms. "I'm glad enough to know that you're back… my daughter…" he took her in a tight embrace as Arcia started to wince behind him.

This brought a fake smile on her face as her own arms came to encircle the older man's hold.

Shishio felt her stiffen yet didn't mind how she reacted. At least now, no trouble would bother him including his top spy. Arcia Rinslet was important more than everything. She and Enishi should never be left apart and with that objective, he did thrived.

Arcia scowled more from the thought. She knew Aoshi would be so damn angry with her when he learns about her waywardness. This was the only way to save him even though there are so many chances that Shishio may deceive her and persist on killing the CIA agent. Fury and total remorse was all she could feel right now. Wrath against Shishio who took so many people's lives, including Aoshi's father… and guilt for turning down her dignity and lower her self enough to obey Shishio's orders.

Shishio pulled away from their close contact and stood tall forth her. She knew what words would may come and form on his mouth as he then said, "Welcome back…" and at that moment, her whole pride shattered into pieces.

-=0=

A year had passed since that incident happened, and still Arcia was in great remorse. Shishio did though comply with the agreement and released Aoshi. Since then, both never had seen each other's presence. SCO provided her precautions when a bundle of CIA agents came to stalk her around. `A déjà vu, only this time it's the CIA who's chasing under my shadow.' She made a distressing sigh as she sat inside a famous café around the town.

Her life became normal once again… well, not exactly the usual thing an ordinary human typically do. What she means was doing all the illicit things as a Splinter agent and also studying as she decided going back to school.

Kaoru was hell happy when they had seen each other again, not to mention how irritated Enishi was when his wife started to place full attention to her than to him. Arcia smiled at the thought, leaning back at the cushioned chair she was seating at. Yeah, she was back to her accustomed life… yet she felt so empty knowing that this wasn't really the life she desired for. Then Shinomori Aoshi came flashing into her mind.

"Arcy!" a cheerful greeting distracted her from sinking into her thoughts when Kaoru came with a stroller in her hands.

Arcia smiled back at her best friend as she sits her way forth her. "What are you doing here lil' missy?" she teased, taking a sip or two with her coffee.

"Enishi told me you're here."

"Oh." She stoop down and started to play with Reikon, Kaoru and Enishi's baby girl.

Kaoru then narrowed her eyes. Arcia felt uncomfortable and stared at her exasperatingly, "What?"

"Is something wrong, Arcy?" she asked in full concern.

This pushed Arcia into a fake laugh, "Nothing's wrong with me Kaoru. What are you talking about?" she may be a good con artist when it comes to being a secret agent and yet she's an awful liar when it comes to Kaoru.

Although Kaoru did have the point that Arcia was in no mood to talk about and went on to change the topic, "The Halloween party will be held tomorrow night, right?"

"Uhuh…" Arcia answered with a nod.

"I wish I could go, Arcy..." Kaoru frowned. She does miss enjoying these kinds of social gatherings.

Arcia beamed and placed her hand on-top of hers, "It's alright, Kaoru… Reikon needs you, it's better if you spend time with her for the time being."

Kaoru smiled wholeheartedly and rubbed her best-friend's hand, "Thanks… I know you would understand…"

"Hey, we're friend's aren't we?" Arcia winked at her and resumed from playing with the baby.

-=0=-

The room was quiet, terribly serene that he couldn't even take it anymore. He knew he was used to this feeling of being isolated and deserted. He finds peace whenever he was alone and now he felt so sickened with the ominous features he had right now. "Damn… what have you done to me?" his scowl gotten deeper as he buried his face between his palms.

He too felt guilt when Arcia decided to throw down her revenge just to salt away Shishio's plans of killing him. He could still remember how she pleaded to go on alone with her journey without his help. She was afraid of losing him when the consequences get too messy

He was in between of believing and not believing her. His conscience kept on blaming him about of what would have happened when he did leave her in Barcelona or not. He was afraid for her safety and so does she.

Now, CIA had lost Arcia Rinslet… and Shishio was triumphant enough to know that she was back to their side. CIA was so close to reach its goal when it suddenly shattered caused by very insignificant upshots.

It was then that he had never noticed Saitou entering his office. He stood there as if watching the mixed facial expressions forming on his face a while ago. "Are you finished moping around, officer?" he ironically asked.

Aoshi ignored his sarcastic tone and stood out from his perch. He remained silent as he leisurely walk near the window, viewing the busy streets below.

"I know you're having a hard time with this… but you do have to move on." Much to his dismay, Saitou just went to prattle on with his cynical side.

"I don`t know what you're talking about." He flatly replied.

Saitou chuckled and crossed his arms against his chest. "Don't make me laugh, Shinomori. Stop fooling around. Rinslet unintentionally stole your heart. Everyone can see that."

Once again, his `no-mood-to-talk' side surmounted him and he remained motionless on that spot he was standing at.

"A year, Shinomori… almost a year since she decided to stay with SCO. Yamagata-san was in the verge of ceasing his attempts of bringing her back to our side. SCO has a good grip upon her."

"Schneider's still with us. We can still go on with the mission."

"Yes, I do agree with that. But fighting SCO means fighting Rinslet. She's one of the opponents even If it was against her will."

"I'm in no place to avoid those circumstances."

"And yet you, as much possible wouldn't want that to happen."

Aoshi left speechless with his words. He knew he was right even though he much wanted to deny it. Having a confrontation with the young Splinter Cell agent would be one of the things he would not want to experience. This was all totally new to him. New emotions and feelings quickly changed him, all because of that stubborn girl. He sighed and turned his head over Saitou's direction, "Why are you torturing me?" there was a sarcasm in his intonation.

Saitou only smirked and said, "Just telling the truth, Shinomori. Nothing more, nothing less."

-=0=-

"Oooh… scary…" Lana muttered under her breath as she and Arcia stepped inside the Greek society domicile, fabricated in full Halloween style with this bunch of teens wandering around in their costumes. Both were dressed on with their Hallows eve costume too, Lana on her white silk mini dress adding up the small wings she lent from a costume store down town and Arcia on a simple black outfit only her hair was braided hanging over her shoulder. She also wore a witch hat just to display she was supposed to look like a real sorceress.

Sayo her self had answered the door when they arrived. She her self looked good on her… err, lady in white as what she had called it when she greeted them. After escorting them to the poolside patio where Sanosuke was entertaining his guests, Sayo had disappeared back inside the Fraternity hall. That's when Okon and Megumi started to approach the two.

"Nice work, you guys." Lana pointed out to Okon. "Very Hallowy…."

Okon poured them both some lemonade since both decided not to drink yet. "Thanks. Sayo did all the designing. Megumi are nothing more than to support her." both theta members giggled with the statement.

As they rejoined Sanosuke and the others, Arcia started to have a bad feeling about tonight. Both sat down at the table with Sano, Sayo, Sano's best friend Tsukioka and some new members of the Fraternity. Lana was in the best mood and so as the others except for her who just sat there and listened to their laughs and conversations. She had spoken once or twice when Sano started to bug her with some nonsense questions. But nonetheless, the whole crowd was centred on the new transferred boy from Osaka. He was one of Okon's classmates, who decided to help him with his social life around the university. Just as what Sayo did to her when she first came here.

"So, Yatsuda-san," Tsukioka was saying, "What kinds of things do you like to do for fun? Like, extracurricular stuff?"

Yatsuda dressed in a baggy black pants and a ripped black rock concert T-shirt, was slumped in his chair in the exact same position he'd been in since she and Lana arrived. He had shaggy dishwater blond hair and a pierced nostril, but Arcia could tell he wasn't as tough as he looked. His attitude was old, but his eyes were young, and at Tsukioka's question, his cheeks turned faintly pink. "You mean, besides getting in trouble for drinking?" he asked with overstated petulance.

Tsukioka's didn't rise to the bait. "How about sports?"

Yatsuda shrugged. "Skate boarding's OK." He muttered.

There was something odd with this boy that Arcia couldn't name. She was quite bothered with him so she quickly stood up and started to leave. Only Sayo had noticed her departure when she suddenly called up to her since Lana started to interrogate the new guy from rubbish chat.

"Where are you going, Arcy?" she asked, tapping her shoulder lightly.

Arcia forced a smile, "Powder room. I'll be back soon to join you guys." Sayo agreed and allowed her to go. She was well aware that these girls are only concerned about her status in the society. Especially having the thought that she quit college because of her peers. Ha! What a lame excuse…

What pisses her more was when she totally forgot to ask Sayo where to find the bathroom. The Fraternity house was too wide to search at especially with these party people surrounding the whole place. She then decided to squeeze her self through the crowd upon the stairs and completely sighed when she successfully reached the second floor.

The second story was not fully packed, only a few people came here just to chill out. Arcia was relieved when one of the by-standees directed her to her destination.

The bathroom was isolated, and Arcia thanked God for that. She entered and shut the door behind. The room was neat, completely made with pure mahogany and marble furnish. She then shifted her thoughts from being flabbergasted with the fittings and directed her self forth the huge mirror.

"God, what's wrong with me??" she could not believe her eyes to see such a heart-rending girl reflecting in-front of her. No wonder why everyone was so worried about her. Maybe that's why Kaoru asked her that question yesterday morning. She appears like a guilt-ridden girl, full of disgust and grief hazing through her blue eyes.

Perhaps, she her self knows how to answer that question. She shut her eyes, trying to avoid staring at her mirror image. It seems to hurt a lot, just to notice how miserable she was right now.

She wanted to cry although she wouldn't was to crumble… she can't weep… not now… not ever…

Then, she heard a sudden knock coming out from the door causing her to compose her self once again. When she opened the door, a startled look came into her face just as when she met a tall, blonde man standing forth her. "Yatsuda-san?" she barely squeaked in stun.

Yatsuda grinned at her and then quickly threw a hard punch on her face. Arcia fell scarcely on the floor as a small trail of blood came flowing out at the edge of her mouth. She cursed underneath her breath and glared crossly at her assailant. She jumped up from her feet and side-kicked Yatsuda, causing him to tumble out of the bathroom. If she was about to fight someone, better not ruin the bathroom.

She came outside when suddenly, Yatsuda grabbed her ankle and tossed her on the ground with him. Arcia cursed more for her high-heel shoes were not helping her at all. Good thing she was wearing slacks, well enough for her to kick butt.

She stood again and started exchanging punches with the taller man. Everyone had seen the trouble they were starting and quickly flee out to the first floor.

Yatsuda's punches were way too strong compare to her; she could almost feel the swelling of her face and torso. There were some chances when both could evade each other's punches. Arcia was usually thrown away to the wall, the last one she was heaved caused her to break the mirror into pieces.

The look in Yatsuda's face was menacing. He had the lust of killing within him and this made her anxious. He was heading towards her direction, ready and all set to slaughter.

Arcia couldn't move. Her back was full of scratches from the broken glasses behind her. The smell of blood could almost extent to her odour. She could not understand why this man was attacking her. Her last five missions this week never threatened her with trouble. `CIA…' was all she could think right now. But what would be the reason they wanted to attack?

Although when her eyes caught the onslaught of the taller man's arm, she lashed out Yatsuda, sending him stumbling down to the floor. She took the chance and sat down on his chest, both of her hands gripping his neck. Thick trails of blood were coming out from the skin her nails were piercing. "Who-are-you??" she asked in between ragged breaths.

The man didn't answer. In stead, he drew out something dubious in his pocket. Arcia sensed this and quickly grabbed his hand. She was much more expecting to see a firearm in his clutch, though she had seen nothing. As an alternative, a mobile phone caught up with her vision.

"He's here… he's going to kill you… you're going to die!" he chocked out a laugh as it mellowed with the sudden ringing coming out from the phone. He had felt her jerk in stun and glared at him in sharp daggers. "Answer it. He wants to talk to ya'." With his annoying grin, Arcia did not think a thing or two and quickly grabbed the phone. She took the receiver nevertheless; she had no intentions of saying neither a single word.

"You are very strong… just like your father." A tone of a middle-aged man said on the other line.

Arcia fumed from the mentioning of her father, "Who is this?? What do you want from me??"

"Oh, nothing really. Just seeing your body bathing with your own blood would do." He then made a sadistic laugh, trying to annoy her more. "I can see you… but you can't see me…"

With his last statement, a bullet came shattering the window and hit Yatsuda's left thigh. Yatsuda cried out in pain although she practically ignored it. Automatically, she leaped off and started running for her life. Because of the noise below, no one had noticed the gun shoot happening on the second floor.

She tried to look back and saw a tall building standing near the house. `He's on that rooftop.' She quickly opened one of the balcony doors and jumped off to the nearest tree. She will never let her assailant attack her friends or even ruin the party they had planned for so long.

Even if her legs and arms were giving up its strength, Arcia continued to rush her way to where she suspected to see the assailant. Some people had seen her state of being blood-spattered and started to be amused by her. They sorta think that her Halloween costume was the best thing they had ever seen in the entire night. `If only they knew'

She made a quick run and saw her mugger jumping off from his last position and rapidly sprinted away from her sight. She pushed her self just to reach him before he could escape yet her attempts were too late since a black BMW car came to pick the suspect out.

Arcia began to slower her pace, breathing immensely as she fell down to her knees. Her mind returned to the small phone she was holding and quickly placed the receiver on her ear.

"Central Intelligence Agency, hello?" A woman's voice responded.

Taking one last breath, Arcia sighed and said, "This is agent CP09, section FR231… connect me to agent CP087."

"Hold on." With a short beep, a certain voice came answering on the next line.

"CIA-CP087, state you're business…"

"Aoshi…"

TBC