Name: 'Revelations'. chapter 5.
Author: Cony.
E-mail: rubi@riemann.mat.puc.cl
Rated: PG-13.
See ya at the bottom!.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I walk quickly from the door to the table, where a young woman sits. Her
air of total boredom is only complimented by the way she's staring into her
blood-red fingernails . . . but as I look closely, several details sprang
into view. The wrinkles on the corner of her eyes . . . the bags under them
. . . her lips have a little sag . . . her hair, under the heavy loads of
purple, green and blue, have white hairs intertwined with them . . . she's
not as young as she pretends to be. In a world like this, when only the
young survive, old people don't stand a chance. I understand her
completely. How can she not try to look young, healthy and bouncy, knowing
if she lets everyone know she's old, tired and sick she'll be replaced?.
Trying to look as innocent as possible, I ask: "Excuse me, I'm looking for
someone". She never stops looking into her fingernails, and only makes a
disgusting face to answer me: "Look on the phone booth".
Her tone is tired and bored, just as I suspected. Sighing, I repeat: "He's
*not* on the phone booth". For some moments, she turns to look at me. The
look on her eyes says to me everything even before she speaks: "Then he
surely isn't here. Get lost now". I close my eyes, and breathe deeply. This
isn't getting me anywhere: "He *is* here. I'm looking for Nomuto 'Lion'
Hikai". If she was surprised for what I said, she didn't show it. She's as
good actor as I am, or she just can't display emotions anymore . . . she's
lost in this world of violence and hatred, and her heart long ago froze
inside her ribcage. "So?. Should I know him?". I'm starting to loose
patience already. Gritting my teeth, I speak again: "Yes. He's here. I know
it. Could you please lead me to where he is?". She starts playing with her
fingers, making red brush against red. What's so interesting about those
fingernails anyway?. Or is she just dumb?.
"He's not here. Be off now". That's it!. I slam my fists on the table, and
for the first time, she looks at me directly. Some of the boredom and
lazyness has dissapeared from her eyes, and she seems more interested now.
"Listen. I don't have time to loose. You go and tell Nomuto I'm here, or
else I'll find him myself". She stares into my eyes, long and quiet. For
several instants neither of us move. Twirling red fills my view, as her
hand waves in the air. "Proof". Finally!. At last, I made her react!. I
grin, and whisper, more to myself than to her: "It was about time". I reach
to my shoulder, and move the shirt away. Leaving the skin into the naked
view, I show her my most forbidden secret . . . a fleur-de-lis tattoed on
my shoulder. As many of you may know, this flower was used in France
centuries ago, to mark the women who were punished by the law, specially
the ones who attempted against moral. You know what I mean.
And in this time, in this world, a fleur-de-lis means I belong to the
secret underworld. I got it tattoed on me the first time I met Nomuto. A
recognition mark, he said it was. It's small and light pink, and for what
he told me, it should slowly dissappear with time. That was the only reason
I allowed him to make it for. To mark my skin forever is something I don't
want . . . even when it is something is beautiful as this flower. The
woman's eyes widen slightly, as she sees the tatoo on my skin. She seems to
awake from a dream, and says: "Inmediatly. I'll see if he can receive you".
I nod, and cover my shoulder again. As she leaves through a hanging curtain
behind her, I unconsciously shiver in delight. At last, I've got things
rolling. Now I'll who this Takesono Miyagi is . . . and when I do, I'll
make him pay. Some instants later, the woman returns. Her eyes have a look
of respect right now . . . perhaps Nomuto-san told her something about me .
. . "He will see you now. Cross that curtain and follow the candles".
I nod silently, not wanting to speak more than what I have to. Moving
swiftly through the veil, I enter a passage, only lightened by more
candles. This time, they are set on the floor, and seems as if they marked
a path for the victims to cross through. Holding my breath, I start walking
though it . . . and the deeper I move into it, the more I feel as if I'm
been stared at. Unconsciously, I start moving faster, and faster, until
before I realise it, I'm running, my footsteps resounding on the walls and
echoing inside my ears. And then, all of a sudden, the passage ends, and I
enter a big room. A lamp is hanging from the ceiling, yet more and more
candles are the ones which give the room the misterious atmosphere. And
there, sitting on a throne like chair, is the man I've been looking for.
The big mane of red hair surrounds his face, as fiery as ever. Not a
wrinkle or a frown fills his face, and he's just the same way he was three
years ago.
We stare at each other for what seems like decades . . . not a sound fills
the room. I can see some people by his side, and even some sitting in a
circle around us. But, all I do is stare into his eyes. Even from the far
away distance I am from him, I can still feel his scanning . . . but I
don't move. Finally, he speaks: "Who are you?. Why do yu have the flower
tatoo?". I let my breath go. I passed the first test . . . his approval.
Now, let's get down onto the second. "I am the Blue Thunder of the Agency".
A general gasp fills the room . . . seems my name hasn't been forgotten.
But, the one who I care to surprise doesn't even flinch. It's going to do
harder to convince him. "Don't play games with me, woman. The Blue Thunder
died many years ago". I answer, my voice full of conviction: "No. I *am*
Suiseki Reiko, the Blue Thunder". One of his hands goes to his chin . . .
perhaps he's pondering the facts . . .
"You do have some resemblance to her. But, I still don't believe you.
Physical appearences can be imitated". I take a step forward, but all of a
sudden, a cold hard thing is pressed against my back. A gun. I grin,
knowing this would happen. My eyes cats sidelong glances to the people
around me . . . all of them, thugs of Nomuto-san. All of them, armed up to
their teeth. Not even I would be able to get out of here alive shall a
battle begin. So, I must make him believe me. Brute force is of no good
right now. I speak again, my tone jokingly sick: "I never though the brave
Lion of the Underworld would threaten a visitor . . . you never did
before". He seems taken back. "Who are you who dare to speak tto me in such
familiar terms?. Don't you know that with just a snap of my fingers I can
sentence you to death?". I grin again, showing on my outside the exact
opposite at what's going through my mind.
"Oh, yes I do. As I told you before, I'm Suiseki Reiko". He smiles back at
me, his tone dangerously wavering into impatience: "You keep saying that,
but you show no proof". "What else do you need besides the fleur-de-lis you
yourself marked on me?". Again, his eyes flicker in surprise. "That can be
copied. I need more proof". My hands start sweating. I *certainly* don't
like where this chat is going. Some of the men sitting have wide smiles on
their lips, and their teeth shine under the candle light . . . as if they
were hunters watching their prey. And just let me guess who the prey is . .
. I didn't come here to play, but it seems I have no other choice. If I
want Nomuto to tell me what I want, I'm gonna have to give him what *he*
wants first. "Name it", I say, appearing as confident as ever. Yet, I'm
shivering on my insides. What horrible task will he come up with?.
He snaps his fingers, and someone steps off the shadows behind his throne.
A woman, slender and beautiful. She's carrying something . . . a tray. I
can't see what's in it, but I bet it's no good for me. Nomuto motions for
her to come closer. She does, and offers the tray to him. He picks
something from it . . . long and thing . . . seems to be several of them .
. . daggers!!. My eyebrows frown slowly, as his plan starts taking shape on
my mind. He now stands up, and looks at his men. For some instants, no one
moves . . . no one speaks. It seems as if he was looking for some of them .
. . and looks as if he found them. With a quick move, he tosses the daggers
into the air. They turn and circle in the air, cutting it with it's sharp
edge. They cross through the air, and land straight in front of seven men-
Their points stuck into the floor with a low noise . . . and as their
handles vibrate with the force of the throw, I realise what's he going to
do.
And as much as I know I can handle it, I can't help but feel terrified.
Those daggers are as sharp-edged as a piece of glass . . . one wrong move,
and I can start saying goodbye to this world. But, I keep myself still, as
the men pick the knives up, and stand, seizing them expertisely. Nomuto
speaks, his voice determined and serious: "This men are the most expert on
the underworld in the art of dagger throwing. If you are able to evade them
all, I will consider the idea of listening to you. Only the Blue Thunder
and those trained as her could survive this test . . . repent now and
leave, or face the consequences". I look at him sternly, and answer: "You
know I never turn down a challenge". He acknoweledges with only a nod,
before looking at his men. I tense, ready for the attack that's to come.
Nomuto slashes his hand over his neck, signalising them to begin. I breathe
deeply, and quickly locate all the danger sources.
The seven men turn at the same time towards me, and without any advice, the
first one throws the dagger at me. The metal point shines under the candle
lights . . . I wait till it's only a few inches away from my body, and then
twirl around, letting it pass by my side unharmly. Bad mistake. As soon as
I turn my back onto them, I hear a sizzling sound . . . another knife is
coming!!. Sweating, I unconsciously duck, lowering my body to the ground.
More and more sizzz sounds fill the air . . . in less than a second, my
eyes dart up, and check on the oncoming daggers . . . calculating in a
fraction of an instant, I jump into the air, and avoid the three closest
ones. But as much expertice as I may have, I've lost practice. And one of
the edges slashes my clothes, leaving a big hole on my jeans. I wince, and
bit my lips to avoid screaming. A flash of red I can see, and curse
silently . . . if I don't take care of that, it's gonna leave a scar.
There's no time to worry about that though. As I turn in the air, I see a
sparkle of metal . . . aimed right at my neck. Using the same impusle my
jump gave me, I twist twice, getting off the path right in time. I hear it
passing right next to my ear, cutting the air with it's deadly edge. I land
on the floor now, ducking inmediatly. My legs and arms shot forward,
instinctively shielding me from any damage. I close my eyes, knowing that
the men are hiding in the shadows . . . 'Feel them', a voice whispers on my
mind. Hiroshi's advice rings on my ears. I obey. Focusing on feeling
other's prescenses, I start scanning the room. Heavy breathing, soft
murmurs . . . THERE!. I jump backwards, doing a sommer sault. My hands
touch the ground, and my legs twirl in the air, as I stand up quickly
again. A quick look at the spot I was just in tells me I did right. A
shaking dagger is embedded deep into the ground, just were I was supposed
to be.
Appreciative whispers are heard. I smile, but I don't stop. Feeling that
there's one knife left, I prepare myself for it. I look around, trying to
identify any suspicious glint . . . but only the candles interrupt the ever
lasting darkness that surrounds the people. It seems as if every light was
been kept away from this circle . . . it wasn't this dark just some moments
ago. Some candles were put off . . . and now only three of them allow me to
see anything. Again, I start sweating. This last one is gonna be the
hardest one . . . I can almost feel it's point, longing to be set right
into my heart. I'm *not* going to end up as the cop I killed so long ago .
. . I concentrate, holding my breath. If *I* can't see the shooter, then
neither can he. I just hope my relfexes are quicker than his. No sound
reaches my ear. No noise stops the flow of blackness. Seems as if time has
stopped. GOTCHA!!. As the dagger makes it's way through the dark, my hand
springs in front of me, and catches it before it can touch me. My hand
aches in pain, as the force it was thrown to spreads through my limb. I
suddenly realised the great danger I was in. The knife was set right to my
heart . . . and I stopped mere inches away from my body. I can almost feel
the puncture of it's sharp point touching my skin . . . I grin, showing
much more trust than the one I'm really feeling, and say: "Well, this was
the last. Happy now?".
Inmediatly, and as if by magic, the room lightens up. I see as everyone is
gaping, except for the ever-so-col Nomuto-san. "Avoided them all". He seems
a little taken back. For Christ's sake!. What does it take to convince this
man?. I suddenly remember . . . Hiro-chan's pendant. He knows he gave it to
me . . . my hands comes to my neck, and searches for it . . . it's not
there!!. My necklace!. I search frantically for it, but it's just gone. No
chain, no pendant, no nothing. It's gone. Vanished. Of course!. That was
the tug I felt earlier, when Hiroshi left!. His hand was grasping my
pendant . . . and when he left, he took it with him!. I touch my neck, and
discover a slash in it, as the result of the force it was ripped with.
Hiro-chan . . . at least you're not alone, wherever you are . . . you've
got my necklace . . . you've got me!. I return to the inmediat situation
feeling much more relieved now that I know that wherever he is, at least
he's got something to hold on to.
One last thing to do before I convince Nomuto-san. Narrowing my eyes, I
localise the point where I should strike. If normal testing won't make him
trust me, I will force him to. A spot on the wall, right behind his ear,
and a little above his shoulder . . . I gather my energy, letting it spread
through my body, and specially through my limbs. With some flipping of my
hand, I grab the dagger by it's handle, knowing I won't get hurt. As sharp
as it is, I know my fingers still remember how to avoid injures. Localising
my target, I grip the dagger harder . . . and throw it. As it flies through
the air, déjà vu strikes in yet again . . . the cop . . . time seems to
slow down, as for a moment, I see a police man instead of Nomuto-san
sitting on that throne . . . panic grabs hold of my heart, as I pray it
won't happen again. But, this time, I was exact, expertised and calculated
before throwing it. No one moves, as the dagger dashes through space . . .
but my mind screams at it, still not believing history can repeat itself.
But, as the tuning knife gets closer and closer to his body, I sigh in
relief. Time speeds up again, and with a low and deep sound, the dagger
get's stuck on the wall behind him.
His eyes widen unconsciously, as the wind impeling the knife waves around
his long red hair. More gasps are heard, as murmurs of surprise and shock
again spread throught he room. I smile, and say: "Will you believe me
now?". He nods slowly, appearing to be a as cold as before. Only my trained
eyes caught his reaction. I'm sure he himself didn't notice his slip. I
ask, knowing he will answer me straight this time: "I want to know who
Takesono Miyagi is". A general gasp wavers around the room. Shocked faces
and terrified eyes appear on Nomuto's men. Even he seems to pale when I
mentioned that name. Am I missing something here?. Why is everyone so
afraid of this guy?. What's so important about him?. Nomuto-san breathes
deeply, before answering me through gritted teeth: "Blue Thunder, in all
the time I have known you, I have never asked you anything. This time, I
beg you not to ask me that question". I'm taken back. He won't tell me?.
It's the first time he has ever denied me an answer. I insist: "I can't say
yes. Takesono Miyagi has taken the most important thing to me. And I won't
give it up".
He closes his eyes as if in deep pain. Seems my strike has finally hit.
Before I can talk again, he speaks: "May I ask what that is?". I nod sadly,
as the memory is still fresh in my mind: "The Red Lightning", I whisper.
His eyes snap open, flaming in surprise: "He's alive?. The Red Lightning is
alive?. The Storm couple wasn't destroyed then?". The mentioning of the
'Storm Couple' brings only more sadness to my heart. We were the 'Storm
Couple'. Together. As one. Now, we're appart. But not for long. I *wil*
find him, and with Nomuto's help, things will be moving quicker. "Yes, but
not for long if you don't help me". He stares for long moments into my
eyes, and asks, his tone dead serious: "Tell me the truth, Blue Thunder of
Juuban. Was the Red Lightning taken by Takesono-sama?". I shiver as I
decode his words. The -sama ending wasn't just one of respect . . . it was
one of fear and terror. I nod slowly. And then, he says something that
stops my heart beat, and makes me feel as if I had fallen on a botomless
pit of darkness.
"Then he's already dead. He has lost his soul, and with that, his life".
For some moments, I remian frozen in place. Only one word repeats itself in
my mind. Dead. Dead. He's dead . . . no, it can't be true--- I would've
felt it if he had died . . . I would've known. Yet, so many coincidences .
. . 'It was good while it lasted' . . . 'lasted', his goodbye so final . .
. his kiss so desperate . . . Hiroshi . . . Hiro-chan . . . no!. I refuse
to believe it!. You are not dead!. You *can't* be dead!. "NOOOOOOO!". My
scream resounds around the room, echoing on my ears over and over again. I
look up to Nomuto-san, who only stares back. His eyes . . . only a faint
glint of pity lights his eyes . . . he has pity on me . . . what for?.
Hiro-chan's not dead. I know he's alive. I will soon wake up from this
horrible nightmare . . . soon . . . anytime soon . . . what's taking it so
long?. Why haven't I woken already?.
<'Cause this is real>. The voice of my mind speaks to me from the deep dark
corners of my brain. No!. It's not real!. It can't be!. My real life isn't
such a chaos . . . I'm just a normal teenager . . . no problems, no
troubles . . . no deaths . . . I'm not Sailor Mercury . . . I am not The
Blue Thunder . . . I'm just Suiseki Reiko, university student. I'm just----
. I jump to my insides when a powerful voice thunders
through my head. Again, my mind is speaking to me. Two voices mix inside my
head . . . one, the one of the frightened little girl I am, who only wants
to be normal . . . and the other, from the cold and efficient spy I became.
. She's right. My life as a spy wasn't one of
let's-drink-piñacolada-while-we-resolve-international-chaos. It was hard,
and long. Yet it was worth the price. And now, when I need that experience
the most, I'm locking it inside myself?. I feel as the padlock holding my
Blue Thunder personality back snaps open, and like a flooding, I feel it
swamping my mind. Again, no restraints hold me back. For the first time
since that day when the truth was revealed, I'm again the Blue Thunder. My
mind controls my actions, and my heart plays only a second part in my
descisions. I've been given a new mission, and I shall accomplish it.
Objective: finding Hiroshi. My methods will again be stealthy and swift,
but completely efficient.
No longer held back by my heart, I look up to Nomuto-san again. In his
eyes, I see myself, reflected in his pupils. I can see as my own eyes have
changed. Narrower, sharper, deadlier. These are the eyes of the real Blue
Thunder of the long gone agency. This is how I looked like. Mizuno Ami has
been cornered again inside my mind. I can no longer hear her protests for
freedom, or her insistent calling on my heart. Suiseki Reiko has taken
control, and has merged with the Blue Thunder, to become the most deadly
weapon to ever walk this world . . . a young woman who's love has been
taken, and seeks for revenge. This is what the agency never managed to
accomplish. The perfect doses of mind, heart and soul. They may have
controlled me, but my soul was never into it. Yet, now, I've done it on my
own. No mind controllers, no drugs, no influence . . . by myself, I have
done what the most famous doctors and scientists in the world couldn't.
I've became one.
I speak, my tone different from the last time. Now, it's full of emotions
and seriousness: "He's not dead. Hiro-chan's alive, and I *will* him, with
or without your help". I am almost hissing the words. He closes his eyes,
and moves his head from side to side. "I am warning you. Step out of this
path, or you will reach your own destruction". I stubbornly refuse. "No. If
it destroys me, then I won't go alone. I will take him with me". Nomuto-san
looks at me directly into my eyes. He seems to be testing my resolution. I
hold his stare, as firmly and steady as ever. My eyes show the deep
conviction I'm feeling, as I can see myself agan refelcted on his pupils. I
won't be defeated!. Not again!. Not ever again!. And less by the one who
dared taking my Hiro-chan!: He's not dead!.
I would've felt as his life vanished. I can still feel his strong arms
around me. The forest surrounding me . . . he's *not* dead!!. "Fine then",
says Nomuto-san. "I don't know where he is, but what I can tell you is
this: Takesono is very well known on the underworld for granting gifts to
anyone wanting them. But, the prie you have to pay is far more than you
could possibly imagine. I've warned you before, and I do it again. Don't
look for him . . . it will mean utter and complete destruction". I smile,
and bow in thanks. His words are sent into some corner of my mind, to be
thought on later. "Forever grateful I will be, Nomuto Lion-san". I then
turn around, and leave quickly, running through the corridor as swift as
the wind. A final voice reaches my ears, when I'm about to leave the
building, echoing on the walls: "An advice, Blue Thunder. Shall you ever
come across Takesono-sama, cling onto what you love the most . . . that is
the only way of surviving".
I nod quickly, not even slowing my pace. As I finally reach outside, I
breathe deeply of the night air, and start running home. There's a lot of
things to think about right now . . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As the young blue haired woman left the room, one of the thugs stood up,
and spoke: "You want me to follow her boss?". Nomuto didn't seem to hear
him. His eyes were glued to the darkened corridor through which she had
just exited. It was so unreal . . . yet she was alive . . . aliev and well.
All the rumours that had been told back on the year on which she had just
vanished were wrong. She wasn't dead . . . and according to her words,
neither was the Red Lightning. The memorie of the Storm Couple wasn't so
anymore . . . they were back, and back for good. "Boss?". He snapped out of
his reverie. "Yes?". "Shall I follow her?". Many men in there, including
the one who was talking, had been very impressed by the young woman's
abbilities. She had managed to avoid all the daggers, and had even forced
their chief to tell her what she wanted . . . that was something only a few
people had done before, and none of them were still alive.
"No". his voice was final. "Just spread the word. The Blue Thunder has
returned---". Those were his lasts words, before he grimaced in pain and
doubled over. The woman beside him ran to his side, and clutched his hand.
Nomuto's suffering face looked up to her, hazy and blurred with pain. He
whispered, through clenched teeth: "Just . . . tell everyone she's back".
Only then did everyone see the red stain spreading through the cloth over
his right shoulder . . . as the dagger Reiko had thrown had cut his skin in
a light yet extremely painful injure.
To be continued . . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yahooo!. Part 5 done!!!. How was it? Liked it?. I did!. Please, tell me what
you think. I really wanna know if this is developing to everyone's liking!.
So, got any clues on what Takesono has done?. if not, worry not my loyal
reader, things will soon get clear enough. Soon we will see who this guy is,
and why did Hiroshi get involved with him in the first place.
E-amil me, k?. Here's the adress: rubi@riemann.mat.puc.cl . I'll be expecting
for your mails . . . they give so much ego, you'd never know about it!!.
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and all related characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi,
and other etc,etc,etc (got tired of writing that stuff over and over
again!^_^).
Ja ne,
Cony.
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