~
“ Uncle Maru . Thank you for helping us doing this . “ Massu exclaimed . Nakamaru Yuichi was Koyama’s best friend/older brother , and the kids’ favorite Uncle . Nakamaru knew Koyama well enough that when Ryo and Pi called him last night , he didn’t even need to think twice about helping his little nephews .
Shige is so dead . He thought to himself .
“ No problem kids . You called the right ranger . So now , what do we do ? “ Maru looked at his little passengers thoughtfully .
“ . . . can we have breakfast first ? I’m hungry . . and so is Tegoshi . “ Massu said out loud . Tegoshi was sleeping soundly on Massu’s lap , but he knew his brother was hungry ; his stomach kept growling .
“ Oh right . Then , I’ll take you to my house then . I’m sure Koki has the table full by now . “ Maru answered .
“ YAY . I love Uncle Koki’s cooking ! “ Pi exclaimed as he rubbed his stomach .
“ Alright then . We’ll take over your plan to save your father’s butt over breakfast . “
The children all laughed .
~
Koyama and Shige were at a loss of what to do . Shige forgot about their anniversary , Koyama was an emotional wreck , and the children were all missing .
“ Maybe they went out o buy something or go and take a walk . . . “ Shige suggested , trying to console a breaking-down Koyama .
“ they wouldn’t go out without permission . you know our kids well enough . “ Koyama said in-between sobs .
“ Maybe they left a note or something . . . I felt someone go inside the room this morning , and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t you . The scent was different . “
Shige went inside their room , searching for something that might lead them to where the kids were . He gasped when he saw his camera bag empty , his planner open , and bits of cookies on the bed .
“ Massu and Ryo “ he sighed . “ But who would they take my camera ? “ he asked himself .
He went back to the living room . “ Koyama , did you take my camera ? “
“ No . Why would I ? you hate having someone touch your camera . . . “ he trailed off .
“ do you think the kids ran away ? “ Koyama asked worriedly .
Shige sat beside Koyama and hugged him . Koyama let his tears fall .
Forget about the anniversary , I just want our kids back !
He was thankful that Shige didn’t leave him at a time like this .
They stayed in the same position for 5 minutes until the phone rang . Both of them hoped that it was from their kids .
Shige picked it up , at the same time Koyama’s phone rang . He ran to get it inside the room .
“ Hello ? “ Shige said
“ Kato Shigeaki , am I correct ? “
“ Hai . may I know whose on the line ? “
“ Listen carefully and follow my instructions . If you want you kids back , do what I say . “
Shige grew tense . he couldn’t utter a single word . He wanted to scream at the other person and tell him to give him his beloved children back but he just couldn’t do it .
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
“ YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT ? ! “ Koki dropped the spoon he was holding .
“ pretty please Uncle Koki . we just want you to say this . . . we’re sure Papa would follow . “ Tegoshi’s cute little eyes looked at Koki with tears welling up .
“ please Uncle Koki . . . pretty pretty pleeeease . “ came a chorus of four beautiful voices together . . well , if you count Maru’s voice as beautiful , then make that five .
Koki heaved a sigh then laughed . “ Alright , alright . But if Shige punches me after this , I’m going after you , you , you , you AND you . “
He kissed every child on the cheek as he said this , and playfully punched Maru on the shoulder .
“ Oww . “ Maru exclaimed and made a very derpy face . Everyone giggled . Koki picked up the phone and started dialing the number of the Kato residence .
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
“ Alright . What do you want me to do ? “ Shige asked in a hushed tone .
“ Listen carefully . I want you to dress up in your nicest suit , and go to the park on the other side of Tokyo . You must go alone . Leave your precious Koyama . If he ever finds out about this , you will never see your little angels again . “
The line died . Shige was confused . Why did he want him to dress up in a suit ? Why didn’t he want anything in return ? And why did he know Koyama ?
~
Koyama looked at the screen of his phone . The incoming call was from an unknown number . Shige had warned him not to answer any calls from unknown numbers no matter what , but if this was about their children’s disappearance , he was taking the risk .
“ Hello ? “ Koyama failed to hide the shakiness in his voice .
“ Mama ? . . . Mama come pick us up please ! “ came YamaPi’s voice , quite far from the phone . He sounded scared .
This frightened Koyama .
“ Pi ? YamaPi where are you ? Where are your brothers ? ! Pi ! Are you alright ? “
Pi was crying on the other end of the line .
“ No no . It’s alright . Just calm down . . Mama will get you . Mama and Papa will . Just tell me where you are and I’ll go get you . “
“ Mama . . . mama we’re in a park near Shibuya . Mama come and get us please . . We’re scared . . There’s a - “ The line was cut dead .
Koyama was now shaking . He called Shige , but no answer came . He stumbled out of the room to find an empty house . Shige wasn’t there , but he found Shige’s PJ’s on the floor . Koyama wondered where Shige could’ve gone at a time like this, but one thing was for certain : he left in a hurry .
“ Maybe Ryo called Shige on the phone too ! “ he thought to himself , as he rushed out , grabbing his jacket and started to run towards the only park in Shibuya .
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
“ Onii-san , you go and call Mama . “ Tegoshi suggested . “ You’ve always been the best in acting out of all of us . That’s how you get everything anyway . . . “
Indeed , out of the four of them , Pi was a very versatile actor . He always knew how to act when he wanted something . That is why was willing to do the act .
“ Alright . Tell me what to say to Mama . . but I need to use another phone . Mama knows Uncle Maru’s phone number . “
“ I’ll take you across the street . There’s a pay-phone near the park . “ Koki told them .
Nakamaru and Koki have been close to Shige and Koyama ever since their childhood days . Plus , Jin , Kame , Junno and Ueda have always loved playing with Pi , Ryo , Massu and Tegoshi .
“ Yosh . Onii-san , tell Mama to come and get us at a park in Shibuya . That’s far enough from where Uncle Koki told Papa to go . Just try to sound scared . . or better yet , cry . “ Tegoshi directed his older brother’s scene . Tegoshi’s talents surpasses that of his brother’s intellect .
“ Hai hai . Wakatta little hime . I’ll try my best . ! “
And so Pi made the phone call .
“ Daddy should be at the park by now . We’re lucky enough Daddy’s driving speed is that of the speed of light . “ Little Ueda told Tegoshi .
“ Yup . I feel like I’m going to die every time Daddy drives us to school and we’re running late . “ Jin made a little * dying * action .
“ No you don’t . You enjoy it and even put your head outside the window to feel the air . I have to pull you in so that your head won’t fall off . “ Kame commented to a pouting Jin .
“ Too bad the cars never get Jin’s head ne ? “ Junno exclaimed , getting a high-five from Ueda and a smack on the head from Kame .
Koki and YamaPi returned a few minutes later . Pi’s eyes were red from crying .
“ Mission Accomplished . “ showing his little brothers and cousins his signature thumbs-up and a quirky smile .
‘ This kid really is good in acting . I almost fell for it . ‘ Koki thought to himself .
“ Alright kids , get in the car , we have a lot of things to buy and prepare . And you , my little angels , Yokoyama jii-san will be here to baby-sit you . Don’t give him a headache ok ? “
“ Hai .” a chorus of another four beautiful voices answered .
“ Jaa . Mata atode ne minna . “ Koki kissed his own little kids goodbye and headed off to the park in Shibuya ; where Tegoshi and YamaPi were assigned to leave their backpacks behind , and a fresh set of clothes for their Koyamama to wear .
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
Shige drove faster than he normally did . In just 15 minutes , he managed to reach the other end of Tokyo . As he got out of his car , he never managed to notice another car driving out the other direction . He ran to the park , it was silent . It was already 8 in the morning , but there was no one in the park . Then , something caught his eye . On the bench found on the other end of the park , sat two very familiar bags .
‘ Massu’s and Ryo’s . ‘ He thought to himself . He could tell , even from a 15 meter distance , it was their bags . This was how much Shige knew his children . He ran to the bench , and indeed , it was theirs . Under the bags was a box with a note on top .
- Open this , and follow the directions . This will lead you to your children . -
Shige didn’t hesitate for a second . When he opened the box , there was another set of clothes inside , and a map , heading for Chiba . “ This is going to take me a while , but I have to do this . “ Shige murmured to himself as he stepped on the gas pedal . He would certainly do anything to find his beloved angels again .
~
“ I hope Papa followed everything . . . “ Ryo told Massu and Maru .
“ Yeah , and I hope he brings our bags as well . All my food was in there . “ Massu stated matter-of-factly , receiving a glare from Ryo .
“ Alright kids . Prepare yourselves for a very long trip . We’re heading off to Chiba . “
Maru stepped on his gas pedal and accelerated in a very scary speed .
Ryo held on to Massu’s hand , and prayed for their safety .
~
Koyama arrived after a good 10 minutes of running . He was out of breath as he looked around for any sign of YamaPi . The park was fairly empty , except for an elderly couple sitting under one of the sakura trees .
He was about to ask them if they’ve seen four children around , when Yamapi and Tegoshi’s bags caught his eye . It was situated near the pay-phone . He was a bit relieved knowing that they were here , but a bit nervous as to why there were only two . He went closer to where the bags were found , and found a box and a note .
- Take this , and go to the nearest train station . Don’t miss your train , or you’ll miss seeing your little angels here . -
Koyama opened the box and saw a fresh set of clothes . a note was left inside saying that he should wear this when he has arrived .
‘ Arrived ? Arrived where ? ‘ he thought as he looked on the train ticket . It was for Chiba , on 17:00 . He still had around 5 hours .
He reached in his pocket to call Shige , but he left his phone in the house . He wanted to go to Chiba on his own to get his precious children back , but something was telling him to just follow the directions that was left behind , and so , he went back home , with the hope of finding his children before nightfall .
~
Koki , Tegoshi and Pi were inside a small sushi-bar , just across the train station where they were set up to * greet * Koyama 4 hours later .
“ I hope Mama didn’t take an earlier train to Chiba . . . should we call Mama now , Uncle Koki ? “ Tegoshi asked reassuringly .
“ We should wait until 16:00 . I’m sure Koyama would come rushing here and would arrive within 10 minutes . I’ll call to make sure your mama didn’t leave ahead of us ne ? I’ll make an alibi . “ Koki patted Tegoshi on the head softly . “ Now , eat your lunch first . You kids must be hungry . “
Koki managed a soft giggle while looking at a very-hungry YamaPi , who was happily stuffing his sushi in his mouth by pairs .
~
Nakamaru , Ryo and Massu managed to arrive at Chiba safely , except for a very car-sick Massu . Ryo swore Massu turned green a while ago .
“ Yosh . It’s still 14:00 . We’ll drop off this last clue you’ve prepared , then eat . I’ve already called Takki jii-san and I’m sure , by the time we get there , everything will be up and ready . “
“ Hai , Uncle Maru . Thank You so much . But , can we stop for a while ? I think Massu really is getting sick . He told me his stomach was starting to run to his throat . Yuck . “ Ryo muttered in disgust . He cared for his little brother , but the thought of him getting covered in vomit was just , plain disgusting .
“ ooh . Ok . We’ll stop near the park . Hold it in for another minute Massu . ! “ Maru exclaimed on accelerated in the speed of light .
~
Shige arrived at the park in Chiba . The park was filled with little children from a kindergarten near by . He expected to find his sons somewhere in the crowd , but every child in view was wearing a school uniform .
Then , there it was . another box under a sakura tree . He was sure it was left there for him . As he opened the box , a map was inside . It was going to lead him to a hill-side . . . and a note was left saying that he should be there before 16:30 . It was already 16:00 as he checked his watch . He rushed out and drove as fast as the limits would allow him to .
~
Koyama was now running towards the train station . Koki had called a few minutes ago saying that he has found Pi and Tegoshi , but they were not with Ryo and Massu . He was happy about this , so that meant they only had to find Ryo and Massu , who probably were in Chiba at the moment .
The moment Koyama entered the train station . two very familiar voices rang in his ears .
“ Mamaaaa ! ~ “ Tegoshi and Pi came running up to their mama . Koyama , looking at Pi and Tegoshi like hey’ve been gone for years , kneeled down and hugged them like there was no tomorrow .
“ Where have you guys been ? ! Don’t you know how worried I was ? Where’s Massu and Ryo ? “ Koyama asked them in a rushed tone .
Tegoshi and Pi didn’t know what to tell Koyama . They looked at Koki for help , and help did come .
“ I found them at the park just a few hours ago , Koyama . They looked like they were lost . “ Koki told Koyama in a formal tone . He didn’t know if Koyama would thank him for finding his children or would snap at him for not taking them home .
Koyama hugged Koki tightly and expressed his gratitude for finding them coincidentally .
“ I never would know what I would do if they would be gone forver . “ Koyama said , quickly hugging Tegoshi and Pi again .
“ I called Shige , but he wouldn’t pick-up . So I just bought them here . We had lunch at that sushi-bar across the street . “ Koki pointed to keep Koyama pre-occupied as he handed the children their train tickets .
“ Mama ! Mama let’s go , or we’ll miss the train ! “ Tegoshi exclaimed .
Koyama was shocked . How did Tegoshi know he had to leave ? And why weren’t they as scared and relieved as they should have been ? Something was going on , but he didn’t have time to talk since he was literally being pulled for 2 pairs of hands towards the train .
When they were safely inside , Koyama sat down with both Tegoshi and Pi at his sides .
“ Just relax mama . We’re gonna find Ryo and Massu soon enough . “ Pi reassuringly told his Mama .
Tegoshi and Pi laid their heads on Koyama’s shoulders and closed their eyes ; not to sleep but to avoid being interrogated further by their Koyamama .
~
Shige was now at the top of the hill . There , he found a table ; set with candles and plates . It was like a pretty romantic scene from a movie . He wondered if someone was celebrating their anniversary today as well .
He sighed and mentally punched himself again . He really did forget about their anniversary . One of the worst things a husband could ever do .
He was removed from his reverie when 2 pairs of arms suddenly clasped around his legs .
“ Papa ! You’re here ! “ Massu’s voice sounded so happy and relieved .
Shige bent down and hugged Ryo and Massu . He pulled away when he received a whack from Ryo
“ Ouch . what was that for Ryo-chan ? “
“ Baka . you forgot about your OWN anniversary ! “ Ryo sat down on the ground , arms crossed and face pouting .
Shige sighed and explained himself to his own son .
“ Lucky for you , your children inherited your intelligence and not Koyama’s simple-mindedness “ came Maru’s voice from behind the tree . “ They planned everything here , just to save your stupid little butt . “
Ryo and Massu ran to their Uncle Maru and gave him a high-five . They then looked at an awed Shige .
He couldn’t believe his own children could ever come up with a plan like this . He was completely shocked that he couldn’t utter a word .
“ Takki jii-san ! “ Massu called out .
Tackey was just coming up from the park below with his grandchildren , carrying the food to be served .
He greeted Shige with a smack on the head .
“ Oi Massu ! Hurry up ! They’re here ! “ Ryo called out as he positioned himself beside Shige .
Shige watched a everyone , except for themselves , disperse into the background . Everything was silent . Ryo shoved a bouquet of roses into his Papa’s hands and as If on cue , pushed him at the right moment Koyama , Tegoshi and YamaPi arrived .
Koyama was shocked . He never expected to see Shige standing at the center of a hill , waiting for him , with a bouquet of roses . I mean , sure he’d fantasize about such things , but knowing Shige and his lack of romantic ideas , he never raised his hopes up . But this . . . this was really a completely romantic scenario . He couldn’t even move .
Tegoshi and Pi ran to Massu and Ryo , smiling for the complete and sweet success of their plan . They had to push Shige forward , and as for Shige , you could say he kept stumbling as he made his way towards Koyama .
“ anoo , H-Happy Anniversa…ry Keii . “ He held out the bouquet . Koyama happily accepted this and quickly embraced Shige .
“ HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ! “ Tegoshi , Ryo , YamaPi and Massu yelled out loud . They went to hug their parents ; Ryo whispered into Shige’s ears :
“ Don’t bother saying sorry to mama . She doesn’t have to know . “ Ryo flashed his Papa the biggest smile in the world .
“ Alright then . Let’s all eat ! “ Shige led the group around the table where they all ate happily .
After eating , the Massu told Shige to bring everyone to that bench near the edge of the hill . Everyone was seated comfortably . Shige embraced the four of them in a bear-hug and whispered :
“ I owe you all so much . “
“ WE LOVE YOU TOO . “ they all said and then laughed .
Koyama was watching this scene with tears in his eyes . Though the day started out roughly , it sure ended well . Shige placed his arms around Koyama . He didn’t know what they were doing , sitting there staring at the star-filled sky , but he was pretty comfortable and happy .
“ Look Mama ! “ YamaPi stood up and pointed towards the sky . Fireworks started to fill the night sky as if they were purposely made for the 6 of them .
Koyama pecked Shige on the cheeck . “ I Love You . “ and continued staring at the sky .
“ I Love you too . “ Shige answered back .
Shige looked at his children , who gave him a wink , and continued laughing while staring at the sky. Little Tegoshi was busy taking pictures of what was happening around him , with his Papa's camera .
‘ This has got to be the best anniversary ever . ‘ Koyama thought to himself . ‘ I’m so lucky to have this baka to and these four little angels to share the rest of my life with . ‘
Little did the two of them know , Maru was downhill , lighting the fireworks for them to enjoy .
- E N D -
: sorry if it sucks . I just type what comes into my mind . :) Comments are L O V E D . :))