Fic: Doubt and Trust --- Chapter Two...and Some News *shrugs*
I finally have the guts to write the second chapter of Doubt and Trust (even though I have already written the said chapter.)
My inspiration? Saa...Maybe my mysterious muse did something to my brain to inspire me. XD
Anyway...enjoy reading!
Rating: T
Pairing: Pillar Pair (Tezuka Kunimitsu x Echizen Ryoma)
Genre: Romance, Mystery, Drama (?), Angst (?!?)
Disclaimer: I don't own both of these series: Prince of Tennis and Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna. Both Takeshi Konomi and Shirodaira Kyou & Mizuno Eita owned them respectively.
Warning: Characters might not be in their usual character. Character death.
Timeline of the Series: The story happened after the Kantou Tournament and before Nationals but I'm going to use the anime version, not the manga.
Summary: Hmm...After winning the Kantou Tournament, Ryoma received a mysterious gift from a friend, gaining the interests from his teammates. Since that day, the freshman became more aloof and secretive to them. Because of the sudden change, his teammates started to get concern, not knowing that Ryoma has been hiding a big secret that could alter their lives forever.
This means thoughts.
"This" means Mariko's letter.
"This" means Fuji's text message.
It was one wintry December night when Echizen Rinko gave birth to a baby boy; however the baby died of a heart failure minutes later.
She nearly broke down when she heard about it. After all, it was their first child. The doctors tried to console her with their kind, comforting words but she didn't hear them.
Her husband, Nanjiroh wasn't even there to comfort her; he was busy entertaining Rinko's parents at their house. She was at her wit's end on how to tell her husband and her parents about their child's death when someone came in.
“You're Echizen Rinko, right?”
Rinko looked up as she saw a dignified, gray-haired man standing beside her. Behind him was a petite maid, trying to calm down the wailing baby in her arms. “W-who are you, people?”
“I'm sorry for the intrusion, madame, but...” He bowed slightly before her. “I'm the butler of the von Montpelier family, Ernest Richardson. The lady here is my mistress's handmaid, Lulubell.” The maid curtsied.
“Von Montpelier?” Rinko whispered. “Wait a minute. Does this something to do with Mariko?”
Richardson nodded. “Yes. Lady Mariko sent me here to give you this.” He gave her an envelope.
She hesitantly accepted it. What does Mariko want from me this time? With a small frown on her face, she opened it carefully before reading the letter inside.
“My dear Rinko... How are you? I hope you still remember me, your old classmate at the boarding school. The girl who used to follow you all the time.
I know you didn't expect this letter from me but I-or should I say, my husband and I have decided to trust you with our secret.
We like you to take good care of our son, Rinko. His life will be in grave danger if he stays with us. Richardson will explain everything about us and Ryoma.
This will be my last letter to you. I don't know if my husband and I will survive after this but please take good care of my angel.
Your dear friend, Mariko...”
“Mariko...” Rinko refolded the letter as tears slowly crept on her cheeks. “Where is she? Where is Mariko?”
The butler smiled sadly. “They were killed instantly in a car crash after we parted ways from the hospital.”
“But how come the baby--” She gazed at the maid, who was trying her best to lull the baby to sleep. “May I?”
Lulubell carefully placed the baby into Rinko's arms as Rinko found herself staring at the baby's golden, tear-glistened eyes. “He has Mariko's eyes.” She smiled tenderly. “Those golden eyes that seem to beckon you...”
She sang a lullaby while rocking the baby in her arms; minutes later, the baby finally fell asleep. Rinko cradled the baby closer to her as tears started to well in her eyes. “Thank you, Mariko,” she whispered, lightly kissing his forehead.
“Thank you for sending this angel to me...”(1)
~~~*~~~
CHAPTER TWO
-The Angel of Death-
~~~*~~~
Ryoma sat on a wicker chair near the piano. “Nice place,” he blandly remarked, looking around. “I really had a hard time looking for this place.”
Eyes stared intensely at him. “I told my manager that I want a place that is quite secluded but nicely furnished.”
“Hmm…” The Seigaku freshman smirked faintly. “By the way, thanks for the irises. Because of them, you managed to turn their interest on me.”
The pianist raised a brow. “I thought the whole Japan is interested on you. Being the Tennis Prince and all.”
“I don't care if the whole world is interested on me,” Ryoma glowered. “As long as they're talking about my tennis skill, well that's fine. But no-my teammates are thinking about me having a rich girlfriend.”
“I was just sending my felicitations to your win.”
“Felicitations, my ass,” Ryoma muttered. “Anyway, what do you want to talk about, Rutherford?”
Eyes stood away from his seat, turning his back on the freshman. “Kousuke (2) told something interesting about what happened last week.”
Ryoma merely shrugged. “As usual, someone tried to blackmail my mother into divulging my secrets.” He yawned. “He's the fifth person this year.”
“Does Rinko-san know about this?” Eyes drew close the drapes. “Or your teammates?”
“Hell no.” Ryoma bit back a sardonic laugh. “It will be one heck of a surprise if my mother or my teammates know that their ever talented Tennis Prince is a harbinger of death.”
He sighed in resignation. “I should have already accepted the fact that my life isn't as normal as my teammates.”
Eyes stared at him for a while. “So where is he?”
Ryoma raised a brow. “Where is who?”
“The man who tried to blackmail Rinko-san.”
“Oh, him--” Ryoma frowned. “Kousuke and I detained him in an abandoned building. I was about to go there after the tournament if it weren't for your message.”
Eyes went back to his seat. “What are you going to do with him?”
“Saa...”
There was silence between them before Eyes spoke, gazing at Ryoma. “You will kill him, of course.”
Ryoma returned his gaze. “Do I have a choice?” He smiled sadly.
~*~
Tezuka had just entered his room when his cell phone rang.
He frowned slightly when he saw Fuji's name in his inbox. It's rather unusual for Fuji to send me a text. I wonder why- He then read his message.
“You must be wondering why I send you a text message, Tezuka.
It seems that your precious pillar of support is hiding something from us.
He received a vase filled of Japanese irises from a secret admirer this evening and he seemed to be evasive about it. Perhaps you can ask him about it since Sumire-chan decided to visit you there.
That's all for now. I might add some details when we get there.”
Tezuka silently turned off his cell phone and was deep with his thoughts that he didn't hear someone entering his room.
“Tezuka Kunimitsu, a teammate of yours is calling for you on the telephone.” He glanced at the nurse. “I'll transfer it to your room.”
The nurse shut the door behind her; minutes later, his telephone rang. “Hello, this is Tezuka.”
“Ah, Tezuka!” He nearly went deaf with Oishi's loud and cheery voice on the other line. “How are you?”
“I'm fine. How was the tournament?”
“We won, of course.”
“I see.” He glanced at his cell phone on his desk. “Fuji sent me a text today.”
“Fuji?” He furrowed his brows when he heard the faint surprise in Oishi's voice. “Oh, he must have told you about Echizen receiving those irises.”
So Fuji did say the truth. He mused to himself as Oishi continued.
“But I was surprised with Echizen's reaction though.”
“What do you mean?”
“He was really stunned when he saw those flowers-” Pause. “--as if they scare him or something.”
Both of them were silent for a while before Tezuka spoke quietly. “I have a message...”
“Tezuka?”
Tezuka adjusted his glasses. “I'm sorry. It's been a long day.”
“Oh. I should be going then. I assume that Fuji told you that we'll be visiting you there two weeks from now. We have to take a week long of make-up classes.”
“Aa.” Tezuka walked over his window and gazed outside. “It's getting here. Ryuzaki-sensei will be sending a video of the finals. We'll see you there.”
Hearing the click on the other end, Tezuka placed back the phone. Echizen has a secret admirer, huh?
He sighed inwardly as he drew close the curtains. I guess I have to wait until they've arrived here.
In an abandoned building somewhere near Tokyo Bay...
Under a bright light bulb was an unconscious, silver gray-haired man bound tightly on a steel chair.
He slowly regained his consciousness; however, he winced as sharp pain overwhelmed him.
What...time is it? He tried to look around but all he could see was darkness.
Where am I? He tried to loosen his binds as fear slowly crept into his mind. What's going on?
“Our guest has finally awakened.” He stiffened when he heard a rather familiar voice. “I'm glad that you didn't make me wait for you to wake up.”
“Who...are you?” His voice quivered in fear. “Why are you doing this to me? I don't even know you.”
“You don't know me, huh? Maybe I should show myself to refresh your mind.”
The man went pale when Ryoma finally appeared before him. “Now...” he whispered against the man's ear. “...do you know me?”
“Echizen--” The man nearly spat out his name. “--Ryoma. So the rumors were true, then.”
Ryoma smiled rather serenely at him. “Depending on the rumors.”
The man sneered contemptuously. “Who could have thought the well-known Prince of Tennis is also the famous assassin among the Blade Children (3), the Angel of Death?”
The Angel of Death quirked a brow. “It seems that you've done your research very well, Katsumoto Tetsuya-san. (4)”
Katsumoto leered at him. “Does your beloved 'mother' know that her own 'son' is here right now?”
Ryoma glowered menacingly. “Let me get this straight, old man. You dared to drag my mother into this mess-and you asked me if she knows that I'm here? Don't be stupid.” He slapped him hard and then, yanked his hair. “Perhaps you should tell me who ordered you to do this.”
The man quickly looked away from his stare. “Heh.” Letting go of his hair, Ryoma smirked faintly. “So it is him.” Katsumoto flinched. “I never thought he is such a fool to challenge me.”
“What...are you going to do with me?”
Ryoma shrugged noncommittally. “Saa...I don't like wasting my time to the likes of you.”
“Then you will let me...” Katsumoto's voice faltered when he saw Ryoma slowly took out a pair of disposable rubber gloves and started covering his hands with it. “I thought you don't want to waste your time with me.”
“On the other hand--” Ryoma took out a very sharp scalpel from his pocket; its blade shone brightly under the light. “--not only you tried to blackmail my mother, you also know my identity as the Angel of Death. I don't think I can let you go.” He positioned its blade near Katsumoto's neck. “Any final words before meeting your Maker?”
Katsumoto stared fearlessly at him. “I hope you will find peace in your soul, Ryoma von Montpelier.” He closed his eyes as if he has already accepted his fate.
Ryoma gazed silently before slitting his throat swiftly and effortlessly. I'm sorry, Katsumoto Tetsuya-but I am the Angel of Death...Cold, calculating, emotionless...
“Master Ryoma--” He was startled at Lulubell's voice when she showed herself. “Madame Rinko tried to call you on your cell phone.” She started to wipe the blood on Ryoma's face and hands with a wet towel. “You shouldn't be doing this kind of job. I never like the sight of blood on your lovely face and dainty hands.”
Ryoma couldn't help but smile at his mother's handmaid as she continued. “Your clothes are in the car outside and-oh, Madame Rinko called few minutes ago--”
She was cut off when Ryoma embraced her and started to cry on her shoulder. “Calm down now.” She patted his back to comfort him. “I know that you shouldn't be doing this. After all, killing one's life is a sin but I guess we can't help it. You have to protect yourself from other people who try to ruin your peaceful life.”
Ryoma murmured against her shoulder. “Thank you...”
Lulubell chuckled softly. “How ironic that only a lowly servant like me can calm down an avenging angel like you.”
To Ryoma's surprise, she brought him closer into her arms; but he didn't mind.
For him, her presence-Lulubell's presence-was closer to heaven.
~~~*~~~
(1) I won't spoil the reason behind Ryoma's real parents' death yet; but Rinko and Mariko are close friends since their elementary days.
(2) Kousuke here is Kousuke Asazuki from the Spiral series. He and Ryoma are close friends. He will appear in the next chapters as Ryoma's classmate.
(3) Yes. Ryoma is a Blade Child. The characteristics of a Blade Child are as follows: their cat-like glowing eyes and they have a missing seventh right rib bone.
(4) Katsumoto's death will start the chain of events that lead to the team’s discovery of Ryoma’s true identity and…>_<
As for the news...
There will be a Sherlock Holmes movie. I was totally ecstatic when I read the news from Yahoo! The news is here.
I do hope Robert Downey, Jr. does justice to the role. What I'm waiting for now is the news on who will play Holmes' Boswell, Dr. Watson.
As for my fanfiction updates...Ahem...
The Connection Between Us -- I'm still writing Chapter 9, which is 45% complete.
Return Home -- Still brainstorming for the next chapter. *sweatdrops*
Secret of My Heart -- I've started writing the next chapter. 15% complete.
Love is Written by A Comic -- Still writing. 25% complete.
That's all, folks. This is Gen, bidding you farewell.
My inspiration? Saa...Maybe my mysterious muse did something to my brain to inspire me. XD
Anyway...enjoy reading!
Rating: T
Pairing: Pillar Pair (Tezuka Kunimitsu x Echizen Ryoma)
Genre: Romance, Mystery, Drama (?), Angst (?!?)
Disclaimer: I don't own both of these series: Prince of Tennis and Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna. Both Takeshi Konomi and Shirodaira Kyou & Mizuno Eita owned them respectively.
Warning: Characters might not be in their usual character. Character death.
Timeline of the Series: The story happened after the Kantou Tournament and before Nationals but I'm going to use the anime version, not the manga.
Summary: Hmm...After winning the Kantou Tournament, Ryoma received a mysterious gift from a friend, gaining the interests from his teammates. Since that day, the freshman became more aloof and secretive to them. Because of the sudden change, his teammates started to get concern, not knowing that Ryoma has been hiding a big secret that could alter their lives forever.
This means thoughts.
"This" means Mariko's letter.
"This" means Fuji's text message.
It was one wintry December night when Echizen Rinko gave birth to a baby boy; however the baby died of a heart failure minutes later.
She nearly broke down when she heard about it. After all, it was their first child. The doctors tried to console her with their kind, comforting words but she didn't hear them.
Her husband, Nanjiroh wasn't even there to comfort her; he was busy entertaining Rinko's parents at their house. She was at her wit's end on how to tell her husband and her parents about their child's death when someone came in.
“You're Echizen Rinko, right?”
Rinko looked up as she saw a dignified, gray-haired man standing beside her. Behind him was a petite maid, trying to calm down the wailing baby in her arms. “W-who are you, people?”
“I'm sorry for the intrusion, madame, but...” He bowed slightly before her. “I'm the butler of the von Montpelier family, Ernest Richardson. The lady here is my mistress's handmaid, Lulubell.” The maid curtsied.
“Von Montpelier?” Rinko whispered. “Wait a minute. Does this something to do with Mariko?”
Richardson nodded. “Yes. Lady Mariko sent me here to give you this.” He gave her an envelope.
She hesitantly accepted it. What does Mariko want from me this time? With a small frown on her face, she opened it carefully before reading the letter inside.
“My dear Rinko... How are you? I hope you still remember me, your old classmate at the boarding school. The girl who used to follow you all the time.
I know you didn't expect this letter from me but I-or should I say, my husband and I have decided to trust you with our secret.
We like you to take good care of our son, Rinko. His life will be in grave danger if he stays with us. Richardson will explain everything about us and Ryoma.
This will be my last letter to you. I don't know if my husband and I will survive after this but please take good care of my angel.
Your dear friend, Mariko...”
“Mariko...” Rinko refolded the letter as tears slowly crept on her cheeks. “Where is she? Where is Mariko?”
The butler smiled sadly. “They were killed instantly in a car crash after we parted ways from the hospital.”
“But how come the baby--” She gazed at the maid, who was trying her best to lull the baby to sleep. “May I?”
Lulubell carefully placed the baby into Rinko's arms as Rinko found herself staring at the baby's golden, tear-glistened eyes. “He has Mariko's eyes.” She smiled tenderly. “Those golden eyes that seem to beckon you...”
She sang a lullaby while rocking the baby in her arms; minutes later, the baby finally fell asleep. Rinko cradled the baby closer to her as tears started to well in her eyes. “Thank you, Mariko,” she whispered, lightly kissing his forehead.
“Thank you for sending this angel to me...”(1)
~~~*~~~
CHAPTER TWO
-The Angel of Death-
~~~*~~~
Ryoma sat on a wicker chair near the piano. “Nice place,” he blandly remarked, looking around. “I really had a hard time looking for this place.”
Eyes stared intensely at him. “I told my manager that I want a place that is quite secluded but nicely furnished.”
“Hmm…” The Seigaku freshman smirked faintly. “By the way, thanks for the irises. Because of them, you managed to turn their interest on me.”
The pianist raised a brow. “I thought the whole Japan is interested on you. Being the Tennis Prince and all.”
“I don't care if the whole world is interested on me,” Ryoma glowered. “As long as they're talking about my tennis skill, well that's fine. But no-my teammates are thinking about me having a rich girlfriend.”
“I was just sending my felicitations to your win.”
“Felicitations, my ass,” Ryoma muttered. “Anyway, what do you want to talk about, Rutherford?”
Eyes stood away from his seat, turning his back on the freshman. “Kousuke (2) told something interesting about what happened last week.”
Ryoma merely shrugged. “As usual, someone tried to blackmail my mother into divulging my secrets.” He yawned. “He's the fifth person this year.”
“Does Rinko-san know about this?” Eyes drew close the drapes. “Or your teammates?”
“Hell no.” Ryoma bit back a sardonic laugh. “It will be one heck of a surprise if my mother or my teammates know that their ever talented Tennis Prince is a harbinger of death.”
He sighed in resignation. “I should have already accepted the fact that my life isn't as normal as my teammates.”
Eyes stared at him for a while. “So where is he?”
Ryoma raised a brow. “Where is who?”
“The man who tried to blackmail Rinko-san.”
“Oh, him--” Ryoma frowned. “Kousuke and I detained him in an abandoned building. I was about to go there after the tournament if it weren't for your message.”
Eyes went back to his seat. “What are you going to do with him?”
“Saa...”
There was silence between them before Eyes spoke, gazing at Ryoma. “You will kill him, of course.”
Ryoma returned his gaze. “Do I have a choice?” He smiled sadly.
~*~
Tezuka had just entered his room when his cell phone rang.
He frowned slightly when he saw Fuji's name in his inbox. It's rather unusual for Fuji to send me a text. I wonder why- He then read his message.
“You must be wondering why I send you a text message, Tezuka.
It seems that your precious pillar of support is hiding something from us.
He received a vase filled of Japanese irises from a secret admirer this evening and he seemed to be evasive about it. Perhaps you can ask him about it since Sumire-chan decided to visit you there.
That's all for now. I might add some details when we get there.”
Tezuka silently turned off his cell phone and was deep with his thoughts that he didn't hear someone entering his room.
“Tezuka Kunimitsu, a teammate of yours is calling for you on the telephone.” He glanced at the nurse. “I'll transfer it to your room.”
The nurse shut the door behind her; minutes later, his telephone rang. “Hello, this is Tezuka.”
“Ah, Tezuka!” He nearly went deaf with Oishi's loud and cheery voice on the other line. “How are you?”
“I'm fine. How was the tournament?”
“We won, of course.”
“I see.” He glanced at his cell phone on his desk. “Fuji sent me a text today.”
“Fuji?” He furrowed his brows when he heard the faint surprise in Oishi's voice. “Oh, he must have told you about Echizen receiving those irises.”
So Fuji did say the truth. He mused to himself as Oishi continued.
“But I was surprised with Echizen's reaction though.”
“What do you mean?”
“He was really stunned when he saw those flowers-” Pause. “--as if they scare him or something.”
Both of them were silent for a while before Tezuka spoke quietly. “I have a message...”
“Tezuka?”
Tezuka adjusted his glasses. “I'm sorry. It's been a long day.”
“Oh. I should be going then. I assume that Fuji told you that we'll be visiting you there two weeks from now. We have to take a week long of make-up classes.”
“Aa.” Tezuka walked over his window and gazed outside. “It's getting here. Ryuzaki-sensei will be sending a video of the finals. We'll see you there.”
Hearing the click on the other end, Tezuka placed back the phone. Echizen has a secret admirer, huh?
He sighed inwardly as he drew close the curtains. I guess I have to wait until they've arrived here.
In an abandoned building somewhere near Tokyo Bay...
Under a bright light bulb was an unconscious, silver gray-haired man bound tightly on a steel chair.
He slowly regained his consciousness; however, he winced as sharp pain overwhelmed him.
What...time is it? He tried to look around but all he could see was darkness.
Where am I? He tried to loosen his binds as fear slowly crept into his mind. What's going on?
“Our guest has finally awakened.” He stiffened when he heard a rather familiar voice. “I'm glad that you didn't make me wait for you to wake up.”
“Who...are you?” His voice quivered in fear. “Why are you doing this to me? I don't even know you.”
“You don't know me, huh? Maybe I should show myself to refresh your mind.”
The man went pale when Ryoma finally appeared before him. “Now...” he whispered against the man's ear. “...do you know me?”
“Echizen--” The man nearly spat out his name. “--Ryoma. So the rumors were true, then.”
Ryoma smiled rather serenely at him. “Depending on the rumors.”
The man sneered contemptuously. “Who could have thought the well-known Prince of Tennis is also the famous assassin among the Blade Children (3), the Angel of Death?”
The Angel of Death quirked a brow. “It seems that you've done your research very well, Katsumoto Tetsuya-san. (4)”
Katsumoto leered at him. “Does your beloved 'mother' know that her own 'son' is here right now?”
Ryoma glowered menacingly. “Let me get this straight, old man. You dared to drag my mother into this mess-and you asked me if she knows that I'm here? Don't be stupid.” He slapped him hard and then, yanked his hair. “Perhaps you should tell me who ordered you to do this.”
The man quickly looked away from his stare. “Heh.” Letting go of his hair, Ryoma smirked faintly. “So it is him.” Katsumoto flinched. “I never thought he is such a fool to challenge me.”
“What...are you going to do with me?”
Ryoma shrugged noncommittally. “Saa...I don't like wasting my time to the likes of you.”
“Then you will let me...” Katsumoto's voice faltered when he saw Ryoma slowly took out a pair of disposable rubber gloves and started covering his hands with it. “I thought you don't want to waste your time with me.”
“On the other hand--” Ryoma took out a very sharp scalpel from his pocket; its blade shone brightly under the light. “--not only you tried to blackmail my mother, you also know my identity as the Angel of Death. I don't think I can let you go.” He positioned its blade near Katsumoto's neck. “Any final words before meeting your Maker?”
Katsumoto stared fearlessly at him. “I hope you will find peace in your soul, Ryoma von Montpelier.” He closed his eyes as if he has already accepted his fate.
Ryoma gazed silently before slitting his throat swiftly and effortlessly. I'm sorry, Katsumoto Tetsuya-but I am the Angel of Death...Cold, calculating, emotionless...
“Master Ryoma--” He was startled at Lulubell's voice when she showed herself. “Madame Rinko tried to call you on your cell phone.” She started to wipe the blood on Ryoma's face and hands with a wet towel. “You shouldn't be doing this kind of job. I never like the sight of blood on your lovely face and dainty hands.”
Ryoma couldn't help but smile at his mother's handmaid as she continued. “Your clothes are in the car outside and-oh, Madame Rinko called few minutes ago--”
She was cut off when Ryoma embraced her and started to cry on her shoulder. “Calm down now.” She patted his back to comfort him. “I know that you shouldn't be doing this. After all, killing one's life is a sin but I guess we can't help it. You have to protect yourself from other people who try to ruin your peaceful life.”
Ryoma murmured against her shoulder. “Thank you...”
Lulubell chuckled softly. “How ironic that only a lowly servant like me can calm down an avenging angel like you.”
To Ryoma's surprise, she brought him closer into her arms; but he didn't mind.
For him, her presence-Lulubell's presence-was closer to heaven.
~~~*~~~
(1) I won't spoil the reason behind Ryoma's real parents' death yet; but Rinko and Mariko are close friends since their elementary days.
(2) Kousuke here is Kousuke Asazuki from the Spiral series. He and Ryoma are close friends. He will appear in the next chapters as Ryoma's classmate.
(3) Yes. Ryoma is a Blade Child. The characteristics of a Blade Child are as follows: their cat-like glowing eyes and they have a missing seventh right rib bone.
(4) Katsumoto's death will start the chain of events that lead to the team’s discovery of Ryoma’s true identity and…>_<
As for the news...
There will be a Sherlock Holmes movie. I was totally ecstatic when I read the news from Yahoo! The news is here.
I do hope Robert Downey, Jr. does justice to the role. What I'm waiting for now is the news on who will play Holmes' Boswell, Dr. Watson.
As for my fanfiction updates...Ahem...
The Connection Between Us -- I'm still writing Chapter 9, which is 45% complete.
Return Home -- Still brainstorming for the next chapter. *sweatdrops*
Secret of My Heart -- I've started writing the next chapter. 15% complete.
Love is Written by A Comic -- Still writing. 25% complete.
That's all, folks. This is Gen, bidding you farewell.