|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu May 09, 2013 6:39 pm
 
A perfect mask.
A perfect polite smile to those who smiled at him.
A perfect bow and perfect words from perfect lips.
Akihiko hated every moment of this. He wanted to curl into a ball in some dark hole and not come out for a month... but even the young tiger knew it was pointless to want seclusion.
Too many people gave condolences or asked how he was or said how they had known the old man.
All had known him... none had understood him.
That was the mystery that was Aki.
And as Akihiko stood there... he knew that he was just like his grandfather.
As much as he had changed... he was a mystery... to all save one.
Carefully, during a moment when the guests we not swarming them, one of Akihiko's hands brushed against one of Izzy's own. Those hands were cold... and from within his own coat, Narcissus produced a pair of gloves, handing them silently to his partner.
Michi gave his condolences and the smile Akihiko produced wasn't quite as fake as all the others. The same was true of Rukuro and Crystal. They all knew him better than the strangers who walked about unknown to the young tiger.
When Izo showed up alone, Narcissus rose an eyebrow at the man. "I'm surprised Azriel-san did not attend." the musician spoke, a knowing look in his blue gaze.
He had decided that the Koyasu family would not run from the truth of Katsmi's existence. He would not announce it publicly of course... but neither would he deny the young man.
His little brother.
"I'm sure the game will change with ojisan gone, Matsumoto-san. I do hope you find a challenge on the board soon. Thank you for attending." Akihiko spoke, bowing politely to the spider.
How he hated this man...
But he would not make a scene here.
No...
This was a day for mourning and for saying goodbye... for moving on.
Blue eyes spied Hiroki not long later, but the young tiger had not the heart to speak with the man today. Perhaps... Asato should be standing where the musician was now. He certainly missed Aki more than anyone. Would miss him more than anyone.
Licking his lips to clear his head, Narcissus continued to receive the guests. Then, when the ceremony was slated to begin, he took his seat inside, beside Hiroki, and placed a hand on the older man's shoulder.
But Akihiko said nothing.
And soon the ceremony began.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 09, 2013 7:31 pm
The Funeral of Koyasu Aki
Izzy glanced down and carefully took the gloves. He had forgotten his own in this crazy morning so he was quick to slip his fingers into the warm leather. "Thank you." he whispered but he wasn't sure if Akihiko would hear him.
When Izo stepped up he took the question in stride, "Azriel-san isn't feeling well today so he decide it was best not to attend. But he sends his condolences and a proper card which has been placed upon the table." his dark eyes watched those blues and he obviously understood the meaning but it didn't phase the spider. Izo had taken care of Azriel's note of condolence since it would have been expected but he didn't think that Katsumi should have to deal with it during his recovery.
"We will see about that but...today isn't about board games. I've come here to pay my respects to a Rival. I never agreed with his ideas about...family but in business he always had been an inspiration and a challenge. He'll be missed." Izo's words were kept clean and cordial as he gave a polite bow in return before moving away to take a seat further back. He didn't want to be near the front today. Izo didn't need the lime light right now.
Izzy stayed near by but never said too much. It wasn't his place. He was here as support for the family.
Hiroki fortunately had brought a handkerchief with him. Because when that hand went upon his shoulder, he had to dot his eyes and take a breath. Hiroki sighed then sucked in air trying to be straight faced but who was he kidding. This was hard for him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 09, 2013 7:54 pm
The priest performed the ceremony and it truly didn't differ much from Hayato-san's own funeral.
However... instead of reading what others wished to say about the deceased... they were given the chance to stand up and actually speak their hearts.
Sighing softly, since it was now his turn, Akihiko stood from where he sat and moved to stand behind a small podium. Carefully he withdrew a few pieces of paper from his coat pocket, setting them down before him.
Narcissus licked his lips before beginning. He thanked those who had attended before delving into what he truly wanted to say.
"I have had the displeasure of being present for far too many funerals in my life. Ojisan, no doubt, present for many many more than I. When I was a boy I didn't understand what death truly meant. The one who set my heart at ease then... was Koyasu Aki. He was always a very busy man... a man with smiles for his friends and enemies. He played the game well, so to speak... perhaps even better than most. These last few months have been hard on us all. I have seen too much death of late... and I can only imagine that ojisan thought at the time of the life that was leaving him bit by bit every day. Koyasu Aki, kept his condition a secret from those who loved him. He didn't want us to worry... to feel sadness or grief or dwell on his soon to be passing. I learned too late that in his last days, he kept to himself because his health had declined so much that he feared what he might say or do. He didn't want to be remembered as a tyrant or a raging old man... like I sadly believed him to be at the time." for a moment, Akihiko went silent, his fingers stroking the pages of his speech carefully as somewhere deep inside he summoned the courage to go on. "He loved his family more than anything. Family meant the world to him. When my parents died... ojisan took me into his home and raised me as well as he could. I didn't turn out perfect... none of us do, do we? But I wanted to make him proud. Proud of who I truly am... of what I've accomplished. In the end, he was proud. He was proud of all of us who worked for him... who toiled through the late nights and the non-existent vacation days. Everything he knew he taught to his second in command, to a man whom he cared for like a second son..." blue eyes lighted on Hiroki. "And everything he could give, he gave. Koyasu Aki was a generous man. He lived a long life full of success... but it had it's failures as well. He felt that he failed me. That somewhere along the line he had not done quite enough. But it was I who failed him. I didn't understand who he was... because I didn't want to understand. Now that he's gone... I can only look back and see what a great man he truly was. Sure, he made mistakes... but we all make mistakes. Maybe not everyone agreed with him... maybe some of us had other ideals and other hopes and other dreams than Koyasu Aki... but in the end, it made him no less of a great man. He believed in all of us and he created a company where an artist is free to create the beauty they see in their hearts. His legacy is Ohayou. It isn't family and it isn't money. He left behind a place of pure artistic freedom. Without Koyasu Aki... many of us wouldn't be where we are today. So... even if you could not see eye to eye with my grandfather... even if you were bitter rivals or dear friends... even if you were a secretary or a star... I ask that you remember Koyasu Aki as the good man he was in life. Remember him fondly... Because I know I can never forget him."
Stepping to the side and putting the pages away into his suit coat, Narcissus bowed to those assembled politely before stepping down and away, returning to his seat.
By some act of the gods, he hadn't cried. The tears were there, in those blue eyes hidden behind silver glasses... but he hadn't shed them.
Not yet...
He couldn't just yet.
Others were allowed to stand and speak if they so desired, and then the priest began to conclude the ceremony. Once it was over and the guests began to file out...
Well...
Akihiko just sat in that same chair, his gaze focused on the burning incense next to his grandfather's portrait.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 09, 2013 9:09 pm
The Funeral of Koyasu Aki
Hiroki pulled himself together and got up to make his own speech. He wasn't nearly as eloquent because his heart was filled with sadness. Really felt like an old elephant. And from what Kaito had told him earlier...he wondered if he even had the heart of the man he loved anymore.
"A long time ago, I became Koyasu Aki's secretary. When he noticed me for the first time, and pulled me in to take over the job of a man that had retired, I thought that I could never live up to what he wanted. However, he was very confident that I had those skills and over the course of the years, I became his shadow and learned whatever he would teach me. As for being a son to him, I think that it was the highest honor he could give me. I always wished to follow in his footsteps...to support his dreams for Ohayou, dreams that were always on his mind. It was a great vision within his generous soul to bring the best music to people everywhere." he closed his eyes for a moment then used his handkerchief.
"While Koyasu Akihiko said he failed his grandfather, I doubt that is true. The man I knew, was proud of his grandson's talents and accomplishments. Sometimes, parents can't express the these things to their children in the right way but...I know from my years of service that Koyasu Aki could see the reflection of his own youth in his grandson." he clenched his hankercheif trying to make it through the last part of his speech. It seemed like a life time of words in such a short space.
"I will deeply miss the long nights working by his side and sharing his friendship. And hope that I will be able to live up to his expectations carrying on his legacy with the help of all those who work with Ohayou." He couldn't express his deeper love for Aki to the public. It had been enough that Aki knew even though the man never reciprocated it in the same way. Still, the feeling of a broken heart had been eased by Katsumi...but now? What did he have now? Hiroki closed his eyes again before slowly making his way back to the chair. He sat down smoothly but his handkerchief shielded his eyes. Hiroki's tears descended even though he tried so hard to stop them.
Meanwhile, upon You's phone a message came from #2.
Did Ohayou send for a couple extra security? Within the past 15 minutes?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 09, 2013 9:13 pm
The shark, while paying attention to the funeral itself, was far more interested in watching what happened around the room and near any windows or doors. He glanced to the phone, quickly typing in a reply to #2's text.
No. Any extra security Takagi-san ordered arrived with them before us. Which direction will they come from?
In other words, tell me where to look before bullets start flying was really what Ishihara meant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 6:55 am
The Funeral of Koyasu Aki
Shizuka from his hidden vantage point waited for #1's reply. When it came, he glanced down. And quickly sent a response.
North lot, not far from the limos. I don't think they are alone due to their movements.Two men so far dressed in Ohayou security uniforms with badges. Right now, they walking the perimeter of the parking lot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 8:38 am
Keep watch on them. Make sure they do not tamper with any of the vehicles. I will inform Takagi-san.
Was the text that Ishihara sent back. His fingers were busy sending another text as the first finished. This one was directly to Yuuji, who he could see standing off to the side of where Koyasu Akihiko, Hiroki Asato, and Izzy Lucky were seated.
Some of my team have informed me that men in Ohayou security uniforms are canvasing the perimeter of the parking lot. I wish to confirm that you have no men there, correct?
Ishihara's dark eyes fixed on Yuuji across the room, watching. A few moments later there was a reply text sent straight to You's phone.
I will move two men from the first checkpoint to remedy the situation.
He could see Yuuji speaking very very softly into an earpiece. Knowing that the other man was ordering his own team, You quickly sent a new text to #2.
Takagi-san is moving two men from the first checkpoint to intercept those in the parking lot. Let me know how the situation unfolds.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 9:20 am
The Funeral of Koyasu Aki
The Snake changed his vantage point as soon as he heard about the other men from Ohayou moving in. He noticed as soon as the men from the first checkpoint started moving that direction. The men that he had marked started moving as well away from the parking lot and further from the site. They had noticed the other men and obviously didn't want direct contact.
They've seen the Ohayou men coming and are avoiding interception.
Shizuka slipped otu of his current hiding spot and slipped between cars gazing at various buildings.
I don't think they are the only ones. How long before people start exiting the temple?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 9:28 am
This complicated matters.
The ceremony is ending now. Do you advise keeping Matsumoto-san within the temple? I would rather escort him to the car and be done with this business.
No... Ishihara wouldn't make a rash decision here. He would take the advice of #2 because right now, the snake could see the situation. To the shark, it would be best to spirit their boss away right now and not have to worry. Of course, they knew not if the target was Izo... or if it was one many of the other guests.
But You wouldn't take the chance.
Meanwhile, the ceremony concluded and people were filing out of the temple. Dark eyes flickered to see that Narcissus himself did not move from where he sat, nor did Takagi seem inclined to leave.
Was it out of security?
Probably not... though Ishihara couldn't be sure.
Carefully, the shark placed a hand on Matsumoto's shoulder and leaned down, whispering in the spider's ear.
"There may be a security incident in the parking lot. Until I have been given the all clear, I think it would be best to remain here, Matsumoto-san."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 9:55 am
The Funeral of Koyasu Aki
Shizuka looked at the doors to the temple then back to the buildings. Certain ones would give a clear shot of the doorway, but other ones would give prime access to the parking lot.
Possible sniper. I suspect that the two on the ground were looking for specific vehicles. Two buildings give visible shots to the temple door and path, Two buildings nearby have a clear shot of the parking lot and exit road. I advise if you leave, do not take the intended vehicles and leave in disguise.
Of course that was the Snake's opinion seeing the throngs of people coming out of the temple and starting to work their way to the lot or heading down different paths to view other tombstones in the cemetery. He wouldn't be able to scope out individual buildings in time if there were a sniper targeting a mark. But he moved closer to the parking lot and carefully retraced the path of the two that had been on the ground. Which cars were near by?
Izo glanced up as Ishihara gave him the warning. He nodded slowly as he understood and remained seated in his chair.
Michi and many of the Ohayou stars and celebrity people started getting up and leaving the temple. Michi would have stayed but this wasn't the time or place to make small talk with Akihiko.
Rukuro and Crystal along with the other Chairmen of various Labels, Go, Nihon and Genki got up meeting Hiroki half way in the middle. They were giving condolences and regards about the future of Ohayou.
Izzy's father was also somewhere within this crowd of people but he neither made an attempt to get near to his son nor talk to Izzy. There were men about him as he left the temple.
Izzy meanwhile stayed close to Akihiko and waited for the man to move. He could see other Ohayou employees plus a few of the band leaving. Everyone was giving Akihiko space today.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 10:08 am
Do not take the intended vehicles and leave in disguise.
Just how were they supposed to do that?!
Dark eyes glanced at Izo, then back to the temple door. There was one possibility... but if he was seen...
Return here and safeguard Matsumoto-san. I think I will be more useful in discovering a sniper.
The text went quickly to #2, another text shortly afterward went out to Izo's trusted driver, Kozaki... and once more Ishihara bent his head to whisper into his boss's ear.
"There is a potential sniper threat. I am having #2 return to remain by your side while I scout the nearby buildings. I have called Kozaki-san to have him bring another car for you. If I can not locate the threat, I may have to ask to borrow a uniform from one of the priests and have you leave amongst them. Is this acceptable, sir?"
He wouldn't act without Matsumoto's okay.
But of course... Ishihara was determined not to let anything happen to the spider.
They were relatively alone... and while Hiroki seemed to be talking with the Ishi's and Ishihara was speaking with a still seated Matsumoto... no one paid him any mind.
No one except Izzy.
"I don't think I can move, Ruki..." Akihiko whispered, his gaze fixed on his grandfather's portrait.
His hold body felt cold and hot all at the same time and it was as if the young tiger couldn't get his limbs to move at all. He wanted to leave and get out of this place... but he also wanted to remain and to hold on to what little he had of Aki.
If he left, it would be over... wouldn't it?
A silent tear slipped down Narcissus' cheek, though he didn't notice it. He could feel the mask trying to crumble and by sheer force of will he was keeping his calm exterior.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 10:56 am
The Funeral of Koyasu Aki
Shizuka while not keen on the idea of changing places followed instructions for now.
But back in the temple, Izo's eyes widened as if his #1 was smoking crack! "A priest? Are you serious? Fine...Ok...if this is what needs to be done. " he whispered not knowing the exact circumstances of what was going on. But obviously he didn't like the idea one bit. He shifted in his seat and finally stood up walking over to the table where the condolence letters were and placed his and Azriel's in the bunch. He couldn't just sit there even if he was stuck in there until his #1 got things under control.
Hiroki started leaving with the rest of the chairmen exiting the temple door and into the crowds of people. The were discussing Nakai's next tour and a few projects the others had going on. At least this kept his upset emotions from and tired mind off of the portrait he was leaving behind. The last time he would feel the Aki's presence in his life.
Michi was outside waiting on Ishi-san to show up. They were his ride back to his own apartment. He waved at the bunch as they came out of the temple and met up with them to head towards the car.
Meanwhile, Shizuka started moving towards the temple, I am on my way.
Inside, Izzy reached over and took Akihiko's hand giving it a squeeze. "I'm here. It's ok." What else could he do? If he pulled Akihiko close, the man might cry and he knew that Akihiko didn't want to do that in public. So he glanced around noticing that more people were getting out of the building. "Once everyone is gone, let's try to go to the car...ok?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 11:06 am
Akihiko nodded slightly, holding onto Izzy's hand tightly as he tried to reign in his emotions. He wouldn't cry, at least not more than a stray tear or two, not in public.
Image...
One thing his grandfather had always drilled into his thick skull...
Image...
The young tiger had to look perfect... had to be calm and composed and a force to trust as far as the company went in the days to come. He and Hiroki would share that burden... even though for both men, this was hitting them harder than any other.
Yuuji stepped over and whispered to Izzy that they may want to leave sooner rather than later. He alerted his cousin's partner that someone had been poking around the parking lot, and that his men had gone to check it out. Takagi said that their limo was waiting for them just outside.
Plus, one look at his cousin told the other man that he might not last too much longer out in the open like this.
Meanwhile, Ishihara walked a few steps over and spoke with one of the priests. He explained that recently there had been many attempts on the lives of those he guarded and that he worried his boss might be a potential target. The priest understood, oddly enough, and was only too happy to acquiesce to You's request that a priest's uniform be prepared for Matsumoto to wear if such a need presented itself.
A few moments later, #2 arrived and the shark told the snake his backup plan. Then, Ishihara bowed to Izo and politely excused himself.
Once outside, You moved carefully among the crowds. He pocketed his glasses... red eyes scanning the tops of the nearest buildings.
If there was a sniper there, his heightened sense of sight would pick them out. It was the perfect alteration for urban warfare... and it was only a matter of time.
Of course apparently it didn't work so good in the woods... Too many trees?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 12:28 pm
The Funeral of Koyasu Aki
Shizuka nodded and took his place as Izo's bodyguard. His eye surveyed the people still inside. No threats obviously. Although he didn't care too much for being stuck as a close in guard when he could be hunting other potential threats.
Izzy glanced up when he saw the long haired bodyguard of Izo enter. Wow...he hadn't expected such a handsome man to show up. It was hard not to look but he could tell the man was on duty.
Once You got outside he could see several people going towards their cars and limos parked nearby. His eyes could scan the buildings far more closely than others. It was then he saw a glimmer on a building facing the parking lot. A barrel of a long range gun point down upon the parking lot just to the edge of the street. #2's theory was correct...in the worst possible way.
From this distance, You would not be able to reach the man way up there with a hand gun.
Inside, Izzy said quietly, "Ok so mm...let me see if I can get Akihiko on his feet.
(OOC: Giving You a chance to react before anything else happens)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 12:42 pm
You pulled out his phone as he calmly walked toward the building with the sniper. His red eyes didn't look up at the gun. Instead, he acted as if he were merely pacing about on the telephone... acted as if he wanted to use the shade of the building for cover...
But he was calling #2 and though the man wouldn't be able to answer...
"There is a sniper. I can not see his face but I can see the gun. Do not take Matsumoto-san into the parking lot. I've called in a few of the others to quietly surround the building. Remain where you are."
Once at the building and with the order to surround it given, Ishihara very carefully picked the lock to one of the side doors. He crept inside, gun drawn, phone on silent, and red eyes gleaming.
You would deal with the threat before letting the spider go anywhere.
And this time, he'd have backup.
"We need to leave, Akihiko." Yuuji whispered in his cousin's ear even as Izzy was trying to get his partner to stand.
But the young tiger just shook his head slightly, "I can't..."
Takagi frowned. He didn't want to tell the younger man that there was a security problem.
But...
"Please, Akihiko. It isn't safe here."
That got the musician's attention. Blue eyes focused on Takagi immediately. "What do you mean?"
"We need to leave. For your and Izzy's sakes. Please." Yuuji pressed.
For a moment, it seemed like Narcissus wouldn't budge. He glanced back to the portrait.
The past was gone...
But the future...
"Ha... hai..." Akihiko whispered, keeping Izzy's hand clasped in his own as he stood.
He wouldn't let the other man go.
Not for anything.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
