Akamatsuverse Story: Fallout
- Thread starter Terdwilicker
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Come now, with Keitaro's 100% fertility rate if he sleeps with Kanako she'll be pregnant almost instantly. Is that really the best thing for an obsessive woman? She's already a bit off. She's sexually assaulted Motoko, groped Kitsune's boobs, and otherwise made a nuisance of herself. How will she behave if she rides on Little Keitaro? Will she find total satisfaction or will she be another addict?
Why yes, yes it is.
Seriously, she seems to be on the verge of accepting that he'll never be all hers, but asking for her fair share doesn't seem like too much. She even noted that she'd lived with him for less than all of the other girls, so why is she treated differently? Better that she should at least get a taste of what she wants the most, rather than be continually denied while watching everyone else get some.
And in all honesty, I don't see how Keitaro, in this story, can reasonably say no. If he's unapologetic about cheating on his wife because he has to respond to the love and sadness of the other girls, it's arbitrary, and cruel, that he won't do that for Kanako.
And you're comparing her to the women who used to regularly beat Keitaro up with fists and swords, fire missiles at him, swindle him out of money by letting him molest them, etc.?
I don't know; let's find out.
If the other girls keep getting him to warm their beds, I don't see why Kanako should be short-changed.
Seriously, she seems to be on the verge of accepting that he'll never be all hers, but asking for her fair share doesn't seem like too much. She even noted that she'd lived with him for less than all of the other girls, so why is she treated differently? Better that she should at least get a taste of what she wants the most, rather than be continually denied while watching everyone else get some.
And in all honesty, I don't see how Keitaro, in this story, can reasonably say no. If he's unapologetic about cheating on his wife because he has to respond to the love and sadness of the other girls, it's arbitrary, and cruel, that he won't do that for Kanako.
And you're comparing her to the women who used to regularly beat Keitaro up with fists and swords, fire missiles at him, swindle him out of money by letting him molest them, etc.?
I don't know; let's find out.
If the other girls keep getting him to warm their beds, I don't see why Kanako should be short-changed.
Its not that condoms don't exist, but that the women are so needy and neurotic or overconfident that they don't think about that when they should. For an ordinary woman, she's only got a couple day window a month where she can get knocked up. Their attraction to him is strong enough that they tend to come at him when their fertile, even Kaolla Su did so. This is not so unrealistic as women are most horny when they are most able to get pregnant. Pretty basic biology. Also remember from GWH:K that they come at him, not him at them. He was respectful of their needs rather than demanding. In those circumstances fertility is much more probable.
Mutsumi has something like 10 brothers and sisters so she's already got amazing fertility in her genes. She's instantaneous.
Naru is just more proof of the "penetration is enough" fact of fertility, which I chose out of humor.
Kaolla survived a near death experience, went into estrus and whammo-blammo got pregnant which wasn't a problem in her country anyway. She's also had access to him anytime she wanted him for years, so she's got kids and more on the way. As this was part of the deal, Kitsune had to accept it before she married Kei anyway.
Shinobu came at Kei several times and practically forced herself on him to exhaustion. She was deeply in love with him for years. Of course she's going to conceive.
Motoko was horny and just happens to be very compatible with Keitaro, chemically. His pH and hers match perfectly and her sensitivity to arousal makes her very much more fertile than a normal woman. She goes to visit him when she's horny (fertile) and unsurprisingly she gets knocked up. Note that her twins are fraternal, which means that her ovaries are ripening simultaneously rather than odd even like most women. Thus she has twins. I also meant that as an ironic joke at the repeated blows to Kei's family jewels. Its also a reference to the movie "Kindergarten Cop" where a pair of identical twin girls are asked about their father: "OUR MOMMY SAYS THAT DADDY IS A REAL SEX MACHINE!" Also, giving her boys after only getting girls in the Aoyama clan for a century makes him more amusing.
Same logic for Amalla. I figured that having Kei look the same as the crown prince of Molmol was just begging for him to father Amalla's kids because she's infertile with the Prince. That's normal for about 25% of couples, btw. Even if Hina can't admit to these kids are her grandson's, its still her bloodline taking the throne in Molmol.
As for Kitsune, I decided to make it harder for her to have kids with him, delayed a year. Maybe she miscarried from drinking. Maybe she's not as fertile with him so it takes more effort to knock her up compared to the other girls. This makes it more amusing to see her simmer with jealousy over something like how easy it is for them to get pregnant.
The general idea here is that Keitaro and the girls get into this complicated relationship. And I see the point of having him give Kanako a ride on Little Keitaro, and her getting knocked up if that's what she wants. Its in his nature to grant those boons. Trouble for her is running the Inn if she's a single mom. She'll need help. Maybe Keitaro will have to help with that since I suspect he'll be asked to take a leave of absence by Todai over this whole polyarmory thing he's got going on. They would have problems with that kind of bad press. Maybe. I'll still working on that detail. I can't see him being banned from Todai permanently, just a year or two, maybe, while the press loses interest. He's too damned lucky at finding artifacts in weird places. And Su-chan would pull her funding of the Archaeology and Technology departments. Bad for Todai to piss her off.
Mutsumi has something like 10 brothers and sisters so she's already got amazing fertility in her genes. She's instantaneous.
Naru is just more proof of the "penetration is enough" fact of fertility, which I chose out of humor.
Kaolla survived a near death experience, went into estrus and whammo-blammo got pregnant which wasn't a problem in her country anyway. She's also had access to him anytime she wanted him for years, so she's got kids and more on the way. As this was part of the deal, Kitsune had to accept it before she married Kei anyway.
Shinobu came at Kei several times and practically forced herself on him to exhaustion. She was deeply in love with him for years. Of course she's going to conceive.
Motoko was horny and just happens to be very compatible with Keitaro, chemically. His pH and hers match perfectly and her sensitivity to arousal makes her very much more fertile than a normal woman. She goes to visit him when she's horny (fertile) and unsurprisingly she gets knocked up. Note that her twins are fraternal, which means that her ovaries are ripening simultaneously rather than odd even like most women. Thus she has twins. I also meant that as an ironic joke at the repeated blows to Kei's family jewels. Its also a reference to the movie "Kindergarten Cop" where a pair of identical twin girls are asked about their father: "OUR MOMMY SAYS THAT DADDY IS A REAL SEX MACHINE!" Also, giving her boys after only getting girls in the Aoyama clan for a century makes him more amusing.
Same logic for Amalla. I figured that having Kei look the same as the crown prince of Molmol was just begging for him to father Amalla's kids because she's infertile with the Prince. That's normal for about 25% of couples, btw. Even if Hina can't admit to these kids are her grandson's, its still her bloodline taking the throne in Molmol.
As for Kitsune, I decided to make it harder for her to have kids with him, delayed a year. Maybe she miscarried from drinking. Maybe she's not as fertile with him so it takes more effort to knock her up compared to the other girls. This makes it more amusing to see her simmer with jealousy over something like how easy it is for them to get pregnant.
The general idea here is that Keitaro and the girls get into this complicated relationship. And I see the point of having him give Kanako a ride on Little Keitaro, and her getting knocked up if that's what she wants. Its in his nature to grant those boons. Trouble for her is running the Inn if she's a single mom. She'll need help. Maybe Keitaro will have to help with that since I suspect he'll be asked to take a leave of absence by Todai over this whole polyarmory thing he's got going on. They would have problems with that kind of bad press. Maybe. I'll still working on that detail. I can't see him being banned from Todai permanently, just a year or two, maybe, while the press loses interest. He's too damned lucky at finding artifacts in weird places. And Su-chan would pull her funding of the Archaeology and Technology departments. Bad for Todai to piss her off.
Well, I can't see how such a parentage issue could be successfully pressed as a PR problem. As long as the mother (or in the Aoyama case, the mother's family) claims the children, they're legitimate enough - these days, a Japanese child is only "illegitimate" if their parents kick them off the register, making them officially "ronin".
On the occasion that Keitaro would be implicated, by accident or otherwise, it wouldn't really have any impact, except for possibly gaining him a few admirers and/or enviers in Tokyo U. Unless there's an inheritance issue (which in this case would fall first to Keitaro's first son with Kitsune), it's all an under-the-table subject.
Remember, the general Japanese social-issue mindset is basically "It didn't happen unless you make it my business."
Besides, Kaolla would, as you said, squash any politicking in that regard. The threat of denied access to Molmol, not to mention the financial pull she has, would curb the weasels.
On the occasion that Keitaro would be implicated, by accident or otherwise, it wouldn't really have any impact, except for possibly gaining him a few admirers and/or enviers in Tokyo U. Unless there's an inheritance issue (which in this case would fall first to Keitaro's first son with Kitsune), it's all an under-the-table subject.
Remember, the general Japanese social-issue mindset is basically "It didn't happen unless you make it my business."
Besides, Kaolla would, as you said, squash any politicking in that regard. The threat of denied access to Molmol, not to mention the financial pull she has, would curb the weasels.
Wonder if Kanako will get desperate to try drugging Keitaro or disguising herself as one of the other girls just to successfully get her way with him... :blink:
Apologies if I was being unclear, but I was not referring to the events which had already transgressed(their rationale for doing so was more or less justified by you already), but rather, on future events to come.
Assuming that all the girls end up living together, and occassionally still approach Keitaro for "favours", are any of them going to take the necessary precautions, or do they still plan to have more children? They will probably have more than enough resources to give all their children a proper upbringing, but I was wondering if you had some sort of cap in mind, or do you just plan to let the babies keep coming?
Parents sometimes joke about wanting enough children to form their own soccer team. Are you perchance aiming for an entire Euro League or something?
Sounds like some sort of hare-brained scheme Hina might come up with... :lol:
Apologies if I was being unclear, but I was not referring to the events which had already transgressed(their rationale for doing so was more or less justified by you already), but rather, on future events to come.
Assuming that all the girls end up living together, and occassionally still approach Keitaro for "favours", are any of them going to take the necessary precautions, or do they still plan to have more children? They will probably have more than enough resources to give all their children a proper upbringing, but I was wondering if you had some sort of cap in mind, or do you just plan to let the babies keep coming?
Parents sometimes joke about wanting enough children to form their own soccer team. Are you perchance aiming for an entire Euro League or something?
Sounds like some sort of hare-brained scheme Hina might come up with... :lol:
How many kids? Well, Mutsumi's family has around 10 kids so....
I plan to end the story before I deal with birth of a lot more kids. There will probably be more pregnancies, and we may see Kitsune give birth, dunno yet. The end point of this story will be some kind of resolution of the angst of the women and some level of comfort for all involved, with an assurance that these kids will know their father, despite there being SO MANY of them. C'mon, this end was foreordained in the anime closing credits, the togas and red ribbons. Akamatsu fairly well implied they were a sort of harem. Sometimes I think they'd be more jealous but that's usually over being left in the cold and they can only complain that if they're sleeping alone and unsatisfied.
I plan to end the story before I deal with birth of a lot more kids. There will probably be more pregnancies, and we may see Kitsune give birth, dunno yet. The end point of this story will be some kind of resolution of the angst of the women and some level of comfort for all involved, with an assurance that these kids will know their father, despite there being SO MANY of them. C'mon, this end was foreordained in the anime closing credits, the togas and red ribbons. Akamatsu fairly well implied they were a sort of harem. Sometimes I think they'd be more jealous but that's usually over being left in the cold and they can only complain that if they're sleeping alone and unsatisfied.
Some writing done after this morning's hostilities.
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Chapter 7
KeitaroÆs Mirror
ôWhat have I done?ö asked Keitaro. His wife dressed the following morning, pulling on various female things that require time and precision to adjust and fit. Despite being eight months pregnant she still had her rituals.
ôYou hurt people, Keitaro,ö she answered simply.
ôWas I always like this?ö he asked, aghast. He didnÆt remember being like this years before.
ôAlways being what? Since you moved into the Hinata Sou and became its manager? Or since you and Motoko slept together that first time and everything got crazy?ö she said bitterly.
ôI slept with her again. I canÆt control myself around her, Kitsune,ö he said quietly. She grimaced.
ôThese are not things a pregnant woman wants to hear, Keitaro. I donÆt have super powers to punch you out of the building and it would be bad for the baby if I tried. You always used to think about the consequences of your actions. ThatÆs the Keitaro I fell in love with. Who are you now? A man-whore,ö accused Kitsune.
ôKitsune, IÆm sorry.ö
ôDonÆt be sorry. Change! Damn you Keitaro! Stop muddling through the world like nothing is your fault. You slept with all our friends, you gave them children, and now IÆm surrounded by reminders of your infidelity everywhere I look.ö
ôAre you sorry you married me, Kitsune?ö he asked very quietly.
ôSometimes. Like now. It will pass, just like it always does. Doubt exists in every relationship. And IÆm a jealous woman thanks to Naru stealing every man I ever wanted, even you. You canÆt imagine what itÆs like, being abandoned like this, being betrayed.ö
ôYou mean like cheating me out of rent all those times, pranks meant to hurt my honor with our friends, and à it doesnÆt matter does it? I did choose you,ö he finally said.
ôDid you?ö she wept. ôYou still sleep with them.ö
ôWhat can we do? Leave? We tried that already. I have a responsibility. I canÆt run away from my life forever,ö he admitted.
ôWhen you cheat, it hurts me, Keitaro. Do you understand that?ö explained Kitsune, staring directly into his eyes.
ôThey love me, Kitsune. What is the right thing to do? IÆve already taken so much from them, ruined them for marriage, gave them illegitimate children, caused them to be shunned by Japanese society, abandoned by their families in some cases. If I donÆt act like a husband for them, at least some of the time, IÆm doing them a greater wrong.ö
ôAnd what about me!?ö demanded Kitsune.
ôI love you, Kitsune. IÆm here with you. I come home to you. You are my partner in life. You are my Promise Girl. You are my wife,ö he declared avidly, clenching his fists.
ôSo what are they?ö she asked, weeping.
ôIà I donÆt know.ö
ôDo you love them?ö she asked.
ôYes. IÆd be a terrible man if I didnÆt.ö
ôYou are a terrible man, Keitaro. You hurt me every single time,ö she reminded.
ôWhat can I do?ö he said, staring into the mirror at KitsuneÆs weeping face, blotchy with emotion, hands clutching her swollen belly.
ôMake love to her, properly. Woo her, make love to her, make her glad that she knows you!ö snarled Kitsune. ôYou have to fix this mess. Turn them into whole people. Make them strong enough to exist on their own. Maybe then they wonÆt come running every time they feel frightened of the world.ö
ôUhà what?ö said Keitaro confused. Kitsune grimaced as the baby kicked.
ôItÆs the only way to end this properly. Start with Naru. She needs you most. And Mutsumi wants another child. YouÆre going to have to give her one until sheÆs satisfied. ThatÆs whatÆs holding them all, running in place. This is your fault, and you have to fix it,ö she declared.
ôBut, Kitsuneà wonÆt that hurt you?ö he said, still confused.
ôYes. Terribly. But it will end when they stop needing you and can move on. You have to make them whole, Keitaro. Heal them and theyÆll move on, find a man for themselves, someone who will accept them as they are, children and all. ItÆs the only way,ö she insisted.
ôButàö
ôI wonÆt have a husband who looks at me with that face, Keitaro,ö she glared.
ôYou fix this right, you save them and make them whole or IÆll divorce you, for my own sanity and the children if nothing else. Do you understand me?ö she promised, eyes glowing with retribution if he failed. Keitaro had never seen her so angry or so serious.
ôHai, I swear to fix this or give up my claim on you, beloved Kitsune,ö he swore, bowing formally. There was a subtle tingle in the room and the sound of electric arcs playing on every surface. The world seemed to throb for a moment and then all was normal, though he felt the weight of his promise now.
Kitsune wept. Keitaro backed away on his knees and closed the door, meeting MayaÆs all-knowing eyes as she knelt facing him in the hallway. He resisted to urge to be startled by her appearance. SheÆd always been like this.
ôNow what should I do?ö muttered Keitaro.
ôSome will need your friendship. Some will need more. Some will suffer heartbreak,ö said Maya in the SeerÆs Voice. ôIt cannot be helped. Face your pain, face theirs.ö
ôHai, I will. Thank you, Maya-chan,ö he said, bowing to his little girl. She returned the formal bow, showing the weight of years she did not possess.
After the acrimony of his marriage bed, the smoky air of Hinata on a cold morning was a refreshing change. It was time to think, to decide on a way to help his friends, his lovers, the mothers of many of his childrenà let go of him. How to help them do that? Kitsune said they werenÆt whole people and that was why they clung to him. Hurting them deliberately to drive them away would make them into people like Naru, broken by his rough treatment of her, twice. Once in his beratement and breakup with her during his recovery, and again in their terrible sex encounter. Kitsune wanted him to heal her. She wasnÆt the only one who needed it. He wanted to talk to someone wise, someone who understood people better than he did.
ôBut this is my problem, my fault. I canÆt be a man if I canÆt resolve this.ö
There were few who could understand, much less sympathize with his predicament, or his effort to fix things humanely, with the respect and honor they deserve. Keitaro felt a tear fall down his cheek, touched it in shock.
ôIt all comes back to me, doesnÆt it?ö he finally said. He found himself at the base of the steps to the Hinata Inn, turned to stare up at it, thinking. Nodding, he climbed the stairs.
ôKeitaro?ö said Kanako, surprised at him turning up as she raked the fall leaves on the front walk.
ôSister, I need your help. Do you have time?ö
ôUhm, an hour or two, I guess. Its still early but IÆm expecting guests this afternoon.ö Kanako looked unsure of herself for the first time in years, frightened at the look in her brotherÆs eyes.
ôFine. LetÆs go to the baths. I need you with me,ö he demanded, feeling that cold part of himself rise. ôPlease, Kanako. This is hard for me.ö The icy part retreated for the moment.
ôUhhà okay,ö she said, dropping the rake and allowing herself to be lead into the changing room with her beloved brother, the man sheÆd been trying to bed and marry for years now. Be his. She was startled at his disrobing in front of her, and of his erection. She stopped, staring at it, and turned to regard his face, and the terrible look in his eyes.
ôOniichan, youÆre scaring me,ö she whispered.
ôTake off your clothes, Kanako. You wanted to be my wife, be my lover, have my child. Remember?ö he taunted coldly, despising himself for betraying her trust. It was too much. His erection wilted and he dropped onto the bench. Kanako sat opposite him.
ôI see. IÆm that bad?ö she said, understanding at last. Tears fell from her eyes and her face dropped in shame.
ôI didnÆt even touch you, like you do with me. It would have gotten worse if you hadnÆt understood. YouÆre a beautiful and courageous woman, Kanako. IÆm a married man whoÆs very much in love.ö
ôIÆm sorry Keitaro. IÆm sorry!ö she cried quietly.
ôIÆm sorry too, Kanako. Please donÆt hate me,ö he begged. They leaned into each other and held close, sniffling and crying, Keitaro naked, Kanako halfway there.
ôWe both need a bath,ö sniffed Keitaro.
ôYes, we do. Let me wash your back?ö asked Kanako.
ôSure, Sister. IÆll wash yours too.ö
Mutsumi found the siblings sitting in the baths, his arm around her sometime later, quietly reminiscing. She pondered the meaning of this scene and wondered if the inevitable had happened after all.
ôIÆd feel better about you if you found someone in your life, Kanako,ö said Keitaro.
Mutsumi gasped from the changing room. So it wasnÆt? How very interesting, she thought.
ôI donÆt feel ready for that. YouÆve been the center of my universe for so long, Oniichan. Its going to be hard for me to find someone I can love, and trust,ö she admitted.
ôTrue. YouÆre unusual. YouÆll have to decide for yourself what kind of man would satisfy you, and learn to trust him. No self defeating identity games.ö
ôYes, it would be tempting to test him. Are my standards too high?ö she asked, resting her head on his shoulder. Keitaro watched Mutsumi scrub herself and rinse, her luscious form arousing him. Must focus on Kanako. She needs me now, he reminded himself.
ôPossibly. Have you ever considered a relationship with someone other than me? IÆm not perfect and neither is anyone else. Can you accept flaws?ö he asked carefully.
ôI suppose I will have to,ö she sighed.
ôYou might talk to Haruka, as she could have some suggestions on what to look for,ö he offered. She tensed and pulled away.
ôOr I can try and help, for what itÆs worth,ö he finished. She relaxed again. Mutsumi wriggled into the bath and sighed happily. Kanako tensed again.
ôYouÆre not competitors, Sister,ö reminded Keitaro. Kanako sighed in defeat.
ôThis is going to take some adjustment, isnÆt it?ö asked the young woman. Keitaro patted her on the head cheerfully.
ôSure is!ö he teased.
Mutsumi simply observed, wondering just what had happened to change the way they treated each other. She kept asking herself if it was sexual or not, but something in the relationship was different.
******************
Note: this chapter will be longer than the others, as Keitaro needs to start healing wounds he caused, and face up to his actions from prior events. I hope this reads well and I can return his character to canon within reason. GH pointed out that I mistreated him with events between him and Naru and I agree it wasn't quite right.
*****************8
Chapter 7
KeitaroÆs Mirror
ôWhat have I done?ö asked Keitaro. His wife dressed the following morning, pulling on various female things that require time and precision to adjust and fit. Despite being eight months pregnant she still had her rituals.
ôYou hurt people, Keitaro,ö she answered simply.
ôWas I always like this?ö he asked, aghast. He didnÆt remember being like this years before.
ôAlways being what? Since you moved into the Hinata Sou and became its manager? Or since you and Motoko slept together that first time and everything got crazy?ö she said bitterly.
ôI slept with her again. I canÆt control myself around her, Kitsune,ö he said quietly. She grimaced.
ôThese are not things a pregnant woman wants to hear, Keitaro. I donÆt have super powers to punch you out of the building and it would be bad for the baby if I tried. You always used to think about the consequences of your actions. ThatÆs the Keitaro I fell in love with. Who are you now? A man-whore,ö accused Kitsune.
ôKitsune, IÆm sorry.ö
ôDonÆt be sorry. Change! Damn you Keitaro! Stop muddling through the world like nothing is your fault. You slept with all our friends, you gave them children, and now IÆm surrounded by reminders of your infidelity everywhere I look.ö
ôAre you sorry you married me, Kitsune?ö he asked very quietly.
ôSometimes. Like now. It will pass, just like it always does. Doubt exists in every relationship. And IÆm a jealous woman thanks to Naru stealing every man I ever wanted, even you. You canÆt imagine what itÆs like, being abandoned like this, being betrayed.ö
ôYou mean like cheating me out of rent all those times, pranks meant to hurt my honor with our friends, and à it doesnÆt matter does it? I did choose you,ö he finally said.
ôDid you?ö she wept. ôYou still sleep with them.ö
ôWhat can we do? Leave? We tried that already. I have a responsibility. I canÆt run away from my life forever,ö he admitted.
ôWhen you cheat, it hurts me, Keitaro. Do you understand that?ö explained Kitsune, staring directly into his eyes.
ôThey love me, Kitsune. What is the right thing to do? IÆve already taken so much from them, ruined them for marriage, gave them illegitimate children, caused them to be shunned by Japanese society, abandoned by their families in some cases. If I donÆt act like a husband for them, at least some of the time, IÆm doing them a greater wrong.ö
ôAnd what about me!?ö demanded Kitsune.
ôI love you, Kitsune. IÆm here with you. I come home to you. You are my partner in life. You are my Promise Girl. You are my wife,ö he declared avidly, clenching his fists.
ôSo what are they?ö she asked, weeping.
ôIà I donÆt know.ö
ôDo you love them?ö she asked.
ôYes. IÆd be a terrible man if I didnÆt.ö
ôYou are a terrible man, Keitaro. You hurt me every single time,ö she reminded.
ôWhat can I do?ö he said, staring into the mirror at KitsuneÆs weeping face, blotchy with emotion, hands clutching her swollen belly.
ôMake love to her, properly. Woo her, make love to her, make her glad that she knows you!ö snarled Kitsune. ôYou have to fix this mess. Turn them into whole people. Make them strong enough to exist on their own. Maybe then they wonÆt come running every time they feel frightened of the world.ö
ôUhà what?ö said Keitaro confused. Kitsune grimaced as the baby kicked.
ôItÆs the only way to end this properly. Start with Naru. She needs you most. And Mutsumi wants another child. YouÆre going to have to give her one until sheÆs satisfied. ThatÆs whatÆs holding them all, running in place. This is your fault, and you have to fix it,ö she declared.
ôBut, Kitsuneà wonÆt that hurt you?ö he said, still confused.
ôYes. Terribly. But it will end when they stop needing you and can move on. You have to make them whole, Keitaro. Heal them and theyÆll move on, find a man for themselves, someone who will accept them as they are, children and all. ItÆs the only way,ö she insisted.
ôButàö
ôI wonÆt have a husband who looks at me with that face, Keitaro,ö she glared.
ôYou fix this right, you save them and make them whole or IÆll divorce you, for my own sanity and the children if nothing else. Do you understand me?ö she promised, eyes glowing with retribution if he failed. Keitaro had never seen her so angry or so serious.
ôHai, I swear to fix this or give up my claim on you, beloved Kitsune,ö he swore, bowing formally. There was a subtle tingle in the room and the sound of electric arcs playing on every surface. The world seemed to throb for a moment and then all was normal, though he felt the weight of his promise now.
Kitsune wept. Keitaro backed away on his knees and closed the door, meeting MayaÆs all-knowing eyes as she knelt facing him in the hallway. He resisted to urge to be startled by her appearance. SheÆd always been like this.
ôNow what should I do?ö muttered Keitaro.
ôSome will need your friendship. Some will need more. Some will suffer heartbreak,ö said Maya in the SeerÆs Voice. ôIt cannot be helped. Face your pain, face theirs.ö
ôHai, I will. Thank you, Maya-chan,ö he said, bowing to his little girl. She returned the formal bow, showing the weight of years she did not possess.
After the acrimony of his marriage bed, the smoky air of Hinata on a cold morning was a refreshing change. It was time to think, to decide on a way to help his friends, his lovers, the mothers of many of his childrenà let go of him. How to help them do that? Kitsune said they werenÆt whole people and that was why they clung to him. Hurting them deliberately to drive them away would make them into people like Naru, broken by his rough treatment of her, twice. Once in his beratement and breakup with her during his recovery, and again in their terrible sex encounter. Kitsune wanted him to heal her. She wasnÆt the only one who needed it. He wanted to talk to someone wise, someone who understood people better than he did.
ôBut this is my problem, my fault. I canÆt be a man if I canÆt resolve this.ö
There were few who could understand, much less sympathize with his predicament, or his effort to fix things humanely, with the respect and honor they deserve. Keitaro felt a tear fall down his cheek, touched it in shock.
ôIt all comes back to me, doesnÆt it?ö he finally said. He found himself at the base of the steps to the Hinata Inn, turned to stare up at it, thinking. Nodding, he climbed the stairs.
ôKeitaro?ö said Kanako, surprised at him turning up as she raked the fall leaves on the front walk.
ôSister, I need your help. Do you have time?ö
ôUhm, an hour or two, I guess. Its still early but IÆm expecting guests this afternoon.ö Kanako looked unsure of herself for the first time in years, frightened at the look in her brotherÆs eyes.
ôFine. LetÆs go to the baths. I need you with me,ö he demanded, feeling that cold part of himself rise. ôPlease, Kanako. This is hard for me.ö The icy part retreated for the moment.
ôUhhà okay,ö she said, dropping the rake and allowing herself to be lead into the changing room with her beloved brother, the man sheÆd been trying to bed and marry for years now. Be his. She was startled at his disrobing in front of her, and of his erection. She stopped, staring at it, and turned to regard his face, and the terrible look in his eyes.
ôOniichan, youÆre scaring me,ö she whispered.
ôTake off your clothes, Kanako. You wanted to be my wife, be my lover, have my child. Remember?ö he taunted coldly, despising himself for betraying her trust. It was too much. His erection wilted and he dropped onto the bench. Kanako sat opposite him.
ôI see. IÆm that bad?ö she said, understanding at last. Tears fell from her eyes and her face dropped in shame.
ôI didnÆt even touch you, like you do with me. It would have gotten worse if you hadnÆt understood. YouÆre a beautiful and courageous woman, Kanako. IÆm a married man whoÆs very much in love.ö
ôIÆm sorry Keitaro. IÆm sorry!ö she cried quietly.
ôIÆm sorry too, Kanako. Please donÆt hate me,ö he begged. They leaned into each other and held close, sniffling and crying, Keitaro naked, Kanako halfway there.
ôWe both need a bath,ö sniffed Keitaro.
ôYes, we do. Let me wash your back?ö asked Kanako.
ôSure, Sister. IÆll wash yours too.ö
Mutsumi found the siblings sitting in the baths, his arm around her sometime later, quietly reminiscing. She pondered the meaning of this scene and wondered if the inevitable had happened after all.
ôIÆd feel better about you if you found someone in your life, Kanako,ö said Keitaro.
Mutsumi gasped from the changing room. So it wasnÆt? How very interesting, she thought.
ôI donÆt feel ready for that. YouÆve been the center of my universe for so long, Oniichan. Its going to be hard for me to find someone I can love, and trust,ö she admitted.
ôTrue. YouÆre unusual. YouÆll have to decide for yourself what kind of man would satisfy you, and learn to trust him. No self defeating identity games.ö
ôYes, it would be tempting to test him. Are my standards too high?ö she asked, resting her head on his shoulder. Keitaro watched Mutsumi scrub herself and rinse, her luscious form arousing him. Must focus on Kanako. She needs me now, he reminded himself.
ôPossibly. Have you ever considered a relationship with someone other than me? IÆm not perfect and neither is anyone else. Can you accept flaws?ö he asked carefully.
ôI suppose I will have to,ö she sighed.
ôYou might talk to Haruka, as she could have some suggestions on what to look for,ö he offered. She tensed and pulled away.
ôOr I can try and help, for what itÆs worth,ö he finished. She relaxed again. Mutsumi wriggled into the bath and sighed happily. Kanako tensed again.
ôYouÆre not competitors, Sister,ö reminded Keitaro. Kanako sighed in defeat.
ôThis is going to take some adjustment, isnÆt it?ö asked the young woman. Keitaro patted her on the head cheerfully.
ôSure is!ö he teased.
Mutsumi simply observed, wondering just what had happened to change the way they treated each other. She kept asking herself if it was sexual or not, but something in the relationship was different.
******************
Note: this chapter will be longer than the others, as Keitaro needs to start healing wounds he caused, and face up to his actions from prior events. I hope this reads well and I can return his character to canon within reason. GH pointed out that I mistreated him with events between him and Naru and I agree it wasn't quite right.
next part of 7.
************
After a time, Kanako excused herself and left the baths. Keitaro turned his attention to his friend and lover, Mutsumi. He gestured to her and she rose and sat beside him in the springs.
ôGood morning, Keitaro. Have you considered my request?ö she asked.
ôYes. IÆve been tasked with finding a way to heal and free each of you, or suffer dire consequences,ö he sighed, leaning back in the bath.
ôKitsune threatened to leave you?ö she said, guessing. Keitaro raised an eyebrow at her candor.
ôYouÆre very good at this. Maybe I should get you to help me.ö
ôDo you even need help? You seem to have cured your sister. I worry just how. Will there be another little Keitaro running around?ö she asked, half teasing. His face answered that.
ôNo, thankfully. My sister is a wonderful girl and I wish her all the best. I think weÆll be able to see each other more now that she understands and accepts my feelings for what they are.ö
ôOne down? Is that the way you see it?ö she asked quietly, disappointed.
ôNo! Kami, I hope not. I love each of you, very much. Its just I need to fix what IÆve done.ö
ôWhat if we donÆt want to be fixed?ö asked Mutsumi, a tear in her eye.
ôMutsumi?ö he asked, surprised to see tears on his oldest friend. Mutsumi never cried. He turned and held her close.
ôI never asked for very much, Kei-kun,ö she blubbered. ôMaybe that was a mistake. I could have pushed for you, stayed until the end. Made you choose me instead of Kitsune.ö Keitaro held her, realizing that this was time to act, if only he knew what to do. I used to be a nice person, a generous and kind person. Am I still that man? He wondered disconsolately.
ôIÆm so sorry, Mutsumi. What we did years ago felt so great I never stopped to think about what would happen afterward. IÆm only one man. I canÆt marry all of you, or be there for all of you. I had to choose someone, and Kitsune needed me most and had the strength and character to deal with me. You are sweet and generous and so sexy I find myself breathless around you sometimes. I want to be there for our son.ö
ôAnd me? What about me, Keitaro?ö asked Mutsumi, her eyes swollen and red, face wet with tears smeared on his chest. Keitaro stroked her back.
ôWhat can I do, Mutsumi? Is it even possible to make Kitsune see her jealousy threatens our marriage? I love her. I love you. I love the other girls too. It isnÆt fair. If you gained enough independence to stop needing me, and married someone who could love you, it would resolve things. ThatÆs what sheÆs asked me to do.ö
ôFind us husbands?ö exclaimed Mutsumi. ôI should give her a piece of my mind.ö
ôNo! Make you able to find a husband, to want one. To be ready for one. One who isnÆt me,ö he finished.
ôI see. She wants to drive us away,ö said Mutsumi, slumping in defeat. ôI never realized just how jealous she is.ö
ôSome of this is NaruÆs fault. She gave up so much for her sake. Just like you did. YouÆre different, though. YouÆre willing to share. ThatÆs very unusual.ö
ôIÆm not as generous as I tell myself. And I have regrets for my generosity,ö she said.
ôWould you marry someone if I refused to sleep with you, Mutsumi?ö asked Keitaro, holding her in his arms.
ôYou would be so cruel?ö she asked, disappointment in her eyes.
ôNo. I canÆt be so cruel. I want to know if you could love someone else like youÆve loved me,ö he said, reflecting her grief with his own.
ôIÆve never loved anyone but you, Keitaro. It isnÆt fair to ask this of me,ö she murmured into his chest, weeping.
ôIÆm sorry.ö
Keitaro knew that wasnÆt an answer, but she was thinking about it, at least. He supposed that was the best he could ask for at this time. He waited for the sniffles to die down, gave her a parting hug, then exited the baths before he lost his nerve. It was hard to walk away, leaving her like that. Very hard. Would he be able to do the same with Motoko, Shinobu, or Su? Was this going to hurt them even more? Was pleasing his wife more important than the feelings of his dearest friends? Such questions troubled him greatly and the initial success with Kanako was tempered by his failure with Mutsumi.
***************
I'd long wondered if Mutsumi could truly be endlessly giving and I don't think its reasonable. While she might tolerate polygamy since she got some of Keitaro, losing access to him after moving back into Hinata district just seems unreasonable. Everybody has a limit. Why can't Mutsumi? Please tell me if I'm misunderstanding her character.
************
After a time, Kanako excused herself and left the baths. Keitaro turned his attention to his friend and lover, Mutsumi. He gestured to her and she rose and sat beside him in the springs.
ôGood morning, Keitaro. Have you considered my request?ö she asked.
ôYes. IÆve been tasked with finding a way to heal and free each of you, or suffer dire consequences,ö he sighed, leaning back in the bath.
ôKitsune threatened to leave you?ö she said, guessing. Keitaro raised an eyebrow at her candor.
ôYouÆre very good at this. Maybe I should get you to help me.ö
ôDo you even need help? You seem to have cured your sister. I worry just how. Will there be another little Keitaro running around?ö she asked, half teasing. His face answered that.
ôNo, thankfully. My sister is a wonderful girl and I wish her all the best. I think weÆll be able to see each other more now that she understands and accepts my feelings for what they are.ö
ôOne down? Is that the way you see it?ö she asked quietly, disappointed.
ôNo! Kami, I hope not. I love each of you, very much. Its just I need to fix what IÆve done.ö
ôWhat if we donÆt want to be fixed?ö asked Mutsumi, a tear in her eye.
ôMutsumi?ö he asked, surprised to see tears on his oldest friend. Mutsumi never cried. He turned and held her close.
ôI never asked for very much, Kei-kun,ö she blubbered. ôMaybe that was a mistake. I could have pushed for you, stayed until the end. Made you choose me instead of Kitsune.ö Keitaro held her, realizing that this was time to act, if only he knew what to do. I used to be a nice person, a generous and kind person. Am I still that man? He wondered disconsolately.
ôIÆm so sorry, Mutsumi. What we did years ago felt so great I never stopped to think about what would happen afterward. IÆm only one man. I canÆt marry all of you, or be there for all of you. I had to choose someone, and Kitsune needed me most and had the strength and character to deal with me. You are sweet and generous and so sexy I find myself breathless around you sometimes. I want to be there for our son.ö
ôAnd me? What about me, Keitaro?ö asked Mutsumi, her eyes swollen and red, face wet with tears smeared on his chest. Keitaro stroked her back.
ôWhat can I do, Mutsumi? Is it even possible to make Kitsune see her jealousy threatens our marriage? I love her. I love you. I love the other girls too. It isnÆt fair. If you gained enough independence to stop needing me, and married someone who could love you, it would resolve things. ThatÆs what sheÆs asked me to do.ö
ôFind us husbands?ö exclaimed Mutsumi. ôI should give her a piece of my mind.ö
ôNo! Make you able to find a husband, to want one. To be ready for one. One who isnÆt me,ö he finished.
ôI see. She wants to drive us away,ö said Mutsumi, slumping in defeat. ôI never realized just how jealous she is.ö
ôSome of this is NaruÆs fault. She gave up so much for her sake. Just like you did. YouÆre different, though. YouÆre willing to share. ThatÆs very unusual.ö
ôIÆm not as generous as I tell myself. And I have regrets for my generosity,ö she said.
ôWould you marry someone if I refused to sleep with you, Mutsumi?ö asked Keitaro, holding her in his arms.
ôYou would be so cruel?ö she asked, disappointment in her eyes.
ôNo. I canÆt be so cruel. I want to know if you could love someone else like youÆve loved me,ö he said, reflecting her grief with his own.
ôIÆve never loved anyone but you, Keitaro. It isnÆt fair to ask this of me,ö she murmured into his chest, weeping.
ôIÆm sorry.ö
Keitaro knew that wasnÆt an answer, but she was thinking about it, at least. He supposed that was the best he could ask for at this time. He waited for the sniffles to die down, gave her a parting hug, then exited the baths before he lost his nerve. It was hard to walk away, leaving her like that. Very hard. Would he be able to do the same with Motoko, Shinobu, or Su? Was this going to hurt them even more? Was pleasing his wife more important than the feelings of his dearest friends? Such questions troubled him greatly and the initial success with Kanako was tempered by his failure with Mutsumi.
***************
I'd long wondered if Mutsumi could truly be endlessly giving and I don't think its reasonable. While she might tolerate polygamy since she got some of Keitaro, losing access to him after moving back into Hinata district just seems unreasonable. Everybody has a limit. Why can't Mutsumi? Please tell me if I'm misunderstanding her character.
I'm playing the women jealous because they've lived 4 years with the events following his choice. All of them, except Kanako, have children by him, at least one, and have suffered single parenthood for 3 years. Su has had him around, and nannies to help so she hasn't suffered. Motoko has been living a double life and is troubled by it. Shinobu refuses to say publically that she has a child at all, but that's going to come out very soon. Mutsumi has lived without Keitaro and she's a sexually charged woman so that's been very difficult for her. Naru you've already seen is an alcoholic and is completely crazy, not cut out to be a mother, much less a person with responsibilities. Kitsune is jealous because while she won Keitaro, she had to live with knowing he was officially bedding another woman, Kaolla Su, and having children with her when it took another year for her to get pregnant, unlike every other woman he's bedded. Naru caught without him even finishing. Think about that. She's blaming herself and its twisting her up inside. In addition, lingering resentment over Naru's taking all her potential boyfriends, then wasting them when Kitsune could have been happy, through middle school and high school... well, she's a pressure cooker about to blow. And that's why the screaming at Keitaro. She feels inadequate as a woman, which is why she's jealous and angry.
Why didn't I just say that? Because I figure my readers can understand that already. I've hinted at every step of the way through both stories that it would lead to this. And no, I don't outline or prewrite. Most of these are published as first drafts with just spelling fixed. That's it. Things you don't say which are obvious are understood by the reader. Its context. I've provided the context, the reader understands what it means.
Curious if there are any dissenters to Kitsune and Mutsumi's behavior in this context. And if anyone thinks I wasn't "on canon" with Kanako's reaction.
Why didn't I just say that? Because I figure my readers can understand that already. I've hinted at every step of the way through both stories that it would lead to this. And no, I don't outline or prewrite. Most of these are published as first drafts with just spelling fixed. That's it. Things you don't say which are obvious are understood by the reader. Its context. I've provided the context, the reader understands what it means.
Curious if there are any dissenters to Kitsune and Mutsumi's behavior in this context. And if anyone thinks I wasn't "on canon" with Kanako's reaction.
Well, for the most part, IMO reactions in this story should not be looked at in regards to canon anymore, it has diverged too far and several years past canon in any case, I generally look at it in cases like this is are they consisant with the developed characters as presented in the story up to that point.
Having said that, while Mutsumi and Kitsune's reactions seem fine and 'in character'. I'm really uncertain Kanako's is. Even in the earlier chapter of this arc, she was pretty bitter about her station, and it had all those years of emotional build up to dig in, plus seeing how the others have benefitied from him. I just can't see it really being that easy to turn her outlook around.
Having said that, while Mutsumi and Kitsune's reactions seem fine and 'in character'. I'm really uncertain Kanako's is. Even in the earlier chapter of this arc, she was pretty bitter about her station, and it had all those years of emotional build up to dig in, plus seeing how the others have benefitied from him. I just can't see it really being that easy to turn her outlook around.
I just feel that Kitsune's reaction was too muted. I would have been expecting more like armageddon, not that she would be so forgiving(relatively speaking)...
Not sure about Mutsumi though...she seemed to good to be true, the way she was portrayed in the manga, so I am not really sure how far her generosity extends, assuming there even is some sort of limit at all... :huh:
Not sure about Mutsumi though...she seemed to good to be true, the way she was portrayed in the manga, so I am not really sure how far her generosity extends, assuming there even is some sort of limit at all... :huh:
I'm about halfway through chapter 8. 7 is slightly modified from the above and has been posted to mediaminer. I made Kanako's complaints more believable, and Keitaro's anger with her more reasonable as well. I think this is a better resolution than previously.
************
Chapter 8
ShinobuÆs Shame
ôShinobu, the reporter is here. Are you sure you want to do this?ö asked her producer. This would mean the end of his job, the end of the whole empire built around her. Given the circumstances he understood but it was sad to preside over this shameful thing.
ôHai. It is time to end this farce. The kitchen princess is stepping down off her throne,ö she announced. She straightened her formal business dress and waited. The reporter entered, usual greetings and polite small talk as the camera crew setup. It was an usual contract but she was a big star, one of the biggest, a veritable domestic goddess.
ôSo, Maehara-san, I understand you have a son, but you are not married. Is that correct?ö asked middle aged woman reporter. She was famous in the society pages for hard hitting exposes. Phase one was underway, throwing meat to the biggest vulture. Shinobu smiled warmly, pleased that the reporter chose to ask the hard questions right away and not mince around. As always, her business instincts were sound.
ôThatÆs right. I have a son.ö
ôAre you divorced?ö she offered an easy way out, eyes predatory.
ôI never married his father,ö explained Shinobu. ôHe chose to marry someone else.ö The reporter flinched.
ôCan you tell me what happened?ö asked the reporter. Shinobu knew she had a name but it was easier not to think about it. It was easier to make this impersonal, this confession.
ôI fell in love when I was a young woman and pined away for him, surrounded by others more developed than I. He pined for one of them but she spurned him. I waited for my chance, but when it came I took it. IÆm not sorry for my choice,ö she said defiantly. ôSome will say I should be, but my love was true. I would regret more if I hadnÆt.ö
ôHow appalling. Do you still keep contact with him?ö she asked.
ôYes. I recently got back in touch with him. HeÆs somewhat famous, or was a few years ago.ö
ôI see. A movie star? A politician?ö she fished. Shinobu laughed easily, smiling.
ôNo, no. Nothing like that. I knew him for years before anything happened between us. And I was the aggressor. He was far to gentle to attack me. I was a tigress.ö
ôAnd his wife?ö
ôHe wasnÆt married at the time. I never thought of myself as someone who would sully a household or steal another womanÆs man.ö
ôAh, but you said a moment ago that he pined for another? What of her?ö
ôSheÆd burned her bridge by then. I came after, like the others.ö
ôI see. There were several other women interested in this man. Was he so charismatic?ö asked the reporter. Shinobu smiled, thinking of a way to describe this.
ôDo you like movies?ö
ôOf course.ö
ôRomances?ö she asked. The reporter nodded. ôEver seen the American romance film Sleepless in Seattle?ö asked Shinobu. The reporter nodded again.
ôThe man in that film, he wasnÆt terribly exciting or charismatic, he was just decent, if a little sad. He had puppydog eyes and people loved him because he was struggling so hard to do his best, and never did others a bad turn despite his luck. This man I lovedà he was like that,ö explained Shinobu. The reporter blinked, startled at a strange feeling in her chest. Was her vision blurry? A tear fell down her cheek. She quietly dabbed at it.
ôHe was so sweet and gentleà,ö sighed Shinobu, looking out the window quietly. The reporter dabbed at her eyes once more before inhaling deeply. Have to stay under control and remember her job. Focus!
ôWhy didnÆt he choose you?ö asked the reporter. Shinobu smiled sadly, one of those smiles that imparts so much pain.
ôI had stiff competition. A samurai. A princess. A couple coeds. I lost to the writer, surprisingly enough. None of us expected that.ö
ôDo you resent his choice?ö
ôSometimes, when IÆm feeling down, I resent her, but sheÆs a good mother and sheÆs good for him.ö
ôWhat of your own efforts to be a mother? What of your son? Does he know his father?ö
ôHe does. And IÆm grateful too. I live near him.ö
ôWe received some photographs through a source with a picture of a man and several women and children. Can you describe this event?ö she asked, going for the hardball questions now.
ôThis was the apartment renunion, where I lived as a girl and developed my skills as a chef and homemaker.ö
ôIs this man the father of your child?ö she asked. Shinobu considered. Keitaro had told her to do the right thing, and that he would not blame her, whatever happened. That he cared about her, loved her even now.
ôYes.ö
ôInvestigation of this man reveals him to be a rather famous archaeologist, married to his journalist wife and having some kind of official relationship to the ruling party of a Pacific island. The relationship appears rather confusing, some kind of strange legal territory not recognized by Japanese law.ö
ôHis marriage is perfectly legal.ö
ôSpeculation exists as to his relationship to these other women,ö fished the reporter, smoothly changing track.
ôAs I said, it was the reunion for our apartment building. Many of them were my fellow residents and close friends at the time.ö
ôAnd their husbands? Inside perhaps? Away on business?ö asked the reporter. Shinobu shrugged outwardly, winced inwardly. This reporter knew more than she should.
ôThat may be, however thatÆs their business. I would be remiss as a friend to comment on speculation,ö smiled Shinobu, the professional, tight, liars smile.
ôAnd so many children. IÆm quite amazed at their apparent likeness,ö she said, staring at children then Keitaro. The photos were quite good, even shot with a long telephoto lens. Shinobu had enough time in the industry to recognize the work was professional, and well financed. She wondered just who had the motive for this blackmail.
ôWe are all young and healthy women. Its not unnatural to have families, especially considering our national birthrate falling. I would think youÆd cheer us on for our patriotic duty,ö taunted Shinobu.
ôThat remains to be seen. I understand you now live near that apartment?ö
ôYes, thatÆs right. Its so that my son can be near his father.ö
ôI see. And the other women in the photo, they live nearby also? For the same reason?ö asked the reporter.
ôIt does hold a lot of nostalgia for me. Perhaps they find it so as well.ö
ôAre you aware of a recent upset in the financial world? It seems that a large electronics firm with headquarters in a remote pacific island cancelled its contracts with existing suppliers and moved its legal representation just around the corner from you. Do you have any comment?ö
ôSu-chan? SheÆs a close friend. We grew up together. WeÆve drifted apart until recently. I canÆt really comment beyond that, as IÆm not involved in the financial world. IÆm merely a humble cook,ö she said cutely, insincere.
ôDo you have any jealousy towards your close friend over her continuing relationship with the man you love?ö asked the reporter, dropping her final bomb. Shinobu smiled sweetly, venom dripping.
ôThank you for your time, Arataki-san. I have other business to attend to now,ö said Shinobu, ending the interview.
ôOne final question! Did you know all those children are his?ö she accused, Shinobu bowed and rushed out of the room, while her producer barred the pursuit.
She found herself later in a quiet conference room on another floor wheezing from her flight away from such insistent questions. Would that be enough to satisfy the vultures, or would they keep digging? She didnÆt know for sure. If they smelled a story and it was a slow news night, theyÆd dig more until it was all uncovered. Shinobu turned on her private phone, enabled the encryption that Su had installed, and called KeitaroÆs number. There was a momentÆs garble before he answered properly.
ôShinobu? Are you okay?ö he asked. His voice was warm and comforting, for once. Maybe something had happened.
ôAre you okay, Keitaro? You sound different than usual,ö asked Shinobu, concerned.
ôJust some stuff. IÆll tell you later, in person,ö offered Keitaro. ôWhat about you? How did the interview go?ö
ôIt started okay,ö she explained, then followed it up with the rest of the story. She heard Keitaro wince at some of the questions.
ôYou did well. Better than I could have. TheyÆre going to come talk to me next arenÆt they?ö
ôYouÆre probably under surveillance now. Seen any unusual people around? More than once?ö she asked. Keitaro paused on the other end of the line, thinking back.
ôYes, some. IÆll know them when I see them. Should I do anything?ö he asked her advice. It was a refreshing change to have him listen to her. She smiled in spite of herself, feeling a blush come on just like the old days.
ôBe yourself, donÆt lie, but only tell them as much as you have to. The less the better. If they give you any trouble run to MotokoÆs office. SheÆs got office space shared with the Molmol embassy. They canÆt step foot there without mechatamas blowing them up.ö
ôThatÆsà true. Good idea. IsnÆt that a little violent?ö asked Keitaro.
ôYes,ö said Shinobu, just as simply.
ôUh. Hmm. Okay. What do we do now?ö he asked.
ôI have to go to the next stage. Since they violated the terms of my agreement, I get to pursue them through my legal office. Count on them airing it anyway. Its too juicy not to. IÆll make it back in court. Plus the pay per view of my approved interview. I come out smelling like roses. And even richer than before.ö
ôI should come to you for business advices, Shinobu-chan,ö sighed Keitaro.
ôYes, you should. IÆve gotten good at thisà Keitaro?ö she asked after a pause.
ôYeah?ö
ôDo you ever wonder what it would be like if youÆd chosen me instead?ö she asked.
ôYeah. Maybe a little like it was before, only less frantic, and more passionate. Something like that. It would have been nice,ö he said quietly.
ôDo you regret the choice you made?ö she asked.
ôSometimes, but mostly I did what I did because it was the right thing to do. Do you blame me for that?ö he asked.
ôSometimes. You understand though, donÆt you?ö she said.
ôYes, I do. Shinobu-chan?ö he asked.
ôYes, Keitaro?ö she responded.
ôIÆm going to do what I can to make things right for all of us. Its going to be complicated, and might take some time, but donÆt give up on me, okay?ö he pleaded. Shinobu wondered at the meaning of that and thought for a while.
ôI wonÆt give up on you, Keitaro. See you later,ö she said. They said their goodbyes and hung up. Shinobu looked at the phone for a while, pondering quietly.
ôI sure hope so.ö Tokyo hummed in the afternoon rush hour, millions of people going every which way. She enjoyed the anonymity of riding the train, and wondered just how much longer that would last, thanks to this blackmail rumor. It was ironically true, as well. Build it up first, profit from it, take it apart. Control it all, every step of the way. The only way to kill it was to deflate the whole thing. She hoped this would work. Her backup plan was in place, regardless. She had the lease signed. Just a matter of staffing it with trustworthy people willing to work for minimum wage in a backwater suburb of Tokyo, well off the main transit routes. She smiled, thinking again of her family restaurant. And admitted, only to herself, that she was a better cook than her parents had been.
****************
More will follow this, with some interaction between Kaolla, Motoko, Keitaro, and some nosy reporters. I'll have to write it first. Strangely, Honey and Clover has been a great source of inspiration for this. I could say its hard to imagine that life could be about so much pain as those characters go through, but real life is actually like that.
************
Chapter 8
ShinobuÆs Shame
ôShinobu, the reporter is here. Are you sure you want to do this?ö asked her producer. This would mean the end of his job, the end of the whole empire built around her. Given the circumstances he understood but it was sad to preside over this shameful thing.
ôHai. It is time to end this farce. The kitchen princess is stepping down off her throne,ö she announced. She straightened her formal business dress and waited. The reporter entered, usual greetings and polite small talk as the camera crew setup. It was an usual contract but she was a big star, one of the biggest, a veritable domestic goddess.
ôSo, Maehara-san, I understand you have a son, but you are not married. Is that correct?ö asked middle aged woman reporter. She was famous in the society pages for hard hitting exposes. Phase one was underway, throwing meat to the biggest vulture. Shinobu smiled warmly, pleased that the reporter chose to ask the hard questions right away and not mince around. As always, her business instincts were sound.
ôThatÆs right. I have a son.ö
ôAre you divorced?ö she offered an easy way out, eyes predatory.
ôI never married his father,ö explained Shinobu. ôHe chose to marry someone else.ö The reporter flinched.
ôCan you tell me what happened?ö asked the reporter. Shinobu knew she had a name but it was easier not to think about it. It was easier to make this impersonal, this confession.
ôI fell in love when I was a young woman and pined away for him, surrounded by others more developed than I. He pined for one of them but she spurned him. I waited for my chance, but when it came I took it. IÆm not sorry for my choice,ö she said defiantly. ôSome will say I should be, but my love was true. I would regret more if I hadnÆt.ö
ôHow appalling. Do you still keep contact with him?ö she asked.
ôYes. I recently got back in touch with him. HeÆs somewhat famous, or was a few years ago.ö
ôI see. A movie star? A politician?ö she fished. Shinobu laughed easily, smiling.
ôNo, no. Nothing like that. I knew him for years before anything happened between us. And I was the aggressor. He was far to gentle to attack me. I was a tigress.ö
ôAnd his wife?ö
ôHe wasnÆt married at the time. I never thought of myself as someone who would sully a household or steal another womanÆs man.ö
ôAh, but you said a moment ago that he pined for another? What of her?ö
ôSheÆd burned her bridge by then. I came after, like the others.ö
ôI see. There were several other women interested in this man. Was he so charismatic?ö asked the reporter. Shinobu smiled, thinking of a way to describe this.
ôDo you like movies?ö
ôOf course.ö
ôRomances?ö she asked. The reporter nodded. ôEver seen the American romance film Sleepless in Seattle?ö asked Shinobu. The reporter nodded again.
ôThe man in that film, he wasnÆt terribly exciting or charismatic, he was just decent, if a little sad. He had puppydog eyes and people loved him because he was struggling so hard to do his best, and never did others a bad turn despite his luck. This man I lovedà he was like that,ö explained Shinobu. The reporter blinked, startled at a strange feeling in her chest. Was her vision blurry? A tear fell down her cheek. She quietly dabbed at it.
ôHe was so sweet and gentleà,ö sighed Shinobu, looking out the window quietly. The reporter dabbed at her eyes once more before inhaling deeply. Have to stay under control and remember her job. Focus!
ôWhy didnÆt he choose you?ö asked the reporter. Shinobu smiled sadly, one of those smiles that imparts so much pain.
ôI had stiff competition. A samurai. A princess. A couple coeds. I lost to the writer, surprisingly enough. None of us expected that.ö
ôDo you resent his choice?ö
ôSometimes, when IÆm feeling down, I resent her, but sheÆs a good mother and sheÆs good for him.ö
ôWhat of your own efforts to be a mother? What of your son? Does he know his father?ö
ôHe does. And IÆm grateful too. I live near him.ö
ôWe received some photographs through a source with a picture of a man and several women and children. Can you describe this event?ö she asked, going for the hardball questions now.
ôThis was the apartment renunion, where I lived as a girl and developed my skills as a chef and homemaker.ö
ôIs this man the father of your child?ö she asked. Shinobu considered. Keitaro had told her to do the right thing, and that he would not blame her, whatever happened. That he cared about her, loved her even now.
ôYes.ö
ôInvestigation of this man reveals him to be a rather famous archaeologist, married to his journalist wife and having some kind of official relationship to the ruling party of a Pacific island. The relationship appears rather confusing, some kind of strange legal territory not recognized by Japanese law.ö
ôHis marriage is perfectly legal.ö
ôSpeculation exists as to his relationship to these other women,ö fished the reporter, smoothly changing track.
ôAs I said, it was the reunion for our apartment building. Many of them were my fellow residents and close friends at the time.ö
ôAnd their husbands? Inside perhaps? Away on business?ö asked the reporter. Shinobu shrugged outwardly, winced inwardly. This reporter knew more than she should.
ôThat may be, however thatÆs their business. I would be remiss as a friend to comment on speculation,ö smiled Shinobu, the professional, tight, liars smile.
ôAnd so many children. IÆm quite amazed at their apparent likeness,ö she said, staring at children then Keitaro. The photos were quite good, even shot with a long telephoto lens. Shinobu had enough time in the industry to recognize the work was professional, and well financed. She wondered just who had the motive for this blackmail.
ôWe are all young and healthy women. Its not unnatural to have families, especially considering our national birthrate falling. I would think youÆd cheer us on for our patriotic duty,ö taunted Shinobu.
ôThat remains to be seen. I understand you now live near that apartment?ö
ôYes, thatÆs right. Its so that my son can be near his father.ö
ôI see. And the other women in the photo, they live nearby also? For the same reason?ö asked the reporter.
ôIt does hold a lot of nostalgia for me. Perhaps they find it so as well.ö
ôAre you aware of a recent upset in the financial world? It seems that a large electronics firm with headquarters in a remote pacific island cancelled its contracts with existing suppliers and moved its legal representation just around the corner from you. Do you have any comment?ö
ôSu-chan? SheÆs a close friend. We grew up together. WeÆve drifted apart until recently. I canÆt really comment beyond that, as IÆm not involved in the financial world. IÆm merely a humble cook,ö she said cutely, insincere.
ôDo you have any jealousy towards your close friend over her continuing relationship with the man you love?ö asked the reporter, dropping her final bomb. Shinobu smiled sweetly, venom dripping.
ôThank you for your time, Arataki-san. I have other business to attend to now,ö said Shinobu, ending the interview.
ôOne final question! Did you know all those children are his?ö she accused, Shinobu bowed and rushed out of the room, while her producer barred the pursuit.
She found herself later in a quiet conference room on another floor wheezing from her flight away from such insistent questions. Would that be enough to satisfy the vultures, or would they keep digging? She didnÆt know for sure. If they smelled a story and it was a slow news night, theyÆd dig more until it was all uncovered. Shinobu turned on her private phone, enabled the encryption that Su had installed, and called KeitaroÆs number. There was a momentÆs garble before he answered properly.
ôShinobu? Are you okay?ö he asked. His voice was warm and comforting, for once. Maybe something had happened.
ôAre you okay, Keitaro? You sound different than usual,ö asked Shinobu, concerned.
ôJust some stuff. IÆll tell you later, in person,ö offered Keitaro. ôWhat about you? How did the interview go?ö
ôIt started okay,ö she explained, then followed it up with the rest of the story. She heard Keitaro wince at some of the questions.
ôYou did well. Better than I could have. TheyÆre going to come talk to me next arenÆt they?ö
ôYouÆre probably under surveillance now. Seen any unusual people around? More than once?ö she asked. Keitaro paused on the other end of the line, thinking back.
ôYes, some. IÆll know them when I see them. Should I do anything?ö he asked her advice. It was a refreshing change to have him listen to her. She smiled in spite of herself, feeling a blush come on just like the old days.
ôBe yourself, donÆt lie, but only tell them as much as you have to. The less the better. If they give you any trouble run to MotokoÆs office. SheÆs got office space shared with the Molmol embassy. They canÆt step foot there without mechatamas blowing them up.ö
ôThatÆsà true. Good idea. IsnÆt that a little violent?ö asked Keitaro.
ôYes,ö said Shinobu, just as simply.
ôUh. Hmm. Okay. What do we do now?ö he asked.
ôI have to go to the next stage. Since they violated the terms of my agreement, I get to pursue them through my legal office. Count on them airing it anyway. Its too juicy not to. IÆll make it back in court. Plus the pay per view of my approved interview. I come out smelling like roses. And even richer than before.ö
ôI should come to you for business advices, Shinobu-chan,ö sighed Keitaro.
ôYes, you should. IÆve gotten good at thisà Keitaro?ö she asked after a pause.
ôYeah?ö
ôDo you ever wonder what it would be like if youÆd chosen me instead?ö she asked.
ôYeah. Maybe a little like it was before, only less frantic, and more passionate. Something like that. It would have been nice,ö he said quietly.
ôDo you regret the choice you made?ö she asked.
ôSometimes, but mostly I did what I did because it was the right thing to do. Do you blame me for that?ö he asked.
ôSometimes. You understand though, donÆt you?ö she said.
ôYes, I do. Shinobu-chan?ö he asked.
ôYes, Keitaro?ö she responded.
ôIÆm going to do what I can to make things right for all of us. Its going to be complicated, and might take some time, but donÆt give up on me, okay?ö he pleaded. Shinobu wondered at the meaning of that and thought for a while.
ôI wonÆt give up on you, Keitaro. See you later,ö she said. They said their goodbyes and hung up. Shinobu looked at the phone for a while, pondering quietly.
ôI sure hope so.ö Tokyo hummed in the afternoon rush hour, millions of people going every which way. She enjoyed the anonymity of riding the train, and wondered just how much longer that would last, thanks to this blackmail rumor. It was ironically true, as well. Build it up first, profit from it, take it apart. Control it all, every step of the way. The only way to kill it was to deflate the whole thing. She hoped this would work. Her backup plan was in place, regardless. She had the lease signed. Just a matter of staffing it with trustworthy people willing to work for minimum wage in a backwater suburb of Tokyo, well off the main transit routes. She smiled, thinking again of her family restaurant. And admitted, only to herself, that she was a better cook than her parents had been.
****************
More will follow this, with some interaction between Kaolla, Motoko, Keitaro, and some nosy reporters. I'll have to write it first. Strangely, Honey and Clover has been a great source of inspiration for this. I could say its hard to imagine that life could be about so much pain as those characters go through, but real life is actually like that.
Interviewing Su and Motoko together...those reporters have never known known real death until now, have they? :lol:
Although I actually like it that the reporters are bring the whole matter out into the open, even though their motives are far from pure. In the very least, Keitaro has incentive now to clean up his fiasco as quickly as possibly, and not drag his feet in the matter. ^_^
And I end with the obligatory "MOAR!!!"
Although I actually like it that the reporters are bring the whole matter out into the open, even though their motives are far from pure. In the very least, Keitaro has incentive now to clean up his fiasco as quickly as possibly, and not drag his feet in the matter. ^_^
And I end with the obligatory "MOAR!!!"
Keep in mind that Motoko and Su are a functional unit, as long as Keitaro is there for them both, for their support and their needs. They're both high pressure women. Su is very creative. Motoko is powerfully aggressive and is finally getting to the point where she's having less to hide. The big problem here is Kitsune. How will she deal with the others, when she has potent jealousy?