Disclaimer
x X x X x X
2008
Dedications to friends and readers.
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Royale Love In Deck
By ashleefen
● NxM ●
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TOKYO TIMES
Friday
HEADLINES
ASSASINATION ATTEMPT AT ROYALE
It happened just yesterday night, after a few important individuals had come to the famous Royale Hyuuga Casino in Tokyo. Natsume Hyuuga, the casino's precious heir, was almost assassinated. There were four gunners involved, all of which have been arrested by the police. However, the instigators are yet to be found. The victims are Natsume Hyuuga, Hotaru Imai, Ruka Nogi and Mikan Sakura. The P.C.M. – Personal Casino Members, formed by Hyuuga are currently being held by the police for further questioning. The location of the victims is unknown. TURN TO PAGE 3 .
The 'extra-bolded' headlines were read thoroughly by all the citizens, who were very shocked and naturally, curious. Some buisness men were stressing out over the market sudden plunge in certain stocks related to the casino. Many pictures of the happening were posted on the newspaper - the reporters had clearly been snapping some photos without permission.
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At Gakuen Alice ( Mikan's school )
The school quieted down soon after the big news. A immediate meeting was held to discuss about Mikan Sakura; teachers were throwing questions and accusations at each other and the meeting room was filled with loud noises.
Mr. Jinno spoke up with a serious tone, determined to be heard over everythign else.
"Sorry to interrupt, but everyone seems to be missing the real point. The actual question is: Why is Mikan Sakura mixed up with the casino assassination attempt? She's only sixteen, so why was she in a casino? "
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Royale Hyuuga Casino
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All the workers were grateful once the media finally decided to stop bothering them. The security guards were interrogated by the police. The whole casino was turned inside out.
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Inside Mr.Hyuuga's office…
"Mr. Hyuuga, the media are very persistent to find out where the young master and his friends are. It was a brilliant step of you to put them in the most unexpected place. The irritating bugs wouldn't even think of that place."
"Yes, yes. Now, I want the reports of their injuries."
"Here. The bullet in Natsume's shoulder was removed and the wound has been stitched up. Hotaru will not be able to use her wrists for approximately two weeks. The doctor from England said there was nothing to be worried about for Mikan and Ruka, and he asked for all of them to have a lot of rest with no possible disturbance."
"All right. Did you explain this to Marie already? She was very concerned."
"Yes, she's already on the way back home. And.. Mrs. Sakura, Mikan's mother, requests an immediate audience with you. She's waiting at the grand lobby."
"Show her in."
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Mrs. Sakura walked in with her black pumps softly clicking against the highly polished wooden floor, and sat herself down on the leather sofa. Mr. Hyuuga looked at his old friend, whom he hadn't talked to in years, and waved his assistant out after a moment's silence.
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"Finally, after all these years, you came back from Italy, my old friend."
"Do not make it sound as if I am an old woman," she sighed. "So Rech, regarding the news.."
"No worries, it's all taken care of. And I do approve of their lovey-dovey relationship. After all, you would be the sister in law, and Marie would jump over the moon."
"Hahaha.. Don't jump to conclusions too fast. Youngsters these days.. Anyway, I'm very worried for the casino's reputation. Even the casino's branch in France is slightly affected because upper-class customers think the security is too loose. "
Mr. Hyuuga poured a suitable amount of red wine into two tall transparent glasses and passed one to Mrs. Sakura. He sipped and enjoyed the taste of it. What a day..
"I know, but the police cannot seem to find any solid clues to the leader that planned the assassination. Though, the attackers are being questioned as we speak. Anyways, Natsume and your daughter are currently being held under extra securities. "
"I do hope all this will turn out well, Rech."
"Yes, yes. So do I. Are you planning to visit your daughter in Spa De Bianco ?"
"I did call her up, but the nurse said she was sleeping. But since her friends are going to be there, I'll save the mothery visit for another time. "
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Mrs. Sakura's Blackberry beeped loudly, startling her. She picked it up, excusing herself from the room for a moment. She came back in with an annoyed expression.
"Okay, do me a favor. I need your signature."
"What for? " Rech questioned. Mrs. Sakura took out her fountain pen and started to write on a blank paper she had politely taken from Rech's desk.
"Mikan's school. They want to know how she got involved. Good thing her father is busy signing a contract with the Germans or he would make a big fuss. I just need your signature at the bottom."
Bothersome adult reasoning.
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Zooming in on..
Spa De Bianco
In the Spa's hotel, a loud slurp could be heard from one of the room and then some fast scribbling could be heard. Hotaru was trying to write with her left hand whilst slurping angrily on her Special Ice Blended Melon Milk. A loud yawn escaped Mikan's mouth as she stretched her arms and rubbed her teary eyes. She looked at Hotaru curiously and sat cross-legged on the bed.
"Hotaru, what are you trying to do?"
"Trying to write with my left hand. "
"Why?"
"I CAN'T SIGN THE DAMN DOCUMENTS FOR RUKA'S UPCOMING PHOTOSHOOT. My right hand can't be used for two weeks; that equals to fourteen days, three hundred thirty-six hours and twenty-thousand, one hundred sixty seconds!" Hotaru cried irritably, and slammed the pencil on the desk.
"Hmm.. Now that I notice.. where are we?"
"So slow as always. We are in Spa De Bianco."
"I thought we're supposed to be in a hospital?"
"The reporters, Mikan. They'd drive us insane."
"..How about the attack yesterday? Natsume! How is he? And.. and.. Sue.. I think I heard her voice too.. subconsiously.."
"Sue? She isn't here. Must have been your imagination. Ruka will explain the situation."
"Where's Natsume?"
"Natsume is still unconscious, he lost a lot of blood due to his injury."
"Oh.. is he fine ?"
"Ask him yourself when he wakes. You better get washed, because we're going to the garden for breakfast. Good thing the garden is exclusive for certain people. I need maximum privacy . "
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The man slammed loudly on his working desk and the sharp dart he was holding in his hands flew as he flung it against a large photo of himself and the Hyuugas outside the casino. The dart landed on Natsume expressionless face.
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Damn those idiots.. Can't even kill one tiny boy. Just that boy.. JUST THAT BOY! And all my dreams of becoming the next heir will come true! The only obstacle is that boy, and Rech will name me as his successor. After all, I have been working as his partner for so many years.. I have to get rid of that boy.. before anyone finds out I am the culprit.
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Mikan was amazed at the beautiful flower garden. She, Hotaru and Ruka entered after walking down a small, neat path lined with white pebbles. This garden was exclusive for certain guests- they couldn't afford for just any customers to pluck the somewhat expensive flowers. There was also a small lively stream flowing next to a few pots of white lilies. They sat around a white table and took in the breath-taking scenery in front of them. Hotaru's mood brightened up considerably as a few thrushes flew down next to her and chirped. Breakfast was served after Ruka explained briefly about the current situation.
Mikan felt quite lonely, even though her friends were in front of her. Natsume wasn't here. She felt very concerned, and the poker battle didn't end yet. Somewhere in her heart, she felt it was okay to be his girlfriend.. The warm feeling crept up again.
"Mikan..MIKAN! " Hotaru nudged her.
"Uh.. Oh.. Hotaru, what is it?"
"The birds are going to peck at your food if you just leave it."
"Oh.."
Hotaru and Ruka looked at each other and couldn't help to smile knowingly; they knew what was going through Mikan's mind. She was like an open book.
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Behind a white wall in Spa De Bianco, a girl wearing a white cap talked on her cellphone softly while leaning against the wall.
"Yes, Ms. Marie. They are all alright. "
"Did any media or suspicious people came?"
"None they didn't think that injured people would come to the Spa."
"Very good.. Sue. You did well for saving them."
"Thank you, Ms. Marie."
"Now, I need you to investigate the background of Rech's long-term working partner.."
"Yes."
"Contact me when you are done and we'll meet at my place."
"Okay."
"And have a driver pick up the P.C.M. from the police. Koko must have mentally killed three polices already, Hotaru already called the higher-ups to release them."
"I'll call the driver now. Have a nice day, Ms. Marie."
"You too."
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The police station
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In the interrogation room, Koko sat on the chair with both legs folded on the table. The officers next to him were disgusted with the lack of tact. Yuu and Mochu were seated next to Koko, and both had answered all the questions the police asked. Koko only whined about how the air smelled too stale, the chairs uncomfortable and that the polices' uniform were so uncool. He even suggested all policemen and women should wear Superman suits instead, to attract more attention. Everyone was annoyed with him. When one of the officers walked to an empty chair slowly, Koko had grinned widely, and proceeded to stick one of his feet out, causing the officer to trip and fall on his knees. Mochu stifled a laugh.
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"YOU!!" The officer grabbed Koko's collar, fury in his eyes. Koko beamed happily at him, showing his set of white pearly teeth.
"You.." he pointed his index finger in the face of the officer, boldly stating, "need a chill pill. Perhaps some Australian red wine would do?" he teased casually.
"I WILL REPORT YOU TO--"
The metal door opened and a stern-looking female strode in.
"Release them immediately. They are allowed to leave."
"Yes.. yes.. I am sorry.."
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Koko threw a flying kiss to all of them as he happily cavorted out. What a weird kiddo.. All of them thought. Yuu and Mochu dragged Koko into the car before he could do any more playful pranks. Yuu flipped his cellphone open and smoothed his blonde hair with his palm. A message from Ruka.
"Take us to Spa De Bianco please."
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In another room in Spa De Bianco, Natsume lay on the bed, with some medical tubes going through his wrists, and his shoulder was bandaged neatly. Two casually-clothed security guards stood outside.
Natsume was drifting in a dark world, thoughts coming through his mind. His breaths were steady, eyes still closed.
Who is the culprit?
Why did Sue appear then?
Why did they try to kill me?
How did they get through the casino's security?
Are the rest okay
So many questions, but answers are yet to come.
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Ashleefen Notes : I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Sorry for any mistakes - Namikawa is currently off and will be back soon to edit - I had a long hibernation and since its a holiday now, I take the chance to write this chapter. Read and review as always.
Namikawa's Notes: I'm back with vengeance, ningen -BEEP-s! Thinking of writing this and that, and basically been a lazy ass xD. Hopefully I didn't miss any mistakes. So review pweeze. I read them reviews, you know. B. Ask me what you want, or maybe add my MSN. I feel like blabbering to anybody who'll listen. P See ya, have a nice day.