The Promise and the Threat

Co-written with Aya

Reiko sighed as she entered her house quickly heading upstairs to change. She needed to get into normal clothes and she needed pain pills. Barely having gotten changed her phone rang and she grabbed it listening.

"I got the local of the phone. It's in the Haiiro District. I'm working on getting a blueprint together of the building it's in but it's taking a bit longer than I thought. I'll be able to pinpoint the room it's in as well. I'll call you back when I get more info."

"Thank you." Reiko closed her phone only to hear it ring again. Blinking she stared down. It was Ruka. Debating for a moment if she would answer it, she flipped it open.

"Hello-"

"Where are you? You're supposed to be in the hospital."

"I- . . .I have to get Akira. It's my fault he's gone. I stopped the shipment that they want. They want the shipment and they almost killed Daisuike and are going to hurt Akira because of me. . ." Reiko collapsed onto the bed trying to keep her breathing even and steady.

"Where are you Hime-chan. Let me help you." There was no point in arguing with her. He'd call Jiro later and give him updates. As long as he was with her she would be safe.

"I- I'm at my house, I'm about to leave though-"

"I'll be your ride. Be there in 10." And the phone went dead.

Sighing Reiko laid back on the bed trying to fight through the pain she was in and form a plan in her mind about what she was going to do.

***

Akira groaned trying to sit up. He wished he hadn't woke up. Everything hurt. His head was pounding viciously making him feel sick. He blinked a few times trying to get things to focus. He was laying on his back in a bed. The ceiling was dingy gray and there was a large water stain above him. Where was he?

He turned his head to the side his eyes widening slightly as he recognized one of the men who had attacked him and Reiko. The man grinned at him a sinister look in his eyes. He looked past Akira.

"Go tell the boss he's awake again."

Akira jerked trying to sit up only to realize he was chained to the bed. He suddenly realized there was fabric in his mouth, the gag tied tight around his head. It tasted oddly metallic and he wondered if he was bleeding. He heard the door open and shut and raised his head to look. There was nothing else in the room except the bed and a couple of chairs, one of which was still occupied. The man was watching him with cold impassive eyes, the buzz cut and scar making him look even more sinister.

"Your little girl friend put up quite a fight. I hope someone got her to a hospital." The man taunted him laughing as Akira struggled against the chains. He hoped Jiro was on his way. Someone needed to wipe that vapid smirk off his face.

The door opened again and two new faces appeared over him. He looked from the blond foreigner to the other man and narrowed his eyes.

“So . . . you do recognize me.” Fujimaru smiled his eyes seeming to glow in the low light of the room. “I didn’t know if you would. This is good. Chad, this is Daisuike’s younger brother.”

“What’s up with the hair?”

Akira bit down on the gag struggling against the cuffs as Chad leaned over him, smirking. “Punk rocker wanna be ne? You don’t look much like your brothers.” Akira took a shuddering breath as he stood back up to look at Fujimaru. “So . . . do we wait? Do you think Jiro will call?”

“He won’t. He’ll be getting his resources together to come rescue the little bitch.”

“Then what about the shipment? We have to get that back. I’m risking my whole career here-“

“Just calm down. I got rid of our other problem didn’t I?”

“You took your sweet time about it too. What the fuck did you have against that kid anyway?”

“Everything. Cocky bastard was always strutting around like he was the wakagashira instead of just an enforcer. Kimura knew he’d be the perfect target. Kill the guard dog and it’s easier to kill the owner.”

“Yeah, well just make sure you take care of that container before you worry about revenge, Kyoji. The Fudoka and I both need it back.”

Akira looked back and forth between them trying not to let the fear overwhelm him. These were the guys who had tried to kill Daisuike. Apparently they didn’t know he’d survived. Where they going to try to kill Jiro next? Was that why they’d kidnapped him, to lure Jiro out?
“Don’t worry. I’ll get it taken care of. Just wish we could have made those bogus charges stick so that Jiro would be out of the picture for a while, but someone was working the other side too. I’ve got my guys trying to figure out who it was. Whoever they are, I will find them and they will die screaming just like Daisuike did.”

***

Daisuike waited a whole hour before the need to do something anything became too great. He was always at Jiro's side helping him take care of things. He wasn't going to slack off now just because he was injured. The IV came out easy enough, but getting out of the bed proved to be a bit trickier. He managed to shut off the monitors before the alarms went off again.

His clothes were gone. He swore softly. Where was he going to get clothes? He sat on the edge of the bed thinking trying to force down the waves of dizziness. He couldn't pass out now. Maybe if he just rested for a moment.

***

Reiko sighed as she limped climbing into Ruka's car. It was one of his racers, a sleek looking platinum car that rode so low she felt like she was sitting on the ground. Raising an eyebrow at him she smirked.

"Going for a race?"

"Never know. . ." He laughed then the smile left his face as he looked at Reiko, "Now what is going on."

"My friend Ichi knows where Akira is- Or at least his phone. It's in the Haiiro District and he's sending me the blueprints and local right now."

"We need to call Jiro and have-"

"No! We have to go now! There isn't time! This is my fault and I won't wait on Jiro sending his guys around and not get anything accomplished!"

Ruka stared at her shocked to see her panting and hissing through gritted teeth. She was serious about this.

"Fine. We'll just go, okay? But what do you plan to do?"

"I'm not sure yet but I'll figure that out on the way there."

Ruka rolled his eyes pulling his phone out as Reiko shut her eyes laying her head back. He quickly texted Jiro.

I have Reiko so please just worry about Akira and Daisuike.

Jiro breathed a short sigh of relief as he read the text from Ruka. At least he wouldn't have to worry about her safety now. He stood up seeing Hayate and Kenta coming in the hospital entrance an exhausted looking Haru with them.

"Hey guys."

"Hey, how is Suke?"

"Not that good, honestly. Stupid shit doesn't want to stay in the hospital."

"Doesn't he understand he almost died?" Kenta’s brow furrowed.

"He knows." Haru’s voice was gruff, his back ramrod straight as he glared at everyone. "I'm going to go check on him."

Jiro nodded, "Alright, I'm waiting on some phone calls. I've got some contacts that are going to help us track Akira down."

Haru nodded as he moved away. "Just hurry the fuck up. Aki's had enough of being someone's prisoner as it is."

***

Reiko sighed as she opened her eyes feeling her phone vibrate. Flipping it open she stared at it. Ichi really did his job. There was a lot of information in that little document. Then her phone rang.

"Thank you."

"No problem but Reiko? I can't tell you how many guys are there exactly. I got a feed from the streets but nothing inside. I got cellphone signals of about 15 minus Akira's. That doesn't mean that there are only 15 guys, there could be more."

"Reiko I really think we need to let Jiro in one this-"

"Shut up Ruka. Only reason you're here is to drive." She glared at him and he glared back.

"I need to get Akira out of there Ichi."

"Reiko you know I can do some things but. . . Why don't you let this-"

"If you won't help me Ichi I'll do it myself." She was about to hang the phone up but Ichi's shout stopped her.

"Okay! Okay. I have an idea but it's dangerous. You need to use your smarts to make this Fujimaru unsure of himself first. I'll set things up."

"Fine." Hanging up the phone she sighed. Fujimaru had used Akira's phone. Hopefully he would answer it. Hitting the speed dial she clenched her fist as she listened to the phone ring.

***

"Why the hell are you being so stupid? Do you want to die? Is that it?"

Daisuike glared up at Haru unwilling to back down. "I won't die and it's not stupid. I can help-"

"You can not help this time."

"What do you know about what I can and can't do?" Daisuike was shouting now. Haru narrowed his eyes. He stepped forward part of him glad to see Daisuike step back. It had scared Haru to see him walking around when he knew how badly hurt he was. If Daisuike was going to be so stubborn about leaving, he would be stubborn right back about keeping him in the hospital.

"I know you tried, Suke. Now it's time for you to take it easy."

"How the hell can I take it easy knowing that the guys who-who did this to me now have Akira." Daisuike was becoming frantic. "They will kill him Haru! He told me he would."

"Jiro won't let that happen."

"Jiro needs my help. I have to do something." Daisuike went to try to go around Haru. Wincing inwardly Haru grabbed his arm forcing him back toward the bed. Daisuike tensed trying to pull his arm away but didn't have the strength.

"Sorry, Suke. I can't let you leave here."

"Let go, Haru."

"No, not until you are back in the bed where you belong." He hated to see the hurt and anger in Daisuike's eyes but he wasn't about to let him go on what amounted to a suicide mission.

***

Reiko sighed calling Ichi back.

"He won't answer."

"Then we'll have to do it a different way then."

Ruka stared at Reiko for a moment. "Stepping out." He slipped out of the parked car as Reiko spoke with Ichi. Flipping his phone out he called Jiro. He needed to speak with him and tell him what was going on. Reiko did everything she could but now they need professionals.

"Hang on Minato, I've got another call coming in." Jiro looked at the phone and accepted the call seeing that it was Ruka. "Everything alright Ruka?"

He was getting a bit frustrated. There were too many conflicting reports coming in and he needed a solid lead. He didn't want Akira in their possession any longer than absolutely necessary.

"I have to make this fast, Reiko is having a hissy fit and would be furious if she knew I was calling you. We found Akira. He's in the Haiiro District which is still on your territory as far as I know. There's at least 15 men inside that we know of and Ichi is trying to work some plans out." Ruka took a slow breath then exhaled slowly.

"Jiro, apparently Ichi has the shipment. Do you just want them to hand it over to get Akira?"

There was a sudden beating on the glass behind him and he looked turning and seeing Reiko glaring up at him.

"Hurry up! We need to get Akira!"

"I'm on the phone!"

"Then drive and talk!"

"I'm gunna fuckin kill her. . ." He muttered, "I'll call you again in a bit." He quickly hung up getting back into the car driving off.

***

Jiro snapped his phone shut. Finally a solid lead. He needed to find out who this Ichi was, that or put Reiko on the payroll. He shook his head smiling grimly at the thought.

"We are headed to the Haiiro district, Hayate. Get five guys and start looking for any abandoned buildings they might use to hole up in. Keep a very low profile. I don't want Akira getting hurt. Kenta you are with me. I'm going to go get Haru wait here for a sec."

Kenta nodded and sat down watching Jiro stride away. At least they knew the general area now.

Jiro walked in just in time to see Daisuike take a swing at Haru. Even injured he was fast and Haru barely stepped back in time, grabbing Daisuike's wrist and yanking him forward. Getting him into a hold Haru growled.

"You dumb shit. Have you got a death wish or something? Just fucking lay down."

"Let go! I have to help. It's my fault. It's my fault . . . "

Jiro shook his head as Daisuike fought to stay on his feet as Haru dragged him back to the bed. Jiro looked down at him for a long moment before he realized blood was quickly staining through the side of his hospital yukata.

"Fuck! Suke I should hit you. Haru go get the doctor quickly, he's bleeding again."

Haru disappeared and Jiro sat on the edge of the bed. "Ruka called me. We've tracked Akira down. We are going to get him back Daisuike. You just need to heal up for now."

He looked up as the doctor came in with a nurse and two orderlies, Haru trailing behind them. Jiro nodded to them and moved away to let them work on Daisuike.

"Stay here with him Haru. I'll call you if I need you."

"Sure thing."

***

Ruka sighed as they parked to the side. They were waiting for a guy from Ichi to join them.

"What exactly is the plan Reiko?"

"Ichi's guy is setting up things. We got several options and none of them are going to be exactly fun. I have to find out exactly where Akira is."

"What's my job?"

"Out getaway car. I need speed and fast and I know you got that." She smiled at him.

"Reiko?"

"Please- Don't try and get me to tell Jiro-"

"We need to. We need muscle and we need these guys dead. Do you want to kill someone in front of Akira, Reiko?"

Reiko stopped her argument. She hadn't thought past anything but getting to Akira. Would she have to kill someone? It made her shudder.

"Let me call Jiro and get his guys. . . Please? I don't want anyone hurt more than they already are."

Slowly Reiko relented and Ruka pulled his phone out calling Jiro again.

***

Jiro had barely got out of the room before his phone rang again. "Hey Ruka. I've got guys headed that way, but if you have any more info it would be greatly appreciated."

He almost turned around hearing a loud clatter and cursing from the room behind him. Apparently Daisuike wasn't going to cooperate no matter what. That or Haru was having them put restraints on him. He should have just knocked him out and been done with it. Wasn't like he hadn't had to do it before. Daisuike was as emotional as Akira, he just rarely showed it.

***

"Yeah, we got a bunch more." Reiko glared at him having figured out he had called Jiro already. She was tempted to ditch his ass but she needed a car. With a sigh she laid her head against the window staring out the window. Her body still hurt but it was becoming less and less as time went by. She wanted to be with Akira. She needed to save him.

"Ichi has sent some of his guys to set up distractions so that most the men will leave the building. The apartment is next to a cafe called Pandora's Box. It's the medium sized one with a green trim." Looking at Reiko's cellphone he paused his eyes wide. "What?"

"Yeah. Ichi's serious. He wants to keep his art collection."

"Eto. . . Jiro? Ichi's planted explosives inside the cafe and in the parking structure. There are also police sirens set up as well as fake cops that will come if needed." He turned looking at the cafe for a moment.

"I'll tell Reiko we're waiting-" He looked blinking seeing Reiko already out of the car heading into an alleyway. "Fuck! She's insane! I'm going to kill her! Jiro I need your guys here now, Reiko's gone off on her own."

***

Jiro sighed. He should have known Reiko wouldn't rest where Akira was involved. "I've already got guys headed that way. I'll tell them to be on the look out for you and Reiko. Just be careful."

There was a loud crash and he heard Haru start yelling. "Ano . . . I may be a bit. Daisuike is . . . well never mind. I've got guys coming, as many as you need."

***

Ruka sighed closing the phone once he was done with Jiro watching Reiko. What the hell was she doing? He could see her moving about in the alleyway and then he blinked. She was getting up on the fire escape and- And was she looking in the windows?

It all made sense to him. She was looking for Akira in the only possible way she could. Every once in a while she'd look down at her phone then wait before looking in the window. Ruka was stunned. She actually was quite smart and she seemed to be ready to face anything if it involved Akira.

Ruka really hoped they got together after this, they deserved each other.

***

Jiro sent a text message to several of his guys telling them where to go and who to look for in case Reiko and Ruka ran into trouble. Knowing Reiko it was more than likely.

Taking a deep breath he opened the door to Daisuike's room again. Haru was trying to hold Daisuike down so that the nurses could get the IV back in his arm. The doctor was standing off to the side his mouth set in a thin line as he watching the writhing form. The doctor turned to look at Jiro and shook his head. Jiro’s eyes narrowed, Daisuike was going to rip his stitches completely open at this rate.

“Get off me. I don’t need it. He can fix it without-“

“Daisuike.”

All eyes turned to Jiro as he walked toward the bed. The nurses instinctively fell back at his approach. Daisuike glared up at him but there was apprehension flickering in his eyes. Steeling himself Jiro reached down and pressed his fingers against the bloody side of Daisuike’s yukata making him gasp and try to move away. Jiro kept the pressure against the wound even as Daisuike grabbed his wrist trying to move his hand. He was more than a little concerned at just how weak that grip was, but it only reinforced his desire to make sure his brother understood.

“I know what you are doing Daisuike and I’m not going to let you. Lay still and let them do their job. You will heal faster with proper pain management. Now stop acting like this or I’ll take my belt to you.”

Daisuike paled but didn’t say anything. With his other hand Jiro gestured to the nurses who instantly moved in reinserting the IV with the quick precision of long practice. He felt Daisuike shudder under him and stepped back. The dark eyes wouldn’t meet his and he turned to the doctor.

“I want him restrained.” There was the first syllable of a protest from the bed and Jiro turned to look at him. “You will be quiet. I obviously can’t trust you to do as you are told and I will not have your misplaced sense of honor endangering your life or anyone else's.”

He nodded to the doctor and stepped away going to Haru’s side. Haru was looking past him at the bed.

"I've got to go. I'll call you in a bit."