Author’s Notes: HELLOOOOOOOOOOO!! I HAVE RETURNEDDDDDDDDDDDDDD! And so damn hastily after my last story! Woo! ::goes chibi:: well actually it’s because I just sit around after work....::grin:: Actually, I wanted to get this started before the spring semester starts on the 26th and Miko gets uber-FUBARed by the stress of work AND college. What is Miko taking you ask? Well, lesse..::whips out schedule:: Egypt of the Pharoahs, Color 1, Printmaking, Great Theories of Mathematics, and Speculative Fiction...ugh..that one’s at 7-930 at night. ::cries:: I get the sinking feeling I am DEFINATELY not graduating next year. I’m so effing behind in my newly acquired Graphic Design major. ::pouts:: There’s always overloads....::for those not in college, an overload is when you basically BEG and GROVEL to the chairman of your major’s department to let you take an extra amount of classes. It’s a #$#@ bunch of red tape where you gotta go to Registars, then go to chairperson, then BACK to #$#@ing registars...I swear to God this can take at LEAST four hours depending on if everyone’s actually in their offices:: Yes, folks, for you heading out to college, one thing is a constant peeve, advisors, head of departments, profs, etc. etc. are RARELY in their offices at the times that are listed for them having ‘office hours’. Arg...Ganbare, Miko! Waratte Miko!! ::Gulps Coke:: AAAAAAHHHHHHH! Now for some fic fic hooblah... Yes, this is set NOW...::er?:: You mean it’s happening now? Yes...right now? But when was that? Just now...::sweatdrops:: time to stop misquoting ‘Spaceballs’. Oh I forgot to mention in the final chapter of B and D, that song Misao was singing in the tub was ‘My Friends’ from Macross 7. Omg, this is like the first story I’ve spent a week scribbling notes on. Just random things like character quirks and plot junk. I do this at work when its slow and no one gives a crap. They assume I’m doodling. If they only knew..::Snickers:: So yes, this is set in present time. Ok..enough rambling. ....oh..::presses ‘ON’ Button * * * *** ****************************** BLUE PARADISE Chapter I: Partners in Crime Drip..... Drip... Drip..... “Yo, Shinomori, you going to pour a cup or are you content to gaze at that coffee all day.” Turning at the booming voice, Shinomori Aoshi adjusted his glasses giving the large man before him an icy glare. “Aa, Commissioner Hiko.” he murmured, pouring himself a cup of coffee. Standing quite tall with black-blue hair that hung attractively into his eyes, and icy blue eyes that glared out from behind his eyes, Aoshi’s look and demeanor had earned him the nickname of ‘Ice Block’ amongst the rest of the Kyoto Police Department’s 27th precinct. He took his coffee back to his desk, ignoring the inane rambling of the Kyoto police commissioner, who was discreetly attempting to pour some alcohol into his coffee. It was no secret that Hiko Seijiro loved to drink, and no one had the balls to comment on his work time discretions. After all, the man was jacked with muscles and could fire anyone who so much as ‘looked’ at him funny. Aoshi set the cup of coffee down and glanced at the file laying on his desk, noting the blazing yellow post it note attatched. ‘Shinomori, here’s the Toukan drug ring file. You’re on the case as of immediately. By the way, your new partner is arriving soon. -Commish’. His mouth tightened. No, of course he wouldn’t say it to his face. Right now Hiko was probably sitting in his office laughing his ass off. It was no secret that Aoshi, probably the best detective in Kyoto (only to be tied with 14th precinct’s Saitoh Hajime), had been adamantly against being assigned a new partner after.... After a year ago when his partner and three colleagues had been killed to protect his life after he had been shot four times, two bullets in each leg. They had been working undercover to bust the illegal opium ring ran by Takeda Kanryuu, a seedy business man who had branched out to Tokyo. They had been discovered when the Tokyo police got involved. He could still see them falling before them... Besshimi, Hyottko, Shijiku...and...Hannya, his partner of eight years. Since then, he had become even more withdrawn and he had overheard several of the other detectives murmur that he was a ‘loose cannon’. He opened the file and began reading. Yes, he was one of the best detectives in Kyoto, having been top of his class and rumored to be insanely intelligent. He was also an incredible fighter, a master on kenpo, jujitsu, karate, and skilled with kodachi, specializing in using two kodachi. He was part of a special group of detectives in the Kyoto, known as the ‘Oniwanbanshuu’, who were the best of the best of the Kyoto police. Before retiring, Okina, the eldest Oniwanbanshuu, had apparently requested that Hiko assign Aoshi a new partner. And Hiko, seeming masochistic bastard, agreed. “Toukan Kumo, age 43, head of Toukan narcotics ring. Charged on several accounts of trafficking, never convicted due to lack of evidence....” Aoshi murmured, reading to himself. He took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose, sipping some of the coffee. He looked at the coffee and scowled. He just HAD to go through all the precinct’s tea already, didn’t he? “Aoshi-san, here’s the report from last week’s homicide. You just got to give your part of it and then I can hand it into Hiko-san.” Shiro said, leaning against Aoshi’s desk. Shiro was younger than Aoshi by a few years, but on his way to being a great detectives. He was also one of the Oniwanbashuu detectives. Aside from Shiro, there was Detective Kuro, Detective Okon, and Detective Omasu. All were the remaining members of the Oniwanbanshuu now that Okina had retired. “That’s fine. I’ll finish it by the end of my shift.” Aoshi replied, not bothering to look at Shiro. “Thanks, Aoshi-san. Man, I hope Hiko-san won’t chew my ass out for this report being late.” Shiro sighed. “Just give him some Jack Daniels or a good bottle of sake.” Aoshi replied. “Eh? Good advice. Thanks Aoshi-san!” Shiro said with a grin as he walked away towards the break room. Aoshi leaned back in his chair. He was anti-social, yes this was true, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t nice. Despite the ‘Ice Block’ nick name, which was thanks to Commissioner Hiko, he always was held with a lot of respect by his colleagues. Those who had worked with him long enough weren’t even bothered by his silence or cold veneer. Newer officers though were often unsure and even sometimes scared to approach him. It didn’t bother him really, because 90% of rookies had their heads up their asses. *** Toukan Kumo sat at an outdoor table of a fancy restaurant, drinking his wine leisurely. A moment later a young man with brown hair and blue eyes sat before him, smiling. “Toukan-san, sorry to keep you waiting. I was delayed in traffic.” “That’s fine. Patience is a virtue. Now, let’s get down to the business at hand. Does your boss agree to my price?” Toukan asked. He was of average height with slicked black hair and snake green eyes wearing a brown suit. He looked every bit the snake in the grass. “Aa, though I admit it’s a steep price, my boss agreed. He’s very interested in doing business with you, Toukan-san.” A waitress made her way over. “Can I get you anything?” she asked the young man who had just sat down. He smiled up at her. “Aa, a plate of sweet dango and a cup of tea please.” “Hai hai.” the young waitress said smiling back at him. Toukan arched an eyebrow at the retreating waitress. “I think the young girl’s in love.” he murmured. “Now now, Toukan-san, that’s a bit rude.” “Oh? I must say, you’re rather polite for one of Shishio’s men, Seta-san.” “Ah, well, you’d be rather surprised.” Soujiro murmured, thanking the waitress as she returned with his order. “So then, when can we start operations?” Toukan asked, smirking. As Soujiro spoke once more, neither he nor Toukan noticed the trench coated figure watching from across the street, bright sea foam eyes hidden behind sunglasses. ********************************* Driving down the streets of Kyoto in his black Mitsubishi Evolution, Aoshi’s thoughts drifted over his current cases, the music from the radio drowning out other noises of the busy streets. Aka kiro himawaru daidai gonju ajisai aka kiro himawaru daidai gonju ajisai ::red yellow sunflower navy blue hydrangea:: ::red yellow sunflower navy blue hydrangea:: nami ni tadayou tsuki no hikari konsui no naka tsuki no hikari ::moonlight drifting on the waves:: ::moonlight in the perfume:: Last week he had been assigned to investigate a homicide in the red light district with Shiro, a robbery at a jewelry store, and now the Toukan drug ring. It was about time he got an actual case. He wondered what he did to piss Hiko off that he got assigned third rate cases. Taking on this case meant he’d have to work with Saitoh, something he rarely enjoyed. Saitoh Hajime was blunt and offensive, and smoked like a damned chimney. He also had a habit of putting a dent in the 14th precinct’s budget with his so called ‘contacts’ at soba noodle joints. Pulling into the parking lot of his apartment building, he grabbed his files and his cup of tea and walked inside the building. “Oh, Shinomori-san !” He looked up to see Narita Hatsumi, a young girl of sixteen with dark blond hair and brow eyes, sitting on the stairs outside her apartment. “Hatsumi.” he nodded, stopping. Hatsumi was one of the few people in his complex he’d take the time to talk to, simply because she was nice girl and kept conversation simple. “What are you doing out here on the stairs?” he asked. She sighed, resting her chin on her hands. “That damn Ryoki. He’s totally evil. He thinks that just because his mother is the landlord he can get away with everything.” she grumbled. Tachibana Kaede, their landlord, loved to act high and mighty with her tenants. Luckily shr had enough sense to leave Aoshi alone. Her seventeen year old son Ryoki was not an entirely bad kid, some say he was like a snobby version of Aoshi, which he wasn’t sure was a good thing. Ryoki it seems, loved to torment Hatsumi, and Aoshi had a sinking suspicion it was because the young Tachibana actually liked her. “Can’t you like arrest him?” she asked with a grin. Aoshi shook his head. “I’m afraid not, but maybe you should ask him why he torments you. It might shock him.” he murmured. Hatsumi blinked and smiled. “Shinomori-san, you’re brilliant. Thank you!” she said, standing up and running up the stairs. Aoshi shook his head and continued up the stairs. He didn’t mean for her to go DIRECTLY to Ryoki. He entered his apartment, tossing his keys on the small table next to the door and hung up his trade mark trench coat on the coat wrack. He looked at his answering machine. No message. Who would call him anyway? Aside from the occasional demands from Hiko, smug rants from Saitoh, or the random hellos from Okina, no one called. He turned on the lights and sank onto the soft cushions of his black leather couch, turning on the radio. Oyogu hitori kurai umi wo nami ni tadayou tsuki no hikari konsui no naka tsuki no hikari ::swimming alone in the dark ocean:: ::moonlight drifting on the waves:: moonlight in the perfume:: He leaned back and closed his eyes. He remembered a time when he didn’t feel like this, empty. When loneliness was just a notion, and didn’t feel tangible. Now...he seemed to covet it. He couldn’t seem to go one day without thinking about it. The smell of gun powder, their voices, him screaming around their bodies. It was like a bad nightmare. Himura Kenshin, a free lance working for the Tokyo commissioner, had been there along with Sagara Sanousuke, another free lance. They had also been after Takeda Kanryuu, not realizing that Aoshi and others were undercover. After knocking out Takeda, Himura and Sagara had gone to rescue a doctor Takeda had been holding prisoner, leaving Aoshi and his dead friends. Yes, they were more than colleagues, they were his closest friends. They had all gone off to the academy together, and got to work together thanks to Okina. Now they were gone, and he was left. Sometimes he wished that he had... RING!!!! His thoughts were cut short as the phone rang. “Yes?” he answered. “Hey, Shinomori, get off your ass and get down here right now!” Hiko’s voice bellowed into his phone. Aoshi closed his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Fine.” hashiru hitori kurai sora wo anata ni aeru nara ::running alone in the dark sky:: ::until I meet you:: aka kiro himawaru daidai gonju ajisai aka kiro himawaru daidai gonju ajisai ::red yellow sunflower navy blue hydrangea:: ::red yellow sunflower navy blue hydrangea:: Aoshi saw Hiko, Shiro and Kuro standing outside the precinct. “Shinomori, thanks for being swift about it!” “Sure, what’s this about?” Aoshi asked, crossing his arms. Hiko narrowed his eyes. “One of our boys on stake out got lucky. Toukan’s got a deal going down as we speak at the warehouse on Pier 8. This could be our lucky night.” he said, grinning. Loading into Hiko’s giant white and red Hummer, Aoshi, Hiko, Shiro, and Kuro set out for Pier 8. *********************************** “Well, Toukan-san, I must say, this is some lovely merchandise here!!” Toukan glanced over the man Shishio sent. If man was the appropriate word. Dressed in a yukata skirt and gi colored lime green, Kamatari was easily mistaken for a woman at first, and seemed to take delight in seeing people’s faces when they realized ‘she’ was a he. “Thank you, now the payment?” Toukan asked, wringing his hands in anticipation. Kamatari grinned, sticking out his tongue as he slammed a briefcase down on the table. Opening he revealed a case full of yen bills. “All unmarked as requested.” “I’m going to vastly enjoy business with Shishio Makoto.” Toukan said grinning. As he reached for the briefcase, the warehouse doors slammed open. “Well well, looks like you’re going to have a hard time getting out of this one, Toukan.” Hiko drawled as he, Shiro, and Kuro walked in. Toukan growled and Kamatari just grinned amused. “Well well, Kyoto’s finest...OOH! You’re the new Commissioner? I might just you handcuff me with those big muscles.” Kamatari said sweetly. Hiko arched an eyebrow. “Sorry, I’m not into guys.” Kamatari pouted. “Ah well, can’t blame a gal for trying.” Shiro and Kuro looked at each other in disgust. The last thing they expected was a cross dresser. *********************** Aoshi watched silently from the other door to the warehouse, waiting for any tricks up Toukan’s sleeves. Because he was skilled in stealth, he’d opted to provide back up. As he looked in the window, a glint from behind him caught his eye. He wasn’t alone out there. He turned around, focusing. Someone else was there. oyogi hitori fukai yamimo anata ni aeru made ::swimming alone in the deep darkness:: ::until I meet you:: aka kiro himawaru daidai gonju ajisai nami ni tadayou aka kiro himawaru tsuki no hikari dai dai gonju ajisai ::red yellow sunflower navy blue hydrangea:: ::drifting over waves:: ::red yellow sunflower:: ::moonlight:: ::navy blue hydrangea:: He walked swiftly through the alley, finally seeing the shadowed figure ahead. He ran quickly after the figure, who was now running. ‘One of Toukan’s men?’ he wondered. He was catching up quickly, finally within enough reach to grab the person’s black trench coat. Grabbing hard, the figure jerked back and fell down, and Aoshi pinned the person onto their stomach. “Are you one of Toukan’s men?” he asked roughly, then noticed something. The person below him was not only rather small, but also a long braid. Shifting to sit and turning to face Aoshi, ice blue eyes met sea foam blue. Aoshi’s eyes widened. Koosui no naka aka kiro himawaru tsuki no hikari daidai gonju ajisai ::in the perfume:: ::red yellow sunflower:: ::moonlight:: ::navy blue hydrangea::: nami ni tadayou aka kiro himawaru tsuki no hikari dai dai gonju ajisai ::drifting over waves:: ::Red yellow sunflower:: ::moonlight:: ::navy blue hydrangea:: “Hardly. Long time no see...Aoshi-sama.” the young woman said. “Misao.” he murmured in disbelief. “Hey Shinomori, what the hell are you doing?! Aa...” Hiko said, walking over to them. He glanced at Misao and smirked. “I see you’ve met your new partner.” Hiko drawled. Aoshi glanced back to Misao, now even more surprised. She pulled out her badge and waved it in his face. “Detective Makimachi Misao, at your service!” Koosui no naka aka kiro himawaru tsuki no hikari daidai gonju ajisai nami ni tadayou.... ::in the perfume:: ::red yellow sunflower:: ::moonlight:: ::navy blue hydrangea::: ::Drifting over waves.....:: ******************************** End of Chapter 1 WAI!!! Misao-chan’s so cool!! Ehweheh... Anyway, if this chapter seems kinda...boring...it’s cause I partially intended for it to be kind of banal so you get a sense of how dull Aoshi’s life is at this point. Of course how could I not start without some sort of caffeine humor? Ah, as much as I wish they were, Narita Hatsumi and Tachibana Ryoki are NOT my characters, they come from Hot Gimmick by Aihara Miki, which is my favorite manga at the moment and is released in the US by VIZ. It’s a GREAT manga so far so please please check it out!! I hope you all know I’m sacrificing sleep to finish this first chapter as I have to get up in seven hours and twenty minutes to go to work. ::sobs:: hate....job..... ANYWAYS....so yes, heheh...did anyone guess how this chapter was going to end? For those who didn’t get it, it was Misao spying on Soujiro and Toukan. The song in this is ‘Gessekai’ by Buck-Tick, the Nightwalker:Midnight Detective opening song. It’s a GREATTTTTTT J-Rock song that’s slow and the singer’s voice has this dark, sexy quality. As for the car thing. Funny thing, original Aoshi was going to drive a Honda Civic, cuz my store manager drives on and he’s as banal as they go. But then I realized, I HATE HATE Civics and I LOVE LOVE Aoshi so putting him in a Civic would be EVIL! So I remembered, oddly enough 2 Fast 2 Furious and how much I LOOOOOVED the Mitsubishi Evolution in that movie. It was bad ass! As for Hiko and the Hummer, come on! What else would he drive?! Seriously, what else could he fit in? A monster truck? Well, I’d like to think Hiko’s got some reservations. Let’s see.....er.... Yes, Kenshin and Sanosuke work free lance for the Tokyo police commissioner, as..they pretty much do in the show in some episodes. Basically I made the Kanryuu thing more modern to fit thing. Damn, I wanted to run into Aoshi’s apartment and give him a hug when he was having the flashback. But I always wish I could glomp him...::hugs Aoshi keychain:: Lesseeeeee...what else...hmm.. Oh Toukan Kumo translates to ‘Bitter Clouds’ ‘Odango’ are dumplings. BTW: For those who are wondering, what happened to Toukan and Kamatari will be explained in Chapter 2! Ehehe....I was cracking up writing Kamatari and Hiko’s dialogue. Okay, that’s it. Miko’s needs to sleep or she’ll be a zombie again at work. But, hey, it’s a fricking grocery store, I work at 8 in the morning...who honestly gives a @#%$. Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwn. Later.