"That you, bro?" "Yeah, it's me," Keisuke replied as he shut the door behind him. "Where've you been?" his younger brother emerged from the kitchen, pointing at the window. "The sun's almost set already!" "Baseball practice ran a little late. Sorry," he apologized as he sat down and removed his shoes. "Where's-" "Working late. We're on our own for supper tonight, too," came the response as Masahiro returned to the kitchen. "That figures. Take-outs tonight, I presume?" "Already ordered them. Got you your usual. They should be here soon." "Thanks, Masahiro," he replied as he climbed the stairs. No sooner had he reached the second floor than his brother yelled from below, "By the way, a letter came for you today. I left it on the stand outside of your room." "Oh? Who's it from?" "Don't know. No return address." "Hmmmm... How odd," Keisuke said to himself, picking up the letter as he entered his room. Once inside, he slit it open, simultaneously sliding into a chair. His eyes narrowed as he read the contents. * * * Arcana concept by: Scott Schimmel Chapter 14: Cherry Blossoms by Brett Schimmel * * * "Bye, mom!" Hotaru called as she shut the door behind her. "Did you remember to bring the money, 'Miss Treasurer'?" Natsu asked. "Don't forget we've got to stop at the supermarket on the way. "I remembered," she assured her friend. "But Natsu, why did you volunteer us to run a hot dog booth for the Cherry Blossom Festival, of all things?" "Eh? Why not? They go perfectly with takoyaki!" Natsu grinned as she watched her friend shudder at the thought. "Besides, they're his favorite." "Huh? Whose favorite?" Hotaru blinked. Quickly she answered her own question. "You don't mean Chris-kun?" Natsu nodded, causing Hotaru to jump up and down excitedly. "Natsu! You didn't tell me your younger cousin was in Japan!" "My dad's relatives came in yesterday. I was going to surprise you, I never got the chance." "And he'll be at the Cherry Blossom festival, which is why you wanted to have a hot dog stand, right?" Her older friend grinned. "I see you remember what Chris thinks of Japanese food." "Chris-kun... Wow, it's been a long time," Hotaru said, briefly reliving old memories. "We were still in grade school back then." "I wonder how he's changed." Natsu chuckled. "Not in the slightest. Come on, we'd better hurry and..." She stopped in mid-speech as the sound of a siren approached. The two girls watched as a police car appeared on the opposite side of the road, driving past them at an amazing speed. "I wonder what's going on?" Hotaru asked as she watched the car move further and further away. "Dunno." her friend replied as she started walking. "Doesn't have anything to do with us, though. We'd better get going. Don't want Takahata-sempai to get angry at us for being late." * * * The wheels screeched as the police car came to a halt in front of the hospital. No sooner had it stopped than a policeman jumped out and sprinted towards the entrance, followed by his partner. Once within the building, they dashed through the halls, stopping at a patient's room. The bed was empty. An older officer sat slumped over in a chair next to the door. Kneeling next to him was Dr. Takasakura. When she saw Nakamura, standing in the doorway out of breath, she rose and sadly shook her head. "Damn it!" he cried angrily, almost hitting the wall with the back of his fist. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down, as his partner arrived seconds later. "What happened here?" Nakamura asked the third figure in the room, a rookie officer. "I- I don't know!" He yelled, his face a mask of panic. "Get a hold of yourself!" Sagara ordered. "Now, tell us exactly what happened." The rookie nodded, speaking in a shaky voice, "Well, Minakata-san and I arrived to relieve last night's guards, as per our orders. A few hours later, he asked me if I wouldn't mind getting him a cup of coffee." "So you left your post?!" Nakamura asked angrily. "B-But it was only twenty minutes!" "And that twenty minutes cost Officer Minakata his life!" "Nakamura, please! That isn't getting us anywhere!" Sagara said. He turned back to the rookie. "Right, so you left for twenty minutes, and when you got back, you found that the Usono kid was gone and Officer Minakata was dead, correct?" The inexperienced officer nodded. Nakamura clenched his teeth. "So now we can add murder to the charges." "I'm not so sure about that," Dr. Takasakura said. "What do you mean?" "Physically, Minakata is unharmed. I haven't examined him very closely yet, but so far it seems to me that he died of a stroke." "A stroke?" Nakamura repeated. "Minakata was an older man. Your suspect probably saw him begin to suffer and took advantage of the situation to escape." "I don't believe it. A stroke? Just as he was alone with Usono? That's way too convenient!" "Convenient or not, that's most likely the case. Even if it's not true, the fact is that Minakata is physically unhurt. He died of natural causes." "But still-" he stopped as he felt a hand on his shoulder. "I know how seriously you take this case, Nakamura," Sagara said, "but facts are facts." Nakamura sighed, trying to control himself. "You're right. We'd better report back to HQ. They're not going to like this." Neither is my "niece", Sagara thought as he left the room. Nakamura followed. Idly he took the tarot cards from his pocket, drawing one at random. He felt a strange chill as he looked at it, the word "death" staring back at him, as though mocking him. "I don't believe this," he grumbled as he replaced the deck. "You say something?" "No, forget it." * * * "How's it going, champ?" the tall girl asked, approaching the small booth with the enormous cardboard hot dog on top. "Huh?" Finishing with a final nail, Hayashi looked up as he wiped sweat from his brow. "Oh, Takahata-san! Things are going pretty well, so far." "So I see," she said as she observed the booth. "I still think we should name it, though." "Nah. Why bother? I think the sign says it all." He gestured towards the cardboard cutout, then chuckled. "Besides... uh... I haven't been able to think of any decent names." "That figures. I always told you that you concentrated way too much on your sport to be of any use in the mental department. You need to learn to balance your abilities!" "Like you?" "Like me!" "So what would you call it, then?" "Hataraku Hot Dogs." Hayashi gave her an amused look, which she quickly returned. "Well, what do you expect? I have no idea what to call a hot dog booth! I don't even like hotdogs! If it wasn't for the underclassman on my soccer team, we wouldn't even have to have a hotdog stand!" "So you're blaming her because you can't think of a name?" "I shouldn't have to! You're the baseball star here. This should be right in your ballpark, no pun intended." "Whatever," Hayashi sighed. "Hataraku Hot dogs it is. I'll make up a sign in a minute." "Good. So now we have a name," she observed. "Yeah. Now all we need is the food! Where are-" Just as he was about to finish, two young girls staggered towards the booth, burdened with heavy packages. "What took you so long?" Takahata asked as Natsu dropped her parcels on the group's makeshift table. "We could've been quicker, but Hotaru just had to find the perfect rolls," Natsu said sarcastically. "Only because Natsu couldn't decide how many hot dogs we were going to need," Hotaru retorted. "It doesn't really matter, I guess," the sempai said. "The festival doesn't start for another half- hour, so that'll leave plenty of time for us to bake the things if we start now." "Um... 'Bake' them?" "Bake, cook, whatever! Geez! Who's idea was it to run a hot dog stand, again?" * * * All around, the area was covered in darkness, except for a small section of the street, illuminated by a nearby streetlamp. The girl's body was precisely in the center of the illumination, her blood beginning to cover what was visible of the asphalt. On the far edge of the circle stood a child, a blood-soaked dagger in her hand. "I'm sorry. It wasn't supposed to turn out like this." "Of course it was." Miyuki stared upwards at the sound of the voice, unsure whether it was a male's or female's. "You were to kill the Magician. You did so. Things turned out precisely as were planned." "But why? Why was I given the order to execute her?" "Because she was a threat," it responded, echoing around her. "She was a threat not only to the council or the Arcana, but to everything." "How so? Her power wasn't developed very far, and she trusted us." "She was a threat, because she didn't exist." "What? I don't understand..." Hotaru didn't exist? Did it mean Hotaru didn't exist as the Magician in the future, or Hotaru herself didn't exist now? "What has transpired has done so because it was necessary. That's all that matters now," the voice said. With that, they fell silent. * * * "Thank you, and enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival!" Hotaru said with a bright smile. Natsu watched her with a look of boredom. "I don't see how you can be so happy after doing the same thing all day." "Eh?" Hotaru blinked. "You're not enjoying it? But we're doing so well!" "That's true," Takahata said behind them. "I never thought this idea of yours be so popular." "Huh?" Natsu looked confused. "You were all for it back when the meeting was held..." "Eh?" Takahata looked skyward. "Well, I did, but..." "And didn't you say you didn't even like hot dogs before?" Hayashi asked from his place at the grill. "Well, yeah, but..." Natsu's gaze crippled her defenses, and she sighed. "Alright, I bugged Hayashi to join me so we could help you because I didn't think anyone else would volunteer." "Why not?" Natsu asked defensively. "Well, uhh, because hot dog booths are uncommon in Japan." "So?" she asked sarcastically. "What's the real reason you-" "Does it really matter now?" Hotaru interrupted before things got out of hand,"We're doing well, so why complain?" "I agree," Hayashi said. "I'm actually having fun cooking these things." "Me too," Hotaru nodded. "Let's just enjoy ourselves." "You can start by getting me a hot dog." Across the counter stood a boy slightly younger than Hotaru, his golden hair and sapphire eyes marking him as a foreigner. "Chris-kun! Is that you?" Hotaru asked happily. "You've really grown!" "I'm not the only one, Hotaru-chan," he said as he surveyed the booth. "So this was your idea, I take it, Natsu?" "Nah. It must've been a coincidence!" "Umm... You three know each other, I take it?" Takahata interrupted as she handed Chris a hot dog. "Takahata-sempai, Hayashi-sempai, this is my cousin, Chris Forrester," Natsu introduced him. He responded with a smile and a polite bow. "Natsu, how much longer are you going to be busy?" "The rest of the day." "I see," he said. "That's too bad." "Tell me about it," Natsu chuckled. "I mean, I was kinda hoping you'd show me around a bit." "Sorry, Chris. I wish I could." "Well, why not?" Hayashi broke in. "Why don't you and Hotaru both show him around? I think Takahata-san and I could handle things here by ourselves." "Really?" Natsu asked. "But sempai-" Hotaru began. "Hayashi!" Takahata said sharply. "Well, he doesn't know anyone else, does he? Come on, Takahata-san. Have a heart." Takahata sighed. "Alright, but on one condition: That you two return at the end of the festival and do all the cleaning up yourselves. Fair?" "Fair!" Hotaru nodded. "Thanks a lot, sempai!" Natsu said. * * * Miyuki's eyes snapped open, and she realized she was blind once again. She had fallen asleep at her desk, and that had been a dream. That much, she was certain of. However, had the dream meant anything? Had Hotaru's non- existence meant anything? She was pondering this when the clock alerted her. It was almost time; the Cherry Blossom Festival had almost ended by now. She opened the drawer of the desk, retrieving an ancient curved dagger. It was a replica's item from a movie, and thus looked beautiful, albiet cheap. However, it was sharp enough; it would do the job. * * * "We'll leave this to you, then," Hayashi said when the three returned later that evening. "Yeah, yeah. We promised," Natsu grumbled. He grinned merrily as he started on his way. "Just put everything behind the gym. The school hired maintenance to take care of it in the morning." Hotaru and Natsu exchanged glances. "Is that all we have to do? That won't take very long at all!" Natsu exclaimed. "Especially not with me helping!" Chris offered. "You?" she chuckled. "Since when are you being so helpful, Chris? You've always been the laziest person I know!" "Hmph!" he smirked. "At least I'm not a cross- dresser." "What? Why you..." they gazed at each other, then burst into laughter. "Come on," Chris said after a few minutes. "Let's get started." "Wait," Hotaru interrupted. "I'll handle this. You two can go." "Hotaru?" The smaller girl shook her head. "It's not a lot of work. Besides, you two have a lot of catching up to do." "But Hotaru-!" Hotaru shook her head. "Don't worry about me. I can handle this alone. You two go on." "Are you sure about this?" Natsu asked. Her friend nodded. "All right. Thanks a lot." * * * It was about a half-hour later by the time Hotaru finished. The festival had ended some time ago, and everyone had gone home. Hotaru looked back at the school as she wandered towards its gates. It was a strange feeling, being the only one near such a large building. The school had a totally different air about it now than it did in the mornings when it was filled with students. She turned around and shrugged. On Monday it would be full again anyway, she thought as she passed through the gates. Wrapped in her thoughts, she jumped in surprise at the sound of a familiar voice. "Hotaru." Miyuki stood in the middle of the street, expressionless. "Miyuki-san?" Hotaru looked puzzled. Wordlessly, Miyuki drew the dagger from her jacket, holding it up threateningly.. "M-Miyuki?" Hotaru took a step back. Fortune took a step forward pointed the dagger towards her. "Miyuki, this is a joke, right?" she backed off a little further as the girl stepped forward. She gasped as she felt the invisible wall of the field behind her. "Why?" She asked as Miyuki took another step. "Why are you doing this?" Remaining silent, the girl lunged. Hotaru cried out as she dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack, but no sooner had she regained her balance than her assailant struck again, the blade nearly slitting Hotaru's throat as the she desperately slid out of the way. Hotaru stumbled backwards, tripping and falling into a sitting position. Slowly Miyuki raised the dagger above her head, gripping it with both hands. "Miyuki! This... This can't be happening!" Hotaru shouted, closing her eyes and throwing up her hands defensively as the blade fell. It never connected. Cautiously, Hotaru opened her eyes, as though she feared she might die if she did so. What she saw was something she hadn't expected at all. Standing over her was a dark-haired woman, her arm raised upward, blocking the dagger with her own flesh. A woman with a familiar scar on her right cheek. "Arisa?!" Hotaru gasped in confusion. "But... But you're dead!" "'Dead'?" the woman repeated. She pushed forward, forcing Miyuki to step back. "I won't die! Not until I tear Sumire apart!" Quickly Miyuki regained her balance, trying to make sense of the new situation. "Sumire told me about you. She told me she had killed you." "She has too much confidence in her abilities," Arisa smirked. Meanwhile, Hotaru rose, slowly backing to the edge of the field. "She told me she thought she hadn't pulled her swing enough. She'll be glad to hear you're alright." Arisa smirk turned into a scowl as she raised her hands threateningly. "You lie! I will claim my revenge on that woman, no matter what!" "Wait!" Just as she was about to lunge at Fortune, she stopped. On the outer edge of the field stood Keisuke. He stepped forward, stopping a few feet in front of Miyuki. "Shinjo, stick with the plan! I've removed the barrier. Get her out of here!" "What do you think you're doing, Keisuke?" Fortune demanded. "I got a very interesting letter yesterday, predicting all of this. I didn't want to believe it, but I thought I'd better check it out anyhow." he said. "It seems the letter was right." He faced Arisa, who still faced Miyuki threateningly. "Shinjo, you owe me." "Fine," Arisa hissed. She quickly turned around, and grabbed Hotaru by the wrist. "You're coming with me." "No!" Hotaru screamed, breaking free and giving Keisuke a pleading look. "Sempai!" "Hotaru-chan, I promise I'll explain what I can later, but, please, you must go with her!" The magician glanced from him to Arisa. How could he ask such a thing? Arisa almost killed Hanako! Then she looked at Miyuki, dagger in hand, who had tried to take her life mere seconds ago. "Let's go," Arisa ordered. Hotaru gave Keisuke a questioning look, but his eyes were locked on the Ace. Nervously, she nodded to the Knight, and the two ran, leaving Keisuke and Miyuki to face each other. "Tell me why you're trying to kill Hotaru-chan, Miyuki," Keisuke demanded. "I was ordered to by the council." "Why? Why would they ask such a thing?" "I do not know. They did not give me reasons." "And so you followed their orders without question? You really are blind!" Keisuke clenched his fists in rage. "Nevermind. Whatever reason you may have, I'm not going to let you hurt her. I don't want to fight you, Miyuki, but if you plan to go after Hotaru..." "No, I don't," she said as she sheathed the dagger. "She has eluded me. I can't do anything for the time being." "'For the time being'? Miyuki, if I have to, I'll-" "Keisuke," she interrupted, "tell me, how do you know Arisa?" "I met her in the hospital." he called over his shoulder as he started to leave. It wasn't a total lie. Originally, he had learned of the Knight of Blades and her obsession through Maki, who told him of her plan. The first time he had actually seen her was in the theme park, after the battle with Sumire had nearly taken her life. And if he hadn't acted fast, it would've. But to tell Miyuki that... * * * "Are you sure I'll be safe here?" Hotaru asked outside of her home. "They know where I live..." "You should be. I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to risk exposing themselves to the public by attacking your family." "Joker's tried it before." she recalled. "Who?" Hotaru looked puzzled, but Arisa answered the question before she could ask it. "I don't know who you're talking about, but as I said, he must've been pretty foolish to do such a thing." She shrugged, and started down the road. "Either way, it's not my problem anymore." "Wait!" Arisa stopped, turning her head so she could see Hotaru out of the corner of her eye. "What?" "Um... Thanks." "Let's get something straight," Arisa said almost angrily, turning around fully to face her. "I didn't save you because I wanted to. I'm only interested in getting my revenge on that woman. Furthermore, I don't care what happens to you now; Shirosawa told me to get you out of there, and so I did. Whatever happens to you now is not my concern." She continued on her way. Hotaru watched her briefly, then went into her home. * * * Still nothing. The cards drew blank once more as Miyuki attempted another reading. She sighed in frustration. Everything was going to pieces. On the other hand, she had at least managed to buy some time to think about the situation. It had been a gamble, but the plan had worked. She knew she could count on Keisuke to believe what her letter said if it hinted danger to someone he cared for. If only she could tell them the truth... But that was an impossibility, lest the council find out they had been deceived. She was willing to accept the responsibility, and regardless of what the others would think of her now, Fortune held no regrets. * * * * * Author's notes: I tried to put a bit of a twist in here, and I'm sure it shows ^_^. On a side note, Hayashi and Takahata have shown up once before, in the first chapter. I thought it might be interesting if they made another appearance. Thanks to Scott for pre-reading, and thanks to Cactus for exchanging places in the queue.