Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Alternate Tracks 2nd Story in Rivalry Series	By : kurahieiritrJIO Category: +G to L > Initial D Views: 2560 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Initial D, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 33
- 34
- 35
A/N: Due to previous reader confusion, I added some revisions that include more obvious references to begin clearing up the mistaken ideals so many have about Samantha Singing Wolf where Ryosuke is concerned. Hope the new version provides a clearer reading experience.

CHAPTER 34

Takahashi Ryosuke stepped into the late morning sunlight outside the hospital. He stretched his back while gazing around the unfamiliar grounds without seeing anything. It had been a very long second night. Everyone had waited, wondering if Keisuke would survive his injuries during the stressful night. His younger brother had held on without slipping into a coma. Still, Keisuke had not awoken from surgery despite the crawling of time. So little concrete response after a full twenty-four hours was disheartening. At least Keisuke's vitals were improving, although very slowly. His younger brother's blood oxygen levels were abnormally low, although they had risen slightly through the night. Ryosuke wondered how long it would take for Keisuke's repaired lung to function again. If it did not happen soon, the healthy lung had to take over, which had not happened. If his younger brother crossed into a coma state, Keisuke had very little chance of survival.

Ryosuke feared unseen damage to Keisuke's brain stem which controlled automated functions such as breathing. That explained the delayed compensation by his healthy lung to supply the necessary oxygen Keisuke's needed. Other factors needed weighing to determine if there was such damage. The critical care isha sensei seemed to agree that Keisuke had not suffered long term brain damage. The respiratory senumon-i felt Keisuke's lungs were slower to react due to his being a smoker.

Ryosuke leaned against a pillar that graced the hospital's main doors and pulled out a cigarette. He double checked his watch as he watched for Fumihiro's van. His ok was on her way to the hospital to take charge of both men's care. Stress had overtired Ryosuke, and desperate for sleep.

Ryosuke still had to salvage the things he could for his younger brother, and lover as he moved forward. He planned to control the damage already done. Too many people had become aware of Fujiwara's attachment to Keisuke during the crisis. Ryosuke had no delusions about how Fujiwara Senior would react once everything came out. Ryosuke was reluctant to do or say anything around Fujiwara's father. He feared for Project D's downhill-specialist's health if his parent learned about Keisuke.

Ryosuke decided as he took a drag from his cigarette, 'This really has become an even bigger mess than I can control. If only Fujiwara's otosān had reacted as I expected, I'd have time to sleep and then devise a plan. As it is, I only have a few hours before he arrives, and I'm too exhausted to come up with a believable excuse to protect Fujiwara. Once his otosān finds out about Keisuke, Fujiwara's going to get severely hurt. I have to get Keisuke's boyfriend moved out of his home before Fujiwara senior can get a hold of him.'

A Project D van pulled into sight. It did not surprise Ryosuke to see the van, but he found the sight of the American A.A.R. that followed, a shock. Why was Samantha Singing-Wolf's car following the Project D van? The dark-haired racer did not have time to wonder as the two vehicles pulled into spaces, and turned off their engines. Bunta got out of the A.A.R. which was an additional shock. His ok, Yukiko Takahashi got out of the van along with Fumihiro, and Takeuchi.

Ryosuke waited for the group with a blank expression. He did not dare to show unease over so many unexpected people. Okāsan, and Fujiwara senior needed to know their sons' medical conditions. Takumi Fujiwara was already in a regular room, which meant his father could visit whenever he wished. Ryosuke had checked on the teenager before he visited Keisuke in the Intensive Care unit this morning. He had told the younger man that he was not to blame for the shooting. The stubborn teen disagreed passionately with him.

Fumihiro stepped close before Takahashi Yukiko and Fujiwara Bunta caught up. The dark-haired mechanic gave him a stern look as he whispered, "We have a serious problem, Ryosuke san. The team is saying some disturbing things about Keisuke san and Fujiwara. Singing-Wolf's mad as hell over the chaos happening in her home."

Ryosuke nodded to Singing-Wolf as she stopped beside the group holding a manilla envelope. Her nod in reply was serious. "Not surprising, Fumihiro."

Ryosuke did not lower his voice. His friend since junior high, stepped back, looking alarmed. He ignored Fumihiro as he looked at his mother. She knew something was up, and Keisuke had not yet chosen to inform their parents of his choice in lovers. "For now, let's deal with the most pressing issues. The team's panicked response to this shooting can wait."

Okāsan asked, "Ryosuke, how is your Otouto doing?"

Ryosuke chose to insure Singing-Wolf could follow his answer by speaking slow enough for her to follow the conversation. "Keisuke survived surgery. His lung collapsed during transport, Okāsan. The isha sensei resuscitated him twice before they got him into the operating room. The bullet shredded his lower left lung which they have removed. Keisuke also lost a large amount of blood, so he has received transfusions. His blood oxygen levels are still below average, and some other blood chemical levels remain erratic right now. The isha sensei in charge of the critical care ward has him on an oxygen-assisted ventilator. He beat their fifty-fifty chance of survival last night. The medical staff is cautious about his survival because Keisuke's hovering on the edge of a coma."

Ryosuke looked at both of the concerned family members and continued. "Moushiwake arimasen, minnasan. This crisis is my fault." He gave both of them a deep bow as he spoke. It was the only thing he could think to do under the circumstances. Ryosuke saw pain in his mother's eyes. He had always been their father's favorite, as Keisuke was their mother's darling. He wished that he could turn away from her hurt face.

Yukiko Takahashi answered, "I'm certain the circumstances were beyond your control, Onīchan. You couldn't know that such difficulties would develop. This tragedy must be very difficult for you. You dote on Keisuke almost as much as I do."

Ryosuke took a moment to smoke as he considered his answer. He watched Fujiwara's father from the corner of his eye. The man's expression was grim. "Fujiwara Takumi's prognosis is much better. A bullet wedged in his thigh, shattering the bone. He also needed surgery to piece the bone together. To insure it will heal properly the surgeon used a new technique to glue the fractured pieces together that he could salvage. He added a substance that will help Fujiwara's body fill the residual holes. His thigh was pinned back together and he's in a special bone brace so the medical staff can dress the surgical sight. The bullet and bone fragments damaged several major leg veins. The surgeon has sewn them all back together. Fujiwara lost a great deal of blood and needed a transfusion. He's in a regular room. However, Fujiwara's being kept sedated because he isn't handling the crisis very well. His ex girlfriend shot them both, and he's very upset."

"So, I can see him?" Bunta asked.

"Hai. The medical staff may have given your musuko pain medication that puts him to sleep. If Fujiwara's asleep, he may not awaken for several hours, sir." Ryosuke did not avoid the older man's look of displeasure. "You can speak to the isha sensei in charge of your musuko's care. I'm sure they'll explain anything you have questions about far better than I can right now"

The older man nodded and shifted his feet as if to go inside. His mother placed a hand on Fujiwara senior's arm. "Ryosuke, can you tell us how this happened? I think that we need to know the whole story."

"Singing Wolf san was there. She assisted in saving both Keisuke, and Fujiwara's lives. Although not of native proficiency, she does speak our language. Speak slowly so she can do mental translation, and I believe her knowledge will prove that she's the better choice for answering."

"Domo arigato, Ryosuke san. I obtained a copy of the initial kēsatsu report for you. We know where Mogi got the gun and ammo. Plus, you were correct that she went to Project D's website to get information on your downhill-specialist's whereabouts."

Ryosuke frowned, "I thought Mogi's in critical care and unable to speak because of your take down. How did the kēsatsu find out so much, so fast?"

"The onna that came with Mogi and Quai Tou told the kēsatsu everything they wished to know."

"How did you get your hands on this report, and so much information?" Yukiko Takahashi asked with genuine surprise.

"I'm attached to the United States Embassy as a relief bodyguard, ma'am. I was present, and instrumental to the take down operation that kept Mogi Natsuki from killing her targets. The authorities gave me this copy of the report out of diplomatic courtesy." Sammy lifted the folder, and handed it over with a bland expression. Ryosuke did not miss his mother's and Fujiwara's confused expressions.

Ryosuke explained. "Sammy san is exceptional at her job. Although she was in the upper lot while we were in the lower, she prevented Mogi from firing additional bullets at Keisuke, or Fujiwara Takumi. She displayed expert knife throwing abilities while running at top speed to stop Mogi's attack. We all owe our lives to her speed, unique combat knowledge, and critical emergency aide procedures. Asada san was also instrumental in bringing the situation under control. Both knew how to keep Keisuke's, and Fujiwara's conditions stable until the ambulances arrived. Sammy san had an extensive first aide kit that helped to slow the bleed rate, and collapse for Keisuke's lung. Sammy san's knowledge and skill insured Fujiwara didn't bleed to death, or lose his leg also."

"Domo arigato gozaimasu for all your help. We are deeply in your debt." His mother said as she bowed to the younger woman who smoked her own cigarette. Bunta Fujiwara also nodded to the young woman with a soft thanks of his own.

"It's part of my job, Ma'am. I don't need any thanks. If I had been faster, I might have prevented Fujiwara from getting shot. Chalk it up to a failure to do my job satisfactorily." Sammy san spoke after a few moments.

Ryosuke spoke to the Gaijin woman who looked irritated as she berated her performance. "You couldn't have known that Mogi was dangerous. Had you known, I'm certain you would have intervened before things became uncontrollable. I knew she had been bothering my downhill racer, but I neglected to recognize the danger she presented. The fault lies with me, not you, Singing-Wolf san."

"Stalkers are mentally ill. They're the largest chunk of the bodyguards' business. Quai-Tou supposedly deluded Mogi into thinking the gun was a prop to stun your otouto so she could talk to her ex without Keisuke's interference. Maori told the k~satsu that Mogi didn't know the gun used real bullets. Quai Tou showed Mogi rubber stun rounds to fool her into believing nobody would get seriously wounded."

Ryosuke frowned. "How could Mogi not understand that guns are dangerous? Our government is very strict about who can obtain them for a reason."

"This gun is a stolen military issue from another country. Quai Tou smuggled it into this country five years ago. It's been impossible for the kēsatsu to track down because the thief never registered it, minnasan. This illegal gun has been floating around killing people for a while. The authorities have already matched the bullet spread to several unsolved murders in different prefectures. Quai Tou tricked distraught onnas into shooting people with it. He killed them after they shot their targets for his abnormal kind of amusement."

"Who is this Quai-Tou?" Ryosuke's mother asked, looking distinctly ill.

Ryosuke flipped open the file and glanced over the information. After several moments he spoke. "Someone involved with the international Black Market. He showed up with Mogi the other night. This file says that he has a long history of using onnas to get clients for his black market fencing operations in several countries. There's a bounty listed for Quai Tou, dead or alive, because he evaded law enforcement for so long. Maori's the onna that was with Mogi and Quai Tou that night, and his newest client catcher it seems."

Ryosuke turned his attention to Sammy san who nodded. Okāsan stepped back as her hand covered her heart. Bunta steadied her much to Ryosuke's relief. "Dear heavens. The black market, as in criminal activities? What kind of people has Fujiwara kun gotten himself involved with?"

"Fujiwara didn't know that his ex-girlfriend had such unsavory associates, Okāsan. He broke off his relationship with Mogi because he discovered she was involved with subsidy dating which is bad enough. Fujiwara will be even more distraught over Keisuke's injuries when he finds out about her smuggling ring connections. Unfortunately, Fujiwara already blames himself for Keisuke's injuries. He believes he should have left Project D when Mogi began harassing him on the phone. His emotional state will disintegrate further once he learns of this, I'm afraid."

Sammy interjected. "I don't care what anyone has to say about Asada. There isn't anyone better to have at your back when you're in a bad spot. That man knows how to aim. He can cover my ass anytime he gets a wild hair to do so until hell freezes over. Without his marksmanship, Quai Tou would have killed me, plus all your teammates, and gotten away again."

Yukiko Takahashi gave Samantha a shocked look. Ryosuke was unsure about her crude comments himself. "Nani, Singing-Wolf san?"

"Everyone knows Asada's gay. He gets a lot of flack for it. Tohru does too for that matter." She scratched her head. "Personally, I think it's a load of horse shit to judge talent and skill by whom a body dates. Doesn't make any damned sense to me." Sammy flicked her cigarette butt into the oversized ashtray close to Ryosuke's leg and crossed her arms over her chest.

Fujiwara's father must have noted Ryosuke's surprised expression as Fujiwara senior gave him cursory glance and spoke. "Sounds like a surprise to minnasan. Don't know what to say to your information."

Okāsan nodded. "I have nothing against the otoko. I'm aware that some people have unique, . . . needs, . . . Singing-Wolf san."

Fumihiro spluttered from Ryosuke's side, "You have a gay otoko keeping an eye on our team right now, Sammy san? And your language? How can you talk like that?"

"There isn't a better person to keep things calm, Fumihiro san. I mentioned that already. As to the language, I may be an onna, but I'm damned angry right now. I'll be brutal, blunt, rude, and crude if I feel like it because of the drama going on in my home."

"Still, with the way the team is right now, . . . Aren't you worried at all?" Fumihiro asked with a weak voice as he looked between himself and the woman who pursed her lips with distended nostrils.

Ryosuke had a very good idea of the situation but realized that getting verification was better before things got much worse. "Explain the problem, Fumihiro?"

"Well, part of the team is wondering . . . about Project D's aces. I mean, . . . the way things turned out, . . . they've been speculating about Keisuke san and Fujiwara since the shooting. . . . They seem to think, . . ." Fumihiro hesitated, and turned bright red as he glanced at the rest of their group.

Sammy interrupted. "A couple of the shonen we're looking after are bitching really loud that Keisuke and Fujiwara are a couple. They been kicking up quite a fuss amongst your teammates all night. I don't know anything about it, and could care less about your drivers' personal lives, Ryosuke san. I draw hard lines when people turn my home upside down over something that doesn't matter. You need to set them straight, or I'm going to crack some bakas' skulls wide open before tonight's done, if my otosān doesn't do it first."

Ryosuke pinched the bridge of his nose as he watched Fujiwara senior direct a savage glare in his direction. He knew to expect rage from everything he had come to believe about the older man. "I see. Domo arigato for explaining the problem, Singing-Wolf san."

Ryosuke closed his eyes as his mother's soft voice commanded an answer. "Musuko, could their gossip be true? We both know Keisuke's bisexual. Is he attached to his younger teammate? Is that the reason he's the intensive care unit right now? Did Keisuke jump between his crush, and the onna who wanted to kill him?"

"Okāsan, I can't answer your question because I don't know the answer. I know that Keisuke has been working with Fujiwara to master brake control over the last couple months. I also know that they're friends. Keisuke might be fond of Fujiwara, but I can't say that he's got a romantic crush of him. I don't feel that I can answer your question in a satisfactory way because I've been so busy with my university workload this semester. I haven't had enough time to observe the two of them, or talk to Keisuke one on one. My Otouto's the only one that can answer. All I can verify is that Otouto protected Fujiwara."

Fumihiro added his thoughts. "Keisuke demanded to be in charge of keeping track of Fujiwara at battles right after the wreck. We all thought it was because he hates to lose so much. Nevertheless, how do we deal with the team's gossip if they're right, Ryosuke san?"

Bunta Fujiwara demanded answers in a soft, furious voice. "Is there a chance Keisuke's hanging around Takumi because he's got the hots for my musuko?"

Ryosuke shrugged and hedged Fujiwara senior's question. "I can only speculate based upon things I've noticed, Fujiwara san. Keisuke has always been jealous of any friends he happens to make. Keisuke gets irritable when Fujiwara spends too much time with others. Getting possessive of his friends is normal for Keisuke also. I've also noticed Keisuke take an active role in getting Fujiwara to accept he belongs on Project D's roster. Keisuke pushes Fujiwara to improve every time I see them together. He has become a very strong supporter of your musuko's efforts. Fumihiro has seen the same things." Fumihiro gave a vigorous nod to back his words.

Yukiko Takahashi spoke as she tapped a finger against her jaw. "Keisuke does hate to share because he makes so few friends. If my younger musuko considers your musuko to be a friend, Fujiwara san, Keisuke would get jealous, and quite protective of Fujiwara kun. He's that way with all of his close friends. Keisuke also has a violent temper which we need to consider. He might have jumped between your musuko and his ex simply because he was annoyed about something unrelated for all Ryosuke knows."

"Only Keisuke can answer for his actions. I won't claim to know his reasons for protecting Fujiwara, instead of himself, Fujiwara san. For now, I think it's best to focus on their health issues. The rest will get cleared up as Keisuke, and Fujiwara can answer. I believe theories and gossip are meaningless. As many explanations for the other night's disastrous ending as can be conceived will continue circulating until one of Project D's aces is capable of explaining."

Ryosuke held up a hand to ward the angry outburst he feared Fujiwara senior would unleash. Okāsan nodded in agreement, as did Samantha and Fumihiro. "Only the two people in the middle of this crisis know the facts well enough to clear up everything. The current gossip about Keisuke and Fujiwara won't matter if Keisuke dies. His death is a very real possibility right now. We all need to remain calm until the medical staff is certain Fujiwara's mental health has stabilized enough to handle any additional strain. He's on the verge of complete collapse already, Fujiwara san. Any more stress could cause a complete nervous breakdown. I don't think any of us want to see your musuko committed to a mental health facility."

Okāsan spoke. "I agree with Ryosuke's assessment, Fujiwara san. We will get answers once our musukos are far enough along in their recoveries. For now, Ryosuke and I need to find a place to stay tonight. Once I finish talking to Keisuke's isha sensei, I need to find hotel accommodations for us all. Ryosuke looks like he's ready to collapse because he's so exhausted."

Samantha interrupted. "We have room, Ma'am. You, Ryosuke san, and Fujiwara san can stay with my family. The other punks are getting split up between a couple more homes tonight to keep them calmer. The kēsatsu should release them to go home tomorrow afternoon. You don't need to spend any extra money. Hospitals are expensive. Hotels are pricy too."

Ryosuke interrupted before either parent could object. "Arigato, Sammy san. American hospitality is famous, with good reason."

"If we weren't so hospitable, America would still be a backwoods pioneer frontier with very few citizens in the Southwest region. The Mexican nationals would have killed off the first citizens. Full-blooded Indians were forced into the Southwest region by the American government to make more room for immigrants. Those forced human drives led to lots of killing for several decades. The survival of the first Immigrant Americans helped create the code. Our code has some Native Indian traditions most don't recognize, like being hospitable to people in need of help, Ryosuke san."

Ryosuke nodded at her offhand cultural lesson as his mother, and Fujiwara senior both stared at her. The dark-haired Takahashi brother found himself intrigued by the strange woman who had crashed into his life with such unexpected consequences, good and bad. He sensed a sudden and unexpected ally in the strange woman.

The dark-haired racer had seen the unholy joy on the American's face as she attacked Fujiwara's ex, and Quai Tou with a sadistic delight that had momentarily frozen his blood in his veins. Samantha Singing Wolf loved to fight and he had an uncomfortable hunch that killing made her the happiest. The snarl she had directed at Asada when he shot Quai Tou down was an indicator of her fury when she had missed her chance to kill the Black Market fence that had armed Fujiwara's ex girlfriend.

Another oddity Ryosuke sensed was her odd depth of character. He wished to unravel the mystery so he could understand why this foreigner acted rabidly deranged one moment, and generously the next. He sensed that many things were hidden beneath the surface of Singing Wolf's crossed armed, cool facade. The first obstacle was figuring out which side he had seen was the real Samantha Singing Wolf.

-oo0oo-
- 33
- 34
- 35
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Alternate Tracks 2nd Story in Rivalry Series