Through Fire and Water

Chapter 4 - Rescue

This chapter is dedicated to ashley_collins! Happy reading!

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Izumi pov:

"What are you two brats going to do about it if I don't pay up, eh? You think you're so tough, tough enough to beat us? Little kids should go home and leave elders to their business!"

I closed my eyes with an exasperated sigh. This baldy was being really rude to me and Haruko – we had come here to collect the loan that Hanzaki san had given to him more than four months ago and was due last month itself but this baldy didn't seem to believe that 'brats' like us were members of the Crimson Rose. So he was refusing to give us the money he owed and even taunting us without knowing how much trouble he was creating for himself. I was watching him quite calmly because I was used to handling arrogant thugs like him in my field of work but Haruko wasn't doing a good job of holding in his anger.

"You listen here, you foolish old man, and you listen well! Hanzaki sama won't be happy to hear that you refused to return the money you took from us and you'll only end up paying a heavy price if you don't cooperate now. If you don't want the two of us to turn this little inn of yours upside down, I suggest you give us the money without another word." Haruko threatened.

The man only laughed with a hand on his pot belly though. "A brat and his b**** threatening me, the Great Inn-Lord! Would you all look at that!"

The three men standing on either side of him, most likely his bodyguards of sorts, laughed amused while looking at us. That only made Haruko angrier and he took a step forward ready to use his fists. I put a hand on his shoulder though and stopped him from doing anything unnecessary. Well, we could talk this out a little more and try to convince these boneheads before using the last resort.

"Haruko, why don't I handle this?" I said and stepped in front of him. "Look Mister, Haruko and I don't have time to waste on your nonsensical prattling. We're from the Crimson Rose and we have the tattoo to prove it. Besides, we have other clients to meet up with so we'd appreciate it if you'd just give us the money you owe and we'll be on our merry way."

"You have the tattoo as proof, huh?" He mused, smirking as he walked up to me. "Why can't I see it then, hmm? And you don't look like you have what it takes to be a part of such a tough organization....perhaps you're being forced? I could take the weight off your shoulders if you agree to live with me instead. I'm rich, I'm famous and I know how to treat women well."

I twitched at his words. This guy was revolting – he was well past fifty, he was fat and ugly and his outlook towards the world and women was disgusting.

"If it's the proof you want to see, here it is." I said coolly and moved my haori off my right shoulder to give him a view of the Crimson Rose tattoo there. Hanzaki san said that he would ink it in permanently but I was against it and had him use a kind of paint that stayed on a skin for a good week. When it faded off, I would just have Mira san repaint it.

"And as for your offer, I decline." I said sharply, sending him a glare that showed I was thoroughly irked by his words.

"Oh, come now." He said while reaching out to me with his stubby hand. "I'm offering you a very good deal! You're really beautiful and I'll even make you my first and most important woman! I'll buy you anything you want and give you the chance of living a life of luxury! It's much better than being that brat's b****, isn't it?"

"You b******! How dare you....?!"

Before Haruko could start a fight with the baldy, I lifted my right hand, made a powerful fist and punched him smack dab in the center of his face. I heard a satisfying crack as I broke his nose and he stumbled back and away from my while covering his nose that now had blood pouring out of it. He fell onto his rear and coughed, still covering his face with his hands.