Within the shadowed confines of Marino Mansion, Karl and Riko found comfort in their late-night indulgence. As customary, they engaged in this tranquil ritual to alleviate Karl's Senate President responsibilities and Riko's management of their entrepreneurial ventures. Savoring remnants from cakes past, paired with soothing tea at hand, both positioned themselves before a table bordered by an exquisite garden view.
"There's such hush around our home lately," observed Riko.
"I've been contemplating this lately, isn't it high time Rafael and Sachiko leave the nest?" Riko questions. "Not at all," retorts Karl while munching on rice cakes.↵"Why are you so against their departure?" persists Riko.
"Given that Rafael has a reputation for philandering, and his actions would undoubtedly distress his wife, does this satisfy your inquisition?" Karl retorted as Muro made his presence known by clearing throat between his parents.
Karl glanced at him interrogatively, "What assistance do you seek?"
Muro stated tentatively, "Marla and I will participate in the international tennis competition, we were hoping one of you could attend it."
Responding much to Muro's astonishment, Karl expressed forthrightly: "I'll accompany you. It's been quite some time since I unplugged myself from the daily grind; watching your match might be relaxing indeed."
Incredulously joyous on hearing this news, Muro professed fervently: "Seriously, Thanks Dad? This means so much! ", hugging him tightly with erupting happiness.
Once Muro exited the lounge, the dialogue between Karl and Riko persisted. Substituting tea for a bottle of wine which was presently half-drained, Riko expressed her grievances."Does Arisa still occupy your heart?" Her question hung in the air as Karl chose silence over response. Then she pummeled harmony further with more probing questions.
"Do you hold an undying affection for Takako?"
"Are sentiments for Emi still kindling within you?"
"Is Riho someone you're endlessly searching for?"
"Arisa? Is there still love left there for her?↵"You haven't uttered those three crucial words since we got wed."
Observing his wife's state, Karl inclined towards her,"You've had too much to drink."
"Why is it that after twenty-five exhausting years I'm yet chasing after your warmth?" lamented Riko while plunging into the comfort of her husband's broad chest.
"Do you really require me to respond?" Karl retorted, "Had I harbored any affections for them, I wouldn't have chosen you as my wife!"
"Are your words sincere?" Riko eyed her husband with an expression akin to that of a lost lamb.
"That's something only you can decipher," answered Karl dismissively as he put away the wine and glassware in their kitchen. "You are yet not cleared my confusions," Riko insisted again but all she got was a gentle pat on the shoulder from Karl who simply advised "Sleep will do us good," before climbing upstairs towards his chamber.
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The following morning, the Marino home buzzed with activity as they commenced their breakfast ritual. Karl was seemingly enamored by his new granddaughter, Tsubasa; choosing to cradle her in place of eating. "Karl, sit down and eat," Riko directed at her husband.
"Not just yet," he replied while focusing on feeding young Tsubasa from a bottle, "She's so darling – takes after her mother thankfully."
"Dad," Rafael interjected into the conversation seeking approval for an overnight trip to Nueva Vizcaya. With a shake of his head conveying disapproval, Karl carefully handed over little Tsubasa to Sachiko saying sternly "No."
"But Dad it's about that parcel of farmland I've been telling you about…a worthy investment" continued Rafael trying hard to convince him.↵ Undeterred by his son's rationale for leaving town, Karl adamantly maintained "It remains no."
And with those final words left for the kitchen conclusively ending any room further negotiations.
"Jessica, I won't miss your singing recital for anything in the world," promised Karl to his youngest child's delight.
"But you already have a packed week ahead, love," pointed out Riko to her husband sadly. Unfazed by his wife's concerns, Karl reassured Jessica with pat on her head saying: "I'm never too busy for my children as long as they are up to meaningful things." Seeing an opportunity, Riko half-jokingly offered herself saying: "Well perhaps then I should come along."
Shaking off his wife's offer and gazing at Sachiko who sat cradling Tsubasa he said tenderly : "Has it been easy settling here? How has life been here so far?"
Simultaneously blushing and beaming from the doting attention she received answered softly but straight forward: "Indeed very much so. My sisters-in-law including Jiena have helped me through adjusting".
Karl sent words of encouragement before taking leaving asking :"You carry yourself well! Keep that spirit high!" And with these encouraging words made himself ready for work.
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A couple of days later, the much-anticipated Tennis tournament was finally upon them. The annual event held an air of prestigious energy that filled every corner with electrifying anticipation. Muro and Marla were set to partner up for this imminent doubles competition—an impressive pair who had been practicing clumsily yet somewhat skillfully in preparation. Meanwhile, Karl along with the rest of the Marino clan —arrived at the bustling venue showcasing a harmonious blend of excitement and anxiousness about what was to follow. They selected bleacher seats lightning-fast which creaked slightly under their weight but splendidly provided an unhindered view into the heart-striking nerve center where gladiators waged war on each other—only here it would translate way beyond brawn alone; wits paired with stupendous footwork governed by unshakeable resolve reigned supreme.
Only moments passed when a familiar group emerged amongst awestruck spectators—a motley crew comprised of Arjan, Antonio, Czar, Gustav, and Charlie accentuated by flashes from camera lenses capturing precious family moments as they settled beside new-found comrades among tennis aficionados present side-by-side sharing both banter-filled laughter together with gasps anticipating heated rallies soon unfolding within this annular fortress.
The tournament underway, Karl found himself in conversation with Charlie. "This isn't your usual haunt," queried Charlie. With his eyes focused on the action playing out before him, Karl casually responded: "Even I have to show my support sometimes." He pivoted toward his friend arching an eyebrow as he asked: "So what brings everyone else here today?" The answer came from Arjan. His voice laced heavily with excitement announced: "Muro is planning a proposal!" Karl's surprise was palpable; raising both hands defensively as if parrying off ill-intended blows, he declared sharply- "Marriage? They're too young for such commitments…" But Antonio would brook no argument against their peers – crafting a caustic retort aimed at compelling surrender rather than agreement - ''They're already twenty-one and twice-loaded compared to you".
"Your intellectual son needs encouragement," Charlie asserted, "The entire package purchase you made adds more stress to his life."
"Looks like the other queen has made her presence known," declares Czar as a lady in a clean white shirt and jeans nears them, catching everyone off guard. Emi was that unexpected arrival which led to Riko's scowl at her while crushing the soda can she had been clutching.
"What's all this about?" questions Karl blankly, positioned awkwardly between both women.
"I've missed you Senator Marino," begins Emi with an incline of her head respectfully adding, "May I occupy the seat next to you?"
"Absolutely!" beams Karl back amorously towards Emi triggering Riko's sneak attack from behind him, "You're not exactly single are you?" retorts Riko scrutinizing each movement closely of Emi followed by ,"For what reason have graced us Takanashi?"
"My purpose is supporting my daughter." replies Emi leaving Karl's comrades intrigued.
"Who does she call her child?" Arjan inquired. "The one next to Muro, her doubles compatriot," Karl vaguely responded while gesturing at Marla, leaving his companion flabbergasted.
"We were completely ignorant of who the mother was until this moment," Czar added casually as he gave a friendly pat on Karl's shoulders. "Interesting how such an ordinary-looking man like you is surrounded by these stunning Japanese women."
"How did your plainness attract them so irresistibly? Antonio jovially ridiculed inquisitively. "My averageness stole their hearts," shot back Karl tongue-in-cheek while keeping eyes glued onto the game.↵"Why are you showing up now to cheer for her after all this time?" Riko questioned out of pure interest.
"Do you not recall that it was your idea to take her away from me for safety reasons ?" Emi retorted succinctly before allowing silence envelop them briefly again, "Do everyone a favor and please pipe down accessories! I'm watching!" With that admonishment from Karl, they allowed him some quiet observation space
The competition was fierce, Marla and Muro were faced with opponents of a professional calibre, the scoreline saw them neck and neck. During an interval Karl made his way over to his offspring offering comforting familial embraces.
"You've really rooting for us dad!" voices an excited Muro!
"Indeed I am here purely in support of you both," replied Karl reassuringly "Keep going strong!"
"Dad we assure you, victory is ours!" confidently responds Marla.
"Just remain calm; regardless of whether you win or lose, I know that your efforts will not be lacking," admonished their father before making his way back towards the crowd. Although unnoticed by most audience members Charee discretely wiped away sweat from Muros face while attention turned towards fellow spectators - Kari Emi and Riko.
"Oh fantastic now all focus are on us", muttered Riko sarcastically as she rolled her eyes at news cameras pointing their lenses her direction.
"Seemingly oblivious to your acting abilities," Karl dryly remarked when Muro and Marla triumphantly bested their adversaries, seizing the coveted trophy. Shortly thereafter, Charee was displayed on screen sitting isolated on a bench as Muro began his approach bearing flowers - an action that triggered roars of approval from the crowd.
"It appears our geek is about to pop the question," whispered Karl under his breath.
In the bewitching aura of twilight, Muro bent down on one knee and tenderly held out a dazzling engagement ring towards Charee. His heart pounding in his chest like a war drum, he croaked out those precious words filled with vulnerability and sincerity: "Charee, will you marry me?" The moment hung frozen within their intimate bubble as she stood there, her almond eyes wide in shock from this unexpected declaration by her endearingly dorky lover. "Yes, Muro!" The magic word came crashing down upon them like cascading waterfalls; invigorating yet calming at the same time. Her radiant smile reflected pure joy as she rushed into his embrace — their bodies colliding softly against each other to form a perfect fit. Amidst this beautiful spectacle beneath enchantingly clear skies braced themselves for enduring bursts of cheers echoing through the crowd gathered around instigating an overwhelming wave of ecstatic celebration that witnessed nothing but true love unabashedly professed and willingly accepted without any restraint or inhibition.
Suddenly, men clad in shadowy jumpsuits and masks emerged, forcibly taking Muro and Charee. The crowd was initially under the impression that it was part of the spectacle.
"Is this some kind of gag?" Karl queried "Karl! They're being abducted!" Arjan shouted amidst chaos, compelling Karl to leap off from his vantage point onto the court floor to confront these ominous individuals brandishing a firearm.
"What do you want? Who are all of you people?" demanded Karl
"Senator, we anticipated your arrival," declared their apparent leader "Your end will be met here!"
"You still haven't clarified my question," retorted Karl
"We represent the black flag revolution!" Exclaimed their leader, just as Karl assaulted him with a swing of his tennis racquet, inciting the remainder of his crew to flee from the scene. The event left onlookers in a state of shock and bewilderment; Marla stood safe, behind her father who was holding onto the stunned leader's head.
"Listen here, whoever you are that's got my boy and his girl - give them back before you regret it. Every single one of you jerks responsible will pay, especially the ringleader!" Karl said, addressing everyone around him. Then he turned to his daughter with concern in his eyes "You good there Marla?"
"But Papa, what will become of Muro?" Marla asked, anxiety evident in her voice.↵"Just leave it all to me," Karl reassured them confidently. Emi and Riko along with the others headed down towards the court premises. The panic-stricken Riko voiced out again, "What's going to happen to dear Muro?"
"Calm yourself woman! Do you really think they would return our boy if you lose your composure this way?" The frustration was prominent as Karl chided his wife.
And then Charlie piped up timidly. "So what's next for us? What are we supposed to do now?"
Karl took a deep breath and said firmly with visible determination that left no one room for doubt: "Handing over control? Not even remotely an option when my kids' wellbeing is at stake."
"I am dealing with this personally - there's absolutely no chance I'm letting anyone lay so much as a finger on either of my children."
-----
Within the grand confines of Marino mansion, Karl and his trusted comrades gathered solemnly in the opulent living room. The patriarch of the Marino family was engrossed, methodically loading ammunition into his M5 Heckler and Koch sub-machine gun as well as a formidable Walther PPK at hand.
Anxiety hung thick in the air; Riko, overtaken by sheer despair couldn't be consoled- she had resorted to taking a tablet of valium just to calm her jangled nerves.
Her voice breaking slightly with softened humor against hopelessness creeping around them bitterly remarked , "Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop drinking valium."
Arjan piped up soon after outstretching months' worth tension encapsulated within that one question resonating across everyone's mind: "Where on earth will we begin our search?"
With nothing more than steely determination echoing from him amidst prevailing uncertainty surrounding their situation Karl extracted what seemed like their slim ray of hope -a GPS tracker device which brought flicker of optimism altogether illuminating grim circumstances they presently found themselves embroiled within
"Yes my son is hopefully still wearing his safety-default GPS watch", replied Karl pragmatically patting heftily upon decked machinery resting atop
"How marvelous!" Arjan exclaimed, taking a peek at the GPS Tracker. Karl took a glance of the tracker and located the couple at a mountainous region in the southern part of the city.
"Dad, I want to join you," Rafael volunteered eagerly. Karl glanced at him shortly before responding with a hearty laugh.
"What will you do there? Cry, wail, and throw rocks?" Karl playfully teases his son.↵↵"Don't underestimate me, Dad." Rafael confidently retrieves another PPK from the vault and securely holsters it.
"I'll come too," says Marla determinedly as she takes out her own pistol. Jiena follows suit by drawing her weapon as well.
"If we all face danger together, so be it," declares Jiena resolutely.
-------
That night, Karl was all dressed up in his black jumper and vest, equipped with state-of-the-art bulletproof technology. Alongside Jiena, Rafael, and Marla, they cautiously made their way through a small stream before taking cover behind the dense trees. Carefully strategizing their moves, the children silently approached the group of rebels from behind and incapacitated them without raising an alarm.
---
Meanwhile, it was a bitterly cold and hauntingly dark night for Muro and Charee. They found themselves held hostage by ruthless bandits, desperately clinging to hope as they awaited their uncertain fate - either rescue or brutal execution. In this moment of unimaginable fear and danger, the young woman sought solace by resting her weary head upon her boyfriend's sturdy shoulder. Together, they braced themselves for the worst while fixating on the mesmerizing dance of flames that flickered within the bonfire's fiery embrace.
"Our first night as a couple, being held as hostage," Muro said with distress etched on his face.
"Cheer up, this is an unexpected adventure," Charee tried to offer comfort to her Fiance in these dire circumstances.
"If tonight was truly the culmination of our lives, I would find solace knowing that you were by my side," Muro sighed and expressed his bittersweet sentiment.
"I too would cherish the fact that I spent my last moments with you. My love for you knows no bounds, Muro," Charee responded affectionately while embracing her boyfriend tightly. They both braced themselves for whatever fate awaited them when unexpectedly, they noticed the arrival of the Grandmaster of the Felis-fist faction.
"Karl Marino, it's a pleasure to meet you," the leader of the notorious black flag army remarked. Karl coolly maintained eye contact with the leader and responded, "I wasn't aware that cowards gathered here."
"Well, perhaps this will be your final destination," replied the leader in a menacing tone. He advanced towards Karl, attempting to strike him with his sword. However, using his mastery of felis-fist techniques, Karl skillfully blocked the attack and swiftly countered, sending his adversary crashing to the ground. The soldiers watched in astonishment as they shouted commands and prepared to swarm Karl from all directions.
"Dad!" Muro cried out in panic as he watched his father being surrounded by the captors. But to his astonishment, Jiena, Rafael and Marla emerged from the bushes and opened fire on the bandits.
"I don't want you all to suffer a terrible fate," Karl whispered urgently to his children, as he released them from their confinement. Together with Jiena, Rafael and Marla, they sprinted down towards the hill. However, a sudden gunshot rang out, forcing them all to abruptly stop in their tracks and kneel down on the ground.
"Not so fast," declared the leader sternly. "This won't end until I see every one of you dead."
"Oh no it won't," Karl replied defiantly before swiftly eliminating the leader with a single well-aimed shot. Without wasting any more time, they jumped into an awaiting getaway vehicle and sped off towards Marino mansion.
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Karl and his children arrived at the Marino mansion, unharmed and safe. Anxious Riko quickly leaped from her seat and tightly embraced her son.
"Muro, I thought I would lose you," says Riko tearfully.
"Fortunately it's Muro; she's concerned. If it were the others, it would be a different story," Karl mutters under his breath while glancing at his wife and son.
---Chapter end ---