Ai No Kusabi Fan Fiction ❯ New Dawn On Amoi ❯ The Alpha And The Omega ( Chapter 5 )

An Ai no Kusabi fanfic.
Historical Fanfic - Jupiter's rise to power. This story is set approximately 400 years before Ai no Kusabi.
Based on the world created by Yoshihara Rieko.

Disclaimer: Amoi and Jupiter were both created by Yoshihara Rieko.
I am only borrowing them. I do not make any profit from this.

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Jason blinked, trying to clear his eyes. The air around him was filled with the sickening smell of burned flesh. He had watched Hiroshi until it had become too bright for him to see the Doctor's macabre death dance. His head still hurt from Hiroshi's attack and he could feel a sticky wetness running down his cheek. He knew it was blood. As his vision finally began to clear, he could see there was blood splattered all over him, but he knew it wasn't his.

He looked down, eyes still watering, to the still form of Kaine. The psychologist lay across him, pinning him down and Kaine wasn't moving. Jason pulled off blood-stained gloves, tossing them aside, and reached down to shake Kaine. Kaine moaned softly but didn't awaken. "Kaine." Jason tried calling his name and shook him again gently, but with the same results.

Moving carefully, he pulled himself out from under the psychologist. His cloak snagged, so he unhooked it before working it out from under Kaine's inert form. Finally free, he knelt down beside Kaine and looked at the wound on Kaine's back through watery eyes. Hiroshi's second shot had caught Kaine directly across the back, cutting a two inch wide path from shoulder to shoulder. The laser blast had only half-cauterized the wound and it was bleeding sluggishly. Jason wadded up his cloak and laid it over Kaine's back, covering the wound.

Slowly he became aware of a cool presence by his shoulder and he looked up. The holographic form of Jupiter hung hovered? over him. She reached down and brushed a cool hand over the wound on his cheek. :: I have ordered a Medic team here for him and for you. I have released the City as well. :: Her voice sounded in his mind, full of concern.

Jason nodded and moved around to take Kaine's head in his lap. He tried calling Kaine's name again but Kaine did not respond. Jupiter rested an almost immaterial hand upon his shoulder. It was comforting to know She was there even though he couldn't really feel Her.

Approaching footsteps made him look up. Doctor Abrahms stood over him, staring at Jupiter for several seconds before bending down next to Kaine as well. He lifted the cloak and looked over the wound. He exhaled sharply and looked at Jason."Is he alright?"

Jason meant Abrahms' eyes. "He's still alive. Jupiter-sama has called up a medic team and released her hold on the city. Hiroshi?"

"Is very dead. The cyborgs are cleaning him up now. The council is out in the office." He studied Jason, a serious expression on his features. "Your Jupiter does not take chances, it seems." Abrahms turned to look back up at the image that hovered over the group. "The Council will agreed to Jupiter's demands. There will probably be a couple of resignations."

Jason turned to look over at Hiroshi's burned and still bleeding corpse. Two cyborgs had dragged it to the side of the room and left it on the floor. They were preparing to cover it. Jason watched dispassionately, staring at the face of the one man he had truly hated. It was finally over.

Jupiter's metallic voice rang through the room, interrupting Jason's thoughts, pulling him back to the moment at hand. Abrahms gave Jason a confused look. "She says she is expecting some members of the Council to resign (thought there would be)." Jason answered, his voice flat with exhaustion and pain. He looked back down at Kaine and brushed Kaine's hair away from his face absent-mindedly. The psychologist moaned softly and tried to move.

"Kaine, wake up." Jason called softly have a second softly here, his voice almost pleading.

Kaine gasped softly and then his eyes fluttered open a few moments later, just as Jason heard the arrival of the medical team in the outer office. Kaine licked his lips and turned his head enough to look up at Jason. " You...alright?" His voice was little more than a whisper.

Jason nodded, a few unacknowledged tears trailing down his cheeks. "Yes." He brushed Kaine's hair aside again from where it had fallen back into his face. "Thank You."

"I know you..told me..not ..to get involved but..I couldn't let.. Hiroshi.. hurt you...anymore." Kaine gasped out. The medic team had arrived with a stretcher. Jason nodded, biting his lip. Kaine smiled as the two Medics moved in, lifting him onto the stretcher. Jason stood up after Kaine had been moved. The medics started to wheel him out of the office, but Kaine asked them to stop. He called Jason and Abrahms over. "Get...the disk...in my coat pocket." Abrahms reached forward and with Kaine's direction managed to get it out of the inside pocket on his jacket. He'd had to half lift Kaine to get it out from under him. Kaine gasped as he was set back down. "It has most.. of what the council.. will want to see on it."

Abrahms nodded. "Right. We will look at it."

Kaine nodded.

"I'll come down and see you as soon as I can." Jason added. Kaine smiled faintly and let the medics wheel him away.

A third medic, which Jason hadn't noticed walked forward them, carrying a bag. He looked down at Jason. "Let's get you cleaned up, now." he offered. Jason nodded and let the medic lead him and Abrahms out to the office. Outside the window, the sun was rising in a glory of pinks, oranges and yellows, filling the office with its early morning light.

The Council was standing around the room, waiting it seemed for Abrahms. He waved them to silence as they came out and followed Jason over to what used to be Hiroshi's chair, holding Kaine's disk in one hand. He watched as the young man let the medic remove his blood soaked jacket. With practiced hands, the medic swabbed at the narrow burn across Jason's face with a sterile pad. Jason inhaled sharply.

"Stings?" the medic asked. Jason nodded once, aware that the council was watching.

"Good, that means it's working. Anymore of this blood yours? or is it all Kaine's?"

Jason looked up questioning, then raised his arm. The cut on his wrist, being near the vein, had been reopened in the fall and he could feel the wetness of blood there. The medic took his arm and pushed his sleeve back revealing the ring of bruises, now colored a sickly purple-yellow. Both the medic and Abrahms gasped.

"What the hell?" Abrahms asked leaning down. Jason shrugged and waved the Councilor away. "So you were the one Kaine came to see me for." The medic cleaned the cut there, wrapping a pristine white bandage about it, before grabbing up Jason's other wrist and looking it over. Satisfied that it was bruised but not cut, he dropped it. "Anything else?"

Abrahms was staring at Jason. Jason shook his head slightly, "No, I'll be fine now."

The Medic nodded. "Then, I'll leave you. But I expect to see you in the clinic later. Look me up. My name is Teri and I'll be taking care of Kaine." The medic gave a breif nod and left. The Elevator opened before he got there and Rand stepped off carrying a bundle of cloth. Rand nodded to the departing medic as they passed each other and crossed the room to Jason, ignoring the eyes of the Council.

"One of the cyborgs told me to bring you these," he spoke quietly, nodding towards the bundle in his arms. "Are you alright?"

Jason nodded and motioned for Rand to set the clothing down on the desk. He turned his attention to Abrahms. "Everything you want to know is on the disk, Kaine gave you. If you don't mind I would like to get cleaned up. The Council can view that without me as I already know most of what you will find there. I'll rejoin you as soon as I am done."

Abrahms sighed and nodded. "If that is what you want." He studied Jason a moment longer, before turning to the rest of the Council. They had been waiting patiently, the exhaustion of the previous night easy to see in their face. "Well, Gentlemen. Shall we move down to the Council Chamber?" There were several weary nods and a few affirmative answers. Then the group began to walk towards the elevator.

"Are you alright?" Rand looked down at Jason. The young man had leaned back in the chair with his eyes closed. He looked even more pale that usual and there were shadows under his eyes. Rand studied him with growing concern, until, after several moments, Jason finally answered.

"I will be." He didn't open his eyes. He just wanted to sit there for a moment, not moving, not thinking. It had been a long, long night. And it was going to be a long day as well.

"Are you sure? If you do not mind my opinion, I think you should rest." Rand looked the office over. He was exhausted as well but obviously, Jason's night had been the more difficult.

Jason shrugged. "This is nothing. Things have been worse. I can do without for now. It's just alot to deal with at once. I will live up to Jupiter's expectations, though." He sat up and opened his eyes, crystaline blue meeting Rand's darker blue seriously.

After a moment, Rand nodded. Jason was determined, so it would be pointless to try to convince him otherwise. "I did not see Hiroshi."

"He is dead."

"Dead?" Rand's voice rose in surprise. "Did you?"

Jason shook his head. "Not me. Jupiter killed him." He shrugged and pulled himself up out of the chair. He walked slowly back to Jupiter's room. Rand followed him and looked in. Hiroshi's body was all wrapped up and the one of cyborgs was mopping up the floor. Jupiter was standing back on Her Pedestal glowing gently.

Rand stared for a moment at the bundled bodybefore turning to look at Jupiter. He bowed slightly to Her and She nodded in return. Her metallic voice filled the room for a moment.

"She says I need to go to the council meeting and that She would like you to accompany me." Jason said after listening for a moment.

Rand nodded, "Of course, I'd prefer it if you were not alone anyway."

Jason cast one final glance down at Hiroshi's body. "Then we had better get moving." He turned away, going to gather his belongings off the desk. "Let's go."

Rand, too, looked back at the body on the floor. It was probably going to be tossed into the incinerators, not that he really cared. He nodded to Jupiter again, then followed Jason onto the elevator.

Jason took the elevators down one floor to Hiroshi's spacious apartments. He opened the door and waited as Rand stepped inside. Rand stopped a few steps in, looking over Hiroshi's collection. "Is it all right for us to be here?"

Jason nodded and walked past him towards the other rooms. "Hiroshi certainly doesn't need the place now and I am not walking down to the Dormitory when everything I need is right here. Besides I think I will move up here. Jupiter-sama will want me close, after all. This apartment has always belonged to the Leader." He looked around the living room and shuddered slightly. "I think I will have all of this moved out of here first though. You can wait for me in there if you want."

Rand nodded, "If you wish. I'm going to look these books over."

Jason smiled a knowing smile and crossed into the bathroom. The sound of running water soon came from there. Jason eased himself into a warm, relaxing shower, washing Kaine's blood from his waist-length hair. He stayed under the water longer than necessary, trying to organize his thoughts. The council meeting would not be pleasant and he was tired enough that it could pose a problem.

After a while he finally shut the water down and climbed out of the large tub, pushing the curtain aside. He dried off and then pulled on the uniform Rand had brought him. He didn't look nearly as serious as he had in the formal outfit, but it would have to do. He dried his mane of hair, brushing it out until it was perfect. Only then did he leave the bathroom.

Jason crossed over to Hiroshi's bedroom and pulled open the top drawer on the Doctor's oldstyle bureau. He fished out a box he'd once seen Hiroshi put away and opened it. Inside lay the gold and onyx wing broach, the symbol of the Leader of Amoi. Standing in front of the mirror, he pinned it in place. Satified now, he returned to the office. "I'm ready now."

Rand looked up from the book he had been reading. "They are probably wondering where you are. We should go."

Jason led the way back out of the apartment and onto the elevator. "Abrahms said the council had agreed to Jupiter-sama's terms. I am not sure I believe him."

"Then, I guess we will find out."Rand replied, leaning against the wall as the elevator dropped down a few more floors.

"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!" A voice shouted, loud enough to be heard from where Jason and Rand had just entered. The two young men stood in the antechamber, out of sight of the main area of the Council room. Rand made as if to move forward, but Jason held him back. "That was Doctor Grey. Wait a moment." He whispered.

Rand nodded and stepped back to wait just behind Jason.

"We all saw it, Grey," Abrahms voice replied. "Hiroshi was a traitor, and he was sick. He was damn clever, though. We were certainly in the dark."

"Don't give me that shit. You honestly want me to believe that idiot psychologist and that..that..android. Hiroshi was the best damned leader we ever had. I refuse to be a part of this!" Grey fumed.

Jason took that as his cue and walked out from behind the wall, Rand following two steps behind. "Then you are certainly welcome to leave, Grey." He looked the older scientist over, eyes full of a cold anger that actually caused Grey to fall back a step. "I won't stop you."

Abrahms nodded. "Nor will I. You are more than welcome to resign. All of you are. I for one intend to stay on this Council. I think Kaine will as well. If you do not feel comfortable here, now is the time to leave." He leaned back against the edge of the table.

Grey looked from Jason to Abrahms then back. "Fine! I will not be a part of this...travesty!" He stormed out of the room after no one else seemed willing to join him.

Jason watched Grey leave, shaking his head slightly. He could feel the eyes of the Council members on him so he turned back to the group. The looks he was receiveing ranged anywhere from speculative to pitying. Jason ignored them all and moved to take his seat, formerly Hiroshi's seat, at the Table. After he sat the rest of the council sat as well, leaving only two seats empty, one of which was Kaine's. Jason looked around slowly, then pointed to Rand. The young man stood off to the right or the table, some distance. "Rand, for now you will take Grey's seat. As expected he has seen fit to leave, so you will represent your department. This may become permanent."

Some of the council looked surprised, a couple grumbled angrily, but Abrahms was not one of them. As Rand came forward to take the abandoned chair, he turned to Jason. "You knew Grey would leave?"

"Jupiter suspected as much. The man has always been Hiroshi's most loyal friend. She suggested I bring Rand with me as he was Grey's ward and is familiar with the entire department." Jason replied calmly. "Jupiter has been studying each of you for sometime, which is the reason this council remains intact."

There were murmurs of surprise from those present. Jason let them continue for a moment as he looked over each member in turn. With the exception of Kaine, most of the councilors were over thirty, twice Jason's age. A couple of them were watching him furtively and Jason could see problems awaiting him in the future. Some of the others were merely bewildered. This was more action and upheaval tahn they had been prepared to deal with. Of the rest. Two wore expressions of pity when they glanced in his direction. Of the entire remaining Council, only Abrahms seemed to have come to some sort fo terms with the events of the last few hours. So it was to Abrahms, Jason would have to turn in order to accomplish anything.

"Gentlemen." He began, calling all of their attention to him, "I mean to keep this meeting as breif as possible. It has been a very long night for all of us, and rather than get involved in arguemnts that none of us are really up to in our current state, I wish to address the most important matters and then adjourn until tomorrow, when we will all be in beeter shape to handle the remaining details."

Several nods of agreement meant his statement, and Jason allowed himself a small relieved sigh.

"So where so you suggest we begin?" Abrahms leaned back in his chair.

Jason smiled slightly. Obviously Abrahms meant to see what he was planning, testing him by his actions. "our first objective must be to reassure the populace that everything is under control. The lock down Jupiter-sama had on the city has no doubt frightened the citizens of Tanagura. I'd like to assign that task to you, Abrahms. You are a well known and respected public figure. An address will have to made to the people and at this time, I think you are the best candidate to make it. The sooner this is done the better."

"Do you not wish to do this yourself?" Abrahms spoke over the murmurs of his collegues. It was obvious he had been designated as the leader of what remained of the Council.

"At this time, the people will need a face they know and trust. I am not that person." Jason shrugged slightly. "Tomorrow is soon enough for a more official address, once we have discussed everything."

Abrahms glanced around at the rest of the council. "I'll do it then. Simply because I feel that you are right about that much, Jason. What else do you feel should be dealt with now?"

"The cleaning up of the Central Complex. Much of it was taken care of last night, but I would like each of you to look into your departments and make sure that everything is accounted for. If any of you notice anything missing from your files, we will take it up first thing tomorrow. Agreed?"

Several councilors nodded their assent. Jason felt himself relaxing slightly. this was only the beginning, but at least it was a beginning. Tommorrow would no doubt be a day of dissention, but after the immediant needs were covered there would be plenty of time to argue and discuss. "Then I say we adjourn. We shall reconvene tomorrow at eight in the morning precisely." He stood up and the council followed suit. Jason was beyond grateful that none of them choose to argue at this time. Perhaps with Abrahms agreeing with him, it had taken the desire to do so from them. He watched the others leave, until only Rand, Abrhams and himself were left in the room.

"Do not think that they will always be so cooperative." Abrahms said, standing with his arms crossed over his chest. He watched Jason with a serious, speculative gaze.

"I would be a fool to think so." Jason replied slowly. "But if I may ask, why are you being so supportive?"

Abrahms shrugged noncommitally, "Because at the moment, I agree with you. Do not think that I will always do so."

Jason nodded. "Again, I would be a fool to believe so. Now, if you would come with me, Jupiter-sama wishes to discuss your public announcement with you. I, for one would like to see that taken care of as soon as possible. The police have already had to stop one near-riot today. I would prefer it if there was not another."

"As would I." Abrhams nodded. "Lead the way."

Kaine awoke slowly, pain burning it's way a cross his back. He stared at the ceiling a moment, disoriented and confused. Then he remembered. Hiroshi and Jason. And Jupiter. I must be in the Med Wing.

Movement to his right made him turn his head slowly in that direction. Jason stood there, leaning against the wall and staring out the window. Jason hadn't noticed he was awake yet. Kaine took the opportunity to study him as he leaned there. He could tell by his posture that Jason was exhausted. He shoulders were slightly slumped and most of his weight rested against the wall, as if he was using it for support. How long had he been there?

Kaine cleared his throat and Jason jumped in surprise, whirling to face the bed. "I see you have survived the day." Kaine's voice was barely more than a whisper. "Haven't you rested at all?" He managed a half smile.

Jason shook his head, hair falling forward to obscure his perfect face. "No, there has been too much to do. And I wanted to be sure you were all right before I did."

Kaine nodded a little and looked around. He was half propped up on some pillows. His torso was wrapped in bright white bandages. The room he was empty except for the bed, a chair and some medical equipment. An IV was hooked into his left hand, the tube from it running to a bag hanging on a hook to his left. "How long have I been here?"

"It is just after sunset now."

"All day then. What did I miss? The Council?" Kaine turned back to face Jason.

The young man nodded. "Grey resigned, the rest seem to be agreeing for the moment. We had a meeting earlier today. Abrahms' made a public address." He shrugged slightly. We have a meeting tomorrow to really start discussing what is going to happen. I put it off until then, mostly so that we could all rest up and think."

Kaine nodded and winced as the pain in his back. "I'll be there as soon as they will let me, but…"

"The staff said you would be recovering for quite some time. The injury is very large and deep. I saw it this morning." Jason closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall. "I…Thank you, again. If you hadn't pushed me aside, Hiroshi would have succeeded, I think."

"I wasn't about to let the bastard win." Kaine tried to sit up more, but the pain prevented him. He gasped and shook his head. "I'm just happy that your Jupiter stepped in and dealt with him. I was afraid you would kill him."

Jason nodded, "I was going to. If she had not become involved…" He shrugged.

"A good thing she did. It is better that she did so, for all concerned." Kaine watched Jason with concern showing clearly in his golden eyes. "You do realize that this is going to be difficult. The Council will not behave once they get over their surprise. Tomorrow is going to be a difficult day for you."

"I know." Jason meant his gaze with a seriousness in his cool blue eyes. "I should let you rest now. You're doctor told me not to stay too long." Kaine nodded. He hurt and was exhausted. "I just want you to know you have my support, Jason. Keep me updated until I can rejoin you?"

"Of course." Jason stepped up to the side of the bed, and looked down at him. "I'll be back tomorrow night to fill you in if I can. Otherwise, I'll send Rand here. He is taking Grey's position on the Council."

"Good. I will see you then."

Jason nodded and turned to leave. He was a few steps from the door when Kaine spoke again. "Are you sure you can handle this? Jupiter is asking a lot of you."

Jason turned back. "I will not let Jupiter down. Whatever happens."

Kaine smiled. "I thought as much. Get some rest then, Jason. You have a lot of work ahead of you. I'll help in anyway I can." Jason looked surprised for a moment but the look quickly vanished. "Thank you." He turned and left the room, moving slowly.

After he had gone, Kaine lay for a long time staring up at the ceiling. The pain made sleep seem impossible, so all that he could do was think. He hadn't lied when he said he'd help Jason in any way he could. The Council would be a problem but there were bigger problems to deal with as well, some of them he was sure Jason could see, but the Council may not. The Federation Government was the biggest of these. What would there reaction be when they found out that Hiroshi was no longer the Leader? All the secret deals that he had found proof of in Hiroshi's files would no doubt cause problems. It would be interesting to see just how this would be handled.

There was so much to do, and for all his intelligence and ability, Jason was still young. Kaine knew more than any of the others, that this meant nothing. They would see only his age and think that meant he could be manipulated. Kaine was sure they would all learn otherwise. Still it was going to be an uphill battle. Jason was going to need his support.

And that was something he was more than willing to give.

Owari

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Well, I could certainly continue this, but I am stopping here. I think it is a good place. It may be impossible to find another point that will work if I did keep going. I hope you have all enjoyed this long rambling of mine. I may come back to it someday, write more involving Jason and Kaine but I doubt it. I think I have done quite enough damage.

~ Aiisa