Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ A Price to Pay (English) ❯ The offer ( Chapter 5 )

The offer

Aya entered the hospital with mixed emotions. He had left the rather exhilarated Omi back at the flower shop; after they had an other talk during breakfast. He was pretty sure that the youth had taken no harm from their fling. They would stay friends even though he himself would have difficulties to forget the previous nights events.

He wasn't willing to admit it entirely but he had enjoyed the feeling of being loved even if it was just for a moment. That warm sensation of security hadn't left him the whole night, as crazy as it was to feel save in the arms of that boy. But he had chosen loneliness to not endanger their friendship, which meant more to him than he would ever admit. And as long as his sister would need him, their was no way out of his self-opted isolation.

Slowly Aya walked along the floor to his sister's room when the memory of his encounter with Schuldig came back. What had the telepath been wanting from him? He remembered that had said something about helping him. And he remembered an ambiguous smirk and non-ambiguous compliments. Aya shuddered cloyed and suddenly twitched appalled.

He nearly expected to meet the red-haired telepath in the corridor, but he was nowhere to be seen. Aya went further along and with every step he came closer to his sister's room he worried more. Schuldig could be waiting for him there just as well. Aya nearly started to run, hesitated for a moment at the door and finally opened it silently. Nothing had changed. His sister lay sleeping in her bed, the beeping noise of the heart-monitor the only sound that nearly painfully broke the silence. Aya took a seat besides her bed.

"Hello Aya-chan, how are you today? The nurses braided your hair again. They took red ribbons this time, it looks very pretty."

He was silent, as if expecting an answer he knew would never come. Instead someone else answered.

"What is hearing her answer worth to you?"

Standing up, whirling around and holding the chair over his head like a weapon was only one fluent motion for the red-haired killer. But the telepath was completely unimpressed. He leaned against the closed door with crossed arms, a wide, pleased grin on his face.

"Nice navel."

Aya twitched and looked down. His shirt had slipped up and Schuldig had free sight on a small strip of skin. As fast as possible he dropped the chair and lowered his arm. Much to his dismay the telepath sighed very disappointed.

"Spoil-sport."

Schuldigs smirk grew even wider when he noticed the slight pink that coloured Aya's cheeks after that comment. The turbulent thoughts and emotions he received from the young man nearly made him forget why he had come to see him. But the mixture of anger and confusion was too delicious to be ignored.

"What do you want?"

His enemies chilly voice brought Schuldig back into reality rather roughly. Forbearing, as if dealing with a child he shook his head.

"So impatient, my little pretty cat? Can't you imagine what it is I have to offer?"

"I'm not interested in anything you might have to *offer*. Shove off and leave me alone."

"Now, now, who said anything of that? I'd have to say, Abyssinian, you've got an extreme stimulating fantasy."

That infuriating smirk was back, much to Aya's chagrin. Then the German became serious.

"Although I have to admit that you aren't completely on the wrong side with your assumption. But it will be your decision whether or not you accept my offer."

"Get lost!"

Unimpressed Schuldig leant back relaxed.

Unbeeindruckt lehnte Schuldig sich wieder entspannt zurück.

"What? You want me to disappear just like that? Aren't you at least a little interested in about what will happen to your sister? The doctors have given up on her already, you know that. You're the only one who still believes that she'll awake one day."

Aya reacted by turning around, presenting his back to the German and returning to his sisters side. He could hear the Telepath slowly approaching and then there was a hand carefully placed on his shoulder. He shuddered, feeling the German's hot breath at his ear.

"I can wake her up."

Schuldig felt the tension building in that slender body and stepped back as a precaution. He doubted that the young man would attack him but he wasn't willing to take the risk. A short examination of Aya's thoughts admittedly showed him something completely different. Schuldig grimaced when he recognized the pictures he was seeing. An exploding house; a small body flying through the air and landing harshly; an ambulance that brought a young girl into hospital; doctors that only shook their heads. The incredible, heart breaking pain that came with these pictures threatened to take to telepath's breath. He only barely managed to break the connection.

Angry for having been flooded with negative emotions and mental pain the second time today by the same person, he was about to make a witty remark. But a short look into the face of said young man taught him better. A nearly knowing, triumphantly smile wrinkled his lips. Schuldig snorted derisively through his nose.

"If you think, that some negative emotions are all you need to get rid of me, forget it. I always get what I want, regardless of the price. Think about my offer. Your sister or your ego, what is more worth to you?"

"What exactly is it you want?"

Schuldig smirked.

" Oh, could it be there's someone wanting to negotiate the price? Now, now. I want you for one night from dusk till dawn. Nothing more and nothing less. That is the price for getting your sister back and that for ever. The price isn't that high, is it? One night in exchange for a whole life."

Aya turned his back at the telepath. Silence spread through the small room while Schuldig was waiting for an answer that didn't come.

"Listen Abyssinien, even my patience won't last forever. But I have to admit that a decision like this has to be made carefully. I give you one a week to think about it. Then I expect an answer."

Much to his he annoyance Aya still ignored him.

"I'll leave the two of you alone now. But we'll see each other again in a week, my little cat."

Aya noticed the door being opened and that someone left the room. Then he exhaled, surprised he had held his breath all that time. Carefully he reached for his sisters hand and petted it gently.

"What should I do? What should I do, Aya-chan? I became a killer to avenge you. I sold my soul to protect you. Should I sacrifice my body to save you, as well?"

He let his head hang and his shoulders sagged.

"And what will you think about your big brother once you wake up and learn about it?"

*

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*

Youji entered the kitchen and came across a hyperactive Omi, who was busy cooking something.

"Hey chibi, how was it to spend time all alone with our fearless leader?"

Startled Omi dropped a plate which hit the flood clanking and shattered into thousands of shards. Youji smiled slightly but didn't noticed the blush on the boys face.

"You're quite jumpy for a killer.

The blond playboy received a slap on his fingers and found himself being shoved away from the stove by his young team mate before he could think twice.

"No picking on the food. And I'm not jumpy. And by the way, don't call me Chibi. I'm turning 18 soon."

Youji laughed out loud. Omi stood in front of him, glaring at his best with still slightly red cheek and his fists pressed in his hips. Youji ran his hand through the boy's hair.

"What ever you say, but if you don't grow at least half a metre until then, you will still be my little one."

"Shove off, Youji, I'll call you when lunch is finished. And you should change clothes. Manx called, she is coming along later today. We have a mission."

The ex-detective clutched a hand over his heart and groaned playful.

"Why can't this enchanting fairy ever come around to spend a social evening with us?"

"Maybe because she doesn't want to hear your stupid patters all evening." Omi fumed.

Puzzled Youji lifted an eyebrow.

"Are you ok, Omi? That isn't like you. Did Aya do something bad? What did that heartless, cold bastard do?"

Abruptly the young killer turned around. He could feel the heat in his cheeks rising and he didn't wanted Youji to see that.

"It is nothing. He did nothing. It is just that I wanted to spend the evening with some friends and I'm not looking forward to Manx coming, either."

To his ease Omi could hear Youji's silent chuckle.

"And there I was thinking that you're a workaholic who can't wait for the next mission. You keep surprising me."

Still laughing Youji left the kitchen. Relived Omi sighed and turned his attention back to the stove.

*

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*

The mission-room was barely lit with the subdued light while the video started. The shadow like figure of Persia appeared flickering for a minute then he described the assignment.

"The news report that throughout the last days, people suddenly became killers. It is assumed that a new kind of drug is responsible for this but no prove to that has been found up to now. The only thing all incidents have in common is that the killing was done in a kind of ecstasy and without aim. Weiß, Hunter of the Night, hunt the shadows and end this insanity."

With this the video ended and Manx switched on the light. Attentively she look around.

"Well?"

Omi cleared his throat.

"I've heard about it in the news. The first incident took place at a school in Okinawa. During lesson a boy suddenly went berserk and hit a classmate with a chair. Luckily the teacher could overcome him and thus prevent anything more. The girl had been injured that severely that she died shortly after. It is said that the boy himself died shortly after that at the hospital because of a coronary failure. Another incident didn't get of that lightly. An apprentice in a kindergarten attacked some of the children. Three kids died and several other were heavily injured. The girl had been arrested but died in her cell at the police station. Likewise because of coronary failure."

Manx nodded.

"Right. During the last 8 days we had 5 incidents of that kind. Two of them happened at schools, one at a kindergarten and the last two happened at a park. All of them have in common that they happened without warning and that the killers died some hours later because of coronary failure. Additional to that all of them suddenly possessed incredible strength. During one event the killer ripped a park bench out of its anchor to use it as a weapon. All of them have a normal background and have never attracted the attention of the law. There had been no hints to any kind of drugs in their blood. That is no hints about known drugs. We assume that there is an unknown drug or a kind of hypnotic influence, like at the case with that crazy musician."

Omi made a face.

"I remember. The vibrations of the music made people insane. But that was different. Those kids killed themselves and not others. And that man is dead, too!"

"Do you accept the mission?"

Awaiting Manx looked around. Aya and Omi just nodded shortly as an answer.

"I didn't thought different. Ken, Youji?"

Casual the playboy strolled over at the redheaded Kritiker-agent and put an arm around her shoulder.

"Of course I'm in. We can't allow that someone wreaks havoc in the park and scares all those couples, now can we. By the way, what do think about a little walk stroll?"

"I'm in. I don't want to think about something happening like that during my training session with the boys. I better don't think about it."

Manx expertly unwind out of Youjis embrace and nodded in Ken's direction.

"Here is further information. If you need anything else let me know."

With that she distributed some envelops and turned to leave.

"But what about our little walk, Manx?"

"Youji, I'm absolutely certain, that I'm more safe going for a walk on my own."

She climbed the spiral staircase up and wasn't able to suppress a slight smile overhearing Youjis crestfallen muttering being perished by Ken and Omi's laughter.

"Why do you try it always again, Youji?"

The blond playboy winked at Omi.

"Someday she will fall for my charm, I'm pretty sure of that. Listen to an experienced seducer, Omi. Never give up."

Shaking his head and still giggling Omi switched his computer on and started to put in information.

"Kuodo, stop with this nonsense. We have a mission that needs our concentration."

Youji rolled his eyes and sighed tortured.

"Oh man, Aya. There is something else besides missions and when there is a chance for some entertainment you should simply go for it."

The only answer he received from his redheaded team mate was an icy glare.

"We have the early shift tomorrow, Kudou."

Aya stated and left the mission-room.

"In other words: And if you aren't punctual, you will be hunted out of your bed with a katana."

Another deep, tortured sigh left Youjis lungs.

"If that is the case, I'll better go sleeping. Don't stay awake the whole night, Chibi. You have got school tomorrow."

"Yes, yes." Omi answered not paying attention but staring at the screen instead. Ken assured Youji with a nod.

"I'll take care that he will be in bed at least at midnight. You better take care that you are at the shop in time tomorrow."

Laughing Youji left climbing the spiral staircase. Ken turned to his young team-mate who was concentrating at his computer and tipping typing in an incredible tempo at his keyboard.

"You want some coffee, Omi?"

He didn't get an answer.

"Omi? Do you want some coffee?"

Still no answer. Ken rose and went to his friend. There was an up-to-date massage on the screen about another event. Two girls had become violent in a disco and had hit several visitors with bottles. There had been some deaths and a lot of seriously injured. Again there seemed to be no trace for a reason for this sudden aggressive behaviour.

"Up to now we have 6 incidents of this kind in only 8 days. Who ever is behind this has lost control or is in a hurry."

Surprised Ken lifted an eyebrow.

"Why do you think so?"

Nervously Omi chewed on his lower lip.

"Think about it Ken. If you wanted to turned ordinary people into killer, the least you wanted to happen would be making someone notice that. And exactly that is happening. There isn't a special target group. There is no connection between the events. And they always happen at different locations and situations. That doesn't make sense."

"That crazy musician just wanted revenge. Maybe this is the same cause?"

Forcefully Omi shook his head.

"No, I don't think so. His targets where young people. He had a special target group, but this is different. Pupils had been attacked, than little children and finally grown-ups at the park. Even the age of the killers is different. At the first incident it had been a 16 year old pupil, at the park it had been a 39 years old bank clerk. Those two girls at the disco had been just over 20. At first I thought the killers are getting older, but that last event proved this theory to be wrong."

"What ever, Omi. I don't think you are going to find the solution tonight. You should go to bed."

The blond killer shook his head in denial, but had to yawn heartily.

"I just need some coffee. Would you make me some?"

Smiling kindly at his friend, Ken left the mission-room to return minutes later with a cup of coffee and a sandwich.

"Here, I brought you a sandwich in case you are hungry later."

"Thank you, Ken."

A grateful smile shooed over Omi's face when he took the cup and then one could hear the hammering of swift fingers on a keyboard. Ken look at him thoughtfully and pondered about Omi's conclusion. Then he opened the envelope with the information.

"Look, Omi. There is a map with all the sites of crime."

"Ken, I told you, there is no connection between these places."

"Omi, the places result in a circle. Here look at it. I've marked the last one and now the circle is full."

The blond hacker glanced at the map, which obviously had been made by the police.

"Well, the sites of crime make a full circle. But how is this going to help us? Do they start a new circle or is the series finished?"

Thoughtfully Ken wrinkled his forehead.

"You know, it might sound stupid but as a child I loved to colour those pictures where you have to connect dots. Maybe we get a pattern while looking closer at what happened at the sites of crime. You know, who was there, birth dates, time of day, number of victims."

"Indeed, that sounds stupid. But never the less. The first event was…."

Omi left his place at the computer and both of them started to write down every available information on the map. Having finished that, Ken rose and started passing up and down thinking.

"There is something that disturbs me the whole time. Did you notice that there were never more then three deaths? There had been a couple of seriously injured but never more then three fatalities.

"What do you mean with that?"

"It is odd. Ordinary people somehow turn into supernatural strong killing machines but the amount of victims never passes the three. One should think that in such a case, someone loosing control like that, there have to be more victims."

Omi's eyes widened horror-stricken and he put his cup of coffee down with a little to much force.

"Ken, we can be lucky that there were only that few victims. And a total of 12 victims is far enough, isn't it?"

"I'll get Aya and Youji, maybe they have some more ideas."

With that the ex-football player left just to return minutes later with both of the other teammates. Both studied the map. Omi noticed that the ex-detective paid extra attention to the information provided by the police.

"Right, never more than three victims. At the first incident we have one victim, at the second there were three deaths and at the third only two. Than there were three deaths, one death and finally again two. Mark the point of the first three event in an other colour than the last three. Maybe this is giving us a pattern."

Omi fetched a ruler to draw lines on the map.

"This is a pentagram, Youji. The first three events result in a triangle with the tip up and the other three events result in a triangle with the tip down. And all tips together make a full circle."

An embarrassed silence filled the mission-room. Aya was the first to speak again.

"We can assume that we are confronted with an occult group. The question is what will they do next and more important where?"

"There will be a lunar eclipse tomorrow night. I would bet that they will hold a ceremony in the middle of the pentagon then."

Surprised everybody looked at the brunet ex-football goalie who blushed bashful.

"So what? One of my boys told me about the eclipse. His parents wouldn't allow him to stay up that long to watch it."

Ken crossed his arms for his chest and glanced a little angry at the laughing faces of Youji and Omi.

"We still don't know who turns the victims into killers and how."

Aya's deep voice ended this short free and easy moment fast and once again the team concentrated at the map and the information. Everybody uttered speculations, different possibilities were discussed but finally they had to give up. None of the impulse-killer, as Ken named them after some time, had had contact to any kind of occult sect, Satanists or magic circles. None of the impulse-killer had had contact to the drug-scene and there was no hint to any kind of possible mental illnesses.

"What ever the reason is. We won't find it tonight. And I'm to tired to think anymore. I'll go to bed."

Youji stood up yawning and disappeared upstairs. Aya followed shortly after leaving Ken and Omi back.

"Come on, Omi. You have school tomorrow. Go to bed."

Ken looked at his friend. Omi hung slumped over in front of his computer, his head resting on his arm. Ken sneaked at his side and soon noticed that the blond boy was sleeping deeply. A loving smile spread over his face as he saw his friend sleeping so peacefully. Then he carefully bent over him and scooped him up in his arms.

"In bed with you, little one." He whispered silently. "We can save the world tomorrow."