Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Alternate Yesterday ❯ Explanations Abound ( Chapter 8 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: MissyIrene 
Some Swartz action in this chapter, as well as some Ken and Mamoru fun. Enjoy.
Anime/Manga: Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.22.2004 | Pages: 7 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 315 | Status: Completed
Some Swartz action in this chapter, as well as some Ken and Mamoru fun. Enjoy.
Anime/Manga: Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.22.2004 | Pages: 7 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 315 | Status: Completed
Everyone, sorry it took so long to post another chapter. Now I'm back and have a new extra long chapter for you guys, I hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think, because my muse lives on feedback, please feed my muse, its so hungry. ^_~
(Author's Note): In this chapter we have some Swartz action, so all you Swartz fans enjoy. ^_^ Also we find out what is going on with Ken and Mamoru.
Disclaimer: I do not now nor have I ever owned Weiss Kreuz, just borrowing the characters for some fun. ^_~
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Chapter 8: Explanations Abound
The sound of water droplets splashing on expensive marble floors followed the youngest member of Swartz as he entered the ritzy penthouse, of the twenty story apartment building that he and his teammates were so graciously being put-up in; while their illustrious employer Reiji Taketori, was in town to take care of some family business.
Grimacing in annoyance at the fact that even though the rain had stopped earlier, on his walk back from his accidental run in with Taketori's wife, he had been lost in his own thoughts about his talk with her. Unfortunately for Nagi this momentary lapse in concentration had coincided with a passing truck driving into a particularly large puddle of water. Thanks to his own wandering thoughts the young telekinetic had not realized his close proximity to the airborne spray of water until he felt himself drenched from head to toe in filthy and faintly gasoline scented street water.
Dark thoughts of how he could crush that evil truck into a pile of twisted metal where dominant his mind, as Nagi proceeded to peal his now thoroughly inundated jacket from his shoulders with a disgusted snarl. On the way to his bedroom Nagi found himself suddenly face to face with a one eyed, knife wielding maniac.
Not now Farf I'm drenched and smell like a mud puddle, why don't you go bother Schu or something. the boy's annoyed rant was ignored by his companion.
Grinning with some secret glee Farfello proceeded to lick the kitchen knife he had commandeered from a drawer and continued past the soggy boy, down the hall to find a new and better way to hurt god. Previously he had planned on squiring some pigeons on the balcony but Crawford had foreseen it, and ruined his fun by confiscating his beloved knives. Luckily for the Irishman the precog had to leave on business with Taketori, so in his haste had neglected to lock up the kitchen knives, which Farfello had so conveniently borrowed.
Rolling his eyes at his insane teammate's antics, the soggy telekinetic proceeded to the bathroom to shower and change.
The manic laughter and irritating grinding of kitchen utensils in a blender and the sight of the resulting sparks which seemed to infinitely entertain Farfello, met Nagi as he entered the spacious kitchen a half hour later. Taking a seat at the table, head resting in his hands Nagi sighed in annoyance as a familiar tickle in the back of his mind alerted him to the unwelcome intrusion of a certain redheaded German telepath.
Damn it Schu, get out of my head!
Nagi muttered choice curses while Farf giggled with glee as the utensils grinding away in the blender caused the appliance to short out in a brilliant display of sparks and smoke.
Breaking blenders hurts god!!! Farf cackled to himself while Nagi opened a window with his powers to prevent the smoke detector from going off, again!
Snickering at the scene, Schuldig entered the kitchen and risked bodily harm by ruffling Nagi's dark chocolate locks. The resulting growl told the telepath without the aid of his abilities that he had better remove his hand, so he took a seat next to his young teammate.
So Nagikins what delightful adventure did you embark on today? as if the telepath didn't already know.
Snorting at the German's attempt at small talk, Nagi related to his teammates the mission that Crawford had assigned to him, find Kikuno Taketori at such and such a place, at a particular time as the precog had foreseen; then be a good little boy and help her carry her groceries home, there by learning the location of her residence.
Unfortunately the kid was at school, Nagi sighed as he watched his teammate's eyes gleam with mirth at his annoyance. So I couldn't confirm the location of Taketori's brat, plus Kikuno was reluctant to talk to me.
Smiling at the disgruntled youngster Schuldig patted Nagi on the back and got up to retrieve something to munch on from the refrigerator.
I wouldn't stress over it Naggles, smiling wider as the boy groaned at one of the many accursed nick-names that Schu insisted on tormenting him with. I got a good look at her mind while you were being the good Samaritan and found out where dear little Mamoru attends school; I also found out a particularly useful tid-bit of information by surprise. HAH! I bet even Bradley didn't see this one coming.
Perking up instantly at the German's boast, Nagi found himself curious at what possible event that Schu might have discovered, that Crawford might have not foreseen.
Well, what is it?
Smirking in delight Schu explained, apparently from what I learned from Kikuno's thoughts, her dear little Mamoru is a bit of a computer nut; kind of like you Nagikins.
Nagi frowned at the telepath's remark.
Anyway, apparently little Mamoru went on a bit of a hacking adventure with a friend and got a hold of some information not meant for his eyes.
OK?!? So what does that have to do with anything, Nagi was starting to become annoyed.
Well chibi, the information that the brat got a hold of warned him that his dear old dad is looking for him and his mother.
What? That's impossible, Nagi was floored, how could anyone have hacked Taketori's files. As an experienced hacker himself, Nagi had been the one to design and implement the protection programs that his employer used to protect his computer networks, it was not possible that some kid was able to get passed his precautions!
Nagi was brought out of his thoughts by not only the German's next words but by the smug expression that followed them; well I guess your not as invincible when it comes to your computers as you thought huh Nagikins?
Oh shut up Schu!
Nagi bristled visibly at the insinuation that some snot nosed brat of that idiot Taketori could have hacked his programs, there was just not way. His incensed thoughts were interrupted by more manic laughter from Farfello who was now currently doing inventory of the kitchen cutlery running his fingers over and slicing his arms with each new blade he found.
Hacking Nagi's programs hurts god!
Sighing in defeat at the demented laughter of his teammates, Nagi stood up leaving the kitchen and his crazy friends behind. Nagi always considered his time precious, and he wasn't going to waste anymore on those idiots. Besides, he needed to check the security on Taketori's mainframe to see if Schu was right about the intrusion by another hacker.
'Seeing is believing,' he thought to himself, and Nagi knew he wouldn't be able to believe what the German had told him until he saw the evidence of the intrusion into Taketori's files. 'Before I do that though, I think some online relaxation is in order,' Nagi gave a small smile at that thought, he needed to unwind after the day he had, and he had the perfect way to do that.
'I wonder if BombayKat is online right now?' Nagi wondered. It had been a few weeks since the telekinetic had last spoken to his friend; one that even his teammates knew nothing about. Nagi had known his online friend for almost two years, corresponding first in chat rooms, then later in e-mails and Instant Messages (IM).
Sighing as he took a seat at his beloved computer and logging on, Nagi thought more about his secret friend. 'If Crawford ever found out about him he would make me give up my correspondence for fear of it interfering with my job' at this Nagi scowled. 'It's as if I'm not aloud to have any friends!'
It had been hard for him to keep this secret from not only the precog but from his telepathic teammate as well, part of it was that he and BombayKat had never met in all the time they had known each other, this helped keep some distance, and keep Nagi's secret safe.
Smiling slightly yet again, Nagi noticed that indeed his friend was online as he wrote an invitation for an IM chat between them and sent it, a resulting bling sound filling the room.
'It's so strange how someone can mean so much to me as a friend and to this day I've never even seen his face.'
With that thought Nagi found his slight smile unconsciously widening as a responding bling and a message from BombayKat answered his invitation to chat.
Well explain?
Ken smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head as he frantically tried to come up with a realistic and feasible excuse to explain breaking into Mamoru's apartment.
'Damn-it! I can't tell him about Weiss and why I was really here, or Aya will have my head; plus Kritiker would have to eliminate Mamoru if he knew!'
Ken's thoughts were a jumble until suddenly as if the clouds had parted and the sun decided to shine through in all its infinite brilliance, Ken had an idea! Not just any idea, a splendid idea, worthy of Einstein himself.
Inwardly the assassin was doing back-flips at his own cleverness and failed to notice that Mamoru's displeased expression had been replaced by one of utter confusion and a bit of fear. This expression was brought on by the manic gleam now present in the florist's eyes, a disturbing sight indeed.
Um, uh... Ken-kun are you OK?
'All right it's official this florist, this cute florist; is now seriously freaking me out!' Mamoru thought as he watched the strange gleam and a few manic chuckles escape from his new friend.
Momentarily Mamoru started at his own thoughts, 'CUTE, did I just call him cute, ugh bad thoughts, bad, I don't need this right now!'
Deciding to snap Ken out of whatever strange little world he was off mentally gallivanting in, Mamoru tapped him on the arm. The effect he wanted was instantaneous as Ken snapped back to reality with a substantial blush to prove his embarrassment for spacing out.
Oh sorry about that, I kind of drifted off there for a second. Ken felt his face heat up at the skeptical look that the boy gave him; 'man that was embarrassing, he probably thinks that I'm not only some creepy stalker, but a crazy person too!'
Sighing at the situation Mamoru started again, so are you going to tell me why you're here? Mamoru knew he liked Ken, but at this moment the guy was seriously starting to annoy him.
Ken smiled at the frustrated expression that the boy gave him, 'well here goes nothing.'
The guys and I need some extra help around the flower shop, so I figured you might like to work with us while we're in town, you know for some extra money, like an after school job?
Ken trailed off at the peculiar look that Mamoru was now giving him. So what you say?
Mamoru wasn't sure exactly what he had expected the florist to tell him, some kind of lame excuse probably, but what he had just heard was definitely not what he had expected. His jaw hung open in visible shock and it took the boy a moment to formulate an answer to what he was told.
You want ME to work with you and your friends?
Plastering on a smile to cover up his confusion and surprise he nodded to Ken, Yah I would love to work with you and your friends except..., here Mamoru found himself frowning a bit, I don't know anything about flowers, wouldn't you need someone who has more experience?
Ken found himself grinning at the poor boy's utterly lost expression, 'does he even know how adorable he looks when he pouts like that. Damn! Bad thoughts, BAKA, no ogling your mission objective!'
Ken's smile grew while his hand as if by its own desire moved to ruffle the golden locks of the pouting boy in front of him, the resulting blush that painted Mamoru's soft features gave the adorable boy an even more darling appearance.
Trying to fight off the dreadful blush that Mamoru feared was spreading like wildfire across his cheeks, he decided that working with the florist for as long as he and his friends were in Kyoto might be fun, besides he and his mother could use the extra income. This pleasant thought was pushed aside when another took its place, 'I still don't understand why Ken-kun needed to break in the apartment to tell me this?'
Smiling at Ken and nodding his consent to his proposition, Mamoru decided to voice his confusion.
It's nice of you to ask me to work with you and your friends, but it still doesn't explain why you were in my room or in our apartment in the first place?
All the feelings of accomplishment that Ken had been savoring up until now seemed to slip through his fingers like so much dry sand, as these words registered in his mind. The curious look on the boy's face and his own unfortunate realization that his 'genius' plan hadn't worked as well as he had hoped led the assassin down the path of impending panic.
This was when Ken found himself pulling off one of his classic bone-headed moves and
before he could stop himself the words just spilled out of their own accord, I am here checking out leads.
Mamoru's expectant look altered to one of confusion, what do you mean? Then his eyes lit up with what looked like hope, are you some kind of police officer, or a detective Ken-kun?
Ken felt himself nodding an affirmative and before he knew it, thoughts of how Aya was going to kill him for telling Mamoru what he did flooded his head. The assassin was dangerously close to a mental breakdown when the voice of the boy in front of him invaded and all other thoughts, which ground to a halt in pure shock as what was just spoken finally registered.
Smiling at the absent minded florist, Mamoru decided to voice his most urgent questions; then you must know about my father, why else would you be here?
Ken did a double take when he heard this, 'the kid knows about Taketori! Oh Crap, Aya is going to really be unhappy and that's putting it mildly.' Outwardly Ken grimaced at the impending doom that would await him when the leader of their group found out what he now knew.
Ken come back to the conversation from his inner thoughts yet again and just in time to hear Mamoru's continuing monologue which would became at least for Ken a saving grace.
...and while we were there I downloaded some files from her father's computer network and Reiji Taketori's name along with some other stuff about him and his business associates was downloaded too.
Mamoru was no less then thrilled. If this 'florist' as Ken had previously claimed to be, was really some kind of undercover cop or detective looking for information on Taketori, then maybe he could help him and his mother, then they wouldn't have to relocate again.
It had taken Ken a few moments to digest exactly what Mamoru had just told him, 'a disk with information on Taketori?' this was too good to be true. Weiss had already been told when their mission first started that Kritiker's hackers had very little information on Taketori's latest movements in Kyoto. They only knew that he had learned the general whereabouts of his wife and youngest son and had set out to find them. Kritiker also suspected that Taketori had other ulterior motives for his trip to this city, but no definite proof of this had been found as of yet.
Turning to the blond 'angel of mercy' in front of him Ken decided his earlier goof-up might actually work to his advantage, especially since it seemed that Mamoru already knew about his father's presence in Kyoto.
About this disk, do you still have it?
Starting to head towards his room Mamoru nodded, of course I do, and I can give it to you if you want it, but I want a favor in return. With this said the boy's eyes again lost their shine and became hard and serious. The sudden change in demeanor similar to before made shivers cascade down Ken's spine.
Okay, what it is you want?
Smiling a bit to soften his expression Mamoru told the 'florist' exactly what he wanted. I want your promise that you will help me and my mother, and keep that maniac away from us, I don't want him to find my mother or me. Also this is between us, I don't want my mother involved, she has protected me from my father all my life, now it's my turn to protect us for a change.
Ken couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at how 'cute' Mamoru looked when he was being serious, it gave the boy a distinctive look of a disgruntled kitten.
Raising an eyebrow at Ken's pathetic attempt to hide his humor, Mamoru was about to ask about why his proposition was funny when Ken saved him the effort by replying.
Sure Mamo-chan I would be happy to help you and your mother, and yes I would be appreciative of any information you could give me on your father.
Mamoru bristled visibly at the nickname that Ken used, 'UGH he must have picked it up from June!'
OK, give me a minute and I'll go get the disk. Mamoru turned to walk to his room, just wait here.
Seated at his desk Mamoru made sure to copy the information from the disk onto a spare so that he could retain the original.
'I might have just found an ally and a friend in Ken-kun, but he's still a virtual stranger to me, I mean we only met this morning.'
Mamoru's old ingrained fear of strangers was not so easily forgotten even as he felt that he could trust Ken. Old suspicions of those that he did not know that were ingrained into him by his mother's teachings, made Mamoru naturally wary of those he did not know well, and compelled his caution.
Turning to leave taking the copy with him, Mamoru was startled by a bling of his Instant Messager (IM); turning back to the now open chat window he smiled fondly at what was found there.
Seeing the familiar screen name and the text asking if he was free to talk, Mamoru was pleased to see that his old friend DarkProdigy was online. Smiling wider when remembering it had been a while since the two had spoken to each other, almost two weeks to be exact.
Their friendship spanned the past two years of speaking to one another for hours at a time in chat rooms, and later moving on to more personal forms of talk such as e-mail and IM. Lately Dark Prodigy had been away on 'business' or so he had put it, last time they had spoken. Mamoru had missed their talks a great deal.
Pausing a moment to type a message telling DarkProdigy that he would be right back to chat, Mamoru grabbed the copied disk deciding that now was as good a time as any to ask Ken to leave. As much as he liked his new friend, Mamoru was now much more interested in speaking to an older and more trusted friend. Also he still needed to e-mail June and fill her in on recent events.
Ken accepted the disk and a piece of paper with numbers scrawled on it, thanks, me and the guys should be parked near your school for a while yet.
Ken mentally kicked himself for saying that, gods I sound like a stalker or something.' Smiling sheepishly to cover his embarrassment Ken noticed that Mamoru was blushing as well with embarrassment of his own, as he lead Ken to the front door.
With good-byes said, Ken left the apartment and headed across the street to his bike. Suddenly a huge grin made itself present on his face, as he looked down at the cell phone number on the piece of paper and the disk in his hand. Well that didn't go to badly now did it.
Revving up the engine Ken put the trinkets he had obtained on his unusual break-in/run-in with Mamoru Taketori into a pocket in his jacket. Placing on his helmet he hit the gas and sped down the street to join the rest of the commuters in the rush hour traffic of Kyoto.
Sighing in satisfaction after finishing a rather lengthily e-mail to June, Mamoru pressed the button on his mouse to send the digital message on its way. The bling of the IM window in the corner of the screen caught his attention. Mamoru had been writing to June for the better part of an hour since Ken's departure, while chatting with his online friend off and on.
DarkProdigy: So you won this bet you and your friend had huh? What are you going to make her wear when she cleans your room?
Smiling at the thought Mamoru replied:
BombayKat: I don't know.. *snickers evilly* maybe one of those slutty outfits of her sister's that I KNOW she would have made me wear if she had won.
A bling instantly replied to Mamoru's scrip and he chuckled at his friend's reply.
DarkProdigy: Hah! That's to much kitty-kat ^_^, take some pictures and send me a copy!
Mamoru giggled at the nick name that DarkProdigy had saddled him with, for some funny reason it didn't bother him as much as being called Mamo-chan did. The idea of sending pictures of June to his friend DarkProdigy made Mamoru let out an amused snort. 'June would kill me if I ever did that.'
BombayKat: Nice try but that will never happen, she would have my head if she ever found out, so try and reign in those raging hormones of yours. Anyway she's like a sister, so YUCK!
DarkProdigy: ... >_<
Mamoru laughed again at his friend's reply, it was always so much fun talking to him. They had always been this way, ever since they had met two years ago online in a chat room for computer enthusiasts. The pair had bonded quickly over their mutual interests and eventually discarded the crowded chatroom, and the other chatters who usually interrupted the conversions they had and began to converse in private on IM and in e-mails.
Despite the fact that Mamoru had known DarkProdigy for some time the two knew very little personal information about each other. It was a rule that both had agreed to early on in their online friendship. Mamoru's wariness of strangers and his Taketori background was his own reason, and he suspected that DarkProdigy had his own reasons for the agreed on arrangement.
Arrangement aside it didn't really hinder their friendship, the boys learned that they had a lot in common where interests and opinion were concerned. All Mamoru really knew about DarkProdigy was that he was about the same age as he, and that they were both great hackers. While he lived in Kyoto his friend told him that he lived with 'friends' in Tokyo, where he attended school.
DarkProdigy: Guess what Kitty-kat, I'm in town on business!
Mamoru's jaw just about dropped to the floor and his fingers scrambled to type a fast enough reply.
BombayKat: What! You mean here in Kyoto, that's great. Do you think that we could maybe meet?
Mamoru crossed his fingers and prayed to any and all the gods that would answer him. He had wanted to meet DarkProdigy for a long time but geographical distance and his friend's busy schedule had prevented it so far.
Mamoru was ecstatic when he saw the reply.
DarkProdigy: When and where? ^_~
Ken sighed exhausted and thirsty, as he trudged up the steps into the trailer that served as a flower shop. Ignoring Aya's glare and Youji's annoyed looks he b-lined it to the refrigerator for a bottled water.
Man the traffic here in Kyoto is as bad as it is in Tokyo, maybe worse, he exclaimed around mouthfuls of water.
Aya just rolled his eyes as Youji grinned at Ken's misfortune at being stuck in rush hour traffic.
Hah Ken-ken, serves you right for ditching us on clean-up duty. I mean how long does it take to deliver one order of flowers!
Scowling at Youji's remark, Ken flopped down in a nearby chair.
For your information I was checking out the residence of one of our targets.
At the rise of Youji's eyebrows, Ken smirked in triumph. Aya however frowned when he saw Ken pull out a disk from his jacket pocket, along with a small sheet of paper with a phone number on it.
Following Aya's gaze, Ken decided he better get it over with and explain the new situation to his colleagues.
Yah about that... well you see um, while I was checking out Kikuno Taketori's apartment her son came home and I kind of got caught, here Ken grimaced as Aya's frown deepened.
You what!?! This exclamation came from Youji, while Aya's frown became an outright scowl.
Ken decided to hurry on with his explanation about the disk, hoping that it would save him from Aya's animosity.
Don't worry guys, I told the kid we were undercover detectives; oh and he already knew about his father being here looking for them, so that wasn't my fault!
Seeing Aya's expression change none, but Youji's eyes were wide, you told him we were detectives? Laughter suddenly erupted from the lanky blond as Aya rolled his eyes at the blonde's inappropriate response.
Smiling thankfully at the break in the tense atmosphere Ken decided to continue.
Not only does the kid know about his father, but apparently Mamoru is some sort of computer/hacker/genius; he and a friend of his were able to get a hold of some Intel on Taketori, and gave it to me!
Holding up the disk to prove his point, Ken grinned in satisfaction as Youji's jaw practically slammed into the floor and even Aya's eyes lit up in surprise.
Snatching the disk from Ken's grasp, Aya eyed it for a moment before frowning again. Okay Ken what's the catch, I hardly believe the kid gave you this and wanted nothing in return.
Smiling sheepishly, Ken nodded in agreement; well no he didn't give it to me for nothing, actually you see he kind of made me promise that we would protect him and his mother, and I also promised that he could work here with us in the flower shop.
At the resounding silence that descended on the room, Ken tried his best to resist the urge to flee as Aya's eyes narrowed to slits, you told him WHAT!
Ken's life was spared when Youji again interrupted, calm down Aya, its part of our mission to protect the kid and his mother anyway, so why not let the chibi work here with us. That way we can keep an eye on him.
Aya scowled but didn't protest this idea, instead he left the room with the disk in hand, most likely to see if Ken's Intel was worth the hassle.
Ken smiled a thanks to Youji and then promptly began to tell the lanky blond about what had occurred between him and Mamoru.
Youji's only reaction besides laughing his ass off, was to inquire about weather or not Kikuno was any good looking, since the assassin had a fondness for helping beautiful women in distress.
All conversation ground to a halt as Aya walked back into the room and proceeded outside and then returned moments later with a surprise. Apparently Ken and Youji had been so into their talk that they hadn't noticed someone knocking on the trailer door. As Aya reemerged into the room yet again, the clacking of high heals followed him.
The unexpected arrival of Manx considering she had traveled here from Tokyo to Kyoto just to see them, meant that something serious was going on. The frown on her face led Ken to believe that he was in for a long mission briefing, sighing dejectedly he followed the others into the living room where the meeting would take place.
While Weiss had to endure Manx's latest mission briefing, across town Mamoru was settling back down at his computer with a bowl of freshly made ramen in hand.
The bling of his IM and DarkProdigy's latest reply filled the room as the fading light of the setting sun filtered through the window onto the potted freesia's still placed on his desk, right where Ken had left them.
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TBC
Well that's a good place to stop, I was even nice and didn't leave it on a cliff hanger. I am so sorry about making you guys wait so long for an update. I have been so busy lately and only recently have had time to type up my updates. Right now I am currently working on finishing up my latest update for Second Calling so anyone who is waiting for that be patient for a little bit longer. ^_^
Once my other fic is updated I will work on this one again, so let me know what you think because you guys keep me going, and thanks again to those who have already reviewed for me, I appreciate it a lot. ^_~
(Author's Note): In this chapter we have some Swartz action, so all you Swartz fans enjoy. ^_^ Also we find out what is going on with Ken and Mamoru.
Disclaimer: I do not now nor have I ever owned Weiss Kreuz, just borrowing the characters for some fun. ^_~
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Chapter 8: Explanations Abound
The sound of water droplets splashing on expensive marble floors followed the youngest member of Swartz as he entered the ritzy penthouse, of the twenty story apartment building that he and his teammates were so graciously being put-up in; while their illustrious employer Reiji Taketori, was in town to take care of some family business.
Grimacing in annoyance at the fact that even though the rain had stopped earlier, on his walk back from his accidental run in with Taketori's wife, he had been lost in his own thoughts about his talk with her. Unfortunately for Nagi this momentary lapse in concentration had coincided with a passing truck driving into a particularly large puddle of water. Thanks to his own wandering thoughts the young telekinetic had not realized his close proximity to the airborne spray of water until he felt himself drenched from head to toe in filthy and faintly gasoline scented street water.
Dark thoughts of how he could crush that evil truck into a pile of twisted metal where dominant his mind, as Nagi proceeded to peal his now thoroughly inundated jacket from his shoulders with a disgusted snarl. On the way to his bedroom Nagi found himself suddenly face to face with a one eyed, knife wielding maniac.
Not now Farf I'm drenched and smell like a mud puddle, why don't you go bother Schu or something. the boy's annoyed rant was ignored by his companion.
Grinning with some secret glee Farfello proceeded to lick the kitchen knife he had commandeered from a drawer and continued past the soggy boy, down the hall to find a new and better way to hurt god. Previously he had planned on squiring some pigeons on the balcony but Crawford had foreseen it, and ruined his fun by confiscating his beloved knives. Luckily for the Irishman the precog had to leave on business with Taketori, so in his haste had neglected to lock up the kitchen knives, which Farfello had so conveniently borrowed.
Rolling his eyes at his insane teammate's antics, the soggy telekinetic proceeded to the bathroom to shower and change.
~*~
The manic laughter and irritating grinding of kitchen utensils in a blender and the sight of the resulting sparks which seemed to infinitely entertain Farfello, met Nagi as he entered the spacious kitchen a half hour later. Taking a seat at the table, head resting in his hands Nagi sighed in annoyance as a familiar tickle in the back of his mind alerted him to the unwelcome intrusion of a certain redheaded German telepath.
Damn it Schu, get out of my head!
Nagi muttered choice curses while Farf giggled with glee as the utensils grinding away in the blender caused the appliance to short out in a brilliant display of sparks and smoke.
Breaking blenders hurts god!!! Farf cackled to himself while Nagi opened a window with his powers to prevent the smoke detector from going off, again!
Snickering at the scene, Schuldig entered the kitchen and risked bodily harm by ruffling Nagi's dark chocolate locks. The resulting growl told the telepath without the aid of his abilities that he had better remove his hand, so he took a seat next to his young teammate.
So Nagikins what delightful adventure did you embark on today? as if the telepath didn't already know.
Snorting at the German's attempt at small talk, Nagi related to his teammates the mission that Crawford had assigned to him, find Kikuno Taketori at such and such a place, at a particular time as the precog had foreseen; then be a good little boy and help her carry her groceries home, there by learning the location of her residence.
Unfortunately the kid was at school, Nagi sighed as he watched his teammate's eyes gleam with mirth at his annoyance. So I couldn't confirm the location of Taketori's brat, plus Kikuno was reluctant to talk to me.
Smiling at the disgruntled youngster Schuldig patted Nagi on the back and got up to retrieve something to munch on from the refrigerator.
I wouldn't stress over it Naggles, smiling wider as the boy groaned at one of the many accursed nick-names that Schu insisted on tormenting him with. I got a good look at her mind while you were being the good Samaritan and found out where dear little Mamoru attends school; I also found out a particularly useful tid-bit of information by surprise. HAH! I bet even Bradley didn't see this one coming.
Perking up instantly at the German's boast, Nagi found himself curious at what possible event that Schu might have discovered, that Crawford might have not foreseen.
Well, what is it?
Smirking in delight Schu explained, apparently from what I learned from Kikuno's thoughts, her dear little Mamoru is a bit of a computer nut; kind of like you Nagikins.
Nagi frowned at the telepath's remark.
Anyway, apparently little Mamoru went on a bit of a hacking adventure with a friend and got a hold of some information not meant for his eyes.
OK?!? So what does that have to do with anything, Nagi was starting to become annoyed.
Well chibi, the information that the brat got a hold of warned him that his dear old dad is looking for him and his mother.
What? That's impossible, Nagi was floored, how could anyone have hacked Taketori's files. As an experienced hacker himself, Nagi had been the one to design and implement the protection programs that his employer used to protect his computer networks, it was not possible that some kid was able to get passed his precautions!
Nagi was brought out of his thoughts by not only the German's next words but by the smug expression that followed them; well I guess your not as invincible when it comes to your computers as you thought huh Nagikins?
Oh shut up Schu!
Nagi bristled visibly at the insinuation that some snot nosed brat of that idiot Taketori could have hacked his programs, there was just not way. His incensed thoughts were interrupted by more manic laughter from Farfello who was now currently doing inventory of the kitchen cutlery running his fingers over and slicing his arms with each new blade he found.
Hacking Nagi's programs hurts god!
Sighing in defeat at the demented laughter of his teammates, Nagi stood up leaving the kitchen and his crazy friends behind. Nagi always considered his time precious, and he wasn't going to waste anymore on those idiots. Besides, he needed to check the security on Taketori's mainframe to see if Schu was right about the intrusion by another hacker.
'Seeing is believing,' he thought to himself, and Nagi knew he wouldn't be able to believe what the German had told him until he saw the evidence of the intrusion into Taketori's files. 'Before I do that though, I think some online relaxation is in order,' Nagi gave a small smile at that thought, he needed to unwind after the day he had, and he had the perfect way to do that.
'I wonder if BombayKat is online right now?' Nagi wondered. It had been a few weeks since the telekinetic had last spoken to his friend; one that even his teammates knew nothing about. Nagi had known his online friend for almost two years, corresponding first in chat rooms, then later in e-mails and Instant Messages (IM).
Sighing as he took a seat at his beloved computer and logging on, Nagi thought more about his secret friend. 'If Crawford ever found out about him he would make me give up my correspondence for fear of it interfering with my job' at this Nagi scowled. 'It's as if I'm not aloud to have any friends!'
It had been hard for him to keep this secret from not only the precog but from his telepathic teammate as well, part of it was that he and BombayKat had never met in all the time they had known each other, this helped keep some distance, and keep Nagi's secret safe.
Smiling slightly yet again, Nagi noticed that indeed his friend was online as he wrote an invitation for an IM chat between them and sent it, a resulting bling sound filling the room.
'It's so strange how someone can mean so much to me as a friend and to this day I've never even seen his face.'
With that thought Nagi found his slight smile unconsciously widening as a responding bling and a message from BombayKat answered his invitation to chat.
~*~
Well explain?
Ken smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head as he frantically tried to come up with a realistic and feasible excuse to explain breaking into Mamoru's apartment.
'Damn-it! I can't tell him about Weiss and why I was really here, or Aya will have my head; plus Kritiker would have to eliminate Mamoru if he knew!'
Ken's thoughts were a jumble until suddenly as if the clouds had parted and the sun decided to shine through in all its infinite brilliance, Ken had an idea! Not just any idea, a splendid idea, worthy of Einstein himself.
Inwardly the assassin was doing back-flips at his own cleverness and failed to notice that Mamoru's displeased expression had been replaced by one of utter confusion and a bit of fear. This expression was brought on by the manic gleam now present in the florist's eyes, a disturbing sight indeed.
Um, uh... Ken-kun are you OK?
'All right it's official this florist, this cute florist; is now seriously freaking me out!' Mamoru thought as he watched the strange gleam and a few manic chuckles escape from his new friend.
Momentarily Mamoru started at his own thoughts, 'CUTE, did I just call him cute, ugh bad thoughts, bad, I don't need this right now!'
Deciding to snap Ken out of whatever strange little world he was off mentally gallivanting in, Mamoru tapped him on the arm. The effect he wanted was instantaneous as Ken snapped back to reality with a substantial blush to prove his embarrassment for spacing out.
Oh sorry about that, I kind of drifted off there for a second. Ken felt his face heat up at the skeptical look that the boy gave him; 'man that was embarrassing, he probably thinks that I'm not only some creepy stalker, but a crazy person too!'
Sighing at the situation Mamoru started again, so are you going to tell me why you're here? Mamoru knew he liked Ken, but at this moment the guy was seriously starting to annoy him.
Ken smiled at the frustrated expression that the boy gave him, 'well here goes nothing.'
The guys and I need some extra help around the flower shop, so I figured you might like to work with us while we're in town, you know for some extra money, like an after school job?
Ken trailed off at the peculiar look that Mamoru was now giving him. So what you say?
Mamoru wasn't sure exactly what he had expected the florist to tell him, some kind of lame excuse probably, but what he had just heard was definitely not what he had expected. His jaw hung open in visible shock and it took the boy a moment to formulate an answer to what he was told.
You want ME to work with you and your friends?
Plastering on a smile to cover up his confusion and surprise he nodded to Ken, Yah I would love to work with you and your friends except..., here Mamoru found himself frowning a bit, I don't know anything about flowers, wouldn't you need someone who has more experience?
Ken found himself grinning at the poor boy's utterly lost expression, 'does he even know how adorable he looks when he pouts like that. Damn! Bad thoughts, BAKA, no ogling your mission objective!'
Ken's smile grew while his hand as if by its own desire moved to ruffle the golden locks of the pouting boy in front of him, the resulting blush that painted Mamoru's soft features gave the adorable boy an even more darling appearance.
Trying to fight off the dreadful blush that Mamoru feared was spreading like wildfire across his cheeks, he decided that working with the florist for as long as he and his friends were in Kyoto might be fun, besides he and his mother could use the extra income. This pleasant thought was pushed aside when another took its place, 'I still don't understand why Ken-kun needed to break in the apartment to tell me this?'
Smiling at Ken and nodding his consent to his proposition, Mamoru decided to voice his confusion.
It's nice of you to ask me to work with you and your friends, but it still doesn't explain why you were in my room or in our apartment in the first place?
All the feelings of accomplishment that Ken had been savoring up until now seemed to slip through his fingers like so much dry sand, as these words registered in his mind. The curious look on the boy's face and his own unfortunate realization that his 'genius' plan hadn't worked as well as he had hoped led the assassin down the path of impending panic.
This was when Ken found himself pulling off one of his classic bone-headed moves and
before he could stop himself the words just spilled out of their own accord, I am here checking out leads.
Mamoru's expectant look altered to one of confusion, what do you mean? Then his eyes lit up with what looked like hope, are you some kind of police officer, or a detective Ken-kun?
Ken felt himself nodding an affirmative and before he knew it, thoughts of how Aya was going to kill him for telling Mamoru what he did flooded his head. The assassin was dangerously close to a mental breakdown when the voice of the boy in front of him invaded and all other thoughts, which ground to a halt in pure shock as what was just spoken finally registered.
Smiling at the absent minded florist, Mamoru decided to voice his most urgent questions; then you must know about my father, why else would you be here?
Ken did a double take when he heard this, 'the kid knows about Taketori! Oh Crap, Aya is going to really be unhappy and that's putting it mildly.' Outwardly Ken grimaced at the impending doom that would await him when the leader of their group found out what he now knew.
Ken come back to the conversation from his inner thoughts yet again and just in time to hear Mamoru's continuing monologue which would became at least for Ken a saving grace.
...and while we were there I downloaded some files from her father's computer network and Reiji Taketori's name along with some other stuff about him and his business associates was downloaded too.
Mamoru was no less then thrilled. If this 'florist' as Ken had previously claimed to be, was really some kind of undercover cop or detective looking for information on Taketori, then maybe he could help him and his mother, then they wouldn't have to relocate again.
It had taken Ken a few moments to digest exactly what Mamoru had just told him, 'a disk with information on Taketori?' this was too good to be true. Weiss had already been told when their mission first started that Kritiker's hackers had very little information on Taketori's latest movements in Kyoto. They only knew that he had learned the general whereabouts of his wife and youngest son and had set out to find them. Kritiker also suspected that Taketori had other ulterior motives for his trip to this city, but no definite proof of this had been found as of yet.
Turning to the blond 'angel of mercy' in front of him Ken decided his earlier goof-up might actually work to his advantage, especially since it seemed that Mamoru already knew about his father's presence in Kyoto.
About this disk, do you still have it?
Starting to head towards his room Mamoru nodded, of course I do, and I can give it to you if you want it, but I want a favor in return. With this said the boy's eyes again lost their shine and became hard and serious. The sudden change in demeanor similar to before made shivers cascade down Ken's spine.
Okay, what it is you want?
Smiling a bit to soften his expression Mamoru told the 'florist' exactly what he wanted. I want your promise that you will help me and my mother, and keep that maniac away from us, I don't want him to find my mother or me. Also this is between us, I don't want my mother involved, she has protected me from my father all my life, now it's my turn to protect us for a change.
Ken couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at how 'cute' Mamoru looked when he was being serious, it gave the boy a distinctive look of a disgruntled kitten.
Raising an eyebrow at Ken's pathetic attempt to hide his humor, Mamoru was about to ask about why his proposition was funny when Ken saved him the effort by replying.
Sure Mamo-chan I would be happy to help you and your mother, and yes I would be appreciative of any information you could give me on your father.
Mamoru bristled visibly at the nickname that Ken used, 'UGH he must have picked it up from June!'
OK, give me a minute and I'll go get the disk. Mamoru turned to walk to his room, just wait here.
~*~
Seated at his desk Mamoru made sure to copy the information from the disk onto a spare so that he could retain the original.
'I might have just found an ally and a friend in Ken-kun, but he's still a virtual stranger to me, I mean we only met this morning.'
Mamoru's old ingrained fear of strangers was not so easily forgotten even as he felt that he could trust Ken. Old suspicions of those that he did not know that were ingrained into him by his mother's teachings, made Mamoru naturally wary of those he did not know well, and compelled his caution.
Turning to leave taking the copy with him, Mamoru was startled by a bling of his Instant Messager (IM); turning back to the now open chat window he smiled fondly at what was found there.
Seeing the familiar screen name and the text asking if he was free to talk, Mamoru was pleased to see that his old friend DarkProdigy was online. Smiling wider when remembering it had been a while since the two had spoken to each other, almost two weeks to be exact.
Their friendship spanned the past two years of speaking to one another for hours at a time in chat rooms, and later moving on to more personal forms of talk such as e-mail and IM. Lately Dark Prodigy had been away on 'business' or so he had put it, last time they had spoken. Mamoru had missed their talks a great deal.
Pausing a moment to type a message telling DarkProdigy that he would be right back to chat, Mamoru grabbed the copied disk deciding that now was as good a time as any to ask Ken to leave. As much as he liked his new friend, Mamoru was now much more interested in speaking to an older and more trusted friend. Also he still needed to e-mail June and fill her in on recent events.
~*~
Ken accepted the disk and a piece of paper with numbers scrawled on it, thanks, me and the guys should be parked near your school for a while yet.
Ken mentally kicked himself for saying that, gods I sound like a stalker or something.' Smiling sheepishly to cover his embarrassment Ken noticed that Mamoru was blushing as well with embarrassment of his own, as he lead Ken to the front door.
With good-byes said, Ken left the apartment and headed across the street to his bike. Suddenly a huge grin made itself present on his face, as he looked down at the cell phone number on the piece of paper and the disk in his hand. Well that didn't go to badly now did it.
Revving up the engine Ken put the trinkets he had obtained on his unusual break-in/run-in with Mamoru Taketori into a pocket in his jacket. Placing on his helmet he hit the gas and sped down the street to join the rest of the commuters in the rush hour traffic of Kyoto.
~*~
Sighing in satisfaction after finishing a rather lengthily e-mail to June, Mamoru pressed the button on his mouse to send the digital message on its way. The bling of the IM window in the corner of the screen caught his attention. Mamoru had been writing to June for the better part of an hour since Ken's departure, while chatting with his online friend off and on.
DarkProdigy: So you won this bet you and your friend had huh? What are you going to make her wear when she cleans your room?
Smiling at the thought Mamoru replied:
BombayKat: I don't know.. *snickers evilly* maybe one of those slutty outfits of her sister's that I KNOW she would have made me wear if she had won.
A bling instantly replied to Mamoru's scrip and he chuckled at his friend's reply.
DarkProdigy: Hah! That's to much kitty-kat ^_^, take some pictures and send me a copy!
Mamoru giggled at the nick name that DarkProdigy had saddled him with, for some funny reason it didn't bother him as much as being called Mamo-chan did. The idea of sending pictures of June to his friend DarkProdigy made Mamoru let out an amused snort. 'June would kill me if I ever did that.'
BombayKat: Nice try but that will never happen, she would have my head if she ever found out, so try and reign in those raging hormones of yours. Anyway she's like a sister, so YUCK!
DarkProdigy: ... >_<
Mamoru laughed again at his friend's reply, it was always so much fun talking to him. They had always been this way, ever since they had met two years ago online in a chat room for computer enthusiasts. The pair had bonded quickly over their mutual interests and eventually discarded the crowded chatroom, and the other chatters who usually interrupted the conversions they had and began to converse in private on IM and in e-mails.
Despite the fact that Mamoru had known DarkProdigy for some time the two knew very little personal information about each other. It was a rule that both had agreed to early on in their online friendship. Mamoru's wariness of strangers and his Taketori background was his own reason, and he suspected that DarkProdigy had his own reasons for the agreed on arrangement.
Arrangement aside it didn't really hinder their friendship, the boys learned that they had a lot in common where interests and opinion were concerned. All Mamoru really knew about DarkProdigy was that he was about the same age as he, and that they were both great hackers. While he lived in Kyoto his friend told him that he lived with 'friends' in Tokyo, where he attended school.
DarkProdigy: Guess what Kitty-kat, I'm in town on business!
Mamoru's jaw just about dropped to the floor and his fingers scrambled to type a fast enough reply.
BombayKat: What! You mean here in Kyoto, that's great. Do you think that we could maybe meet?
Mamoru crossed his fingers and prayed to any and all the gods that would answer him. He had wanted to meet DarkProdigy for a long time but geographical distance and his friend's busy schedule had prevented it so far.
Mamoru was ecstatic when he saw the reply.
DarkProdigy: When and where? ^_~
~*~
Ken sighed exhausted and thirsty, as he trudged up the steps into the trailer that served as a flower shop. Ignoring Aya's glare and Youji's annoyed looks he b-lined it to the refrigerator for a bottled water.
Man the traffic here in Kyoto is as bad as it is in Tokyo, maybe worse, he exclaimed around mouthfuls of water.
Aya just rolled his eyes as Youji grinned at Ken's misfortune at being stuck in rush hour traffic.
Hah Ken-ken, serves you right for ditching us on clean-up duty. I mean how long does it take to deliver one order of flowers!
Scowling at Youji's remark, Ken flopped down in a nearby chair.
For your information I was checking out the residence of one of our targets.
At the rise of Youji's eyebrows, Ken smirked in triumph. Aya however frowned when he saw Ken pull out a disk from his jacket pocket, along with a small sheet of paper with a phone number on it.
Following Aya's gaze, Ken decided he better get it over with and explain the new situation to his colleagues.
Yah about that... well you see um, while I was checking out Kikuno Taketori's apartment her son came home and I kind of got caught, here Ken grimaced as Aya's frown deepened.
You what!?! This exclamation came from Youji, while Aya's frown became an outright scowl.
Ken decided to hurry on with his explanation about the disk, hoping that it would save him from Aya's animosity.
Don't worry guys, I told the kid we were undercover detectives; oh and he already knew about his father being here looking for them, so that wasn't my fault!
Seeing Aya's expression change none, but Youji's eyes were wide, you told him we were detectives? Laughter suddenly erupted from the lanky blond as Aya rolled his eyes at the blonde's inappropriate response.
Smiling thankfully at the break in the tense atmosphere Ken decided to continue.
Not only does the kid know about his father, but apparently Mamoru is some sort of computer/hacker/genius; he and a friend of his were able to get a hold of some Intel on Taketori, and gave it to me!
Holding up the disk to prove his point, Ken grinned in satisfaction as Youji's jaw practically slammed into the floor and even Aya's eyes lit up in surprise.
Snatching the disk from Ken's grasp, Aya eyed it for a moment before frowning again. Okay Ken what's the catch, I hardly believe the kid gave you this and wanted nothing in return.
Smiling sheepishly, Ken nodded in agreement; well no he didn't give it to me for nothing, actually you see he kind of made me promise that we would protect him and his mother, and I also promised that he could work here with us in the flower shop.
At the resounding silence that descended on the room, Ken tried his best to resist the urge to flee as Aya's eyes narrowed to slits, you told him WHAT!
Ken's life was spared when Youji again interrupted, calm down Aya, its part of our mission to protect the kid and his mother anyway, so why not let the chibi work here with us. That way we can keep an eye on him.
Aya scowled but didn't protest this idea, instead he left the room with the disk in hand, most likely to see if Ken's Intel was worth the hassle.
Ken smiled a thanks to Youji and then promptly began to tell the lanky blond about what had occurred between him and Mamoru.
Youji's only reaction besides laughing his ass off, was to inquire about weather or not Kikuno was any good looking, since the assassin had a fondness for helping beautiful women in distress.
All conversation ground to a halt as Aya walked back into the room and proceeded outside and then returned moments later with a surprise. Apparently Ken and Youji had been so into their talk that they hadn't noticed someone knocking on the trailer door. As Aya reemerged into the room yet again, the clacking of high heals followed him.
The unexpected arrival of Manx considering she had traveled here from Tokyo to Kyoto just to see them, meant that something serious was going on. The frown on her face led Ken to believe that he was in for a long mission briefing, sighing dejectedly he followed the others into the living room where the meeting would take place.
~*~
While Weiss had to endure Manx's latest mission briefing, across town Mamoru was settling back down at his computer with a bowl of freshly made ramen in hand.
The bling of his IM and DarkProdigy's latest reply filled the room as the fading light of the setting sun filtered through the window onto the potted freesia's still placed on his desk, right where Ken had left them.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
TBC
Well that's a good place to stop, I was even nice and didn't leave it on a cliff hanger. I am so sorry about making you guys wait so long for an update. I have been so busy lately and only recently have had time to type up my updates. Right now I am currently working on finishing up my latest update for Second Calling so anyone who is waiting for that be patient for a little bit longer. ^_^
Once my other fic is updated I will work on this one again, so let me know what you think because you guys keep me going, and thanks again to those who have already reviewed for me, I appreciate it a lot. ^_~