Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Building Our Tomorrow ❯ Preparing for the Future ( Chapter 1 )

AN: I thought I should provide a little background info for everyone since I've taken a few liberties with the characters. Mostly, I've made a few changes with the ages, however, there are a couple of characters that I've made other changes with. First up, ages (as of this chapter): Crawford 23, Schuldig 15, Farfarello 10, Omi 7, Nagi 6, Ouka 9. And though they don't show up until next chapter: Yohji 14, Ran 10, Aya 8, Ken 9. The only ones I'm aging a little are Crawford (5 yrs), Schu (3 yrs), Ouka (2-3 yrs), Yohji (2 yrs) and Nagi (1 yr). As for a little background; Schu and Farf have been with Crawford for 3 months; Farf still has both eyes at this point and while he will still be everyone's favorite God hating psycho, he will have a reasonable amount of control. Crawford will have a bit more of a soft side than is normally portrayed, but he's still going to be fairly arrogant, manipulative, and anal retentive. Everyone will have their angsty pasts revealed as the story progresses as and when the plot calls for it, so don't assume I'm keeping everything regarding the Weiss boys in canon just because it hasn't been brought up, yet. I would like to point out that while I recognize and understand quite a few Japanese and German words, I know nothing in the area of grammatical structure, but I will occasionally throw a word or two in when it is relevant or necessary. If you spot something that doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll fix it.

 

Request: I'm going to be introducing both some major and minor OCs (not Mary Sue types) in a couple of chapters or so, and I would really appreciate if anyone could suggest some common German and Japanese (male or female needs to be noted) names. They can be left in a review or email them to me.

 

Warnings: Not much this chapter, just a little language, allusions to rape/child abuse, some violence and death.

 

 

Inner Dialogue

Telepathy

 

Chapter 1

 

After returning home, Kikuno helped her son get ready for bed and once again made sure he understood to trust only the man she described regarding the events at the park. As she looked down at his innocent, sleeping face, she thought of what a wonderful person he was turning into despite the horrible deeds of the rest of the family. Masafumi seemed to be turning into quite the `mad scientist', while Hirofumi seemed to take more after his father. Then there was Ouka, her step-daughter. Kikuno had hoped the girl would have turned out better, living most her life with her mother. She had not been living with them until her mother had suddenly died just over a year ago. However it appeared as though even the short time Ouka had been exposed to the Takatori family had changed her drastically. She was jealous of Mamoru and sought every opportunity to torture him as much as a nine year old could, antagonizing the seven year old with a cruelty well beyond her years. Kikuno once again turned her attention to her son and leaned forward placing a kiss on his forehead. She felt fortunate that she was able to make sure her son remained relatively innocent despite his being more world weary than anyone so young should ever be; she had never had a chance with either Hirofumi or Masafumi. Goodnight, my sweet child. I couldn't be happier now that I know you have a chance to escape the insanity that plagues this family. I know he will not remain the innocent soul that he is now, but no one can stay that way forever. With one last smiling glance at her son, she left for her private room, thinking she could use some sleep herself.

 

“What are you doing here?” Kikuno had only faltered slightly when she saw Shuichi sitting at her desk as she entered her room. The room was still dark and filled with shadows, but she could see his veiled form rather clearly thanks to the moonlight streaming in through the window. She crossed the floor to her bed, sitting down to face her brother-in-law who was across the room from her

 

“I'm here to discuss Mamoru. I want to take him away from here and my brother,” Shuichi immediately getting to the point. I will do everything I can to take my son away from this place before Reiji can turn him against me.

 

“How… how did you know?” She was truly shocked by this revelation; she had hoped that he would never know. Regaining her composure, she replied, “Never mind, that's not important, now. What makes you think I would let you take my son away from me? You're no better than Reiji, and I intend to ensure that he never turns out like either of you. I know what you would do to him; you would only use him in the between the two you. He deserves much better.” Shuichi's eyes narrowed with each word. Glaring at her for only a moment, he stood and walked to the window, looking at the clear night sky to calm himself before turning back to his one time lover.

 

“Kikuno,” he started, “you know that's not true. I have only the best intentions in mind for Mamoru. He's a very intelligent, adept boy, and I only want him to realize his full potential before Reiji has a chance to turn him into a monster the way he did his own sons.” I intend to see to it that Mamoru is used for my purpose, and one day, when the time is right, he will kill my pitiful excuse for a brother as I stand and watch. My son must be trained so that one day he can take my place as head of Kritiker and carry on with father's dreams. “You know what my brother is, you yourself told me all those years ago when you came to my bed, and we…”

 

“And why do think I stopped coming to you all those years ago,” Kikuno abruptly stood, interrupting the man with venom in her voice. Walking away from the bed, she continued, “I realized the kind of man you are, playing the same games as Reiji. Perhaps your goals are more worthy than his; I don't know, I don't care. However, I do know that you would only draw Mamoru into this disgusting feud and use him as a pawn. That is unacceptable, and I will not allow it. Now, you will leave here quietly, or I will call in security.” She should never have turned her back on him as she suddenly found herself face-to-face with the wall.

 

“That won't be a problem, now will it,” he hissed into her ear, placing a hand over her mouth. Roughly pulling her back and securing her more thoroughly, Shuichi dragged her to the desk and opened the top drawer, pulling out the rather substantial length of rope he had placed inside should things not go his way. “This would have been much easier for you had you agreed. I will offer you some solace, however. I will allow Mamoru to remain here long enough to grieve for the sudden loss of his mother before I take him.” This was all said as he slowly strangled the woman, being careful not to make her body in any other way.

 

Kikuno was not even struggling. As her body was being deprived of oxygen, her mind was caught in once last vision of the far future. {A young man with sun-kissed hair smiling brightly at another young man who returned the smile… Two pairs of blue eyes turning to wave at an approaching dark haired man, glasses glinting in the sun, a smile on his face as well…Others joining them, all laughing together, relaxed and without care…} My death is his freedom, she realized, and now I know for certain that he will one day be safe from this family. She was not so naïve as to think there wouldn't be a price for that freedom, but if in the end he was happy, that was all that mattered. Turning her head slightly as her eyes began to blur around the edges, she smiled, taking one last look at the world outside bathed in pale moonlight.

 

“You have no hold over him,” she rasped out. “He is free from…” Kikuno took her last breath. Once vibrant eyes now stared blankly into the night.

 

“Who is there to stop me?” he said to no one, having no idea of what the woman had seen. Shuichi had only a moment's regret for killing his ex-lover before setting her body aside and arranging everything to appear as though she hung herself. The only one who would ever know of his presence swayed slightly in the room, hanging from the ceiling, her silhouette outlined by the light of the moon; what did he have to worry about. As he was leaving the room he took one last look at his handiwork and left, not noticing a slip of paper fall from his pocket as he left. No one discover what happened here, the only evidence of Takatori Shuichi's involvement would be hidden away, serving only as a reminder of the betrayal that took place that night to the one who found it for the time being.

 

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Sleep filled eyes tentatively opened as bright light poured through the bedroom window. As he snuggled back beneath his comforter to block the harsh light, he thought over the dream from the night before. He could vaguely recall being surrounded, no consumed, by black flames. Thinking of this he was reminded of the previous night at the park. He had been playing under the watchful gaze of his mother when his ball rolled into a small grove of trees. Without a second thought, Mamoru took off after the ball only to be startled by some small animal falling from a tree and onto his back. He remember feeling a moment of fear for the unknown and suddenly he was surrounded by an odd looking fire, effectively causing him to forget all about the small creature, which by now had disappeared. At first, he had been afraid of the fire but noticed that it didn't seem to hurt him in anyway. I wonder why the fire didn't burn me…Maybe mommy knows what happened. With that thought, Mamoru abandoned his bed, got dressed and headed for his mother's room.

 

As he approached the door, Mamoru noticed something just outside the door. Thinking his mother may have dropped it, he picked it up with the intent to return it to her. Never a rude child, he knocked on the door waiting for permission to enter. When none came, Mamoru was curious Mommy's always awake before me. He knocked once more, and again receiving no answer, decided to enter the room.

 

“Mo…” Mamoru voice caught in a gasp as he peered into the room through the now open door. There, in front of the window, was his mother hanging from the ceiling. He couldn't move from his spot, staring in silent shock as tears fell like rain from his eyes. His only thoughts were incoherent at best, all of his other senses dulled by the sight before him. He never heard the approaching footsteps or the voice inquire as to what he was doing. He did however hear the loud shout of “Mother!” from behind as time resumed once again for him. Mamoru was suddenly turned around to face his brother, Hirofumi, who hugged him close, attempting to protect him from the scene in his mother's bedroom. His hand clutched tightly to a white slip of paper in his grief.

 

Hirofumi had by then picked his younger brother up and closed the door, hiding the room from view. I have to get him away from here. Mamoru should never be exposed to something such this. Carrying his younger brother through their home, Hirofumi remembered that his father had hired new bodyguards earlier that very morning. Turning into a small office-like room, he noticed the American man was still there.

 

“Crawford-san, there has been a family emergency. I need you to watch over my younger brother while I find father and Masafumi. Under no circumstance is he to leave this room or your sight until one of us has returned for him,” Hirofumi all but ordered. He was, after all, now under his father's employ.

 

“Very well,” Crawford replied. “I am at your father's disposal.” Schuldig, once he leaves, I want you in here to meet the child. Neither Schuldig nor Farfarello had been physically present for the meeting; he didn't need to all the questions concerning what two `children' would be able to do as bodyguards.

 

“Thank you. One of us will return as soon as we are able.” With that Hirofumi went in search of his father and brother to inform them of Kikuno's apparent suicide. Less than a minute later, a teenager with orange-red hair entered the room and lazily planted himself into the nearest chair after closing the door.

 

“Who's the kid?” I didn't know babysitting was in our job description. Mamoru glanced up from gazing at the floor then quickly looked away, not having moved once since his brother sat him on the only couch in the room. And he's crying?!? Schuldig clearly thought his being there was a waste of time, better spent playing with people's heads. I was having fun making one the servants think she was… Crawford cut off Schuldig's mental whining.

 

“Schuldig, this is the youngest son of Mr. Takatori.” He is the reason we are here. You will understand momentarily. Be patient. “Mamoru, come here, please.” Mamoru again looked up, this time directing his eyes toward Crawford. Even his grief could not hide his surprise at seeing the man before him. The black hair and the glasses alone were enough for him to realize who he was looking at. He also noticed that the man was definitely not Japanese. It's the man mommy was talking about. I have to talk to him. I made a promise, the last promise I made to her, and I will never go back on that. Schuldig turned slightly shocked blue eyes towards the child upon catching that thought as Mamoru rose from his spot and walked over to Crawford near a desk. Distractedly, he noticed the paper still clutched in his hand and carelessly stuffed it in his pocket.

 

“You're him, aren't you?” Mamoru stated more than asked as he looked up at the man before him. “Mommy made me promise only to talk to you about it and to do as you tell me. I promised her before she… I will keep my promise.” His resolve earned him a second glance from Schuldig. Looking into his mind, he realized that Mamoru had turned his sorrow into a fierce determination to honor what he considered to be his mother's last request of him. That alone would have been enough to impress Schuldig; people were generally slobbering idiots in the face a death, yet here was this child, no older than seven or eight, acting better than most grown men would; there was something else, though. This child seemed understand a great deal more about life than anyone gave him credit for, despite his innocence. His mother had taught him well. I think I might like this kid.

 

“Schuldig, pay attention,” Crawford snapped at him. What? His eyes refocused and noticed that Mamoru was now seated in the chair next to his. “I need you to make sure that no one comes near this office while we are speaking. And, yes, you have permission to play so long as you don't take it too far.” I understand; don't kill anyone. You are no fun. Out loud all he said was “Fine,” followed by an overdramatic roll of the eyes. Then he smirked and began what he did best, directing people in his own symphony of the mind.

 

“Now, Mamoru, I already know about the fire last night, as well as about what happened to your mother,” Crawford started. “I also know about the promise you made to your mother and why she asked it of you. There is great deal for me to explain to you, so I need you to listen carefully to everything I have to say.” For the next couple of hours, Mamoru listen to the American as his world was changed forever. He now understood that he was a `Talent', what really happened to his mother, his `father' was his uncle and vice versa, as well as the fact that they, along with his brothers and half-sister, were not as they seemed. He was to become a member of a team of psychics called Schwartz, albeit secretly. He would be trained to use his abilities, a power over fire and apparently some empathy; he would also be trained to shield his mind from others. Sticking his hands in his pockets, he felt the paper he had all but forgotten. Temporarily distracted from his thoughts on what he had just learned, he pulled it out and examined it. It was card containing his uncle's - No; he's my father - name and position.

 

“Crawford-san, I found this outside my mother's room this morning. Doesn't this prove he was there?” Mamoru was still only seven; though it was evidence to his father's presence, it was only circumstantial, and he didn't know that.

 

“Yes, but it will serve us better for now if you keep it. You will understand better in the future. Keep it somewhere safe for now, and when the time comes, we will put it to use, Mamoru.”

 

Mamoru looked at Crawford, nodding, as Crawford continued to gaze almost thoughtfully at him. Everything was changing now; he was seven years old, and his world was turned upside down. Thinking over everything he had learned from the man in front of him, he began to realize, maybe for the first time in his short life, what the word `hate' meant, what it felt to despise others. Surprisingly, this didn't bother him at all. One thing was for certain, he knew he did not want to be associated with this family in any way.

 

“I think,” he paused, “that I don't want to be Takatori Mamoru anymore.” A smile spread across Crawford's face. This is what he had been waiting for, for the child to renounce his name; it was the last piece of fate falling into place and securing the future. Schuldig, you heard the boy. He doesn't want his name anymore. Think of something suitable for him.

 

“So, you don't want to be Takatori,” Schuldig began, finally understanding some of the reason they were there. Sifting through the minds of people all over Japan (those having nothing to do with the Takatori family), he finally found one he thought the kid might like. “How about we call you Tsukiyono Omi.” The boy in question gave a small smile at the name. Now I'm not a Takatori anymore.

 

“Remember, Omi, that everyone else still believes you to be Mamoru, so you must still behave in the way that he would,” Crawford stated. “From now on, though,” he added, “you are Tsukiyono Omi. Welcome to Schwartz.” The knowing look in his brown eyes was masked by the glare of his glasses. Schuldig smirked as, apparently, things were falling into place.

 

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Several hours after Omi was `born', Schuldig was finally permitted to drop his manipulations, allowing Takatori Reiji into the office the three Schwartz members were in. Schuldig was sitting with Omi on the couch; the two had been having a quiet conversation as Crawford checked the future when Reiji entered. When he noticed the strange youth sitting with his son, he immediately demanded as to why he was there.

 

“Mr. Takatori, this is a member of my team, Schuldig. I assure you that he is more than capable of providing the services you require of us.” Crawford, as much as he despised doing so, had to sooth man's nerves.

 

“Fine, it's not important, anyway. I require that you take Mamoru away for several days while things are taken care of with regards to the events surrounding Kikuno's passing.” He didn't notice the brief glare Omi sent his way, nor did he notice the silent approach of Ouka at the door. Schuldig, as well as Omi, however did notice her presence; how he hated the whiny minds of children, loud as they tended to be. Thankfully, Omi was not such a child. As Takatori continued to speak with Crawford and then his `son', Schuldig took a deeper peak into the girl's mind.

 

I don't see why Mamoru's so special. Why does daddy always treat him like he's the best thing in the world? I keep trying to make daddy proud of me; I've been watching Hirofumi and Masafumi and try to behave like them, but he never takes any notice of me. One day, I'll be able to prove how much better I am than Mamoru, and daddy will see what a waste he is. Maybe now that his mother is dead - stupid bitch, always ruined my `fun' with Mamoru - I can really hurt him; maybe I can convince father to let him stay…Ouka thought of how she could torture her little half-brother if he remained while her father and brothers were busy making funeral arrangements. Crawford, this little bitchis already following in her family's footsteps, thinking up ways to torture our little Omi. Can I play with her? Crawford never once looked at him, maintaining a sense of focus on what Takatori was saying, but replied all the same. No, we need her later, but you will have your chance eventually. For now, get her out of here; if she stays she's going to end up convincing Takatori that Omi should remain at home, and that cannot happen. Smirking, Schuldig sauntered over to the door and spoke so that only she could hear him.

 

“You know, little girl, it's not nice to eavesdrop on other people's conversations. Why don't you go play with your dolls and leave the grown-ups to talk.” The irony of his own `eavesdropping' did not escape him, causing his smirk to grow in amusement. Ouka looked at him, astonished that she had been caught. She didn't want her father to know what she was doing, though, so she only glared at Schuldig without saying anything and quietly left for another part of the house. Schuldig returned to sit with Omi, who looked grateful for the departure of Ouka. He had never really understood why she hated him so much. Don't worry about her, Omi. She can't touch you, and we'll make sure of that until you're able to fend her off for yourself. He had gained a respect for Omi after the initial, brief look into his mind, and that only grew after conversing with him for even a short time. If I were to have had a brother, this is the kind of kid I would want for one. Generally, Schuldig didn't like anyone at all, but there was a short list (Crawford, Farfarello, and now Omi), who he found to be the same as him and would do anything for them if only because of that respect he held for them.

 

“We will take Mamoru to the penthouse we are staying at until you call for his return.” Crawford was finishing up his conversation with Takatori.

 

“That's fine, Crawford. Make sure nothing happens to him, or you will be very sorry.” With that, Takatori left the office.

 

“Schuldig, Omi, it's time for us to leave. We have someone to meet in four hours, and we need to bring Farfarello along.” Crawford turned and headed out of the office towards the house entrance, fully confident the others were following.

 

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It was dark in the corner of the alley he was pressing his small frame against; he was grateful for that darkness. Six year old Naoe Nagi knew that if he could make himself invisible, then no one could find him to hurt him. He didn't like what they did to him, first his parents, now anyone he came across. He almost wished he hadn't left home; his parents at least stopped with hitting him. What the men who found him on the streets did to him… he didn't want to think about it. A sudden noise brought him from his thoughts. Nervously looking around, he saw three large men staggering towards him. Please don't see me. Please leave me alone.

 

“Heeey, wha' do we ha' here? A l'il pretty boy all `lone. Why don' we take car o' ya.” The tallest of the men slurred, clearly drunk. The other two turned towards Nagi with their ring-leader and approached the frightened boy.

 

“Leavemealoneleavemealoneleavemealone,” the boy murmured over and over. He had no desire to be hurt again. His chant became louder as three approached them until…

 

“LEAVE ME ALONE!!”

 

The men were suddenly and violently thrown across the alley into a wall by an invisible force. Unfortunately, this action did not leave the men down for long, and as drunk as they were, they didn't stop to wonder what had caused it in the first place. As it was, Nagi had put all his strength into that one telekinetic attack, hoping it would be enough to deter the men. Now he was gasping for breath, barely able to move, and the men were still approaching him. I don't want this, his mind cried out. He didn't know it, but his mental plea was heard by someone observing the scene from the roof above.

 

“You should do as the boy says, and leave him alone.” A voice from another direction caused Nagi and the three men to look towards the alley's entrance. Standing there was a rather tall man next to a small boy. “Omi, I want you to go and talk to the boy in the corner and calm him down. Farfarello will take care of these men.” As soon as the words were out of Crawford's mouth, Omi started his careful approach towards the frightened boy. The men changed there tactics, deciding to attack Omi. Their advances were halting as another child, this one with white hair, seemingly appeared from nowhere in front of them.

 

“Your deaths will cause God much sorrow. He will weep as we save the fallen one from your hands.” An eerie grin spread across Farfarello's face. The men laughed at him. What could a little boy do to three grown men? Before he knew what hit him, the shortest of the group found his throat slit. His dead eyes watched as his two comrades found the same fate. Though the men were now dead, Farfarello continued to cut into their bodies with vengeance. Crawford stood by and watched with a smirk plastered on his face. Oh how he loved it when things went exactly as he foresaw.

 

While the gruesome slaying of the would-be rapists occurred, Omi approached Nagi. Tremors ran through his tiny frame as he watched the other boy draw near. He didn't know what was going on, but he did know that this boy, who looked to be his age, was with the people who helped him. Please be nice. Please don't hurt me.

 

“It's okay,” Omi said. “You don't have to be afraid. We're here to make sure that nothing like this ever happens to you again. You can trust us.” As he was speaking, Omi unwittingly directed feelings of warmth and trust towards the frightened child. Once he reached Nagi, he had calmed down and immediately grabbed his hand.

 

“Thank you,” he said as he passed out. The relief that he felt at being safe along with the exertion from using his powers had left Nagi exhausted. Omi kept a hold of his hand until Crawford told Schuldig to pick the boy up and carry him to the waiting car. Pausing only to halt Farfarello's massacre of the long since dead bodies, they left for the Schwartz penthouse.

 

By the time Nagi awoke from unconsciousness, they had already brought him into the penthouse and laid him in bed. Omi had been left to watch over him and was to make sure Nagi understood that he was safe.

 

“Who are you? Why did you help me?” That was the only thing Nagi's still groggy mind could come up with.

 

“I'm Omi,” the other boy replied. “We helped you because Crawford-san said you are important. If you want to know more, you need to ask him. You can trust him and Schuldig and Farfarello.” Omi gave him a reassuring smile, and he gave a small smile back. Maybe this boy and his friends would be nice to him. Everyone he could remember was always mocking or hurting him, but here was this boy just giving him a friendly smile and speaking with him. Maybe he could trust these people. Neither boy realized that Omi's empathy was working overtime to convince him of this; he was projecting his own need for a friend his own age that he could trust, as well as his feelings of trust for those in the next room over.

 

“Come on. You must be hungry. And you can meet the others, too.” That said, the boys left the bedroom and went into the kitchen. Farfarello, who was sitting up on the counter eating an orange, looked up and gave them a smile.

 

“Looks like your feeling better.” When Farfarello wasn't in a killing rage, he was actually fairly normal, save his all consuming hatred of God. Omi just stared at him, trying to figure out if this was really the boy who had only hours before ruthlessly slaughtered three men. It wasn't that he was concerned about it; Crawford had said that he was okay. He was just curious. It wasn't important, so he shook out of his contemplation and turned to Nagi.

 

“I forgot to ask you. What's your name?”

 

“Naoe Nagi,” was the quiet reply. He was distracted by the golden-eyed boy in front of him. He vaguely remembered seeing him kill the men in the alley.

 

“I'm not going to hurt you, Nagi. God would only smile at your misfortune.” Farfarello jumped off the counter and headed towards another room. “I'll let Crawford know you two are ready.”

 

“That was… strange.” Omi muttered. He hadn't really had the chance to speak to Farfarello, so he didn't understand all that stuff about God. Not that he cared if he wanted to hurt God since he held no ties to Christianity. He grabbed a couple of pieces of fruit from the counter and handed one to Nagi. “You should eat something, and we should go talk to Crawford-san.” Nagi nodded, taking a bite of apple. He wasn't sure what to make of all this, but so far, nothing bad was happening. To top it off, he was still feeling strangely content with his current situation. Together, the two boys walked towards the room they saw Farfarello go into, Omi yawning on the way. Why am I so tired?

 

“Hey,” Schuldig turned his attention from the rather large television to the two youngest. He was seated on a rather comfy looking couch, to which Omi lead Nagi, each sitting down. “Crawford will be in, in a minute to explain things to…”

 

“Nagi,” Omi supplied, at which point Crawford appeared and took a seat in an armchair near the TV. Switching it off, he proceeded to tell Nagi, another astoundingly intelligent child, what was going on and that he would be protected here and learn more about his telekinesis, as well as the slight telepathy he had control over. He also made sure to tell Nagi that in public, Omi was to be addressed as Mamoru. At that point, Farfarello had wandered in and made an inquiry.

 

“Why would we call Omi, Mamoru?” Farfarello knew who the child was; he had just thought Omi was some sort of nickname. Apparently, no one had remembered to tell him that piece of the story. Sorry about that. Schuldig was speaking to everyone in the room. Forgot to mention that Omi was the name he took when he no longer wanted anything to do with the Takatori. But we still have to act like he's one of them when anyone else is around, for secrecy's sake. Farfarello nodded his understanding to this and went to the couch, sitting between Schuldig and Omi. Looking over at Omi, he noticed how exhausted the boy looked, and nudged Schuldig, who looked over.

 

“Shit!” he exclaimed as he got up and went to kneel in front of Omi, drawing the attentions of both Nagi and Crawford. Omi just looked up at him, trying to focus, but he was so tired that he couldn't even keep his eyes completely open.

 

“What's going on, Schuldig?” Crawford's forays into the future had included all of the sitting around the table at breakfast the next day. Why does Omi seem to be sick, then? He's not sick. He's apparently been projecting reassurances to Nagi since we got him.I only just noticed it when Farfarello drew my attention to him.I doubt Omi even knows what he's doing, but it's wearing him out, anyway. I should have paid more attention.

 

“Omi, I want you to listen to me closely. I know you are very tired right now, but you have stop what you're doing or you going to hurt yourself.” Schuldig himself had experienced mental `burnout'. It was not something you wanted to do.

 

“Wha… what am I doing?” He was so tired, and all he was doing was sitting there.

 

“You're projecting. Remember, you have some minor empathic talent, which means you can project emotions into others just as well as reading them. I need you to imagine a door that your emotions are pouring out of, okay?” He got a weak nod. “Now I want you to close the door, and don't open it back up until we've trained you more with shielding techniques.”

 

“It's closed. Can I sleep, n…” Omi dropped off to sleep before he could finish the question.

 

“He'll be fine in the morning. He just needs to sleep. It's not even remotely close to that time I overdid it. He's just young and didn't know what he was doing,” Schuldig told Crawford before he could ask.

 

“Good,” Crawford turned to Nagi. “It's probably a good idea for you to go to bed as well. You and Omi will both need to start training your abilities tomorrow.” Nagi nodded and followed Schuldig, who was carrying Omi, back to the room he had awakened in. Now that he looked at the room, he noticed that there was two of everything. Two beds, two desks, two computers, two closets, the list went on. They even had a bathroom attached to the room. Schuldig set Omi in bed and tucked him under the covers.

 

“If either you need anything during the night, come find me. My room is across the hall,” Schuldig offered the shy boy a smile. He knew Nagi would need some time adjusting. The kid had been through almost the same kind of things as he had, only Schuldig had been older. Apparently, he now had two `little brothers' he would do anything for.

 

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Omi and Nagi spent the next three days training their abilities with Schuldig and Crawford. They were also learning to shield their thoughts and school their emotions. Crawford knew it would take more than what they could teach the boys before they were powerful enough, but they needed this rudimentary training in order to proceed to the next phase of training: Rosenkreuz . He himself knew the unpleasant time that awaited the boys at Rosenkreuz, and he was going to make sure they were prepared for it, as he had been unable to do the same for Schuldig or Farfarello. He was fortunate in that neither of those two had broken; that had been a major crossroad as his visions beyond that time were dependent on how they came out. He would wait to tell the children about the school until it was closer to the time they would need to go. Esset had given him two years so that both boys could go at the same time. Even their precog had seen that it would be beneficial to wait until Takatori could be convince that his son should go to a private boarding school. The ringing of a phone broke Crawford out of his contemplations.

 

“Yes,” he answered then listened. “I understand Mr. Takatori. Mamoru will be there this afternoon.” He replaced the phone in its cradle and called everyone to the living room.

 

“Omi, Takatori just called you back for your mother's memorial service.” Omi scowled at that news, then sighed in resignation. He knew he would have to return eventually; he had just been hoping for a few more days of reprieve. “We will all be going to the service with you. Nagi, make sure to remain with Omi at all times. You will be presented as my charge who is attending the same school as Omi in order to explain your presence. The same will be true of Farfarello, whom you will need to refer to as Jei when in public. It would be best if the three of you stayed together. Takatori will not object to your presence if you are seen as schoolmates of `Mamoru'.”

 

`What do you want me to do?” Schuldig asked.

 

“Just keep an eye on things. Takatori Shuichi is expected to be present. Make sure that he doesn't cause any problems, but don't interfere if he approaches Omi unless it seems as though he is going to try something.” Crawford knew that Shuichi was indeed going to try something, but he also knew that Omi would handle the situation superbly. Everything is going perfectly. “We will be leaving in one hour. Get ready.”

 

A little over an hour later, Schwartz arrived at the Takatori estate where the memorial for Kikuno was to be held. Schuldig noticed that all the Takatori were looking towards Omi expectantly, albeit for different reasons. This should be `fun'. He didn't want to have to deal with these people; they were beneath all of them. Ok, kids, it's time for you to put on a good show for all these bastards.

 

“Ah, Crawford-san, thank you for taking care of Mamoru these past days.” Takatori spoke as he approached his `son', placing a hand on Omi's shoulder. “And who are the two young boys with you? Not more of your associates, I would hope.”

 

“No, Mr. Takatori, these two are under my care. The older boy is Jei, and this is Nagi. They will be attending the same school as young Mamoru, and he asked that they come along today.” Crawford already knew what Takatori would say, so he surreptitiously turned his attention to observing the rest in attendance. Hirofumi, Masafumi, and Ouka were all present, as was Shuichi. But who was that red-headed woman standing next to him? Schuldig, find out who the woman with Shuichi is. Schuldig quickly responded. She's his personal assistant in Kritiker, though she actually doesn't know anything of what the man is really like. She believes all the shit he feeds her about `dark beasts'.

She could be useful later on. Schuldig keep an eye on her. We may be able to use her eventually. Crawford continued his observation of the room keeping up his façade of the ever-ready bodyguard.

 

“Mamoru, who's your little friend?” A shrill voice inquired.

 

“Ouka-san, this is Nagi-kun. He will be going to school with me.” Omi answered her politely as he had always done. Inwardly he cringed. Whenever she was acting nice, it usually meant she was up to something.

 

“Well, Nagi, do you know anything about your new friend her. He's a terrible little demon. You should tell me if he bothers you so I can punish him.” Ouka was not known for her tact. Nagi and Omi both took it in stride. Omi was used to this, and Nagi had no reason to believe her, especially after what Schuldig had told him about the girl.

 

“Ouka-chan,” a male voice spoke up. “Are you bother your little brother. That's not very nice, especially under the circumstances. Apologize to Mamoru.”

 

“Of course, Uncle, you're right. Mamoru, I'm sorry for telling Nagi all those things about you today. I should have waited until later.” That said, she gave a wicked smile and left to find her father.

 

“Mamoru, tell me, how are you doing?” Shuichi inquired of his son. He wanted to see how the boy would react to him, see if he could get him alone and steal him away.

 

“I'm okay, I guess. I miss mommy.” Omi was doing fairly well holding it together. He wanted to scream at and hurt the man who killed his mother, but he knew to be patient. Schuldig and Farfarello, who were both observing the scene were impressed by his ability to hide his rage for one so young.

 

“Yes, I imagine you do. Would you like to talk about it some. We can take your friend back to his guardian and go somewhere to talk since your father is busy right now.” He didn't expect the boy's refusal to be parted with his friend.

 

“I'm sorry, Uncle, but I promised Nagi that I would stay with him. He's shy around new people.” Omi was very good at this. He was using the truth in place of flat out lying; it made things a bit more believable. Nice one kid, Farfarello thought to himself.

 

“Mamoru, I'm sure he would be okay if you left him with the other boy, the one with white hair. Nagi knows him, right?” Shuichi was certainly not going to let this little thing hold him back. How hard can it be to convince a seven year old to leave a new friend?

 

“Uncle, I made a promise, and mommy told me never to break a promise.” Omi was in top form.

 

“Your mother isn't here. She'll never know.” That was probably the worst thing he could have said; he had not meant to say that out loud. Damn it, I won't be able to get him away now. On the other side of the room, Schuldig smirked.

 

“…” Omi's eyes had gone wide and slightly teary at his father's last statement. This was one display of emotion he couldn't control. The man in front of him had just implied that it was a good thing his mother was gone. The next words he spoke were somewhat choked.

 

“I - don't want - to talk to you - anymore.” Omi turned around, Nagi at his side, and walked over to Farfarello, who surprising both Schuldig and Crawford, wrapped an arm around the boy in silent support. He had been close enough to hear what the man had said. Schuldig walked over and gave him questioning look. Over the telepathic link he heard God smiles at this one's tears. Nothing shouldever hurtthis one; he is so much like me. Schuldig only looked at him; that was the first time he had ever heard Farfarello even hint at anything about himself. Omi, I'm sorry. He was only thinking those words. I was the one that made him say it. I was trying to help you out. Omi just shook his head and whispered,

 

“He was thinking it. It's not your fault. Thank you for trying to help.” Nagi observed his new friend quietly, then hoping to help some, grabbed Omi's hand. Omi looked up and offered a small smile. He was glad Nagi and even Farfarello and Schuldig were there. He didn't know if he could face this alone; he knew his mother was dead, but when his father had uttered those words, it had really hit home. Schuldig offered him an understanding smile then headed over to where Crawford was standing. Farfarello released Omi from the loose embrace, and the three boys went to sit on a nearby couch, quietly conversing.

 

Crawford had silently observed the scene; it had played out precisely as he had seen it. Nothing else of consequence would happen today. As Schuldig approached him, he gave a minute nod, indicating that everything was in order. The next two years would be interesting, if not difficult, but things would work out; he would make sure of that.

 

TBC