Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Essence of Innocence ❯ Burden of Guilt ( Chapter 6 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Title: Essence of Innocence
Chapter 6: Burden of Guilt
Author: lilneko_chan
email: lilneko_chan@hotmail.com
Pairings: Crawford x Schuldich, Yohji x Aya, Ken x Omi, Farfarello x Nagi
Warnings: Yaoi, OOC, angsy Schuldich

Author's Note: I finally put some more Schwarz in this story. I know that I kind of made
Schuldich look like a softie but just pretend that when he's in public its all smirks and bad ass
attitude and when he's alone he's very sensitive (or whatever you want to call it). Anyway I luv
when he's with the little black cat. It's too kawaii!! I was about to use a bird instead but I
wanted him to have a pet. A cat's better (gomen to all bird fans) in this fic since he can pet it
and stuff. In the later chapter I'm going to have the cat follow him around. Kawaii!! If the bird
follows him around it doesn't have the same cuteness. Also lately I haven't really been using a lot of
Japanese words in the fic. I've been kinda lazy about it but for the next chapter I'll make sure
to use some or phrases and stuff. At least this chapter uses some (and it also has German :)
unlike the past one..hehe..^_^











< br>


Burden of Guilt












The howling of the wind echoed across the empty streets. Trees shook as the wind
hurled themselves upon it only to realize the fruitfulness. The sidewalk was wet as rain
fell in large puddles of drops. A shimmer of moonlight pierced through the ever-moving
clouds only to disappear as shadows engulfed them within their deadly grasp. The
streetlights barely lit the streets as cars raced pass to their destinations. A couple raced
across the street attempting to get out of the pouring shower as quickly as possible as a
businessman jogged the opposite direction holding his business files in one hand and the
other holding an umbrella. A wild squirrel squirmed its way up a tree and into the safety
of its home and birds flocked silently into the night.

Schuldich was well aware of the happenings of his surroundings. Lying in bed he
stared absent-mindedly at the white ceiling devoid of any objects. The silky white sheet
piled around him, only covering the German from the waist down. Sighing, Schuldich
turned over to lie on his side and looked out his window into the pouring rain. The
window faced away from the street and into the backyard where the trees and animals
lived. The street, lights, and people disappeared as the trees and shadows took over the
almost always-silent view. Folding a hand under his head and the other resting in front of
him he started to drift into the minds of other human beings in boredom.

Hm...this person is depressing over an affair...a dream about going to school in
the nude...a dream of a knife friendly clown...hm, maybe I should show Farfarello
that...worries about a math test...another affair...boring. Schuldich sighed as the endless
flow of thoughts invaded the privacy of his mind. Not to mention sordid and boring
thoughts, Schuldich thought annoyingly. The only person whose thoughts Schuldich
could not invade was one by the name of Brad Crawford.

"...and he's the one I want to listen to." Schuldich said to no one as he flipped onto
his stomach, arms folded under his chin. Crawford, Schuldich mused, very arrogant,
gorgeous, commanding, intelligent not to mention...has the largest stick up his ass.
Schuldich sighed as he thought of the leader of Schwarz. Shifting around to lie once more
on his back, the sheets twisted, half spilling onto the cold floor. Staring at the ceiling,
Schuldich remembered the last attempt to seduce the seer. It wasn't a complete loss,
Schuldich smirked. I did steal that kiss and didn't even get shot afterwards. Of course
Nagi believes that I'm wasting my time and Farfarello...well he doesn't really care
except about his 'must hurt God' vengeance.

Maybe I am wasting my time, Schuldich struggled, I have been trying for years and
I've known Crawford for what ...ten years!

"This is giving me a headache." Schuldich said as he sat up. A dresser perched next
to his queen size bed. The clock and lamp were on it along with the towel that Schuldich
used last night to dry his long orange hair. A picture also sat on top of the dresser. A gift
given to him by Nagi for his birthday. I was really surprised that he knew when my
birthday was, Schuldich thought as he touched the picture. The frame held an image of
sakura petals and in kanji the word "Life". I still don't know why he gave me such a
gift...or even why I kept it. Staring at the pictures for a few more moments Schuldich
sighed another time and sat lounging in the silence of the room. Looking at the window
again he began to walk towards it wanting to watch the rainfall. Passing his dresser, he
sat along the windowsill and looked out.

Dark...no stars and no moonlight, Schuldich reflected, almost like that night...

// ...mutter .//

//No! Don't...please just leave!//

//...Ahh!!//

//...Mutter!//

Schuldich closed his eyes as the sudden rush of images pierced his mind. The
burning ashes of the fire and the voluble painful screams invaded his thoughts. Blood
spilling across the marbled floor...drip...drip... Schuldich shook his head and the last
images left him. Schuldich placed his burning forehead against the icy cold window.
Taking deep breaths he slowly exhaled until the beating of his heart calmed... inhale...
exhale... Closing his eyes for a moment Schuldich removed his head from the window
and placed it on the wall behind him. Still looking at the rain he unlocked the hatch and
pushed the window open.

Cool air flowed across his almost naked body. A pair of green silk pants was the
only article of clothing that he wore and a metal bracelet on his left arm. The cool air
helped keep him in the present. Slight drops of rain occasionally splattered him but the
German ignored the wetness and sat listening to the soothing sounds of the pouring rain.

"...meow."

Schuldich blinked at the soft sound and turned his head toward the window.
Squinting out into the darkness, Schuldich tried to search for any movements. Nothing
but the wind and trees as shadows paced themselves upon the night. Maybe it's just my
imagination, Schuldich mused. When he was about to turned back something black
landed on his lap. Schuldich jumped in surprised and looked at the offender. A little black
kitten lay on his lap looking up with wide green eyes at the German. Schuldich stared
blankly at the cat until a small laugh erupted from his lips.

"So you wanted to get out of the rain, little katzchen?" Schuldich gently asked as
he brought the wet kitten to his face. Two hands holding under its arms and feet dangling
the cat stared into emerald green eyes. After seconds passed ears flickered back as the cat
climbed out of the loose grip and licked at the telepath's cheek.

"Meow."

"So I guess that means that you like me?" Schuldich asked at the cat began to rub
against his chin.

"Meow."

I'll take that as a yes, Schuldich thought and transferred the cat back onto his lap.
Grabbing the discarded towel on the dresser he began to dry the little cat. The black
kitten purred as Schuldich rubbed the towel along its back. Seeing the reaction Schuldich
did it again only for the cat to purr once more. When the cat was dry he began to run his
hand across the soft fur. Trying to make the black mush into some kind of order the cat
started to lick its paw. The fur under Schuldich's hand was still a little wet and now was
tangled because of Schuldich toweling. As Schuldich combed his fingers through the fur
he was startled when he realized that the fur was very soft. Almost like a newborn
kitten's fur, Schuldich acknowledged. Wanting to know more about his new guest
Schuldich started to inspect the cat more closely.

Well, it's a girl, Schuldich stated after checking the gender, and looking at its size
probably no more then three months old. The cat paused in its cleaning and looked up at
Schuldich. As Schuldich's fingers ran near the kitten's face, the kitten licked at it and
went back to its grooming job.

Funny, Schuldich mussed, that the Weiss kittens would hate us so while this little
back cat seems to like being here.

Rubbing against the cat's sensitive neck, Schuldich tapped at its tiny head to get
her attention. The cat looked back, tail flickering across the silky cloth. "Do you want to
stay here tonight, katzchen?"

The cat seemed to understand what the German was saying and gave a calm
"meow". Schuldich tilted his head to the side wondering if the cat actually understood
what he was saying or was just meowing at every question. "Where's your mutter,
katzchen?"

The cat's ears lowered as it looked down upon its tiny paws. Schuldich blinked
then started to pet the cat, attempting to make the cat happy again. I guess that she
understands what I'm saying, Schuldich thought to himself, although it would be easier if
I can talk to him telepathically.

After countless minutes passed Schuldich looked down at his pet again and
blinked. The cat had fallen asleep. Schuldich laughed and petted the little kitten again
before picking her up carefully and laying her on the bed. Lifting the sheet, the telepath
made a little resting place and looked at the cat.

"I guess that you're staying..." Schuldich said slowly. "I can't keep on calling you
kitten so I guess that I'll have to name you."

Looking at the clock, Schuldich sighed at the time, "I'll figure out a name for you
later. Crawford probably won't want you here but I never listened to his orders before so
I'm going to keep you."

With that resolved in his head, Schuldich gave one last pet only to hear a snoring
purr. Schuldich glanced at the cat to see that it was still asleep and returned to his seat
next to the window. As restlessness began to eat at the German and he glanced again at
the clock. Two o'clock...hm...maybe I'll go and see what our awe-inspiring leader is
doing. With that thought in mind, Schuldich placed a pale hand against the windowsill
and pushed himself into a standing position. Feeling sore, Schuldich stretched his
limbered body, fingers and toes extending as his arms reached for the ceiling. Then he
abruptly stopped and padded his way to the door almost like a wily cat about to pounce
on its prey.

The hallway was devoid of any living things except for their devious shadows.
Schuldich treaded his way toward the end of the hall where the American's bedroom lied.
Moonlight seeped through the glass windows in the living room misting their way into
the dark halls creating an eerie depiction. Schuldich slightly glanced at the Berserker's
door and continued on.


//...the aroma of blood. Killing hurts God! Blood hurts God!//


Schuldich dismissed the psychotic thought and edged his way toward Nagi's room.
The door was slightly agar as light peeked out from the opening. Light tapping noises
was heard from the room as Schuldich walked pass it. The hallway seemed to stretch
until an eternity while in reality it could not have been more than twenty feet. Finally
reaching his destination, Schuldich stopped as a chill passed through him. Suddenly
feeling self-conscience, he paused with his hand on the doorknob. Shacking his head with
a fruitful shake he opened the door and looked inside.


//Bradley...//


The leader of Schwarz sat hunched over his desk. Papers littered the once orderly
furniture as the lamp cast a shadow over the Oracle's face. A coffee cup sat discarded at
the edge of the table, as the computer remained humming beside it. Thin light glasses
were perched on Crawford face as he looked down into the blueprints of tomorrow's
mission. As Schuldich called out his telepathic greeting he was met with no response.
Schuldich scrunched his nose as his eyes gleamed a determined look in them. Putting on
his smirk that he used for the world, he sauntered into the room. He will get a response
from Crawford even if it killed him. And it won't come to that. Schuldich smirked
mentally as he removed the lonely cup and perched himself at the edge of the table.


//What are you looking at, Bradley?//


"Blueprints of the warehouse." Was the cold response.


//Work!? You know that the saying 'All work and no play makes Bradley a dull boy.'//


"Don't call me Bradley."


//Why not? It's your name, mein mutiger Anführer (1) //


"It's Crawford and why are you here? Don't you have someone else to annoy?"
Crawford said as he picked up his pencil and drew a diagonal line on the blueprints. He
then settled the pencil down and continued to ignore his teammate as he glanced over the
plans.

Schuldich frowned at the answer that he got and decided to use different tactics. He
trapped a piece of paper within his grasp and looked at it. The paper was the outline that
Crawford had sketched out for the mission that night. Schuldich smirked as an idea came
to his head.

Straightening his expression into a solemn face, Schuldich turned to his leader.
"You outlined the position that each Schwarz member is going take at a pacific time but
what about Weiss? We are carrying out this target with them."

Barely looking up at his teammate Crawford replied, "When we meet with Weiss
later today I will integrate our plans with theirs so that both teams will have their pacific
assignments."

Schuldich jumped to the floor in a graceful leap. Landing silently he wiped
imaginary dust off his pants before moving to the side of the chair that Crawford was
sitting on. Settling a hand on the blueprints, Schuldich looking with Crawford at the plans
said, "Couldn't you use your powers and make a plan for both teams..."


//...and wouldn't that save more time?//


Crawford made another line and scribbled something onto the blueprints. "That
wouldn't save more time as I would have to research for two groups instead of one. We
do not have the time." Crawford said steadily.

Smiling inwardly, Schuldich slowly shifted positions until his hand changed from
leaning on the desk to touching the chair. With his chest pressed to the top of the chair
Schuldich leaned over as if to look into the plans once more.


//Ah, of coarse. Time is always of an essence.//


Leaning over Schuldich gently touching the side of his leader's neck while
bringing his lips to the lip of an ear. "Isn't that right, Bradley?" Schuldich breathed.

Crawford kept on working as if nothing had happened. Schuldich smirked and
silently thought to the raven-haired American in front of him, hm...a challenge eh...too
bad that you didn't know but when given a dare, Schuldich never losses.

Brushing his hand against the neckline of the suit Schuldich leaned over a little bit
more and "unconsciously" brushed against Crawford's soft cheek. Schuldich brought the
hand on the table to lie carelessly on the American's shoulder as the other swung around
and held the end of the chair. Schuldich tapped a finger against the collar of the coat as if
in thought. A smirk colored his face as emerald green eyes glittered.

"The oracle..." His wild orange hair caressed the stern cheek as soft rosy lips
stroked across neckline, "One who sees and predicts the future, unseen by anyone but the
beholder. To him, time is nothing but what he creates."

As Crawford sat there stonily Schuldich continued, "Time is the essence in which
he controls. A priceless glass rose kept in a display box in the dark lonely room, which no
one sees but him."

"Is there a reason for this sudden physiological incentive or are you just here to
annoy me?" Crawford questioned as he shifted his face away from Schuldich caressing
lips.

Smirking Schuldich brought his lips back to the flesh right under the Oracle's ear,
"Not to annoy Crawford. Nein, not to annoy but to understand." Lips found the pale skin
caressing as they reached the tip of the ear.

A sigh, "What is there to understand? From what I gathered you are trying to annoy
me. And I would have to ask you to stop. I am trying to conduct business here."

"You are always doing paperwork Bradley." Before Crawford could protest the use
of his first name Schuldich continued, "You seal yourself into a world of business and
money never seeking the ecstasy of human contact." A caress. "Like the hidden rose you
hide your human emotions behind the power of time." Long figures began to loosen the
neat tie. "Time is nothing by itself. It needs life and death so that it can have meaning.
And with life..." Lips kissed along the strong jaw line. "...is happiness. Happiness
sprung from the innocence of living."

Schuldich stopped his nuzzling and glanced from the side of his eye to see
Crawford's reaction. Crawford sat there in the large leather business chair lightly holding
a pencil in the right hand. Feeling the heat of the glance upon him he turned and faced his
orange haired teammate. "Happiness, Schuldich? This is rather ironical that you preach of
innocence when you carry the name of guilt, Schuldich." Crawford jerked his head out
from Schuldich's reach and looked back down at the plans. "Go back to sleep, Schuldich.
We meet Weiss at the Koneko no Sumu Ie at eight."

Schuldich was not about to be deterred from his goal. "I'm not preaching about
happiness. I, for one do not believe in fairy tales." Schuldich brought his lips back to the
outer layer of Crawford ear and whispered, "However, I do believe in death. Death brings
an ending of all emotions and all things innocent. Death is feared for it is inevitable and
that fear is what drives us, Schwarz. We are the Shinigami (2) of this world, Crawford.
Happiness and innocence is not for destroyers...that is why I am guilty." Schuldich
smirked and kissed the skin in front of him. "Chaos rings in our hearts. Because we are
yet dead we still have emotions. Emotions such as anger, desperation, loneness, and..."
Schuldich paused. "...desire."

With that last word Schuldich lapped at the sensitive earlobe and rose before
Crawford could say anything. "I think that I will take that suggested nap."

Before Crawford could turn and look at him, Schuldich with inhuman speed
reached the doorway. He turned and cast a last look at his companion, "Oyasuminasai
(3), Bradley."

Closing the door Schuldich began to walk through the shadow-haunted hall to his
own domain. Light illuminated from the slightly opened door as the soft echoes of
footsteps soared across the hall. Wind and rain clashed outside the rich expensive
apartment as the moon shined proudly in the blackened sky. Schuldich reached for the
handle of his door and turned the knob. As he stepped inside the darkened room filled
with a soft snore from the black cat, he smirked an amused smile and closed the door.


//Tomorrow is going to be fun.//



















(1) mein mutiger Anführer- my courageous leader (German)
(2) Shinigami- God of Death
(3) Oyasuminasai-goodnight