Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Like Winter In July ❯ Dilemma's ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: I thought about buying them, but Takehito Koyasu wouldn`t sell! *sniff*

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" Anything in this " is spoken

' Anything in this ' is thoughts

(( And this )) is Schu speaking mind to mind

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Isa: IT'S ALIVE IT'S ALIVE!!!!!

Schu: You're watching to many horror movies, Isa-chan…

Isa: You made me watch the last five!

Schu: …. Did not!

Isa: Did too!

Schu: DID NOT!

Isa: …..what does this have to do with this story?

Schu: ……

Isa: That's what I thought….please read and review!! =^_______^=

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-CALLAN AND YOHJI-

Callan looked up as Ran walked into the living room from outside. Kicking the door closed he made his way past the two men, carrying a box towards the stairs. "Do you need help with that?" He asked, receiving a glare from his friend. "I was just asking, a few of those boxes are mine and I don't want you breaking anything." The redhead paused, one foot on the first step; looking back at the German. "What?"

"You are such an ass sometimes." He growled, making his way up to the second floor. Callan couldn't help but snicker as Ran disappeared from view.

Yohji looked up from the box he had been rummaging through to watch the redhead leaving the room. After a moment he turned his attention to Callan who was sitting beside him on the couch. "Is he always like that?" He inquired, watching as the German looked up at him. Blue eyes bore into his own green for a moment, then the assassin smiled, nodding his head. "Why?"

He seemed to think that question over for a moment, pulling a book out of the box before him. "Ran is…" There was a pause as he tired to figure out how to put in words, why his friend and fellow assassin was the way he was. "He's just intimately challenged." The brunette gave him an odd look. "He doesn't get along with people because people don`t try to get to know him, they find Ran standoffish and rude."

"I wonder why." He whispered, seeing the German look over at him. "Well, he does seem like he could care less about other people. Though that thing with the Hidaka boy last night, that was kinda odd." He saw the man frown, obviously agreeing with what he had said. "So he doesn't like people."

"It's not even like that." Callan whispered, continuing to look through the box before him. "Ran is a highly sensitive Empath, if he touches someone who isn't shielded, all their emotions overwhelm him and his own. Because of this he doesn't like to be touched, it makes him shy away and sometimes even pull away from people for no reason, well in their eyes. " He paused, not knowing how else to explain it.

Yohji nodded, for a moment he had forgotten about the quiet redhead's gift. It made sense, not wanting people to touch or get close. He supposed being that way would make a person seem cold in others' eyes who didn't know of the man's odd talent. "So people believe he`s withdrawn or a snob, I could see that." The assassin looked up at Yohji, smiling slightly. "So why is Ran the way he is with you?"

"I'm shielded, he can't feel anything from me unless I let him. It is part of being a telepath, unless I want to hear what everyone is thinking I have to shield, blocking out the voices." There was a pause for a moment; then he glanced over at Yohji. "You seem really interested in Ran and I, why is that?"

Shrugging, he looked towards one of the windows. "Just trying to understand why my teammates work the way they work." He answered. "We have to live together, don't we?" Callan just looked at him for a moment, then nodded. "So how long have you and Ran been together?"

"A long time." He answered, resting his chin in the palm of his hand. "Let's see, he was nine when he was taken from his family and now he's twenty-one." There was a momentary pause. "So it would be twelve years now, he's become…a brother to me." Those words made Yohji smile; it wasn't often that assassins got that close. It was even more rare that they stayed together for such a long period of time. "I suppose I annoy him sometimes, but I can't help it. It's the way I am, I think he's used to it by now."

There was silence for a few moments as Callan began to look through the box in front of him once again. A moment later Yohji sat forward, pulling out his pack of cigarettes. "Can I ask one more question?" He saw Callan nod, pulling out one of the cigarettes, he popped it in his mouth. "A moment ago when I mentioned that thing with Hidaka, you seemed kinda…I don't know." He looked up at Yohji, arching a brow. "You seemed upset about it."

Shaking his head, the German looked at the brunette for a moment longer before answering. "Not upset…it was odd. Ran once told me that the overflow of emotions…it's hard for him to know his own from the storm around him. The way he acted around boy wasn't like him; I didn't know what to think. Ran doesn't like people he doesn't know, but with Ken he almost acted…"

"Possessive?" Yohji whispered.

There was silence for a moment, as the two men just looked at one another. There was an emotion in the bright blue eyes that Yohji couldn't place. Suddenly the fire-haired assassin stood, lifting a box into his arms. "He acted different." The brunette was about to speak when Ran walked into the room, glancing over at the two. "This box is yours, you want me to take it up for you?"

"It's fine, I'll take it." Callan smiled, handing it over to the man. "Thank you, Callan."

"Of course."

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-AN UNLIKELY INFORMANT-

Ken was pulled out of his thoughts as the kitchen door opened, jade green eyes meeting his own deep brown. For a moment neither person said a word, then Ken stood, a frown marring his tanned features. "Should I say that it's nice to see you?" He asked, a slight sarcasm under toning the words he spoke. Both knew that they didn't have to pretend, false words weren't needed between them. His hatred for her was well known among the Kritiker organization, among other things.

Hanae stood there for a moment longer, unsure of how to respond to that sentiment. "I suppose that would be your decision." She finally answered, clasping her hands before her. "I would then respond, likewise. I am happy to see you Ken, though I am sure you wouldn`t have been here if you knew I was coming." He may have hated her, and yes, their past had been less than friendly. But Hanae did care about him, after all hadn't she been the one who had found the Dream Seer.

"No, I would have."

Arching a brow, she reached back to close the door behind her. "Really, and why is that?"

Chocolate eyes closed as he breathed out. "I have a responsibility now, Hanae. What happened between us can't be changed, I may hate you but I can put up with you for a few hours." Opening his eyes once again, he caught the look that had passed over her features, once again being hidden. "What?"

"Hanae!" Looking away from Ken, she smiled as the energetic young blond ran into the kitchen. "I am so happy to see you, did you bring our informant? Is Persia still happy with the group I have formed? What is happening back at headquarters?"

"Omi," She laughed, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "…calm down, okay? Everything is fine back at headquarters and you know Persia is proud of you. As to the informant, well that is what I am here to speak to all of you about."

"I'll go get the others, why don't you go down into the mission room." Hanae made her way across the kitchen as Omi ran for the living room. "Ken, can you go tell Yohji she's here, he's out back!"

He nodded in response, glancing back at the redhead. `I don't have a good feeling about this…something is happening. Everything is…moving out of place.' Sighing at his own thoughts, Ken walked out of the room.

Five minutes later everyone had been ushered into the mission room, Hanae standing at the head of the room. She observed the six assassins for a moment, seeing that they might not have been best friends, but they didn't seem to have a problem with one another. The only one who seemed to have a problem with anyone was Ken, and she knew that annoyance wasn't directed at his teammates. `The past is the past, didn't you once say that yourself Kenji? So why do you hold onto the past as if it's the only thing that you have left?' Pushing away from the wall, she took a few steps towards the newest assassin team in Kritiker. "Good morning boys, some of you may know me…then again you may not. My name is Hanae and I am Persia's personal secretary."

"I think we all know who you are, Beautiful." Yohji drawled, pulling the unlit cigarette out of his mouth. "The question I think we all have is where is our informant, the kid said you were bringing them over?"

"Yohji!" Omi barked, doing the best he could to glare at the man. "I am your leader, could you please not call me kid?"

"Sure, kid." The blond sighed, smacking his hand against his forehead, Yohji could only smile.

Hanae watched these antics with interest. Those two, she knew would become friends…they already cared about one another. Yohji, himself, had told her he had liked the young assassin right off. To him, Omi was like the little brother he had never gotten the chance to have. `Omi needed that, someone who is going to care about him.' Breathing out, the redhead looked back towards Yohji. "Anyway, back to the informant. Well I am sorry to inform all of you, there has been a change is plans. The informant that should have been here today will not be coming."

"Why?"

Turning to look at Omi, she smiled. "Because Persia has chosen me to become your informant." For a moment there was silence, then laughter filled the small room, courtesy of one Yohji Kudoh. "I don't see anything funny about what I just said Mr. Kudoh."

"Sorry, it's just…you as our informant?" One red brow arched in question to that remark. "We all know that you are Persia's right hand, well woman. Why would he make you an informant for our assassin team?"

She understood what the man was trying to say, he was wondering why Persia would risk her. An informant's job wasn't only running information, but protecting the team they maintained with their life as well. "He has high hopes for this group." She finally said. "Persia wants you to have the best, I happen to be the best." Hanae glanced over the assassins, their reactions ranging from interest to indifference. Then there was Ken, she knew he would not be happy with this outcome. "Mr. Hidaka?"

He looked up, dark eyes fixed on hers, and the hated he felt for her was plain. "Why?" He whispered, pushing himself up from the couch. "Why now? Why all of this…and me?" He knew Hanae would understand those words, they had been spoken before many times. Nothing ever changed, he knew her answer wouldn't either.

A sigh escaped her as she took a step forward, then brunette quickly held up a hand and she stopped. "We, well I…"

"It's always the same." He said, one hand raising to press against his forehead. "Nothing ever changes, that is why I am here." Growling, he looked up at her. "All of this shit is never-ending, the only thing I can trust is it all begins and ends with you."

"Ken, you think all of this is just a game?" She snapped, receiving another glare from the brunette. She knew the other boys wouldn't understand, but then again this had nothing to do with them. This had to do with him, her and a hatred that just wouldn't find its rest. "I was placed here, just as you were. I'm not here for any other reason, no matter what you may believe!"

"Isn't that just so fucking convenient!" He shouted, turning to walk towards the stairs. "This is just great, wonderful! Everything is always about…gah, if this is all any of this shit's about, you can tell Persia I'm out."

"You don't have that choice, Ken!" She responded, his back turned to her. "This is it, the only chance you have left. If you go now, if you leave like this…there is no coming back again! With Kritiker, this is it and after this I can assure you there is nothing. Is that really what you want?"

Aya looked from the brunette to the woman standing by the TV. `Nothing? Why would Kritiker risk losing someone with his power?'

He paused halfway up the stairs upon hearing those words, hanging his head. "So I don't have a choice in this matter. I'm stuck here, like you, and this is what it comes down to?" The redhead never responded to those words. "Do you think Brad would have agreed to this, let me come if…" He paused, eyes wide, as his breath came rapidly and the world began to blur. `No, not now…stop…please don't! Stop this now!' Dizziness overtook him as everything went black.

"Ken!" Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as the young assassin cried out then collapsed, tumbling back down the stairs. "Don't touch him!" She snapped, falling down beside the brunette. "Ken? Kenji, answer me please?"

"Hanae, is he okay?"

She shook her head, looking up at the blond. "I don't know." It was only a whisper. "His breathing is shallow, I know this sometimes happens…I didn't know the effect of the dreams had gotten this bad." Thinking for a moment, green eyes met bright blue. "Omi, please get something to put under his head." He nodded, walking away, a moment later the redhead jumped when she felt someone touch her shoulder.

Yohji frowned pulling his hand back. "Is there anything we can do?"

Think for a moment, Hanae smiled. "Yes Yohji, actually there is."

*

-TWIN SIBERIANS-

`I figured,' He thought, glancing around at the void that surrounded him. `…that the world stopped and started with a single breath. That the sun rose in the sky by pure will of the believer and the night came for those who would hide away.' Dark eyes met his own, and like him, accepted this for what it was. Nothing.

"Something always comes from nothing." The man whispered, one hand reaching up into the void to pull down a singular scarlet ribbon. The man across from him closed his eyes, his hands sliding into his pockets. "Then the world keeps turning and you realize, nothing is made of something. Humans take things for granted, they see things in black and white. You, you are different because you see everything in grays…neither loving or betraying any one person."

"It's hard to trust, when you trust, you give your life to someone. Lives are so fragile, and everything falls apart…I can't risk that happening to me." He muttered, eyes falling on the red ribbon the man across from him now held. "Red, what does it represent?"

The man looked at the ribbon in his hand. "I suppose it depends on the circumstances." He replied, his hand tightening around it for a moment before letting it loose. "You would know better than me, you are the one who dreams all these weird things."

Ken arched a brow, a slight laugh leaving his lips at that comment. "You would be the first thing I see in this messed up place." He replied. "Do you enjoy showing up and confusing me? Because it seems that's all you ever do." When the dark haired man didn't respond, Ken shrugged. "Well I am guessing that I am in vision and not another person's dream."

"Yes."

"You`re being so informative." He whispered, looking over his counterpart. "You know I don't dress like that."

"Really?" He responded, glancing down at the black suit. "Well, seeing that I am you, well, your subconscious…I am a reflection of your inner self." The Dream Ken smiled back at Ken, shrugging. "So maybe I should be asking why I am dressed like this?" Ken ignored that remark. "Fine, well did you ever figure out who it was that pulled you from that last dream?"

Ken shook his head. "I didn't…let's get back to the important things, shall we? What is this place and why was I dragged here?"

"There is something that you need to see." His dream self replied. "It is important."

"Important?" He asked. "Like the last dream, where two dreams collided and a mirror exploded in my face?" Dream Ken could only grin at that remark. "Should have figured you would have though that was funny. Okay, so what is it that is so important that you had to pull me in here?"

His dream self pointed behind him, causing Ken to turn around. "They are coming, falling from the void to saturate the ground with their darkness. I don't know why…nor can I tell you who they will be. It's a dangerous time that is coming, where people will fall." Dark eyes roamed over the void, watching as scarlet strands fell from the darkness, covering the ground with an eerie likeness to blood.

`Too much confusion…why do I feel like this?'

"That voice." He whispered, looking towards his dream self. "I know that voice, but…why can't I place it?"

"Someone is connected, they invade the dreams, bringing their mind's voice into this world."

Ken looked back towards his twin, arching a brow. "But I never see him?" His other self nodded, looking up into the darkness. "Do you know who it is?"

The Dream Ken shook his head, frowning. "How would I know! I am you, remember?"

"You are no help at all." He growled, walking towards the maze of scarlet streamers. "Hello? Who is there? Can you hear me, please answer me!"

"Don't!" He paused, looking back at his dream self. "Where you go I can't follow…if you go any deeper they will consume you!"

`Why is there so much pain?'

Ken looked away from his twin, into the darkness and the voice that was calling to him from within it. "I'm sorry." He whispered, curiosity winning over the concern his dream self was showing. "I know that voice, I need to follow it…to find out why they are in pain."

The Dream Ken could only shake his head. "If you do this, if you choose to go into that place…" He paused, taking a step back from Ken. "I will not be held responsible for what you see."

"What?" He asked, looking back at the man, but he was no where to be seen. "So I have made my choice, to continue on without you." Breathing out, he went to step forward, when something grabbed his legs. Dark eyes looked down, seeing himself being pulled into the void below him. "No! Stop this!" He frantically looked around for his dream self, hoping he would at least come and try to help. "Where are you! Please, stop this…come back!" But he never did, and Ken could only close his eyes as his body disappeared into the void.

`Will I ever understand what all this pain is about?'

The soft weeping of another brought Ken back into consciousness. `That was the oddest dream, nothing even happened…but all the blood red ribbons?' Sighing, rich brown eyes opened, only to be greeted by a bright white room. "What the…" Only then did he realize that hewas still dreaming and that somewhere, someone was still crying. "Hello?" He yelled, his voice echoing though the room. "My name is Ken, I-I was pulled here and I'm not sure why."

The weeping was silenced, but no one ever answered him. Turning, he saw a bed on the opposite side of the room. The same scarlet ribbons hung from the roof, but when he looked up from where they emerged, he saw the ceiling was dark red, like blood had stained it. The bed itself was pure white and on that bed sat a man, his skin as white as the sheets that surrounded him. The ribbons wrapped around his pale body, circling his neck, chest, and wrists like some grotesque bondage game gone wrong. None of this bothered him, he had seen worse before in other dreams. What bothered him was the person who sat upon that bed, crimson tears staining his cheeks, his lips stained scarlet red.

"Ran?"

Violet eyes settled on the tanned figure on the opposite side of the room, the pain in his eyes apparent as another bloodstained tear ran down his cheek. "There is such pain, I can't focus and it's drowning me…pulling me under." The redhead looked down at his bound wrists, then back up at Ken. "Why is this happening, what did I do to deserve all of this?"

Ken shook his head, walking over to the frightened man. "I don't know…but you are the voice? I mean, are you the one I hear in my dreams but I never see?" Ran could only shake his head, unsure of what he meant. "Okay, look we will talk about his later. I need to get you out of here, I'm sorry this is happening!" He growled, trying to untie his wrists from one another but the ribbons held tight. "Damn it!"

"You can't remove the scars of the future, nor can you change the past." He whispered, dark eyes looking up to meet his. There was a pause, a singular moment where Ken understood everything, but it was too soon gone. "Why didn't you save me?" Ran whispered, leaning forward to rest his head against the man's chest. "Why did you leave me alone?"

"I didn't."

The man in his arms let out a slight laugh. "You never could save me."

"What was I supposed to save you from?"

The question seemed to catch the man off guard. "I…don't know."

"I know you don't." He responded, kissing the man's forehead. "Come on Ran, just trust me and I promise we will find a way out of this dream." Ken could see the hesitation in his eyes, then nodded. "I promise I'll protect you in here."

"How?" He whispered. "You can't protect anyone."

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kami: ^___^ Another wonderful chapter from Isa-chan!

Schu: Yes, because *I* was in it!

Ken: But what about me? I was in it too!

Ran: Stop this whining. I was a major part of this chapter, therefore making it wonderful.

Yohji: Meeee!

Omi: *jumps up and down*

kami: @.@ STOOOP!

Guys: *quiet down and looks at her*

kami: ^^;; What?

Guys: …

kami: It's wonderful because Isa-chan is really working hard on this story and it shows! So everyone should leave [nice, constructive] reviews! *mutters* Besides, we all know because I'm here, this is really great! ^__^

Guys: *glare*

kami: *runs away* REVIEEEW!!!