Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ The Lives We Lead ❯ Stray cat ( Chapter 1 )

Chapter 1 Weiß

 

Arashi hurriedly rushed down the narrow alleyway, looking over he shoulder. She looked around herself, “Where am I?” walking further she determined it was a shady part of the town, “I should keep moving.”

She continued running again, trying to loose herself among the buildings. Right now, what she wanted was to outrun her past, and forget all the memories.

~*~

Youji sprinted down the alleyway, fixing his green eyes on the broad, retreating form of his target. He yelled into his communicator, “Damn it Siberian! Ever heard of being discreet?”

Ken replied, “How would I know he'd run?”

Youji yelled, “People have a tendency to do that when you jump out of the shadows with those bug nocks on, promising them a quick death.” He looked up to the rooftops to see if anyone was there, “Is he in anyone else's range?”

Omi confirmed, “yeah, he's right in my line of way, I can get him, slow down so I don't get you on accident.” Youji halted, and kept an eye on the target waiting for Omi to strike. There was a flash of light from the steel arrow of his crossbow, his eyes widened when he watched the arrow headed straight for a young girl with black hair who stumbled out of the shadows.

The arrow hit her arm and knocked her off balance, she stumbled and crashed into a stack of disposal cans. They toppled over her, burying her under the pile.

Youji looked up and saw Aya already had his Katana stuck through the target's gut. The man shuddered, his muscles compulsively twitched before he fell to the ground, his wide eyes cold and lifeless.

Aya glared up at the three assassins before him, “I thought this was to be a clean mission, no mess ups, and no casualties.”

Ken pointed at the body, “He just took off running! Besides, bad things happen here a lot, I doubt anyone would look twice if they saw him running down the street screaming.”

Omi argued with Aya's accusation, “It was as clean as I could get it! The girl just jumped out of nowhere! I didn't even see her coming!”

Aya started, cutting them off from their babbling, “What will we do with her now?”

Youji's eyes suddenly widened, “Don't tell Manx! She'll be mad! Lets just… hide her!”

Ken raised an eyebrow, “Is this legal? Taking an unconscious person home with us with out their consent… not that killing people is legal.”

~*~

Arashi awoke in a large white bed. She looked around herself and realized she had no idea where she was. She quietly got up and noticed all of her wounds had been cleansed and dressed.

She tried to make sense of this but was pulled from her thoughts when she heard footsteps outside of the door. Arashi made her way towards the door and was prepared for it when the door opened.

A tall golden haired man with sunglasses pushed open the door. The man gasped and looked her up and down then grinned. Arashi didn't waste any time, she kicked him in the gut and caught him with right hook.

He fell outside of the doorframe and groaned. Another male was standing outside the door. Arashi jumped forward, her hand connected with his neck, temporarily crippling him.

She rushed down the hallway; a young boy with fluffy blonde hair stepped out, his childlike face displaying confusion, “Ken-kun? Youji-kun? Daijabou ka.” Arashi pushed him back into his room. He landed on his butt and she slammed the door on him.

Arashi started running downstairs, she found herself in an open and lit room. She headed for the door when a tall, firmly built red head stepped into her way.

Arashi paused; the three babbling boys came crashing down the stairs instantly. They paused, the taller blonde one pointed, “Aya! She kicked me! She's awake!”

The said `Aya' watched the boys babble on flaccidly. Arashi swung a punch at him. Without any facial features moving or even a shift of eyes, his hand went up and caught the fist.

“Well Balinese,” Aya said, hinting to use code names, “what were you doing to her?” he asked. Arashi was trying to yank her hand free to no success, his grip was unrelenting, and he still didn't even shift his gaze to her.

Youji's jaw dropped, “Demo, I wasn't doing anything to her!”

Ken huffed, rubbing his sore neck, “We don't even know anything about her and we're trying to assume her motives. Where has our training gone?”

Aya released his hold on Arashi's hand after sensing that she wouldn't try to hit him again. Arashi turned towards the door and sighed, “I should be going. I really shouldn't be here anyways.”

Youji stepped forward, “Wait! Don't go.”

Arashi looked over her shoulder, “You forgive and make friends rather fast. But I really should go.”

Omi tried, “But we cleaned and dressed your wounds, and we took you back here.”

Arashi had her hand on the door knob, “Thank you, but I didn't deserve it. It was sympathy for the devil… I have to go, you are all really nice and I don't want to make your lives trouble because of me… I have to go.”

Aya spoke quietly, he didn't turn to face her, but the words stopped her, “How did you get those bruises and cuts anyways?”

Arashi turned, “What?”

He paused, then questioned further, “And what were you doing in such a shady part of town at night?”

Arashi was turned around she stammered, “I- I just got a little out of my way and I ended up there.”

Aya wiped off his hands and started, “No body goes to Tari Okaya unless they have business there.” He turned around and fixed her in his cold stare, “You interfered with our business so we have a right to know yours.”

Arashi started, “I was… It just… there was… never mind, I'm going and it will all be forgotten. Good bye.”

Aya asked, “Bombay, is Yamaguchi-san gone?”

Omi nodded, “Yes, she took the day off to have tea.”

Aya confirmed, “Good.” He grabbed Arashi by the arm and pulled her around. Arashi stiffened and fought back but to no avail, before anybody really understood what had happened, the young black haired one had already been wrestled into the large storage room.

Aya started, “Where have you come from and what was your business in Tari Okaya?”

Arashi stared at him and replied, “Tell me who you are first. Then I will know whether I should lie or not.”

Youji lit a cigarette, the red glow marking his position in the shadows, “If you were in that part of town on business then I doubt you're on our side.”

Arashi's eyes widened, “You guys are against them? Or more specifically the crime leaders of Tari Okaya?”

Youji took a drag on his cigarette and let the response hang. The phone suddenly rang. Omi ran out to retrieve the phone; he came back and said, “It's Manx, she's asking about Malvagità. Schreient has already made a move, we should have completed this already.”

Youji picked up the phone and started, “We don't know anything about this guy. We can't attack if we don't even know where the dude lives!”

Arashi grinned, “I know where she lives. I have her security codes, map grids, and a grudge.”

Aya took the phone, “Manx, we've found something, consider it done.”

Ken asked, “Were you… close to here?”

Arashi stood out of the chair and said, “Not emotionally. I worked for her, but I got on her bad side… or she got on mine. Nonetheless, you guys found me when I was escaping her. Now I've got some help in avenging myself.”

Aya soaked in the information then asked, “Who are you?”

“Arashi.” She grinned.

Omi came up with a pencil and paper and said, “Mind writing down the locations and codes?” Arashi complied when she was done she watched as the boys walked out of the room.

She started after them. Youji blocked the exit, “Where are you going?”

Arashi scowled, “With you. I'm coming, you are helping.”

Aya shook his head, “You have the situation misunderstood. You just rolled over for us and gave us all the information we need. You didn't ask anything in return. We have no obligations of any sort. While we go and do our job and look for accuracy in the information, you will wait here.”

Arashi was about to object when the door slammed in her face. She beat on the door and yelled but it didn't change her situation.

~*~

Arashi beat on the door, and then hacked at it. She threw planters at it and became thoroughly bored as she sat in the room for what felt like forever. Finally, hours later, the door cracked open, she stood up.

Aya came in and walked towards the girl. He stated, “The information was all correct, but she'd apparently already been planning a retreat from the country, we couldn't get her.”

Arashi crossed her arms, “So you trust me now?”

Aya put a hand forward, “Fujimiya, Aya. Ohayo. If you need me, just call.”

Ken put an armed hand forward, “Ken-kun.”

Omi smiled and put forward a hand, after unarming Ken's bug nucks, “Omi Taka- ahem, Omi.” (You probably wont remember Omi stopping himself from saying that last name, but it is an important name, if you remember this, and connect it with the full name, you'll be surprised.)

Youji put an elbow on Aya's shoulder and tipped his head so his deep greed eyes sparkled from behind his shades, “Youji Kudo, if you need anything, just ask.” Then he winked.

Arashi looked around her at the people that were all standing there, completely open and happy and… welcoming towards her. She suppressed a smile and joined, “Name's Arashi.”

~*~

A young girl, with the appearance of only 15~17 was rushing down the gray streets. She looked a bit out of place in her short black skirt and shirt with a white apron. She was dressed like the old fashion maid… with a few… adjustments.

She looked around her at the large black buildings that surrounded her, a person came up from behind her and put a hand on her shoulder, “Alo.” (German for Hello… didn't see that coming.)

She jumped then spun around. She bowed and began, “Ohayo, do you know where this building is?” she passed the man a card.

He looked down at the card, he knew very well where it was, it was where he lived. He looked down to see that she still was in a shallow bow and thus not looking at his face. He handed her the card and said, “It's about another 3 blocks up, then 2 to the right, and it's the taller flat.”

The bowed and rushed, “Arigato sir. Sayonara.” She turned around and continued running in the rain.

The man watched her then grinned, “Oh yes, this will be fun… I think I might even feel… guilty.” He chuckled and lowered his shades and made a fast pace down a short cut to get home before the girl. (Well, you don't know it yet, but this man {Man to the right and the one speaking} is named Guilty in German.)

The young girl made her way inside the building and headed for the elevator. However, at that moment, Schuldig was coming through the door of the apartment.

Farfarello twirled a butter knife of the table and said, “Good news.”

Schuldig raised an eyebrow, “What? The chick is our new employer?”

Farfarello gave a sadistic grin and his one eye glittered, “Malvagità is dead.”

Schuldig paused then considered, “Why is this good news?”

Bradley added another bill to the pile and replied, “She paid in advance.”

Nagi looked at the three and decided he no longer wished to be there, he stood up and headed for the door, “I'm going to the arcade.”

Schuldig blocked the door and said, “Chibi, think you could use the fire escape? Or better yet, an air duct or something. And Crawford, Farfarello, maybe you could go to the back rooms?”

Bradley looked up from the bills and asked with a rather flat voice, “Why.”

Schuldig pointed to the door and grinned, “There is a chick coming this way.”

At that moment there was a meek knock on the door. Bradley slowly stood up and made his way to the doorway, he pulled open the door.

The young girl blinked large eyes at him and asked, “Room 666. Schwarz residence?”

Crawford's eyes narrowed, he glared at Schuldig then replied, “I'm sorry, someone must have called you here by accident. We don't need a maid or service of any sort.”

He shut the door right when she began to stammer, “Demo-“

There was a pause, Nagi said, “She's still there.”

Bradley growled, “I know!” he opened the door again and asked, “What do you want?”

She looked at him and started, “Summimassen, I was sent by Malvagità-sama.”

His eyes widened and he pulled the small bishoujo into the apartment before any of those annoying neighbors heard the conversation.

Inside Brad removed his glasses and rubbed his temples before sitting down in his leather chair.

“Okay,” he sighed, “What's going on. Explain who you are and what is happening.”

“My Japanese name is Chikaru.” She began while getting a cup of water, “I worked for Malvagità-sama. She had to flee from Japan but she needed me to stay here to fulfill her plans. But I didn't know where to go, I couldn't stay at the mansion, the assassins and police officials would certainly return and I needed protection.”

Bradley massaged his temples and sighed, “Bad news, she lives.” He put his glasses on the stand beside him and yelled, “Could somebody get me a damn drink and Advil?”

Chikaru was already standing before him with the cup of water she poured while she was talking and he was busy rubbing his temples, “I'll find the Advil, it would be in a medicine cabinet, correct?”

Bradley took the water and stood up. Schuldig grinned, his sapphire eyes dazzling, “Nice catch, ja?”

Crawford put down the cup and glared, “She just showed up and now what do we do with her? If we can't return her to the mansion then…”

Schuldig finished, “She could live here with us. As a part of Schwarz. She might even become a member some day.”

Nagi shook his head, “Takatori wont allow it. Too much money on a wasted cause.”

Schuldig scoffed, “Well he sends you to school doesn't he?”

Nagi's eyes narrowed, “Ahem. She's just another puppet of the Italian Mafia, she doesn't have any abilities.”

Schuldig made smug face, “Neither does Farfarello.”

Crawford raised an eyebrow, “But Farfarello can take down a team of armed Kritiker men with out breaking a sweat.”

Schuldig glared, “Why thank you, you always make me feel so special. None the less, we've all grown to love and remain cautious of Farfarello.”

Almost as if on cue, there was a muffled yelp. They turned around to see Chikaru against the counter covering her mouth as the Irish man put the blade to his arm, half way between his fist and elbow.

They all went to restrain Farfarello and clean up the mess when Chikaru gave a
heavy sigh and chuckled, “You surprised me when I turned around and saw you there. Just a moment.”

She pushed him back to sit on the table then looked at both his wrists, there weren't any bracelets saying he was allergic to anything so she popped a pain killer in his mouth before he had time to protest.

She pulled out some medical supplies from drawers where she must have been looking for Advil. She put hydrogen peroxide on his arm and said, “Just a moment this might sting. Okay. Now for Neosporin!”

The boys watched in shock as she doctored him as though he was merely and 8 year old who fell and scraped his knee. She put away the supplies in the drawers and grinned, “And you get a yellow band aid, like your eyes... or um… eye.”

She stepped back and clasped her hands together, pleased with her handy work. Bradley watched the scene for a moment. Farfarello slid of the table and walked to the other end of the counter where he examined his band-aid.

Bradley turned and walked towards the hallway, “All of you, get some clothes together, we're going to Takatori.”

~*~

Arashi crossed her arms, “You can't be serious.”

Ken shrugged, “Sorry. We don't have a room for you yet, so you can sleep in here for now… I guess.”

Arashi rolled here eyes, “I see, and whose idea was this?”

Ken put out another blanket on the futon and thought about it, “I think… Aya, yeah, he usually makes most of the house decisions.” There was a silence so he continued, “Well, since you did just get here, I think he's just a bit cautious of having you roam around.” More silence.

Ken looked over his shoulder and noticed that the door was closed. “Kuso.” He ran over and tried to open it, “Locked. Damn it.”

Arashi sauntered up the stairs and down the hall. There was a door open, she looked inside; Omi was before the keyboard typing away. She watched then moved on.

His wide blue eyes were slowly drooping as it got later into the night. His short blonde hair was a disheveled mess from his bandana that he used during the assassination attempt.

Through the door in the next room Youji was sprawled out over the bed topless, he had sunglasses on and was smoking a cigarette. He turned the page in his magazine and chuckled, he blew a ring of smoke at the picture. Slow music was playing and a few candles were lit around his bed.

Arashi quietly crept up to the next room she peeked in. Aya was standing on the other side of the bed stretching. He reached his arms above his head as he strained his head down. He put an arm behind his head and pulled it with his other hand then repeated this on the other side. He continued his little bend down and touch your toes stretches when Arashi realized that it seemed his chair decided to be the selective censorship.

She tried to see around it but then eased the door open a little more for a better peek. Aya became dead still and spun around. No on was there, he sighed, he grabbed a rag and wiped off the sweat from his earlier exercises.

Arashi stared at the open door then slided further down the hallway next to the wall. She made it into the next room and found herself in a messy teenager room. There were posters of cars, sports and women all over the walls. The room was a wreck and there was stuff everywhere.

She blinked then rolled her eyes, “Screw that.” She went back into Omi's room. He was now asleep in his chair. She walked over to his bed, which was neat and cozy. This bed was just right. (Goldie locks.)

The next morning Arashi awoke to find Ken and Aya in the doorway. Ken huffed, “Did you have to lock me in there?”

Arashi blinked and said, “Well, I was going to just sleep in your room and leave you in there, but it was so messy I just slept in here.”

Everyone's eyes transferred to Omi, who was still snoozing over the keyboard. Ken looked back at the girl and said, “You've never been here before, how did you know where my room would be?”

Arashi blushed deeply and stammered, Aya interrupted, “Get up, we're going into town today, we need to pick up stuff. Yamaguchi will be watching the flower shop till we return.”

Ken ran off soon followed by Omi who had just dragged himself out of sleep. Arashi sat up and stretched, feeling her muscles stretch she grinned. Aya was still watching, “Come on, I'm waiting.”

Arashi rolled her eyes, and got out of the bed, still dressed in her torn up black clothes. She walked out of the flower shop to where Youji's car was waiting. She slid into the back seat and Omi and Ken soon joined her. Youji jumped into the drivers seat and Aya sat in the passenger seat.

They instantly started off on the road. Youji was priceless, with a wicked grin on his face along with a cigarette. His sunglasses masked his eyes and his blonde/brown hair whipped in the air.

He sped down the road, never stopping, just changing lanes and continuing. Aya had a death grip on the door handle and headboard, pushing himself into his seat. His teeth were gritted as he glared at the road.

Omi kept making small shocked noises and covering his eyes as he cried, “Oh dear God, help us.”

Arashi and Ken were really the only two casual looking ones. Ken tapped his fingers on his soccer ball and `waved' back at angry drivers. Omi looked at them with wide eyes as they slid from one side to the other with the sharp turns of the car. He cried, “How can you guys looks so calm?”

Arashi sighed, “If he manages to flip the car over, we'll be the two to survive, we're the only ones wearing seat belts.”

Omi's eyes widened and he pulled his belt around him and fastened himself into the seat. Youji screeched the car to a sudden halt. Aya sighed, “A red light, a few seconds to get my senses together- WOAH!”

Youji slammed on the gas and swerved to miss a car and spin off, eventually evening out, “Don't worry, I know a short cut.”

Ken leaned forward, “You know, you can slow down.”

Youji looked at him, “Doshite.”

Aya growled, “Because we're not expected there for another hour.”

Youji laughed and turned the car to drive on an angle so it could swerve around a truck without hitting it, “Youji never takes the time to be late!”

Aya stared out the window, “Honestly, with how you drive I can't understand how you are always late.” A siren suddenly started whining and the cry grew louder.

Arashi looked back at the car, “I'm guessing… that's why?”

Youji grinned, “Hai. You betcha babe.”

Omi looked back at the cops and shook his head, “Youji, pull over, it's the cops, you can't run from them.”

Ken scoffed, “Of course not, they've got a 200Cxl engine.”

Youji waved his fingers and said, “But I can drive away from them with my GT350 engine!” he switched gears and sped off down the street.

When the car finally came to halt they all jumped out, Aya slammed the door and growled, “I think I'll take my chances with the cabs to get home.” He looked over at Arashi.

Arashi noticed Aya staring at her, she turned her head and stared at him, he threw her a dark coat. “I thought you should cover up a bit more, so I brought a coat for you.”

Arashi put it on and smiled to him as she fixed it up, “That's nice of you. It's kind of chilly out too. Thanks.”

Aya flashed amethyst eyes her way and whispered harshly, so as not to bring attention to them (attention from the other boys), “I brought you a coat so people wouldn't be wondering what the hell we were doing with a hardly dressed girl.”

Arashi flicked a smirk that promised some form of pay back for the words soon. Youji slid over the hood of the car and said, “Okay, lets go.”

Ken complained, “I want to get a hot dog first.”

Aya rolled his eyes, “Fine we'll get food.” While he was standing in line and ordering hot dogs Arashi suddenly lashed out. She slammed the heel of her boot down into his toe then kicked his shin.

His eyes went wide and he pulled his knee forward with a cry of anguish. His knee hit the cart and now his knee hurt.

Omi tried to help him. Youji laughed his little pretty boy ass off. Ken chewed his gum and watched the scene with a smile. Arashi ordered a soda and put down the money from Aya's wallet.

She took her soda and stood to the side. Aya was sitting on a bench and holding his leg with an angry glare. Yes, he was very mad that the others wouldn't just go and leave him the hell alone and stop making a deal about it and asking to help.

Arashi sighed and thought to herself, `So it wasn't sly, cunning or a real honor. But still, he's pissed and I'm happy and it's all my doing. In the end I guess I won.' She took an extra long sip of her soda.

Youji looked over the brim of his sunglasses to gaze at some passing schoolgirls, “So what were we out here to do?”

Ken stood up and said, “We were going to bring Arashi down to Kritiker.”

Youji sighed, “I don't like going there. They're going to be mean to Arashi, criticize her for stupid things.”

Omi scoffed, “Well, that is their name.” There was a silence as everyone stared at him, he explained, “Kritiker means critic in German.”

Youji then pretended as if he'd known all along, “Get out. My gosh Omi, you are so smart.”

Ken twirled his ball and asked, “In what language is there such translation?”

Youji paused and glared over his shoulder, he glared out at the street, then replied, “The same language as out team name, Weiß Kreuz.” He started walking again.

Aya grinned, “And what language would that be?”

Youji paused then yelled, “Shimatta!” he stomped away.

Arashi couldn't help but chuckle, “Baka.”

~*~

Chikaru followed Brad to the door when he stopped and turned around, “Hold it, you aren't going outside like that.”

Chikaru paused and watched him, waiting for a command or suggestion. Schuldig came to her side and pulled her close to him and pouted, “I think she looks cute like this. Don't you agree Nagi?”

Nagi walked past them saying, “Don't talk to me pervert.”

Farfarello grinned and mocked in a low voice, “Don't be mean. You've always dreamt of having a young blond follow you around in a maids costume for a day.”

Nagi's eyes widened, “You don't read minds!”

Farfarello smiled, “No, but you talk in your sleep.” Nagi was silent as Farfarello ruffled the young boys hair. Crawford pulled a jacket out of Schuldig's bag.

Schuldig's eyes went wide, “That's my coat!” Bradley put the coat on Chikaru and motioned for her to put it on.

“Good job, for now it's hers. She needs something to cover herself and hide her identity for a little while.” He put a hat and a pair of sunglasses in her hand.

After she got them on, she looked like a movie star trying to escape from paparazzi. The sleeves were too long and made her look young. The brim of the hat went out in front of her face and the sunglasses covered her eyes (duh).

Farfarello opted to stand behind her to the side and steer her where they were going. Schuldig and Crawford argued for a little while about which car to use.

The argument was drawn to an end when Crawford hit Schuldig over the head with a rolled up newspaper. It didn't hurt him (I should hope not) but it shocked him long enough for Brad to usher everyone into the car.

Schuldig grumbled to himself, “Fine, but I get to drive.” The newspaper flew out the window and hit him again. He slid into the back, sandwiching Chikaru between himself and Farfarello.

Nagi got into the passenger seat and stared out the window in an uncaring state, “We're going to Takatori's?”

Bradley gave a confirmative nod then replied, “We need to hear his catch on the girl. He might want her for information or something. Who knows.”

Schuldig asked, “Do you think Malvagità had some wicked plans that would help us take over the world or defeat Weiß or something?”

Nagi rolled his crystal eyes, “Who knows?” he replied sarcastically.

Farfarello was staring out his car window; he had snuck a knife into the car, “Duh, Chikaru maybe?”

~*~

Arashi stood on the pink stool and seemed to steam with anger. “Remind me, what am I doing up here?”

Aya, Omi, or Ken were about to explain when Youji came in and said, “Sorry about that I got a- WOAH! … Damn, you look like a Barbie set up on display…” he lowered his glasses and flashed a drop dead gorgeous look from over his eyes, “A very perfect life sized Barbie.”

Arashi growled, “That's it!” she jumped off the stand and landed on Youji and proceeded to strangle him.

Aya and Ken lifted her off of him and sat her down on the stool. Aya started, “First off, I have some questions.”

Arashi became still, “Questions?”

Omi started, “Like… what were you really doing in that down town area?”

Arashi sighed, “I was trying to make an escape.”

Ken raised an eyebrow, “Down town is not a good place to escape from bad people. Who were you trying to get away from?”

“Think I don't know that?” Arashi snapped, she cooled down and replied, “I was trying to get away from Malvagità.”

Youji was rubbing his neck, “Yeah, I was curious about your relation with her, I mean, how did you know that stuff about her?”

Aya added, “And why was she after you.”

Arashi chuckled, “It's a long story.”

Aya replied, “We have time.”

Arashi sweat dropped from the quick answer, “Well, I used to work for Malvagità. I was actually one of her head…”

“Servants?” Ken tried.

“Maids?” Youji suggested.

“Well, there really isn't an easy word. So, I worked in her home. I was in control of security, what information got in, what got out, and who it went to.”

Omi interrupted, “You did a good job with the computer security, I wasn't able to find Malvagità until… well, you told us where she was.”

Ken pushed him and whispered, “Shut up, she's talking.”

Arashi continued, “Well, right when I was telling her the all security sections were in place and all was in order, some one came in through the window. They all attacked and I defended her, that being my job of course.”

Aya questioned, “Some one of her status should have more protection. Was there anyone else there?”

:: Flash back::

Arashi stared in shock, as there were now four women in front of her. The head one began to chuckle. Arashi backed up a little nervously when she noticed movement by the door. She saw the ribbons of Chikaru's skirt disappearing.

The head person stepped forward, her dark blue hair glittered in the moonlight, “I guess it's all up to you. Good luck.” (Masafumi Takatori >)

Arashi glared at them then asked, “Who are you, and what is your business?” she had to ask even though she had a pretty good idea why they broke in.

The leader blinked her thin eyes, slightly shadowed by her navy hair. She said in a slow voice seeming to enjoy the knowledge of her duty.

“We have been sent by Masafumi Takatori.”

Arashi glared, “What for, Malvagità has just arranged a peace agreement with him for less friction between us.”

She watched coolly then replied, “You obviously didn't hear the whole story. That your Malvagità has written into the agreement that she would shut down Masafumi's laboratory.”

Arashi's eyes narrowed, “Masafumi Takatori's laboratory? He's the one who's been stealing organs and selling them on the black market. He's been making trouble in the crime world that's cost every one else millions. He should be shot down.”

The leader suddenly narrowed her eyed, “I'm sorry you don't see it our way.”

The youngest one had sea green colored hair and big pink eyes. She opened an umbrella/ parasol and put it over her shoulder then giggled. The leader with blue hair smiled, maliciousness flashing behind her triangle shaped eyes. “We are pleased to be associated with your death.”

The first to approach drew out a long whip and snapped it wildly into the air.

“Malvagità has caused our Masafumi-san enough trouble, it is time for us to get rid of her.”

Arashi jumped out of the path of the tongued whip and stepped on the tip. The youngest one and dark haired one then attacked.

Arashi held them off for a while, insuring that the serrated umbrella, whip and skills didn't get near Malvagità. She thought she was doing pretty well until a gunshot was heard.

She looked behind her to see her lady stumble then fall back onto the ground. Another window was broken and the young ladies escaped from the room. Arashi ran to her ladies side and started talking, but she was already dead.

“Well.” Said a cool voice, “That was rather distressing.”

Arashi turned around to see Chikaru standing right next to Malvagità. She gasped, “Malvagità-san, what just happened? I thought… oh, that was your double.”

She nodded, “Yes, and Chikaru helped me escape. It's a good thing she did too, you apparently wouldn't have been much support.”

Arashi's face sunk, she thought, `You didn't even see, I was protecting that dead broad till… well till they killed her but till then I was doing good.'

The young mafia lady walked forward, he thick coily hair falling in her face, “I've come to one conclusion as to how they were able to find my residence. And that is you. You sent them information, you gave out secret codes about my whereabouts and you were doing it to kill me.”

Arashi watched her then shook her head, “Me? Traitor?”

She nodded and looked at her with icy eyes, “And there is only one fait for that.” She snapped her fingers and instantly people came forward from all angles it seemed.

:: End ::

The boys listened intently. Omi then asked, “Who assassinated this Mafia Lord, er… Lady?”

Arashi shrugged, “None of them gave their names.”

Youji suggested, “Why not describe them, if they were professionals then we might know them.”

Omi said, “You don't need to repeat the young one, we know who she is. She's Tot. She's always cute… er… I mean talking cute… like a baby and she has a stuffed animal!” Omi started to blush and look away.

Arashi began explaining, “The head of the group had blue hair. And a really tacky yellow colored bandana. Her eyes were really freaky, they were almost… triangular shaped.”

Aya nodded, “It was Hell. No doubt about it.”

Arashi asked, “You recognize these people that fast? I”

Ken sighed, “We have the unfortunatey to know these characters known as Schrient.” He laughed and tried to make a joke, “Typical women, their team is the German word for scream. Schrient= scream.”

Arashi stared at him for a moment. Aya shook his head, “Translations. All of their
names translate. Tot means dull, as in dead… or stupid.”

Omi giggled and started blushing again.

Aya continued, “Hell means bright. Scary triangle eyes were a big hint.”

Arashi thought, “There was one with a whip. She had blonde hair and a jewel on her forehead.”

Ken nodded, “Schön. Definitely.”

Arashi asked, “What was with the jewel on her-”

Ken shrugged, “Nobody knows. Any who, her name means beautiful, but I guess in comparison to the others…yeah.”

Youji shook his head and declared, “I think not. Murase Asuka is the fairest of them all… I mean, hottest… she's my ex-girlfriend. She just can't remember me right now.”

Ken rolled his eyes, “She's not your girlfriend. Your girlfriend is not a member of Schrient. Neu is a member of Schrient.” Youji gave a threatening glare.

Ken continued “Your girlfriend (left) and Neu of Schrient (right). They are not the same person, notice, no resemblance.”

Youji adopted a shocked look, “They look almost exactly alike. Besides, Neu means new, why else would she be new unless they kidnapped her, brainwashed her and made her part of their secret organization.”

Arashi scoffed, “You forgot to throw in her being abducted by aliens.”

Aya looked around, “Well, we grabbed some stuff, I think we're done here. Now we'll take you to Manx and the rest of Kritiker.”

Many, many miles away a German grinned, “The kittens believe they have a trick up their sleeve.”

Crawford felt a tug at the side of his mouth. He took a drag at his cigarette; “We will soon, we should reach Takatori's by tomorrow morning. So when we get on the train get some sleep.”