Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ The Lives We Lead ❯ On the team ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter 2 Weiß

 

Chikaru once again found herself in a black Mercedes Benz after the plane ride. She looked out the back and commented, “I hope my ticket wasn't too much trouble. I can pay it back in time.”

Crawford chuckled, “It didn't cost us anything.”

Schuldig smiled down at her. He explained, “I fooled with their minds. They think we paid and even gave them a tip.”

~*~

Arashi stood in the middle of the room nervously as Kritiker inspected her. The scientist female known as Birman leaned over to one of the others and whispered, “I think that the skirt should have some sort of something on it, and black fishnet stockings on the arms would be a good start.”

Ken rolled his eyes, “That's why they call them critic.” (Kritiker is German for Critic.)

Birman let his chin rest on his fist, “What weapons does she use and how connected is she to the organized crime?”

Arashi cleared her throat, showing she was irritated that they spoke about her instead of to her, “I'm what you call versatile, but usually I go with the scythe.”

Manx asked, “How good are you with it?”

There was a dark flash in the already poorly lit room, Manx blinked at the blade of the scythe that was less than a breath of air away from her skin. Arashi grinned, “You can decide that.”

Manx stepped back, flipped her red hair over her shoulder and sighed, “Persia isn't here and without him it will take longer for us to determine if we should have her join Weiß.”

Ken gently elbowed Youji in the side. Youji pursed his eyebrows together is confusion. Ken made a gesture towards Arashi then Manx.

Youji nodded and put on his playboy grin. He slinked over to Manx and started, “Hey, Hanae. I was thinking-”

Manx instantly interrupted, “Don't call me that! My name is Manx now!”

Ken and Omi sweat dropped from across the room. Omi whispered, “Do you think it's going well?”

Aya shifted, “Not a chance, this is Youji.”

Ken chuckled, “Give him some credit. Remember, Manx is technically a woman and thus can be swayed by Youji-” *Slap* Youji lay face down by their feet.

He pushed himself up and muttered, “I should have left that part out.” He flipped over and stood up then went back. “Oh Hanae-chan!”

Manx started walking, “Get away from me perv.”

“I think some body owes me a favor still.”

“That was one time!”

“And you know what it should be?” Youji continued, ignoring her.

By now Kritiker and Weiß were watching as Manx tried to get away and Youji followed. Of course, they were really just walking in a circle around the room; they weren't going anywhere… it was like a pathetic game of cat and mouse, instead man whore and girl.

Birman had a worried look on her face as she considered the consequences of a wrong move in such a touchy situation. Her brown hair fell into her face and shadowed her fine features. Manx finally came to a stop, “Fine! She's part of the team. I need to go get a coffee, Birman, explain.”

Birman sighed and explained, “Arashi, we will help you out since this is your first time probably doing this. We'll judge how you do and that will decide if you become part of the team.”

Arashi chuckled at how cliché it sounded, “And what? If I don't qualify then you'll brain wash me?”

“Actually” a young black haired man stated, “that's just in the stories. We assume that a person as capable as yourself would be able to leave clues.” He stepped closer so his features were visible. “We'd just have to kill you if you didn't qualify.”

Arashi blinked a few times at him. Ken scoffed, “If only all introductions went this smoothly.”

The man put out a hand, “Name's Botan.”

Arashi ignored the hand, keeping her own on the scythe, “Arashi.”

Botan continued, “You'll act as part of the team until Persia can get back, then we will all make our final decision together.”

Omi questioned quietly, “Persia?”

Youji laughed, “Yeah, you know, creepy guy with dark hair, glasses and a goatee.”

Omi clarified, “Why is Persia always gone? I mean, if this is his only business, what would he be doing?”

~*~

Chikaru looked up at the grand mansion and gawked, “It's so big. This man must be very wealthy.” Schuldig pushed her forward to keep her walking.

Bradley led them through the great halls through the enormous rooms and up giant stairs. Chikaru was still looking around and observing she stated, “I'm sure this man's secretary had his work cut out for him, what with all the servants and such that must be needed.”

Crawford sighed, “Yes, I'm sure he had his work cut out for him.” (Crawford was Takatori's secretary/ assistant before he became the evil bodyguard thingy for Schwarz. It's actually a promotion!)

They came to broad doors, a man stepped outside the doors and looked the 5 up and down. “Crawford, you brought some one?”

Crawford nodded, “She showed up on our door step. I brought her for Takatori to size up before we decide on anything.”

The man smiled, making his goatee move. He put out a hand and introduced himself, “Pers- I mean Shuuichi. Takatori Shuuichi.” (Did you see what he almost said! And look at the appearance!)

Chikaru took his hand and shook it energetically after bowing, “Are you the Takatori-sama these gentlemen have been talking about?”

He shook his head and laughed. He repositioned his glasses and explained, “I'm just a relative. Takatori Reiji, the head of the clan, is inside.”

Chikaru nodded with a blank look on her face. Nagi whispered, “Takatori Reiji is the one we came to see.” Chikaru quickly nodded in understanding.

Inside they all came and bowed to the shadowy figure of Takatori. The head Takatori of the Takatori clan.

Chikaru instantly thought to herself, `He looks like a koala bear from the 70's.'

Schuldig, who was listening to her thoughts commented, `You have no idea how long I've been trying to get Queer I for the Straight Guy to come here.'

She thought back, knowing he would hear her in her head, `This is depressing, and it answers why people are out to kill him.'

Schuldig snickered, hardly trying to hide his amusement. Few people even had the courage to think about Takatori that way in his presence.

Takatori glared at Schuldig and growled, “You've got nothing to be laughing about boy. You're in a lot of trouble for disobeying my commands and endangering Weiß targets.” Schuldig stared at him and they exchanged glances. Takatori flicked his glance over to his golf clubs against the wall.

Schuldig's face dropped, he jumped up and walked out the door saying, “I'm going to go get food, I'll catch you later.”

Takatori, back in the private room, was staring at Chikaru. “And what did you want me to do about her?”

Crawford repositioned his glasses; “We brought her to you to decide what to do with her. Since she knew where to find us, she may know things about the Takatori clan or Malvagità's operations that you don't want known.”

Takatori nodded slowly and in a gruff voice said, “Well then, how long do you think you will be staying?”

Brad stood up and dusted off his jacket, “Actually, we have an operation tomorrow and I would like to leave as soon as possible.”

Takatori clapped his hands together, “That's great. I have some paper work that has been piling up and I need for you to work on it.”

Crawford growled, “I'm not your secretary any more.”

Takatori stood up, “I'm sure you'll find the time. The rest of us will be having dinner.”

Chikaru stood up, “What should I prepare.”

Nagi growled, “You're eating with us stupid.”

About an hour or two later, Bradley came into the room where Takatori, Farfarello, Nagi, and Chikaru were all sitting and having a very… dull conversation.

Crawford stated, “I'm done, and I'm ready to go. Where is Schuldig?”

Chikaru looked around, “I don't know. I haven't seen Schuldig-san in some time actually.”

Schuldig sauntered into the room, “Did you call for me?” he grinned and leaned against the doorframe.

Takatori glared, “As a matter of fact I've been curious as to where you've been hiding.”

“In your freezer.” Schuldig grinned.

Brad waved the boys on and they made their way to the door and left.

While Schuldig was walking across the room Takatori swung and hit his head with a 5 iron golf club.

Schuldig grabbed his head and yelled a few curses in German before running from the room. Outiside, Schuldig sighed and looked over his shoulder, “Too bad we're leaving that little doll in the house of torture.”

Nagi rolled his eyes, “With you at home, our place isn't much better. Besides, is that all you can think about even after having a 5 iron firmly aquatinted with your skull?”

Schuldig grinned and said with a saucy voice, “Maybe.”

Nagi stared at him for a moment then said, “Schuldig, don't talk for a while, at least not until the swelling of the blood clots in your brain have gone down.”

~*~

Arashi sighed, “Wow, one would think it would take more than 30 minutes and a man whore to become part of a secret organization of assassins.”

Youji grinned, “Never under estimate the power of Youji Kudo.”

Aya looked around him, “This is our stop.” The bus slowly came to a steady roll and stop.

Arashi stood up when Aya did. She looked behind him to see the others had as well. They didn't want to sit together, that would be too conspicuous. And they had to ride a bus, because that's what professional killers do.

Aya and Arashi got off the bus and started walking. Arashi looked behind her and whispered, “Where are the others?”

Aya whispered back, “They are taking different routes. Ken is on the other side of the street.” Sure enough, he was. “Youji and Omi are probably off in some other area. Again, we split up to be less conspicuous but we all get to the same place in the long run.”

~*~

Bradley sat in the room, aiming at just about everything that moved. Schuldig was flirting with the various maids and waiters walking in. (Waiters, waitresses, its all good… for him anyways.) All the maids filed out and the room became very quiet.

Crawford leaned over, “Ofumoto-san. I assure you, nothing is getting through to you. We are the best in the business and Weiß wont be able to distract us.”

Outside Aya, Ken, Arashi and Youji all observed the building. They concluded that getting in wouldn't be much trouble, but getting to the target and killing him would be trouble. Arashi whispered, “Leave this to me boys.”

Before anyone could argue she was off. Aya caught her arm and whispered, “Be careful, if they get a hold of you… just don't get caught.” Arashi nodded and slipped in.

Back inside Schuldig stared at the ceiling and groaned. Farfarello ordered milk and was now just blowing bubbles in it. Like hell he'd drink it. Crawford snapped, “Pay attention. Fuzake ne.”

Farfarello flicked an eye up at him and blew and extra hard bubble that splattered the milk everywhere. Crawford leaned back in the chair and groaned.

The door opened and the terrified man, Ofumoto spun and stared at the door. A tall young woman stood in the doorway. She wore a little black dress with a black apron attached.

She blinked and looked at each of them then sauntered into the room. She put a bottle of what appeared to be red wine down. Ofumoto cleared his throat, “Would you mind pouring me a glass of that?”

She smiled `sweetly' the kind of smile like they're not happy, they're just pissed. She poured a glass of the thick red wine and turned with a class and bottle in two hands. “Will that be all?”

Ofumoto heaved a sigh of relief and looked at the clock, “Yes. That should be all for now… but stay in here anyways.”

The dark haired woman blinked her gray eyes then crushed the bottle within her palm. As the blood like fluid fell to the ground and as the glass shattered, he palm closed around the dagger that was hidden within the dark bottle.

She threw the dagger at the man, piercing his chest. Instantly Nagi stood and summoned the chair to crash across the room into her. She spun and evaded it, Schuldig was waiting for her spin, taking advantage of her being unable to see him coming.

She tilted her hand at the end of her spin and the strong alcohol separated with her fingers and met with his eyes. He dug his palms into his eyes and growled in anger. The young girl seemed to sufficiently ignore the howling noise now inside of her head.

Farfarello attacked her and was stabbing at her with his long, thin knives. She stepped back to avoid the attacks and kicked his shin. He held no response; it became apparent he didn't feel pain.

Farfarello pulled back his arm for a final blow and the girl dodged to the side.

His head jerked to see where she went. He jumped forward towards her right when she leapt away. He was about to attack when a sofa crashed into his side.

Nagi had apparently meant to attack the girl but she dodged and Farfarello got in the way.

Farfarello was now pinned under the sofa; he began to push it off himself in a rabid action like a trapped animal.

Arashi looked at them all, Schuldig was now ready to attack and Bradley had his gun drawn. Arashi took a few moments to breath deeply. The doors suddenly crashed open, several guards flowed into the room, Arashi slickly escaped through the window and was lost in the night.

~*~

Crawford gripped the steering wheel and demanded into his phone, “Put Takatori Reiji on the phone. This is important.”

Takatori got onto the phone, he said in an angry/amused voice, “So, as if I need to ask. How did it go?”

Brad stared out through the rain-fogged window of the car and replied, “Ofumoto is dead.” The image of the blade in his chest resurfaced. Engraved in the hilt was `Greetings From Weiß'.

Takatori's voice became wry; “I thought you had those Weiß Kreuz assassins under control Crawford. What happened?”

Crawford leaned back his head, “They seem to have a new member. It is a young woman with long black hair. She came in and we did not recognize her as an enemy, or at all for that matter.”

Takatori asked, “Well. What do you suggest you do so this doesn't happen again Bradley.”

Brad grimaced at the use of his first name and at the thought of his next effort, “Send us Chikaru. She may be able to fight, we don't know, if you send her we can see what she is capable of. At least then we will be able to even up the numbers.”

Takatori was silent for a moment then he sighed, “Fine. She'll be there by tomorrow morning.”

~*~

Ken slugged down a gulp of the soda bottle being passed around, “Great job! How did you get the knife in there any ways?”

Youji grinned over his bottle of beer, “Same was you get the ship inside the bottle.”

Omi giggled and hic-uped then took another swig of his soda. “That was really cool though. You totally kicked their butts. And I will always smile when I think of Schuldig and how you got a cup of wine right into his eyes!”

Youji leaned against the wall, “It was very creative.” He looked over the rim of his glasses, “I am curious though, are you always that creative?” he blew a ring of smoke that actually seemed to be aimed a little low for the face.

Aya growled, “Youji! Stop smoking around the flowers.”

Youji grinned, “You gave her a pet name already? And with out me.” He pouted jokingly for a moment.

Aya paused and got very silent. Omi questioned, “Flower?”

Youji shrugged, “I don't know. I think it would have a better ring as… Luna? French for moon.” They all looked at Arashi and Youji took a drag on his cigarette, “I think that's fitting.”

Arashi broke the silence by saying, “Sure, so long as my code name isn't Siamese.”

Ken stretched and yawned, “I'm tired, I think I'll be going to sleep.”

Omi slapped his forehead, “We don't have anywhere for you to sleep.”

There was a short pause when Aya said, “I'm going to be out. You can sleep in my place for tonight. Here come with me.”

Arashi nodded and followed him up to his room. There he opened up the closet where he had everything in very precise order. He pulled out a dark gray tank top and some black boxers, handing them to Arashi he said; “You can use these for pajamas tonight. I'll tell Youji not to bother you.”

He left the room and quickly exited the building. Arashi waited till she saw his car back up and head away, disappearing into the night. She instantly went to the drawers and was about to pull them open when she first checked them for booby traps.

Finding only clothes she went on to the next drawers. Inside the closet, on the bottom drawer, before she pulled it open, she noticed something. She traced her finger over the sides of the drawer and smirked, “Just as I thought. A hair.”

(Paranoid people will put hair over the opening between the drawer and cabinet. The will wet it with saliva to make it stick, if anyone opens the drawer the hair will fall. They will be able to tell the drawer was opened.)

Arashi carefully removed the hair, making a mental note to replace it when she was done.

She slid open the drawer. There were bound leather books in neat piles. Arashi lifted one out carefully, “Hm. I didn't expect Aya to be the type to write diaries.” She flipped through it and read some of the pages.

She found letters of all sorts from numerous people; she shuffled through the drawer and pulled out a picture.

The picture was of a young girl with gentle features and jewel like eyes. Arashi held up the picture and studied her features. Slowly she noticed that some of the girl's features resembled Aya's.

Someone at the door cleared their throat. Arashi jumped and spun her head around. Youji was leaning in the door way and Arashi growled, “I thought Aya told you to leave me alone.”

Youji glided into the room, “Did he say you could look through his things?”

Arashi looked back down at the girl in the picture, after a long pause she asked, “Who is this?”

~*~

Aya slowly walked into the plain room of the Magic Bus Hospital. He walked over to his sister who was lying on the bed, sleeping in a comatose state. He stroked her cheek gently and sighed, “Maya… I'm sorry for everything I've done… I know if you could see me, you'd be ashamed of me… but I still love you and I'll always wait for you to come back to me.”

The girl with porcelain skin and dark blue hair didn't move, she couldn't hear anything, she would probably never even open those jewel like eyes again.

~*~

Youji sat down on the bed and said in a morose voice, “That was Aya's sister.”

“Was?” Arashi asked, looking up at Youji.

“She was injured by one of the Takatori's and has been in a coma for years now. By this time I believe she is… 16? Wow, that's really depressing. Aya-chan has grown up and doesn't even know it.” Arashi watched Youji speak.

Arashi asked, “Aya? I thought that was…”

Youji sighed, “We all have alias's. Ran Fujimiya changed his name to Aya Fujimiya to become an assassin. So we sometimes call Aya-chan Maya to avoid confusion… not that there should be much.”

Arashi looked back at the picture, “So Aya has a little sister?”

Youji nodded, “She was actually his reason for becoming an assassin. He wanted her to have the best medical care so he took this job. Hey, don't tell Aya I told you this or he'd kick my ass.”

Arashi nodded, he left the room and she looked at the picture. She thought to herself, `Through his eyes you can see he has a tortured soul… what else has done this to him? Why is he so sad inside…' she put away the books and picture and whispered, “I have a feeling I just unlocked the first step of a great mystery.”

~*~

Ran held onto Aya's hand, caressing the smooth creamy skin. He felt the sting of tears behind his eyes but fought them back. He whispered, “Good night Aya-chan.” He squeezed her hand a little expecting to see a small smile, a batter of eyelids, or at least a small squeeze back… there was nothing, and she remained still.

“And may you sleep well.” Ran removed his hand and hers fell to the mattress as it had been before.

~*~

Schuldig yawned, “It is way too early to be here. Are we even sure Takatori meant she'd be here this morning?”

Nagi stared at him about to say something but then he just stared and decided to let it go. He turned and waited to see a clueless little blonde emerge from the gates.

Chikaru came from the gates with her gold hair winged from the hat she wore. She had on sunglasses and a scarf, ugg boots, skirt, shirt and one glove. “Ohayo Minna-san.” She called out.

Schuldig commented, “She's not in her maid outfit…”

Chikaru giggled, “Of course not! I got some new clothes! And now I can dress up and stuff.”

Nagi feigned sarcastic excitement for a second and threw his hands up in the air before he let his face drop again. He asked, “Where's your bag?”

Chikaru motioned, “It's kind of big… you might want to get someone to help you, or at least a roll cart.”

Nagi approached the duffel bag that could have been twice his size, in length and height. He grabbed the straps with a bored face and hauled it over his back. Many people in the terminal stared at the odd sight of the small boy carrying such a large bag.

Chikaru stared for a moment then Nagi explained, “I'm carrying it with my mind, I'm just `standing under it' so it looks like I'm holding it and people wont freak out at a `flying bag'.”

Schuldig snickered, “It still looks as funny as hell though.” He pulled out a camera and took a picture.

Nagi growled at the comment, “You ass hole!” he through or rather mentally commanded the bag to fly right into Schuldig.

Bradley caught it and threw it back at Nagi, “Hey, don't throw this around.”

Nagi pushed it to Farfarello who held it up with his left arm before throwing it to Brad. People began staring as they tossed around the enormous bag like it was a beach ball. Bradley pushed the bag at Schuldig and glared at the people around them.

It knocked the tall German onto the ground. Schuldig began yelling curses in German before he threw the bag off of himself and tackled Nagi. They started wrestling and throwing punches and tormenting each other's heads. Everyone in the terminal was watching.

Crawford said in a very low, very serious voice, “Get off the ground now.” Schuldig and Nagi instantly stopped. Schuldig got off the young boy and stood next to him. Crawford looked up at them with deadly eyes, “Farfarello, the girl and I will be in the car. You two carry the bag, I expect you to be in the car no more than five minutes after we get there. Don't dawdle.”

He turned and started walking, Farfarello nudged Chikaru and she nodded and followed.

Schuldig looked at Nagi and noticed a completely unmerciful grin. For pretty much the entire walk out to the car. Schuldig was forced to follow the random swings and twirls and height variations of the bag as Nagi moved it from side to side, lifted it, or relinquished most of his hold.

They finally did get out to the car however, and that was the main point… poor Schuldig… poor Nagi.

~*~

Aya was washing the windows, like he almost always does when Arashi came in, “Aren't you going to get ready?”

Aya looked at her, “For what?”

Arashi put on her black gloves and replied, “The mission. Manx called yesterday to tell us about it. We're going to start over there in a while.”

Aya threw his rag over his shoulder and said, “We're going to be leaving in about 4 and a half hours.”

Arashi chuckled, “How long does it take you to get ready?”

Aya wiped his hands off, “on average 10 minutes.”

Arashi stuck her tongue out and walked away. Aya followed her and started asking, “Why does it take you so long?”

Arashi was making her way up the stairs, “Well. I have to do my hair and get on my make up-”

Aya followed her down the hallway, “Make up? Why do you put on make up?”

Arashi answered, “Because I want to look nice.”

Aya asked, “To kill some body? You want to look nice so you can kill people?”

Arashi closed the door in his face. Aya stared at the door of his own room for a moment before throwing the towel back over his shoulder and walking back down to the shop. “Silly girls.”

Omi sighed, “They're all like that.”

Youji grinned, “But we still love them.” Aya threw the rag in his face and went back to the flower shop.

Yamaguchi said to herself, “I think I like her. She seems like a nice young lady.” Aya rolled his eyes thinking to himself, “How inobservant. She just came out in all black, brandishing her blade and Yamaguchi thinks she's a `nice young lady”.

~*~

Crawford explained, “Okay, so we go in there and I'll introduce you to the target. Got that?”

Chikaru nodded, “Then we kill him.”

Nagi shook his head, “No. Then we protect him, we make sure these people,” he held up little cards with pictures of the Weiß boys on them, “don't kill him.”

Chikaru nodded energetically, “Yeah, I got it!”

Farfarello looked out the window at the brightness and glared, “The day is bright, but this night will be as cold as death's blood.”

Crawford drank his scotch and sighed, “Sometimes I wonder if its just you or if all Europeans are insane.”

Nagi mumbled to himself, “I think all you white people are outside your minds.” His comment was followed by a long pause.

Schuldig cracked his knuckles, “You do realize that you are completely surrounded by the white people right?”

Nagi took a log gulp of his drink and put on the table, “Yeah, I just realized that.”

~*~

Weiß stood near a dumpster in a dark alleyway. Aya said, “Okay, Schwarz is already in there, I'm sure of it.”

The communicator came on, “Abyssinian, I'm in place.”

Aya spoke into the communicator, “Balinese is going to move in through the front door. Give him the access codes to let Siberian in.”

Ken slipped through the door when the guards weren't looking. He went into the rest room and opened the window.

Youji slid in, Ken brandished his bug nucks and Youji whispered, “Siberian, what the hell are you doing? Get those damn things off now, you'll alert some one.”

As if on cue there was a gasp from the doorway, Youji spun around to see a scrawny man about to run out the door. Youji, being fast though, caught him and strangled him with his wire.

Ken grabbed the body and put him in a stall and closed the door. Aya asked over the COM, “What happened.”

Youji answered, “Everything is safe, don't worry about it.”

Aya spoke into the communicator, “Okay, Bombay, keep track of everything on
the computer from above. Siberian, wait by the back exit in case he tries to make an escape. Balinese, keep your eye on the target.”

Omi started, “I've got a lock on everything, I can tell you exactly what is happening beneath me.”

Aya looked both ways then started, “Okay, Luna and I are going in now.”

~*~

Bradley looked at Chikaru. She definitely looked different, she was all dolled up in a modified kimono. Her hair was in a small bun and her eyes were green and cat like.

Crawford grinned and asked, “Nervous?”

Chikaru nodded, “Just a little… I have to pee.”

Schuldig choked on his drink and said, “You have the bladder of an over excited gerbil.”

Chikaru shrugged, “I've heard it before.”

Nagi, who was perched on top of a stool, asked, “Schuldig. Are you even paying attention any more?”

Schuldig waved him off, “Of course. You and Chikaru should both relax and have a drink”. He took a sip and continued, “We're all the way back here, I'll sense Weiß before they can find us.”

He leaned back and swirled his drink when he suddenly paused. Nagi looked at him with unamused eyes, “What is it now.”

Schuldig mouthed, “Shit.” He jumped up, “The Weiß kittens are here.” Nagi spun off his tool and took off. Farfarello was already gone.

Omi was on top the roof still, playing on his laptop when he noticed that the glare of the moon was off his computer. He became very still and suddenly reached for his cross bow, which was pulled out from, underneath his hand. He slowly turned around, Nagi was there staring down at him with a smug grin.

Nagi, who took the bow using his mind, now snapped it with his mind. “There's no need to use these toys.”

Omi tried, “Then don't use your powers for once.” He had to try, even though it was obviously a lost cause.

Nagi shrugged and threw the bow, “Fine.”

Ken, from the ground looked up at the roof, he loudly whispered, “Bombay? Bombay, you all right?” he started backing up when he was alerted to a noise behind him. He spun around and was face to face with Farfarello's insane gold eye.

“Hello Kitten.” He snarled in a vicious voice.

He pulled up his bug nucks to slash him from his chest to his chin but he caught his blades with his own long blade. Farfarello snickered, “This kitten has claws.” He pushed the young boy back and tried to skewer his hand with his blade but just missed, “I'll just have to dewclaw it.”

Ken fell to the ground, he scrambled up and made sure he was prepared this time as the insane Irish man attacked him violently and relentlessly.

Inside Youji moved around like a blind mouse, not really sure where he was supposed to be, but definitely sure that he should be worried. It was almost as though he could sense the obscure form lurking in the shadows of his mind and in truth the shadow of his form.

Schuldig followed him through the party with an amused smirk waiting for him to get to a point where he could make his presence known. Suddenly Youji whirled around and found his suspicions to be correct.

Face to face with the German he twirled his wire and was about to attack when Schuldig dodged and threw him across the room. Youji crashed into a sofa and rolled back onto the ground. He heard people rushing through the room and out the door and he grimaced, “Dammit, fewer places to hide.”

Schuldig knelt before him and lifted him to his elbows by his hair; “You couldn't hide from me in a New York crowd Balinese.”

Youji scowled, he hated the sound of his alias on Schuldig's tongue. They both knew very well that Schuldig knew the real name of everyone on Weiß, but he used the code names just to poke fun at how trivial the code names really were.

Youji felt the hair of his nape being released as Schuldig cursed and said, “Ow.” Some one had just hit his head with the hilt of their gun. Schuldig stood up, “What the hell was that for!” he didn't wait for them to reply, he grabbed his head and snapped the man's neck.

When he turned back Youji was already up and ready to fight.

In the back room only three people remained, Crawford, Chikaru and the `Target'.

Suddenly Aya and Arashi burst in through the door. Aya shifted his gaze from person to person. Aya whispered to her, “Take the target. I'll handle Crawford. You stay out of his way and if you get the chance kill any one of them.”

Arashi nodded and started forward to attack the man. She exposed the arm between her wrist and elbow; a thick silver band covered that entire part of her arm. Ttwo blades like an axe's coming out on each end. (Just like a totally ripped ax, instead of a pole, it's an arm though). Equipped with two, one on each forearm, she was able to slash… very well.

Chikaru jumped backwards, evading the blow. She landed on top of a wooden chair, on food on the edge of the seat, the other on the back. It swayed and it then balanced on its back two feet.

For balance and technique she had foreward one hand, palm up. She did the abrupt wave forwards, except for leaving out her middle finger, which now stood out as the others were against her palm.

Arashi rushed foreword and crashed one blade into the chair. Chikaru leapt up, attempting to flip over the assassin. Arashi reached up and caught the blade across her shoulder.

She landed on the ground holding onto her shoulder. With a more serious look on her face, she pulled two fans out of the modernized kimono. (Yes, Sumiree's idea, well it's mine for this round.)

She spread the fans, displaying well-placed, thin blades in each of the folds. As Arashi came to attack again Chikaru bent and rolled to find the perfect angle at which she sliced both of the dark round jewels on the weaponry.

After the jewel cracked the entire thing fell apart and she was left with out a weapon. Chikaru stood up and threw her fans; they lodged themselves into the ceiling. By this time, everyone had found their way to that room and was watching the two girls.

The little struggle of dominance went on for a while as the 8 boys, (9 including the target) just watched. Crawford finally cleared his mind and grabbed the `target's shoulder so he could leave.

~*~

Arashi lay in bed staring at the ceiling wondering, `Who was that girl… she was so… familiar? But I just don't know.”

She thought about her movements and gestures and her eyes then it suddenly hit her, “Chikaru!” she got out of bed and started pacing, “She must have found Schwarz and… oh no, this is so frustrating. Yet again, I'm going to be cleaning up all of her messes.”

She left the room and went down the stairs for some food. When she reached the bottom of the stairs she nearly jumped back up the stairs as she yelped. There was a body lying on the counter, resting their hands behind their head while one foot dangled off the counter and the other one remained bent.

Arashi examined the silhouette of the body. The body suddenly kicked out the leg, knocking the cash register onto the ground.

Aya bolted up and awake. He looked over at Arashi then put a scowl on his face. He got off the counter and bent over to the cash register. Arashi inquired, as she leaned on the door frame, “What are you doing down here so late in the night?”

Aya looked up at her as he lifted the cash register, “You're in my room, where else would I sleep?” Aya stood there for a moment with the cash register held directly in front of his pelvis blocking all viewing.

Arashi looked at him, then gave a feminine chuckle. Aya glared, “What's so funny?”

Arashi sighed, “A week ago I would have never thought I'd be standing in a flower shop in the middle of the night about to ask a guy holding a cash register over himself to join me for a snack.”

Aya looked at her for a moment, there in the night, wearing the same clothes he had given her a few days ago. Arashi leaned back, “Well?”

“Well what?” Aya snapped.

Arashi asked again, “Are you going to join me for a snack?”

Aya stared at him for a moment then agreed. He put the cash register on the counter (he was wearing boxers underneath) and followed her to the cupboards to get out something to eat.

Aya found pop tarts and passed one to Arashi before he turned and went back to the chair in the corner of the small room behind the flower shop. Arashi sat down on one of the other chairs and asked, “Why didn't you sleep in here?”

Aya finished his pop tart and said, “It smells like cigarettes in here. I don't let Youji smoke by the flowers so it didn't stink in there.”

Arashi looked at him quizzically, “Then why are we sitting in here now?”

Aya pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth, he said around the stick, “Because I'm smoking.”

Arashi leaned back and relaxed as Aya smoked his cigarette and leaned back into the couch.

~*~

Crawford opened up the door and went to his room to go to sleep. He was taking off his jacket and tie when he noticed Chikaru was in the room. He spun around and stared at her, she stared right back.

He asked her, “What are you doing in here?”

Chikaru put up two fingers, “One: you haven't dismissed me. Two: I don't know where to sleep tonight.”

Brad asked, “What makes you think you're going to sleep?” Chikaru watched him; he waved it off, “Never mind. Schuldig!”

Schuldig slumped in through the door and sarcastically said, “You called oh fearless leader?”

Besides a glare, Brad ignored him, “Take her to your room to sleep for tonight.” He was about to go to his papers on his desk when he briskly added, “She sleeps on the bed, and you sleep on the floor.”

Schuldig cursed then steered Chikaru out the door to sleep for the night. Chikaru asked, “Am I part of the clique?”

Schuldig cleared his throat, “It's not a clique. I'll have you know, it is a team.”

Chikaru looked at him for a moment then said, “Oh, this is another one of those, `not a doll, its an action figure' thing huh.”

Schuldig stared at her for a moment then turned over on the mat on the ground. Chikaru whispered from up on the bed, “Schuldig?” he turned over and looked at her, “Has any one ever called Brad, Crawdad?”

Schuldig smirked, “I once called him Crawdaddy-o. Heh, I wasn't able to piss straight for a week.”