Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ The Lives We Lead ❯ Kidnap ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter 7 Weiß

 

Aya ran as fast as he could towards the Koneko, his coat flying out behind him. He skidded to a halt, not even waiting to stop before working on the locks at the gate. He pulled up the metal opening, which would expose the glass windows of the Koneko.

Instead, a wall of fire was brought to him. He grimaced as he felt the sudden burn against his face. Then he plunged in, breaking through the door and running into the flames.

Ken, Omi and Youji rounded the corner just in time to see Aya disappear into the flower shop… that was on fire.

Ken gaped, “Aya! What the hell is he doing?”

Youji removed his arms from the two boys, “Go help him, I'll be there in a moment.”

Ken nodded and started for the shop. Omi looked at Youji to make sure he was okay. Youji gave him a reassuring smile, which was all the encouragement Omi needed.

Aya didn't bother trying to stamp out any of the flames; he headed straight for the storage room. He reached the door and started to yank on it, though it wasn't locked, it was seemingly stuck.

Ken gaped from the entrance to the shop, “Aya don't! You'll only feed the fire!”

Aya ignored him and succeeded in opening the door, there was a split second of a strong pull, soon followed by an explosive back draft of fire. Ken and Omi dove to the ground and after a pause looked up.

Aya stood between the door and the wall, avoiding most of the flame's heat. He swung around the door suddenly and into the room. Ken and Omi busied themselves with extinguishing the flames scattered about the shop.

Aya stared in disbelief into the room, the empty room. Other than the charred chair and the supply racks there was nothing, or better said, no one inside. Aya didn't know how long he'd been standing there, but it must have been some time because Youji was the first to come and interrupt his silent trance.

“She isn't there.” Youji stated when he reached Aya's side. It was an accurate assumption from when he saw the redhead standing in the door so still.

Aya shook his head, “I don't know whether to be happy or not.”

Ken raised an eye brow, “That's and odd choice of emotions you've got there. I'd think you'd be pissed that they burnt all the flowers.”

Aya repeated, “I'm not sure whether I'm happy that Arashi wasn't in here while the room was burning. Or not because it means she's in Esset's hands.”

Youji asked, “Was that Esset on the phone? There was a phone ringing right? Not my imagination?”

Aya turned away from the room and shut the door, “It was Esset. They said they'd found Arashi.”

~*~

Malvagita and Brad finally made their way through the doors. Mal asked, “So, if you have this mansion, why were you staying in a 4 bedroom apartment?”

Brad hung his coat on a hanger and replied, “Because that was the residence that Mr. Takatori was paying the expenses for. Though Esset owned us, Takatori somewhat `leased' us, and that's where we lived.”

Nagi greeted them at the door, taking Malvagita's overcoat, “Now that Takatori-san is gone, we're back to being Esset's `pawns'.”

Mal chuckled and rumpled his hair, “Not quite little guy. I had partial ownership over you, now that Takatori is gone, I own you! So this `Esset' guy can go find their own evil minions.”

Nagi blinked before looking curiously at Brad. Crawford was massaging the bridge of his nose; he sighed and went to the main room to sit down, of course being followed.

Nagi headed for the stairs, “I'm going to go give Schuldig another dose so he won't get a seizure. I'll see you in the morning, I'm tired. Oyasuminasai.”

Brad sat down and looked towards Mal, “Actually,” he began, commenting on her words, “As Esset would have it, that agreement was arranged with Takatori. So, now that he's gone, we're full property of Esset.”

Mal crossed her arms and huffed, “Well that sucks.” She plopped down into a chair, “Well, I've heard the stories. So these three old farts are eternal or whatever, I guess I can't just wait for them to kick the bucket.”

Crawford chuckled, “As you so eloquently put.”

Mal gave a not-so-threatening glare at him. He was casually smirking, head resting on his knuckles, legs loosely crossed, and over all relaxed looking. Mal watched him, languorously sitting back on the couch, her visible eye lingered for a while on his firm features.

(Did I mention that her right eye is always hidden under her hair? IT IS! That's why I say there's only one visible eye.)

Crawford asked in an anything-but-innocent voice, “What have you found so transfixing all of a sudden?”

Malvagita pulled her gaze away, “I was wondering how long it would take you to notice you put your coat back on inside out.”

Crawford glanced down before realizing there was nothing wrong with his suit. He pushed back up his glasses and sat up straighter, “Simple pleasures for simple people.”

The Italian woman got out of the chair, disregarding the comment, “Well, I guess I should call for one of the servants to pick me up. Chikaru isn't here, so I guess she'll stay with you guys.”

Crawford interrupted, “Wait! Don't be in such a rush, why not stay for a drink?”

She paused where she was for a moment before shrugging, “Why not. I'm a grown woman; I don't have some silly curfew. Bring out the drinks.”

Crawford stood up and brought out a bottle along with two glasses from the counter bar. He set them down and poured two glasses, he opted for a seat closer to Malvagita so he could give her the drink. (Yeah right! He wants to sit next to her! Duh!)

“Is this French?” Mal asked after catching the scent of the wine.

“Yes, or some European country. They're all the same to me really.” Crawford replied, pulling out a cigar box.

“Ahem.” Mal `cleared her throat', “In case you haven't noticed, Italy is a European country.” (Malvagita is Italian, so is the word `Malvagita'.)

Crawford removed a fat cigar and glanced causally up from the matches to her, “Your presence doesn't incline me to change or hide my thoughts.”

“Well, so long as you can tell the difference between me and Schuldig, it's tolerable.” She took another sip of her wine before asking, “Aren't you going to offer me one?”

Crawford looked up, “I never pegged you to be one to smoke a cigar.” He passed her the box.

Mal removed one of the slimmer cigars and replied after removing the end, “I'll take it as a compliment. I'm sure few have the chance to surprise you.” The American reached forward to light it with a match. “Why don't you just use a lighter?” asked Mal impatiently.

“Because, it apparently takes away from the flavor, or authenticity, or some shit they're saying in order to get consumers to spend more.”

Mal chuckled, “How insightful.”

~*~

Chikaru and Farfarello wandered over yet another bridge. Chikaru put up her fingers; “I think we've gone over 10 bridges now. 5 going north, and 5 south, that leaves us pretty much where we started.”

Farfarello walked quietly, not even notifying her statement with a gesture or glance. But he's quiet, so it's not that hard to imagine, really.

They walked silently for a while till they got to the middle of the bridge. Chikaru stopped and said excitedly, “Right here! In this spot!”

Farfarello looked over his shoulder at her, but then turned around because his eye patch hindered his view over that shoulder. (Close your left eye, and look over your left shoulder. Can't see anything? Turn around!)

Chikaru remained in that exact spot, staring off the bridge towards the water and city. Farfarello glanced out, then back at her, “What are you looking at?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?” he questioned.

“Well if you want to be literal, the inside of my eye lids.” She replied.

He realized her eyes were shut, but she continued to remain in that spot. He walked behind her to see if there was anything special about where she was standing. “Why have you stopped?”

She turned around, “You can't hear any noise. Isn't it beautiful?”

He looked at her and responded, “No. Silence is too impalpable, it's nothingness, and it's deafening. Just too lonely and blank.”

She laughed quietly, “It's not silent, there just isn't any noise.” She walked behind him quickly, “You have to do it like this.” She covered his eyes with her hands and waited. “See? You can hear all the sounds, there's no noise to interrupt it.”

Farfarello stood in shock for a moment before taking her wrists in his own and turning around to look down at her. He watched her for a moment then restated, “It's still too quiet. Silence is only reserved for the dead and the depressed, remember that.”

Chikaru gave an exaggerated nod then slipped out of his grip to continue down the street, “Do you think there's any coffee shops open?”

Farfarello followed, “Coffee? You drink coffee? At night?”

Chikaru clapped her hands together; “Coffee is wonderful at any time of the day!”

Farfarello shrugged, “Then we'll find coffee…”

~*~

Malvagita stabbed the butt of the cigar into the tray and sighed, “Well, it's late, I think it's time I get going. You know, people to maim, places to conquer.” She stood up and stretched then started for the door.

Crawford stood up quickly, apparently too quickly after 3 bottles of wine because he swayed and almost fell, “You can't leave.”

The Italian picked up her coat and looked over her shoulder, needing to lean on the wall for support, “And why not?”

Crawford settled for just sitting, he missed the couch on the first time though, “Because after 1:00 A.M. the doors, and gates lock automatically and the security system comes on.”

“What! You stopped me from leaving at 12:30! And now it's… later! Now what!”

“Well,” Crawford smirked, “I guess that means you're staying for the night.”

Mal walked back over and plopped back on the chair next to the couch, “And what do we do till the security is down?”

Crawford blinked, one eye at a time, “There are more drinks in the cupboard. And I make a mean piña colada when I'm sober and Nagi is actually doing it for me.”

In a long swaying motion, Mal got to the stereo, “Is this for laundry or CD's?”

“Laundry… I mean CD's.” Crawford answered.

“I meant CD's.” she turned on some music and turned it all the way up to max volume. “I love this song!”

Crawford paused for a moment, “This is Beethoven, change it to an American.”

Mal turned it to George Darshwin, “Rhapsody in Blue, Swanee, I wish… aw that's a stupid wish, I'm not even going to finish it.”

Crawford returned with more wine, Mal was on the table, yelling, “Wooo! It makes you feel like a kid again!”

(Keep in mind. This is a 27-year-old man, and a 25-year-old woman. Both are highly professional and never loosen their hypothetical ties. Now they are drinking 16th century chatou wine, smoking 100$ cigars and blasting classical music from the 18th century… and they're saying their feeling like kids again.)

~*~

Chikaru sipped happily at her frapaccino huffing, “I can't believe it. These people have every flavor, frapaccino, mochaccino, Al Paccino (that's a famous guy) but they don't have coffee flavored coffee!”

Farfarello amused himself by opening creamers, pouring them out, and drawing designs in it, then adding sugar and what not. “Would you drink the coffee flavored coffee?”

Chikaru shook her head, “Of course not. Way too bland, I like things different, exciting and exotic.”

Farfarello looked up from the sludge like puddle he now had, “What does that stuff taste like to you?”

Chikaru held out her cup, “Why don't you try some?”

Farfarello turned his head from it, “It smells as good as their names. But every time I've tried coffee, it tastes like mud. Maybe it just tastes different to you.”

Chikaru thought about it, “I guess… it tastes like you.”

Farfarello stared skeptically, “Coffee tastes like me?”

Chikaru stood up slightly to lean further over the small round table. She gently captured his lower lip with both of hers, the soft pink cooling the whiter skin with the previously drank coffee. She darted out a sugary and slick tongue and ran it over his lip then sat back down like it was a casual and completely normal answer, “Close enough.”

Farfarello stared blankly as she continued to drink her vanilla frapaccino calmly. He mumbled, “I'll be right back, don't leave with anyone and don't talk to anyone.”

He stood up and rushed off to the bathroom, disregarding all the stares from shocked people whispering about the relation between the blonde bishoujo and her less eye-pleasing companion.

~*~

Mal bawled, “I'm so unloved! But it's not my fault, I wouldn't have killed them if they said something nice.”

Brad patted her head, “If it makes you feel any better… Mal, if you were a booger, I'd pick you first!”

She put her left hand over the right side of her chest. (heart is on the other side) “Oh Bradley, that touches me right here, in the hollow black hole next to my heart.”

Crawford chuckled and backed up to the couch, almost falling over the other side of it. “Does it touch you any where else Mal?”

She blushed heavily and shouted a slurred string of profanity at his comment.

~*~

The Irish man returned a bit later with his usual stoic expression. (Stoic expression, oxymoron?)

Chikaru reached for her cup, knocking it off the table, she picked up the straw and put the end in her mouth, “Das good.” She rested her forehead on the table, “I don't care if it isn't Coffee. I . . . still . . . eh . . . like the . . . this . . . it stuff . . . yeah . . .”

Farfarello stared at her for a moment when she grew still. He prodded her, there was no response. He put his hand around her nape, pulling her head up to his view.

She looked at him with hazy and dazed eyes. She squeezed her eyes shut and yawned then offered a lazy smile; “I'm tired . . .” she slumped and nearly fell out of the chair, hardly awake.

~*~

Arashi grumbled, “I don't think I've been so embarrassed in my life. Old people, three old farts! Damn it!” she leaned against the wall and began to talk to herself, “From Aya's description, they're probably the ones called Esset. Schwarz works for Esset which means I'm in for a shit load of trouble if I don't get out of here soon…”

She pushed herself up and wandered along the flawlessly smooth walls, “I still can't understand though… I could have sworn Ken and Youji told me about how they killed two of the Esset leaders, and then Schwarz killed the third. So how could Esset of captured me if they're all dead?”

The lights suddenly turned flashed on, lightening the once stifling black room to pristine white. Arashi winced and stepped back, the familiar darkness having suddenly become blank white. “Very good.” Crackled a voice from above.

Arashi stared up, realizing there was no ceiling to her `chamber'; it was pretty much a white box, where people just looked down and observed her from the plain balcony above. She glared up at the annoyingly quaint elders, “You are Esset?”

The lady replied in her old and tired voice, “Yes. We were waiting for how long it would take till you thought it out.”

Arashi stated, “You're supposed to be dead. Schwarz let you die, they didn't protect you from the assassins.”

One of the men responded, “We're well aware that's how it appeared. It was merely an experiment of sorts. We weren't resurrecting anyone of importance, we simply desired to find out how strong Aya's loyalty is to his sister. And how loyal Schwarz is to us.”

Arashi grimaced when they used Aya by name, as opposed to code name, “So if Schwarz betrayed you, why are they still working for you? What happened really, I'm kind of lost at the point from which you die.”

The other male answered, “We never really died. That small boy, Nagi, would never overpower me. I don't know what he was thinking… or Crawford really, they're loyalty to their leader is quite frustrating sometimes. None the less, we resurrected ourselves.”

The woman added, “They are now obediently following our commands. It seems that what in all happened, is the dog bit the hand that fed them.”

One of the males said in an eerie tone, “We simply had to teach them who was their masters.” He gave a small grin, making his mustache twitch.

Arashi stared at the three old people, wondering how these seemingly feeble elders were able to… force, or even frighten Schwarz into submission. She asked dryly, “What am I here for.”

The woman and mustached man looked at the taller male, apparently the pre cog, he replied calmly, “You are here for Schwarz. They'll come for you tomorrow.” He paused a moment, “Be at your best, first impressions are everything you know.” He stiffly turned in synchronization with the others and the lights flickered off.

Arashi pursed her lips together and leaned against the wall angrily. Though she was a little more consoled in her assumption that Schwarz would be easier to escape from that Esset.

~*~

Manx crossed her arms angrily, “So, you just took it upon yourselves to completely neglect informing Krikiter?”

Omi, Youji and Ken all started a frantic excuse but Aya cut them off when they began, “Yes. We did not contact you, and I perfectly realize that that's a violation of your regulations.”

Manx's face seemed to go as red as her hair, “Damn it Abyssinian! What the hell were you thinking? Last time you fought Schwarz, my intervention is the only reason Crawford didn't blow all of your brains out! What if something had happened to one of you? We need you alive to perform our tasks Weiß!”

Aya's eyes narrowed, he stood up and glared at her, “If you don't recall, you were expecting all of us to die. We didn't reveal the location of the fight because we would pay the penalty with the lives of someone uninvolved with any of this mess!”

She snapped, “What if they would have killed these people anyways?”

Aya responded, “Our mission was to kill them, even if it meant our own deaths. They wouldn't pose a threat to any one once they were dead.”

“Well that's what we thought about Esset. But they're alive, and apparently well enough to capture on of you.” Manx ground out. She watched them all for a while before pulling out a tape, “There's a new mission. Some guy burning down shrines and tem-.”

“No…”

The red haired lady turned around to see who had refused so quickly. Youji started, “Arashi is a part of our team. We can't just leave her to Esset while we go off chasing down some loser. We need to get her back.”

“This is a mission though. There will be time for her later, and considering Esset she's probably already dead.” Manx replied curtly.

Ken dug his fingers into the padding of the chair in front of him, “That doesn't matter right now!”

Omi nodded, “We need to get Arashi. We have our priorities, and we're not going to just forget about Arashi.”

Manx crossed her arms, “Well then I'll go, and see what Persia thinks about this.”

Aya followed her with a glare, “Tell him what you want to. It doesn't change a thing about our motives.”

~*~

Crawford glared at his reflection, trying to put on his tie and ignore his pounding headache. Malvagita groaned from behind him, “I thought we had the good kind.”

Crawford winced, the smallest of sounds splitting his head, “We did. The really expensive drinks just taste better and you don't get drunk as fast or have as bad of hangovers. Usually you don't get inebriated from the kind we had but… how much did we drink?”

Mal held her head, “I'm counting my blessings that we didn't drink that much of cheap wine.”

“Don't say that.” Brad groaned, “The thought makes my head hurt more.”

Nagi came in, Schuldig stumbling after him. Schuldig glared at Crawford and slurred, “You drugged me. I said never to drug me, I hate that stuff.”

“You needed it. I foresaw thoughts and minds flowing into yours.”

“I've been trained to keep them out Brad. You don't need to pump me full of that shit to keep them out for me. I can't do anything with that stuff, can't think straight or anything.” Schuldig reasoned.

Finally accomplishing putting together his tie, Brad replied, “You were weak because Youji was stabbed when you were in his head remember? You were going to wake up, have a seizure because you couldn't keep out the thoughts, then go into a coma, I saw it all.”

Schuldig grumbled, “Yeah, it's all Farfarello's fault. Where is he, I'm going to… do something. Maybe replay the sound of church bells in his head, heheh. Where is he?”

Crawford shrugged, “I don't know. I believe he was the last to leave. But that doesn't matter, we have an appointment to keep with Esset.”

Schuldig suddenly stood very straight, and tried to pull a serious expression on, “Is Chikaru alright?”

Malvagita rolled over on the couch, “She's been with Farfarello supposedly. We haven't seen her yet.”

Schuldig nodded slowly as though thinking it over before suddenly jumping forward, “I get to drive to Esset!” he zipped out the door.

Brad held his head, “I've been asking for Esset to remove his damn vocal cords but they refuse. One of these days.”

Nagi smirked as he headed out to the car, “I don't think it would do you any good, he'd just talk twice as loud in your head.”

Crawford, Mal and Nagi made their way out to the cars. Schuldig already had his car out and ready to go, “Come on gang. We've got a mystery to solve.”

Nagi's eye twitched for a moment before he just turned to Brad and followed him to his car. Crawford called out, “You're high, you are not going to drive us, and especially not in a sports car. This is a professional meeting.”

The German jumped out of the car and walked up to Brad, “No way! We're taking my car.”

“No we're not.” Replied Brad unlocking the car.

“Yes we are! It's my baby.”

“No we're not.”

“Yes we- Hey!” Schuldig glared when Brad smacked his head with a rolled up newspaper.

Nagi grinned, “Bad Schu! Down.” Schuldig shot a glare at him so the small boy quickly retreated into the car.

The German looked up at Mal. “Shot gun!” “Shot gun! Verdammen!”

Mal stuck her tongue out then slipped into the car. Schuldig cursed for a moment before getting into the car as well. They backed out and when they got to the gate Bradley stopped the car.

They waited for a moment before Mal lost patience, “Are we planning on going? Or will we be hitchhiking so we don't put miles on your car?”

Crawford replied, “They're waking up, they have to come with us.”

Mal nodded slowly, “And `they' would of course include…”

There was a knock on the window as Schuldig asked, “Is that Farfarello?” Propped up next to the wall was Farfarello, looking like the typical teen that snuck out for a smoke. He was leaning back against the wall, knees raised, legs stretched out, arms resting on the knees and head craned back to lay on the bricks.

Next to him was Chikaru, curled up, with her head leaning on Farfarello's shoulder. Mal watched for a moment curiously.

Crawford tapped his fingers a few times on the steering wheel impatiently before blasting the horn.

Chikaru's eyes immediately widened, as her body seemed to reflexively lift and throw itself forward in a deep bow as she yelled out, “Gomen nasai, gomen nasai!”

Farfarello rolled his head over to stare at the source of the noise. He blinked, his eyes reopening on Chikaru before shifting back to the car. He stood up and said to her, “Get up, we're going.”

Chikaru jumped to her feet and got in through the opened door. Crawford looked over his shoulder and sighed, “We don't have enough time to get Farfarello into his suit.”

Farfarello growled, “Esset makes us wear those suits to mock me.”

Crawford was going down the road calmly as he asked apathetically, “How does it mock you Farfarello?”

“They're trying to make me look like an albino.”

Schuldig reached over Nagi to slap Farfarello's back, “You're not albino Farello. You're the other other white meat.”

Farfarello let out a breath and closed his eye in attempt to calm his urge to pull an Ozzy Osborne and bite the freaking German's head off.

Schuldig laughed when he picked up the thought, “Farello, do you think you could fit my head in your mouth?” Farfarello flicked his gaze up and the German chuckled, “Does my hair make you think of me as a chicken head?”

Farfarello replied stoically, “No, more along the lines of a cock.”

The German's eyes widened and he carefully covered his `vitals' with his hands (in his lap).

~*~

A couple hours later the car pulled up in front of the large Esset tower. Crawford got out and straightened his already perfectly in order white suit. He opened up Malvagita's door keeping his eyes on the doorway to the incredibly tall building.

Chikaru jumped out enthusiastically, causing a few people on the streets to jump, or walk into each other. She looked up and cooed, “It's so tall.” Nagi got out after Farfarello and rolled his eyes, “We're in Tokyo. It shouldn't be that surprising.”

Farfarello stared up, “How many Tokyo buildings have a garden with trees, flowers, and fountains?”

Nagi pursed his brows and stared up at the top of the building as well, causing Schuldig to do the same in impulse. Chikaru threw her hands up like she was imitating superman, “Nagi, could you make me fly?”

Nagi thought about it, “I suppose. But Crawford wont let me use my powers unless it's an emergency.”

Brad checked his watch, “There's going to be a flock of pigeons coming through here in less than an hour. I wouldn't like to have to wash my car so lets get going.”

In the lobby Chikaru asked, “Nagi-kun, why does Crawford not allow only you to use you powers?”

Nagi replied, “Because he tries to keep us relatively normal on the outside. Crawford doesn't like going to Esset to cover our tails when people notice something unusual. And why me? Crawford can't control his visions. Farfarello's `power' really only takes place when he's injured. And Schuldig will ignore Crawford's orders when he decides they don't apply to him.”

Chikaru nodded then looked around to see where they were. “What the- No! Get me off! Get me out of here! I want the stairs!”

Crawford frowned in irritation when the blonde bounced into him before throwing herself against the door of the elevator. “What are you doing?” He growled in a frustrated voice, “Haven't you been on an Elevator before?”

Chikaru turned around, back pressed against the door as she pointed, “It's glass! We could just fall out!”

Nagi sighed, “There's glass. That means we stay in.”

Malvagita had one hand wrapped tightly around the bar, if she wasn't wearing gloves you'd see her knuckles were white from the grip, “Control yourself. It'll only take a moment. Bradley, what floor is it?”

Brad pried Chikaru away from the `open' button and announced as he pushed in, “15.”

Malvagita's grip tightened, `unnoticed' by the others. “See Chi? It will only take a moment.”

The elevator lurched into motion, animated with a small yelp and whimper from Chikaru. The boys all remained passively staring out the glass elevator as they rose. Mal remained in her `relaxed' position. And Chikaru seemed to try to lower herself closer to the floor as the elevator rose.

Schuldig finally broke the silence, “This is too perfect, I can't control the urge.” He lifted slightly off the ground before stomping hard on the ground. The elevator paused for a moment before continuing up.

(Ever played this `game' on an elevator? It's fun! But not in glass elevators.)

Chikaru fell to her knees and buried her face into the back of someone's knees with a cry. Malvagita gripped the bar with both hands; glaring at Schuldig, “Don't do that!”

Schuldig smirked, “And what would `that' be? Are you referring to using your fear to feed my own amusement like this?” he ended the question with another jump, stalling the elevator again.

Malvagita fell back a little and gripped onto the bars. From this point (floor 3) all the way to floor 15, Schuldig jumped, Farfarello and Brad participated a little, and Nagi used his powers to make the elevator jolt every so often.

The door finally opened and Chikaru fell through the doors, which she'd been clawing at, onto the ground. She looked up and noticed feet… or shoes to be more precise, 3 pairs of shoes.

She looked up slowly to see the three elderly faces of Esset. Crawford stepped out of the elevator, “You were waiting for us?”

“We heard you coming.” Replied the bald man, “From the 7th floor.”

“Some noise you were making. Terribly disruptive.” Said the old lady in an alluding apathetic voice.

Crawford took a breath to explain when Chikaru blurted, “It was me.” The elders all looked down at her, she continued, “I was frightened by the glass elevator. My apologies for disturbing the tranquility.” She bowed her head quietly.

Malvagita watched and flicked her gaze up to Esset. The man with the mustace blinked, “And you are… Chikaru. One of the newer members. Stand up and take your place with your team.”

Chikaru stood up and took her place slightly behind Malvagita when they started walking, following Esset to where they could sit comfortably.

Once all three elders were sitting, the doors at the far end of the room opened, permitting several guards, all holding onto and restraining Arashi.

“As you are aware,” began the bald man, “We've recently obtained a member of the group you've been fighting.”

In the background, Arashi threw off the guard on her left arm and used the free hand to punch the guards on her right.

“We find it to be in the best interest to keep her out of direct contact with us.” The lady said. Arashi punched one of the guards in the spinal column before throwing him towards the group of oncoming guards.

“Of course, as would be expected.” Said Crawford. “Do you intend to kill her?” Arashi picked up a flower table and held it by the legs. Whacking the heads of the guards filing, one by one, towards her.

“Too many victories are over credited. We plan to keep this fairly simple, nothing to aggravate Weiß into attacking.” Replied the second male. One of the guards caught and broke the table. Arashi then proceeded in beating him with the two splintered legs while he shielded himself with the tabletop.

Schuldig asked, “Then what do you propose?” he gave a malicious grin and suggested, “Perhaps rearranging the memories of everyone she knows? She could be a valuable puppet, and the honey would be rich when Weiß sees their own team member fighting them with such hatred and determination.” Arashi had now found a sway to link the two chair legs together and was using them as some oddly fashioned num-chucks.

Malvagita questioned quietly, “Honey?”

Nagi leaned over and whispered to her, “Schuldig claims that the humans' mind tastes like honey. Perhaps he believes the taste to be sweeter when filled with emotion.” Arashi jammed one of the table legs into a guard's mouth (he was yelling), when he dawned a shocked and confused expression she whacked his forehead with the other leg, knocking him out.

The main elder man said grimly, “Keep your mind focused. We're sending her home with you.” The silence presented by Schwarz (and company) was compensated for when Arashi apparently got hold of a machine gun, which she promptly used with a battle cry on the retreating guards.

Crawford blinked and pushed up his glasses, “Come again?” Arashi finally ran out of bullets, she took a few deep breaths before her eyes widened and she dove behind a chair.

“You will be holding onto her for a while. I hope you can manage it.” Said the lady. In the background, there was an explosion, sending a few guards flying. Arashi stepped out from behind the chair and did the whole `haha victory is mine' thing.

Crawford cleared his throat and tightened his tie before nodding, “Very well.” Arashi suddenly came up behind him, he sidestepped her fists and grabbed her wrists, “Are there any specific instructions?”

The lady replied, “We simply trust that you'll make the most of this opportunity.”

Arashi struggled and kicked, Crawford let go and pushed her to the side, “Then we'll be leaving.” He bowed slightly, “I'll contact you if anything strays from the plans.” He turned around and started walking.

Schuldig slightly bowed, the concept still awkward, before following Crawford. Farfarello just turned around, having no intention of adopting the Japanese customs. Nagi and Chikaru of course bowed though, and Mal did as well… though with considerable strain it seemed.

Nagi placed a hand on Arashi's back, “If you offer no resistance, all will be simple. I suggest you cooperate.” Arashi pushed his hand away and glared, taking a place behind Schuldig but before Mal, Chikaru, and Nagi.

~*~

Aya paced around the room before slamming his fist down on the counter, “We have to go find her. We need to rescue her.”

Youji flipped the channel on the television, “And how do you suggest we do that? We don't know where she is, and we don't have any leads.”

Ken sighed, “If only we had some sort of detective or private eye. They'd help us find her.”

Everyone stared at him in silence, wondering if he was joking. Omi suddenly cried out, “Youji-kun was a detective!”

Ken turned and stared at Youji incredulously for a while. Youji stared back in a sort of stunned state of partial amusement. Ken's eyes widened and a lopsided smile appeared, making him look like he'd just found the clue that answered every question in life, “Ohhhh! That's why you always have that coffee mug!”

Youji picked up his `detectives do it best under covers' mug and sipped then nodded, “Yes, that's why I've been carrying around this otherwise completely out of place mug for the last 4 years.”

~*~

Arashi looked around the room, “I must admit, I'm a little surprised.”

Schuldig softly punched her arm, “Why? This place isn't that weird is it?”

Arashi stepped away from him, not in the mood for playing around, “No, it's not weird at all. I mean, give or take a few things, it's relatively normal. I'm surprised because I expected the `Schwarz' to have… I don't know, like a freak house or something. Like the mad houses at carnivals.”

Nagi stopped at the stairs, “Then we live up to our reputation yet, there's still the space room.”

Crawford interrupted curtly, “Which she will not be accessing. Must I remind you she is still a member of Weiß? We can't allow her to access classified information that she can so easily pass to her team mates.”

Arashi invited herself to take a seat on one of the chairs, “And how would I do that? Must I remind you that I'm a captive of Schwarz currently?”

Brad closed his eyes and gave a mock `pity' smirk, “Oh that's right. You can't see the future, you don't know your purpose.”

Arashi's eyes narrowed and she glared at him.

Crawford closed the door behind Mal and announced, “Malvagita and I will be upstairs discussing the plans for maintaining allies and relinquishing a few others.” He looked directly at Schuldig, “Do NOT disturb us.”

Schuldig flashed a look at Mal then winked at Brad, “Alrighty Bra-Craw. I'll cheerlead for your score from down here.”

Crawford gritted his teeth together and turned for the stairs before going up. Malvagita went up closely following him.

Schuldig leaned jumped on the couch and leaned over the back part to watch them go up the stairs while he wore his best all-knowing eerie smirk. Farfarello grumbled, “Turn around Nazi. We have no interest in watching your ass while you fantasize about Crawford and Malvagita.”

Schuldig looked over his shoulder and smirked, “Would you be interested in watching my ass wiggle for you Farfarello?”

Arashi's jaw dropped from the obscenity, and in less than a second Schuldig was turned around holding Farfarello's knife. He chuckled, “Shishkobobbing someone is no way to get what you want when you use a knife silly-boy.”

Farfarello grumbled, “Shut up and give me back my knife.”

Schuldig chuckled and tossed it back, “Who's hungry? They're making me hungry; I'm going to go make rice bowls. I'll be back~”

Arashi sighed and looked around, “Wow Chi, you hit the jack pot, I got some silly apartment rooms, you've got a whole damn mansion.”

Chikaru nodded, “Isn't it neat? I can't wait to explore!”

Arashi looked incredulously and a little skeptically at her, “You haven't observed all your surroundings yet?”

Chikaru laughed, “Of course not! This is the first time I've been in here… I bet the halls are scary at night.”

“You wont have to worry about the scary halls if you stay in a room with a big strong *cough* hot German *cough cough* man to protect you.” Schuldig's voice drifted from the next room.

Arashi rolled her eyes, “Now where in the world will she find something like that. Perhaps the pet shop.”

Chikaru got a happy face, “A German Shepherd!”

From above Crawford yelled a resounding, “No! No dogs!”

Schuldig looked at the ceiling when he reentered with `Uncle Ben's instant rice bowls balanced, “Either Bard had excellent hearing, or Mal and him are doing something very interesting up there.” (Schu called Crawford `Bard' on purpose, it's not a typo.)

Chikaru took the bowls from him and put them on the table, “There are four rice bowls. One for each of us.”

Schuldig looked at Farfarello, the Irish man suddenly tackled the German to the ground. The mental conversation behind this of course being, `Hey Farello~ I'll fight you for your rice bowl. If you win you get mine!'

Arashi shrunk back slightly into her chair with her newly obtained rice bowl, “What are they doing?”

Chikaru shrugged, “Competing for something.”

Arashi raised an eyebrow, “Like, sibling rivalry kind of competing?”

Chikaru nodded as though it was perfectly normal for two 20 year olds to be wrestling for a rice bowl. (Not like they're underfed or anything.)

~*~

Malvagita stared at the screen, “What's that?”

Crawford sighed and sat down, “The file is going to take a moment to load I guess, Nagi was probably playing with it or something. Have a seat, we'll talk while we're waiting.”

Malvagita sighed and spun around a seat to sit down.

~*~

Schuldig started cracking up. Farfarello growled, “What the hell is so funny.”

The German separated himself and crawled over the couch to sit down, “Crawford, he used one of the oldest tricks to get Mal to just sit and talk to him.”

Farfarello questioned, “He's saying they got themselves locked in the space room and can't yell for whatever reason, so they'll just have to wait for someone to come?”

Schuldig shook his head, “No, he's saying the obviously non-existent file isn't coming up for some reason. So he's decided to just talk with Mal till the file comes up.”

“Which it never will because it doesn't exist.” Arashi finished. She paused then sighed, “He's going out of his way to complicate something so simple. Why doesn't he just admit his feelings?”

Schuldig smirked and leaned towards Arashi, “I wouldn't know. Perhaps you could tell me, you seem to be in a similar situation.”

Arashi's eyes widened for a moment before her face went cold again and she turned back to her meal, fighting down a slight blush creeping across her face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Want something kewl? SCROLL DOWN!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schrient, Weiß and Schwarz. Yup, the gangs all here.

Photo colored version will be available soon.

(I'm working on it now)

You guys look like you're trying to save this world, the world of destruction.

Why do you fight?

The people you are trying to save, they easily reveal their true natures.

One little push from us, and they'll spread the violence and killing.

Why do you put your life on the line to protect people like that?

 

We still have hope

 

Oh, what kind of hope is that?

 

Feeling of love for the people we care about! We will keep fighting for those feelings!

 

How sweet. Even if you succeed in killing us now… you won't have put out the flames of evil! Your efforts are meaningless.

 

So long as hunters of the Night continue to exist WE WILL FIGHT!