Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ The Lives We Lead ❯ the trade off ( Chapter 8 )

Chapter 8 Weiß

Aya

Arashi gave a deep sigh of relaxation. “Arashi? Are you awake?” She grumbled, not ready to be awoken from her sleep.

She paused when she realized she recognized the voice, she opened up her eyes, “Aya?”

The red headed assassin stood over her,where she lay on the Koneko couch. Aya offered a small smile and knelt down, resting his chin on his hands, “Hey.”

Arashi blinked, looking around to see the familiar flower shop. Her attention was brought back when she felt a tickle on the side of her face. She looked back and saw Aya's face hovering over hers, the longer locks of hair by his ear brushing her cheek.

Arashi brushed away the hair when it began to tickle the shell of her ear. “Aya, how did I get here? Did you bring me back?”

Aya leaned closer still, his bangs caressing over her forehead. Arashi stared into his eyes, before finally starting to squirm, “Aya, you're hair is tickling me.” Aya moved his face over hers, examining her with his intense gaze, his hair continued to sweep across her pale skin. Arashi began to stifle a giggle as she continued to brush his hair away, only for it to come right back.

There was a low chuckle; Arashi knew very well that it wasn't Aya. Her eyes shot open to see Schuldig leaning over the back of the couch staring at her. Arashi narrowed her eyes before batting again at the tickle on the side of her face.

Schuldig chuckled and withdrew the long thin plastic stick with a bush of fluffy, colorful feathers on the end. “Nice dreams?”

Arashi batted at the bunch of feathers waving in her face again, “Stay out of my dreams ass hole.”

Schuldig dangled the feathers in front of her face, withdrawing them from all of her hits, “I wasn't in them. Just observing, they were all your thoughts.”

Arashi blushed and scowled before batting more at the colorful feathers on a stick more. Nagi came out of the kitchen and asked in the annoyed teenage voice he'd perfected so well, “What are you doing?”

Schuldig chuckled, “I'm playing with the new kitten. Look, she's playing.”

The raven-haired girl snapped, “No, I'm trying to catch the damn thing so I can shove it up your ass!”

Schuldig responded calmly, “You're into that are you? Well, I'll make a note to warn Aya about what he's getting himself into.”

Arashi was about to scream a wave of insults when Nagi made a sound of disgust toward Schuldig, “I'm leaving, if Crawford needs me, remind him I finally got my cell phone back from the principal.”

“Ja, ja Nagster.” Schuldig said with a wink. (Nagi= computer nerd. Napster + Nagi = Nagster.)

Arashi sat up, “Where's everyone else?”

Schuldig turned to the kitchen, “Chikaru's making breakfast, Crawford and Mal are eating it, and Farfarello's burning flowers. I'm bringing breakfast in here… Crawford doesn't allow us to eat with him ever since Farfarello's butter incedent.”

Arashi gaped, “Butter? Incedent?”

Schuldig looked over his shoulder, “Do you really want me to specify?” Arashi shook her head with a look of apathy and sat back down.

Chikaru was in the other room cooking when she heard a crinkle noise. She turned around, the noise came again, she started turning around searching for the noise. (Looking somewhat like a dog chasing its tail.)

She started patting down her body, “Where's that crinkle noise coming from?” She reached a hand down her shirt and pulled out a dollar, “… heheh, it's going to be a good day.”

Arashi raised an eye brow, “Who else thinks its time to sue the tooth fairy?” Mal shot a heated glare at Schuldig but left it at that… she was eating waffles!

~*~

Aya opened his eyes, grimacing at the brightness of the room. He groaned and turned over, pulling his pillow over his head, growing still again. He suddenly jumped out of the bed, throwing off his covers and bolting down the hallway to Arashi's room.

He threw open the door and came to a halt in the doorway. He leaned against the doorframe and stared at the messy and empty bed. Omi poked his head out behind him, “Aya-kun? You're up? We're getting ready to open the flower shop. Will you be down soon.”

Aya nodded slowly “Yeah, I'll be down in a while. Go on and open the Koneko, you know where the keys are.”

Omi smiled, “Okay.” He turned to go down the hall when he paused and looked back at Aya. The young blonde put a hand on his shoulder and reassured, “Don't worry, we'll get her back.”

Aya looked over his shoulder at he younger assassin before bringing his gaze back to the empty room, “There has to be something I can do. And I'll do it, rest assured.”

He turned around to put on his usual orange turtleneck, lime green apron and blue jeans. When he finished dressing he went down the stairs to open the flower shop. As usual he felt like a gold fish in an aquarium with the large glass walls and girls' faces pressed against them. (The orange turtleneck didn't help any either.)

He grabbed his usual spray and rag and went to clean the counter tops. He started thinking of possible methods of rescuing Arashi, and must have been pretty determined because Youji took away his rag saying, “Aya, you've got your head in the clouds today. You've scrubbed away the paint on the counter top.”

Ken carried by some flowers admonishing, “Try to keep your cool. We have top at least keep a front for all our customers.”

Aya nodded groggily and went to tend to the flower arranging. The ice cream bell rang for the -nth time that day as the door opened. Aya concentrating on arranging the collection of roses when there was a clank, he looked up to see the bell on the ground.

“That thing is annoying.” Came a stoic and plain voice, “I've come to speak with you Abyssinian.”

Aya looked up and yelled, “Everyone out of the shop now!” The swarm of girls simultaneously screamed and ran out the door without the incessant ice cream bell dinging.

Nagi blinked and waited passively while all the girls left. Then he began, “Crawford had requested that I come to inform you of a meeting he plans on. He has requesting an exchange for your Arashi.”

Aya nodded, “What does he want in exchange?”

“Leave that for later.” He replied, “Come alone to the construction site north of here at 6:00 sharp.” The young Japanese brunette turned and started for the door.

Youji yelled, “Like hell! Last time you got Aya to go alone somewhere. Schuldig and Farfarello busted through here and kicked the rest of our asses.” He then crossed his arms and glared, trying to bring some of his dominant masculine pride back.

Nagi paused, “I'd invite the rest of you to join. But I'm not sure what Crawford has in mind.” He pulled out a cell phone and dialed a number, “Discuss it with Crawford.” Aya reached for it and Nagi drew it back for a moment to say, “I suggest you play the game by his rules.”

Aya snatched it from his hands and put the phone to his ear. He waited till an irritated voice came on the other end, “Nagi, why have you called? The directions were perfectly clear.”

“I didn't like them.”

There was a pause on the other end, “Fujimiya. Have you called to negotiate?”

“Yes. I'm not coming alone, my team is coming as well.” Aya replied.

Crawford sighed, “I guess that means we can't drop Arashi off at the Koneko, since there will be nobody there to receive her. Fine then, we'll bring her to the construction site as well. If you contact Kritiker then Manx will come, I'll kill her when she interferes again. Don't be late Fujimiya.”

Aya sneered at the dial tone that abruptly greeted his ear. Nagi took back the phone and walked to the door, “I'll see all of you later then. You don't need to prepare for a fight, there's not much of a point.”

All the assassins were quiet for a moment, staring after the young boy of Schwarz. Omi looked to Aya and took away his rose bush, “You're butchering the plant Aya!”

Aya's hands dropped to his side, “I'm going to go get dressed.”

~*~

Arashi, Chikaru and Schuldig were finally able to enjoy their meal when they doused Farfarello's flaming flowers (the centerpiece) with milk.

Arashi swallowed a mouth full of chicken noodle soup then asked, “So, why are you guys treating me to this?”

Chikaru questioned, “Breakfast?”

Farfarello sucked up a long noodle, “Breakfast's the most important meal of the day~ so start it off good, to keep the trouble at bay~”

Schuldig nodded and held up part of a rabbit leg, speared with a chopstick, “A good break fast means a happy stomach. A happy stomach means a healthy body. A healthy body means pleased aura. A pleased aura means a good life. Good breakfast = good life.”

Arashi stared at them, the insane God-loathing Irish man, and the sadistic telepathic order-loathing German… both having little motherly tunes about why breakfast is good.

Crawford came in, straightening his tie and announcing, “Mal and I are going to go pick some things up from her residence. We'll return in a few hours.” He mumbled under his breath, “I can't imagine what should take that long.”

Schuldig whined, “You can't leave yet Clifford.” He ignored the thin daggers glared at him, “You promised if I was a good boy we'd all get to play a game.”

Crawford glared, “Have you behaved yourself… ever? And when did I make this promise?”

Schuldig shrugged, “It was kind of one sided. I promised for you. So now we all get to sit down and play scrabble!”

Malvagita laughed, “I'd like to play. Since I'll be kicking your assess this evening.”

Brad gave a low chuckle, “I'm afraid not, my little Italian chica. You see, I haven't lost a game yet.”

“True.” She agreed, “But look at your competition.”

Brad crossed his arms, “English is my first language, my Italian muchacho. Do you think you can beat me?”

“It's muchacha. And yes I do.” She said, putting up her nose, beating back the intimidation caused by his much taller stature.

“Then lets make a bet out of it. If I win, then I don't have to help with moving your stuff.” Bradley grinned.

“And if you don't, then you've got to carry all my supplies that I need transferred here.” Mal stated. They shook on it and sat down.

Schuldig sweat dropped as he noticed the air between them was sparking with tension. Arashi spoke, “You know, this isn't a game of war.”

“Oh, indeed. It's much more important.” Glared Brad with a wide smirk.

“You're move.” Mal said, `tossing' him the dice `gently'. (The dice ended up bruising him.)

~*~

Before long, they all became deeply engrossed in the game…

Schuldig cried out, “That is not a word! Da~ddy! Tell him it isn't a word!”

“Farfarello… Bozone is a word.” Crawford stated.

Arashi scoffed, “You have got to be kidding me. What does it mean then?”

Farfarello replied, “The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.”

Malvagita sounded out a word on the board then slapped Brad on the back of the head, “Reintarnation? What the hell? That's not a word!”

Brad replied, “It is. It's coming back to life… as a hillbilly.”

Schuldig huffed, “Then you have to accept foreploy.”

Arashi grunted, “Foreploy isn't a word and `misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid' is not a definition.”

Chikaru stared at the little blocks before adding a letter and saying, “Inoculatte- to take coffee intravenously when you are running late.”

Arashi followed this with, “Sarchasm- the gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.” She looked up and was greeted with blank faces.

Crawford then laughed, “Chasm. Ahah! I get it.”

Malvagita argued, “You do not. You're just laughing to look smart you imbecile.”

Arashi put her chin in her palm and exaggerated a sigh, “I'm so misunderstood.” Crawford and Mal then proceeded in bickering like an old married couple… an old married couple. Arashi sighed again, “Why do I bother.”

Schuldig thought about his next move, “Osteopornosis.” He looked up and explained, “It's a degenerate disease.”

Farfarello slammed down some of the cubes into place, “Hipatitis: terminal coolness.”

Chikaru announced her move, “Decafalon: the grueling even of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.”

Farfarello stated, “Somebody has an attachment to coffee.” He then thought, “Dopeler effect: the tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at your rapidly.” (This is actually the effect of a car going in the opposite direction of you quickly, it will sway the direction of your car… ask mommy and daddy, they'll tell you.)

Schuldig put a `L' down and asked, “How about Libido?”

“There's a `G' in front of it.” Arashi said.

Schuldig shrugged, “Glibido- all talk, no action.”

Malvagita huffed, “You have got to be kidding me. You aren't getting away with that one.” she crossed her arms.

Schuldig crossed his arms and imitated her pout, then he laughed, “Glibido, 1 more for Schu-Schu.” He marked it down with his pencil

Malvagita glared then smiled, her annoyed expression disappearing when she saw the Irish man making a move. Farfarello grunted and put down a square.

Crawford leaned forward and read it out loud, “Ingnoranus?”

Malvagita laughed, “It's someone who's both stupid and an asshole.” Farfarello leaned back and nodded. Schuldig pouted a little bit and sent a not-so-intense glare.

Crawford `accidentally' elbowed Mal then said, “Well, I guess its time to tally up the scores, “8 For Chikaru. 8 for Arashi. 9 for Schuldig. 12 for Mal, and for me, the Brad J. Crawford … 12…”

Mal stood up and pointed, “Ha! In your face! You didn't win! That means you have to carry all the stuff we pick up at my place.”

“I do not!” Crawford argued, “You can't make me!”

“I will find a way to make you! But it would be much more convenient for the both of us if you just did it… loser!”

“I didn't lose! You can't make me!”

“You lost the bet that you would win. We tied. That makes you the loser.”

Crawford crossed his arms, “I refuse to participate. I did not lose, there for, I don't need to hold up the side of the bargain if I had lost.”

“Excuse me.” Both Crawford and Mal grew still and looked at Farfarello. He continued, “Would you mind counting up my scores?”

Crawford grumbled and picked up the paper, shook out a wrinkle and glared through his glasses, “Farfarello- 15! What the %$#^&*#@┤§╦%?>| £?”

Schuldig's eyebrows pursed as he pulled out a pocket dictionary, “Now there is no way that's a word.”

Crawford looked up at Farfarello who grinned back at him. “This is the first time you've let me play isn't it?” the Irish man cooed, stroking the blunt side of his knife.

Schuldig became instantly pleased with the other man's win after seeing how much it shocked Brad. “Wow, Clifford, ya didn't see that one coming now did you?” he turned back to the white haired man, “So Farfie, what do you want for the prize?”

The Irishman thought about it for a while, considering his options. He finally closed his eye and answered, “Cake.”

Schuldig nearly face planted, “Cake? You want cake?”

Mal watched him for a moment trying to figure out his motives. Crawford gave a smug grin and pushed up his glasses, “You won the game and all you want is cake?”

Farfarello shook his head, “Of course not. That would be foolish. However, there is little that you will agree to give me. So, instead we'll all have cake… ice cream cake.” Chikaru was practically bouncing out of her seat in excitement. (Because of course, in many European places, desert is cake… along with coffee!!!)

Malvagita smiled and shrugged, “I don't mind staying around for cake. It's not like I have anything to be doing today.”

Arashi leaned back in her chair and stretched, “Then let them eat cake!” Chikaru took that as her cue to jump up, over the table, over the couch (and Schu) and run into the kitchen to fetch it.

As Chikaru fixed the meal, Schuldig and Farfarello took it upon themselves to wrestle. Malvagita and Brad took it upon themselves to argue… it was over whether the tea table should be shifted 2” or left where it is. (If anyone's keeping score, Brad won this time… yeah, this time…but what about next!!!)

Arashi took this time to start arranging the ashes of the burnt flowers into little designs. Chikaru returned with the coffee and ice cream… and nearly spilled it all when Schuldig decided he wanted it at that moment and pulled her down onto the couch with him.

Arashi jumped forward and grabbed the tray just in time. She glared down at Chikaru who was trying to stifle her giggles from Schuldig's hair tickling over her sensitive skin. “Clumsy girl. I come to the rescue as always.”

Schuldig whistled, “Slick moves `Oh Dark One'. Where did you pick those up from?” He released Chikaru and allowed her to sit up.

“From watching her of course.” Arashi replied, passing out the ice cream cakes and coffee. “I'm somewhat surprised you guys have been able to keep her from burning down your house for this long.”

Schuldig slid his arms over Chikaru's shoulders, crossing them and trailing them down her arms to entangle her with him before whispering into her ear, loud enough for everyone to hear, “That's just because we know how to control out pets here.” He flicked a tongue out to lick his lips, the proximity granting a slide of his tongue over the shell of her ear.

Malvagita jumped up and yelled, “Get your paws off my property!”

Schuldig instinctively wrapped his arms tighter around his `prey' while looking over his shoulder. It took one look from Mal, before he remembered his life insurance didn't cover suicides… so he backed off.

Arashi flipped the tray over, and put the back of her hand on her hip, “Everyone got what they want? No complaints? Going oncetwicethree times sold!” she sat down and folded her legs beneath her with her ice cream before mumbling, “Assassin held captive at a secret organization's extension base, I think not. That's just the fancy new term for `baby sitter for the grown up'.”

As if to prove her words Schuldig peeked around to inspect everyone else's amount before yelling, “Bradley got more than me! That's not fair!” Arashi took a deep breath and remained calm.

Malvagita looked up at Bradley, “Stop eating so much you American. You're going to get fat.”

Crawford looked down at his bowl before putting on a transparent mask of depression, “I'm sorry… I guess I was eating a lot. I was just trying to keep up with you Mal.”

Mal flew into outrage, “Are you calling me fat!”

Crawford smugly went back to his ice cream; “I'm calling you morbidly obese, woman.” Mal gave a `war cry' before giving him a facial and slicking back his hair… using his sherbet ice cream and her vanilla.

Farfarello watched somewhat amused, mainly because it was a fight. Arashi was shocked she'd been saying the couple had feeling for each other earlier. Schuldig dawned a vicious smirk as his hands rose into the air; he took a deep breath, “Cat fight! Meow meow! Make it good! Your fans are cheering! Nuku! Nuku!”

Bradley pulled his face out of the bowl of sherbet ice cream cake and wiped it away, he said in a falsely calm manner, “My fault. I forgot you prefer people to call you a corpulent porpoises.”

Malvagita bared her teeth and was about to raise hell when Crawford raised a few fingers. Semi melted ice cream dripped down them slowly, his lips closed over the tip of his index finger, he flicked a tongue over the tip before commenting, “You got your vanilla in my sherbet.”

He reached over and stuck his fingers through the soft ringlets of her colorful dark red/brown/black hair. Her visible eye widened in shock when she realized those where his dirty, ice cream covered fingers. “CcRrRaAaAaAaAFfOoOoOoOoOoOoOoORrRrD!

~*~

Aya reopened his eyes and glared at the marble ceiling of the bathroom. He turned over and gripped the edge of the bath to try to get out, “I feel like a pathetic girl who just got dumped.”

He `schloped' out of the tub and suddenly yelled, full of life, “But I haven't been dumped! And I'm not the girl! I must save her! Arashi is relying on me! I must do whatever I can to rescue her.”

“Aya?” Youji asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Nani desu ka.” Aya spat bitterly.

“What are you doing in Arashi's bathroom dressed like that?”

Aya turned over, laying his head on the water lily, “I was getting ready for a mission… I came in here and… I don't know.”

Youji offered an encouraging smile. He helped the assassin to his feet and said in a soft and comforting voice, “Aya, don't worry. We'll get her back. I miss her too, we all do. We're going to get her back tonight though.”

~*~

Crawford returned his gaze to the boys, “You two are to watch Arashi till we get back. I trust there will be no problems.”

Schuldig sunk behind the couch a little from Crawford's gaze, “Sure thing Brad-man.”

Farfarello looked up from the kanji he'd made of noodles on the table, “Us two? Chikaru is not included?”

Crawford glanced to her, “No, she's busy. She actually might want to get going before any one gets there before her.”

Chikaru stood up and saluted. Malvagita nodded, “At ease.”

Chikaru bowed in Crawford's direction saying, “Mission Destroy-vase-and-note-for-MalEEEP!” Her feet now dangled almost a foot off the ground as she was picked up by the German.

Schuldig laughed, “Hey~ what are you talking about… silly… little… nonsense talking person? Heheh. Why don't you just run along?” he looked up to Crawford who gave a thankful nod.

Chikaru was put back on the ground, she turned and headed for the door with a determined look on her face as though this flower search and destroy mission was the only thing keeping the world revolving.

Malvagita raised her visible eyebrow, “What's that?”

Crawford looked over at Chikaru, “That is Onna, it's Japanese for Girl. Don't worry Mal, you'll remember these words some day.”

Malvagita huffed and was thrown into a shallow pool of rage, Crawford of course didn't mind, it got her off the topic of Chikaru's recent mission.

Schuldig plopped back down in his seat and ate his rabbit peacefully. Farfarello quietly and calmly continued his noodle letters. Brad and Mal noisily made their way out the door.

Both doors used by both parties closed at the same time. As soon as the doors closed, the noodle bowl and rabbit fell to the ground. Arashi jumped and looked up to see two predatory grins on both Farfarello and Schuldig faces.

Farfarello pulled out his extendable knife and grinned, “When the cat is away the mice are at play.” (Apparently with the remaining kitten…)

The raven-haired girl made to stand up and run only to be tackled by the Irish man. The taller white haired one lifted her with a strong hand around her collarbone. “What are you doing!” she screamed.

Schuldig stood up and walked towards her, stilling her with his piercing gaze, “You're hiding it. Or at least you think you are.”

“Hiding what?” she snapped.

“Perhaps you should stay with Schwarz.” He smirked, “You'd be the French one, we don't have one of those yet.”

Arashi growled, “I do not belong with the likes of you.”

“Don't you though?” Farfarello questioned, “Are we really that much different, Weiß and Schwarz? We're both threads cut from the same tapestry.”

“Hardly. You are a bunch of mental cases. What with your little mind tricks and all. Weiß is nothing like you.”

Schuldig smiled, she had said the `bingo' line, “Us and our powers? That only makes one more thing in common. You see, Arashi, you have `mind tricks' as you put it. You know it too.”

Arashi's eyes widened, “I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have powers.”

Schuldig threw back his head and laughed, “It's no use lying to a telepath. You do have a power, a unique and rather underdeveloped power. But I plan to put it to use.” Arashi began to get more nervous as Schuldig's eyes began to go white and glow as well as Farfarello's.

~*~

Chikaru walked along the way to the apartment, her enthusiasm having dimmed after the first few miles or so. That's when she spotted a pink cart bopping down the street. She asked herself, “Is that Siberian? It doesn't look like him… at all.”

Chikaru shrugged and waved in his direction. When he looked over she whistled and yelled out, “Can I have a ride?”

Ken screeched over to the curb, “You! You just kidnapped one of my team members!”

“No, Esset did.”

“You are holding her captive! And if I know Schwarz, you guys are… doing… unpleasant things to her! Dirty, dirty!” Ken yelled.

She sighed, “We aren't being mean, we are good hosts.” She nodded, “So can you give me a ride?”

Ken studied her for a moment, “Where to?”

Chikaru jumped in and replied cheerfully, “The Schwarz residence please.”

Out of shock, Ken gunned the engine… right into 3-mile hour traffic. He slammed the brakes and looked at her, “Where?”

Chikaru laughed at his shock, “The Schwarz residence, it shouldn't be that surprising silly considering I'm a team member.”

Ken leaned back stiffly/ calmly in the seat and announced, “Okay, I will drive you to the Schwarz residence now. No problem, no siree, nothing wrong about you asking me. Perfectly normal, go ahead and tell me how to get there.”

Chikaru recited the directions and bopped in her seat listening to the music in other people's cars. Ken nodded then started `thinking', “Haha! What she doesn't know is that I've recorded all the directions she just gave on the car's GPS system. I'll know the location of her hide out. Haha!”

Chikaru began, “Haha! Siberian thinks out loud. I will use this weakness to initiate global destruction. Haha!”

Ken looked over at her with a confused look, then he understood, “Oh…”

They arrived at the house, where Chikaru simply hid the vase and flowers, picked up Crawford's lap top and left.

Ken followed her in, “Where is everyone?”

Chikaru giggled, “We moved silly. I just had to get Crawford's lap top.”

Ken then understood again, why it didn't matter that he knew the information, “Oh…”

~*~

Arashi's body shook as she grasped her head with her hands. She held back another scream as a wave of acute pain washed through he head. She curled into a tighter fetal position ball as she tried to fight the agonizing destruction (or growing) in her head.

Farfarello spun his knife on the table and picked up the drink it pointed to, after chugging it down he motioned to Arashi, “How much longer will she be like that?”

Schuldig look up from his book, “Not much longer. She'll fall unconscious soon, then her powers will mature faster.” Farfarello blinked then went back to playing the bachelor's version of spin the bottle. (Spin the knife and kiss the beer bottle.) Schuldig went back to reading his book about Germs. (I once saw this book, I thought it said Germans so I started to read it… took a while for me to find out.)

Farfarello then grinned and balanced his knife on the tip of his finger, amazed that it balanced. He then asked, “Do you think we can do this to Chikaru?”

Schuldig looked up, “Mature her abilities if they aren't at full potential? I guess Crawford would want us to if he found out about it, so yeah.”

Farfarello nodded and licked his lips, looking back to his knife with a thin grin. Schuldig's eyebrows raised, he looked at Farfarello, then to Arashi, then back to Farfarello, “My psycho companion. You are way too excited.”

The door opened and Crawford came in with clothes draped over him, he threw them on the couch, “Malvagita's decided she's moving in! `A few things to pick up' she said! Chh!”

Malvagita walked in, “You know you love catering to my every whim. Tomorrow you get to pull out the check book and buy movers for me.”

Crawford turned around to argue when he noticed Arashi, who was still, and covered with cold sweat, “What's wrong with her?” he demanded.

Schuldig craned his head back over the chair, “She's unconscious because we're unleashing the once restricted powers inside her. Now all we have to do is giver her an incentive to join Schwarz. I'm thinking black mail.”

Crawford growled, “Damn it Schuldig!” he pulled back his hand. Schuldig's eyes widened and he jumped off of the couch to escape the hit. Crawford picked up a bowl and threw it, making the German fall. “I thought I said I expected there to be no problems.”

Schuldig whined, “There weren't any problems. I thought it was a good idea.”

Crawford glared, “Well it wasn't! You were supposed to be watching her! Just watching her, not… transforming her into a stronger adversary.”

Schuldig looked up and said, “You were doing a fine job of leading. Ya gotta tell me these things, I can't just read your mind.”

Chikaru skipped through the door way till she did an overly extravagant jump up and land in front of Crawford to present his laptop to him. “Mission completed Mr. Crawford.”

Crawford took it and opened, “I told you, no need for formalities here.”

Malvagita stared out the window and sighed, “Wow, it's already dark, where did the day go.”

“Probably under all those damn clothes you made me carry.” Brad complained.

“There's still more in the car if you want to get them.”

Crawford made an idiotic smile before dropping it to his usual pissed expression.

Schuldig sat up, “So why do you care so much that Arashi is all awake and safe and all that?”

Crawford looked at his watch, “Because we need to give her back to Weiß.”

Schuldig's eyes widened and his chin dropped, “Nani!”

Farfarello threw back his head and laughed, “Imbecile. You just gave our enemy powers that can overpower us all.”

The clicking on Crawford's computer keyboard came to a dead stop. He looked up, “What… was… that?”

Schuldig gave a nervous giggle, “See, we thought she was staying. So I gave her powers… or actually matured the power she already had.”

Crawford stood up and started walking towards him, “And she can over power us all with this power?”

Schuldig chuckled with a sweat drop, “Well actually she can use it to override any of our powers except mine.” He offered a weak grin.

So… anyone curious as to the outcome of this statement?

“Liebchen.” Schuldig whined, “Herr Snowmieser verletzte mich. Gekommen bilden Sie es besser.”

Chikaru gasped and ran over to him with a randomly present first aid box.

Mal poked Brad who was going through the documents on his computer, “What did he say?”

“He's complaining about me or something. He calls me Mr. Snowmieser when he's got a death wish.” Crawford explained.

Malvagita cocked her head, “Snowmieser?”

Crawford nodded, “Nagi watched `the year without a Santa Claus' and Schuldig decided I'm the snowmieser.” Malvagita stared at him blankly.

“I think I've seen that movie… Mr. Snowmieser?”

Crawford nodded, “Yeah, think about it, don't you remember him?”

Mal shook her head.

Crawford nodded, and said quietly, “Yeah, you know.” He started awkwardly, bobbing his knees and singing in a low and nervous voice, “I'm Mr. White Christmas, I'm Mr. Snow, I'm Mr. Icicle… something sumtha ya dah dee dah… I never want to know a day that's over 40°, I'd rather have it 30, if you'd get by then let them freeze brrrrr brrrrr brrrr- ………… what?”

Malvagita was nearly slapping her leg she was laughing so hard, “I know what you're talking about. I can't believe you actually sang that song. I can't believe you know it! Oh my god. Mark my words Brad, those moments of awkward singing will haunt you forever.”

Crawford rolled his eyes and strung a glop of ice cream from his face and smeared it on Malvagita's face replacing the previous smile.

~*~

Aya paced back and forth in the construction site, he suddenly paused and looked to the others, “Wait! What did they want to trade? Did we bring it? Where is it?”

Ken, Omi and Youji were all standing next to each other, watching Aya. Ken answered, “They didn't ask us to bring any thing.”

Aya nodded then started pacing again, “Oh God! Are we late? They might have already left!”

Youji looked at his watch wire and replied, “It's 5:54. We still have 6 minutes.”

Aya started pacing again when there was a rustle in one of the bushes. He threw his sword at it (he seems to have a habit of doing this.)

“Waaahhhhhh! What the hell was that! Dear Kami that could of got me!”

Youji, Omi, and Ken, all in their straight line, looked over to the bushes. Manx stood up, glaring daggers at Aya. “You could have killed me with that sword.”

Omi sighed, “You seem really tense Aya.”

Aya growled, “I'm not tense… just terribly, terribly alert.”

Manx crossed her arms, “You guys are avoiding me again. Keep this up and Kritiker is going to have to start poking their noses into your business.”

Headlights shone over one of the dirt hills; Youji ran over and pushed Manx down, “Stay hidden! Don't interfere or else Crawford will kill you, he already foresaw you coming.”

Manx crouched down in the bushes, only her flaming red mass of curly hair sticking out… hah.

The car stopped, Schuldig slid out of the car, dragging out Arashi. Chikaru jumped out excitedly, soon followed by Mal, Crawford and Nagi… less excitedly. Farfarello kicked open the trunk and fell out, shook his head and stood up.

“Where's Arashi.” Aya demanded.

Schwarz paused and looked at him incredulously. Ken leaned over and whispered, “She's right there with Schuldig.”

Aya glared at Schuldig, “What do you want with her?”

Schuldig offered a smirk and nodded to Crawford. The American grinned, “Drop your weapons, and come with us. I expect you not to offer any resistance.”

Aya unsheathed his sword, “I'm afraid I can't comply. Weiß!”

The boys all jumped into action. Nagi easily held them back. Schuldig pushed Arashi, causing her to fall right into Farfarello's clutches. The Irish man pulled out his knife and pressed it up to Arashi's neck.

The boys all grew still at the same time, watching in horror. Mal chuckled lightly and Crawford shook his head and clucked his tongue. “That wasn't a very good idea. I'd ask you to take it back… but I think it's more appropriate that you make it up to me.”

Aya glared at Crawford. Behind his glasses, his expression showed he had seen the entire thing, and was taking great joy in the torment of his adversaries.

Crawford said, “Drop your weapons and bow to me.”

Aya growled but looked up and saw Farfarello with his knife pressed firmly against Arashi's skin. He sneered and dropped his katana. Chikaru came forward and picked it up before moving back to her place on the other side of Schuldig.

Crawford grinned; he looked down his nose at Aya and said, “Good. Now bow to me Abyssinian.”

The red headed assassin took a deep breath. His eyes narrowed as it unfolded. That was the Oracle's plan. For him to throw away his pride for Arashi to be set free.

Aya gritted his teeth together and felt himself go to his knees. Aya closed his eyes and scowled, his mind raced with possibilities of saving Arashi. He glanced up to see Schuldig's expression, and whether or not he was `eaves dropping'. The German seemed much more occupied with the thoughts of his own team members.

Crawford's voice came, “That's a start at least. You poor, pitiful thing. You aren't used to relinquishing control over a situation are you?”

Aya sneered, “Go to hell! I will never bow to the likes of you!” He shot forward with a knife he flipped out from his boot. He turned his head slightly, and locked his eyes on the rest of Schwarz's astonished gaze.

A small splash of blood came, but not nearly as much as there should have been for a knife connecting with the abdominal muscles. Arashi watched on with a horrified expression. Aya looked forward and saw Chikaru on her knees.

Her hands were clasped together, like someone does when they're praying. The blade of his knife was sandwiched between her palms, the hilt pressed against her hands. She stopped the knife with her hands as Crawford always does, though she caught it differently, and caused slight injury to herself.

Crawford opened his mouth but his words were interrupted by a cry of pain. Aya tore his eyes from Chikaru and the blood towards Arashi. His eyes widened in horror when he saw Farfarello's fully extended knife, a thick splash of blood curtaining out like drapes from Arashi's neck. (The knife extends so quickly, it often sends a lot of blood shooting out after penetration.)

Aya's mouth dropped, “No.” he choked.

A ribbon of blood dripped down Arashi's quivering chest. Her eyes were wide with fear and shock, the knife had not gone through her trachea, just skimmed the surface, but it was such a close call she was understandably frightened.

Farfarello's face moved to the bleeding side of Arashi's neck. He rasped, “Bad kitty. Arashi must repent for the crime you've made on the innocent.”

Crawford's eyes widened and he gritted only loud enough for Malvagita to hear, “That wasn't a part of the plan. Damn it, this is why I don't like my team getting attached to people.”

Aya pulled back his knife and was about to do the `eye for an eye' method and kill Chikaru right then when Crawford interrupted his actions, “Doesn't that seem like a bad idea?”

Aya glared up at him, “You said you'd give her back!”

Crawford massaged the bridge of his nose, “And we will. But you still haven't completed your side of the deal. Now bow… and beg me to set your precious flower free.”

Aya glared up at him angrily, he wanted to retaliate, he wanted to yell and kill every one of those damned monsters! But as he glared at each one of them, he came across Arashi, who was injured and her escape relied on him.

The red haired assassin's shoulders slumped; he felt the knife removed from his hand and suddenly felt incredibly vulnerable. As though it wasn't even his body, he felt himself sit on his feet, already tucked beneath him.

The previous lunge he made gave little room between his knees and Crawford's shiny shoes. He put pointer finger, middle finger, and ring fingers touching each other, palm down, on the ground.

He waited for the taller man to move back wards to give him more room. Crawford instead chuckled and encouraged, “Go on, I'd hardly call that a bow.” His words were followed by a muffled noise from Arashi, most likely inflicted by Nagi.

Aya nodded and leaned forward into a full bow at the feet of his most hated enemy. He kept telling himself, `It is okay. Just go ahead and do it. Arashi needs you. It's okay.' His hair and part of his forehead touched the toe of Crawford's shoes. He now felt like a pathetic dog, begging at his master's feet, but he held onto his determination and stayed in the full bow.

Arashi squirmed slightly to try and get a way from the mad man. She made no progress and thus stilled her attempts. She watched Aya with wide eyes, she couldn't believe what he was doing to let her free. She hadn't known him long, but she knew him well enough to know his pride was not something easily given from him.

“C-ngh Crawford-sama.” Aya began with a hesitating voice. “Let Arashi-san go. If you must take me instead, then go ahead. But give her back.”

Crawford laughed, “Aya, you're always able to come up with such speeches. Why not actually convince me I should let Arashi back. I don't need to remind you, I am the dubbed `bad guy' and can change the rules when ever I like.”

Aya furrowed his brows and said again, now much louder, “Crawford-sama! Onegai… please. I beg you let Arashi go. I will come with you in her place.” He rested his forehead on Crawford's feet and tried not to shake his head in frustration, “I'll do what ever you ask of me so long as you give me your word that she is safely returned to Weiß.”

There was a long silence as Weiß watched wide-eyed. Crawford motioned, “Let her go, get him in the car.”

Manx suddenly stood up out of the bushes, “Stop right there Schwarz!” Omi, Ken and Youji looked back at her shocked. Aya didn't respond to her, he just slowly got to his feet.

Crawford shook his head, “How unexpected. Abyssinian. You said you'd do anything. Shoot that damn woman.” He pulled out a gun and tossed it to the assassin.

Manx started, “He most certainly will not shoot me. I'm practically his boss, he won't kill me for the return of that girl! And you won't be taking any one anywhere! I've already signaled for Kritiker to come they'll be here shortly and-.”

Crawford interrupted, “Shoot her.” Aya nodded and turned around, holding the gun out. The rest of Weiß gasped and the boys urged him not to. But he did, he pulled the trigger and watched the woman's shocked expression as the bullet pierced her side, and she fell back against the tree.

Crawford took back the gun, “Good. Now come, Kritiker will be here shortly after we leave.”

Farfarello pushed Arashi forward; she stumbled into Youji's arms. Aya followed Crawford with his head down, looking back to mouth to Youji, “Take care of Arashi for me.”

Youji stepped forward, “Aya-.” Arashi made a noise of protest at his movement. He looked down at her then back to Aya who watched him with his cool violet gaze. Youji nodded to him and Aya almost smiled before getting into the car.

Schuldig, Chikaru and Farfarello followed Aya into the car. Nagi then entered through the other door. Crawford started the engine and retreated from the scene, plus one male, and minus Arashi.

Ken and Omi ran to go help Manx. Youji held Arashi up and hugged her, “You're back, it's okay, and you're home again.”

Arashi shook her head, “Aya isn't here though.”

Youji closed his eyes and stroked her hair as Kritiker cars came quickly and rushed to help Manx.

Chikaru watched out the back window quietly as they drove away. She had a look of sadness, almost feeling bad for separating the `blind lovers'. Schuldig smirked inside her mind, `Don't let it bother you. Think of it all as just a game.'