Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ The Rain Doesn't Grieve ❯ 24 ( Chapter 24 )

24

 

I cannot leave here. I cannot stay.

 

Yohji ~ Options

 

It never did rain that night. The heavy feeling of impending storms could have come from me, rather than the sky. I couldn't stop thinking about Omi's visit.

 

Persia's visit.

 

Damn.

 

I stayed up past dawn, trying to sort it all out. All I got for my troubles was a sore throat from smoking too much and a mild headache from lack of sleep. Neither of these surprised me. I finally went to bed after most people had gotten up and commuted to their peaceful, normal jobs.

 

But after a few fitful hours of half-attended sleep, I gave up and made myself a late breakfast. I'd call it lunch, but that implied some kind of morning before it, and that just wasn't the case. Sometimes bad sleep was worse than no sleep, and this was one of those days.

 

It didn't help that I was out of eggs. I'd have to go shopping today, not one of my favorite activities but one I tended to be fairly good at. There was a time when I used to scope out potential new girlfriends at the store, picking someone up based on the contents of their shopping basket, but now I just wanted to buy some food and get back home.

 

When had living alone become such a burden?

 

I took my time, making a grocery list while I cleaned up my dishes. All I seemed to have was time. Time to think.

 

Omi needed my help.

 

Persia didn't trust me.

 

Should I have told him about Schuldig? Was there any chance in hell that Schwarz was actually still working for Esset, and had engineered the breach of Kritiker's security? But why? The redhead seemed honestly frightened, and more than a little lost. Telepath or no, I didn't think he could be that good an actor.

 

By the time I parked at the store, the afternoon heat was as oppressive as my thoughts. I decided not to bother trying to cook anything else today and just get take-out. That would mean another trip for groceries in a couple of days, but that seemed the better choice at the moment. I hurried through the store, only picking up the barest necessities before heading out to my favorite Chinese restaurant.

 

It was one of those tiny shops, hidden away from casual view. If you didn't know about it, you'd never find it.

 

Asuka loved this place.

 

Had loved this place.

 

For a moment I debated going somewhere else. Then reason, fueled by hunger, made my choice for me.

 

Inside the restaurant, the air blew crisp and chill. The afterschool crowd had just left, the early dinner crowd had not yet arrived. For the moment, I had the place to myself.

 

“Order me the chicken chop suey, Yohji!”

 

I turned toward the cheerful voice - and found myself facing a narrow mirror. Asuka's shadow seemed permanently burned into the glass. How many times had we stood here, her arm linked through mine, that delighted smile on her sprightly face? Always she demanded chop suey. Always she changed her mind by the time we were seated.

 

The waiter smiled expectantly. “Table for one?”

 

I sighed. “Yeah. No - I need to place an order for carry-out.” I didn't need to see the menu, I'd had the thing memorized for years. Still, out of habit, I ordered for Asuka: but not the chop suey.

 

While I waited for my food, my mind went over that talk with Omi one more time. He wanted me to come back to Kritiker, there was no doubt about that. He said he needed me, but why? As a detective? As a confidant? As a friend? If I couldn't be sure of my role anymore, what business did I have sticking around?

 

Maybe it was time to leave this town, just pack up and leave it all behind me. I had more than enough money saved up to move damn near anyplace on the planet, and I could go back to detective work. Hell, with everything I'd learned through Kritiker, I could work for Interpol.

 

Interpol.

 

“Every computer with a connection to it is compromised…”

 

Esset could very well start World War III, and Kritiker would be powerless to stop it. Hell, Kritiker would probably take the fall. Knowing this, what was my responsibility?

 

“Here you go, enjoy!”

 

I stared dumbly a moment before realizing my order was ready. I took the little bag and thanked the waiter. As I passed the mirror by the door, I thought I saw Asuka throw him a kiss.

 

I didn't want to return to Kritiker. True, I had entertained the thought of seeking a non-lethal assignment with them, but the truth of the matter was I really couldn't bring myself to be associated with them anymore. Even if that meant burning bridges behind me.

 

Even if that meant burning friendships.

 

“…all I know is I can't trust anyone without proof that they're secure... This is serious, Yohji. I wouldn't ask otherwise.”

 

Persia didn't trust anyone.

 

Omi trusted me without hesitation.

 

Damn it.

 

 

Manx ~ Understudy

 

“Are you certain I'm ready for this?” The young agent smoothed down her skirt and fidgeted with her hair.

 

I smiled reassuringly at her. “Of course you're ready. It's not like I'm throwing you in without backup, after all.”

 

She laughed nervously. “What's he like, really?”

 

The elevator chimed its arrival. I used the time to collect my thoughts as the doors opened; three field agents hurried out on their way back from the firing range. I smiled as they passed. Though they weren't specialists, they would willingly put their lives on the line for Kritiker, and that meant much. We stepped into the empty elevator and I pushed the button for the parking garage.

 

Only after we started moving did I speak. “He's younger than you'd expect, but never forget that he served with Kritiker's lethal unit for several years. And never mistake his manners for softness.” I looked over at my trainee, allowed myself to stare until she seemed uncomfortable. When she glanced at me, I held her gaze and said, “And never lie to him. About anything, no matter how trivial it may seem. If you dine with him and you detest the soup, don't tell him it was delightful. It is crucial that he trust his staff. We are the connection between him and the rest of the organization.”

 

The doors whispered open once more, showing the well-lit garage. Without waiting for her comment, I led the way to my car.

 

We traveled in silence: the novice tense and excited, and me wrestling with my judgment. Was she really ready to join the ranks of the most trusted agents in Kritiker? My experience said yes. Her eyes said otherwise.

 

Of the two, I would trust my own experience over her lack thereof. Besides, she had to start somewhere, and of all the agents I screened, only this one had what it takes to fill this post. With any luck, mine would not be the only opinion in her favor.

 

When we arrived, I escorted my trainee to the door. Another agent showed us inside, to the rustic and comfortable sitting room.

 

Our host stood by the window, his back toward us. Slanting sunlight cast him in silhouette.

 

“Good afternoon, sir,” I said, indicating my companion should bow with me though our host wasn't watching us.

 

“Good afternoon, Manx,” came the reply.

 

The young woman beside me seemed stuck in her bow, and her face registered surprise at the youthfulness of the voice. I felt almost guilty that the theatrics had been prearranged, but it was necessary. While we stood there, a dozen electronic devices were scanning and analyzing, making certain that we had brought no uninvited guests along with us.

 

Apparently we were clear. He turned and walked toward us, smiling.

 

I smiled too. Lately it seemed we could have an entire conversation without words, and today was no different. I addressed my trainee. “Rex-san, may I present Persia.”

 

 

 

A/N:

I cannot leave here. I cannot stay.

“This Time Imperfect” - AFI Sing the Sorrow

 

Yohji ~ Options

Yohji is the most clearly haunted character I've run across in a long time. Is Asuka's ghost the genuine article, or a manifestation of his guilt, his fear of another deadly mistake?

 

Is there really a difference?

 

Manx ~ Understudy

Enter Rex. I don't know what the canon suggests for her career, but I plan to use her to good advantage.

 

I think Manx may have finally finished that letter, though she has yet to present it.