AN: Hello everyone! So, now I guess I have two works in progress. I plan to work on both of these stories whenever I have free time.
Anyways, I was reading a manga (Akuma no Riddle) about this assassin placed into a school with other assassins and one person amongst them is their target, but none of them know which student is the target. The protagonist decides to protect the target from the others. If only there were more chapters out for that manga…
Moving on, I got the idea to do a story in a school setting with an assassin bodyguard. Meet the aloof killer Nagisa, assigned to protect the flirtatious Shizuma and also uncover a rogue assassin organization. Sorry for the long 'thought' intro. I figured I should introduce the group that Nagisa works for and how it came to be. I'm still trying to piece a plot together for this story. The one I have right now just seems like it would be too convoluted, but meh. I guess I'll deal with it as I write.
Also, I apologize for any similarities between the story and novel. I promise not to make it a habit. And another apology for the bad summary and unoriginal titles.
Hope you all enjoy!
I am a member of The Baran, a secret organization which eliminates wealthy members of society who use their status to engage in illicit activities. The founder was an extremely successful businessman: Seiji Takahashi. He was a philanthropist and sought to better the lives of humanity. Being a member of the prominent Takahashi family, he saw firsthand how easily money could corrupt others and vowed to find a way to fight this corruption.
Sadly, he discovered something this large could not be defeated so easily through peaceful means. And so, he decided death was the only way to stop these crooked business moguls. He gathered talented people all across Japan: anesthesiologists, martial arts masters, toxicologists, various types of engineers, etc. All these individuals were hired by Seiji in order to train assassins and develop methods to assist them in their missions.
Four simple categories were created in this new organization: Technology, Chemicals, Intel, and Handlers. Those in Technology created gadgets and other devices to be used by the Handlers. Those in Chemicals created substances to be used by Handlers in order to incapacitate or eliminate their targets. Those in Intel provided the Handlers with information related to their missions. Those in Handlers carried out the missions given to them by Seiji and were called agents. All four categories were also educated in general studies and Japanese culture. This was to ensure that they would be able to behave within the social norms of the citizens in Japan.
Now, who was trained in these categories? The trainees were young children, ranging between the ages of four and seven… All taken from orphanages around Japan. I am one of those children and was placed into the Handlers category. I have been trained in methods of armed and un-armed combat, infiltration and espionage, acrobatics and athletics… I have been sent on missions ever since I became a part of this organization…
I am Nagisa Aoi, also known by my codename Agent Zero, because I have yet to fail an assignment. I'm afraid this may not last long, since my current mission is different from the others… How is an assassin supposed to protect a life, when all she knows is how to take a life?
Day Zero
April 18th, 2012 - Wednesday
04:41 PM
Nagisa Aoi stood from her chair at the conference table and slammed her hands upon the mahogany surface, her red bangs swaying from her forceful actions. Her dark pink eyes bore into the man sitting across from her. The gentleman was Hirai Takahashi, the young head of the organization. He was a refined individual, with swept brown hair and piercing hazel eyes. He regarded her with a small smile, his hands clasped in front of him. Nagisa clenched her teeth.
How can he be so nonchalant about this? She thought with a scowl.
"So… you want me, a life extinguisher, to become a bodyguard?! I absolutely refuse! And to be enrolled in a high school, no less! Why can't we just find this enemy organization and take them out? This plan is impractical. Innocent girls will get hurt if I'm thrown into the mix! If they find out about me and my connections, other girls will be used as bait against me!" Nagisa continued her anger-fueled rant until she finally had to stop in order to catch her breath. Hirai used this moment to hold up a hand.
"Listen, Nagisa-san. This group needs to be stopped. They accept any contract that hits their desk; they could care less who the target is. Problem is, we don't even know where this group is located, nor do we know what name they go by. All the other agents I have sent to uncover information have failed. Our intel, however, has been able to successfully dig up something. This person is their next target."
The man nodded to the folder that lay in front of Nagisa. The red-head sighed and flipped it open, retrieving a photo from its contents.
The picture was of a beautiful girl dressed in what appeared to be a school uniform. Everything about her seemed perfect… Her long, wavy silver hair… Her fair porcelain skin… Her tall, slender figure… Her gentle amber eyes… Nagisa groaned and put a hand to her face. She definitely wasn't looking forward to taking care of a snooty rich kid (even though Nagisa was only fifteen years old, a child herself).
Of all the things… Me, a babysitter?! The nerve of this man…
The man smirked at her reaction. "All the blood rush to your head, Nagisa-san? I hear she's quite the lady-killer," he said with a wink. Nagisa rolled her eyes.
"But I must admit, this mission will be easier if she becomes enamored with you. Maybe you should work your charms on her?" He teased.
"All that matters is her protection. It is best that I don't get too close to her nor anyone else at the school. I will watch her from a distance. You know that is for the best, Takahashi-sama," the girl sighed.
Sheesh… I figured Hirai would have become more serious after taking over for his father, Seiji… But, no, of course not. Always teasing me as if he were my older brother…
"I know, I know! You're too stiff to seduce anyone anyways," he said with a wave of his hand. "Back to the topic at hand, that girl is Shizuma Hanazono. Apparently, she is to be the successor of her father's corporation. Obviously, someone doesn't want this to happen. For what reason, we do not know yet. Along with your mission to protect her, you need to find more information on the rogue group which is targeting her and also who hired them."
Nagisa flipped through the papers in the folder, skimming them as she went. "Okay. So, I will be a fourth year transfer student and will be attending an all-girls school… St. Miator Girl's Academy… The students live in dorms, two to a room. Will I be sharing a room with her then?"
Hirai shook his head. "That won't be possible. She's a sixth year student. They don't mix different years together. You'll just have to get creative in order to make sure nothing happens to her."
"Well, that is going to make things more difficult…" Nagisa grumbled. "I see you are also enrolling me under my actual name. Are you sure that is wise?"
"Don't worry, it's fine. Up to this point, only we know of your identity. And even then, we've always labeled you under your codename. In case anyone tries to look you up for whatever reason, we've prepared an extensive background for you so it will look as if you have always been a citizen living in Japan. Make sure you go over and memorize it, just to be on the safe side." Hirai took a moment to look at his watch. "And I have another meeting that is to take place in approximately ten minutes. Nagisa-san, you may return to your quarters for the night. Before I forget, we taught you French and proper etiquette, didn't we?"
Nagisa scrunched her face in confusion. "Um, no. Only English. And another no on the etiquette. Why would an assassin need to know such things anyways?"
"Alas, we have failed you." Hirai dramatically put his arm against his forehead as he leaned back. Nagisa watched his whole display with a raised eyebrow. The man frowned and let his arm drop to his side. "Tough crowd. To answer your question, the school requires its students to study a foreign language, and since the school is based around French, that is the only language they offer. Also due to this French basis, they use a lot of silverware. You can read up on both in your free time, right?"
"Look, Takahashi-sama. I don't care about getting good grades in that school. And I especially don't care about 'wowing' all the rich students with exceptional table manners. That reminds me… Do you have something to scan the food with?"
Hirai gave her a puzzled look. "Scan the food…? Oh!" He brought a fist down into his open hand, realization striking him. "You mean poison? That would be almost impossible. The assassin would have to risk poisoning the wrong person, since the plates taken to the tables aren't assigned to specific students. You don't need to worry about that."
"Hmm… Okay…" Nagisa replied, still uncertain.
"Nagisa-san, stop over thinking things. It will be extremely difficult for those targeting Hanazono to actually find a moment to take her out. She's a popular student at the school and rarely ever is alone. Now, please. Go back to your room and prepare. You'll be leaving tomorrow morning."
"Very well, Takahashi-sama," Nagisa complied with a bow, gathering the folder into her arms and walking out the door.
Minutes after the young girl made her exit, a dark-haired beauty entered the room. She seemed to glow with elegance, the slight wrinkles upon her face and occasional gray hair throughout her mane only adding to her sophisticated demeanor. Hirai rose from his seat to greet her, extending a hand once the woman was within reach.
"Mrs. Izumi Sakuragi, I'm glad you could make it."
05:14 PM
Nagisa sat at her desk with her folder open in front of her, digesting every piece of information from the papers she deemed to be important enough to remember.
Nagisa Aoi. 15 years old. Fourth year transfer student to Miator. Both parents currently overseas on business. Enrolled by aunt, Eiko Himura. Previous education: home-schooled. Only decent marks in my academics. Excellent, that means I shouldn't have to worry about doing too well in my studies… I'm already going to look suspicious transferring as a fourth year; I'm glad Hirai didn't try to add more to my plate.
The girl groaned and reached over to a stack of books she had taken from the library: a few French dictionaries and other readings on etiquette.
May as well try to blend in… She grumbled inwardly. I'll worry about French when I get there. For now… Nagisa flipped open a book on etiquette and began her research on the ways of the wealthy.
Day One
April 19th, 2012 - Thursday
06:28 AM
"Um, Takahashi-sama? Do I really have to wear this horrid thing?" The red-head gestured to the charcoal grey one-piece dress that now covered her body, her expression one of disgust. An off-white petticoat poofed out the bottom half of her wool dress, and a green tie hung around her neck.
Hirai smirked and tousled her hair. "Sorry, Nagisa-san, but this is the school's uniform. I think this is the first time I've ever seen you wear anything feminine. You look cute!"
"Hmph. Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Thanks. My things are already there, right?" Nagisa asked as she crossed her arms.
"Of course. Your equipment has also been packed away and transported. If you need anything else, feel free to give us a call. We'll find a way to get whatever you ask for delivered to you."
"Great! Well, I guess it's time for me to go. Thank you for everything, Takahashi-sama." Nagisa gave a deep bow. "I will protect Hanazono and uncover this rogue organization. I will fulfill my mission."
Hirai patted her head. "I know you will. You are one of my best agents. I know you will succeed. You are called Zero for a reason, right?"
The girl grinned up at him. "Right. Take care, Takahashi-sama."
The man pulled her into a tight hug, one she hesitantly returned. She never had gotten used to being openly affectionate with others. "You too, Nagisa-san. Be careful."
Nagisa nodded and clutched her Boston bag close to her as she took one last look at Hirai. She turned and walked towards the black car parked in front of the Takahashi Corporation, climbing inside. She watched the building and Hirai until they disappeared from her sight. Nagisa took a deep breath and exhaled softly. Bespectacled brown eyes watched her from the rearview mirror.
"Are you alright, Nagisa-chan?" Hirai's assistant asked.
The red-head gave her a bright smile. "Yes, Amaya-sama. I'm fine, just thinking."
Amaya returned the smile and set her eyes back on the road. Nagisa rested her chin in a hand as she gazed out the window, taking in the passing scenery. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat and tugged at her clothing with her free hand. Nagisa really hated this dress.
09:37 AM
"Right here should be good," Nagisa said, peering out the window at the greenery.
"Right here? But, Nagisa-chan, Astrea Hill is still a little ways ahead."
"I think arriving in a vehicle such as this one would be suspicious," the girl mused. "I mean, the car is black and the windows are tinted. The license plate could also possibly be traced back to the company. I'd rather take no chances."
Amaya clucked her tongue. "Mmm… I suppose so."
"I'm glad you see things my way, Amaya-sama."
"Well, take care, Nagisa-chan. And be careful," Amaya cautioned her.
The red-head gave the older woman a smile as she exited the car, pulling her large bag out with her. "Aren't I always, Amaya-sama?"
"No, not really," the woman sighed. "That's why I'm worried. Just, don't get impatient. You do tend to jump to conclusions…"
"Amaya-sama, I promise I won't make any rash decisions," Nagisa grumbled in exasperation. "I'll give you guys a call if there are any developments."
Amaya reluctantly nodded and waved to the younger girl as she stepped into the woods. "I'm more worried about the other students. Nagisa-chan is so easily startled. I hope she doesn't break anyone's arm. Or, Lord forbid, accidentally kill an innocent student," Amaya mumbled to herself before driving off.
Nagisa briskly walked towards her new school, St. Miator. She concluded that if she headed towards the tall building peaking above the tree-line, then she would be good. She slung her bag over her shoulder and onto her back, breaking out into a jog.
Heh, I'll be there in no time! She thought as she effortlessly weaved through the trees and other obstacles in her path.
Thirty minutes had passed, and Nagisa had long ago slowed down to a brisk walk. The black dress was like an oven, trapping all the heat around her body. She wiped a sleeve across her forehead which to many would appear unladylike but such thoughts never occurred to her. Nagisa looked up at the trees. She had lost sight of the tall building, the one that had served as her guiding star. She slouched her shoulders; she still couldn't see the building.
This sucks. How could I get lost? Tall building, wherefore art thou?
Nagisa froze as a figure came into view. She took a few more steps forward in order to get a better look. The figure was a woman…
Or a girl? A tall girl…
She appeared to be wearing the St. Miator's school uniform. Nagisa's heart leapt with joy at the sight. She began to briskly walk towards the girl. "Hello! Excuse me, Miss!" She called out.
The girl started at the sound of her voice, her head jerking up. Nagisa nearly tumbled over her own legs in surprise at the familiar girl. There was no mistaking it: that silver mane, those amber eyes, the tall figure, and fair skin…
Shizuma Hanazono?! Yes! My day has just improved by leaps and bounds!
The two stood there, staring at one another. Nagisa cleared her throat, realizing the older girl wasn't about to speak anytime soon.
"Well… So, uh, would you mind taking me to the Strawberry Dorms? I kind of got lost on my way there." Nagisa grinned and sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck.
"And who might you be?" Her voice was smooth as silk, deep and sultry.
She can't even take the time to answer my question first? Nagisa mentally sighed, being certain she maintained her stoic visage. Just as I thought, another self-important rich snob. I'll play nice… For now, anyways…
Nagisa smiled sweetly, doing her best to portray an innocent little girl. "I'm Nagisa Aoi, a fourth-year transfer student! I'm going to start living in the dormitory today."
Shizuma grinned at the red-head. "A pleasure to meet you, Nagisa-chan." The silver-haired beauty extended a slender hand. "I am Shizuma Hanazono. I'd be happy to lead you to the dormitories."
Nagisa inwardly cringed as the girl before her used her name so familiarly.
Grin and bear it, Nagisa… Just go with the flow.
Suddenly, the fair-skinned damsel held out a hand. Nagisa stared at it, dumbfounded.
… the hell? She wants me to hold her hand? Nagisa glanced up at the girl's face. She seemed to glow with kindness, and her noble smile appeared as if it could whisk away anyone's worries and doubts. This reminds me of a phrase… Oh, what is it called? 'Stranger danger'? Yeah, that's it. I feel like my innocence is going to be stolen from me if I stay with her…
Nagisa smiled softly at the girl. She decided she would simply shake the girl's hand and brush it off as a greeting. She stepped forward and took Shizuma's hand firmly in her own, giving it a few shakes. Meanwhile, Shizuma was taken aback by the strength of her grip.
Just as Nagisa was about to let go of her hand, Shizuma tightened her fingers. Before Nagisa could even react, Shizuma spoke.
"From this day forward, you are my younger sister. Call me Shizuma-oneesama. If you break your promise…" She lifted Nagisa's hand to her mouth and nipped one of her fingers. "I'll punish you."
Nagisa stood there, both dazed and baffled. She couldn't believe someone she had just met would be so forward with her. She shook her head once she came back to her senses and tore her hand from the older girl's grip, her face about the shade of her red hair.
"W-what in the world do you think you're doing?!" She frantically rubbed her damp fingers across the front of her dress. Shizuma stood there, shocked.
"You know what, Hanazono-san, I'm done with this charade for today. I don't want your help. I'll find my own way to the dorms. So, please… Do. Not. Follow. Me," Nagisa growled, passing Shizuma by after she had finished her rant. Until a soft hand grasped her empty one and yanked her backwards into a tight embrace.
"It's Shizuma-oneesama, Na~gi~sa-chan," Shizuma breathed into the younger girl's ear, causing the latter to involuntarily shudder. "Didn't I tell you, if you broke your promise, I would have to punish you? And speaking to me in such an indignant tone, I'm afraid I will have to increase your punishment."
Nagisa writhed in the silver-haired girl's arms, but her attempts to break free all failed. Shizuma was surprisingly strong. Her heartbeat quickened as she felt Shizuma's breath caress her ear and neck.
I can't believe it, am I actually ENJOYING this?! No, no, no… I can't do anything to get out of this hold without hurting her… Gah! Stupid, Hirai! Why'd he put me on this stupid mission?
Nagisa breathed in deeply then let out a heavy sigh. She knew her pride was about to take a large hit due to the words that were about to leave her lips.
"Shizuma-oneesama. I'm sorry, please don't punish me," Nagisa pleaded, throwing all of her dignity out the window.
Shizuma chuckled against her ear, and Nagisa squirmed in response. "Mmm. I suppose I'll let you go, just this once. But remember. Next time, I won't be so kind."
Nagisa let out a sigh of relief as Shizuma released her. "Now, Nagisa-chan. Take my hand and follow me."
Again with the 'hold my hand' blah, blah, blah… This girl is scary and so controlling… Why is someone like this so popular? Do the girls here enjoy being taken advantage of? Bunch of perverts…
The red-head grudgingly took Shizuma's hand and allowed her to lead the way.
Damn… This girl is going to get me killed…
After note: The woman that came into the meeting room after Nagisa, Izumi Sakuragi, is Kaori's mother. You will find out more about why she visited Hirai later on in the story. I hope you all enjoy this story and leave some feedback!
