Disclaimer ::
I do not, what so ever, take any claim over the characters created by CLAMP.
Lock n' Load
Chapter One: Another Beginning
The back streets of Los Angelus, California were quiet on the dead Monday night. Street lamps flickered blocking the light of the twinkling specs of fire dotting the clear ebony blanketed sky. Hazy shadows danced across aging brick walls as stray cats dashed about abandoned crates and empty old bins trying to find a place to nestle themselves in; while birds seemingly disappeared upon touching buildings.
As familiar as the peace of this particular night was to the forgotten streets of LA, silence was soon broken by the distant wail of sirens. Closer still, was the clear distinction of voices shouting as a small black shadow soon appeared rounding a corner at a sprinting speed.
Focussed, intense, sapphire blue optics quickly scanned the new area, taking in as much detail as possible knowing that action had to be taken fast. Coming to an alley, obscured from tins to a few large garbage dumpsters, the running individual took the chance for a couple deep breaths as a glance was tossed quickly in the direction for which they had just come.
It was almost as if the pause in proceeding hadn't happened, because just as fast as the black clad figured looked at the distance put between themselves and whoever followed, they quickly turned and with the grace and silence of a feline, manoeuvred through the junk blocking and littering the alley floor.
Being sure not to make a single noise, the running figure who had been reduced to a fast walk didn't stop until the sound of echoing running footsteps reached alert ears. For which they then threw themselves into the depths of the shadows as three men ran past the place for which they had just entered.
Waiting a few moments, long enough that the echoing footsteps had all but disappeared, blue irises took the chance to look around the towering pile of crates that hid their hiding form. At which point a man with dark locks came into view looking not in the slightest bit happy as one of the three males that had run by came back looking grim.
"The girl wasn't that far a head of us, but further down it becomes a dead end. She could have taken anyone of these side streets."
Curses spilled forth from the groups leader as his fist connected with his lackeys face, for which a rather loud crack was heard followed by the sure sounds of a curse and possible whimper.
"You'll keep looking, checking every alley and every single shadow. There is no way, a single female took out one of our most prominent warehouses. Let alone got away alive! I want her before Bear by dawn, or you'll be facing more then a broken nose!"
"Right away Damien, I'll call each of the other party's and tell them to move in our direction. We'll trap her in the middle, there is no way she's gotten that far."
'That's what you think.'
Full red lips twitched as a smirk crossed the females features before she slowly started to move again. There may have been more of them, but she was positive they would search in groups of four, maybe three to cover more ground.
Odds were never in her favour, so depending on there choice of weapon, she was sure she'd be able to make it out of a run in fairly unscathed. What she did have in her favour, was the fact that the group who currently sought her believed to a degree that she was alone.
'Now to make it to Habra.'
When she was at a safe distance to start running again, her dark form took off, covering as much ground as possible before backtracking a few blocks to go in a different direction - precaution in case anyone happened to catch sight of her.
Time was of little matter, it was the feeling of danger and caution that pressed her to keep running, it wasn't until the silent sirens of danger finally quieted within her that her pace began slow down. Eyes taking in every inch of the dead streets as her feet kept moving at a speed slightly quicker then a simple walk.
She may have felt safer, but it didn't mean chances were going to be made.
Abandoned building's not to far from the old doc's, and various residences soon turned into the residential area of Habra Heights. With it being well past midnight, with an hour or two closer to dawn, lights within family homes were doused leaving only the streetlights to illuminate the sidewalks.
Soon homes gave way to a few empty lots, which then gave way to growing grass and filling bush. Not all houses within the neighbourhood had fallen to sleep however. A single home; well a six bedroom with equal bathrooms, borderline miniature mansion style house - with its large bay windows lay lit behind stylish closed curtains.
Without having to step out of the shadows, the blue eyed female had managed to make it to the front door without being detected. Before her fingers had a chance to curl around the door handle, the heavy oak wood door had swung in seemingly on its own accord.
"It's about time."
The simple words brought a soft sigh from the lips of the other female as she stepped through the threshold of the house.
"I know Ritz, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't being followed. There was more on my tail then we had originally thought."
Blue eyes, watched as the older female frowned slightly, as her cherry brown irises looked over to make sure not even a scratch had befallen the younger girls skin. Once the all but second inspection had been completed, the brunette nodded in the direction of the kitchen.
"You better go soothe some ruffled feathers. He's been all but shitting bricks since your deadline."
As much as a bit of laughter wanted to be had, the weary female could only share a tired grin before shuffling tired feet in the direction of said kitchen. However, the sound of there conversing voices must have drifted. She had gotten as far as the center of the living room before arms were around her.
"So what's this about ruffled feathers and shitting bricks Reagan?"
The chest beneath her cheek shook as a deep chuckle emitted from the lips of the male whom she was told had been worrying overly much.
"Leave it to you Cerise, to have me at wits end."
Sapphire blues looked up to meet that of worried sky blue optics set in a handsome chiselled face.
"I'm only twenty-four minutes late Reag's, you couldn't have been that close to your wits end; I have had worse."
Reagan's response was that of a low growl which then earned a soft bit of laughter from Cerise as she pulled her form out of his arms to fall backwards into the nearest chair; which was rather lumpy.
"Jeez Flow'er, didn know you liked me so much."
Letting out a groan like whine, as a pair of chuckles reached her ears, Cerise sat up and stumbled off the lap of the Scottish male to land in the empty corner of the loveseat.
"Tyson?"
"Yeah Lass?"
"Go fuck yourself."
"I don't think Ty has the abilities to fuck himself Cherry."
"Although, I'm sure he'd have a better chance then catching any female."
Cerise looked up to once again see the female she had called Ritz - whom was actually called Rita and made the first comment about Tyson. The older female was accompanied by a blonde male who went by the name of Wesley who thus, made the second comment.
As the small group shared a laugh at the Scott's expense, Cerise or Cherry or, well, the many names she went by, mused silently to herself as she glimpsed over each individual she learned to call friend.
First, there was Reagan; Reagan Bown. There story went back about twelve years to a bond that was formed instantly. Born in the French province of Quebec, Canada, he was the second son born to the famed leader of the Panthers - a group for which Cerise owed much debt.
Reagan was a face for which she had watched mature from a young teen of thirteen to that of a young man of twenty-five. He was her best friend and confidant, as well as an over worrying protective brother. It then came as no surprised when he made his decision known to follow her when she decided to leave Canada and venture out on her own when she turned seventeen.
There first stop had been England followed by various other towns and cities in the United Kingdom. During this year of travelling, was spent 'cleaning up' various gangs who had gone too far in there selling of drugs, prostitution, and public gang fights. If any knew that two people were single handily taking out world known gang members and even a few leaders, there would be open mouths and wonderment filled gazes.
From there, they followed the leads of an infamous gang called Adam the Leaper. They dated back to the fourteenth century, and although the original 'Adam' had been imprisoned another soon rose. They specialized in theft and kidnapping, which then lead to drugs and prostitution.
So the two then found themselves in the highlands of Scotland on the shores of Loch Ness in a shoot-out with a few members of the Leapers. It was amidst a 'break' that Tyson Lennox, a twenty-three (at the time) year old male with a mop of copper hair and matching copper eyes set in a pale face that was splashed with freckles - something that happened when he spent far to much time in the sun, realized he and his small group of men weren't the only ones fighting against the Leaps.
Although this information didn't come until after Cerise and Reagan explained there reasoning for being there and Adam the Leaper's group of men had been 'defeated'. But, long story short, the three got along rather well and Tyson silently agreed to follow the two on there adventures - mumbling that 'Reagan couldn't control the fiery Blossom on his own.'
It was then the duo went to that of a trio, and after a few debates, the small group decided to head to Brazil. A feat that was far easier then either could have thought. Then, with much persuasion from Tyson (because Reagan and Cerise had been on the go for two years straight), the three decided to become part of the crowd - as a trio of backpackers in Peru to have some-what of a holiday.
Each of them picked up a job at a rather popular club hangout - Tyson showed his skills as a rather good disk jockey, Reagan managed the bar, and Cerise became an entertainer; whether it was on the small stage or helping Reagan at the bar. It lasted a good few months and the three even rented out a small three bedroom villa until Reagan was looking into the damage being done up in the States.
So the three left the small world they had become a part of, locking away the memories they had made along with a few friendly faces. It was on there way to the small airstrip, that they came across a few thugs surrounding a slightly cutup female. Her name was Rita, a twenty-five year old born to a Japanese Mother and Brazilian Father. She was older then all of them, although only a year to Reagan and Tyson and had a way with any type of computer, software, or electronic.
Like the three, she was on her way to America; Washington, D.C to be specific. It wasn't hard for them to learn of her story, Cerise just had to ask a simply 'Why?' and it all came spilling forward. It was a year prior (when Cerise, Reagan and Tyson were still in Scotland), that Rita had met a man for whom she loved ever so much. Her parents hadn't approved of him, and although he loved her, he didn't want her to be disowned by her family just for him. So, after a few weeks of planning and gathering money, Rita left home to follow and find the one who held her heart.
Turns out, the guys name was Wesley Trovatelli, and at first he was adamant for Rita to return to Brazil, but it sunk in that she wasn't at all leaving his side. Introductions were made, and it wasn't hard for the three 'gangsters' to figure out what he was - a gang jumper. Helping particular gangs to prevent other gangs from gaining to much control and preying on the innocent. Much in the same as Cerise and her two male companions.
It's easy to see what happened after that, but we'll put it in words - the trio decided to lend there hands and expertise, and after much hacking and file napping on Rita's part, they were able to gain the information they needed to bring back proper balance to five states that would take a few weeks to complete.
Once that was done, Wesley and Rita asked the trio to stand for them as they exchanged vows and then became Mr and Mrs Wesley Trovatelli. After that, Reagan passed along the fact the were heading to the west to take care of a mass Bear problem. Turns out the couple had exchange private words as some point, because they pointedly said that they were coming and that they couldn't leave two males alone with a young female.
That was a moment much like the one taking place right now, in someone's living room, except at the time the laughter was directed at Cerise and not at Tyson. Which was also something that happened about a year previously.
"I'm wounded! How could you two say such things! I love Cerise down to the bottom of my heart, if only she would notice!"
Reagan had found himself a seat by the all but half asleep young woman and let out a snort.
"You like anything on two legs Ty that's close to the female species."
"Close? What do you mean by 'close' Reag's?"
The mumbled words issued forth brought four pairs of eyes to focus themselves upon the girl who had been out, running around the streets of Los Angelus. Only to then shake there heads with small smiles at her naivety at times.
"Don worry bout it Lass."
"Mm-kay…"
Letting out a sigh, Cerise's form sunk if possible further into the sofa cushions as she felt the corners of sleep begin to claim her - something it had been doing since she walked through the door. However, the sound of folders being dropped on what she guessed was the coffee table brought her eyes to open which she then watched Rita and Wes take a seat on the couch across from her.
"No sleeping yet Cese."
A groan was all Wes was given as Cerise grabbed the small pillow against her side and put it over her face.
"She'll listen, Wes, do continue."
"That's what you think Reagan, when in fact I'm already asleep."
The female could picture the older male rolling his eyes and the rest smiling in some way knowing perfectly well how the two got along. Exactly like a brother-sister sibling relationship of torment and jabs, when they weren't worried sick about the other.
"Bet'ter get this ova with Wes'ley. Although she'll lis'ten, the lass has been out a rather long time."
Beneath the pillow a muffled 'Thank you Tyson' was heard as folders began to be flipped open a papers began to be shuffled about.
"Okay then, simple to say, Rita has been doing a bit of homework with all the information and access codes you have given her Cerise."
A twitch of the pillow let them all know her ears were all theirs.
"I went over the happenings in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Brazil, finding that everything is still as you guys had left it and that the gang issues in these countries are down to its regular minimum."
"While the states have been undergoing our cleaning for which later this morning will confirm our success in that…"
"Makes sense, but this paper work is far more then what's already been done you two."
At the sound of Tyson's voice following Rita's little statement, Cerise sat right up allowing the pillow to tumble into her lap and then down her legs to where it settled at her feet. For which she then snagged the stapled papers in Reagan's hands and began flipping through it.
The youngest of the group could feel practically all eyes on her, as she felt her own orbs get wider and wider with each word she read. When her hands began to lower, it was a sign she had read through the contents (well more liked skimmed it picking up only the important words) as her head slowly looked at the female hacker across from her.
"Tell me this has all been double and triple checked."
A small nod was all she needed from the woman before Cerise looked up at Reagan with a complicate tormented look he only ever came to associated with a certain part of his little sister.
"So the Pan'thers are plannin on headin over to Asia huh?"
Reagan's head snapped in the direction of Tyson before grabbing back the papers which had been taken from him and he began reading.
"Not only the Panther's, but the Dragons of Northern Europe as well."
Sapphire orbs stared off at nothing in particular as Wes and Rita went on to explain the full contents of what Rita had compounded. The summary being that a gang mostly associated in Beijing has rapidly gained control in Hong Kong and Japan, and the Wolves of both places were swamped.
"Well Lass? What is happenin in that pretty head of yours?"
Bringing her gaze to focus of Tyson, and then briefly on the other three whom seemed to be watching her as well, the female took in her lower lip and began to nibble on it. Lapping into another few moments of silence that she was sure had them all on edge - all for various reasons.
"I think… It's time to pack our bags."
Cerise could all but feel the sharp in take of breath from the man sitting beside her, and knew they were going to have some private words on her decision. But if she wanted to learn all the 'why's' of her past, then returning to the source may be the only way.
"Then I'll get straight to work on passports and other Id's. We don't need the Bears tracking us down."
"You won't need to brother with one for me Ritz. I got one that will work just fine."
Again, all eyes turned to look at her form which hadn't moved from it's sited position on the sofa.
"Whatever you say Cerise… Wes dear, pack my things for me? I want to get these done before the sun rises."
It was a simple nod from the relatively quiet man as he bid what his wife asked and disappeared up the stairs and Rita headed towards the kitchen where her laptop had been setup with the households printer.
"I know it's none of my business Lass…"
Two differing blue orbs looked into the pale, freckled face of the man whom they had become close friends with. Startled out of there own thoughts by the sound of his voice.
"But I think it be time, to tell us you're entire st'ory so we have no sur'prises later on."
Smiling softly, Cerise nodded her head, leaned forward and reached for the guys hand.
"Don't worry Ty, I was just thinking that, and I thank-you for being patient with me over the last couple of years."
"We all have our reason's Lass, no need for thanks."
It was then he got up and crossed the small distance to lean over and give her a brief hug before straightening and nodding in the direction of Reagan before he took leave of the living room.
"You sure about this?"
"The time was coming at some point Reagan, and we've learned next to nothing since I came with your brother."
He shifted and let out a sigh beside her, feeling most likely how she did. Worried, scared, yet excited at the same time.
"My Father will be eaten alive…"
Cerise let out a small laugh as she snuggled into the crook of his side.
"Probably, but I'm sure understanding will come before it came to that."
"You're most likely right Cese."
A snort was his response for that as Cerise pushed herself off the sofa before turning to look at him.
"Never mostly, when have I ever been wrong? Anyway, you better get to some packing, once that's done we can all rest up before I brief everyone."
"And exactly what's the plan?"
"Once the house shows no signs of us being here, we'll make our way west again - maybe Vegas or something. From there we'll stop where ever we want. I know the situation seems bad, but the Wolves will be holding off as best they can for the next four to six months. You know how difficult it can be trying to send weapons and explosive through air, so your Father and Dragon will need there own time to prepare."
Reagan's brow rose as his palm came to rub his chin.
"So you're saying you want to get there when they do?"
"No, just before. End of May, beginning of June."
His head nodded in understanding as Cerise lifted her arms and let out a delightful whine as she stretched. Then they lapsed into a comfortable silence within there current positions.
"Hey Cese?"
"Hmm?"
When she made her, response, sapphire blue orbs focused and turned to look at him with a slightly raised brow.
"Why don't you need an alias?"
At this, a slow grin spread across her lips as a mischievous like twinkle entered her eyes which earned a groan on Reagan's part. Earning a laugh from the standing female starting to take her leave as he mumbled after her.
"I am so not going to like this."
Authors Note:
Well, seeing as I couldn't upload on the old account I figured it was time to uploaded this story on this one. Hopefully I'll hear from all of you who read this in the form of a review. I would like it very much to hear your thoughts, good or bad - but if it is bad, I hope it will phrased in a way that will help me improve what I write. So please be a doll and review, but if you like to remain silent and just read, that's okay too.