High Stakes
A/N: ^____________^ I've been promising people I'd get this out, and here it is! It's a tragic, romantic drama all about Nagi and Tot and some fanmade villains. ... I'm going to shut up now... so you can read... ¬¬
Disclaimer: I am not Takehito Koyasu, and therefore, I own nothing. So HA.
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Prologue: Shut Up and Deal
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Nagi Naoe sighed as he glanced out at the dark grey sky, storm clouds visible not too far off in the horizon. It wasn't a secret that he detested the rain, and today would be no exception---the boy didn't fancy having to go out in a storm, particularly if it was to be as bad as the radio had promised.
"Cheer up, Nagi," the fiery-haired German called back to him from his position in the car's front passenger seat. "It's just a bit of rain."
Of course it was. It was always 'just a bit of rain' with Schuldig. The German never saw the need for weather forecasts, only laughing at storms and high winds, saying that Germany was crueler than Japan by far. Nagi had never understood why the telepath didn't entrust the radio, and why he preferred to ask Crawford about the upcoming weather. Nagi never saw the point of it---precognitive or not, the weather stayed the same, didn't it?
Nagi sighed again, glancing longingly out of the car window at the houses rushing by. Of all the days for their new employers, the Mahô/Chô alliance, to decide that Schwarz's next mission would have to be shown to them first hand!
"Relax Nagi, we'll be there before the storm hits," the calm voice of Brad Crawford droned in from the driver's seat. Although it was definately consolation, the boy couldn't help squirming at the thought of the storm. It was in his nature to be calm, but t hen he remembered that Tot was probably alone, and frightened of the impending thunder shower that was threatening most of northern Japan.
Seated next to him in the back was the resident Irishman, Farfarello. Nagi knew better than to complain out loud much, for fear that Farfarello might be bothered and attempt something. It was a stupid reason, though--- Farfarello would never try anything, and Nagi could always block him with his telekinesis, but still... It was more polite that way, and Brad prided himself and his team on decent manners (when they weren't blowing people's heads off with guns, anyway.)
Life in Schwarz, as Nagi had decided long ago, was anything but ordinary. If this was an ordinary family (suggesting that Schwarz was a family), he highly doubted that his parental figures would be so strange and opposite. The saying that opposites attract was highly ironic (not to mention quite cliché) seemed to fit the team quite well.
The boy stayed quiet, waiting to hear the ominious clap of thunder and the pounding of rain on the car roof, but it was slow in coming. Even though they were driving nearer to it, they had yet to reach the storm.
Was it ironic that he'd lost Tot in a storm like this? The thought hit Nagi harder than he would've imagined. Why now, all of a sudden? Remembering the pained look on her face as she fell, dying in his arms...But he'd searched the rubble of the mansion for hours after he awoke. No Tot.
He'd even asked Brad what had happened to her---had they taken her away, just to spite him? Had they rid themselves of her entire existance, just so that he, Nagi Naoe, would stay in Schwarz?
But, no, they hadn't. They had left before the building toppled, taking the Fujimiya girl with them. Both Nagi and Tot had been inside when they had left the scene.
Oddly enough, the idea of Weiss taking Tot had scarcely crossed the young boy's mind. It was true that the Weiss had a deep hatred for Schwarz, and that they had killed Masafumi Takatori and Neu, but Nagi highly doubted that they would bother with Tot. Was it possible, though... ?
No, Nagi decided finally. Weiss are not that animalistic. Or were they? The thought clung to his heart, and he felt ill when he thought that Tot--- his Tot---may have been taken away by someone he didn't know or trust.
He wondered, quietly, just why their new employers had sent representatives for them on this mission. Was it that they didn't trust Schwarz, or were they merely taking precautions? It didn't matter to Nagi. Whether or not Mahô/Chô cared, he was still angry about having to be out in a storm. It only reminded him of the weather when he had awaken and realized that Tot was gone from him...
Not that Shonen Mahô or Mizu Chô (*) knew or even cared about Tot. Nagi had the nagging feeling that something horrid was going to end up going on down at the warehouse where they had promised to meet up with their employers. Was it an omen, or was it only just the storm?
"Come off it, Nagi, we're almost there."
Schuldig's voice had the same blatant and casual tone he always used, but there was something more. Pity? Remorse? Nagi contemplated the possibilities quietly, hoping that the meeting would be quick and the mission quicker.
The loud crash of thunder shocked him out of his dreams, and startled, he jumped. Farfarello laughed at the young boy's action, his eye darting away from the window only for a moment. Though it might have seemed unnerving in the past, Nagi had adjusted to Farfarello's warped sense of humor and even his eyepatch.
"Looks like we've reached the storm," the platinum-haired man stated sullenly, his single golden eye darting back at the rain splattered window. Nagi stayed silent, his eyes glued on his own window. Lightning shattered the view, and he could feel the goosebumps on his arm.
Lightning... there was lightning then, too... when Tot...
Nagi's thoughts trailed off. It was too painful a memory to bring up, and anyway, he didn't want Schuldig to know he still missed Tot. That he still dreamt of seeing her again and holding her close. That he was in love.
"This is stupid. Why couldn't Mahô have just phoned us instead of insisting that we see Chô?" Schuldig whined loudly, pouting at the American driver. Nagi flicked his gaze towards the couple before looking back out the stormy window.
"For the last time, Schuldig," Crawford began again, looking away from the road to stare into the German's eyes. "Mister Mahô wants us to meet Mister Chô so we can finish off our business with them. I don't know about you," he commented dryly, flicking the wipers on high, "but I don't intend on doing small jobs forever. Even though it was Esset who set us up with them, we will do the one mission they are paying us for. Esset may be gone, but Mahô is willing to pay double our fee now that we are the only ones left."
Nagi sighed, trying to drown out the voices in the car, though it wasn't a very hard feat---the sounds echoing in from the storm mixed with the roar of the engine and the swish of the wipers was more than enough to keep Nagi's head free of the useless chatter.
What took only fifteen minutes seemed like an eternity to the dark-haired boy as he gazed solemnly out at the raging skies. Crawford had been semi- correct---the drive had not been very long, but they hadn't beaten the rain.
No, Nagi thought, he could never live to beat the rain. It would always exist to haunt and mock him, like it had always done, even as a small child.
One day, I will defeat it. And on that day, we'll be together again, my Toto-chan and I...
"Nagi?"
The boy blinked, turning away from the window quickly to face into the serious eyes of his leader. The American was making a face at him, though Nagi couldn't really read his expression well. The darkness from outside gave Crawford a shadowy look, and the cracks of lightning made him seem fiercer than before.
"Yes, Crawford?"
The American raised an eyebrow. "We're here." He cocked his head to one side, and Nagi turned. It was true---the car was parked now in front of a ramshackle old warehouse, the two broken floodlights in front of it lighting only a meager, wet path to the door. Both Schuldig and Farfarello were leaning against the car nearest himself, waiting for the other two to come along.
And it was still raining.
Nagi nodded silently, opening his door carefully so as not to hit Farfarello and followed his teammates as they prepared to finally meet their employer, Mizu Chô, known for his dark ways and under-handed schemes. Rumor was that he was involved with more than a few illegal operations--- and he had most certainly proved those rumors true by choosing to hire the Schwarz team.
The old door creaked loudly as Farfarello pulled it open, and they could see the bone-thin frame of an older man in the doorway. As silently as the rain would allow the man grinned maliciously and stepped out next to the members of Schwarz.
"You must be Mr. Crawford," his nasal voice rang out. Nagi saw that he was a man of about medium height with greasy black hair, slicked back with gel. His dark grey suit made him look paler than he really was, and his thin, bony neck was far too long for the coat he was wearing. He wasn't all that old---definately younger than Schwarz's previous employers---but he wasn't young, either. Probably in his forties, judging by his raccoon-eyes and wrinkles. It was odd that a man so thin would have wrinkles on his face, but it added to his sleazy appearance.
"It's wonderful to see you in person, then, members of Schwarz. I'm Mizu Chô."
Crawford nodded to the team before shaking the man's hand, and Nagi sighed. He still didn't see what was so special that they had to meet Chô face-to- face. Instructions were better given through e-mail or by phone, the boy decided. At least then he didn't have to be revolted by his employer's appearance.
A quick jab in his ribs from Schuldig's elbow told him to clear his mind and listen, since Brad would probably quiz them all on the car ride home.
He tried to listen as Mizu Chô to explained the basics. Their targets were a small group of assassins known as L'Equipe. They had been meddling in both Mahô and Chô's affairs, and both men were willing to dish out as much money as it needed to be rid of them, which was why they had come to Esset.
Even when Esset were dead, Brad was still willing to go on with previously made promises. Nagi knew that he wouldn't've---he would've let the damned men figure it out on their own.
"Now, there is a reason why Mahô and I wanted you to come out here." Chô smiled, revealing a pair of buck teeth. "Fighting against L'Equipe as you are now, well, you are both outnumbered and unprepared."
Nagi heard Schuldig grunt and saw Brad glare. "I assure, Mr. Chô, that we of Schwarz are able to handle anything that comes our way." Brad's tone was cool, but threatening at the same time. Still, the businessman shook his head, light flickering off his dark black hair.
"Maybe so, but Mr. Mahô and I have taken the liberty recruiting a fifth member for your team." Chô smiled dangerously, while Nagi fought off the urge to blast him through a wall. What right did he have deciding that Schwarz needed another member when he had never seen them fight before?
"Mr. Mahô..." Brad growled through clenched teeth, searching for the words needed to make known his distaste. Nagi sighed sadly---not even Brad Crawford could talk his way out of this one.
"Surely you're not suggesting that we are inadequate? We have been functioning as a team of four for some time now, and I can assure you, we've taken on larger numbers before. We can do it again without the help of your fifth personna."
The greaseball shook his head. "Of course not, Mr. Crawford, but... It took Shonen and I a long time to track this one down. Don't worry, this one's all you'll ever need and then some, hopefully. Used to work for Esset or something, just like you four fellows... "
That certainly helped to narrow things down, Nagi thought bitterly as he turned to face the building, and the rest of Schwarz turned as well. The door creaked open, and a person stepped out from the darkness, the only colorful thing about them being their bright yellow umbrella, still wet from the rain.
Nagi turned away from the figure, feeling more than just slightly ashamed. He just couldn't believe it---that seeing another yellow umbrella would make him think of Tot and bring the pain back again. There were millions of yellow umbrellas out there---it was probably just another coincidence.
"Nagi-kun?!"
Nagi's head shot up. If there was one thing he was certain of, it was that coincidences didn't know his name. "Toto-chan?!"
The others stared as the yellow umbrella flew backwards, and the young girl who had been hidden beneath it flung herself into Nagi's waiting arms. It was easy to call them speechless---none of them had ever imagined to see the girl again, least of all Nagi, whom was easily the happiest in the room (tying only with Tot). Tears of joy threatened his eyes as he hugged Tot closer to him.
Shock was etched on Chô's face as he choked out, "You, eh... know each other, then?"
Schuldig smiled coyly, cocking his head to one side. "Ja. That's that Schreient girl, Tot." He grinned maliciously at his stunned teammates. Farfarello shook his head quickly and leaned against one of the walls, giving a short laugh. Crawford gave a small smile and looked away from the hugging teens to his employer.
"So, what's the low-down on the mission going to be, then, Mr. Chô?"
Nagi could still hear shocked and laughing voices, but at that moment, all he cared about was the girl with the blue-raspberry colored locks that he was currently holding tightly in his arms. All that long while, searching, going nowhere... and Chô found her and reunited them! The boy made a mental note to properly thank Chô for that later, once the time was right. It simply wouldn't do to leave him speechless and not say his piece---even if by accident, he had brought Tot back to him, and for that Nagi was grateful.
"Tot... " Nagi drew her from his chest, staring into her dark eyes. He saw something shining deep within them---hope? Relief? Pain? Or was it something deeper---love, perhaps?
Tot's eyes were brimming with tears as she threw herself at Nagi once again, catching him off guard as she wept onto his shoulder. He touched the damp spot with his fingertips and gasped. She was crying over him...!
Without another word, he threw his arms tightly around her, tears now threatening to fall. His vaguely noticed how shaky his arms were as the held Tot closer to his heart, whispering softly to her, trying to reassure them both that no, this was not a dream and that no, they wouldn't be torn apart again.
"Nagi-kun? Did you ever think that we could be together again?" The girl looked up at him, wiping the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. Nagi stayed quiet for a moment, gently wiping at the corners of Tot's eyes with his own hand.
"Nagi-kun... ?"
She was waiting. Nagi took a deep breath and spoke slowly, trying not to let his emotions overrun his mind. Schuldig was already going to have a field day with this, it would be best to try and not make it any worse.
"To tell you the truth? I don't think a day's passed when I didn't think of you. And... " the boy gulped, squeezing his eyelids shut in an attempt to keep dry-eyed. "And... and I didn't know how long I could go on alone like that, Tot... " His hands tightened around her wrists as he fought his oncoming tears.
Tot gasped as tears squeezed out from his eyes, and she realized how much he was struggling to keep from crying. She lifted her hand, Nagi's still wrapped around it, to his face and touched his cheek softly, wiping away his tears with her hand.
"Nagi-kun... don't cry, Nagi-kun!" Tears were forming in her eyes now, and it was becoming harder for her to keep her emotions under control. The boy struggled to open his eyes, shocked to see how upset she had become from seeing him in that state.
"Please, don't cry... it makes me sad to see you cry, Nagi-kun... and I want us to be happy!"
Nagi stood there quietly as Tot pressed her face into his chest once more, unsure of what to do. He finally decided that merely holding Tot close to him would suffice, as it always made him feel better. He only hoped that she felt the same as his arms snaked around her, holding her close. He heard her elicit a small gasp and smiled warmly as he felt Tot respond to his actions by drawing her arms around his back as well.
The two stood that way for some time, seemingly lost to the world. To them, it was the most precious thing, being in each other's arms as time ticked by, minutes feeling like hours to the two who were completely oblivious to the real world... or were oblivious, until...
"Ahem!"
The two jumped back, blushing furiously, as a smirking Brad Crawford looked over at them, shaking his head slowly. Behind him, Schuldig was wearing a similar expression, and Farfarello smiled demonically. Nagi could feel his face growing redder under their laughing faces.
"So." The American's face was stern, but his eyes were laughing. Nagi winced, waiting for the reprimanding of his life. He waited for what felt like eternity, though nothing happened. After a moment or two he worked up enough courage to open one eye, only to face a snickering Oracle.
The American shook his head at the boy's behavior. "Really, Nagi, what's gotten into you these days? You act like we're... out to get you or something." Crawford's glasses flashed, and Nagi blinked. He still didn't quite understand what was going on... until Schuldig filled him in, anyway.
"Calm down, Nagi," said German complained, trying to adjust his shoulders so that he could lean against Crawford's back comfortably. "The girl's a member of the team now. Isn't that the best news you've ever recieved." The level of sarcasm dripping from his voice could only be measured in tons, Nagi decided. And it took him a few moments to register what the German said, and when he finally did piece things together, his reaction wasn't quite what even he himself had expected.
"Wha-what are you saying?!" The young man jumped back in awe. He had never expected to here such things flow from his teammate's mouths. It was only by instinct that his arm flew up to 'protect' the beauty standing behind him as though the entire thing were a dream or trap.
"What he's saying," Crawford began, calmly taking off his glasses and leaning forward slightly, as though he were speaking to a young child and not the Prodigy himself, "is that the girl is now a member of Schwarz, the same as you and I."
Tot's jaw dropped, as did Nagi's. "D-d'you really mean it, Crawford?!" He was getting excited, but Nagi didn't care. The thought that he and Tot would never be separated again was a hope he'd never dared voice or even think lest his hopes be shattered. "Wha-what brought this on, all of a sudden?"
"What are you, deaf?" Schuldig chided, scowling down at the teens. He was beginning to get angry, and his eyes flashed. "Were you not listening to Chô, or did you just forget? Hm, and I thought only the old had Alzheimer's... "
"That's enough, Schuldig," Crawford spoke softly, and the German quieted down. He turned then to face Nagi and explained things slowly and rationally, Nagi having not heard any of Chô's 'important' speech and all.
"You see, once Mr. Chô realized that you and the gi---sorry, Tot---had a previous relationship, he was quite insistant that she become a permanent member. And the rest of us agreed as well."
"You mean you agreed because he told you to?!" Nagi couldn't believe his ears. Crawford shook his head and straightened himself out, the fiery- haired German wrapping his arms about the older man's waist.
"No, Nagi. I had Schuldig connect the three of us telepathically and discuss the matter, and we decided that we could do worse than have her as a fifth member. Plus, seeing as how it's mandatory that she be on this mission... If it were anyone else, we would never have considered the idea. But since we know how she fights, and have worked with her before... " Crawford smirked down at the stunned boy victoriously for a moment before:
"We decided she could stay on permanently."
If it weren't for his self-control, the boy might've hugged Crawford. As it was, his eyes were already becoming misty and he actually felt himself fighting the urge not to hug the American. The Irishman laughed at him, but the boy was too happy to truly care about what Farfarello thought of him at the moment.
"I... thank you."
As softly spoken as those words were, Crawford still heard them and smiled. Wrapping his own arms around the German, the older two walked off, but not before Crawford had the chance to glance back over his shoulder and call out, "Don't mention it!" The Irishman watched the happy children for a moment longer before he, too, followed the others to the car, leaving the teenagers alone in the rain.
'Thank you, Crawford,' Nagi thought quietly, smiling despite himself. He inhaled deeply, before spinning around on his heels, surprising the girl behind him.
"Tot! Oh, Tot, now we get to be together again!" he cried out joyously, lifting her from her feet and spinning her around, actually laughing as he did so.
At first she was shocked, and had screamed when he lifted her, but then Tot realized what was going on (more appropriately, how happy it made Nagi) and laughed as she was spun about in the air. The boy set her down, both of them smiling warmly.
"Oh Nagi-kun!" Tot cried out, hugging his arm close to her heart. "We finally get to live together!"
Nagi could only smile, not able to string enough superlatives together to voice the joy he felt in his heart. All he could do was smile at her as her sweet head fell onto his shoulder and gently run his fingers through her rain-soaked hair.
"You're right, Tot," he whispered softly, his voice drowned out by the car's engine and the pounding rain. "We're finally together, just like I promised you... "
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A/N: ^_______________^ Prologue-ish. A ha ha... trust me, things won't stay so happy for much longer. Believe me when I say, "cliché D-I-D-ness in upcoming chapters."
All feedback is good. Flames are good as well. I am a pyromaniac, and therefore, anything related to or pertaining to fire is good. Flames = fire, therefore, flames = good. ^______^
---Gangsta Videl
(*) The men that Schwarz are working for? Ya gotta love the names. "Shonen Mahô" means "Magic Boy" in English, and "Chô Mizu" means "Super Water."
A/N: ^____________^ I've been promising people I'd get this out, and here it is! It's a tragic, romantic drama all about Nagi and Tot and some fanmade villains. ... I'm going to shut up now... so you can read... ¬¬
Disclaimer: I am not Takehito Koyasu, and therefore, I own nothing. So HA.
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Prologue: Shut Up and Deal
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Nagi Naoe sighed as he glanced out at the dark grey sky, storm clouds visible not too far off in the horizon. It wasn't a secret that he detested the rain, and today would be no exception---the boy didn't fancy having to go out in a storm, particularly if it was to be as bad as the radio had promised.
"Cheer up, Nagi," the fiery-haired German called back to him from his position in the car's front passenger seat. "It's just a bit of rain."
Of course it was. It was always 'just a bit of rain' with Schuldig. The German never saw the need for weather forecasts, only laughing at storms and high winds, saying that Germany was crueler than Japan by far. Nagi had never understood why the telepath didn't entrust the radio, and why he preferred to ask Crawford about the upcoming weather. Nagi never saw the point of it---precognitive or not, the weather stayed the same, didn't it?
Nagi sighed again, glancing longingly out of the car window at the houses rushing by. Of all the days for their new employers, the Mahô/Chô alliance, to decide that Schwarz's next mission would have to be shown to them first hand!
"Relax Nagi, we'll be there before the storm hits," the calm voice of Brad Crawford droned in from the driver's seat. Although it was definately consolation, the boy couldn't help squirming at the thought of the storm. It was in his nature to be calm, but t hen he remembered that Tot was probably alone, and frightened of the impending thunder shower that was threatening most of northern Japan.
Seated next to him in the back was the resident Irishman, Farfarello. Nagi knew better than to complain out loud much, for fear that Farfarello might be bothered and attempt something. It was a stupid reason, though--- Farfarello would never try anything, and Nagi could always block him with his telekinesis, but still... It was more polite that way, and Brad prided himself and his team on decent manners (when they weren't blowing people's heads off with guns, anyway.)
Life in Schwarz, as Nagi had decided long ago, was anything but ordinary. If this was an ordinary family (suggesting that Schwarz was a family), he highly doubted that his parental figures would be so strange and opposite. The saying that opposites attract was highly ironic (not to mention quite cliché) seemed to fit the team quite well.
The boy stayed quiet, waiting to hear the ominious clap of thunder and the pounding of rain on the car roof, but it was slow in coming. Even though they were driving nearer to it, they had yet to reach the storm.
Was it ironic that he'd lost Tot in a storm like this? The thought hit Nagi harder than he would've imagined. Why now, all of a sudden? Remembering the pained look on her face as she fell, dying in his arms...But he'd searched the rubble of the mansion for hours after he awoke. No Tot.
He'd even asked Brad what had happened to her---had they taken her away, just to spite him? Had they rid themselves of her entire existance, just so that he, Nagi Naoe, would stay in Schwarz?
But, no, they hadn't. They had left before the building toppled, taking the Fujimiya girl with them. Both Nagi and Tot had been inside when they had left the scene.
Oddly enough, the idea of Weiss taking Tot had scarcely crossed the young boy's mind. It was true that the Weiss had a deep hatred for Schwarz, and that they had killed Masafumi Takatori and Neu, but Nagi highly doubted that they would bother with Tot. Was it possible, though... ?
No, Nagi decided finally. Weiss are not that animalistic. Or were they? The thought clung to his heart, and he felt ill when he thought that Tot--- his Tot---may have been taken away by someone he didn't know or trust.
He wondered, quietly, just why their new employers had sent representatives for them on this mission. Was it that they didn't trust Schwarz, or were they merely taking precautions? It didn't matter to Nagi. Whether or not Mahô/Chô cared, he was still angry about having to be out in a storm. It only reminded him of the weather when he had awaken and realized that Tot was gone from him...
Not that Shonen Mahô or Mizu Chô (*) knew or even cared about Tot. Nagi had the nagging feeling that something horrid was going to end up going on down at the warehouse where they had promised to meet up with their employers. Was it an omen, or was it only just the storm?
"Come off it, Nagi, we're almost there."
Schuldig's voice had the same blatant and casual tone he always used, but there was something more. Pity? Remorse? Nagi contemplated the possibilities quietly, hoping that the meeting would be quick and the mission quicker.
The loud crash of thunder shocked him out of his dreams, and startled, he jumped. Farfarello laughed at the young boy's action, his eye darting away from the window only for a moment. Though it might have seemed unnerving in the past, Nagi had adjusted to Farfarello's warped sense of humor and even his eyepatch.
"Looks like we've reached the storm," the platinum-haired man stated sullenly, his single golden eye darting back at the rain splattered window. Nagi stayed silent, his eyes glued on his own window. Lightning shattered the view, and he could feel the goosebumps on his arm.
Lightning... there was lightning then, too... when Tot...
Nagi's thoughts trailed off. It was too painful a memory to bring up, and anyway, he didn't want Schuldig to know he still missed Tot. That he still dreamt of seeing her again and holding her close. That he was in love.
"This is stupid. Why couldn't Mahô have just phoned us instead of insisting that we see Chô?" Schuldig whined loudly, pouting at the American driver. Nagi flicked his gaze towards the couple before looking back out the stormy window.
"For the last time, Schuldig," Crawford began again, looking away from the road to stare into the German's eyes. "Mister Mahô wants us to meet Mister Chô so we can finish off our business with them. I don't know about you," he commented dryly, flicking the wipers on high, "but I don't intend on doing small jobs forever. Even though it was Esset who set us up with them, we will do the one mission they are paying us for. Esset may be gone, but Mahô is willing to pay double our fee now that we are the only ones left."
Nagi sighed, trying to drown out the voices in the car, though it wasn't a very hard feat---the sounds echoing in from the storm mixed with the roar of the engine and the swish of the wipers was more than enough to keep Nagi's head free of the useless chatter.
What took only fifteen minutes seemed like an eternity to the dark-haired boy as he gazed solemnly out at the raging skies. Crawford had been semi- correct---the drive had not been very long, but they hadn't beaten the rain.
No, Nagi thought, he could never live to beat the rain. It would always exist to haunt and mock him, like it had always done, even as a small child.
One day, I will defeat it. And on that day, we'll be together again, my Toto-chan and I...
"Nagi?"
The boy blinked, turning away from the window quickly to face into the serious eyes of his leader. The American was making a face at him, though Nagi couldn't really read his expression well. The darkness from outside gave Crawford a shadowy look, and the cracks of lightning made him seem fiercer than before.
"Yes, Crawford?"
The American raised an eyebrow. "We're here." He cocked his head to one side, and Nagi turned. It was true---the car was parked now in front of a ramshackle old warehouse, the two broken floodlights in front of it lighting only a meager, wet path to the door. Both Schuldig and Farfarello were leaning against the car nearest himself, waiting for the other two to come along.
And it was still raining.
Nagi nodded silently, opening his door carefully so as not to hit Farfarello and followed his teammates as they prepared to finally meet their employer, Mizu Chô, known for his dark ways and under-handed schemes. Rumor was that he was involved with more than a few illegal operations--- and he had most certainly proved those rumors true by choosing to hire the Schwarz team.
The old door creaked loudly as Farfarello pulled it open, and they could see the bone-thin frame of an older man in the doorway. As silently as the rain would allow the man grinned maliciously and stepped out next to the members of Schwarz.
"You must be Mr. Crawford," his nasal voice rang out. Nagi saw that he was a man of about medium height with greasy black hair, slicked back with gel. His dark grey suit made him look paler than he really was, and his thin, bony neck was far too long for the coat he was wearing. He wasn't all that old---definately younger than Schwarz's previous employers---but he wasn't young, either. Probably in his forties, judging by his raccoon-eyes and wrinkles. It was odd that a man so thin would have wrinkles on his face, but it added to his sleazy appearance.
"It's wonderful to see you in person, then, members of Schwarz. I'm Mizu Chô."
Crawford nodded to the team before shaking the man's hand, and Nagi sighed. He still didn't see what was so special that they had to meet Chô face-to- face. Instructions were better given through e-mail or by phone, the boy decided. At least then he didn't have to be revolted by his employer's appearance.
A quick jab in his ribs from Schuldig's elbow told him to clear his mind and listen, since Brad would probably quiz them all on the car ride home.
He tried to listen as Mizu Chô to explained the basics. Their targets were a small group of assassins known as L'Equipe. They had been meddling in both Mahô and Chô's affairs, and both men were willing to dish out as much money as it needed to be rid of them, which was why they had come to Esset.
Even when Esset were dead, Brad was still willing to go on with previously made promises. Nagi knew that he wouldn't've---he would've let the damned men figure it out on their own.
"Now, there is a reason why Mahô and I wanted you to come out here." Chô smiled, revealing a pair of buck teeth. "Fighting against L'Equipe as you are now, well, you are both outnumbered and unprepared."
Nagi heard Schuldig grunt and saw Brad glare. "I assure, Mr. Chô, that we of Schwarz are able to handle anything that comes our way." Brad's tone was cool, but threatening at the same time. Still, the businessman shook his head, light flickering off his dark black hair.
"Maybe so, but Mr. Mahô and I have taken the liberty recruiting a fifth member for your team." Chô smiled dangerously, while Nagi fought off the urge to blast him through a wall. What right did he have deciding that Schwarz needed another member when he had never seen them fight before?
"Mr. Mahô..." Brad growled through clenched teeth, searching for the words needed to make known his distaste. Nagi sighed sadly---not even Brad Crawford could talk his way out of this one.
"Surely you're not suggesting that we are inadequate? We have been functioning as a team of four for some time now, and I can assure you, we've taken on larger numbers before. We can do it again without the help of your fifth personna."
The greaseball shook his head. "Of course not, Mr. Crawford, but... It took Shonen and I a long time to track this one down. Don't worry, this one's all you'll ever need and then some, hopefully. Used to work for Esset or something, just like you four fellows... "
That certainly helped to narrow things down, Nagi thought bitterly as he turned to face the building, and the rest of Schwarz turned as well. The door creaked open, and a person stepped out from the darkness, the only colorful thing about them being their bright yellow umbrella, still wet from the rain.
Nagi turned away from the figure, feeling more than just slightly ashamed. He just couldn't believe it---that seeing another yellow umbrella would make him think of Tot and bring the pain back again. There were millions of yellow umbrellas out there---it was probably just another coincidence.
"Nagi-kun?!"
Nagi's head shot up. If there was one thing he was certain of, it was that coincidences didn't know his name. "Toto-chan?!"
The others stared as the yellow umbrella flew backwards, and the young girl who had been hidden beneath it flung herself into Nagi's waiting arms. It was easy to call them speechless---none of them had ever imagined to see the girl again, least of all Nagi, whom was easily the happiest in the room (tying only with Tot). Tears of joy threatened his eyes as he hugged Tot closer to him.
Shock was etched on Chô's face as he choked out, "You, eh... know each other, then?"
Schuldig smiled coyly, cocking his head to one side. "Ja. That's that Schreient girl, Tot." He grinned maliciously at his stunned teammates. Farfarello shook his head quickly and leaned against one of the walls, giving a short laugh. Crawford gave a small smile and looked away from the hugging teens to his employer.
"So, what's the low-down on the mission going to be, then, Mr. Chô?"
Nagi could still hear shocked and laughing voices, but at that moment, all he cared about was the girl with the blue-raspberry colored locks that he was currently holding tightly in his arms. All that long while, searching, going nowhere... and Chô found her and reunited them! The boy made a mental note to properly thank Chô for that later, once the time was right. It simply wouldn't do to leave him speechless and not say his piece---even if by accident, he had brought Tot back to him, and for that Nagi was grateful.
"Tot... " Nagi drew her from his chest, staring into her dark eyes. He saw something shining deep within them---hope? Relief? Pain? Or was it something deeper---love, perhaps?
Tot's eyes were brimming with tears as she threw herself at Nagi once again, catching him off guard as she wept onto his shoulder. He touched the damp spot with his fingertips and gasped. She was crying over him...!
Without another word, he threw his arms tightly around her, tears now threatening to fall. His vaguely noticed how shaky his arms were as the held Tot closer to his heart, whispering softly to her, trying to reassure them both that no, this was not a dream and that no, they wouldn't be torn apart again.
"Nagi-kun? Did you ever think that we could be together again?" The girl looked up at him, wiping the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. Nagi stayed quiet for a moment, gently wiping at the corners of Tot's eyes with his own hand.
"Nagi-kun... ?"
She was waiting. Nagi took a deep breath and spoke slowly, trying not to let his emotions overrun his mind. Schuldig was already going to have a field day with this, it would be best to try and not make it any worse.
"To tell you the truth? I don't think a day's passed when I didn't think of you. And... " the boy gulped, squeezing his eyelids shut in an attempt to keep dry-eyed. "And... and I didn't know how long I could go on alone like that, Tot... " His hands tightened around her wrists as he fought his oncoming tears.
Tot gasped as tears squeezed out from his eyes, and she realized how much he was struggling to keep from crying. She lifted her hand, Nagi's still wrapped around it, to his face and touched his cheek softly, wiping away his tears with her hand.
"Nagi-kun... don't cry, Nagi-kun!" Tears were forming in her eyes now, and it was becoming harder for her to keep her emotions under control. The boy struggled to open his eyes, shocked to see how upset she had become from seeing him in that state.
"Please, don't cry... it makes me sad to see you cry, Nagi-kun... and I want us to be happy!"
Nagi stood there quietly as Tot pressed her face into his chest once more, unsure of what to do. He finally decided that merely holding Tot close to him would suffice, as it always made him feel better. He only hoped that she felt the same as his arms snaked around her, holding her close. He heard her elicit a small gasp and smiled warmly as he felt Tot respond to his actions by drawing her arms around his back as well.
The two stood that way for some time, seemingly lost to the world. To them, it was the most precious thing, being in each other's arms as time ticked by, minutes feeling like hours to the two who were completely oblivious to the real world... or were oblivious, until...
"Ahem!"
The two jumped back, blushing furiously, as a smirking Brad Crawford looked over at them, shaking his head slowly. Behind him, Schuldig was wearing a similar expression, and Farfarello smiled demonically. Nagi could feel his face growing redder under their laughing faces.
"So." The American's face was stern, but his eyes were laughing. Nagi winced, waiting for the reprimanding of his life. He waited for what felt like eternity, though nothing happened. After a moment or two he worked up enough courage to open one eye, only to face a snickering Oracle.
The American shook his head at the boy's behavior. "Really, Nagi, what's gotten into you these days? You act like we're... out to get you or something." Crawford's glasses flashed, and Nagi blinked. He still didn't quite understand what was going on... until Schuldig filled him in, anyway.
"Calm down, Nagi," said German complained, trying to adjust his shoulders so that he could lean against Crawford's back comfortably. "The girl's a member of the team now. Isn't that the best news you've ever recieved." The level of sarcasm dripping from his voice could only be measured in tons, Nagi decided. And it took him a few moments to register what the German said, and when he finally did piece things together, his reaction wasn't quite what even he himself had expected.
"Wha-what are you saying?!" The young man jumped back in awe. He had never expected to here such things flow from his teammate's mouths. It was only by instinct that his arm flew up to 'protect' the beauty standing behind him as though the entire thing were a dream or trap.
"What he's saying," Crawford began, calmly taking off his glasses and leaning forward slightly, as though he were speaking to a young child and not the Prodigy himself, "is that the girl is now a member of Schwarz, the same as you and I."
Tot's jaw dropped, as did Nagi's. "D-d'you really mean it, Crawford?!" He was getting excited, but Nagi didn't care. The thought that he and Tot would never be separated again was a hope he'd never dared voice or even think lest his hopes be shattered. "Wha-what brought this on, all of a sudden?"
"What are you, deaf?" Schuldig chided, scowling down at the teens. He was beginning to get angry, and his eyes flashed. "Were you not listening to Chô, or did you just forget? Hm, and I thought only the old had Alzheimer's... "
"That's enough, Schuldig," Crawford spoke softly, and the German quieted down. He turned then to face Nagi and explained things slowly and rationally, Nagi having not heard any of Chô's 'important' speech and all.
"You see, once Mr. Chô realized that you and the gi---sorry, Tot---had a previous relationship, he was quite insistant that she become a permanent member. And the rest of us agreed as well."
"You mean you agreed because he told you to?!" Nagi couldn't believe his ears. Crawford shook his head and straightened himself out, the fiery- haired German wrapping his arms about the older man's waist.
"No, Nagi. I had Schuldig connect the three of us telepathically and discuss the matter, and we decided that we could do worse than have her as a fifth member. Plus, seeing as how it's mandatory that she be on this mission... If it were anyone else, we would never have considered the idea. But since we know how she fights, and have worked with her before... " Crawford smirked down at the stunned boy victoriously for a moment before:
"We decided she could stay on permanently."
If it weren't for his self-control, the boy might've hugged Crawford. As it was, his eyes were already becoming misty and he actually felt himself fighting the urge not to hug the American. The Irishman laughed at him, but the boy was too happy to truly care about what Farfarello thought of him at the moment.
"I... thank you."
As softly spoken as those words were, Crawford still heard them and smiled. Wrapping his own arms around the German, the older two walked off, but not before Crawford had the chance to glance back over his shoulder and call out, "Don't mention it!" The Irishman watched the happy children for a moment longer before he, too, followed the others to the car, leaving the teenagers alone in the rain.
'Thank you, Crawford,' Nagi thought quietly, smiling despite himself. He inhaled deeply, before spinning around on his heels, surprising the girl behind him.
"Tot! Oh, Tot, now we get to be together again!" he cried out joyously, lifting her from her feet and spinning her around, actually laughing as he did so.
At first she was shocked, and had screamed when he lifted her, but then Tot realized what was going on (more appropriately, how happy it made Nagi) and laughed as she was spun about in the air. The boy set her down, both of them smiling warmly.
"Oh Nagi-kun!" Tot cried out, hugging his arm close to her heart. "We finally get to live together!"
Nagi could only smile, not able to string enough superlatives together to voice the joy he felt in his heart. All he could do was smile at her as her sweet head fell onto his shoulder and gently run his fingers through her rain-soaked hair.
"You're right, Tot," he whispered softly, his voice drowned out by the car's engine and the pounding rain. "We're finally together, just like I promised you... "
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A/N: ^_______________^ Prologue-ish. A ha ha... trust me, things won't stay so happy for much longer. Believe me when I say, "cliché D-I-D-ness in upcoming chapters."
All feedback is good. Flames are good as well. I am a pyromaniac, and therefore, anything related to or pertaining to fire is good. Flames = fire, therefore, flames = good. ^______^
---Gangsta Videl
(*) The men that Schwarz are working for? Ya gotta love the names. "Shonen Mahô" means "Magic Boy" in English, and "Chô Mizu" means "Super Water."