~A Fool's Paradise~
Author:
Danaeyl Panthernopaeus.
XxX
There was a sinking feeling. I knew that something bad was going to come of this mission. I tried not to think about it. If I didn't think of it, it wouldn't happen. That was my ridiculous reasoning behind it.
The party had ended quickly last night. I didn't have a problem with it. Ginji asked if he and I could sleep there for the night. I did have a problem with that. Emishi had been more than happy to accommodate us. I spent the remainder of the night standing outside, practically chain-smoking.
It had been a strange night. Kazuki seemed to have calmed down a great deal. When I walked outside, we didn't say a damn thing to each other. The silence we were in wasn't tense or awkward. It was as though we came to an unspoken, mutual agreement. We wouldn't attack each other if Ginji was around.
Well, I wouldn't anyway. And I certainly wasn't going to bend over backwards to be civil towards the threadspinner. If he made some cranky remark, I would make one back. I was beginning to think that Kazuki and Shido had a lot in common, as well.
Monkey-Man and I hated each other. There was no denying that. But what kind of hatred was it with Kazuki? It was an almost raw hatred. At least it was on his behalf. I was sort of indifferent towards it all.
Kazuki's bells chimed softly in the still night.
The rain had stopped hours ago, but a chill remained in the air. Kazuki shivered in his long sleeved shirt. I was tempted to say something, but didn't want to ruin the moment. If the string-master found it too cold, he would go inside.
I glanced at the threadspinner from the corner of my eye. I didn't actually realise what he was wearing. He had a long sleeved shirt on, which fell to mid-thigh, and that was it. I assumed he had underwear on, but I couldn't see it.
I always figured that Kazuki would be – what's the word? – uptight about his appearance. I thought he wouldn't want anyone to see him without pants on. At that moment, he looked more like a woman than he usually did.
He looked at me, and caught me staring. He didn't glare, nor did he blush. He just turned his eyes forwards again. I was beginning to think that Kazuki was dying inside. Or maybe he mellowed out more during the night, and didn't care how he was seen.
"So…" I started as I lit another cigarette.
"So," Kazuki repeated, pulling his ridiculously long hair over his shoulder. He petted it, and with the thickness and length that it was, it could be classed as an animal.
"Are you stealing more jobs from Ginji and me?" I asked lazily, sliding my eyes towards him.
"I have my own fee, just as you and Ginji-san do."
"Why the hell would we need a guide for a job?" I was getting crabby just thinking about it.
"Being a guide isn't my only talent. Unlike you, I am rather diverse."
I snickered. "Everyone knows how diverse you are, itomaki." I inhaled a breath of a smoke. "Let's face it. Anyone that sleeps with you gets the best of both worlds."
Kazuki tensed. If he were a cat, I was certain his hair would've bristled. I knew that he was tender about his appearance, despite how much he played it down. He disliked it when people mistook him for the opposite sex.
Kazuki sighed. "At least my partners get the best of something from me."
I narrowed my eyes. "And what is that meant to mean, itomaki?"
Kazuki stared at me. He didn't seem phased by my glare. He had been on the receiving end of it many times. "I only meant that while you talk a big game, you are probably only talk."
Suddenly, the question came back to mind. "What makes you more of a man than I?" I don't even remember who had asked it. So I had no idea why Kazuki saying that would bring it up.
"You'll never know, itomaki. I wouldn't want to deal with your hormones afterwards." I drew in a breath on my cigarette, blinking when it was cut in half.
"You shouldn't make assumptions based on your own flaws, Midou," Kazuki stated blandly.
I removed the cigarette from my lips, and dropped it to the ground. I watched as Kazuki reattached his bell to his hair, figuring he had won the little debate. I was far from over, and I wasn't going to let him get away with attacking my cigarette.
I stepped closer to him. He stood his ground. "You do not attack a smoker's cigarette, if you expect to live."
Kazuki's left eye flashed white. "Are you threatening my life, Midou?"
The cut on my left cheek throbbed in time with Kazuki's eye. I had no idea what was going on with the threadspinner. I knew next to nothing about him, and I decided that had to change.
"I thought you would have been used to death threats. You know, from the girls that see you eyeing off their boyfriends."
Kazuki narrowed his eyes and reached for a bell. I grabbed his wrist and swept his feet out from under him. He gasped quietly as he landed on the floor with a soft thud. He struggled to get his hand free, but I tightened my grip a little more. I knew he wouldn't want me to break any bones. And I couldn't really be bothered dealing with Kakei.
I smirked as I settled myself between his legs. I growled when he punched me with his free hand. I always thought that Kazuki would slap someone. I could feel a bruise beginning to appear already. His punches weren't anything to laugh at. It was like being hit by a truck.
I squeezed his slender wrist a little more, and he drew in a sharp breath. He glared at me with hatred, and I was beginning to find myself liking that look on his face. It was a look that only I received.
I knew that pinning Kazuki was a sure victory. At least that was what I was hoping for. I didn't expect his long legs to be able to twist around, and give him leverage. I don't exactly know how it happened. I just remember being dazed that I was on my back, with Kazuki straddling my waist.
He plucked a bell from his hair, and wrapped a string around my wrist. I narrowed my eyes and went to squeeze it more, when his words stopped me.
"If you tense that arm anymore, my thread will sever your hand."
I looked at the string. I had no idea why I doubted Kazuki's ability to be cruel. Maybe it was because he wasn't normally like that. I released his wrist and the string was removed. He recalled it and got to his feet. He looked down at me.
"Your ego is astounding," he stated before he turned, and walked inside.
I stayed where I was. I knew that my ego was going to be the death of me. It didn't change the fact that I liked having my ego that big. My pride was what kept me going. And probably sheer dumb luck, too.
I slowly got to my feet, and pushed my glasses further up my nose. I rested my back against a pole that kept the veranda up. I placed a cigarette between my lips, and pulled my lighter out. I looked over my shoulder as the rain fell, fast and heavy. The mere sound of it was deafening.
I watched as a cat jumped onto the veranda, and shook the water from its coat. It stared up at me with large, gold eyes. I frowned as it walked past me. Its eyes didn't leave mine, and I came to conclusion that I didn't like animals all that much. Especially cats. They always looked evil.
The cat pushed open the door, and slipped into the building. I had to raise an eyebrow at that. I couldn't see Emishi allowing the animals of Infinity Fortress using his house as a haven. It might not normally do that, but decided to because Monkey-Man was inside.
I brought the flame up on my lighter, growling when a gust of wind blew it out. I tried a further nine times, before I decided I wasn't going to be allowed my nicotine. I slipped my light back into my pocket, and lazily rolled the cigarette around my lips as I leaned my head back, closing my eyes.
My mind went to the job Hevn had lined up for us. I wanted to know why we needed Kazuki. If it involved the Infinity Fortress, I could see why we needed him. I guess it could be said that I didn't want him with us.
If the previous jobs were anything to go by, depending on the level of risk, we were likely to be split up. When it came to this hell, there was never such a thing as a 'straight forward job', despite what the clients said.
I opened my eyes as lightning flashed. It illuminated the glass pane on Emishi's door. I straightened, my eyes wider as I thought I saw someone inside. Whoever it was, was wearing a cat mask. When the lightning flashed again, there was no-one there. The area behind the door was empty.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. If I was seeing things, it was time I went to sleep. I had no idea what the time was, but knew I had to be up in a few hours. I entered the building, and looked down at the cat. It mewed at me and I snorted. Cats were not a good judge of character.
I made my way into the living room. Natsumi and Madoka had taken the spare bedroom, and Ren had returned home. The rest of us men were stuck in the living room. Ginji was sprawled out, taking up as much room as possible. Shido was sitting by the window, and Kakei was laying beside the sofa. I had tried fighting Kazuki for it, but I was outnumbered.
It was empty, and I couldn't see Kazuki anywhere else in the room. I shrugged and threw myself onto it. If he had gone to the bathroom, well, it was his loss. I closed my eyes and fell into a light sleep.
XxX
When I opened my eyes a few hours later, I looked around. Everyone else was still asleep, so I figured I was the first one up. That changed when I heard someone shuffling around in the kitchen. I figured it was one of the girls, and staggered to my feet.
The sofa was the most uncomfortable thing I had ever slept on. I made my way into the kitchen, and raised an eyebrow as I saw Kazuki making tea, and coffee for everyone. I wondered, briefly, if he had slept last night. He looked refreshed, and ready to face the day.
I collapsed into a chair. I waited as patiently as I could. I didn't say anything as Kazuki placed a mug in front of me. The scent of coffee woke me, almost immediately. From the living room, I could Kazuki waking everyone. I heard Ginji's whining and Shido's grunt.
I drank half my coffee, and then decided to search for the bathroom so I could freshen up. I finally found it, at the end of a long hallway. I looked at the shower. It had a mobile head, and I was perfectly fine with that.
I turned on the cold water. The pipes rattled but nothing happened. I looked at the head, and raised an eyebrow. It didn't appear to be blocked.
"Come on," I growled at it.
I shook the head, and sighed. It wasn't that surprising that it didn't work. I was inside the Infinity Fortress, after all. I reached over, and turned the water on a little more. Maybe that was all it needed.
The pipes rattled some more, and still no water.
"Ban-chan?" Ginji called as he entered bathroom.
I looked over my shoulder, just as the water finally decided to make an appearance. I cried out as the icy spray hit me. I dropped the head, but the force of the water was enough to have it whipping around.
I froze as the water hit my crotch. I was thankful when it slapped me on the chest. Ginji screamed as he was hit with the water, as well. I never would've thought that water could be so fucking cold.
"Turn it off, Ban-chan!" Ginji whined, and I glared at him.
"What do you think I'm trying to do, idiot?"
I reached for the tap, and slipped on the water that was on the tiled floor. I crashed into the bath. Ginji also slipped, but he fell backwards. I could feel myself drowning as the water filled my mouth, and went up my nose. I coughed and spluttered as the water was turned off.
I could hear the others laughing their asses off. I raised my head, and glared at them. Natsumi held her phone, and I had no doubt that she had been recording it. Monkey-Man was laughing the loudest, next to Emishi.
Kazuki stared down at me. His eyes sparkled with malicious amusement, and all I could think of was Doctor Jackal.
Kakei was inspecting Ginji, and found nothing wrong with him. He moved over to me. I ignored him, and got to my feet. I found every way possible to blame it all on Kazuki, but I didn't voice any of it. I knew my pride had been wounded, and there was no way I was going to make it worse by sprouting accusations.
I paid no attention to the pain that was radiating around my ribs. I narrowed my eyes as I looked into Kazuki's. My hands twitched, and all I wanted was to wrap my fingers around his elegant, slender throat. He wasn't laughing, but his silent mocking stung the worst.
I sloshed my way out of the bathroom, peeling off my white shirt. I went into the kitchen, and hanged my shirt over the back of a chair. I looked around for the time. It seemed no-one bothered to keep clocks, anymore.
Ginji bounded into the kitchen. He handed me a towel, and I snatched it from his hand. The least Emishi could do was give me a towel to dry off. I was still fuming, but anyone could sense that.
Natsumi entered as well. I could hear my voice on her phone as she replayed the video. "You look really good on camera, Ban-san," she remarked as she filled the kettle, and put it on to boil.
I snarled from beneath my towel, and picked up my mug. I drank what was left of my coffee, slamming the cup down. I draped the towel over my shoulders with a sigh.
"What time is it, Natsumi?" I demanded. I didn't care if I wasn't dry. I just wanted to get away from that place.
"Huh?" Natsumi looked at her phone, and then back at me. "Nearly quarter to seven," she answered.
Ginji and I would have to leave soon. I hoped that the blond idiot wouldn't ask Kazuki to ride along with us. If that did happen, I would kill us all. Or at least mess up so bad that we spend the next three years in intensive care.
"Do you think we call ride together, Ban-chan? Kazu-chan said something about getting a job offer from Hevn-san," Ginji said as though he was reading my mind.
"No," I snapped.
Ginji pouted, and I almost expected him to deflate. I hated it when he went like that. But I was sticking to my guns. I dropped the towel over my head again, and roughly started drying it. I could handle my body being wet, but not my hair.
Kazuki entered the kitchen, with the cups from everyone's breakfast drinks. He bid Natsumi farewell, and left. I was grateful for the towel. I removed it, dried my glasses and slipped them back on, as I got to my feet. I picked up my shirt, flicked it, and shuddered as the cold, wet material touched my slightly warmer skin.
I grabbed Ginji by the arm, and dragged him out of the building as he shouted a goodbye to everyone. Once outside, Kazuki was a few yards in front of us. I kept my eyes nailed the back of his head. I knew it was making him uncomfortable. I saw his shoulders tense.
I pulled out my drenched packet of smokes, and sighed wearily. The job that Hevn had for us had been be worth it. If not, I would kill that damned itomaki. I still had no idea why I would. I just wanted his smug face to be a memory.
The walk to Miss Ladybug was done in silence, on my behalf. Ginji was ranting about how much fun last night had been. He hadn't wanted it to end, but that a job would be good. I pushed my hair out of my eyes for a moment, and closed them.
I rolled my shoulders slightly. Someone was watching me. I causally glanced over my shoulder, and saw that the cat from last night was following us. I raised an eyebrow. The person I thought I saw in the window came to my mind.
I hadn't sensed anyone, which worried me. Whoever or whatever it was didn't seem to have a presence. If it did, I'm certain it would have disrupted everyone's sleep. I was left blank on it, and faced forward. If the cat wanted to follow us, it would have a hard time keeping up with the car. I smirked at the image that came to mind.
Kazuki and I felt it at the same time. Someone had a murderous gaze on us, and I looked over my shoulder. All I saw was the cat. Ginji noticed it a second later. None of us were sure if we wanted to find out what it was, and postpone the meeting with Hevn. I glanced at Kazuki, and he nodded. We would attend the meeting, and then find out who would be glaring at us in such a manner.
Kazuki waited for us. He walked on Ginji's right. We could feel the eyes on us, until we left the Infinity Fortress. I scanned over my shoulder as I unlocked the car. Kazuki walked on, and I was grateful.
I slipped in, unlocking the passenger door. Ginji was silent, and lost in thought. I stared ahead. I knew that we had enemies inside the Infinity Fortress, but I didn't think any of them were still alive.
The traffic slowed to a crawl.
Ginji turned to me. "Ban-chan?" he asked.
"What is it, Ginji?"
"What do you think this job is? I know I usually don't ask questions, but I've got a bad feeling about it."
That makes two of us. I smirked and shrugged. "Guess we'll find out once we get there. If this damn traffic ever moves!"
Ginji nodded. He stared out the windshield, and I knew something was weighing heavily on him. It could have something to do with the gaze we felt on us. I would never know. I learnt a while ago to not ask what he was thinking.
I heard the chime of Kazuki's bells. I checked the review mirror, and turned in my seat. I thought I saw the person in the cat mask, again. Ginji looked at me with concern, and I chalked it up to lack of sleep.
I kept checking the mirror. Last night made sense, as to why I thought I saw that person. Today, it made no sense. There wasn't any reason for my mind to be playing tricks on me.
A horn honked behind me. I glared at the person, and pressed the accelerator. I slammed on the breaks as the cat from the Infinity Fortress jumped onto the front of the car. The animal hissed at me, and ran through the cars.
The horn sounded again.
I was trying to get my heart to calm down. I had no idea how in the fuck that cat had made it here, without being killed. I floored the pedal, running through the lights before they changed colour.
I had a feeling that Hevn's job involved Syl Pharmaceuticals. I wasn't sure how much I wanted to know about them.
"He seems to be addicted to that place." Kakei's words ran through my head. Ren didn't know why they called themselves a pharmacy, but she admitted to not knowing much about them. Kazuki didn't seem like the type of person to get addicted to a drug.
What is going on? I asked myself, as I sped around cars, and between them. Why was nothing making sense? Oh, I knew why nothing was making no sense. I just wanted answers to my questions. Questions I didn't know I had.
Ladybug came to a screeching halt outside of the Honky Tonk café. I frowned as Kazuki calmly walked up to the door. I got out of the car, and rested against my door, placing a still soaked cigarette between my lips. My shirt was sticking to my back, and it was extremely annoying.
Ginji slowly got out of the car. He looked back at me, and I waved him into the café. It would be best if Hevn knew we were here, even if I wasn't in there. I stared up at the clear, blue sky.
"Ban-chan, we're needed," Ginji called from the door.
I nodded. I entered the café, and didn't even look at Paul. Natsumi probably didn't have work today, or was starting later on.
Ginji and I sat opposite Hevn and Kazuki. "Thanks for getting here, on time," Hevn started. She handed me a manila file. "The place that the client ––"
"Syl Pharmaceuticals," I interrupted without looking in the file. Kazuki tensed slightly. "They're the ones doing the human experiments?"
"I've never heard of Syl Pharmaceuticals," Hevn answered, narrowing her eyes at me for cutting in. "The place is called Kuroshi."
I opened the file, and looking through the contents. Syl Pharmaceuticals wasn't mentioned, but I got the feeling they were involved. "So why do we need a guide?"
Kazuki sighed, and took the first sheet of paper from the file. "You don't need a guide," he replied. "We need a priest."
Ginji crawled onto the table, to get a look at the address. "That's on the Beltline, isn't it?"
I snapped the file shut. I had never been on the Beltline, but I had heard about Kazuki's experience up there. I wasn't looking forward to it. "Our price just tripled."
Hevn nodded. "The client was expecting that. They're willing to pay any amount."
"What are we recovering?" I inquired, removing the cigarette from my lips. I had no doubt that there was a small yellow stain on them.
"They didn't call it by its name, only by the letters L and I," Hevn reported.
Kazuki took the file. He scanned the documents contained, and closed his eyes. "Shouldn't we all be together for this? I have a bad feeling that the LI is going to be like the IL."
Hevn shook her head. "The client was specific on who they wanted. They only wanted the GetBackers and the guide, Fuuchouin Kazuki."
I gazed at Hevn. "That's…very specific." My eyes slid over to Kazuki. He was the best guide in the country. His mind held more information than I could even think of.
"The price was right, and I didn't need anymore details. Of course, you don't have to take the job, Kazuki-kun." Hevn glanced at the threadspinner.
"They asked for me. I'm not going to disappoint whoever they are." Kazuki smiled.
"They also asked for the Prince of Terror. I didn't know who that was, so I informed them that he wouldn't be joining you." Hevn handed Kazuki a piece of paper. "This is the address they want you to meet them at."
Kazuki glanced at the paper. He closed the file, and got to his feet. "We should get moving now, then."
I smirked as Kazuki headed towards the door. "So eager to please," I said, just loud enough for him to hear. Kazuki decided to ignore me, but Ginji had a questioning look on his face.
"What makes you say that, Ban-chan?"
I slipped out of the booth, and shoved my hands into my pockets. "You probably wouldn't see it, Ginji. He's a lot like a puppy."
Ginji glanced at door. "I think Kazu-chan is more like nightshade."
I raised an eyebrow. Ginji was being dead serious about that, and while I agreed, my ego continued to tell me that all Kazuki and nightshade had in common was they were both delicate. I had never really seen Kazuki in battle, but I could guess that he was a formidable opponent.
I shrugged. I wasn't going to talk about the threadspinner. There wasn't anything to talk about. I followed Kazuki out of the café, and down the street. Ginji ran past me, stopping by Kazuki's side. They spoke gently between each other.
I froze when I saw the cat. Kazuki paused, got down on one knee, and held his hand out. The animal whined pitifully before it jumped into Kazuki's arms. The cat had its front legs over Kazuki's shoulder. I could swear the feline was glaring at me.
"I didn't know you had a way with animals, Kazu-chan!" Ginji grinned as he stroked the animal's white fur.
"They know who they can trust, Ginji-san." Kazuki started walking again.
I didn't think he would take the cat, but I've been wrong about him before. As we walked, my cigarette finally started to dry out a little. It still wasn't able to be lit, but I was willing to wait.
We passed an animal shelter, and Kazuki ducked inside to hand over the cat. Ginji went in with him, and I stared at the picture of the 'Dog of the Week'. It was some small rat of a dog, with a shoved in face. I didn't know the breed.
I always wanted a pet. I knew I would never be able to have one, but it was something that sporadically played on my mind. Usually whenever I saw someone walking their pet, or I passed by a pet store. I was then quickly reminded of why I didn't have one.
It wasn't a money issue. There were a lot of animals that were going for free. It wasn't a housing issue. Though, it would be handy to have a place. It was a time issue. The jobs that Ginji and I went on could last a while, especially when they involved the Infinity Fortress. And there was the fact that Monkey-Man would refuse to leave my pets alone.
I didn't want to return home one day, and have my animals attack me for no reason.
I looked through the glass, at Kazuki. Ginji was running around, trying to look at as many animals as he could. Kazuki was talking to a worker, while stroking the cat. I looked at my reflection, and once again, saw the person in the cat mask behind me. If it wasn't for the fact that there was a glare, I would think that person was my guardian spirit.
I spun around. My fingers wrapped around the throat of the person, and I pinned them to the glass, which cracked under the force.
"Why are you following me?" I demanded.
I heard Ginji gasp. "Ban-chan, what are you doing?"
I winced as something thin cut the top of my hand. I looked at the wound, and then at Kazuki, who was returning a bell to his hair. I looked at the person I was pinning to the window, and released them. I had a middle aged, business man there.
Ginji quickly went about apologising for my behaviour, and Kazuki made a few snide remarks about my sanity level. There was a mention of me forgetting to take my medication, as well. I didn't care what Kazuki said. I had been worried about Kazuki attacking random people, but I was the one doing it.
"Oh, my," a voice said, and my blood chilled. I hated that voice. "What a surprise. I must walk through this city more often."
I glared at Akabane. "Keep walking, creep."
Akabane smiled at me. I could never tell if he was being sincere with those smiles, or deceptive. "Why would I do that, Ban-kun? I am simply having too much fun watching this little display."
"There is nothing more to see here," Kazuki stated.
Aabane's eyes opened, and he lost the smile. Kazuki had never been that short with anyone before. The jackal stared at Kazuki for at least two minutes. He smiled again, and nodded.
"You are right, little Kazuki-kun," Akabane said as he walked up the street, without another word.
I looked at threadspinner. He had his attention on the man I had assaulted, who was looking much better than he previously had. I was grateful when he said he wasn't going to press charges. If he did, I would have killed him then. No-one likes being wanted for murder.
I pushed my glasses up my nose. "Look, if he's okay, then we should be moving on."
The man gave us a nervous grin, straightening his jacket. "Yes, you probably should. I think I've taken up enough of your time."
I gazed at the man. It all seemed a little strange. I would have hung around, and asked questions, but I didn't want to pay for the window I had damaged. I nodded at the man, grabbed Ginji's left arm and Kazuki's right, and dragged them down the street. When we turned a corner, I released them.
"Are you okay, Ban-chan? It isn't like you to attack random people." Ginji stared at me with large, worried eyes.
I raised a hand, placed it on his head, and ruffled his hair. "I'm fine, Ginji. I've just been a little stressed lately." Kazuki snorted. I glared at him.
Ginji seemed happy with my answer. He skipped a few paces ahead of me, and the threadspinner. I glanced at Kazuki. He had his eyes lowered. He almost looked as though he was to start crying.
"You got the Jackal's attention back there," I remarked casually, looking down at my cigarette. I was still waiting for the damned thing to dry. "I don't think that's a good thing."
Kazuki raised his eyes to the sky. There were dark storm clouds in the distance. "I think he was more interested in you and Ginji-san. He doesn't see me as a threat."
I thought I heard a touch of disappointment in Kazuki's voice. I had to be hearing things. I doubted Kazuki would care if Akabane saw him as a threat or not. I subconsciously raised my hand to my left cheek, and tenderly touched the cut on it. I would've thought that the time I spend in the Infinity Fortress would have been enough to heal it.
"Ginji-san, stop," Kazuki called softly. Ginji looked over his shoulder. "We're here, Ginji-san."
I looked up at the building. I was having major flashbacks to when we had to meet the client for the IL. I opened the door, and stepped in. My eyes darted around. I wasn't going to be taken by surprise.
"Welcome," a voice boomed from somewhere. "We're glad that you all made it."
As I looked around, I saw cameras were set up, along with a sound system. The clients probably weren't anywhere near us. It made me think of MakubeX. He hadn't been at the party last night. I can't believe I didn't notice it then.
"Hello," Ginji called. "Where are you?"
"Somewhere safe. We would be there in person. We didn't want to put ourselves at risk, though."
"We?" I repeated. "Just how many are there of you?"
"Enough, for now. Our numbers are shrinking."
Kazuki stood beside Ginji. "You wanted us to meet you here. What else do we need to know?"
"You know where you are heading, in the Infinity Fortress. You know that the Kuroshi is located in the Beltline. You need to speak with the boy that calls himself MakubeX."
I glanced around. We weren't alone in that abandoned building. "What could computer boy tell us that you can't?"
"He has investigated the deaths, before it came to our attention. He could tell you more than we could."
I stared at one of the cameras. There had been nothing mentioned about deaths in the file. I was beginning to feel as though we were only getting half of the story. Instead, I asked something I had been waiting to know for a little while. "Why did you want itomaki here to be with us?"
There was a long silence. I was starting to think they weren't going to answer. "We need the best. Fuuchouin Kazuki is the best. Just as you and Amano Ginji are the best. That's what we heard, at least."
"You asked for the Prince of Terror, as well. Why?" Kazuki inquired. His eyes slid from camera to camera, but I got the feeling he could sense the other presence.
"The Prince of Terror will be needed for what you encounter on the Beltline. We were told that Hevn-san could not get a hold of him. However, he is he ––"
"What can you tell us about the experiments?" Kazuki interrupted.
I raised an eyebrow. It wasn't like Kazuki to get impatient. Unless he didn't want us to hear what they were going to say. I was going to assume they were about to say the Prince of Terror was in the building. It could be the other presence we were sensing.
There was another long pause from our clients. "That is something you will have to see for yourself."
"You aren't being very helpful," I shot at them. "We don't even know what we're recovering."
"It is a data file known as LI. We need that file, and all evidence of it destroyed. And this concludes our meeting. I believe MakubeX is waiting for you."
Ginji turned to me. "I'm really not liking this, Ban-chan. It feels too much like the recovery of the IL."
"There is a major difference between that mission, and this one." I tested my cigarette, hoping it was dry enough to smoke. It was close enough. "The only member of that crew we have with us is itomaki here."
I lowered my eyes as we left the building. I would've thought they would have hired a transporter, just to be on the safe side. What the hell was Jackal doing in the city? He hated being here. There was no way he would be here, just for a stroll. It was possible that the people who ran Kuroshi had hired him. What would they need him to transport, though?
Kazuki suddenly gasped. He clutched his right shoulder, and closed his eyes. The file dropped to the floor, and Ginji paused. I raised an eyebrow as Ginji walked up to the threadspinner, picking up the file. He went to place a hand on Kazuki's shoulder, but Kazuki jerked away.
"Don't touch me."
Ginji hesitantly backed away. I, on the other hand, didn't give two shits. I sauntered up to thread-boy, and removed his hand. I wanted to know what was causing him to flinch. Syl Pharmaceuticals came to mind. I didn't want to think about it.
Kakei's words ran through my head again. I really didn't want to think about it. Naturally, it didn't matter what I wanted. My mind played through various scenarios, each one worse than the previous.
Kazuki jerked back from my touch. "You two head on without me," he said, squeezing his shoulder more. "I'll catch up in a few minutes."
"We can't leave you here defenceless, Kazu-chan," Ginji replied as he danced around, trying to figure out a way he could be useful without touching the threadspinner.
Kazuki smiled at his former leader. "I'll be okay, Ginji-san. I promise. We can't keep MakubeX waiting any longer."
Ginji looked at the Infinity Fortress, and then back at Kazuki. He repeated a few times, before he shook his head. "MakubeX will understand why we're late. He cares about you, too."
"I'll be fine," Kazuki growled.
The cut on my cheek throbbed, and I knew that Kazuki's eye flashed white. "Okay, you win. We'll head on without you."
I walked past Ginji, took hold of the back of his jacket, and dragged him away from Kazuki. He kicked, and screamed the entire way. I wanted to get the job over and done with, as soon as possible. If Kazuki didn't want out help with whatever was hurting him, then fine. It was his choice. I wasn't his mother.
"Ban-chan!" Ginji's squirming got more violent. "We can't leave him there. What if someone attacks him?"
"Then it's their funeral," I replied quickly. Kazuki was only injured. He wasn't paralysed. I didn't see the reason why Ginji couldn't let it go.
Ginji finally stopped trying to get away. I didn't let go of his jacket, as I knew the moment I did, he would make a run for it. "I really hope he's going to be okay. Maybe I should bring it up with Juubei-kun."
I stopped walking. We were just outside the east entrance to the Infinity Fortress. Kakei hadn't mentioned anything about Kazuki being injured. Surely he would have noticed. Kazuki wasn't favouring any limb, though. Maybe that was why Kakei hadn't noticed anything wrong with him.
"If we run into him on the way," I began, walking and dragging Ginji, "you can mention it to him."
Ginji cheered happily, and I tuned him out. I doubted that Kazuki would open up to his friend. He seemed content on keeping everything a secret. He didn't want help from anyone. Maybe whatever the wound was embarrassed him? It was an option. But Kazuki didn't feel embarrassed around Kakei. They had been together forever. Hell, Kakei probably knew when it was the time of the month for the itomaki.
I sighed silently, as we entered the Infinity Fortress. I had no idea where MakubeX was holed up, and I knew Ginji would just get us lost. I kept hold of Ginji, and lit the cigarette that had been between my lips since we first started this mission. I hadn't gotten a chance to light it before. And there was no way I was going to wait for Kazuki without smoking.
Somewhere, in the darkest recess of my mind, I actually liked the look of pain on Kazuki's face. In the meantime, I hoped he would be get better soon. We didn't have all day to wait around for him.
XxX
End Chapter II.
I don't like this chapter. Once I've completed the story, I will do a complete revision of it (yes, the whole story). Until then, please enjoy this crappy chapter.
Also, please review.
