So...hahaha-nervous laughter- i had some writers block on this story...sorry. But I did update! Be proud of me!!! n-n. Well um...might as well not make you wait any longer for the story...
Chapter 3
Consequences
Taki was driving her car back from a small grocery store where a newly purchased Pepsi and Snickers bar waited for consumption on the seat next to her. A familiar tune began to play on the radio and she smirked turning the volume louder and adding in her own voice occasionally to either familiar or favorite parts of the song. She hummed to herself as the car came to a slow stop at a light that only she waited at. Knowing it was a long light anyways she reached for the snickers bar and peeled back the wrapper. "I'd say this was earned!" She chirped cheerfully just about to bite into it when in the corner of her eye she saw a girl running wildly down the road.
Tilting her head confused she lowered the Snickers bar and then blinked a moment. As the running figure approached closer she saw the girl was the one from the casino early this evening. She rolled down the window, "Hey kid!" She shouted.
Lizzie immediately halted and looked at the car just a few feet away now. Inside was the woman from the casino today. She went to speak but really didn't know what to say. So she settled for just looking at the girl in the car.
"Um…are you okay?" Taki asked hesitantly. Lizzie opened her mouth to speak but then just shut it again. It was a simple question yet it had a complicated answer. Does replying, 'Hey I was sucked into a book and in an illegal casino where I know no one and really don't know where I'm going or what I'm going to do'…sound okay? Taki's eyebrows scrunched a little with disapproval at the lack of conversation. She really wasn't one to continue it. 'Oh Suzaku I'm not asking this…' "Do you need somewhere to stay? I know that Genro isn't the best of hosts…" Taki said trying to strike up the girl to speak. Knowing Genro he had probably kicked her out. Especially if she didn't have any money.
Lizzie scanned the car and Taki one final time. With hesitation she said, "Yah…."
Taki growled under her breath, 'Yah…what the hell kind of answer is that…' "Well then get in car." Taki said frustrated. What did she have to do make an invitation?
Lizzie looked taken aback and instinctively took a step in the opposite direction. "N-no…that's okay…"
"Fine if you want to sleep with the thieves around here be my guest!" Taki smirked with animated hand gestures.
With a gulp Lizzie ran to the car and got in on the passenger side buckling the seat belt quickly after. Which was good for her because soon after the light changed and Taki sped off. Lizzie wasn't really prepared for the night life Taki was accustomed too…hell Lizzie wasn't ready for the life Taki had.
"Well then you can stay with me and my buddy tonight…" Taki smiled genuinely. She flashed Lizzie a smirk and nodded to the Pepsi, "Fair warning…don't touch that…"
Lizzie laughed, "Why not…? What is that anyways?" Lizzie asked pointing to the Pepsi bottle.
The car came to a screeching halt on the side of the rode. With lightning fast movements the car was parked and Taki was looking astounded and appalled at the same time, "YOU DON'T KNOW PEPSI!!?!!?!" She shrieked in horror.
"No…" Was Lizzie's meek reply.
Taki's mouth dropped and she glanced around as if someone was going to pop out and say 'gotcha!' or something along those lines from a cheesy prank game show. "You have to have some!! NOW!" Taki said and reached for her pepsi just about to open it. She then froze. "Well…once you get your own bottle….this ones mine…." She grinned a little apologetically and her eyes held mirth. "Stay right here!" She said and soon was out of the car and went down to a small store down the road. A few moments later she returned with another bottle similar to the one that she had been possessive about. After swinging the door closed behind her as she sat in the car she shoved the bottle into Lizzie's hands. "Drink that."
"Why-" Lizzie began but was caught off abruptly.
"That wasn't an offer." Taki said impatiently. Lizzie gulped and nodded her head animatedly as she opened the bottle and took a swig. The bubbly soda fizzed in her mouth and she swallowed to soon after take another eager sip. Taki chuckled and seemed satisfied as she pulled off the curb and again resumed her drive home.
Taki parked the car in the small two-car garage and then with another press of the button locked the car as she went up a few steps to the door. She entered and carelessly threw her keys to a small counter that was there with out even glancing. A small clinging was heard signaling they had hit their target perfectly. After Lizzie entered she then turned and bolted the door behind her with the few numerous locks littering it. She had never been comfortable in her home with the doors unlocked.
She walked again sighing and running one hand through her hair while the other shoved the rolled up money quickly into a back pocket. 'Uh-oh…busted…' She inwardly winced as her best friend sat at the table arms crossed and eyes narrowed at her.
"Where were you all day?" He asked his mahogany colored eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Oh come on Houjun…not even a no da at the end?" Taki complained falling to rest on the frame of the door and looking at her cerulean haired friend. "I just don't understand why you flip so quickly…. it's only like-what….?!" She asked growing sharper in her tone as his eyes narrowed more and more with each word she said.
"It's about eleven Taki…and then let's try the fact you wouldn't answer your cell phone…" Houjun asked skeptically.
"Oops…" Taki winced out loud. "Sorry Houjun…I turned it off…."
"Why?!" He quizzed. "Taki I was worried sick! And you just stroll in like everything's fine!"
"Everything IS fine, Houjun," Taki said smirking and pushing off the doorframe. "I'm going to go take a shower…" She said turning around and heading toward a flight of stairs. "Oh and that's Lizzie…she's staying here for a while." She added in quickly.
Lizzie just blushed and watched her newfound friend leave her with a fuming man that now seemed startled at not seeing her previously.
Taki went up the flight and down a hall. A few minutes later she felt more comfortable clean and in a steamy room. She went down the hall to her room to change into a loose pair of PJ pants and one of Houjun's stolen shirts her wet hair clinging slightly to her face and neck.
Taki went down the stairs taking at least two at a time her left, still gloved, hand trailing on the rail while her eyes were closed content and a small smile on her lips.
Houjun waited for her at the bottom clearing his throat and now stood in front of her the money from her pocket gone and held accusingly in his hand.
The abrupt noise whirled Taki back to reality and she jumped slightly a hand held to her fast beating heart. "Damn Houjun DON'T do that to me!" Taki breathed relieved that at least it had been him and not some creep.
"We're you gambling?!" Houjun hissed wary of how loud his voice was.
Taki pulled back slightly her eyes narrowed, "Houjun you took that from my room!" Taki said accusingly back trying to avoid the first question.
Houjun was quick to snap back though, "It's illegal!!!"
Taki sighed replying, "I'm not five anymore! Give me back that money!"
Before Houjun could even respond there was a harsh pounding on the door causing both to turn and look at it startled as it rattled crazily in its frame. Taki's eyes were slightly wider while Houjun took a step forward. Taki went to follow but he put his arm up holding her back. "Stay there." He said walking to the door while placing the money in his back pocket.
Lizzie poked her head out. A long blonde ponytail hanging loosely over one shoulder while she wore a pair of pajamas that Houjun, as he called himself, got for her from Taki's room. He had her waiting in the living room and at the low whispers and then harsh pounding curiosity caused her to emerge.
Houjun looked through the peephole and saw two ruff-looking men at his door. Inwardly his heart was sinking but he unlatched the locks and opened the door just enough so he could be seen, "Yes no da?" He asked feigning to be tired and smacking his lips for added effect.
Lizzie went to speak but Taki quickly and lightly covered her mouth gently. Lizzie's heart began to race. She never knew that this time period even held anything remotely threatening…maybe she should have paid attention in history after all.
The two men at their door were an overly tanned color with dark hair and even darker eyes. The taller of the two stepped forward clothed in garments of leather and jeans. "Is the lil' missie home?" He asked smiling although it wasn't pleasant.
Houjun smacked his lips once again and looked up as if in thought then brought his eyes back to the man, "You mean Taki…? Naw…she's still out on the town…who knows when she'll be back…" He said slightly groggily.
Lizzie could feel Taki stiffen slightly at the voice and began to pull them both away from the door slowly and noiselessly.
At this the man sneered and suddenly shoved Houjun back violently catching him off guard. "We saw her pull into the garage." He hissed walking casually into the house through the now opened door his slimy partner following him in. The small front entryway was bare save for Houjun who was against the wall where he had been so rudely shoved.
"You can't just come barging into my home!" Houjun scowled a flame of anger burning in his mahogany eyes.
There was a small click as nonchalantly a third man held a gun pointing it straight at Houjun, "We can do whatever the hell we want…besides its the pretty ladies fault that she messed with our boss…" He smirked wickedly. Houjun's eyes narrowed into slits concealing some of the flame of hatred that blazed wickedly there.
Taki heard the thump and the small clash of the door hitting the wall. A sick feeling fell in the pit of her stomach and her green eyes flashed concern for the girl she was ushering up the stairs hurriedly. "What's going on?!" Lizzie whispered the fear in her voice apparent.
A feeling of slight protection emerged in Taki's heart, "Don't worry it's going to be okay." She said flashing a confident smile. Lizzie nodded lightly but it was apparent that she wasn't all that convinced. They turned onto the hall upstairs and harsh footsteps began to fall upon the stairs. A breath caught in their throats as Taki took Lizzie's hand and pushed her into a room quickly shutting and locking the door.
"Like that's going to do a lot of good." Lizzie commented dryly as she heard the door click locked.
"It buys us a few minutes…" Taki said back as though take it or leave it.
"Well alright then…" Lizzie muttered looking around the room, "Now what?" She asked as anxiety began to build in the room.
Taki swallowed again. The sickening feeling was getting worse and she could feel the fear slowly pumping through her veins. She moved from the door and moved Lizzie to a cabinet. She opened it and shoved with no care all the items to one side. "Stay in there…no matter what." She ordered as she helped Lizzie into the cramped cabinet. Lizzie looked disbelieving, "You're going to leave me?!" She asked heartbroken. This seemed like a question she had asked too many people in her life.
Taki froze at the words and glanced quickly over her shoulder as she heard the footsteps draw closer. She then faced Lizzie again, "I wont leave you…I'm going to protect you." She smiled softly. With that she closed the door on the stunned girl. Lizzie felt a new wave of protection. She wasn't going to allow them anywhere near the girl...not this time. Nor were they ever going to touch Houjun again. She'd see to that. There were a few minutes of climax as the door rattled. It didn't last long though as it was suddenly kicked in. Instinctively she took a step back.
A taller man that seemed unnaturally pale stood in the door way of the room. A black cloak swirling at the ends of his feet as he came to a stop. His hair was midnight black and was short all parted to one side. The only thing visible was one gold eye on the right side on account that the left side of his face was hidden by the veil of black hair. The gold eye was piercing but Taki didn't fail to notice the slight haze that covered it. In a gloved hand he held a gun that he seemed perfectly content at pointing at her.
"I take it you wont be so willing to hand over the money easily wench." He said with venom although his voice never altered pitch once.
"To you…?" Taki said confidently, "I think not." She said as if questioning how he could think of such a thing.
"Mhm." He said carelessly his eyes now fixed on her exact location although they didn't reach her own eyes. "So you've decided to waste my time." He said and looked as though still emotionless. "I don't think you'll enjoy the consequences of that." He added.
"I believe you're wasting mine." Taki said darkly as she suddenly dashed to the other side of the room with a harsh wind behind her. From there she pulled a gun from the cushions of an old coach. She fired at the man but it seemed he was gone in a matter of seconds wasting bullets as they impaled the wall behind where he once stood. "What the-" She began only to have the wind knocked out of her.
The man held her wrist painfully in his own, "Drop it wench." He ordered in a hushed tone.
"Rot in hell Bastard." Taki spat rebelliously. With those words spoken there was a sickening crunch and a strangled cry that was held back as Taki bit her bottom lip. The gun clattered to the floor as her wrist fell limp in his hand shattered within his grasp.
"I'm sure I will one day…" the man replied a smirk on his heartless lips. "Why don't you go there now and I'll join you later?" He asked smoothly with an icy and detached tone. There was a shot that rang out and echoed through the silent house. Taki's breath caught in her throat for the second time that night as her uninjured hand rested over her stomach where a red viscous liquid began to ooze. Slowly she collapsed to her knees her eyes wide and staring forward. Her breath finally seemed to come to her but it was choked.
The man turned and left his cloak fluttering lightly behind him as he exited the room. "You killed her?" asked one of the first men at his appearance.
"I shot her." He corrected.
"But we got the money from the man…" the second asked confused.
"And?" he questioned heartlessly. Neither of the other men spoke but followed silently after him leaving behind the gagged and tied Houjun to the chair who was coming out of shock from the recent noise and screaming inaudibly as he tugged at his binds. They didn't even bother to shut the door.
So um...I wanted to reply to reviews here. Because even though for some reason it didnt let you guys last time you were still amazing and emailed me!! Which i adored! But wanna know the problem? I saved them on a different computer hahahaha. -not really funny actually- and the problem with that is that means i can't reply to them...my sincerest apologies. for somereason today wanted to be messed up. lol. well i hope you liked the story!! and bum bum bum...i kno yes...im evil...i didnt update in forever...i cant reply to reviews...and...i left a cliff hanger! WOW thats one whacked up chater. lol. oh and by the way a new evil character came into play here. hehe. n.n
PLEASE REVIEW!!!!
-miracle
