A/N: Okay, here's the next chapter. Don't really have much to say this time around, but I hope you guys enjoy it. I'm pleased to mention that it's being read now!! Yay!!

"War record?" Ginji exclaimed. "Akabane participated in the war?"

"That's what it says. Only for four months, though," Paul told him. "It says he left for personal reasons. But here's the really interesting part-it says he went to serve as a doctor on the battlefield."

"What!?" Ban and Ginji shrieked. "Akabane, a doctor!?"

"That's what it says."

"Where are you getting this info?" Hevn asked.

"I found an old bio in the government's records. I have a friend who pulled some strings awhile back and lets me look into their archives."

"Hm," Hevn mumbled, "So the infamous Dr. Jackal served as a doctor in the war, but quit after four months in service. That's a little odd."

"A little?" Ban exclaimed in shock. "The guy's a cold-blooded murderer!"

"Hm," Ginji said, scratching his chin in thought, "Maybe the war messed him up mentally or something."

"At any rate, it's a start," Hevn said, "But there's still no link between him and Ms. Miyazaki that we know of."

Ban smirked and hummed as the doors jingled. He took his cigarette out and nodded. "I don't know about that, Hevn," he said, glancing over at the person who just came in, "From the look on Himiko's face, I'd say we've got a lead."

//ooo//

Ms. Miyazaki sat on her sofa with Miki sitting in her lap, purring happily after having eaten recently. Her brother, Yuki, was still chowing down in the kitchen. Ms. Miyazaki scratched Miki's ears and smiled. "You two are the lights of my life, you know that?" she told Miki. Miki continued to purr, kneading her paws on Ms. Miyazaki's leg. She winced and chuckled. "I kind of wish I could have you de-clawed, but I made a promise not to do that, Miki."

She glanced back at Yuki, sitting in the kitchen with his food bowl. She reached up and fingered the white ribbon still tied around her neck. Then she gently placed Miki on the floor and got up, moving over to the balcony. She opened the door and stepped out into the cool night air. Miki rubbed up against her legs, purring. Ms. Miyazaki sighed, leaning on the railing. She was on the top floor of the condominium complex she'd once shared with her grandmother. It was hard to believe it had already been six years since she died. She'd left her a substantial inheritance that allowed her to remain in this place. But the drawback was that without her grandmother, Ms. Miyazaki was now all alone at the still-tender age of twenty-seven. There had been one person that would have probably made the difference, but that was pretty much over, now. Still, she missed those days.

"I miss you, too." she whispered to this person. "How are you doing now, I wonder?"

She turned back when the phone began to ring suddenly, scaring Yuki out of the kitchen. She went back inside and grabbed it on the seventh ring. "This is Kannaya Miyazaki," she mumbled. "Oh, it's you. Look, I did the job, those two are dead; what more do you want?...No, I insist he get a cut of the pay as well. This was a very dangerous mission and it's the least I can do to thank him...No, I don't want to debate about it; you divide it up equally and give him his damn share! Do you understand?...Don't bring that person into this! Just give the kid his god-damned share! Good bye!"

She slammed the phone down, breathing heavily. She wanted so badly to cry right now, but didn't let herself be taken in by her own emotions. Instead, she scooped up Miki and with Yuki running at her heels, she went back into her bedroom, changed into her nightgown and burrowed beneath the covers. With Miki on one side and Yuki on the other, she switched off the light and curled into a ball, slowly feeling the warm tears slip from her eyes and into the pillow. Knowing she couldn't hold it back any longer, she gave up and cried herself to sleep.

//ooo//

Himiko wandered in, carrying a stack of papers in her arms. She set them on the counter and fixed Ban and Ginji with a look of no-nonsense. "Okay boys, I dug up what I could. Believe me, the Jackal is hard to pin down, but I think I got some good leads."

"I hope so. Paul found out that he participated in the war as a doctor on the battlefield," Ban said. Himiko sighed. "Well, there goes some of my info. I found that, too. I couldn't find his reasons for leaving, but from what else I found, it seems he became a transporter soon after leaving. It turns out he quit not only his position in the war, but also his entire career. I managed to track down an old classmate of his from college. It took eight different tries, but I finally found out that he attended college in America and graduated top of his class."

"Woah," Ginji said, "I guess the guy's smart. But why America?"

"I was getting to that. He was only twenty when he graduated. This means that he skipped some grades earlier in life."

"Y-You mean-?" Ginji stammered. Himiko nodded. "Yup. We're dealing with a child prodigy, here. American colleges are used to accepting kids who've skipped grades. I suppose it made sense for him to continue his schooling out there. Anyway, I managed to get in touch with a classmate of his out there. The guy's name is Andrew McCarthy. I asked him if he remembered going to school with a man named Kuroudo Akabane. He said that he recalled him well. I asked him to look up some more info for me so we'll probably hear from him, soon."

"Man," Ban grumbled, "So Akabane was a child prodigy who went to medical school in America, then went to the war as a doctor of all things, quit and then became a transporter and merciless killer?"

"Before you get all disappointed, I did manage to find one more thing. Akabane wasn't just a doctor; it turns out he was a highly skilled surgeon, well known in the medical world by the age of twenty-four. And get this, he at one time worked in the hospital in Hokkaido."

"So why is that big?" Ban asked.

"Because of the info I found on Ms. Miyazaki," Paul interrupted. "I'm guessing Himiko must have found the exact same info. Remember? She was originally from Hokkaido."

Ban and Ginji exchanged glances and Ban sighed heavily. "Okay, so now we have a slight lead on how they could have possibly met. But there's still no clear connection."

"It's better than nothing," Hevn said. "But the Jackal, a doctor? It's really hard to believe."

Ginji grinned. "At least now we know where the scalpels came from," he said.

"Yeah," Ban said. "But why on earth did he give up a successful job as a surgeon to become a measly transporter?"

"Something must have happened to him." Ginji suggested. "Something so bad, it completely changed him. But how does Ms. Miyazaki fit into all of this?"

"Not sure," Himiko said. "But I'll keep looking and let you know as soon as I find out."

"Great," Ginji said, "Thanks, Himiko."

Himiko gathered up her information and left. Ban and Ginji were then left to think about the information they'd received.

"You know, I almost feel sorry for the guy," Ginji mumbled.

"Huh?" Ban said, stunned.

"Well, I don't know what happened to him to make him quit everything he'd worked for, but whatever it was had to have been devastating. I wish I could ask him."

"Yeah, but you'd just get a knife down your throat in the process." Ban muttered, lighting up a cigarette.

Hevn sighed, "Well boys, I'm going to head home. I'll keep digging around and hope I find something."

"Thanks," Ban said as Hevn left, too. Behind the counter, Natsumi finished drying some dishes and sighed. "This is kinda worrisome." she said.

"What is?" Paul asked.

"Ms. Miyazaki seems to be such a nice lady. But when I met her, she seemed so sad and empty. It was like she was dead on the inside."

"I kinda got that same feeling, Natsumi," Ginji said. "But what is the connection between her and Akabane?"

"With any luck, we'll find out soon." Ban said. Natsumi hummed, stared down at the counter and then smiled. "I know! I can go and visit Ms. Miyazaki tomorrow on my day off! Maybe that'll cheer her up!"

"Do you even know where she lives?" Ginji asked.

"Uh, well, no." Natsumi sighed. "I guess that was impulsive."

"Not necessarily," Paul said, still typing on his laptop, "It seemed to me that Ms. Miyazaki took a liking to you, as most people usually do," he said with a smile. Ban and Ginji both nodded. "Yeah. Maybe you can get her to tell you what's going on." Ginji suggested. Natsumi smiled. "Maybe. But I really do want to see if I can help. She just seemed so, I don't know, lonely. You know?"

"Yeah. But who knows? Maybe we'll get through to her." Ginji answered. He yawned widely. "Well, I'm gonna call it a day. Being an assassin's assistant is tiring."

Natsumi watched them leave and sighed. Paul glanced up. "Is something wrong, Natsumi?"

Natsumi didn't answer right away. She was staring down at the counter with a faraway look in her eyes, as though she were thinking very deeply about something. Paul frowned, but didn't press further. Sometimes, Natsumi could be a very strange girl.

//ooo//

Across town, someone else was deep in thought. Standing on the roof of a building, Dr. Jackal stared across the city, lost in his own head. This was a luxury he didn't get to indulge in that often. Constantly on the watch kept him living on a knife's edge, not that he didn't enjoy it. Even so, he still heard it as someone approached from behind. He raised his hand, producing four knives in an ominous warning to the intruder.

"Watch yourself," he said, "I'm hardly in a mood to be sociable right at the moment."

"It's only me, Dr. Jackal." Himiko grumbled. He lowered the knives, pulling them back into his hand. "Ah, Ms. Kudo. I understand you've been doing a little undercover work as of late."

"How'd you know that?"

"I have some reliable sources. Mind telling me what you've been digging up?"

"Yes, I do mind. What I do is none of your business. However, I do have a question for you."

"Go right ahead."

"Do you know someone named Andrew McCarthy?"

Akabane froze up, his hand twitching. Himiko took an impulsive step back, even fully aware of the fact that she couldn't outrun him if she tried.

"Andrew McCarthy," Akabane repeated. "Ah, my old college friend. It's been awhile. How did you know about him, Ms. Himiko?"

"He called today, asking to speak with you. I told him I'd give him your number so he could talk to you directly."

Akabane turned slightly, his one visible eye a mere slit as he stared at her. He seemed to be contemplating her request. Finally, he sighed and made his way over, pulling the rim of his hat down over his face. "My apologies, Ms. Himiko, but I don't wish to speak to him at present."

Himiko watched him warily as he made his way past her, toward the staircase leading back down. She whirled. "So what am I supposed to say if he calls again?" she snapped.

"Whatever you'd like, of course."

Himiko scowled. "Jackal, do you know how irritating you are?" she shrieked. He glanced back, smiling. "Indeed I do. I do my best, after all. Have a good night, Ms. Himiko."

Himiko shook her head and sighed. "What a weirdo." she muttered.

On his way downstairs, Akabane ran through their conversation again. Andrew had been present at the hospital that day, the day that pretty much caused everything to snowball. Akabane figured that investigation was being done into matters that were none of their concern. But he knew there wasn't much he could do about it. After all, even if they found out the truth, things couldn't be the same again and he knew it.

Akabane pulled the rim of his hat down again, his eyes strangely empty, almost sad. "So it's beginning then? Well then, I wish you luck." he muttered.

//ooo//

The next day found Ban and Ginji sitting in the Honky Tonk watching Paul read the paper while Natsumi brewed some tea. Earlier that morning, Paul had announced that he'd found Ms. Miyazaki's address for Natsumi, who still wanted to go over and see if she could help in any way. Ban was starting to have second thoughts, however. He wasn't sure about Ms. Miyazaki.

"She could be just as dangerous as Akabane is." he said. "After all, from what Ginji said, she kills just as heartlessly."

"Yeah," Paul said, "But Akabane kills indiscriminately. Those men Ms. Miyazaki killed last night were terrorists."

"Yeah," Ginji said, "Besides, she seems nice."

"Last night you were saying she gave you the creeps." Ban muttered. Ginji shrugged.

Natsumi sighed. "Well, seeing as it's my day off, I'll go visit her anyway. Hevn said she'd come along with."

"Huh?" Ban exclaimed. "Hevn?"

"Yeah," Paul said, "I told her the address and she's going there with Natsumi. Maybe you guys will get some answers this way."

Natsumi took off her apron and hung it up on the rack behind the counter. "Well, I'll see you later guys!" she said just as the door opened and Hevn stepped in. "Morning. Oh, hey Natsumi, you ready to go?"

"Yup."

"Wait! Wait a second!" Ban yelled. But they ignored him and left without a word. Ban thumped his head on the counter and groaned. "No respect." he growled.

//ooo//

Ms. Miyazaki sat out on the balcony with Miki in her lap and Yuki dozing beside her on the deck. She'd decided to wear a plain pear of jeans with a black shirt that had a white embroidery pattern on it. She'd braided her hair and draped it over her shoulder. As she stared out at the city of Shinjuku, she found herself being drawn back into old memories; of when her parents died and she attended their funerals. Of when her grandmother had to to the hospital for surgery. Of when after the surgery-

She whirled when the doorbell rang suddenly, leaping to her feet and scattering poor Miki. She made her way to the door, pausing to grab a knife from the counter on her way. "Just a second!" she called. Brandishing the knife, she cautiously reached up to look out the peephole. Her grip on the knife relaxed and she threw it back into the sink from where she stood. She opened the door. "Hevn, Natsumi? What the heck are you doing here?" she asked. Natsumi smiled. "We decided to pay you a little visit." she said. Ms. Miyazaki frowned, but shrugged and ushered them inside. "Make yourselves comfortable. I'll make some tea." she said. She went into the kitchen alcove and took out the kettle. Natsumi followed her in, glancing into the sink at the knife. "Um, this thing is clean. Why's it in the sink?" she asked.

"I thought you guys were intruders, so I took it with me," Ms. Miyazaki said without looking up. Natsumi bristled in slight shock, but didn't reply. Hevn came in and leaned on the wall, watching her. "Nice place," she said. "It's very tasteful."

"My grandmother decorated it before she died." Ms. Miyazaki said. "I kept it the way it was because I grew up with it like this."

"Why did you live with your grandmother, again?" Natsumi asked. The warning look Hevn shot her instantly made her regret the question. Ms. Miyazaki turned the stove on to boil the water in the kettle. She sighed and folded her arms. "My parents were killed in a terrorist attack. Grandma took me in. I was only twelve."

"I see," Natsumi murmured. "I'm sorry."

Ms. Miyazaki turned with a smile. "Don't worry about it. I don't mind my life. In fact, I rather enjoy it on occasion."

"Why?" Natsumi asked.

"I'll show you." she said. She clicked her tongue rapidly in the direction of the back room. She then gently pushed Natsumi and Hevn up against the wall. "I'd stand back if I were you. We're about to have a stampede." she said. The floor began to shake as the sound of hurrying feet came dashing into range. Instantly, two black and silver streaks appeared in the kitchen, leaping up onto the counter and Ms. Miyazaki, who laughed. She pulled the smaller ball of fluff down and smiled. "This is Miki and the behemoth on the counter is her brother Yuki." she said. Natsumi gasped, her eyes wide, "Wow! They're even more beautiful in person!" she exclaimed. Ms. Miyazaki stroked Miki's back and handed her to Natsumi, who took her gently.

"They're a bit unusual," Ms. Miyazaki said, scratching Yuki's ears. "Maine Coons are typically shy and afraid of new people. These two adore everyone.

Miki was pure silver in color with big green eyes and lynx tips on her ears. Yuki was black on top with a pure white belly. He also had lynx tips and was noticeably bigger than Miki. His eyes were bright golden.

"I love them!" Natsumi exclaimed. Miki bumped her head up against Natsumi's chin while the girl scratched her ears affectionately.

"They do shed a lot though, being long-haired breeds. I comb them three times a week." Ms. Miyazaki told her. She pushed Yuki off the counter and got out the packets of tea. "What do you guys want?" she asked. "I have lemon, ginger and jasmine. Normally, I have a lot more variety, but I need to go shopping soon."

"Ginger sounds good." Natsumi said. "How about you, Hevn?"

"I think Ginger sounds fine." Hevn said. Ms. Miyazaki nodded. "Ginger it is, then. Why don't you go out front and wait?"

The inside of the condo was sparse, but tasteful. There were paintings of color abstract landscapes here and there, depicting a seaside, or a town or a field. In each one, there was a girl standing with her face obscured or facing away. She wore a white summer dress and hat with a pink ribbon. On her back were two feathery wings that seemed to stand out in a brilliant white and grow bigger in each painting. Natsumi gazed at each picture in turn. "They're beautiful," she said as Ms. Miyazaki came back in carrying a tray with cookies and the tea. She set it down on the coffee table in front of the sofa. "Thank you. I actually helped grandma paint those. She started me on my love of art. I actually have a small studio downtown. But I haven't visited it in years. Those paintings are her Mireille series. She painted two of them, but died before she could finish it herself. I took over and painted every other painting on the wall. It's not done, and I doubt it ever will be."

"Who's Mireille?" Natsumi asked.

"Mireille was my mother's name. As a boon to her memory, grandma painted mom as an angelic girl standing in various parts of the world. She doesn't live in just one time or place. She transcends time itself. Her wings begin small, but as she moves through her life, watching people and being unnoticed in return, they grow bigger and bigger. In the last painting, she'll finally be able to fly."

"Where is the last painting?" Hevn asked. "I count eight, but none of them show her flying."

Ms. Miyazaki picked Miki up off the floor and set her in her lap. "I told you; I haven't been to my studio in five years. It's still sketched out on its dusty canvas underneath the tarp."

"How come you don't finish it?" Natsumi asked.

"No time. Either that, or lack of interest. I lost my interest in art halfway through college. It just seemed meaningless to me after that."

Hevn and Natsumi exchanged glances. "Hey," Hevn said, "We wanted to ask you. Do you know Kuroudo Akabane?"

Ms. Miyazaki busied herself with scratching Miki's ears. Yuki jumped up beside her on the sofa. She sighed.

"I thought I did. I guess I was mistaken." she mumbled. "I'd rather not talk about it. Hevn, tell me, was my client too upset over my nearly getting caught?"

Natsumi frowned skeptically. She changed the subject quickly. Almost too quickly. Natsumi was as curious as everyone, now. Just what was the connection between them? What was the connection between Kannaya Miyazaki and Kuroudo Akabane?

Two hours passed and Hevn, Natsumi, and Ms. Miyazaki chatted about various things and points in their lives. All the while, Natsumi continued to notice the sadness in Ms. Miyazaki's eyes. Natsumi felt some kind of idea forming in her mind, but she was too afraid to wonder if it was true or not. She decided she'd think about bringing it up.

Finally, Hevn glanced at her watch and her eyes went wide. "Woah, is it that late already? Time sure flies when you're having fun."

"Yes, it does." Ms. Miyazaki agreed. "I hate to, but I'm afraid I'll have to say good night. I have an early job tomorrow morning."

"Yes, of course," Hevn said, "We'll be busy as well, right Natsumi?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, right!"

Ms. Miyazaki smiled faintly as they made their way to the door. Hevn opened it and Natsumi stepped out. She handed Miki back to Ms. Miyazaki and bowed. "Thanks for having us over," she said.

"Even though you guys forced your way in?" Ms. Miyazaki said wryly. Hevn and Natsumi giggled sheepishly.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Have a good night, you two." Ms. Miyazaki said. They left and she closed the door. Instantly, her smile faded and she hugged Miki closer.

"Damn it," she whispered into Miki's fur. "Why can't they just mind their own business?"

With that, she sighed, dropped Miki down onto the floor and went back out onto the deck. She wasn't going to sleep much, tonight.