Just as Paul opened up the café and walked outside to turn the closed part of the sign to open, he saw a figure in the corner of his eye. Turning to that figure it was Natsumi walking up to him. "Well, good morning Natsumi"

Natsumi greeted him with a warm smile. "Good morning." as she clocked in ready for her day, her first day back in a long three months. Tying the apron around her she looks to the front window. The suns morning light casts her young skin in a warm glow. Everything seemed in slow motion to her. Her vision turned into what was like a memory, and outside beyond the window was two blurred figures, one small one and a larger one running about in the view of the window. Natsumi tried to make out who they were but reality kicked in when the sound of the door bell rang in her ears. It was the first set of customers. She properly greeted them and gave them menus as they sat down at the seat of their choosing.

"We would like some coffee please to start with while we decide." The gentleman said. Natsumi smiled and bowed her head.

"Coming right up."

Paul had just come out of the back room to grab a large plate. Natsumi passes him up with a smile. "So, our first customers of the day?"

"Yep." she replied. Before Natsumi reached for their cups; she looked back to the front window. 'I wonder what that was?' she thought inquisitively.

Time flew by and for a few hours business was slow. Natsumi had cleaned everything and was just standing there starring outside.

"I'm going upstairs real quick."Paul said.

"Ok." Natsumi replied. She watched him go upstairs when her eyes then went to the outside area behind the café.

Five minutes passed and Paul finally came back down. While walking around the corner he didn't see Natsumi behind the bar. "Natsumi?" he said just as Ban and Ginji stroll on in.

"What's up, you look like you lost something?" Ban asked.

"Yeah, it's Natsumi; I don't know where she went."

"Not again." Ginji complained.

Ban whacked him upside his head. "If she were smart she wouldn't pull that a second time you …" Ban paused as his eyes were fixated towards the back of the café and beyond the windows.

"What is it?" Ginji asked.

"I think we found her?" Paul said also looking.

Opening the door that leads to the fifty by fifty foot patio area saw the very person they were looking for. Landing from high above, crouched down, a hand placed on the chunky brick floor and her hair draped down was Natsumi. Her breathing was focused and steady. She looks forward as to instantly vanishing. Reappearing; she stood in a fighting stance. Calmly exhaling she exploded with various martial arts moves. From rotating spin kicks, jabs, to wild and fast back hand move with a counter or clock-wised spin. Even from summersaults, back handed springs were elegant and jaw dropping. They were unreal, mixing her speed with the power of physical strength. An explosive combination that filled the air with sound waves of her movement and the guys could not believe it.

"Whoa…" Ginji was astounded and literally.

Paul put his hands on his head. He was freaking out; he thought she was going to get hurt and Ban stood there amazed at what that sweet young woman has accomplished in only three short months. Natsumi finally noticed them standing there looking at her and stopped instantly in surprise. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to disturb you guys." she apologized with her sweet smile.

"You aren't hurt are you?" Paul hollered.

Natsumi was dumb founded. "Um, no I'm just fine I was training that's all."

"Wow Natsumi you looked awesome doing all those twists and turns, flips and … man you had me wanting to spar with ya!" Ginji exclaimed.

Natsumi was shocked. "Well I hardly think I'm anywhere as good as you or Ban." she smiled back.

Ban dimmed his eyes."Natsumi …"

Natsumi looked down. She just knew what Ban was going to ask her. Before she could even utter a single word Hevn blasts through the door. "GUYS!" she hollered loudly making Paul jump out of his skin, and literally.

"Woman!" he screamed.

"Sorry Paul I'm just in a hurry to get here because I have a job for Ban and Ginji!"

Ginji and Ban turn to her with their eyes lit up like puppy dogs.

"No way, really Hevn?!" Ginji asked.

"Oh yes, and this one is a big one too!" she replied with a grin.

"Hevn what would we do without ya!" Ban smiled.

Then Hevn's eyes turn to Natsumi. "Oh, and you are in on it too missy."

"WHAT!" Paul, Ban, and Ginji said at the same time, just knocked for six.

Natsumi's eyes widened largely. Did she just mention her too? Was she hearing things? I mean common why would she be brought into a job as well. That kind of stuff is not her cup of tea. All she wants to do is know how to defend and protect herself and those she holds dear to her. Well innocent bystanders too. "Um, Hevn, why am I being drug into it too?"

Hevn placed her hands on her hips, sure of herself on this one and just smiled at her. "Let's all go inside, sit down and after I explain the details you will know why I need you on this one too Natsumi."

"Ok …" Natsumi replied back not sure about it, but what the heck it couldn't hurt to hear her out.

The boys began to head in as Ban passes by Hevn closely. "Whatever you have planed I don't want her involved Hevn." he whispered deeply as if he warned her.

Hevn looked at him; her eyes widened in shock and curiosity. "Ban we need her for this one. This is a very particular job that needs Natsumi's strength both physical and mental. Otherwise I would not have mentioned her name at all … just hear me out Ban and you will see ok?" she winked at him with her smile. So sure of herself that it will be all right.

"I hope so Hevn I really do hope so." Ban said walking inside.

Natsumi and Hevn were the last ones in as they all sat at one of the booths more so in the very middle of the wall. Ban was already seated as Paul went to get some tea and Ginji got up to grab a slice of pizza from the bar that was of course out for Ban and Ginji. Hevn and Natsumi walked up to the booth right as Ginji did as well. Ginji was going to sit next to Ban but he changed his mind and sat on the other side. Hevn sat next to Ban and Natsumi sat next to Ginji. Just then Paul arrived placing down the tea and leaned up against the wall ready to listen.

"Ok, so what's this sweet job you got for us Hevn and it better be a good one too." Ban sternly looked at her.

"Oh, it is and I always bring you two the good jobs so I don't know what you are complaining about." she replied.

"Well the ones you have come to us with didn't pay worth a shit and we busted our assess off on them too." Ban sneered.

"Do you wanna hear what I have to say about this one or not? Because I'll just leave you guys except for Natsumi high and dry and have you figure it all out on your own."

"Yeah, and then I'll show you high and dry Hevn."

"Would you two cut it out please?" Ginji asked with a goofy smile.

"Alright, well you see this job comes from a high politician, a very high politician, and one from overseas." The four of them were shocked.

"Where is this politician?" Natsumi asked.

Hevn smiled while crossing her arms. "He's the president of the United States."

"WHAT!" The four of them replied in perfect synchronization.

"That's far way, ARE YOU CRAZY!" Ban hissed turning his whole body to face Hevn.

"Wow, that is pretty far…" Ginji scratched his index finger at the corner of his mouth with his hand.

"I know it is a long trip from here, BUT the client is willing to pay for all trip expenses that won't be deducted from your pay and that my fee won't be either, meaning that the FIVE million dollars in US currency the client is willing to pay all goes to you three."

Ginji, Natsumi, and Ban's mouths dropped in utter surprise.

"Wow that is a lot of dough…" Paul was amazed at the price.

"This is the jack pot!" Ginji and Ban hollered at the same time, totally seeing dollar signs.

"So what is the job?" Natsumi asked. Ban and Ginji looked back to Hevn.

"The thing is … this is a very touchy, very personal job for our client. The job is to get back the sea."

Natsumi drew a question mark as well as the boys. "Get back the sea?" Ginji asked.

"What the hell does that mean?" Ban raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not totally for sure either but the details of the job may provide the clues. You see you guys landed a job to get back something for a foreign government official and a very high one at that. Our client did say that this will be a very dangerous job and advises to be prepared because there is someone else after the item as well …"

"Wait the gist I'm getting from this is that the item we are hired to get back is not in the possession of anyone." Ban said.

"That's correct. However you two will be the ones to get the item while Natsumi rescues the client as well."

"You mean …" Ban and Natsumi said at the same time.

Hevn shook her head agreeing with them. "Yes, I wasn't for sure how to say it but our client is being held hostage until this item was found. Whoever it is that has our client hostage played this brilliantly, placing a lookalike in the place of the real president. He managed to get this far to hire you guys and to have an agent lead you the rest of the way but that's as much as he can do."

"Damn you guys have it cut out for ya on this one." Paul said scratching his head.

"Why me Hevn?" Natsumi asked. "I'm sure Shido or some of the others could handle this job too in my place?"

Hevn looked at Natsumi with a confident smile. "Natsumi, that day as we all saw what you did shocked the hell out of us all, but you were brilliant in how you handled it and the look on your face … I saw you Natsumi, you were still you. You didn't become someone else all the while you were gone you just became stronger, and stronger you sure did become. I was utterly impressed about you and that is why I mentioned you as well. It would have only been these two but a third person was needed to be in on it too, and who wouldn't be the most perfect candidate to rescue the client better than you while they get the item."

"I see where you are going with this Hevn but still …" Ban said.

Hevn looked at him. "Look, I know you don't like it but …"

Suddenly Natsumi stood up catching everyone's attention. "I'll do it Miss Hevn I'll rescue the client."

"But Natsumi-" Paul began to say but was interrupted by her.

"I've graduated guys I can now make my own choices. I could have gone to med school, law school. There were so many scholarships I was given but the path I chose was this one, the path I carved for myself the moment my mother died. The vow I held dear to me until I finally made it a reality. I admit that I'm still fragile like I was before all of this but now I can full fill that path, that deep hearted dream I held onto for so long. I'm going to accept this job Miss Hevn and I, Natsumi Mizuki will complete my job and rescue our client."

Ban closed his eyes along with a smile. Hevn's words were taken from her and Paul and Ginji's mouths were agape.

"Heh, you haven't graduated yet Natsumi." Ban said catching her attention, her eyes slightly widen. He then opened his eyes and looked at her. Her heart began to beat fast. He was right, she completed school early but in a few months time she will hold that diploma in her hands.

"You're right I guess until I hold that diploma in my hands I'm still that high school kid." she replied with her sweet smile.

"You're a beautiful young woman now, not a school kid anymore." Ban cracked a grin.

Natsumi's eyes widened yet again. Oh man her heart is racing but still hearing that come from his mouth touched her heart deeply.

"Thanks."

An hour had gone by and Natsumi, Ban and Ginji were at the air port waiting to board the plane to the United States. At gate 54 both Ban and Natsumi sat next to each other watching something pace back and forth.

"Ginji why are you so nervous about flying?" she asked.

Ginji was in a rapid back n forth pace. It sure was getting on Ban's nerves. "Will you stop pacing damn it and sit down your making me dizzy!"

Ginji turned chibi and had watery eyes. "But Ban buddy you know I get nervous when I fly…"

Ban grit his teeth closing his eyes. He never wins when it comes to Ginji and flying issues. "I'm not going to even try to talk sense into ya because it won't work, so I'm keeping my mouth shut got it eel boy!"

"But Ban why you have to be so mean about it?"

"Ginji why are you so afraid of flying?" Natsumi finally asked again.

"It's not that I'm afraid it's because I get so uneasy and well I end up hurling." Ginji crouched down to the floor. Natsumi had a teardrop on her head and Ban got a tick on his head.

"Damn it you better no hurl on me like you did the last time!" Ban hissed.

Natsumi looked a bit blue in the face. This is going to be one long interesting trip, a long one indeed. Another hour went by and waiting to board the plane was getting pretty boring.

"I wonder how much longer? It's almost 6 am?" Natsumi said right as the boarding call came over the intercom.

"It's about damn time." Ban hissed as he also looked at Ginji. "Common Ginji we got to go."

Ginji sprawled out on the floor. "Do I have to?" he moaned.

Ban having another tick on his head picked up chibi Ginji by the ear.

"Ow, ow, ow Ban my ear!"

"Let's go!"

Boarding the plane finally Natsumi was in front of Ban and Ginji was behind Ban in the line. By the middle of the plane on the right side Natsumi came up to her seat and to her luck it was a window seat. "Oh sweet I get the window." she smiled. Oh did she love flying. It's the greatest in the world because of the spectacular views of the earth below.

Ban ironically got the seat next to Natsumi. Talk about awkward. Natsumi turned red in the face and well Ban he swallowed a helping of his spit.

"I get a window too!" Ginji hollered. He got the window seat in front of them and just as he sat down a young 12 year old girl sat next to him.

Ban was putting the luggage above his and Natsumi's seat seeing the girl. "Have fun Ginji." he teased.

Natsumi remembered how much of a fit he was throwing for getting on a plane. "Hey Ginji, you seemed excited about being by the window and yet back there you acted like you were dreading it."

"It's because he likes the views and well you can guess what the motion does to him."

Natsumi smiled with Ginji over his seat looking at them displaying a peace sign to her.

"You throw up on me Mr. and you are dead."

Natsumi, Ban and Ginji's eyes widen. Did that little girl just threaten him? Ginji sat back down in his seat looking at the girl. Oh, she was glaring at him, and she did look a bit spooky to boot. Ginji stifled an "Oh shit laugh" and Ban leaned over the seat.

"Like I said pal have fun." Ban teased again.

"You are cruel Ban."

"Alright ladies and gentleman the captain asks that you be fastened in your seats until after takeoff. My name is Haruki, Miho and I'm going to be your flight attendant. In a few minutes I will be around with refreshments. I do advise that all cell phones and laptops be secured until given the go ahead to use them. Welcome aboard" The flight attendant said over the intercom as everyone fastened their belts.

Within a few minutes the plane was set to take off. Natsumi kept looking ahead to Ginji. He kept scratching the back of his neck. "Poor Ginji I feel bad for him."

Ban looked at her then to Ginji. "Yeah, well I'm just glad I'm nowhere near him this time."

"Oh no it's starting." Ginji began to say loudly.

"And so it begins."Ban said rising an eyebrow.

"Um Ginji …"

The plane sped up and well Ginji he blasted to the toilet clearing over the seat in front of him. The flight attendant that was by the bathroom was stumped.

"Wow he ran fast." Natsumi said amazed he cleared the seat like that.

"Well this time he made it." Ban replied resting his arms behind his head looking up.

Hours had gone by and Ginji finally was back at his seat sleeping. Natsumi was still looking out the window as it was now night time. The lights were mostly out for most of the passengers slept. Ban was also still up but had his light off. Natsumi also had her light off so she could get a better view of the spectacular lights of Vegas below. "So beautiful." she gasped in awe.

Ban turned his head to her. "What is it?"

"Oh Ban it's the colorful lights of the city called Vegas below!"

"Oh yeah, they are a sight to see aren't they?"

"Yes they are."

Ban looked forward. "Hey …" she turned to him. "Natsumi I want you to promise me you will be ok through all of this?"

Natsumi didn't know what to say.

"Man I wish Hevn didn't bring you into the middle of this."

"Ban … I'll be ok …" Natsumi looked straight ahead and when Ban looked at her his eyes widened in surprise. Her eyes were glowing a bright blue color. "I've become strong for a reason and for a good reason-" she paused then closed her eyes and turned to him, but when she reopened them they were no longer glowing. "-Have faith in me Ban, please?"

Ban sighed. "How could I not have faith in you?"

Natsumi smiled sweetly at him. She leaned back closing her eyes again. "That means a lot to me. I have accomplished a goal that I will never regret … after she was gone forever … and meeting you and Ginji as well as the others … I found my true place I belonged …" she said as she fell asleep and fell to the side resting on Ban's shoulder.

Ban's eyes widened but seeing her serene face took that surprise response out the window. He began to think back on that day, that day that he could never forget. He knows now the reason why he seemed to have lost his power and it was all because she got hurt. He just never thought that it would have affected him this much and it did on that day.

"I will always be here for you, and I will keep my promise I made to your father."

To be continued …

Next chapter …

The exciting chapter continues with the three of them finally arriving in Washington D.C but they aren't alone. Ban and Natsumi end up in hot pursuit of the CIA but not till they turned the tables and are in hot pursuit of them! Ginji begins his search for the so called "Sea" and the helping hand, a CIA agent himself. It's a blast of a ride in the continuous chapter of "Get back the Sea "pt 1