A Change of Perspective: Chapter 6 - The Dress Rehearsal, Part 2
Ianna Kurnugi emerged from her meditative trance as she sat in a corner of the darkened guest room assigned to the Negotiator named Hevn. It was now nine o'clock in the evening and she had arrived early at the Otawa mansion undetected. She decided to pass the last hour centering her mind for the chain of events she was soon to set in motion. After all, she was about to betray her mistress, the High Priestess, and the very organization she had long been a part of, the Coils of Set. It was a heavy cross to bear and she always feared that her strength of will would falter. However, she was continually compelled by a vision that invaded her mind since that fateful day, months before, when she had entered the room where the High Priestess kept the Eyes of Horus necklace. What was most disturbing was that the vision hadn't left her since.
Every night when she closed her eyes and sleep claimed her, the dreams began. Certain elements were always the same: the rise of a maniacal despot who ignorantly brought about the end of the world, all because the Eyes of Horus had fallen into his hands. The necklace was always at the center of these dreams, along with her versions of whatever terrifying entity resided within it.
Not a stranger to supernatural phenomena, Ianna would have been an expendable human sacrifice if it wasn't for her natural gift as a powerful medium. Having grown up within the Coil, she had witnessed and experienced many unimaginable and frightening things that matured her very quickly. Most significantly, at the tender age of ten, she had successfully channeled a powerful entity for the Coil that she believed was responsible for the direction the sect was headed today. Unfortunately, she yet searched for the details of what exactly took place during that period when she was possessed. Despite her prominent position as right handmaiden in the Coil's Inner Sanctum, she was still not privy to that specific information.
Deciding to concentrate on less morose thoughts, Ianna rose from her cross-legged position on the floor and decided to satisfy her curiosity about the Negotiator named Hevn and the Transporter called Lady Poison. With eyes naturally gifted to see in near darkness, the young woman surveyed the rather cluttered room. She frowned in distaste, surprised that a room occupied by two women was so disorderly.
There were clothes and various objects on the floor, on their beds or spilling out of suitcases, all of which Ianna inspected. She also smiled at the contrast of clothing styles Hevn and Himiko Kudo had between them. As much as she wanted to further examine the leather belt that contained Lady Poison's famed perfumes, she chose to be cautious and reluctantly returned the belt to it's proper compartment inside Ms. Kudo's main luggage.
Opening Hevn's metal make-up kit, she tinkered with the many small compartments and containers inside it. At the bottom of the box was a tiny silver picture frame with the photo of a handsome young man wearing a white lab coat. As she squinted to take a closer look at the man's features, Ianna felt something cold and cylindrical touch the side of her throat.
"Quite impressive, Ms. Kudo, but I was aware of your presence the moment you entered the room," Ianna said quietly and turned to face Lady Poison with no trace of fear.
"You're Ianna?" Himiko said, her astonishment barely concealed. In the dark room, Himiko made out the pale, delicate features of a girl barely fifteen. Slowly, she lowered the hand where a bottle of corrosion perfume sat firmly between her fingers, her thumb poised on its cork.
Still on edge, Himiko gasped in alarm as the lights of the guest room lit up above them.
"Oh, Ianna, you're here," Hevn smiled in greeting and went to clasp both the girl's hands in her own. "Not too much trouble getting here, I hope?"
"The directions you gave me were clear and precise, thank you," Ianna answered politely. "Everything's in order. All background checks by the Coil concerning the true identities of your recovery team have been completed. The people in your information network redirected them with magnificent efficiency. I extend my praise to your team of computer wizards for the seemingly endless flow of disinformation."
"I'll be sure to pass your message along," beamed Hevn.
"I'm also eager to see if your Recovery team will blend in easily with the other initiates," Ianna said, directing a smile toward Himiko who stood rooted to her spot in stunned silence.
"Not prepared for how young she is?" Hevn asked Lady Poison who just mutely shook her head. "Anyway, we better start getting ready."
Hevn noticed her opened make-up kit and the displaced picture frame of a man from her past she carried along as a precious keepsake.
"You loved him very much...and he loves you still...despite what you - "
Hevn smashed the lid closed of her metal make-up kit with a sharp bang, bringing the young girl out of her trance-like state.
"I-I'm sorry. Sometimes...I can't help myself," Ianna said sadly.
"It's alright," Hevn said a bit shakily, avoiding eye contact with Himiko. "There are some things...I'd rather not remember." She flicked the long mane of blonde hair away from her shoulders. "Now then, let's get this show started."
"Madoka, it's too tight," Shido said uncomfortably to his pretty fiancé. He tried loosening the tie awkwardly himself.
"Here, Shido, let me do it," Madoka insisted, swatting away both his hands to redo the knot. She already regretted having to miss Shido's debut night since she needed to be aboard an evening flight in an hour to perform with an orchestra overseas.
She smiled happily to herself as she felt the weight of her diamond engagement ring. It had three (two half-carat and a one carat) pink diamonds set in a simple white-gold band. Shido had asked her to marry him as soon as they were alone after dinner, just before she went to help him get his disguise ready. At first, she was so shocked about how sudden it all was, but she hadn't hesitated for a second to answer a resounding "Yes!" to his nervous question.
In Shido's mind, the current assignment would separate him from his precious Madoka for far longer than he would've liked, but one of the main reasons he agreed to accept The Eyes of Horus job was sparkling brightly on Madoka's left ring finger. He finally had the means of giving his future wife some of the things he believed she deserved, considering her 'higher' social station in life compared to his. Shido knew that sounded totally superficial and knew in his heart that Madoka didn't care about expensive material things but he simply couldn't help himself. He was a man in love and rational thinking always took a back seat.
"I love you, Madoka," Shido said to her, his eyes shining. He couldn't believe he felt so happy at that moment. In fact, he never thought he was capable of ever feeling completely content in his life!
"I love you very much, Shido," Madoka whispered back as she was lifted off her feet for a long, sweet kiss. "I'm really going to miss you."
"Same here. I've assigned someone to protect you when you get back. As soon as this assignment's done, we can break the news to everyone and have ourselves a nice little wedding, okay?"
Madoka nodded as her face colored brightly when her mind drifted to the wedding night. Not even the innocent violin prodigy was immune to naughty thoughts.
Shido quirked a brow when Madoka's face instantly flushed, a corner of his mouth upturned and formed a funny smile. Could she be...? Nah.
Kazuki Fuuchouin secured the last matching piece of jewelry to his left ear and gazed at his reflection in the full-length mirror in his room. The kimono was an extremely elaborate gift a former client insisted he accept as a token of gratitude for his services. Normally, any expensive tokens he received were usually given away to residents of the Infinity Fortress. Tonight, however, it was important that he passed this dress rehearsal with honors. Their very assignment depended entirely on how convincing he and Akabane would be as females. Everyone assumed that since he already had the looks and the mannerisms that posing as a female would be an easy task for him. Truth be told, as much as he enjoyed toying with the fact that he could easily pass for female on the outside, he never felt remotely feminine on the inside!
He supposed at first glance, he looked alright. Most of his hair was bound and hair-sprayed perfectly in place, the rest flowed loosely down his back with ornaments that glittered to match his eyes. He had just the right amount of powder, eye liner and rouge to enhance his already lovely feminine face. The three-layered kimono was red, peach, gold and pale olive green with an intricately embroidered phoenix design that gracefully wrapped around him.
When Kazuki playfully parted the kimono to show a generous amount of one of his long, shapely legs, he frowned. Ugh. He looked like a virgin geisha on her deflowering night.
Groaning, he turned toward the door to his adjoining room with Juubei and knocked softly at the door.
"Are you ready, Kazuki?" Juubei called out from behind the door.
"I...I guess so," Kazuki said softly.
Soft footsteps approached the door and Kazuki watched the knob slowly turn.
"What's the matter?" Juubei asked as he opened the adjoining door, sensing the distress in the air.
"I don't know if I can do this, Juubei. Even if part of my training as heir to the Fuuchouin Thread Technique required the grace of a female doesn't mean... and I know I've pretended on many occasions with you for fun...but for tonight and the next few weeks...I really have to convince people that I'm a girl! I've never had to do that before, you know? People just always assumed..."
"I've never known you to have a lack of confidence doing anything, Kazuki," Juubei pointed out.
"Have you ever known me to do anything like this?"
"Well...no," Juubei admitted, feeling foolish.
A wide smile came across Kazuki's face and then a small titter. Soon, both friends were laughing hysterically and leaning against one another for support.
That was how Toshiki saw them when he entered quietly, fully dressed in his own disguise. He always felt a twinge of jealousy whenever Juubei received Kazuki's full attention. At the moment, the former leader of Elegance had his back turned to him and he admired the long, loose chocolate brown hair that swayed softly from side to side. He rarely saw Kazuki with his hair not bound in threads - with the exception of Juubei, no doubt - and stood silently at a distance, mesmerized by the glistening strands.
"Oh, Toshiki, you're here," Kazuki said, turning to greet him with a beaming smile.
The man known as the Hell Knight gasped uncontrollably at the sight of Kazuki before him who was a vision of perfect loveliness. For a brief moment, Toshiki completely forgot that the person who smiled at him so invitingly was the deadly Prince of Battle Terror. He blushed deep red from embarrassment when he realized where his mind had gone.
"Toshiki?" Kazuki asked lightly. He heard Juubei chuckling softly behind him.
"You should stamp out any remaining doubt in your mind about the way you look, Kazuki," Juubei said with a slight grin.
"Quit doing that with your foot, it's irritating," Ban scolded. He glanced over at Ginji who leaned against a wall with his arms folded, a worried look on his face. At least the tapping noise had stopped.
"Sorry, Ban, I can't help it. I'm really nervous," Ginji admitted. "I hope I don't screw up. Oh, crap...I'm gonna be living in the same room with...Himiko."
"Himiko's a pussycat. Just don't piss her off and she won't kill you. Also, I read your profile, Ginji. So relax, will ya? All you have to do is be yourself. You're the only one in our entire group that doesn't have to be an actor. Just don't go forgetting your new name or I'll kill you."
Feeling a little better, Ginji glanced at Ban who was giving his hair a final check as he sat in front of a dresser mirror.
"That style kinda suits you," Ginji complimented.
"Nah, it's high maintenance and all the damn chrome's driving me crazy; way too flashy. I'm diggin' all the black leather, though," Ban replied with a smirk.
"I was right about Akabane, wasn't I," Ginji said in a serious tone.
"Hnh. At least I managed to grab the truth from the Scalpel Goblin just in time. By the way, buddy, thanks. Your instincts are as sharp as ever."
"Anytime, Ban!" Ginji said giddily, grinning madly. Ban rarely gave compliments to anyone unless they really deserved it, as well as him being in a good enough mood to dispense it.
"You'd better head on out to practice with Himiko. You wouldn't want her coming over here in a huff, do you?"
"Oh, yeah, right!" Ginji checked his watch and quickly made a break for the door. "Wish me luck!"
The door slammed with a loud bang and Ban listened for a moment as Ginji's running footfalls slowly faded.
Idiot, Ban thought affectionately.
There was no stage, no elaborate program, only a large, comfortable living room with lots of hot tea, fresh ground coffee and delectable little desserts on a tiered, antique silver tray.
"Not exactly the setting I pictured," Shido commented. His eyes roamed the main living room through the small opening he made with the waiting room door.
"Hey, can I see?" Emishi asked, elbowing his way beside Shido. "I can't see that Ianna person. Where is she?"
"My guess is, we won't be seeing her till the formal introduction," Shido replied.
"Whoa, check out Hevn and Himiko!" Emishi said excitedly as he moved aside to let Shido take a peek.
True to her character (an over-dramatic, diva-type heiress named Hera Stone), Hevn was in a beige silk dress that draped her body like a goddess from Greek mythology. Her neck, arms and fingers where decorated with gold ornaments. Her pink hair was done up in an elaborately braided bun meant to show off her bare back and the high-heeled sandals laced up to her ankles were studded with diamonds.
What was most surprising was Himiko. Low-rise, white, pinstriped pants showed off her tight belly and pierced navel jewelry while her matching corset-like top exhibited a generous amount of cleavage. She had black leather strips on her waist and neck, along with a pair of high, but thick-heeled, sharp-toed, black leather boots. Her hair was now platinum blonde and she even wore dramatic make-up that matured her into a sultry, young woman.
Shido closed the waiting room door with a soft click and walked over to a small mirror in the room to check his appearance.
"You look weird with your hair dark-blond and slicked back like that," Emishi remarked. He watched as Shido made a sour face.
"At least, I don't look like one of the Three Musketeers with that wave," Shido mentioned back with a grin.
"Hey! Blame Hevn for making me look like a dumb-ass!" Emishi shot back. "Besides, it was either this way or get it cut." He shuddered at the thought of trimming his manly mane.
"Not too shabby there, Monkey-boy," Ban drawled as he made his grand entrance with Ginji and the rest of the Getbackers crew behind him.
Slack-jawed and wide-eyed, both Shido and Emishi took several moments to process all their companions' transformations.
At the forefront was Ban who now sported spiky, fire-engine red hair (sans purple shades, but wearing special contacts); piercings on his nose and chin (the head of a demon nose stud with its spine like a chain leading to his left ear lobe, the demon's body hanging from its own spine, and two chin studs with a spike in the middle); an open leather vest (no shirt) with black metal buckles and chrome accents, leather wrist cuffs, black latex pants and matching knee-high combat boots. He was the image of the ultimate boy-toy bad ass guaranteed to send shivers of delight up and down the spines of any sex that laid eyes on him.
Off to the side was Kazuki who looked undeniably like a princess from ancient Japanese history, not to mention extremely attractive. He was stunning and radiant as he stood demurely with Toshiki and Juubei on either side of him. As soon as he added a breathtaking smile, he nearly made Shido and Emishi blush.
On Kazuki's right stood Juubei, looking relaxed and dangerous in his black suit with a buttoned down, midnight-blue silk shirt that matched his hair. His cherry-red shades, belt and shoes completed the package, able to make any mob boss do a double-take.
To Kazuki's left stood Toshiki. His black hair, red leather jacket (no shirt), pants, gloves and boots, added a very sexy flare and edge to compliment the trio's dynamic.
Emishi still clung to his personal opinion that both Toshiki and Juubei should learn to relax more!
Sakura made Emishi gulp as she smiled at him with her blond-highlighted curly hair. Who would've guessed that the woman had a hidden vamp side as she looked sleek and sexy in a black leather button-front miniskirt with matching cropped jacket; a long, ruffled-collar lavender blouse (held together with a clasp just below her breasts, showing a generous amount of belly), the rest of the soft, wispy-thin material hung loosely to about halfway down her thigh-high white boots, her white-gloved hands clutching a small, jeweled purse. A very modish ensemble worthy of an underground fashion heiress.
And lastly, two pairs of eyes drifted over to Ginji, who was now a brunette and grinned like a madman beside Ban. What startled both Emishi and Shido was how mature he looked - as soon as he stopped grinning, that is. The orange dress shirt contrasted nicely with his black suit and matched his happy-go-lucky attitude. He also wore a very expensive platinum watch on his left wrist. (A gift from Akabane, but he's not telling Ban yet)
"We're a handsome bunch, aren't we?" Ban gloated proudly as he surveyed the room. "I gotta admit, Hevn really made sure none of us would be recognized right away."
"Yeah, I scare myself whenever I look in a mirror! It'll take me a while to get used to having my hair this dark," Ginji admitted. Ban rolled his eyes.
"Is Akabane choosing to be fashionably late again?" Kazuki noted, gazing pointedly at Ban. His voice now softer and more delicately pitched to match his appearance.
"The bastard does it on purpose to ruffle our feathers. He gets off on it. You should know that by now, right, princess?" Ban said, leering roguishly at Kazuki who squeaked in outrage.
A sharp knock on the waiting room door was their cue to get ready. Everyone lined up in order of presentation to their mysterious second judge, Ianna.
"Settle down, Ginji. Remember, just be yourself but don't forget your new name," Ban said and gave his best friend's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I'd give you a good head-butt for courage but Himiko won't like it if you showed up with a red welt on your forehead."
"Thanks, Ban," Ginji said softly with a small, nervous smile. "Okay, here goes..."
Good luck, buddy, Ban thought a bit worriedly as Ginji stiffly walked through the waiting room door.
She watched the young man with interest as he nervously approached her. Ianna knew she was very intimidating with her hood drawn and with the lower half of her face covered. She also wore a jeweled choker that electronically disguised her voice to sound much older. It was a tactic Ianna normally employed as a first impression because she knew from experience that her young age worked against her in most situations.
Ginji recalled the instructions Hevn had relayed earlier to them. They were all to stay strictly in-character, unless told otherwise, 'no matter what happened'. It was the underlying warning of her instructions that made Ginji the most uneasy. Steeling himself, he knew that as soon as he walked into the living room, he was no longer Ginji Amano but childhood sweetheart to Kendra Hanayaka, heiress to a very large fortune acquired over the years through her expertise as a cat-burglar extraordinaire.
"Ianna, I'd like to present my husband, Kin Shiro. We've been together since first grade." Please, don't let this bonehead blow it!
"Hi!" Ginji greeted Ianna with a smile and gave a customary Japanese bow. "Welcome to Japan." She merely nodded in reply. He then sat in an armchair that Himiko was leaning against.
Hevn waved to Shido who stepped forward past the wide open waiting room door. She locked arms with him as soon as he stood beside her.
"Now, I'd like to present to you my significant other, Tora Mori. He started out as one of my father's bodyguards then ended up saving the old bastard's life. That little stunt landed him a top spot overnight. Of course, I had to see for myself if Mori was really trustworthy and not just climbing the ladder for the family fortune. Turns out, he's actually a great guy! So, I figured I'd marry him before he got away," Hevn narrated and laughed in a very haughty, spoiled manner befitting her current persona. (Not exactly a stretch from how she acted from time to time, anyway)
"I may be Hera Stone's husband now but old habits die hard. Her safety and security are always my top priority," Shido delivered smoothly while Hevn giggled.
"He's such a doll!" Hevn squealed, rubbing her cheek against his.
Both Himiko and Ginji had to bite their tongues to keep from laughing. Shido tried his best to stay in-character but decided that Hevn's overacting would take some getting used to.
After Shido got comfortably seated, Hevn presented the next couple: Sakura and Emishi.
"We have a bit of a celebrity here for you, someone I'm sure your organization will go gaga over. Presenting the one and only, Yori Osanago, whose unique style is all the rage worldwide on the internet right now. I must admit I'm a loyal fan. That guy over there's her husband, Isamu Tsugi...who I believe she ended up with through an arranged marriage," Hevn said, whispering the part about Isamu, gossip girl style.
"Isamu Tsugi of Tsugi Textiles. It's a match made in heaven, if I do say so myself," Emishi declared magnanimously with a grin and smiled adoringly at Sakura, who smiled pleasantly back.
Good job, Emishi, Shido thought proudly. For a second there, he almost wanted to slug Isamu Tsugi, the Pompous Prick.
Smiling behind the cloth covering her lower face, Ianna's eyes followed Yori's husband as he took his place beside her on the couch. His arrogant behavior was expected for someone of his spoiled upbringing. He would easily blend in with some of the other husbands in the Coil that she knew of.
Hevn cleared her throat and gestured toward the waiting room door with a flourish. Eyes shining with admiration and envy, Hera Stone introduced the next candidate.
"I'm pleased to introduce to you, Ianna, the crowning glory of this group of initiates, Kotone Asaito and her two loyal husbands, Kaze Tansei-Asaito and Jiei Majime-Asaito."
Toshiki (Kaze) and Juubei (Jiei) entered the room first, then parted to reveal Kazuki. Himiko's and Hevn's mouths hung open in awe and the rest of the Getbackers group, despite having seen him earlier in the waiting room, had their gazes glued to him in sheer amazement.
Stepping forward daintily and nodding slowly with a smile, Kazuki gazed at Ianna's shadowed eyes in an effort to gauge the strange woman who sat silently in front of them with such an imposing presence. "I'm very pleased to meet you," Kazuki said softly with a small curtsy.
She's enchanting, Ianna said to herself, inclining her head to Kotone in acknowledgment. The women of the Coils of Set will be tripping over themselves to make this one feel at home.
In true fairy tale princess fashion, both husbands ceremoniously led Kotone by the hand to sit on an empty sofa seemingly set aside for just the three of them.
Just as Hera prepared to introduce the last couple, a dangerous looking young man in chains and leather cleared his throat by the waiting room doorway and grinned.
"Last, but certainly not the least, may I introduce to you all the only woman here guaranteed to gain entry straight into the Coils of Set, my Leather Empress, Akasha Bane," Ban bellowed proudly.
Once again, mouths hung open in shock as Akabane stepped into the living room wearing a very provocative leather outfit that outstandingly did fit the title 'Leather Empress.'
Akasha Bane walked imperially into the room, looking down at everyone as if they were mere dirt under her knee-high, stiletto-heeled leather boots. Everyone's stares were immediately drawn to her bright red lips then her eyes, enhanced by very dark eyeliner. Her leather dress was wrapped tightly (bathrobe-style) around her impossibly slim waist, falling in a long, upside-down v-shape that exposed a scandalous view of both legs, the rest of the material narrowing behind her to trail to the floor. The sleeveless right arm contrasted with the sleeved left arm (effectively hiding a certain tattoo), the sleeve ending in a triangular-shaped cuff and at the left neckline was a slightly petaled collar. Her black hair was parted in the middle in an elaborate up-do, as two long strands of hair looped to frame her face. Her shining accessories were a diamond choker, a matching bracelet, diamond cluster earrings and a line of diamonds down the part of her hair ending in a small cluster that rested like a widow's peak on her forehead.
H-He's got...curves! Kazuki wanted to chew apart his manicured nails.
Jackal? Oh, man! Nobody at the Shack's gonna believe this! Himiko had the funniest expression on her face.
Ooooh, la la! Bravo, Akabane. Hevn was so proud of him.
That sicko has...tits! Emishi was in disbelief as he stared at the plunging neckline of Jackal's leather dress.
He's inspiring me to do an all-leather line for the Yori Osanago website. Sakura wondered if a creative collaboration with Doctor Jackal was possible.
Whoa. Ginji almost blushed.
As for Shido, Toshiki and Juubei...they just couldn't form the words.
This one will be an instant hit with the High Priestess, Ianna thought with a frown as the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She dared not probe any deeper with strangers present but made a mental note to further investigate the strange, dark feeling that emanated from this woman.
"The name of my pet over there is Bastian Mann," Akasha said with a smirk. "I hope you don't mind me bringing him along. He's impertinent, incorrigible and lives only for my personal amusement. I'll need something to entertain me in case the Coil's Initiation process bores me to tears."
The room fell dead silent. It was as if everyone stopped breathing. Then, ever so slowly, eyes wandered over apprehensively to the silent figure whose face was hidden under a cloak of white, seated as the guest of honor in the room.
Glaring at Jackal, Hevn, still in-character, let out a nervous titter.
"I'd like to apologize for Akasha Bane's behavior, Ianna, I'm sure - "
A hand rose with a gesture for Hevn to stop talking and then a shake of the head. The same hand then turned palm up in a sweeping gesture for the Bane woman to carry on.
"I'm sorry, do you not speak?" Akasha Bane inquired. "How truly unfortunate. I was hoping to have a rousing conversation with a member of the Coil's Inner Sanctum. I've heard whispers of your organization and I must say, my curiosity's barely containable. I've even heard rumors that your High Priestess is currently possessed by a demon claiming to be Set."
Heated glances between the Getbackers group were exchanged and venomous glares were soon centered on the ever unpredictable Doctor Jackal.
Just what in hell was the man trying to accomplish? Was he purposely out to sabotage their entire assignment? Had he planned to do this all along?
Ginji noted Ban's fangs peeking out from between his twitching lips as well as his subtle movement forward. Not a good sign. Ban was pissed! All Ginji could do now was make a silent plea to whichever gods ruled the heavens that things wouldn't get ugly. Knowing Ban, the situation could get very ugly, very fast. Add Akabane to that mix...Ginji shuddered at the thought.
"You've been sadly misinformed, Akasha Bane," Ianna said in a serious tone. "The High Priestess is compelled, not by Set, but by whatever horrible entity resides within that accursed Eyes of Horus necklace. A necklace, that I believe, spells doom not just for the Coil but for the entire world," she added, pulling off her hood and face covering.
Ianna had a pretty, squarish face, rosy pink lips and dark brown hair gathered in a bun at the back of her head. She had a face so young that most pegged her at barely fifteen. Despite her face full of innocence, her large, sky-blue eyes held a sadness that betrayed a past filled with nightmares.
Gasps filled the living room and even Doctor Jackal, who was rarely surprised by anything anymore, seemed genuinely taken aback by what he saw.
"She's just a kid!" Ban blurted out.
"Shut your pet up, Akasha, or I'll get Mori here to do it for you!" Hevn warned, still choosing to play as Hera Stone.
"I daresay that would be amusing to see him try," Akasha replied sweetly.
"Why you - !"
"It's alright, Hevn, I've seen enough. They all pass with my approval. First impressions are the most important and I have to say, you lot are definitely going to be the most entertaining addition to this year's Initiation proceedings into the Coil," Ianna said with a smile.
She then stood up and walked over to where Kazuki was seated. "You're very beautiful. There will be many Initiates who will be envious of you so you should take extra precautions. Your husbands have to watch you like hawks once you enter the Coil."
Ianna turned to face the domineering woman in black leather, resisting the great urge to probe her inner psyche further. "My mistress, the High Priestess, will take an instant liking to you. She's a very shrewd observer so you'll have to work extra hard not to give anything away."
Looking over to Hevn, Ianna nodded and replaced her hood. "It's time I returned now or my mistress will wonder where I ran off too."
Everyone in the room was silent and had mixed expressions as they watched the retreating form of the girl, Ianna.
"Oh, before I leave, may I trouble the famous Getbackers for a personal request?" Ianna said.
That statement got Ginji and Ban's attention as both their heads snapped over to face her.
"Whatever happens, whatever she may do, please, don't kill the High Priestess. You'll both be handsomely compensated for it."
"Sorry, kid, we're not a Protection Service," Ban said quickly.
"I know that but by sparing her life...there's a chance I may get back...just, please, don't kill her," Ianna spoke pleadingly.
Ginji sent an equally pleading look to Ban who sighed and scratched his head in irritation.
"How much are we talking here, exactly?"
"Five million British Pounds."
Ban whistled in response. "Fine. Half up front or no deal."
"Ban!" Ginji protested. The rest of room simply watched the exchange in mute fascination.
"Very well. I agree to your terms."
Ianna Kurnugi made her way straight to Ban and handed him a small envelope. "Inside is a certified check for two-and-a-half million British Pounds, easily redeemable at any major bank in Japan." She waited patiently as Ban took out the certified check and inspected it.
"Yo, Hevn. Wanna give this thing a gander for me?" Ban asked.
She instantly made her way toward him, grabbing the certified check from his outstretched fingers. "Oh, it's genuine alright."
Ban snatched the certified check back when he saw the greedy glint in her eyes.
"Okay, kid. You have yourself a contract then," Ban said, raising an arm toward her in a gesture to seal it.
As soon as their hands clasped, both Ban and Ianna went still as statues. A strange moment passed between them with Ianna breaking their physical contact by jerking her hand away.
"T-Thank you for taking the job," Ianna said quietly and quickly left the room with Hevn and Himiko right behind her.
"Thanks for the business," Ban muttered softly. He took out a pack of cigarettes and dangled a fresh one between his lips and headed for the veranda with Ginji quietly tailing behind him.
A collective wave of relief seemed to flood the remaining people in the room as they tried to process all that had happened.
"That went well," Emishi piped in sarcastically. "At least we all got a big A-OK. Anyone wanna call it a night? It's past midnight and we've all gotta haul ass in less than five hours to get to that airport. I need my beauty sleep." He slumped deeply into the sofa.
"I agree with Emishi. We should all get some sleep." Sakura paused introspectively and added, "that girl, Ianna...she was so young," she said, glancing at her brother and stifling a yawn.
"Her youth is deceiving, sister. She must not be underestimated. I sensed great power from her," Juubei replied.
"I got the same feeling. That girl was powerful but I don't think she means us any harm, Kakei," Toshiki said, glancing at Kazuki who remained silent.
Shido promptly loosened his collar and removed his tie. "This night definitely didn't go at all how I pictured it, and the he worst part is, Snake-for-Brains got another high-paying job!" He pictured Ban shoving the check in his face and gloating about it all night long.
"Which reminds me, I think you owe me a hundred-thousand yen, Shido," Kazuki needled with a smile.
"What? Oh...damn it," Shido said grumpily and dug the aforementioned bill from his wallet, promptly handing it to Kazuki.
When curious stares came his way, Kazuki explained, "Shido and I made a bet. He was convinced that Mido would let his temper get the best of him tonight making a royal mess of things. I, on the other hand, clung to the slim chance that maybe, he wouldn't."
"I never figured you for a gambling man, Thread-master," Akabane remarked.
"Geez, forgot El Creepo was still here," Emishi mumbled.
"Unlike you, Jackal, I choose to have faith in people," Kazuki challenged.
"Ah," Akabane uttered enigmatically with his customary smile. He then turned around and wandered off toward the veranda.
"Why must we work with that man?" Toshiki asked crossly.
"Because, strangely enough, certain people have faith in him," Kazuki answered.
Two young men strolled together in companionable silence through the Otawa mansion's large back garden. Ginji looked up and gazed at the full moon that lit their path. He then noticed Ban had removed the certified check from his jacket pocket and was staring at it under the soft light. A few more great paying jobs like that, he and Ban should be set for life in no time flat. Having gotten a high paying bonus job out of the blue, why wasn't Ban jumping for joy right now and waving the certified check shamelessly in Shido's face?
"Are you okay, Ban? What exactly happened back there with Ianna?" Ginji asked curiously.
Ban stopped walking, tucked the check back into his jacket and ground his spent cigarette into the grass with the heel of his boot. "That girl's a powerful psychic and medium. It must've triggered when we shook hands. That girl saw stuff in my head...even I don't ever wanna see again."
His eyes caught a glint on Ginji's wrist. "To my knowledge, only twenty of those platinum watches were made in the world. That's an Audemars Piguet, Royal Oak Tourbillon. Where'd you get that thing?"
"Uh..." Ginji gulped nervously.
"I gave it to him," Akabane divulged proudly behind them. He still wore his costume as Akasha Bane except for his long, black hair, which hung loosely around his face and shoulders.
"Ginji, did I not teach you anything? Never trust a Jackal bearing gifts," Ban said with a snarl.
"Why such animosity, Mido? I thought your performance earlier was a sign that you've warmed up to me somewhat."
"Eat shit and die, Jackal."
"Perhaps you should let Ginji here decide whether or not he wants to keep my little trinket?" Akabane asked cheerfully, crossing his arms.
Terrified that he was put on the spot, Ginji cringed beneath the seething gaze of his best friend's deep blue eyes. He had actually tried to return the watch earlier that evening when Akabane first offered it to him but Akabane had insisted so nicely that he should wear it, that the watch went well with his tailored suit. Had he known how extremely expensive the watch actually was, he would have flatly refused it! It just looked like a really cool watch!
Ban quirked an eyebrow in surprise when Ginji shrank down to chibi form in dismay.
"Good heavens, you're harsh and you call yourself his best friend?" Akabane sighed. "Alright, suppose I merely lend the watch to him, then? He can keep it for the duration of the assignment, after which he can promptly return it. That way, Ginji here can have an air of sophistication since we both know he's sorely lacking in that department. Will that suit you better?"
Chibi-Ginji sadly backed away from both men as they locked stares on each other. He could have sworn he saw both their aura's blazing brightly for a moment under the moonlight.
"The watch goes back to Jackal the second this assignment's over, alright, Ginji? I'll get you a better one."
"Okay, Ban," Ginji said meekly.
"Hey, Jackal. I'll at least give you credit for the work you put into that costume. Liking the fake boob job," Ban snickered and lit another cigarette.
"Who says they're fake?" Akabane remarked evenly.
Both Ban and Ginji's jaws hit the ground, their eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets and the color on their faces neared a sickly green.
Akabane mischievously took advantage of their state of shock to happily leave red lip marks on their foreheads. He even bent over generously to give them an eyeful of his miraculous cleavage.
"Ta-ta, boys. Beautiful night for a stroll, isn't it?" Akabane said with a bright smile and a chuckle, flicking his generously lush black mane over his shoulders and swaying his hips as he turned back toward the mansion.
to be continued
Thank you all my faithful readers! I may take a while to update, but rest assured I'm never just giving up on this story! I intend to finish this one folks and take everyone who happens to get sucked into this crazy vortex along for the ride! (So strangle away all you want, I don't mind) I hope Jackal in drag continues to entertain. (Since I'm sure Jackal's having his own brand of fun on this particular job) I know posting teasers up seems mean, but it was just my way of saying I'm still alive. (Sadly, I've got stories I'm waiting for that haven't been updated in more an a year!) In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy this latest chapter!
Hevn's Mission Profiles:
Ban - Bastian Mann - leather-clad boytoy, bad-ass
Ginji - Kin Shiro - childhood buddy, dorky
Shido - Tora Mori - husband, bodyguard, eccentric
Juubei - Jiei Majime-Asaito - husband, bodyguard, serious
Toshiki - Kaze Tansei-Asaito - sexy husband, bodyguard
Emishi - Isamu Tsugi - arranged marriage, spoiled
Akabane - Akasha Bane - eccentric heiress, corsets/leather
Himiko - Kendra Hanayaka - heiress, cat-burglar, tom-boy
Hevn - Hera Stone - bored diva, glam
Kazuki - Kotone Asaito - elegant heiress, musician
Sakura - Yori Osanago - fashion mogul, chic
Recovery Team Hairstyles and Eye Color (for some):
Ban - spiky fire engine blue-green eyes (because of special contacts)
Ginji - auburn (like when he was a boy)
Shido - dark blond, usually slicked back
Juubei - midnight blue with dark gray
Toshiki - black with dark blue
Emishi - loose and wavy (reddish-brown)
Akabane - black, silky-soft, long, loose
Himiko - platinum blonde
Hevn - pink, long
Kazuki - loose or elaborately braided and never without ornaments-green eyes
Sakura - permed, tight curls with blonde streaks framing her face
Author's Note:
5 million GBP (British Pounds) is approx. 7.9 million USD (American Dollars)
Akasha from the name 'Acacia' meaning 'thorn/point'. It just seemed more fitting for the sly doctor in black.
I'm also constantly making small spelling and grammatical changes to improve the story. (Another is my decision to use the name 'Infinity Fortress' instead of the 'Limitless Fortrress' since I just like the manga name more.) So feel free to pop by anytime for a quick read or re-read of all chapters. And, as much as I'd love to just devote all my time to this story, a stupid thing called life, just won't let me! (snickers)
And, for the sake of fan-service, the No Shirt Rule for most of the Getbackers males will be in effect. (evil grin) (And, the Just Plain Naked Rule? That's reserved for later chapters!)
As a side note, Ianna's only familiar with the reputations of Hevn and Lady Poison, the rest of the GetBackers are strangers to her. (If she thought both Kazuki and Akabane were women, then kudos to the two of them!)