A/N : We still own nothing, as always, except the fanfiction. And thanks to Little Rosebud for translating! (Don't worry, she had time to move and I'm going to translate her chapters in exchange *laugh*)


Chapter 7

When I was about to leave the room, Yuan had stopped me by grabbing my wrist. It was with surprise and incomprehension that I turned around to read a huge solitude in my friend's eyes. I stayed stunned for several seconds, the policeman's eyes creating an unknown feeling in me. A feeling that seemed like nostalgia and compassion, but it was also something else I couldn't identify.

So I sat quietly near him, offering him what he desired so much, watching him while he turned his gaze away. I didn't understand; why did he seem so embarrassed by his request? It was only natural for him to want some company, no?

He then claimed that I wasn't bothering him and that I never would. What he didn't understand, on the other hand, was that it wasn't easy for me to show even a little part of my emotions. I was so used to keep an impassible mask all the time now… Even if I wanted to remove it now, I wouldn't be able to manage to do it. Anyway, he was already offering me a lot, just as he was saying himself. I certainly could not bother him with more and more of my problems!

Yuan got me out of my torpor when he threw a part of his blanket on me. I stared at the new source of warmth for a moment, disconcerted, not knowing what to say. Once again, he was giving in order for me to have everything needed. A light and bitter smile was brought on my lips, but it quickly disappeared. I shouldn't think that way. I should simply thank him and find an occasion to pay him back. I had actually been cold until now, so the blanket was welcomed. Might as well use it.

While we were talking, he admitted he would never get used to the loneliness and that even so, he didn't like going to the people he knew. But then, why did my company seem to reassure him so? This fact was puzzling me, but I had to admit I was deeply touched by it. Did this mean he trusted me more than all of his friends? It was strange since until a few days ago, we were perfect strangers to each other.

Suddenly, his head dropped on my shoulder and I stiffened with stupefaction and a little discomfort. What the…? Was it simply tiredness that was making him act like this? Or was it… No, I didn't want to think about it. It was completely stupid, first, and I didn't have the right to think about such a thing when I had just said farewell to my wife.

Still, when I turned my gaze on Yuan, I couldn't stop myself from smiling with kindness and I settled more comfortably in the sofa. He was so peaceful! It was clear my presence was beneficial to him and I finally realized it might be my way to thank him. So, as he was about to fall asleep, I softly put an arm around his waist and I brought him closer to me to make him more comfortable. I surprised myself acting like this, being this gentle. After all, I never acted this way with someone other than Anna and Lloyd. So to act like this with Yuan right now… Was I betraying my wife? This thought made me wince and I told myself I should surely let go of him. And yet, I couldn't resign myself to do it. His peaceful face while he was sleeping was enough to melt all my worries. Anyway, I was holding him like this only to reassure him, simply because he was my friend. There was absolutely no other reason.

I muffled a yawn and searched for the remote control that I found on the arm of the sofa on Yuan's side. Softly, I reached for it, trying not to wake my companion, and then closed the television. It was then, in the complete silence, that I was able to fall asleep while keeping the police officer against me, feeling as reassured of having his presence this close.


The next morning, I woke up as a shiver ran through my back. A source of warmth had just left me and even though the blanket had kept a part of this warmth, it wasn't enough. I opened an eye, soon followed by the other, only to see Yuan walking out into the kitchen. The sun's rays were infiltrating pass the thick curtain on the wall of the lounge where the window was, proving me it was already morning. My gaze shifted towards the clock and seeing it was only six in the morning, I groaned softly. I hadn't slept much and neither did Yuan. How come he was able to get up so early?

But even despite the early hour, I still had to get up to go to work. I had succeeded in getting a day off yesterday, I certainly could not permit myself more or Yggdrasil would become wary of me.

I stretched lazily and grimaced, my body completely stressed. Sleeping in a sitting position on a sofa really wasn't for me. I thought that if we were to repeat the experience, I would guide him to the bed, knowing we could both sleep without fear of getting aches the next morning.

I got to the bedroom to fetch my clothes and changed rapidly before going to the kitchen where Yuan was already preparing something quick to eat. Sitting at the table, I watched him absent-mindedly. "You have to go to the police station this morning?" I asked him. It was the only reason I saw for him to get up so early. After all, he was not seeing Rodyle before tomorrow. At the only thought of that man, I grimaced. I had to admit I feared for Yuan's safety. Because not only Rodyle could easily get rid of him, he could also take advantage of him and take him into his collection, as Yuan had mentioned yesterday. I had to take care of the man before me, maybe getting him followed by someone of trust who would warn me if something happened to him. And I just had the right person in mind.

"Yeah, the evidence has been analyzed. I'm going to the laboratory to see the results." I was pulled out of my thoughts and turned towards him softly, in shock. I had completely forgotten the police had found evidence that would allow them to find the main murderer of my family. How could I have forgotten? That was supposed to be my priority!

I sighed and nodded. "I see. If I can help with anything, just give me a sign." I said with seriousness. I wanted to find that criminal and make him pay as much as Yggdrasil. I had no idea who he possibly could have sent, but I hoped to know it soon.

Yuan smiled at me as he held out a plate with two pieces of toast. "Of course." He sat near me and chewed on his own piece of bread, thoughtful. "But tell me, if Anji has no idea about Forcystus' identity, isn't there someone who we could ask in the organization without telling Yggdrasil? I don't want to talk about that now in case it's a false trail or something totally useless." He said while scowling. Straight away, a person occurred to my mind. Well, a person… She wasn't really one, but he would find out soon enough. "Yeah, there's someone in fact. Drop to the headquarters in the afternoon, I will introduce you to her. I will wait for you in front of my room." He seemed surprised that there was actually someone that could perhaps help him, but also seemed pleased. "And who is it? Did I meet her already?" He asked with curiosity. He was slightly disappointed when I shook my head. "Her name is Tabatha. She's Yggdrasil's secretary."

He almost choked on his piece of toast. "I just asked you to meet someone other than Yggdrasil! And personally, I regard his secretary as being himself!" He exclaimed, irritated. I rolled my eyes before his sudden change in attitude. "Don't worry. Tabatha is a little…. peculiar. There's not really a chance of her telling him if we ask her not to. Even more, her office is not that close to Yggdrasil's. Let's just say that… sometimes he can't bear to see her. I explained and he looked at me with confusion, now puzzled. However, I shook my hand to chase the subject away. "I'll explain after you see her. You will understand better." I disappointed him again, though his curiosity was sparked.

In fact, I really wanted him to meet Tabatha. Because Yuan had told me his deceased wife was called Martel. And Martel certainly was not a common name. So if she really was the woman I thought she was, I would immediately know it once Yuan saw Tabatha.

I finished eating my breakfast before standing up, throwing a glance at the clock. "Well, I have to go now if I don't want to be late. Meet me this afternoon at one pm, okay?" And without another word, I quickly left the apartment. It wasn't that I was fleeing from this place, far from it, but rather that I needed to see someone absolutely. And that person was usually at the headquarters only early in the morning. The rest of the time, she was traveling from district to district in Osaka, becoming unobtainable.

When I arrived at destination, I didn't waste time and walked towards to place I knew to be her room. I couldn't help a soft exclamation of relief before putting my mask back on when I saw her close the door behind her as she was leaving her room. With her two long pink bunches on each side of her head, she turned around when she heard me approaching and stared at me with her almost expressionless blue eyes. She was wearing a simple black suit slightly tight on her frail waist of a sixteen year old young woman.

"Good morning, Mr. Aurion." She greeted me in an equal voice, as if she had been created mechanically without any emotions in the process. She had always been like this; her emotions were rarer than mine. I think it was the fact of living among the yakuza since she was a child that toughened her up like that. After all, she was exactly like me: took in and forced to work in such a place without being able to protest. She had climbed up grades in the ranks and had gained Yggdrasil's trust, but not enough to be close to him as Zelos and I were.

"Good morning, Presea." I answered with a nod of my head. "Say, do you have a minute? I have something to discuss with you, but this hallway certainly contains too much prying ears." Even if my words could seem suspicious, I had always acted that way with the important members of our "family". It was the best mean to talk about Yggdrasil's projects without being overheard by less graded yakuza and it was also the best mean to let them believe I was always talking about said projects. However, it was far from being the case with Presea. Because we both wanted to get out of this hellish hole and rebuild our lives. Seeing we had the same goal, we had agreed to help each other like we could. She had then obtained my trust since a few years ago and I had too.

She nodded her head. "I have some time. Your office?" She asked as she walked to the opposite side of the hallway from where I had arrived. I quickly followed her without answering. I had no need to. We were so used to meet up in my office after all. We quickly arrived, not wasting time to talk on the way. We weren't the talkative kind anyway.

When I entered the room, I came to sit behind my desk, near the window from which the curtains were open. It was certainly one of the rare rooms that seemed less dark with the sun that penetrated in it. I couldn't say I adored this room, but at least I wasn't feeling too uncomfortable in it.

Presea sat in front of me after closing the door, staring at me, waiting for me to talk. Which I did without delay. "I have a favor to ask of you." I got directly to the point. "Surely you have heard of Sano Nagano, Yggdrasil's new informant?" She nodded and I went on. "Well, I'm worried about him. For his first mission, Yggdrasil is sending him to see Rodyle and get information about his betrayal. And you know of Rodyle's hypocrisy: if he doesn't get rid of Sano, he'll surely try to make him one of his prized possessions." She nodded again before going ahead of my words. "Taking in account that Mr. Nagano seems to be a handsome man, there's more chance that Rodyle will take him in his custody using force." She analyzed with an impassible face.

I sighed. "Indeed, and that is why I'm worried. Which is also why I have a favor to ask of you. Knowing your talents in infiltration while being completely unnoticed, I would like you to follow Sano and call me if anything ever happens to him. He returns there tomorrow. Would it be possible?" I was too worried to let Yuan go there alone. He didn't know Rodyle like Yggdrasil and I, and so many horrors could happen to him. I couldn't prevent a brief shiver before transferring my attention back on the teenager.

"I can manage." She declared, getting out a little agenda from one of the pockets of her jacket to write in it. "However, I would like to know why you so want to protect that man. Isn't he exactly like Magnius, Pronyma and all the other spies Yggdrasil has hired?"

Like them? The need to give a force laughed came to me, but I retained it. He was far from being like them, both on the level of the work or the behavior. Yuan was simply too innocent in this story. Which was why I was still so bitter of his decision to infiltrate. That world would surely defile that purity I would have preferred to keep intact. "No. He's like us." I answered in a lower voice this time, in case someone was listening from the other side of the door. The chances were slim, but we never knew.

My answer pulled out a small smile from the young girl and she stood up. "I see. In that case, I will take care of him without any problems." Her smile disappeared as soon as it had came and she bowed before me. "I wish you a good day, Mr. Auri – " She was suddenly interrupted by a door opening and a young man with orange hair entering the office. He was wearing one of his charming smiles while staring at Presea. "Oh, hello my beloved beauty! I didn't know you were here!" He whispered gently. However, the beauty in question completely ignored him. She wished me goodbye for good this time and left the office without even one look to Zelos. The latter had a weary sigh and lowered his head ruefully. "She's so cold." He complained dramatically, one hand on his forehead.

He was highly annoying me.

"I thought I told you already to knock before entering, Zelos." I groaned with a hint of discouragement. But inside, I was irritated and most of all, afraid. Did he hear all that was said between Presea and me? After all, he had entered just in time as we were ending our conversation. And that conversation could seem shady for someone listening from the other side of the door.

But by seeing his murderous look in view of my comment, I noted with relief that it was not the case. If he really had heard the entirety of the conversation, he would have looked at me with a mocking smile to provoke me. He also would have taken off quickly to tell Yggdrasil.

"Then please pardon me, oh great Kratos!" He declared with sarcasm while rolling his eyes. "However, I bring important news on Yggdrasil's part, so I didn't see the need to knock." He observed me in a haughty way while throwing a bang of his red hair behind his shoulder in a harsh gesture.

"I will point out to you that what I'm asking you is only politeness, oh imbecile! Furthermore, must I remind you that you are my subordinate? So, you automatically have to be polite towards me." I recalled him, not without a small mocking smile, which earned me a second murderous glare. "Why do you have both the roles of the Saiko-komon and the Waka-gashira?! Couldn't Yggdrasil leave me at least one of them? Why does he trust you more than me? I didn't betray him, at least!"

As he was complaining, I had just opened my computer to begin my work.

I indeed had the two positions Zelos had just mentioned. So not only was I taking care of all that concerned finances, accountancy and business, I was also seeing to the best assassins of our "family". It was clear that since I had spent my childhood with Yggdrasil, I was the man in whom he was putting his trust the most. And the Saiko-Komon always had the ear of the "father" of the family. I was then awarded with the role.

However, Yggdrasil must have thought that I would be bored only doing accountancy and having no power over the employees, if I can say it thus, since he granted me the position of the Waka-gashira, knowing perfectly that I had made my proof a long time ago. The Saiko-komon was pulling the strings, but wasn't giving orders. The Waka-gashira, on the other hand, had power over the strongest men of the house. I had therefore gotten the two positions at my own regret.

"We already had this kind of conversation and it's not my place to answer. If Mithos wants you to keep your position, then stay there without complaining. You're already lucky to be at such a high rank." I recalled him with dark eyes before turning them back on the screen. I knew I was provoking him and making him angry, but I did not held Zelos dear into my heart. So why should I strive for him? "And I don't know what you're talking about, I never betrayed Mithos." I knew perfectly well what he had implied, but I preferred to act as if I didn't know the meaning of his words. One hand on the computer mouse, I opened the financial reports, with all the orders that just came in and I rolled them down, observing them vaguely.

The teenager bent over my desk, staring at me with a huge mocking smile, eyes shining with malice. His two hands on the wood desk, he spoke again, "A pretty young lady with silky hazelnut hair, eyes that surely gleamed with a little something that could melt anybody. She looked like a real goddess!" He started, replacing a bang of his hair behind his ear. I was surprised that Zelos wasn't insulting her like Yggdrasil did. But it was Zelos we were talking about here. After all, he was a real womanizer. But even though he was talking of her in a good way, he was irritating me. "I don't have a clue how she could have ended with someone like you." He exclaimed with disdain and I retained myself from wincing. "She could have found someone much better! She needed a god, an Apollo, someone like me!" Did he forget the age difference? "But I, at least, would have refused her. Because I would never betray Yggdrasil!" He was seriously pissing me off. "But you, you! Not only did you become infatuated with her, even though she was a true goddess, you even had a little monster." His last words were pronounced with disgust. "How dare you do something so hideous to the frail body of that goddess?" I had more than enough! If he continued to talk like that about my son, I knew he would fly out of my office with his so handsome face more than banged-up!

"I don't see what you're talking about." I surprised myself again of my calm and indifference at his hateful words. I felt guilty for not protecting Lloyd, but if I did, Zelos would obtain what he wanted.

The latter frowned in front of my lack of reaction and he displayed a disappointed pout. He opened his mouth to reply, but I interrupted him. "And Yggdrasil sent you here to entrust something to me. If you take forever, he will be furious." That seemed to make its effect since the teenager straightened up after returning to a serious state. Well… the more serious Zelos coud be.

"Yggdrasil has reasons to think that Dorr is trying to betray us. Apparently, the fact that we might have the medicine to heal his wife if he works for us is not enough anymore." I raised an eyebrow and turned my gaze on Zelos. "The minister of Foreign Affairs?" Ah well, it wasn't much of a surprise. Even though that minister was a coward, his henchman was someone of good nature. He must have succeeded in convincing him that what he did wasn't the right thing.

Zelos nodded at my question and rolled his eyes. "Yes. Yggdrasil thinks now would be the right time to get rid of him." I winced internally. I would have to kill someone again. My hands were already stained so much, but I didn't like the idea to dirty them even further.

I sighed while looking back at my computer screen. "Very well. I will send someone. This should be done in a few days." How… How could I be so cold before a murder that would soon take place? How could I bring about an assassination, even?!

"Yeah, I'm sure of it." The young man grumbled as he threw me a haughty look and I ignored it. It was after an annoyed expression that he finally left the room without another word. When he was out, my face became weary and I buried it in my hands. How I couldn't wait for Yuan to find all the evidence necessary to finally put Yggdrasil behind bars! I had enough already! Enough of being obliged to take the life of innocents only because they weren't useful to Yggdrasil anymore, enough of being a merciless murderer! I wanted a normal life, only a simple life… But it would never happen, wouldn't it?

I looked again at the financial reports, sighed at length, and then printed them before placing them at the corner of my desk to give them to my superior later on. I then left my office in search of one of my men to give him Dorr's case. I would warn Yuan later when we would be back at his apartment. Maybe he could ask some of his colleagues to protect the minister and that he would survive.


My back leaning on the door frame behind me, my eyes were traveling from left to right, watching the side from which Yuan would arrive. Moreover, I wondered how it had gone at the police station. Had the evidence been enough to find the murderer? Or to at least give a good lead? Unfortunately, I knew I couldn't ask him once he arrived. It was far from being the good emplacement to talk about that.

The officer finally arrived, greeting me with a sign of his hand and smiling gently. I stood back again on my feet before meeting up with him. I didn't even dare ask him how it had gone this morning, in fear of letting something slip out. "So, was Anji able to help you out?" I got to the point, not seeing the point in doing small talk with the "newcomer". My words had their effect as a scowl made his way on his face. "No." He growled lowly, suddenly in a bad mood. It seemed like he actually did called his friend to learn more about Forcystus. Besides, that man was also intriguing me. Who could he be for me to not have an idea about his identity? For Rodyle to pass him before Yuan, who was Anji's subordinate after all, he was necessarily important. And if he indeed was important, it was strange that I had never heard of him before, because I knew all the people Yggdrasil knew. This meant Yggdrasil too must not know who this character was.

Really strange…

I tapped his shoulder to comfort him. "Very well, let's go see Tabatha in that case." And without another word, I walked towards Yggdrasil's secretary office. I noticed the door was already opened and I entered the room at the same time as Yuan, throwing him a quick glance to see what would be his reaction after closing the door. Before us, sitting behind a wooden desk, what resembled a young woman was typing on the keyboard of her computer, her green eyes staring at the screen. Her long green apple hair, put togheter in a braid, was falling to her lower back. She was wearing a hat on the entirety of her head that was only revealing her forelock, of which two bangs were covering her ears. Her clothes consisted in a simple short dress of which the white collar with black edges was linked to the rest of her black clothing. On the skirt were visible two green lines hidden by the desk. However, even though she resembled a real woman, the secretary had something that looked inhuman. Maybe it was the mechanical movement of her body, her lack of reaction when we entered, or maybe a lack of glimmer in her eyes.

Yuan halted suddenly when seeing her, his eyes widening with stupor, but especially with horror. And I immediately understood my suspicions were accurate. "M –" He began, but I interrupted him while advancing towards the young woman.

"Here's Tabatha, Yggdrasil's secretary. As you can see for yourself, she resembles a woman, but there's something off. That would be because she's a robot. She was created by Altessa, a scientist working for our superior." Yuan was now looking at me with genuine confusion and I understood well the question in his eyes. How could a robot be created as the exact replica of his wife? He observed again the android that hadn't moved since we entered. "But it's Mar –" He began again, but I frowned and cut him off quickly. "Don't say her name!" I harshly exclaimed and he froze in place. I sighed and put my hands on the desk behind me, leaning on it. "Sano… I have only one question for you. The last name of your wife, was it Kimura?" His eyebrows creased and his confusion grew even more. "How do you know of it?" After all, he had never mentioned it.

I sighed again. Here I had gotten the last confirmation I needed. "Kimura was the last name of Yggdrasil's mother. And not only did she have a son, but she also had a daughter, Martel Yggdrasil." Yuan's face decomposed when he understood the gravity of my words. "One day, however, she decided to leave her husband to get away from this psychotic word and brought her daughter with her. She didn't like her son, so she decided to let him live in this world while abandoning him, despite her daughter's protestations. That is why Martel Yggdrasil became Martel Kimura and you never knew about any of that." I turned my head towards Tabatha, who had still not left her work. "I grew up with Yggdrasil and his sister, that's why I had doubts when you said her name and that's also why I brought you to see her. Because she has been created to replace Yggdrasil's lost sister. Unfortunately, even though she has some sort of conscience, she is still an android and can never be his sister. It happens sometimes that Yggdrasil cannot stand to see her, thus the reason why his office is so far from here. That way, he can't destroy her in an excess of anger."

A feeling of nostalgia took hold of me as I was remembering the days I had grown up with Mithos and Martel. I terribly missed these days where I could live peacefully. Yuan walked to my side, detailing the android in front of him. I knew he was troubled; After all, he had the exact replica of his wife before him. If there had been a replica of Anna in front of me, I would have had the same kind of reaction. "I understand now." He started in a low tone. "She often talked about her little brother, a cute boy she adored. She had said however that she could never see him again and she never told me his name. Each time I asked her, she was avoiding the subject. Everything is clear now." He had a soft laugh without joy and I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You now know that her name is taboo in this place. If Yggdrasil ever came to learn you have been her husband, you'll not get away unharmed." Yuan must have found strange that I was saying those words after I had just talked about her with the risk of being overheard. However, no one was crossing these hallways. Yggdrasil had forbidden to the entirety of the family to pass here, because he didn't want the identity of his precious android to be known, not even to Zelos. I was the only one that could come here with Yggdrasil and if he really did hear us, he would have already showed himself since several minutes. Anyway, as I was last aware, it was now a time where seeing Tabatha was putting Yggdrasil in a dark anger. I doubted he would come to see her today. It was then a safe place to talk.

"Okay, Tabatha?"

The young woman lifted her head and looked at me with a charming smile. Poor Zelos, I'm sure he would be jealous of me because he couldn't meet her like I could. "Yes, Mr. Aurion, what can I do for you?" She asked in a voice that seemed totally human. I had to admit Altessa had constructed her well. If someone threw her a quick glance, they could really have the impression she was human. You had to know it beforehand that she was a machine. "I need you to look for a man named Focystus. Check if you have his name somewhere in your data, may it be providers, buyers or simple clients. Don't limit yourself to Japan, also search far away in east Asia." She nodded and suddenly, her eyes that had at least looked human weren't anymore. Sounds of downloading were heard and countless data scrolled in her eyes. Now she really seemed like an android.

I knew she was searching first in the most important data that she was keeping in her own hard drive. That way, if Forcystus was known to our family and someone really important, she would find him.

Several minutes passed before she came back to us. "I'm sorry, but there's no one of this name in my data. I will check on the computer, just give me a moment." And no sooner said than done, her fingers were typing on her keyboard in a phenomenal speed. She searched in all her files before stopping definitely and shaking her head. "No, I really have nothing on this man. Please pardon me, Mr. Aurion." Yuan sighed with defeat, disappointed that she too hadn't found something on this man. "Too bad, I'll manage." He grumbled.

"Thank you very much, Tabatha. Now, as soon as we are out of this room, I want you to erase the data concerning all that happened since we entered your office, have I made myself clear?" Asking her that would make sure she wouldn't remember seeing us, nor having searched information on Forcystus.

She nodded and, satisfied, I turned around towards the door and left the room, Yuan behind me.

As we were walking down the hallway, I told Yuan of an important rule, "Don't tell anybody about what you have seen today, is that clear? Nobody besides Yggdrasil, Altessa and I have the right to meet Tabatha. Once again, if Yggdrasil learns that you saw her, you can say goodbye to your life, and I, to mine." The policeman nodded his head with seriousness without saying anything. That silence stayed between us as we were walking the hallways of the headquarters until we reached my office. I sat behind my desk, ready to go back to work, while Yuan was looking at the clock. But before he could say anything, Yggdrasil entered the room. "Kratos, you're here, I was looking for you." He stopped when he took notice of Yuan and his eyes creased viciously. Straight away, Yuan tensed in an uncomfortable way, even though his gaze stayed determined. He didn't want to be ashamed of being in the office of one of his superiors and it was out of the question he would submit gently to Yggdrasil. Well… that is what I thought I read in him.

Yggdrasil' bitter expression transformed into a malicious smile. "Hmm… Sano, isn't it? What could you possibly be doing here? Don't tell me you came to ask for Kratos' help! Did I give you a task too difficult in the end?" He whispered with mockery. "Be careful, that's not what I'm expecting out of you!" He chuckled lowly, chuckled spitefully. Immediately, Yuan's body tensed again, but with determination this time, his eyes gleaming with a burning fire. "That is not the case, Lord Yggdrasil. I only needed information on the other places Rodyle is occupying and since Anji is busy right now, I came to see Mr. Aurion. I wasn't going to bother you for so little, after all." I had to admit he did well this time. Yggdrasil let out a disdainful "Hmph", disappointed by his lack of reaction, before turning towards me, ignoring completely the source of boredom. "Kratos, don't forget we are going to Kyoto this weekend and we are leaving tonight." I only nodded. "I will wait for you in my office at seven, don't be late."

When Yggdrasil left my office, I groaned. I had completely forgotten we were leaving for Kyoto. With all the events that had happened these last days, this trip was the last of my worries. But now that it hit me in full shot, the idea of passing an entire weekend alone with Yggdrasil wasn't so appealing to me.

Yuan walked to my desk, frowning. "You didn't tell me you were leaving for the weekend." He reproached me with something in his voice that looked like… disappointment? Or maybe anger? I think there was also worry…

I shook my head to chase away such thoughts and fixed my attention on Yuan. "I forgot." Was my only answer. I stared at the clock on the wall and noticed it was already five thirty. I didn't have much time to prepare my bags. Unfortunately, it also meant I would not have the time to talk to Yuan about Dorr. Too bad, I would have to send him a mail and destroy all the evidence later. "Okay, I have some precisions to give you concerning your work, and since I do not have the time to explain now, I will send you a mail tonight. Check them tonight, am I clear?" Surprised, he nodded, wondering what kind of precisions I could give him. He would know it if he read it tonight, and I hoped he would act fast. I didn't want another death on my shoulders. "I have to go now. I should be back Sunday afternoon. Until then, please be careful with Rodyle." I declared with hard eyes. I didn't want him do to some crazy stuff either. Who knows what could happen?

He rolled his eyes and nodded. "Yeah yeah, don't worry. But…" He stopped for a moment, looking in the direction Yggdrasil had left. "You too, be careful." Seeing his gaze softly worried, I immediately knew I wasn't the only one that had noticed the strange looks our superior was giving me. I sighed. "Yes, I'll do my best." I grumbled. Let's just say being careful with Rodyle was ten times easier than being careful with Yggdrasil.

I finally left my office, locking it after Yuan had exited, then walked towards my room after a last goodbye.

That weekend was promising to be a true nightmare.


N/A : Oh my, I hope Kratos will be ok during that weekend *eyes gleaming evilly* You'll have to wait two chapters to see, I'm so very sorry. In hope that I won't be hated! :3

But seriously, I hope that you liked this chapter. It was mostly technical, with the yakuza-ranking and all, but I did my best. It might not be truly accurate, as I did not search thoroughly, but it's the best I could do. After all, it's simply a fanfiction. You can always think it's a parallel universe to ours that resembles it, but that rules are slightly different xD

Anyways, thank you so much to our fateful reviewers! And to our new one as well, Flawed Imagination. It really means a lot to us, you don't know how much! :)

And now, wait for Little Rosebud's chapter with anticipation! Thank you again for reading!