Please enjoy this Chapter, I don't own Shugo Chara.


Chapter 11. Normal POV.

Mari knocked on Calothstine's study door, and a quiet 'enter' was replied. The maid turned the handle, and pushed the door open, revealing a haggard Roderick. He smiled thinly at the guests, and the men bowed their heads slightly, while Rima curtsied. Amu smiled warmly, though she couldn't help but feel a tad guilty for doing this to him.

"Shall I go fetch anything?" Marionette asked from the door. Calothstine looked questioningly at the guests.

"Tea or wine?" He offered. Everyone said tea, even Kukai, who wasn't completely over last night's party. Marionette nodded and left them alone to converse.

"Please, do take a seat, if you can find one." Said Roderick. Normally, his study only had two chairs, but because he was expecting guests, the proper amount of seating was placed out.

The small company of thieves took a chair and sat down, Amu, of coarse, picking the one closest to Calothstine. She smiled, a tad sympathetic at him, and he returned the gesture with a wolfish grin.

"So," Calothstine began. "Who should I spend my money on first, the doctors or the workers?"

"Doctors, of coarse." Kairi said, smiling slightly. "Edmund, at your service, and my partner, Stephen." Kukai nodded his head slightly. Kairi and Kukai, whom were naturally charismatic already, really started to put on their charm for this interview.

They couldn't blow it, not now.

Calothstine nodded his head, and began the interview.

"So, how long have you two been healers?" He asked.

"Six years in medical school, but we were interested at a very young age." Kairi replied, and Kukai added:

"We use to love playing doctor with the family dog."

Calothstine, despite his tired mood, chuckled, and continued on.

"So are you two brothers? You say 'we'." But the two shook their heads.

"We were friends since childhood." Kukai stated simply. Best not to get to deep into a role, otherwise you might say something wrong, and their cover would be blown.

"Ah. Well, I don't have very much other questions to ask…I probably should ask a lot more, but your reputation had preceded you."

"Thank you for the opportunity." Kairi said quietly, and Kukai nodded his thanks, inwardly relieved that all had gone well for them.

"I should be thanking you…that is, if you get me cured." Calothstine smiled politely, hiding any suspicion. "But, before you examine me, I think I should interview the workers first." And his eyes looked at Ikuto, Nagihiko and Tadase.

"Names?" He asked, and Ikuto was the first to speak.

"Daniel," He pointed to Nagihiko. "Raymond," He gestured at Tadase. "And my name is Conner." The three smiled politely, though Ikuto's smile was more of a smirk than anything. Calothstine grinned back, and said:

"Normally, my butler, who is who knows where, would do the interview, but he is busy at the moment, so I'm afraid I'll be doing his job. I don't have much to ask, but I am guessing you three have done this worke before?" They nodded. "Then you'll all do fine for now." They all nodded again and thanked him.

Mari, who had just finished making the tea, came in with no knock.

"Your tea." She stated, and placed the silver platter on the table, handing each person a cup. As she began to fill each of their teacups, gracefully, with tea from the teapot, In through another door, in Calothstine's study, which no one had noticed before, because it blended in so well with the wood, bursted out a man.

Marionette looked at him and smiled widely.

"Ah, so the disappearing butler finally shows his face, once again." The butler, whom was rather handsome, in the startling way that Calothstine was, ginned. He noticed only then, that Roderick had company.

"My apologies for interrupting, but an urgent letter was just flown in by your mother." He handed Calothstine a letter, then looked at Marionette with a wolfish grin…a grin that looked so much like Calothstine's. "I would love to take over for you, Mari, but something else has come up." He bowed slightly, flashing a smile to the girls, and left, rather quickly.

"My god." Mari muttered under her breath.

Calothstine broke the seal, slid the letter out, and began to read its contents.

Dear Roderick,

I hope this letter finds you well.

It has come to my attention that a large sum of my medicine has gone missing from my stockpiles, as well as a package of my Crow's Feather, and its antidote. It was stolen from me by one of my apprentices, and bought by two girls, whom were heading in your direction.

A description of Crow's Feather can be found in the Cellar library.

If you notice anything unusual in you area, please investigate.

I know we haven't spoken much lately, but this situation between West and South, regarding the artefact, will undoubtedly bring us together soon. We shall talk then.

My Regards to Countess Marionette, and your brother. I assume they are doing well.

Until the day we meet again, best wishes,

Your mother

Calothstine was silent for a while, eyes still fixed on the sheet of paper. After a minute of quiet, Calothstine broke out into a wry smile, and looked up at the guests, whom were staring at him.

"Marionette, please bring show our help to their chores, and to their rooms, if they decide to stay here. Ladies," He regarded Amu and Rima. "Thank you for bringing both the doctors and new help to me, please accompany the doctors on their next visit, I'm sure I'll be feeling much better by then."


I hope you guys liked this chapter, and where the story is going. Tell me what you thought.