The Right Kind of Wrong
Chapter 12: In Disguise Part I
Perspectives in Bold.
Lyrics and time changes in Italics.
Okay so I know you've been waiting for this for a long time so here it is. Thanks for all the reviews and reading. Special thanks to those who added this story to your favorite list. I'll be posting part two like tomorrow. I'll shut up now. Enjoy.
Music: Cruel to be Kind by Letters to Cleo
Disclaimer: I don't own MGLN or the song.
Normal
The knights along with their companions were about to depart from the underground lair until Fate spoke up, "Wait..." the blonde paused to gain everyone's attention, "It'd be a waste for all of us to go." She turned her attention to the brown-haired woman at Chrono's side, "Amy, how's those hacking skills?"
Amy seemed slightly confused by the question, but answered anyway , "Perfect of course. Why do think I'm always on the office computer? Our secret probably wouldn't be much of a secret without my... interference."
Fate frowned at the odd response, "...Okay. Well, without getting caught by the FBI like you did college do you think you could do an search on any information on Jail and the Numbers. Then..."
Nanoha cut Fate off by handing Amy two flash-drives, "Here this is some information that I've already collected if that helps as well as a small amount security footage we managed to get." Amy accepted the drives.
Fate nodded her approval and continued with her instructions, "Collect as much information as possible and be vigilant of any suspicious activity in the forest. Every piece of equipment in this room is at your disposal. Also... I need you to check to make sure the equipment we set up in the Northern forest is working."
The golden blonde appeared to be going through her mental checklist, so Amy assisted her. "Run through the weaponry to ensure they're functioning properly?"
"Yeah..." Fate knew she didn't have to be as stressed about the technology details. Amy knew her job. "You have everything under control."
Amy smiled and nodded.
"You want us to leave." Fate already knew the answer to the question. The gossip goddess needed them to be gone so she could start her chores. "Oh... and one more thing. You'll see it when you log in. Please take of it for me, okay?"
"Sure." Amy knew it wasn't something she should ask about in front of the others and agreed as quickly as possible. "Good Luck, y'all." The hacker turned and headed to the computers.
"I'll stay with her, Fate." Shamal interrupted.
"Me too." Hayate quickly added.
"Me... ah ah ah..." Vita was about to mimic her partner. But Signum snatched her sister's ear and dragged her towards the elevator. "Signum, please... ow."
"Don't be lazy. And silence yourself." The older sister sternly advised the struggling teen.
After saying goodbye to his fiance, Chrono stepped into the elevator once it descended for him.
Before entering the lift, Fate met the gaze of her future sister-in-law one last time and received a firm nod to ensure her everything would be taken care of. With that sign of conformation she and Nanoha entered the elevator. Out of the underground lair the knights agreed to meet in Chrono's basement.
One hour later...
"Squirrely bastard!" Johnny yelled as he stumbled down the stairs and into Chrono's basement with a handcuffed and blindfolded Yunno struggling to get away.
Johnny lost his patience and threw the blonde man into a wooden chair. Immediately after being set into the chair, Yunno tried to stand up and run away. Johnny kicked him in the chest sending him flying back into his chair almost falling backwards from the force, "SIT YOUR ASS DOWN BOY!"
Signum gripped Yunno's shoulders, holding him in place while Vita went about handcuffing him to the seat. Vita placed shackles around his ankles. During the process Yunno yelled the entire time, repeating various complaints including, "LET ME GO! I'LL TURN ALL OF YOU IN! I THOUGHT YOU WE'RE MY BEST FRIEND! LET ME GO! I KNOW SOMEONE WHO WILL..."
CRACK! The sound of a well placed backhand to Yunno's right cheek echoed throughout the room. The slap effectively shut blondie up. Chrono shook off his now red right hand.
Meanwhile Fate questioned Johnny, "What happened Tiida?"
"I promise Fate tried to be civil about it. I even brought Ginga along with me to keep things light, but as soon as I mentioned Scaglietti he tried to bolt for it." Tiida looked down to avoid what would probably be a disappointed Fate, but he was stunned when he felt a hand upon his right shoulder.
"It's fine. Couldn't be helped right?" Tiida nodded, but he still felt bad about the whole situation. That was still his childhood friend, best friend, in that chair. All shackled up like some criminal. This wasn't something he anticipated doing when he agreed to be a knight.
"I guess."
Fate could see the internal struggle he was undergoing. Perhaps she'd ask too much of him. "Hey," sad blue eyes met her concerned burgundy, "Look nobody knew this would happen."
Tiida had put up the tough front, but he was a good man and watching his friend being treated like a criminal wasn't easy on his conscious. Fate squeezed the orange-haired man's shoulder, "It'll all work out. You did your job. Leave before we start."
Tiida Lanster tried to object, but Chrono cut him off, "Don't sweat it man. We got this covered. You can leave." A knight through and through Tiida refused to leave the job unfinished.
Fate quickly thought of another task he could preform, "Tiida," When she caught his attention she continued, "I need you and Vice to go to the Western forest."
"Zion?" Johnny caught onto Fate's train of thought, "You want me to check it out. Make sure they're fine?"
"Exactly."
"Absolutely. I'll report as soon as I get back. I don't think we should use our cell phones too much."
"Your right. It's for the best."
He was about to walk up the stairs, but stopped when he remembered, "Oh yeah. Ginga said she would gather her team in case we needed back up."
"Okay. Thanks." With that Tiida was off on his next mission.
Their attention turned back to the matter at hand. Chrono and Fate, eyed the blonde in bondage. The four knights and Nanoha didn't know how to start the interrogation. It wasn't a task any of them desired.
Fate glanced at Nanoha still unsure of how the brunette was handling the sight of her ex-boyfriend in chains. To her surprise sapphire eyes were trained on her. The intense gaze held for a moment as each remembered the truck ride over.
Earlier...
Fate
As soon as the elevator stopped I made a beeline for my truck. To say I was prepared to interrogate my cousin and use torture if necessary would be a complete lie. However being a leader requires me to disguise any weakness, any uncertainty. My mask was firmly in place, but I couldn't help but wonder if what I'm doing is the right thing.
Then again here I am his cousin, not his sibling... Chrono... I can't imagine what's going on in his mind. Moments like these make me wonder if this is justified.
Although, these moments also don't ever sway me from the life I've chosen to lead. Too many things from history, too many happenings in my own life contribute to my devotion to this responsibility.
Damn where is Nanoha!
I'm over thinking everything because I'm waiting on...
Speaking of the devil. Pfft... "Took you long enough." The comment came out a little sharper than expected.
"Sorry... I just... I needed to grab something." The brunette mumbled as she buckled herself in. Then squeezed her backpack to her chest while looking out the passenger side window.
"It's fine." I spun out of the drive way and onto the road.
The tension was getting to me, I needed to calm down. Something else was bothering me. "You don't have to hide anymore. We know each other's secrets."
I noticed a slight blush, but Nanoha continued to stare at the scenery as she spoke, "Old habits die hard. Hiding who I am and what I do has become second nature." She paused, "I guess you know about that."
In someway the statement hurt, but my mask didn't allow it to be seen. I acknowledged her words softly, "Yeah. I do."
It was silent for a while, both of us lost in our own musings. She broke through my reverie, "You probably already know what it is."
"I have an idea."
"It's the... umm... the custom weapon I mentioned earlier." Her apprehension at revealing such information reminded me that revealing anything about her profession still felt wrong to her. "And my uniform." She instinctually squeezed the bag tighter to her chest as if to shield her secret.
"I see." Admittedly I was extremely curious about the weapon as I admire Mariel's artistic flare with weaponry, but I knew that would be pushing the limits. Now something else was on my mind so I pried further, "Nanoha, can I ask you something... ?" My mask fell away.
"Um... about what?" She was confused by my hesitant voice. Hell! I was frustrated about why I was shy for asking.
"Uh... Yunno." Oh good Lord. I wish I didn't suck at feeling-talks.
"Oh." I was about to dive in head first, but Nanoha took the plunge, "Don't worry about it."
"Huh?"
"You want to know if I... um... la...la.. love him right?"
"Well... if you..."
"I don't!" The shy brunette exclaimed towards the window. She and I were shocked by the strength in which she said it. I didn't know if I should believe it or not. Swallowing her embarrassment she continued, "I don't love Yunno." Nanoha paused, then shifted her attention to me, "I... Like I said before. Yunno was my best friend in college. I just assumed I could fall in love with him. Forever."
"Like a movie." The words just slipped out.
"Truthfully... yes. Because of the movies." She once again looked out her window, "And the manga... and the books... Also," Nanoha frowned as she thought over her last reason, "my parents."
That explained it. Not only was her mother pressuring her about marriage. Nanoha's mother must have encouraged her to pursue a relationship with her best friend... male friend. "She wanted you to be like her."
"Wrong... she WANTS me to be like her. I suppose it makes sense. My mother and father are always so..."
"Lovey-dovey? Mushy?"
"Exactly. She wants the best for me and the best for her was marrying her best friend. To her that's all that works."
"But you aren't your mother. The same thing doesn't work for everyone."
I didn't want to push the issue so I returned to the original concern, "So, what were about to do... You'll be able to handle it. I don't know whether Yunno will be compliant or not so..."
"You're asking me if I can stand by and watch as my almost fiance undergoes torture. Correct?"
"I believe you covered the main details."
"Yes. I can do it."
"Don't feel forced to stand there and watch."
"Enough Fate, I don't... feel forced. I just..." Nanoha took a deep breath, shifting her attention to her intertwined fingers, "I need confirmation." Sad sapphire eyes stared at me, "To see the truth in his eyes."
"If he betrayed you." I whispered.
"Yeah." Silence took over after that.
A loud beeping noise indicated an incoming call. I pressed the call button, which raised the screen that had been previously inside the dash.
On screen, Teana Lanster appeared with her game face on, "Fate, Johnny had some... complications with Yunno. He'll be meeting with the rest of you at Chrono's basement."
"Understood. Thanks for the update."
"No problem. Anyways, Subaru and I will be heading to Susceptor to help Amy and Hayate. Shamal received an emergency call from the clinic and Lindy was already out in the field."
"I see." I nodded my approval on the decision and continued, "Stay alert and be ready at all times. Amy should have your gear prepared. I suggest keeping it close."
"Got it." Teana seemed as though she was going to hang up, but changed her mind. As she remained online I could see the hesitation and worry in those normally clear and resolute orbs.
"Don't worry Teana. We'll find these people."
She gave me a small smile and nodded in agreement. "I know. Good luck, Fate."
"Knights don't need luck." Her smile widened before she replied.
"Maybe not, but blondes do." With that the connection ended.
I could only angrily mutter, "Damn carrot-top. Just wait til..." Out of the corner of my eye I saw the beginning of a smile forming on the devil's face. "You're enjoying that a little too much."
"I'm just in love with... this beautiful day. Brings a... smile... to my face." Nanoha struggled to contain her laughter.
"Oh really." So not convinced, "Well that smile..." I paused, "makes you look fake just like a Barbie."
"I resent that." Her face fell, but wicked grin appeared, " However you... look so similar to her, Blondie."
"You DID NOT just say that."
"You are a natural blonde. Just stating the facts."
"Oh hoho... HO! Sooo... funny."
"When do I get to meet Ken?" Nanoha held her composure for five seconds before the giggles broke free. That was the last straw. Before she could defend herself I pinched her tricep and retreated to defend against retaliation. After clutching her arm and sending me a death glare she faced the window.
"I hate you." She deadpanned. A cute scowl deepened as I laughed at her. "I won't forget this."
"I hope you don't. I'm so scared." The rest of the drive was quiet...
Ten minutes later...
"We're here."
"Thank you Captain Obvious." She smiled deviously.
"You're welcome. Anytime." I said, but it sounded more like, "Fuck you. Bitch," with a smile of course. I don't know why we were suddenly so cruel to each other, but I have a feeling we just can't go a day without a bit of meanness. Maybe something to do with the idea... cruel to be kind. Huh, reminds me of the song...
Oh, I can't take another heartache With the things that you do and when I ask you to be nice
Though you say oh my friend, I'm at my wit's end
You say your love is bonafide, but that don't coincide
You say you've got to be...
Cruel to be kind in the right measure
Cruel to be kind it's a very good sign
Cruel to be kind means that I love you
"Earth to Fate." A hand waved in front of my face pulling me out of my reminiscing. Blinking away the daydream I faced Nanoha again. "You... planning on getting out of the truck. Or do feel like just sitting here. Cause that's totally fine."
"Shoosh." I glared at her, but she was right. We had something to do and here I am wasting time by spacing out. It's not something I do when dealing with protecting our secret, but interrogating my cousin isn't something I want to do. Nanoha knew I was stalling because her face gave away her own apprehension about the situation. "I have to grab something." My voice finally took on a serious tone.
From the compartment built into the seats between us I brought out one of my favorite tools.
"Oh my God! Oh my God!" Nanoha chanted as her eyes went big and her mouth hung open.
She sat mystified by the object I had taken out.
"It that a Taurus Raging Judge? That takes .410 and .454 caliber rounds. The shotgun shells made by Winchester that have twelve plated BBs and 3 plated cylinders in it."
"Yep." I reached back into the compartment and took out some ammo for the gun as well as it's friend. "And this is the Taurus Judge."
"Amazing." I raised my eyebrows at her complete fascination and admiration for both weapons.
"Uhh..." Strange girl...
"Don't look at me like that okay? I just... I like... stuff like this... You know what I don't have to explain myself. You're worse. You own them." Nanoha grumbled in defense of her reaction.
"I don't think you're weird... I just figure working for... you know who... you would've seen better weapons."
"Well... She does make some incredible things, but we rarely if ever get to touch one of her products." She glanced at her bag then continued, "Doing this job... I started taking an interest in weapons and martial arts more than before. You need to be aware of what's out there. Started as a curiosity for my job, then it just became a bit of a hobby." She stared at me, "Is that strange? A girl in love with guns." Nanoha nervously laughed off her confession.
"You're asking me if it's strange?" I raised my eyebrows at her, then lifted both guns in the air. "I wouldn't say it's weird... I'd say it's... it's hot. Definitely hot! Major turn on!" With that, we erupted into laughter.
The chuckling died down and both of us took a deep breath. We regained our composure and knew we had to face reality. I put the guns into my double shoulder holster and put on my light jacket to cover it.
"We better go." Nanoha said.
"Yeah." I reluctantly agreed and got out of the truck.
I held Nanoha's wrist before she could open the door to the house.
Curious sapphire tried to decipher burgundy, "What's wrong?"
"Are you sure? You don't..." I looked away unable to continue. Part of me was asking this out of genuine concern, while the rest of me was dying to know if she still loved him despite all that she had told me.
Her face softened, "I don't... want to. I won't lie to you. I love him, I do." My shoulders fell as all the air I was holding escaped. "I love him as a friend. I hate doing this. But we both have our reasons why we must."
Conflicting emotions of happiness and sadness filled me. I was happy to hear her say she wasn't in love with him. Though the fact that I would once again be the cause of pain in Yunno's life hit me hard. Furthermore, his mother, the woman I considered my own mother... this would break her heart all over again. As if I haven't caused her enough anguish and misery.
My dark thoughts were pushed away as a soft and warm hand clasp my own, then intertwined our fingers. With a sad smile she gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and slowly placed her palm against my cheek. On instinct I leaned into her touch, allowing my anxiety to fade. "You've done nothing wrong."
I smiled at her unable to respond... because if I agreed vocally... I'd be lying.
Present...
Normal
Fate received the nod of approval from everyone and removed Yunno's blindfold. Yunno opened and closed his eyes several times trying adjusted to the light. Not a second after he regained his sight, he glared daggers at the blonde as if he were trying to kill her with his mind.
The intense hate rolling off of him in waves hadn't affected Fate, her mask gave away no particular emotion. Infuriating him further with the apathetic stance he spit at her. However, it fell short. At that moment, more than any other time in his life he wanted nothing more than to strangle the life out of her. If she begged for mercy he'd squeeze tighter until the light faded from those sickening red orbs.
"I should've known you'd be apart of some... syndicate. You were already a monster, why not join a group of 'em." The blonde man growled out.
"What the FUCK... are you talking about?" Chrono emerged from the shadows.
Yunno was absolutely baffled by his brother's sudden appearance, but his expression turned to one of pure hate, "So, what you'd do corrupt everyone I care about. Huh? Turn my best friend against me and recruit my brother into your illegal schemes. You destroy every life you come in contact with. Don't you? Probably don't even care."
He snorted in disgust, "Shit, I bet you even orchestrated involving Nanoha in your plans. Right? You and your partners... Always trying destroy my life." Though his rant Fate hadn't moved a muscle, she didn't even blink.
"Hahaha... Who'd waste their fucking time on that. Especially when you do it so well yourself." Vita emerged followed by Signum.
"Vita." Signum warned in her low voice.
The shorter girl rolled her eyes, "Sorry."
"All of you are involved in this." Yunno began to shake his head at the horror of it all. "Who else? Why?"
"Same questions we want answered." Chrono said with annoyance.
"I don't know what your talking about." Yunno immediately covered.
"You probably do. Why were you working with Jail Scaglietti?" Chrono asked, but received no response. "We know you were working with him. WHY?" The blue-haired man was losing his patience with his brother. He loathed what he was doing and it hurt him to see the distrust in his brother's eyes. But this was his job, his responsibility.
"I don't know anything!" Yunno spat.
"Yunno! Just tell us! Please, brother. We'll let you go we just need to know."
Yunno remained silent for a while. Signum tried, "Yunno, we know you were working with him. We just want to know his plans. We're the good guys here. He's the bad guy. And we need your assistance to stop him."
The blonde remained silent for a few minutes, "Fuck all of you. You're all liars." He turned his eyes filled with hate on Chrono, "So you... you chose to follow this," he looked at Fate, "monster. Instead of your own fucking brother?"
"She's not a monster. And I didn't chose her over you. I chose an ideal... no... I was given honor. We're not a part of some syndicate you seem to be convinced we are."
Yunno simply shook his head, unwilling to hear any of it. "What... the money was good something like that?" Chrono just glared at him. "Come on Chrono! I wanna know what possessed you to join the monster, who helped kill our father. Huh? What is it?"
"Get over it man! How many times do I have to tell you. Fate did not kill our father. She lost more on that night than you ever did."
"Oh... so us almost dying means nothing to you?" Yunno questioned, but didn't waited for an answer, "We could've blown up in that house. You're such a stupid mother fucker!"
Signum cut him off, "But you didn't. Move on."
"Stay out of this, you fuckin' cunt."
There was a rush of wind and all Yunno could do was close his eyes bracing for the imminent collision of fist against his face. But the punch never landed. An inch from his face Fate was holding back Chrono's fist and the rest of his body. The movement was so fast everyone was surprised besides Chrono.
"You shouldn't have stopped me. What he said... was uncalled for." Chrono growled. Over Fate's shoulder he glared at Yunno, "Say whatever you want to me, but you never, ever talk woman like that. You grew up in a home that taught you respect." Chrono relaxed and Fate released him.
The fact that Fate had just saved his face seemed to only add to Yunno's hatred.
Fate's back was still towards him as he began, "You shouldn't have done that. It doesn't change anything."
"I wasn't trying to change anything. All I want... all we want from you are answers. So please just help us."
"Why what are you going to do to me? Torture me? Fucking, go right ahead." Fate simply shook her head while retaining her mask. Yunno threw his head back and closed his eyes, "You, you and mother... you're the same. She may have committed the crime, but you let her. If you'd just agreed to leave with her. None this would have happened. I'd have my father."
He paused and started again, "Fuck! My brother, even my fucking mother loves you more than me. Your mother took my father, but you... you just took everything else. I guess the only thing you didn't take was her." Yunno whispered the last part to himself.
In the darkness, Nanoha sighed quietly and slapped her forehead. It was a good thing Yunno didn't force the real reason out of her. Otherwise those chains might not have been enough to restrain him. Not that she had to worry about Fate, but Yunno loathed her enough as it was.
"Stop bitching, gosh." Vita huffed with crossed arms, "Oh poor me... Fate screwed my life. Fate took everything away. Fate almost got me killed. My life sucks dick because of Fate." Vita mocked Yunno, "Fate killed my Daddy." Vita paused to take on a serious tone, "Who if you remember correctly was cheating on your mother. That's the greatest betrayal in our kind. It doesn't mean he deserved death but, he sure wasn't a hero."
The eyes of the other knights fell to the floor. It was true, betraying your mate by cheating on him or her was second only to revealing the secret of the spring without just reason. Right up there with killing a wolf. Loyal to the secret, loyal to the family and loyal to the wolves. If this was the past, Clyde would be replaced immediately, however a greater power had taken care of his exile.
"What about murder? That not sin your group." He took a breath. "Pfft... It was his wife and his life. If he wanted to see another woman he had the choice. He didn't have to obey anyone else's rules and he sure as hell didn't deserve to die because he wanted a good fuck."
This time the movement was too swift for even Fate to stop although whether she wanted to or not is debatable. Wood slammed into cement as Signum had picked up Yunno by the collar of his shirt, still strapped to the wooden chair. She threw him in his chair up against the wall. And in the same motion she let go of him. The legs of the wooden chair buckled and collapsed under the weight. Horrified and unable to move, Yunno sat silently in a pile of wooden splinters.
"Listen up, asshole. You can disrespect any of us. But you disrespect your mother..." The pink-haired knight shook her head, "Shit like that... gives me permission to fuck you up. Understand?" Signum said in a voice all too calm.
Yunno still doubting her seriousness spoke, "You can't kill me." At that Signum frowned.
"I didn't say I was going kill you." Signum squatted to look Yunno in the eyes, "Now, I'm not your family. I ain't your cousin, I ain't your brother. I will be your tormentor. You see you haven't told me what I need to know. So I'm gonna start will your fingernails. I'm going to take off each one with my pliers... and knife if I need to. Then, I'll move to your toe nails and do the same."
Signum smiled, "Then I'll go back to your fingers, and break each one. And your toes I'll break those with a hammer. You know your molars, right?" Signum pointed to her mouth. "I'm gonna take out every single one of those. After that, I like to get creative, but essentially I break every bone in your body. I'll continue even if you pass out from the pain." Signum smiled, "Let me get my knife."
The look on Yunno's face was one of terror, but part of him still didn't believe the threat. "You wouldn't."
"Oh and even if you feel like telling us what we need to know. I'm not going to stop. Once I start I don't stop. Now let's get those pants off."
"What?" Yunno stared in horror as Signum took out a sharp six inch blade. The knife sliced through his leather belt and khaki pants like butter. Revealing his boxers, "What are you doing? I... I thought you said fingernails... fingernails."
"They are... After I castrate you. A precaution." Absolute horror was written on Yunno's face as he stared at Signum, "Oh don't worry you won't bleed to death. I have something for that. I'm sure your mother will understand the position you placed me in." Signum repositioned the knife, "Well, let's do this."
"I MADE A POISON AND AN ANTIDOTE FOR HIM! I'll tell you everything... please... just don't." Yunno pleaded, tears ran down his face. Signum glared at him.
"I don't stop." Signum's serious face gave no sign of that being a lie and Yunno began to cry as the cold steel inched closer.
"Signum. Enough." Fate sternly interrupted.
"He understands how serious we are now." Chrono said firmly.
"Pfft... let her castrate him first. The world's a better place if we don't let him spread his fucking ferret face seed." Vita shrugged.
"Vita." Fate and Chrono reprimanded.
"Geez. Relax. I'm just kidding... sort of."
They turned their attention back to the blonde sitting on the floor, "Well tell us." Signum sheathed the knife as she stood. She took her place by Fate's side as they stood in front of Yunno.
"Okay..." Averting his eyes from their intense scrutiny he looked at a piece of splintered wood, "I'd just been accepted to medical school in Japan. Toxicology would be my emphasis in receiving a Ph.D. Everything was ready to go, except the financial stuff. My scholarships wouldn't be enough to cover school and living expenses."
He paused to remember, "That's when he came, Dr. Sankt Kaiser is what he called himself at first. Later on he revealed to me his real name and why he lied at first."
Fate flinched at the mention of the first name. Chrono's jaw clenched. Vita's hands curled into tight fists.
"The doctor... he noticed my undergraduate research concerning various neurotoxins. At first he seemed interested about them. So I shared all the knowledge I'd acquired through research. I also told him about my financial difficulties. He said he understood my situation and offered to help."
"If you helped him, correct?" Fate offered.
"Yes." Yunno's clipped response represented his strong resentment at the situation. "There was a poison he was interested in. A neurotoxin that could paralyze the victim, shutting down the skeletal muscles, leading to death by asphyxia."
"Muscles shut down... leads to a lack of oxygen... suffocates the victim. And heart will continue to beat even after breathing stops." Vita defined.
"Surprised you know that." Yunno spoke bitterly.
"What'd he want with the poison?" Chrono asked.
"He said he wanted to know if the poison could be made to kill specifically. To kill a certain creature... faster."
"What do you mean?" Signum questioned.
"He wanted to know if anyone could alter a poison, as such, to react with only one kind of DNA type."
"So the poison would only affect this animal." Fate's icy tone wasn't missed by anyone.
"Yes. But the doctor said it was being designed to kill people... quickly."
"How quick?" Signum asked.
"Two minutes tops."
"I see." That was far to fast for anyone to get an antidote.
"It was then that he revealed himself to be Jail Scaglietti. A doctor working with INTERPOL to put a stop to a weapons syndicate that was creating such a neurotoxin and would try to sell it. He had been working on it, but he needed a new perspective on how to create it."
"So he was going to have you create it. Then make the antidote." Fate deduced the lies Scaglietti would have told him.
"Yes." Yunno continued, "We worked on the poison, but we used a different type of DNA. Instead of human blood we used a blood he gave me to work with. He said it was from a breed of dog. This way we wouldn't create a poison harmful to humans and risk it being stolen."
"Are you stupid? If he was working with INTERPOL he could've had a team of scientists..." Fate quelled Chrono's line questioning with a stern look.
Fate knew Scaglietti didn't randomly select Yunno no matter how great his knowledge on the subject may have been. No Yunno was chosen specifically for who he was.
"I thought about that, but he told me he needed a lab near the place where the syndicate was based. I just didn't know at the time that my own flesh and blood were involved in something half-way around the world." Yunno was about to continue, but Signum cut in.
"So did you managed to produce such a toxin? Match it to the blood of that... dog." Everyone in the room knew the answer they just needed to hear it out loud.
"Yes, we did. He also had me solidify the poison as well as turn it into a gas. Although both states were unstable. The solid form would melt fast if exposed to heat like that of human body temperature."
"Fuck." Vita cursed under her breath.
"The poison you created. Only works on those dogs? And you made an antidote?" Fate's mask and voice gave away no particular emotion.
"Yes and yes."
"Where is the research and data for both, the poison and the antidote?"
"Like I'd fucking tell you." Yunno tried to be brave, but the act dropped as he saw Signum grasp the handle of her blade. Swallowing in fear he tried again, "I don't have it. The doctor took everything when he had to leave. He needed it as evidence in his case against them. To demonstrate to his superiors that such a toxin could be created."
"Bastard covered his tracks." Chrono whispered to Fate, who said nothing in response.
"So he just left you?" Fate commented.
"No. He paid for the rest of my school, then left. He needed to leave. Your people were on to him. The doctor was afraid he would lead them to me and so he left to form a case against all of you."
Fate nodded in acceptance of the new information, "What is the poison based off of?"
"A type of Curare poisoning. From plant and animal toxins."
"I know what it is." Fate cut his story short.
"Is that all?" Yunno asked, annoyed.
"No. You haven't told us everything." Fate reminded him.
"Yes I have."
"Tell us about Nanoha."
"She has nothing to do with this." Yunno spat out
Fate waited, "Come on, in those months you were working for him. You began a relationship with her. Surely he would've known about key members of the syndicate he was investigating." She paused, "He should've known her. Body guard of the boss and all."
Yunno was silent for a few moments having an internal debate, "Yes... yes he did know her. He told me that I should try and get her away from her job. He knew I cared about her. I'd always mention her in our conversations."
Fate nodded.
"Jail also said he would consider exempting her from arrest if I continued working for him or if I could get her to trade secrets about her job with him." Yunno looked at his feet.
"But she refused to admit the true nature of her employment correct? And you didn't want to push the issue?" Fate asked and received a nod in response. "So you dated her in hopes of getting information from her. Along with trying to save her from being arrested?" She raised her eyebrows, "How noble of you."
"Shut up!"
"So was that relationship even real?" Chrono asked.
"Of course. I love her! I wanted to keep her safe!" Yunno shouted. Then, shrugged, "Look what happened with that. She can go to prison with the rest of you for all I care." Fate inspected him closely after he said that.
"You don't mean that." Fate said. It wasn't a question, just a statement of fact. "When she didn't switch sides, what did Jail say?"
"He told me that if I wanted her to be exempt I'd have to find the information he needed. I did. I found out details about the facility the syndicate was based out of as well as her access card."
"You stole all of it and gave it to Scaglietti? Then he broke into the facility with his other INTERPOL members and shut it down. Then he left town, right?" Fate completed.
"Yeah."
"You loved her, right?" A voice different from Fate's came forth from the shadows, but Yunno still thought Fate was speaking.
"Of course I love her." He shook his head at the thought.
"Then why would you betray her." Finally, Yunno focused on the voice as Nanoha emerged from the darkness. "If you loved me so much you should have trusted me right? You should have trusted that I know what I was doing with my life. Had faith my choices, my decisions."
"Nanoha..." Yunno said no louder than a whisper.
Hurt and fiery plain on her face. Nanoha's tone grew angrier, "How could you do that to me? That was my boss, my friend that you endangered. All because of this mystery man that you believed over me. Whether we were together or not. We were best friends and you trusted the word of a stranger over my character. Even if I couldn't tell you about my job, you should have known me. Who I am. I'm not someone that would participate in something like that."
Yunno just looked away in shame. Nanoha took a deep breath to regain control of herself.
"But you aren't the only one to blame. I did lie to you and that is unacceptable even if you did the same to me." Nanoha couldn't look the blonde man and her eyes settled on her boots. "I would defend you, but I have a job to do. My employer is interested in the person who set her up and since you were a part of that. You need to atone."
Yunno had enough. He wanted nothing more than just feel nothingness. There was too much anger, fear, pain, and sorrow battling inside of him.
Fate decided to forgo the shroud of secrecy, "Yunno, I really am sorry that you had to go through this. Your friend, Jail, was playing you from the beginning. He doesn't work for INTERPOL. In fact he is a major crime lord in the black market. Does everything he can to make money. You aren't his first victim. He wants something from us." Fate gestured to all of them. "I can't tell you what it is. But it definitely isn't that neurotoxin. I'm afraid we never created anything remotely similar. In fact what he wants from us is the exact opposite of a poison." She inhaled deeply, "I'm sorry that you were involved in this and I promise that no authorities will get word of your participation with Jail in the creation of this toxin."
Yunno face was one of shock. He didn't know how to feel when his entire world was crashing around him, "Why do that for me?"
Fate didn't think he believed what she was telling to be the truth, but answered anyway, "Because at one time you were my brother." She paused and turned around, "And I caused you a lot of unnecessary pain. For that, I truly am sorry. But I can no longer feel any pity for you." With that Fate left the basement.
Signum recognized this as her cue and turned to Nanoha, "We'll release him and send him to your employer after negotiating his amends with her. We will not permit any strong violence and she is most certainly not allowed to kill him." Signum paused to look at Yunno, "His mother still loves him."
"She will agree to the conditions and I'm sure she has something else in mind besides torture." Nanoha suggested. Out of habit she felt like she needed to help clean him up, but Vita stopped her.
"Don't worry about it. Ginga has a team prepared. They'll handle the clean up." She pointed at Yunno in the splintered mess, "And she'll handle the transportation arrangements. He'll be treated like a high-class prisoner." Vita laughed, "Like Lindsey Lohan." Yunno didn't respond.
"Vita and I will watch him. The both of you should go upstairs with Fate. We have to make preparations." Signum suggested.
"Right." Both Chrono and Nanoha walked upstairs. Chrono left to update his mother on the happenings, while Nanoha wandered outside to find Fate. Somehow she could just feel where the golden blonde was.