Click.
Click.
Click.
Three blank shots.
Thorn stared astonished at the weapon he had examined so carefully only a few minutes before.
Hurry!
Ishikura bent over the mercenary's body and grabbed the handle of the dagger thrust into his throat.
It was slick with blood and deep stuck, but he pulled and twisted until it came out with a horrible sucking and flesh-tearing sound.
He was tempted to throw it, but he refrained: he was not good with knives and his wrists were locked by handcuffs.
If I miss, it'd be the end... no, better not to risk it!
He threw the knife to Sylviana and prayed.
For the gun not to unwedge.
For Minoru and Tetsuro not do anything stupid.
For Sylviana not to panic.
For none of the mercenaries to shoot.
Nothing of what he feared happened. There just was no time.
Sylviana leaned forward and seized the knife, balanced it in her hand, turned quick as lightning and launched.
A flashing movement of her wrist, a light impulse and the blade stuck in Thorn's right forearm.
His jacket's sleeve soaked with blood, his mouth opened in a scream and his fingers loosened their grip on the handle of the gun.
Minoru shoved him.
The gun flew into the air, fell on the uneven floor, bounced ahead for a while.
Tetsuro dived forward, took it with both hands and aimed.
He fired a single shot who hit Thorn on his left thigh, just above the knee.
For a moment, the adrenaline kept him standing and his eyes pointed on Tetsuro, full of surprise.
Then he screamed and collapsed on the floor.
- Now! - Tetsuro stood up and raised his arm - Out!
Ishikura looked around confused.
Out, where?
Had they tried to reach the stairs without keeping Thorn hostage, they would have died after a few steps. Indeed, to think of it, now that the Commander was on the ground and mercenaries had a clear shooting trajectory...
We're in trouble!
As a confirmation of his thoughts, the unmistakable sound of dozens of guns loading and aimed reached his ears.
He ran before Sylviana, aware that his pathetic attempt to shield her wouldn't have made any difference and maybe she would have even gone mad at him as in the laboratory's courtyard.
At least she will not have time to make another scene... or ask me why I do it.
He closed his eyes, ready to take the blast that would have torn them to pieces.
Nothing happened.
Ishikura strained his ears: Thorn's groans, a low buzz, scuffling of feet and the sound of loose stones. Nothing else.
He opened his eyes and looked around: from the darkness of the tunnels, behind the mercenaries, there was at least seventy armed men, the half wearing Federal Army's uniforms.
On the tracks, those that at first he had taken for defenseless civilians had thrown blankets and disguises: from the glint of metal and their size, he realized that they were all men, armed.
Surrounded and with escape routes all cut, the mercenaries had already thrown their weapons and raised their hands.
Thorn was still on the ground where he had fallen; the young man who had accompanied Tetsuro to meet them was holding him with his hands behind his back and Mrs. Masu was pressing one of its sharp cleavers against his nose.
Ishikura turned to Tetsuro and only then he realized he had both hands free, one of them still up in the classic encirclement signal used in the Army.
Sylviana released him too? Can it be...
As if reading his mind, Tetsuro nodded and pulled up the brim of his poncho.
Attached to his jacket, there was a small device the size of a playing card.
A thin thread run on his chest until the round brooch closing his collar: a wireless camera with microphone, perhaps even a short-range transmitter.
- At last - Sylviana folded her arms across her chest and pursed her lips - You got a love for theatrics worthy Thorn, my dear Tetsuro. Was it just necessary to wait all that time before giving the signal?
- Try to understand him - Minoru rubbed his arm with a grimace and came near - We've been waiting for this moment for years...
- Everything's all right, Tadashi? - Tetsuro turned to the boy helding Thorn.
He raised his thumb and made the handcuffs click.
- We have taken everything: audio and video are just perfect - he got up, raised the prisoner bodily and put him in a sitting position - A full live confession.
- And everyone here's a witness - laughed Sylviana - Oh, Thorn, Thorn... I knew that sooner or later your big mouth would have gotten you into trouble!
Ishikura gasped.
- It was... it was all planned? A... a trap... with us for a bait?!
A pat worthy Grenadier hit his back and made him choke.
- Ding! Dong! Congratulations, Everest - Sylviana planted herself in front of him, the keys' ring spinning like a little hula hoop around her thin index - At last you got it, and all by yourself!
Ishikura glared at her between coughs, his astonishment turning into irritation as he handed her his wrists.
- You... you knew? All this time... you... you have always...?!
She puffed out her chest, proud like a schoolgirl who had just brought home her first top mark.
- Acted? Of course I did! - she slid the key in the electronic lock - I'm good, am I not? Far better than alla that Hollywood silicone, dead-eyed bimbos! Ah, life is so unfair: they live the good life between beautiful boys, dreamy dresses and fabulous villas while I'm here underground, along with mice, spiders and... you!
The handcuffs opened and she hastened to Tetsuro, perhaps fearing his rightful reaction: two hands around her throat.
- In fact, the final details have been defined only... the night before last, by now - Tetsuro looked at him guiltily - I'm sorry we kept you out of the loop, Mr. Ishikura, but both Ifiklìs and Sylviana agreed that it would have been better that way, and Yuki too, at last...
- What? - Ishikura's eyes widened - Mrs. Kei agreed with that too?
- I bet - Sylviana giggled - Much of the plan is of her own making. I must admit that Blondie is not stupid: she realized at once that behind my enthusiasm for this mission there had to be something more, so, eventually, I had to tell her the whole story, from my past in the Red Rose to my suspicions about who could hide behind the name of Sven Arngeir.
She looked back at Thorn, to whom Dr. Ban was paying first aid.
In the brief moments their eyes met, Ishikura felt the same tension perceived at the Ministry emanate between them.
- I know the way you think, by now - Sylviana ran a hand through her hair, her efficient, cold spy mask once again on her face - I had to learn it all too well to survive. I knew that, had I exposed myself enough, you'd have recognized and contacted me, and I knew you'd have tried to buy me with that list, so I made a deal with our pirate lady: at the appropriate time, I'd have pretended to sell myself just to recover the information we needed with alla ease. If all went well, at X hour, all the communications with Nemesis and Miraiseria would have jumped creating a good diversion, and maybe I even could get the chance to see the faces of who is behind all this. Yeah... I know you're just that Odhrán's errand boy, man.
- I don't understand - Thorn frowned - Knowing who you are was not your greatest wish? Why complicate...
Sylviana's look turned sad and far again.
- You hit the point, Thorn: that was my greatest wish - she stooped to pick up her guns - Do you know what's your main weakness, over your long tongue, I mean? You always think all apply your same standards and pay no heed to the fact that people change over time. True, little blossom from El Alamein would have given everything to know her real name and have a family... but I'm no longer her since quite a while. I'm La Sylviana.
Her clear eyes fixed on those of his former comrade, hard, stern.
Eventually, Thorn was the one to look away.
- And what does she want, this Le Sylviana?
- Just settle up her past - Sylviana secured the block elements on her holsters - But you'd never allow it, because it would have meant having to answer for what you did.
- Are you saying you'll just hand me over to the Federation? Really? - Thon grinned in disbelief - You've changed more than I expected: once, you'd just gone for a gunshot in my forehead.
She shrugged.
- A Boy Scout I knew told me that for certain things it takes a court and maybe even proofs - she chuckled - And then a shot between your eyes would be a far too quick and gracious punishment: the world has to know what you have done, you and your cronies... and you have to live long enough to understand and live with it, if you can.
Ishikura put a hand on her shoulder, unreasonably proud of her.
Then he remembered something.
- But why should I have come to your side because of that list? I can see about Sylviana, but what do I have to do with the Red Roses?
- Nothing, Shizuo - Minoru sighed - The one he was talking about is another list.
- What? And what is it?
His brother pinched the bridge of his nose, as if to collect his thoughts.
- I don't know where to start...
- Maybe from the fact that you're a dead man, Minoru? - Thorn blinked when Dr. Ban pulled the knife away from his forearm and dabbed the wound - You know, don't you? Hell Matear and Odhran...
- Shut up, you dirtbag! - Masu's high-pitched voice echoed roaring like thunder - And don't you dare threaten my beloved son once again, or I'll grate your nuts!
All present, including Thorn, looked at her open-mouthed.
- Oh, you understood all too well - weighed in the tiny cook, hands on hips - And look down when I talk to you, or I swear I'll use the coarse grained grater!
The Doctor and Sylviana looked at each other and laughed.
- And you, what are you laughing at? Do you want to end up pealing onions and washing dishes, huh?!
All serious, Minoru approached the old woman, bent and performed his trademark, flawless hand-kissing.
- Mrs. Masu, how would I do without you? - he smiled disarmingly - Thank you.
- Son, what are you doing? - Masu's face turned burgundy - Come on, come on, it hurts your joints to stay bent on this dirty floor like this... and then your knees are all scratched: think if they get infected...
A muffled sound and another explosion of laughter: Tetsuro had surrended after half a minute of heroic attempts to keep his composure.
- Well? - Minoru turned, the cook's small, rough, blade-armed hand still in his and an expression of genuine astonishment on his face - I really meant it!
Even Ishikura couldn't resist anymore and bursted in a liberating laughter.
Minoru shrugged.
- Go figure...
- Come on, get up now, my boy - Masu motherly brushed his bangs from his eyes - There's no need for all these ceremonies: I know you're a good young man, I didn't doubt it for a moment. You can always rely on old Masu, I promise.
Ishikura suddenly went back to serious.
He had doubted, instead... and to tell the truth he was still mad at him.
He had always believed Minoru to have no secrets for him, he had wanted to believe it until the very last; to find out he was hiding so many things, so terrible and since such a long time, instead, had been a bolt from the blue.
The worst, though, was that he had the distinct feeling that there was more, and he was trying to avoid confrontation in every way.
No, sorry. This time you owe me an explanation, big brother.
He took him by the arm, walked him away from the group and looked at him straight in the eye.
He was not an expert in reading body language, but his desire to be somewhere else was more than obvious: he turned his head all the time, tormented his collar, shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
- Why didn't you say anything to me? - his voice came out harsher than he intended.
- Are you talking about the plan? - Minoru's cheerful smile was out of place on his drawn face, his voice a shade higher than normal - Well, Shizuo, Sylviana already told you: you're a bad, bad actor.
The interested came over and passed one arm around the neck of each.
- What are you doing here all alone, Ishikura Bros? - she chuckled - Speaking ill of me?
- Never, my dear - Minoru's face relaxed - Shizuo's throwing tantrums because we didn't tell him about the plan.
- It is not that I was tal...
Sylviana rolled her eyes, sighed and tightened the grip around his neck.
- Apart from the fact that we just completed it the day before yesterday and broadly, we could not do otherwise. Face it, Boy Scout: you're the worst spy that may ever exist in all possible worlds. Had we entrusted ourselves to your acting skills, hello, goodbye!
- Sylviana, please...
Minoru's laughter interrupted him before he could ask her, please, to scoot off.
- You wear the same face when Takeshi and told you you were too young to do something, you know, Shizuo? - he dropped a big pat on his back - You should see yourself: the same ridiculous pout!
To Ishikura's greatest irritation, Sylviana immediately took the assist and pointed her thumb at him.
- I bet this brat was a real pain in the neck, back then.
- You'd win the bet hands down - Minoru grinned - He was a grand prix crybaby, always glued to me and Takeshi. And when he was not breathing down our neck, you'd be sure he had put himself into some trouble, like the time we went to the caves and he thought it well...
- I'm sure that Sylviana is not interested in these stories, Minoru.
Ishikura gave her a nod that she ignored... or pretended to ignore.
- In fact - Sylviana twisted a strand of hair around her index and gave him a mischievous look - I'd rather know why your serious, heroic, absolute-soul-of integrity brother has a dragon tattoo running from the right side of his basin up to...
Ishikura felt his face grow hot.
- Sylviana! Are you still at this?!
Minoru laughed, turned to him and winked.
- Well, well! Then the Lady just examined thoroughly the prohibited area, huh, brother? So I can really hope to be an uncle, sooner or later!
- Minoru, look, she just...
Not the time to explain and he already had turned to Sylviana.
- And how's Shizuo in bed?
- Minoru!
- Let's see - she looked at him mockingly and counted on the fingers, without a hint of embarassment - He snorts as a battleship during take-off, pulls the covers, talks in his sleep, drools... other than that, he's innocent like a blooming virgin!
Minoru rubbed his chin, a pensive expression.
- Yes, I figured that - he drew a long sigh and slammed his fist on his chest - Well, it seems I still have a lot to teach him!
- Cut it...
- But why you men care so much about claiming to be top on that? - Sylviana shook her head and laughed.
- Don't you believe me? Look, I'm really better than him!
- You wouldn't want me to sleep with you to verify, would you?
He burst into laughter.
- I wouldn't mind it, at all!
A few steps from them, Tetsuro let out a chuckle.
Ishikura felt afire, for the umpteenth time.
- Do you want to cut it out?! I'm trying to make a serious talk!
- No freaking way - Sylviana stuck her tongue - There's all the time in the world to get moody and rant! We just dodged a bullet and now we have all the right to laugh, joke and relax! And it's so fun to lead you down the garden path!
- I agree - Minoru dodged his arm, outstretched to grab him, picked the weapons' bag up and walked to Tetsuro - You've got quite a short fuse, little brother... you should loosen up a bit, you know? Ah, and still, my dear, the tattoo's one is among Shizuo's most hilarious adventures: it involves his Captain, his absurd convinction he can hold his liquor, his friend Grenadier and a Jovian tattoo artist named, if I'm not mistaken...
Ishikura's eyes widened.
- And how the hell do you know? - it was assumed that no one but him and Grenadier knew anything about it... especially how it ended.
- I read it in your diary, no questions - with a casual gesture, Minoru pulled from the bag the familiar blue-covered book.
Ishikura ran after him and snatched it.
- And where the hell did you get this? - his body temperature, at that time, had to be close to self-combustion - And when?
- The usual place. Your desk's drawer, when I went to your house.
- Ah, that's why it wasn't there - Sylviana rubbed her chin - I thought it was weird...
- How did you know...
- You kept it in there? Come on, Boy Scout, wake up! It's the first place anyone would look for something like that. You really are predictable, you know?
- Sorry to believe I had a right to some privacy in my house - Ishikura folded his arms across his chest, piqued - Next time I'll keep in mind that my business are more interesting than a best-seller and provide to write them down in duplicate to make your reading easier! In fact, you know what? I'll just start a database such as libraries and maybe even a mailing list, so I can update you on time in case you missed something!
- Come on, little brother, stop being all indignant - Minoru ruffled his hair - I know you keep that diary just because you hope I read it! We've been going on with these babysitting gig for so many years, and maybe you're right... it's time to... turn the...
His hand slipped from his hair and ran down the back of his head to his neck, weak, like drained of all strenghts. The bag fell to the ground.
Minoru looked at him wide eyed, put a hand on his forehead, staggered and fell backwards.
Ishikura barely had time to seize him by the sleeve and slow his fall before losing his balance in turn.
He hit the uneven floor with both knees, but did not care about the pain: in his arms, his brother was deathly pale and seemed about to faint.
- Minoru - he sat him up and shook him - Minoru, what's wrong?
He stared at him for a moment with bewilderment, then turned to the point where Thorn was.
From his face, it seemed that even that small gesture was costing him a tremendous endeavor.
- So much for Tetsuro being a sore loser - he smiled, caustic - Do you know that's useless, by now, don't you?
Thorn spat.
- You knew what would happen, had you betrayed us.
- True. And I did it all the same. But I don't regret it.
Ishikura made him gently turn to him: Minoru's forehead was beaded with sweat and his eyes full of pain, but he smiled when he catched his.
- I don't regret it one bit, little brother... always remember this.
- What are you talking about? - Ishikura's throat was caught in an invisible vise - For heaven's sake, what's wrong?!
With a composure that for some reason gave him the creeps, Minoru pulled his left sleeve up and checked his watch, took a deep breath, leaned back against his knees and took his hand. His fingers were icy cold.
- Promise me you'll keep your cool... and above all not to cry.
The same words he had said the day he had come to get him at the Academy with that letter from the Command and that Medal of Honor in his hands.
The same words he had said a month after the trial, his eyes red and swollen in that video link disturbed by neverending statics.
Now, Ishikura was really afraid.
- His pulse is normal - he didn't even notice Sylviana and Tetsuro, kneeling next to them - I can't see noticeable injuries... Doctor!
- Forget it, it's all useless - Minoru turned toward them - I have one of those chips in my head.