I. Crawford: Chocolate or All Shapes of Carrots

If Rosenkreuz only knew how much loyalty you could buy with carefully selected methods! You just had to get them while young. A bit more carrots than sticks. Carrots in this case being chocolate. Dark&Bitter for Nagi, White for Farfarello and anything, including exotic Japanese inventions, for Schuldig – when he was actually himself he liked things with nuts. It worked wonderfully; the team was efficient and obedient.

Then one day he entered his bedroom to find Schuldig, wearing a Ferrero Küsschen™ just south of his navel. And Crawford discovered how it felt to have your own weapon used against you.

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II. Farfarello: Hate or One Sunny Afternoon

He hated. It was the fuel that fed his existence, such as it was, and armour that made him strong enough not to be pulled among the sheep. His control over it was random, dependent on drugs, weather and distance from Rosenkreuz. Today it was sunny and he spent his day off on children's playground, one of his favourite spots for relaxation and recreation. Possibilities kept forming in front of his eyes – one moment they were laughing and plying and the next they were lying in the gutter, forever lost to the world.

But not today. He was unarmed, anyway.

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III. Ken: Madness or Slippery Slope

He didn't mean to jell at he kid who talked back at training. Or swear at Youji for deserting him in the shop again. Or punch the thug who considered hi man easy target. But he could control himself with them. His real anger was carefully stored and saved for more deserved.

At night he'll go out and rip apart Every. Fucking. Bloody. Beast they point out for him. Their lives are worthless and small price to pay for his sanity. Tension soothed, he'll wash the blood away and, after some sleep, be fresh and ready to face another day.

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IV. Omi: Innocence or The New Kid in Town

They knew of the boy, of course – who didn't – but nothing could ease their minds more than meeting him. Shy, polite behaviour, huge, naive blue eyes and trusting smile were all that they could hope for. He even brought another kid with him, so that he wouldn't be bored among adults! He was a perfect figure for their gentle influence.

The older man in the expensive suit turned to his partner and whispered: »This child? No problem. Just leave it to me. We'll take over the company in no time! «

The youngest Takatori smiled at them from across the room.

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V. Schuldig: Sadism or Everyone Needs a Hobby

Worthless failure… everything was your fault, wasn't it? Wouldn't it be better to just end it? Slash right through the circle – it's the only way, really… Now!

That would be number... 17; Another jumper – how conservative of him. Japanese have absolutely no imagination. At least this one fell on a car and made a nice splash. Who's next? Hmmm, not you… Not you… You could be interesting… Or not… Ha! This is just too good. You! Now why don't we get better acquainted, little red samurai? Let's go for seppuku this time!

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VI. Nagi: Egoism or My Most Important Person

Maybe it's the routine he fell into over the years, but he doesn't notice them until it's much too late. Two on the roof, three in a car. Four bullets, more coming and there's only him and Mamoru, easy targets, no time to properly shield them both. Without a thought he reacts. There's blood everywhere, but what's done is done and right then it's all about revenge. He annihilates them and after, he turns to Mamoru and he knows it's the last time. That's all right, everything is fine now. Mamoru's son worships him. Now he can get that promotion.

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END