"We need to see what we are up against," Akihiko murmured as he dropped into a chair, the seat's height rebounding as he spun to face a workstation. Seiya watched as the older man's hands flew over the keyboard, leaving the detective in a blur of what he was even doing until he spun the monitor to face him.
"Is this outside of his room?" Seiya questioned as he shifted between the monitor and the man furiously punching keys.
"It's clear that someone doesn't want him to have visitors," Akihiko sneered, his attention still on the workstation. "There is State Police outside," he pointed as he shifted the camera view for the detective. "Then there is this very unfriendly welcoming party," the image changing again to men Seiya recognized as the bodyguards at Demand's party. "However, this is most interesting," Akihiko's tone pointed as the image changed again.
"Those are Kakyuu's bodyguards," Seiya's voice just over a whisper as he grabbed both sides of the screen. "Can you scan more? Can we see if she is there?"
"They seem to be stationary camera," the old man sighed heavily as the technology did not obey his command. "It seems someone had disabled the view inside the room. So that must be where the magic is happening," he smirked.
"I need to get to that room. My brother hinted that Demand had something to say. Everything points to someone who doesn't want that to happen." Seiya pleaded.
"Well," Akihiko sighed as he types a few more commands into the workstation. "There is a ledge that Haruka could easily enter from with her skills-"
"No, not her." Seiya's statement was firm as grey eyes raised to glare at him. "Look, Demand blames her for his brother's death. I'll tell her when she returns cause he wouldn't tell her shit." Seiya paused as he bit his lip. "If Kaykuu is in there, that is not good for anyone else in the building. You know it's the right call!" He protested, the hesitation evident in the older man's tone. Akihiko doesn't want to send the blonde into that trap, and he knows Seiya feels the same. In his experience, it could have been a trap for either one of them. But, the thought toiled in his mind for a moment. If Kakyuu were there, if she were the bait for the trap along with Demand, that would be more than the rogue could resist. If that's true, someone else must have set the trap.
"Alright then, detective," Akihiko consented, hissing the title to the raven haired man. "You chased Kaze for years. Let's see if you have what it takes actually to beat him."
~*~*~
Haruka sunk deeper in her perch, and her blue eyes focused on any movements inside and outside of the home. She still could not be sure this wasn't a trap. But with Usagi demanding her help, how could she refuse to try? Then, happy with her observations and counting only the standard number of staff in the house, she lifted herself off the branch. The balcony door swung wide as soon as her feet were on the stone, and a teary-eyed blonde nearly broke her resolve.
"Koneko," she murmured, her voice breaking slightly before the odango haired girl jumped into her arms. She carefully wrapped her arms around the shorter girl, using a light touch to turn her as she examined for any outward signs.
"I was hoping you would come quickly. I- I wasn't sure what to do, and I was scared. The creepy dark magic attached you and Chibiusa, and it's here!" Usagi sobbed as her teary blue eyes looked up at the taller woman. Tears had filled them to the point they were almost transparent, showing Haruka she had been upset for a while. The rogue chewed her lip, regretting that she was worried for her own safety rather than arriving sooner.
"Slow down, Koneko," the tall blonde's tenor tone soothed Usagi's sobs slightly. "Are you hurt? Did they mark you?" The young girl shook her head. "Alright, why don't you show me what happened," she calmly instructed, satisfied that there was no immediate harm to her.
"I was playing dress-up with Chibiusa," taking a deep breath to try to calm her sobbing. "And I wanted her to wear a necklace that has been in our family for years," she continued, pointing to the jewelry stand. Haruka glanced at an open velvet box, but her focus shifted when Usagi began shaking in her arms. "As soon as I took it from the box, she went into a trance. She seemed to mumble something about the two stones combined and a universe. I have no idea what she was talking about. I listened closely and even started to write it down so I could tell you exactly what she said." Usagi pointed to a pad and a pen with a fuzzy feather on the end of it.
"But…" Haruka added, trying to get the small girl to the point of what was so important.
"When I was writing, Chibiusa grabbed the necklace I had put down to take the pad. The lightning we saw flew from her body, and a white glowing light appeared around her."
"And?"
"Then nothing, she had fallen to her knees. She said she felt better, but the doctor had come and gone and found nothing wrong. Do you think the magic lightning is inside the house?" The concern grew on her face as she hid behind her hands.
"You're hiding from my answer," Haruka teased as she gently took the younger girl's hands. "When you do that, I can't see the cute blush on your face," she continued smiling. The flush on the shorter girl's cheeks indicated she was not harmed. "Tell me, Koneko. Is the necklace still in the box?" She nodded to the open box on the table, the other girl confirming. "Have you touched it since?" And again, the other blonde shook her head vehemently. Haruka lowered the hands she was holding, silently indicating to Usagi to stay put.
She slinked to the box, unsure if she should expect the necklace to jump up and dance around. There was abnormal activity everywhere, and she couldn't be sure. Her hand instinctively raised to the katana worn on her back, the handle easily within her grasp should it be needed. She did not want to repeat the reaction with Demand, even more so when Usagi was present. So first, she needed to know if this was the same energy.
Standing next to the desk, she felt an aura move through her and her blade. Sensing it was not ominous, she pulled the sheath into her sight and lay it next to the necklace. Both sets of gems began to glow with more intensity. Whatever this was, it enhanced the protection stones in her weapon, not battling them.
"Usagi, you said Chibiusa was seen by the doctor, right?"
"Hai," the shorter one responded.
"Is she in her room? Think she may still be awake?" The younger one shrugged before leading the way to her sister's room.
"Chibiusa, can we come in?" Usagi knocked lightly on the door, a short answer echoing in the room. The two blondes entered, the pink haired girl sitting in the bed, resting as she brushed her long hair.
"It relaxes my mind," she snorted when she noticed Haruka looking at the action with confusion.
"Well, then focus on that for a moment. I want to see something first," the rogue winked as she turned her back to the younger sister. The younger girls shrugged at each other, Usagi just taking the brush as she lovingly began brushing her sister's hair in an attempt to help relax her.
Haruka was concerned about how the katana would react around Chibiusa, so she needed to be careful and not spook the girl. Still, it was imperative to be as close as possible to tell if there was a reaction. To her surprise, the protection stones glowed much the same as they did in the necklace's vicinity.
"I am glad you trust me, Usagi," the taller blonde smiled as she spun back around to face them. The sisters just blinked at the sudden statement. "I believe that family heirloom is yours for a reason, Usagi. It seemed to have purged the last of the dark energy from Chibiusa. That last of the darkness is what you saw earlier. She has a much more pure aura now." Haruka paused, her hand nervously scratching the back of her head as she formed her next question in her mind.
"I'll- I can wait outside," Usagi muttered as she set the brush down, hurriedly leaving the room.
"What was that about?" Haruka questioned as the shock started to leave her face. She had not seen the pigtailed blonde move that quick unless dessert was involved.
"She senses an uneasy topic for you, as do I," Chibiusa spoke, Haruka freezing in her movements at her motives so easily worn on her sleeve. "I think she was trying to make it easier for you."
"Oh, well-"Haruka shook her head as the seriousness of her question drew over her face. "I wanted to know, with this new aura, I thought it was possible… Do you know who took you to the compound? Who was the one that gave you the black stones?" Chibiusa shifted uncomfortably, and Haruka knew she had asked the right question. The last of black crystal had blocked her memory, but now it should obtainable as long as she wanted it.
"When I left for school that day, Mamoru was there to greet me," her eyes were closed as she recalled the memory. Her face squinted as she reached for the memory that held back. Haruka took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly as Chibiusa continued her search. "He was there to greet me. He told me I should enroll in a better school. I climbed into a car and placed my stuff in the trunk. Mamoru wasn't with me- someone, there was someone else there. He told me that I was destined for better things," red eyes blinked open as the hold on Haruka's hand tightened. "That's all I really can recall. But it was Mamo. He did this to me?"
"You should rest," the older woman smiled as she rubbed the girl's arm. "You did good, and I'm proud of you. Don't worry about it. I will get to the bottom of this."
Haruka closed the door behind her, Usagi leaning on the wall in the hallway. Concern was written all over her face.
"Is she alright?"
"Yes," Haruka smiled, taking the shorter girl by the hand and pulling her back to her elaborate bedroom. "I think that cured her," Haruka explained, pointing at the necklace as they entered the room's safety. She was unsure who else in this place could be after this crystal gem, but it was becoming clear that it was a counter to the dark crystal that was the center of all her other problems.
"Now, Koneko, I was you to listen to me carefully," Haruka leaned down to look at the younger girl, her voice firm but gentle. "I want you to hide that necklace and do not let anyone else see it or ask about it."
"Why can't you hide it?" the girl protested.
"Because it won't work for me," Haruka smiled. She placed one hand on the girl's shoulder, leaning close until their noses almost touched. "It will protect you. When you are scared, I want you to wear it under your neckline so only you see it, alright? And if you are in danger, it will tell me."
"How can you be sure?" The younger girl challenged. Haruka smiled, lifting the necklace from the box before reaching around Usagi, fastening it on her slim neck. "Because," she smirked as she adjusted the stone to rest in the center of Usagi's exposed skin with her index finger, the younger girl shuddering involuntarily. "We are connected," she warmly reassured, stepping back safely as she pulled her blade. Holding it in her palm so the girl could see, a light filled the room. "My sword answers your call. I will always be there to protect you," she reassured as she put the blade away. "Just as I always have," stepping closer and leaving a light imprint of her lips on the young girl's temple. "And I always will be."
"I am happy it's you," Usagi smiled up at the tall rogue, the blush creeping on her cheeks at the older woman's fondness for her.
Haruka reluctantly pulled away, taking a moment to wipe the tears away as the insistent beeping continued. Usagi looked at her questionably as the rogue pulled a cell phone from an unseen pocket.
"My dad is checking on me," she joked before she clicked it open.
"I was just making sure you weren't dead," Akihiko's concerned tone still held a jesting edge to it.
"I wouldn't be able to answer the phone, now would I?"
"You don't usually answer even when you are alive."
"Is there a point?" The rogue snapped. Akihiko shrunk his shoulders even though the blonde wouldn't be able to see it.
"When you finish your task, can you swing by Demand's place? There is intel that something may have survived the house fire." His eyes closed tightly. The idea of sending Haruka on a random task did not sit well. But he needed to give the detective a chance to arrive back. If Demand did survive the fire, then he didn't need the detective to tell him they needed to check the rubble.
The line clicked dead, the rogue didn't like taking orders, and her silence was enough to show she agreed. At that point, he saw Kakyuu leave the hospital room On the monitor. The tension was cracking all over the older man's face, and anyone around would hear the curse escape him, allowing the detective to go alone. Two more men entered the room, one he did not recognize, but their stance told him the foreign prince's time was coming to a close. The older man leaned forward. His arms pressed heavily into the tabletop. If the detective returns tonight, he was almost sure he spoke to Kakyuu. The question is, what did he tell her.
~*~*~
Seiya landed silently on the ledge of the building, leaning on the buttress to calm himself and conceal his shadow from any possible onlookers. The physicality of the task was not the issue. He was not used to sneaking around at this height. He rarely ever stepped out on the fire escape of his building until the rouge started using it as her own personal doormat. Taking a few deep breaths, he steadied himself, reminded that he'd need to be able to keep up with the rogue if he wanted to stay by her side. A smile curved his lips with the thought, joining Haruka on her runs as wild and free as her spirit.
Releasing the air from his lungs, he leaned towards the building, counting the windows as he walked across the ledge. Four windows in, he paused, peering carefully through the glass. The scene took him by surprise. Kakyuu was sitting quietly in a chair, unmoving and her gaze turned down to her hands neatly folded in her lap. Pulling his sight away, he scanned the rest of the room, finding only standard equipment and Demand in his hospital bed.
Carefully sliding the glass aside, he entered the room, sitting on the sill before he placed his feet on the floor. He understood why Haruka would so often do this, taking the time to survey the room once again before he committed to entering. Then, standing to his full height inside the room, he stepped to the side of the window, cloaking him in the room's darkness.
"S- Seiya?" He finally heard Kakyuu's voice weakly flow through the room, her head lifting slightly to study the figure standing there. He wasn't surprised by her stares, as he wore a riding uniform similar to the blonde but much less fitting. The one-piece made the movements outside much more manageable and protected from the roughness of the stone.
"Hai, Kakyuu-sama," he answered, a warm smile at seeing her joy return at seeing him again. But, unfortunately, the look was short-lived, twisting into fear, something he was not used to seeing her wear.
"You're not supposed to be here!" She cried. "Why are you here?" She pleaded with him. He was kneeling before her, studying her face.
"What is going on?" He questioned, her eyes looking at him as he did not move to help her.
"We were promised that Kaze would come. He will not be pleased that you are here," he voice shaking as it tried to be stern through her worry.
"Who will not be pleased?"
"Wiseman."
"Well, then we can deal with him. Let's get you out of here," he leaned to touch the bindings, but to his surprise, she freed her foot herself.
"It's all a set-up. I am not to leave this room until Kaze comes," she stormed. "You need to leave!"
"I understand, Kakyuu-sama," Seiya faltered, scrunching his facial features as he considered this next move. "I'm going to get you out of here," he told his aunt firmly, raising a finger as she started to protest. "Kaze is on his way, I've been tracking him, and it is me that he wants. So leave the room, and the trap will spring, right?" The proud woman merely nodded. "Then I will be sure to be out of the way," he smiled as he pulled the rope away from the floor. "Now go," he demanded. Kaykuu scrutinized his visage as she stood from the chair. Her stern gaze lingered as she shook out her legs from sitting so long before she took a careful step towards the door.
"I know you badly want to get Kaze," she called as she paused before the wood panel. "But trust me when I say you do not want to get in Wiseman's way." She opened the door and left without confirmation from Seiya.
He had already moved to the bedside, knowing his time was limited. Grabbing a glass, he poured the cold liquid on the silver haired man. Demand gasped as he awoke, Seiya moving his hand over his mouth to prevent him from calling out.
"I do not have much time," he hissed, not removing his hand from its dominant position. "And neither do you. So if you want my help, you should cut the bullshit and tell me what is going on." His eyes narrowed as he slowly lifted his hand, Demand pressing his lips into a line. He wasn't pleased with being ordered around by one of his brother's murders, but he didn't trust what Wiseman may have in store for him either.
"Your friend warned us about Wiseman when… when Sapphire died," he sighed. "And I should have listened to them both. Maybe my brother would still be alive. But I blame Wisemen for his death, and it appears he is getting close to you. You know you can't escape him. If he wants you gone, then he will find a way to make it happen."
"But you know who he is. So why not put a stop to him?"
"It's not that simple," Demand huffed. Seiya's face tensed as they heard the hall noise of heavy shuffling. "It seems like my time is coming to a close. No one outruns him. Plus it will not be him behind that door. It's the next person he has brainwashed with his promises, so determined to get their reward that they cannot hear the truth from the person trying to convince you otherwise." Demand looked towards the door, shadows easily seen through the frosted glass. "Go, get out of here!" Demand points to the window that was Seiya's entry point as the detective slowly steps back, the cool nigh air directing him to the exit.