DATE : May 08 DAY : Wednesday TIME : 2:30 p.m.
Ken finally woke up . He had been under for three days and Nagi had been faithfully watching him for the duration of the time , eating and sleeping in his room . Schuldich visited frequently , several times a day , and Crawford had come once to view the condition of their new operative . Farfarello was in the padded room and was disallowed to be at large . He had been caught in a fit of insanity the moment they had arrived at their headquarters and Crawford had ordered Nagi to bring him there .
Nagi was there when he woke up .
Ken slowly opened his eyes , and he immediately saw Nagi , sitting on a chair beside the bed . Nagi was momentarily alarmed at the confusion in those jade eyes , but calmed almost immediately when they brightened , a glimmer of recognition came over Ken's face . Nagi almost sighed in relief . He had been fretting that the operation failed , that Ken would not have the memories he wanted him to have , and now , he was sure that Ken was truly a §chwarz , a part of their team , and his … friend … once more .
" Oi , Nagi ." He called . His voice was feeble but Nagi had been warned that it would be because of the operation .
" Hey Ken . How do you feel ?" Nagi twisted the corner of his shirt , out of Ken's view . His hand was shaking .
A weak smile . " Like hell . Remind me to clobber the guy who put sandpaper in my throat ."
Nagi laughed , stood up from his seat and walked towards Ken until he was standing beside Ken's bed . " You hungry ? I could send someone to bring you breakfast ."
" Yeah . That would be great ."
As Nagi made a move to leave , Ken pulled his hand . A warm feeling spread over Nagi's chest at the touch and he hoped that Ken wouldn't notice the blushing in his cheeks . " Hey , don't leave me . I don't want to be stuck here alone . I hate hospitals ." Came the cheery but weak reprimand .
Nagi turned and smiled . " I won't . I'll just call a nurse and send for some hot chocolate and - ?" He raised an eyebrow in inquiry .
" Candy bar ." Ken grinned .
" Ah – yes , french toast ." Nagi said as he walked to the door . " I won't be long ."
Schuldich sensed Ken's coherent thoughts instantly and was soon outside the door of Ken's room .
† † †
DATE : May 09 DAY : Thursday TIME : 04:27 p.m.
Manx walked to the Koneko no Sumu Ie apprehensively , despite her calm appearance . It was the first time she had needed to talk to Weiß since last week , and it didn't help that she was just about to deliver the details of a mission . As usual , it was filled with clamoring high school girls of every size and appearance and all were screaming for the attention of the three . Some were quite subdued, most probably because of the long absence of one of the four , and Manx could not help but overhear the constant questions about Ken placed at Omi and Yohji . The moment the bell chimed , all three of Weiß looked up expectantly , as if they were hoping to see Ken walk into the shop carrying a paper bag of Chinese take out with a silly grin on his face , apologizing for the long time he had been gone . But their faces fell when they realized it was only Manx - carrying a black folder – which signified a mission .
Since Yohji failed to approach her as he usually did , it was Omi who had conscientiously advanced towards her with a strained look . " Good morning ." He greeted , his voice lacking the typical cheerfulness .
She answered the greeting as she surveyed Aya and Yohji who were morosely tending to the customers as well as the flowers . " Business as usual ?"
She regretted the words the moments they slipped from her lips even if the words did not conceal any hidden meanings . Yohji shot her a dirty look just as Aya gave her a murderous glare . Even Omi's disposition seemed to darken at the remark .
Her apprehension bursting out from the seams , she walked to the basement door , flustered , saying that she would wait for them there .
Manx stepped into the dark basement , welcoming the familiar sight . She half-expected to see Ken hiding behind the couch and spring at her with one of his asinine faces , but no such luck . It seemed darker and gloomier without the brunette .
She sighed and sat on one of the leather couches furnishing the room , not even bothering to turn on the light . She had chosen a terrible job , that she knew . It was the first time she had lost an important operative who was also her friend . And what the Weiß didn't know was that the blow hit her almost as hard as it did them . She wished she could tell them how she felt , but she doubted they would understand . Even Omi seemed to regard her differently now . It must have been a few minutes , or maybe a few hours , she didn't know , until a tiny beam of light filtered down the darkness encasing her as she pored over her dismal thoughts . The footsteps warned her of the approach of the remaining Weiß and she did her best to conceal her despondency . Certainly , the sight of the livid men unnerved her , but she had to do her job . She stood up to greet them but all she got were dull stares and frowns .
" What do you want ?" Aya asked , his voice void of any anger he must have felt towards her and her employers but his eyes betrayed him .
" There's a mission for you . From Persia ." She added .
" We don't want to work for Kritiker right now ." Yohji interjected coldly . Manx eyed him . He was wearing his usual tanks top and low pants , the obscuring glasses were still in place … everything seemed the same , only she knew it was not . She realized that it was only some time before they exploded ; a ticking time bomb that could destroy Kritiker . She persisted . " This is a vital mission . Persia stresses that . He says that it could ruin companies and destroy Japan's economy ."
" We don't care about the economy . We want Ken back , and we won't operate until we find him . Now tell Persia to fuck off ." Yohji fixed her a cold stare , she could feel despite his glasses and she shuddered inwardly .
* Don't ever get assassins angry * She thought dryly . She was trying to keep her composure , and failing terribly . Finally , she couldn't stop herself .
" I cared about him too !" She shouted . Tears were threatening to spill onto her cheeks . " He was my friend . One of the very few , despite what you think ! I'm not a normal civilian any more than you are ! My world is restricted to the very few people of Kritiker I'm allowed to interact with , and I – look forward to seeing all of you despite the knowledge that the missions I bring you mean danger to the people who mean anything to me . The only salience of my days is the knowledge that despite the fact that I am a messenger of death to those who deserve , those who carry it out are still alive . I love you all as my family ; and I loved Ken – love Ken – because he made me smile . You don't know it … but he always visited me . He always made me laugh when he knew I wasn't feeling happy ; when I was desperate … when I was thinking of killing myself . All those nights and those days you thought he was spending fooling around ? He was with me , giving me a reason to live – being a person I want myself to be . He was true friend ."
" He was one of the best persons I have ever known , and I don't want to give up on him . I don't want you to give up on him either ." A torrent of tears had already started to stream down her cheeks and she didn't care . It was good to release pent up feelings , even if she knew it didn't matter to them . Suddenly , she felt a comforting arm around her . It was Omi . He had felt her pain, and he sympathized . Yohji and Aya stood unmoving , but gone was the blazing anger in their eyes . It was then that Manx knew she was forgiven .
† † †
This chapter sucked even worse than the last one , yeah , I know , I know . What Manx said really doesn't quite fit her image ne ? Oh well …
I know something's terribly , terribly wrong with me … I just can't figure it out … * wails * T_T
I just had this premonition that this fic is going to take a turn for the worse , and I'm warning you prematurely … but I promise , I really , really , really do , that you'll like all the action that's sure to come in the future . Lots of twist and turns , that at least , I can give you . It's a guarantee . Anyway , as an advanced consolation gift , I've posted chapter eight along with this one [ so you won't get mad at me if the next few chapters REALLY SUCK ] It's a peace offering because you might declare war on me … O o
Adakie , sorry if it's really long . I used to do be able to write one-shot fics but now … T_T
I can't figure it out … I'm so miserable O o Thanks for saying it has a great twist , like I said , there's going to be more of that .
Marsupial , whoopee ! thanks for saying that ! (~.~)' you're right , I should get more reviews , or at least , more people should read this . * head is getting bigger , puffs up cheeks * * sighs * What's the use ? I don't see it happening .
Ken : This fanfic author is sooo temperamental . I think she's got a few screws loose . She almost reminds me of Yohji when he's horny .
Nagi : * nod nod * I think so too .
Redemption : * whacks them both on the head with a soccer ball * Hey ! Who said you could say that ?! And in front of all these people too ! And I am NOT horny !
Ken : * mutters *
Redemption : * WHAT_DID_YOU_SAY ?!
Ken : (O o)' * sweatdrops * Nothing , nothing .
Redemption : (~_O) Spit it out Ken .
Ken : * backs away nervously * Ehe… ehehehe… nothing ! I said you're cute when you're angry .
Schuldich : *smirks * Nice line lover boy . * puts an arm around Ken *
Redemption : Hey ! Schuldich ! Get over here !
Schuldich : WHAT ?
Redemption : * marches off to Schuldich and pulls his ear * You big jerk ! I saw you snooping around Ken's room and looking at his stuff .
Ken : You WHAT ?
Schuldich : I didn't … * chuckles awkwardly * Wait a minute … * stares at Redemption suspiciously * How did you know ? I locked the door behind me …
Redemption : * hides somebody's journal behind her back * Uh … I just did … I'm a fanfic writer that's why . * wide grin *
Schuldich : Come to think of it … I heard something crawling under the bed … *stares at Redemption * I wonder who it was …
Redemption : Back to what I was saying … I'm so miserable * tears well up , and she clings to Ken and Nagi *
Ken & Nagi : * pat pat pat *
Ken : Why don't we bring you upstairs ?
Nagi : We'll talk if you want
Redemption : * sly grin at everyone and then turns back to the two brunettes sniffling * yeah .
Schuldich : Hey !!!! * watches in dismay as Ken carries her to his room , followed by Nagi * O o
* WAILS * Waaaaaah !!! gomen if I'm depressing you all , I just can't stop crying because of the ending of the fic ! I'm so saaaaad . * clamps her hand to her mouth *
Eeeeeep ! O.o * looks around * I didn't say anything !
1 Ryia Jen Rowen , Yay ! I got a Ken plushie ! YAAAAYYYY ! * prances around with the prize * Arigatou !
Hell's Dark Tenshi , Arigatou for your review * bows *
Kyri , waiii ! Waiii ! * huggles * I'm glad you think so *
Ken finally woke up . He had been under for three days and Nagi had been faithfully watching him for the duration of the time , eating and sleeping in his room . Schuldich visited frequently , several times a day , and Crawford had come once to view the condition of their new operative . Farfarello was in the padded room and was disallowed to be at large . He had been caught in a fit of insanity the moment they had arrived at their headquarters and Crawford had ordered Nagi to bring him there .
Nagi was there when he woke up .
Ken slowly opened his eyes , and he immediately saw Nagi , sitting on a chair beside the bed . Nagi was momentarily alarmed at the confusion in those jade eyes , but calmed almost immediately when they brightened , a glimmer of recognition came over Ken's face . Nagi almost sighed in relief . He had been fretting that the operation failed , that Ken would not have the memories he wanted him to have , and now , he was sure that Ken was truly a §chwarz , a part of their team , and his … friend … once more .
" Oi , Nagi ." He called . His voice was feeble but Nagi had been warned that it would be because of the operation .
" Hey Ken . How do you feel ?" Nagi twisted the corner of his shirt , out of Ken's view . His hand was shaking .
A weak smile . " Like hell . Remind me to clobber the guy who put sandpaper in my throat ."
Nagi laughed , stood up from his seat and walked towards Ken until he was standing beside Ken's bed . " You hungry ? I could send someone to bring you breakfast ."
" Yeah . That would be great ."
As Nagi made a move to leave , Ken pulled his hand . A warm feeling spread over Nagi's chest at the touch and he hoped that Ken wouldn't notice the blushing in his cheeks . " Hey , don't leave me . I don't want to be stuck here alone . I hate hospitals ." Came the cheery but weak reprimand .
Nagi turned and smiled . " I won't . I'll just call a nurse and send for some hot chocolate and - ?" He raised an eyebrow in inquiry .
" Candy bar ." Ken grinned .
" Ah – yes , french toast ." Nagi said as he walked to the door . " I won't be long ."
Schuldich sensed Ken's coherent thoughts instantly and was soon outside the door of Ken's room .
† † †
DATE : May 09 DAY : Thursday TIME : 04:27 p.m.
Manx walked to the Koneko no Sumu Ie apprehensively , despite her calm appearance . It was the first time she had needed to talk to Weiß since last week , and it didn't help that she was just about to deliver the details of a mission . As usual , it was filled with clamoring high school girls of every size and appearance and all were screaming for the attention of the three . Some were quite subdued, most probably because of the long absence of one of the four , and Manx could not help but overhear the constant questions about Ken placed at Omi and Yohji . The moment the bell chimed , all three of Weiß looked up expectantly , as if they were hoping to see Ken walk into the shop carrying a paper bag of Chinese take out with a silly grin on his face , apologizing for the long time he had been gone . But their faces fell when they realized it was only Manx - carrying a black folder – which signified a mission .
Since Yohji failed to approach her as he usually did , it was Omi who had conscientiously advanced towards her with a strained look . " Good morning ." He greeted , his voice lacking the typical cheerfulness .
She answered the greeting as she surveyed Aya and Yohji who were morosely tending to the customers as well as the flowers . " Business as usual ?"
She regretted the words the moments they slipped from her lips even if the words did not conceal any hidden meanings . Yohji shot her a dirty look just as Aya gave her a murderous glare . Even Omi's disposition seemed to darken at the remark .
Her apprehension bursting out from the seams , she walked to the basement door , flustered , saying that she would wait for them there .
Manx stepped into the dark basement , welcoming the familiar sight . She half-expected to see Ken hiding behind the couch and spring at her with one of his asinine faces , but no such luck . It seemed darker and gloomier without the brunette .
She sighed and sat on one of the leather couches furnishing the room , not even bothering to turn on the light . She had chosen a terrible job , that she knew . It was the first time she had lost an important operative who was also her friend . And what the Weiß didn't know was that the blow hit her almost as hard as it did them . She wished she could tell them how she felt , but she doubted they would understand . Even Omi seemed to regard her differently now . It must have been a few minutes , or maybe a few hours , she didn't know , until a tiny beam of light filtered down the darkness encasing her as she pored over her dismal thoughts . The footsteps warned her of the approach of the remaining Weiß and she did her best to conceal her despondency . Certainly , the sight of the livid men unnerved her , but she had to do her job . She stood up to greet them but all she got were dull stares and frowns .
" What do you want ?" Aya asked , his voice void of any anger he must have felt towards her and her employers but his eyes betrayed him .
" There's a mission for you . From Persia ." She added .
" We don't want to work for Kritiker right now ." Yohji interjected coldly . Manx eyed him . He was wearing his usual tanks top and low pants , the obscuring glasses were still in place … everything seemed the same , only she knew it was not . She realized that it was only some time before they exploded ; a ticking time bomb that could destroy Kritiker . She persisted . " This is a vital mission . Persia stresses that . He says that it could ruin companies and destroy Japan's economy ."
" We don't care about the economy . We want Ken back , and we won't operate until we find him . Now tell Persia to fuck off ." Yohji fixed her a cold stare , she could feel despite his glasses and she shuddered inwardly .
* Don't ever get assassins angry * She thought dryly . She was trying to keep her composure , and failing terribly . Finally , she couldn't stop herself .
" I cared about him too !" She shouted . Tears were threatening to spill onto her cheeks . " He was my friend . One of the very few , despite what you think ! I'm not a normal civilian any more than you are ! My world is restricted to the very few people of Kritiker I'm allowed to interact with , and I – look forward to seeing all of you despite the knowledge that the missions I bring you mean danger to the people who mean anything to me . The only salience of my days is the knowledge that despite the fact that I am a messenger of death to those who deserve , those who carry it out are still alive . I love you all as my family ; and I loved Ken – love Ken – because he made me smile . You don't know it … but he always visited me . He always made me laugh when he knew I wasn't feeling happy ; when I was desperate … when I was thinking of killing myself . All those nights and those days you thought he was spending fooling around ? He was with me , giving me a reason to live – being a person I want myself to be . He was true friend ."
" He was one of the best persons I have ever known , and I don't want to give up on him . I don't want you to give up on him either ." A torrent of tears had already started to stream down her cheeks and she didn't care . It was good to release pent up feelings , even if she knew it didn't matter to them . Suddenly , she felt a comforting arm around her . It was Omi . He had felt her pain, and he sympathized . Yohji and Aya stood unmoving , but gone was the blazing anger in their eyes . It was then that Manx knew she was forgiven .
† † †
This chapter sucked even worse than the last one , yeah , I know , I know . What Manx said really doesn't quite fit her image ne ? Oh well …
I know something's terribly , terribly wrong with me … I just can't figure it out … * wails * T_T
I just had this premonition that this fic is going to take a turn for the worse , and I'm warning you prematurely … but I promise , I really , really , really do , that you'll like all the action that's sure to come in the future . Lots of twist and turns , that at least , I can give you . It's a guarantee . Anyway , as an advanced consolation gift , I've posted chapter eight along with this one [ so you won't get mad at me if the next few chapters REALLY SUCK ] It's a peace offering because you might declare war on me … O o
Adakie , sorry if it's really long . I used to do be able to write one-shot fics but now … T_T
I can't figure it out … I'm so miserable O o Thanks for saying it has a great twist , like I said , there's going to be more of that .
Marsupial , whoopee ! thanks for saying that ! (~.~)' you're right , I should get more reviews , or at least , more people should read this . * head is getting bigger , puffs up cheeks * * sighs * What's the use ? I don't see it happening .
Ken : This fanfic author is sooo temperamental . I think she's got a few screws loose . She almost reminds me of Yohji when he's horny .
Nagi : * nod nod * I think so too .
Redemption : * whacks them both on the head with a soccer ball * Hey ! Who said you could say that ?! And in front of all these people too ! And I am NOT horny !
Ken : * mutters *
Redemption : * WHAT_DID_YOU_SAY ?!
Ken : (O o)' * sweatdrops * Nothing , nothing .
Redemption : (~_O) Spit it out Ken .
Ken : * backs away nervously * Ehe… ehehehe… nothing ! I said you're cute when you're angry .
Schuldich : *smirks * Nice line lover boy . * puts an arm around Ken *
Redemption : Hey ! Schuldich ! Get over here !
Schuldich : WHAT ?
Redemption : * marches off to Schuldich and pulls his ear * You big jerk ! I saw you snooping around Ken's room and looking at his stuff .
Ken : You WHAT ?
Schuldich : I didn't … * chuckles awkwardly * Wait a minute … * stares at Redemption suspiciously * How did you know ? I locked the door behind me …
Redemption : * hides somebody's journal behind her back * Uh … I just did … I'm a fanfic writer that's why . * wide grin *
Schuldich : Come to think of it … I heard something crawling under the bed … *stares at Redemption * I wonder who it was …
Redemption : Back to what I was saying … I'm so miserable * tears well up , and she clings to Ken and Nagi *
Ken & Nagi : * pat pat pat *
Ken : Why don't we bring you upstairs ?
Nagi : We'll talk if you want
Redemption : * sly grin at everyone and then turns back to the two brunettes sniffling * yeah .
Schuldich : Hey !!!! * watches in dismay as Ken carries her to his room , followed by Nagi * O o
* WAILS * Waaaaaah !!! gomen if I'm depressing you all , I just can't stop crying because of the ending of the fic ! I'm so saaaaad . * clamps her hand to her mouth *
Eeeeeep ! O.o * looks around * I didn't say anything !
1 Ryia Jen Rowen , Yay ! I got a Ken plushie ! YAAAAYYYY ! * prances around with the prize * Arigatou !
Hell's Dark Tenshi , Arigatou for your review * bows *
Kyri , waiii ! Waiii ! * huggles * I'm glad you think so *