Disclaimer: You know the drill. I don't own Weiβ, I don't make money with this fanfiction and I don't want to be sued.
Chapter IV. C: Tainted Hands
"So, how was your date with Aya?" Youji teased Patricia.
Patricia scowled at him. "It was not a date. Aya and I simply ate dinner together."
Youji winked at her. "In a very fancy restaurant? Sounds like a date to me," he went on.
Patricia then decided to ignore Youji. She had known him long enough to know that her answers would only provide fire to his prodding. She turned back to her task of arranging flowers, letting her mind wander.
She and Aya had been constant dinner companions for almost two weeks now. However, that does not mean that she and Aya were dating. A date happens when someone asks someone out because that someone was interested with the other someone. Aya did not ask her; he ordered her.
Patricia had been completely bewildered the first time they went out. She had been sitting on her couch one morning, reading a book, when Aya suddenly barged in. She gave him a startled glance, trying to assess his mood. "My, aren't we in a good mood today," she said mildly when she saw the determined look on his face.
"You're eating dinner with me tonight," he ordered without any preamble in a firm voice.
"I am? I will?"
"You are," Aya repeated, voice hardening.
Patricia was not accustomed to being ordered about in this manner. She stood up, gold-green eyes blazing with irritation. "Who do you think you are, barging in here and ordering me about? I don't want to have dinner with a rude, bossy, not to mention hardheaded person like you!"
"I don't care what you want," Aya replied blandly, though his voice was laced with steel. "I expect you to be ready at eight o' clock." Patricia opened her mouth to reply but Aya stopped her with a glare. "No objections. You're going to dinner with me even if I have to drag you out." Then he left, leaving Patricia staring dazedly at the door.
Patricia had been tempted to defy Aya, but there was something in the way he looked at her that told her that disobeying Aya this time would not be a very good idea. So, at exactly eight o' clock, she was ready to go.
The restaurant he took her was just superb. Then after dinner, he took her to a play that happened to be one of Patricia's favorite. It had been a pleasant evening, but one thing still nagged Patricia. On the drive home, Patricia asked the inevitable question. "Why?"
Aya looked at her straight in the eye when he replied, "Because I want to."
Patricia took a deep breath, trying to rein in her temper. "I don't think so. Why?"
"Does it matter?" Aya retorted with a slightly amused smile on his lips.
Try as she might, Patricia could not find a suitable reply to that.
That was the beginning of their dinners together. She hated to admit it, but she liked being with the redhead. She didn't really mind having dinner with Aya. He was quiet most of the time, letting his body language do the talking for him. Figuring out what he was thinking and feeling had almost become some sort of interesting game between the two of them. A faint smile touched her lips when she remembered how accurate her guesses were.
Behind Patricia, Aya was watching the only female member of Weiβ with narrowed, though proud eyes. She handled Youji's questions quite well, Aya thought to himself. Aya himself was close-mouthed on why he frequently had Patricia as a dinner companion.
It was quite funny how his near-death experience affected him. He had been near the brink of death before, but not quite as close like the last one. For a few seconds, he thought his life was completely over, until he felt Patricia gripping his wrist tightly, the look in her eyes plainly telling him that she had no intention of letting him go.
Since then, he had begun to look at Patricia in a new light. Nowadays, he rarely saw her as Reiji's sister. Rather, he now saw her as a member of Weiβ and in a very gradual manner, perhaps, a friend.
Feeling Aya's gaze on her, she turned to him. Aya quickly looked away. Could it be possible that Aya was suspecting that she was here for something else and asking her out to dinner was a way of keeping an eye on her? The thought set off alarms in her head. They mustn't find out why she was here, especially Aya. Not yet anyway.
Suddenly, Patricia felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned, half-expecting to see another over-eager male with a bunch of flowers for her. Instead, the sight of a young woman in a racing suit greeted her. "Hello! What can I do for you?" Patricia asked cheerfully, pushing away her thoughts on Aya.
The girl smiled at her. That didn't happen often to Patricia when she was working in the flower shop. The girls, like the ones in the mob in front of the shop, usually glared and scowled at Patricia for the obvious reason that Patricia got to work with their crushes. The girl touched the petals of a lily. "I would like to–" the girl stopped, eyes suddenly wide. Then she blurted out one word. "Ken?"
"Yuriko?" Ken choked, his eyes wide with disbelief. There was a sudden crash as he dropped the flowerpot he was carrying. He stared at the girl with a stunned expression on his face.
"Oh, Ken, it is you!" the girl Ken called Yuriko cried out in a joyous voice. Pushing aside a startled Patricia, Yuriko ran towards Ken and flung her arms around Ken's neck. There were tears in her eyes as she gazed at Ken. "I thought I'd never see you again," she whispered in a voice thick with emotions.
Ken gently held the girl against him, savoring the feel of her. Warmth spread around his chest. It had been so long since he felt this way. Then, reality slowly seeped back into his brain. He gently disengaged Yuriko's arms around his neck and held her at arm's length. "What are you doing here?" he asked her.
Her beautiful eyes gazed into him. Ken felt his heart melt. "I was passing through. I saw the flowers and I remembered you and–" her voice faded as she became aware that all eyes were on them. Yuriko and Ken blushed. "We'll talk later," Yuriko whispered, almost magically pressing a piece of paper into Ken's hand. Smiling at him, she headed for her motorcycle then drove away.
Patricia watched the scene unfold with rapt attention. As Yuriko walked away, Patricia focused on Ken. Ken was clutching the piece of paper as if it were the most important thing in his life.
*******
"So, Ken-kun's girlfriend's back," Omi muttered as he bit into a slice of pizza. He looked at Youji, who, much to Omi's dismay, was busy attacking the whole pizza. "Youji-kun! Leave some for me! It's my pizza," Omi demanded.
Youji ignored him and took another slice of pizza. "Sorry, kid, but I haven't eaten yet." Youji grinned. "Besides, you can always ask Patricia to make you one."
"This is the pizza she made for me. I just shared it with you because I knew you haven't eaten yet, though I hadn't counted on you completely devouring it," Omi pointed out. "Speaking of Patti-san, don't tell me she's with Aya-kun again?"
"Yeah." Youji saw Omi's eyes narrow. "What's the problem, Omittchi? Don't tell me you're jealous of Ayan because your aunt is spending more time with him?"
Face flaming in embarrassment, Omi replied, "I'm not jealous. Its just that for me, seeing Aya-kun and Patti-san together stretches the bounds of reality."
But not for me, Youji thought. Youji had known Aya long enough to predict and to guess Aya's moves. Youji had seen it coming through the little things that Aya does whenever Patricia was there: the glimmer of interest in Aya's eyes when he first met Patricia, the subtle way Aya sought her advise and opinion, the hint of respect in Aya's voice when he talked to her–the list could go on and on and it only confirmed the fact that Aya was attracted to Patricia. Aya had his doubts about her, that was certain, but they wouldn't be that much of a hindrance to Aya.
As for Patricia, she seemed oblivious to Aya's attraction to her. On whether she liked Aya back, Youji couldn't tell. She treated Aya the way she treated all of them, although she loved baiting the stoic Aya more than the rest of them.
Youji glanced at Omi. Omi was busy polishing off his pizza. Youji smiled. Omi was like his aunt, a little oblivious to whatever's happening around him. Omi then looked up and smiled back at him.
Youji leaned back on the sofa, the smile frozen on his face. Gods, does Omi know what he does to him when he smiled like that? Youji mentally shook his head. No, Omi wouldn't know. He was simply too naïve to suspect that Youji's feelings for him goes beyond brotherly love, which was just as well. Youji didn't want Omi to find out about Youji's feelings anytime soon. Youji didn't want anybody to find out, especially Patricia. He had seen her giving him odd looks every now and then.
Why he was attracted to Omi was something Youji couldn't quite figure out. Perhaps it was Omi's kind-heartedness, his cheerfulness, and his optimism that had drawn Youji closer to him. On the other hand, maybe it was because Omi was his complete opposite. Many say opposites attract.
"Oi, Youji-kun, are you going to have that last slice of pizza?" Omi asked.
Youji smiled and nodded. He took the last slice of pizza. Whatever the reason was, one thing is for sure: Patricia makes a great pizza.
*******
Ken paced his room back and forth, his hands holding the piece of paper Yuriko gave him tightly. Should I call her? he thought, glancing at his cell phone.
Ken glanced at his hands. They were shaking. These hands…with these hands I have murdered countless people, Ken mused. How could I let my bloodstained hands touch something so pure like Yoriko?
Seeing the woman he loved was nearly his undoing. Ken couldn't believe that she was standing there, looking more beautiful than ever. It had been a year since they had last met and talked. The last time he ever saw her was when she was boarding the plane for Australia. Ken's guts twisted as he remembered the tears and desolation in Yuriko's eyes when Ken told her he couldn't come with her to Australia. After she left, Ken spent a few days locked in his room, remembering the happy moments that they shared. Happy moments that seemed like a far away dream as harsh reality claimed Ken.
She doesn't belong in our world, Ken, Youji had told him, she wouldn't understand.
I'm an assassin. I don't deserve her. I'll only ruin her future. Ken sat on a chair, head in his hands. But I want to be with her…so much. I want to see her and hold her so much that it hurts.
Taking a deep breath, Ken stood up, picked up his cell phone, and dialed Yuriko's number.
*******
Ken stared at the ceiling, mind lost in thought. He wasn't thinking of anything in particular. He was just letting random thoughts filter through his mind.
"Ken?" a feminine voice murmured softly, breaking through Ken's thoughts. Ken suddenly became aware of something warm and soft beside him. His gaze then shifted to the young woman beside him. Their eyes met, and she smiled, her eyes glowing with joy.
A sudden stab of pain hit Ken's heart as Yuriko smiled. Ken immediately sat up, startling the girl into wakefulness. He tore off the covers. He was starting to slide out of the bed when Yuriko grabbed his arm. "What's wrong, Ken?" she asked softly. Ken did not face her. "Look at me, Ken!" she demanded in a panic-stricken voice.
Ken closed his eyes. It had been so wonderful. Everything had been perfect. Being with Yuriko, loving her and holding her close, it felt so right and yet so wrong at the same time. He still loved her and he knew she still loved him. Once again, however, as always, reality came rushing back, separating them once more. He was an assassin. He didn't deserve to be loved. He was too tainted with blood.
Ken jerked his arm away from her. Yuriko gave him an incredulous look. He wordlessly stood up and began to pick up his clothes, putting them on. He steeled himself for the inevitable.
"Do you still love me, Ken? Have you ever really loved me?" Yuriko's hoarse voice stopped Ken. He turned to look at her. She was crying now, tears falling down her cheeks. Ken forced himself to remain dispassionate. He had to cut her off from him. She deserved someone better than him. "No," he replied coldly. Don't listen to what I'm saying! Don't believe me! I love you! "You were just a summer fling. I thought you understood that."
Her eyes widened. "But–"
"But what, Yuriko?" Ken interrupted harshly as he continued to dress. "You didn't actually believe I loved you? Women. You're so gullible. Just whisper some sweet words and they jump into the sack with you. I–"
Yuriko's slap threw Ken's head back. "Get out! I don't want to see your face again," she shouted at him. He looked at her, face bleak. Without another word, he left the room.
*******
Urgent. Go to my apartment as soon as you arrive. Cat's business.
Ken slowly read the note on his door. So, Patricia wants him to go to her apartment. Ken wondered why. After his disastrous meeting with Yuriko, Ken didn't feel the need to talk to anyone. He just wanted to lie in bed and wallow in his own misery, to cry his eyes out.
However, Ken couldn't just ignore Patricia's note. 'Cat's business' was their code name for any matters concerning Kritiker. Ken sighed. He slowly headed for Patricia's apartment. He knocked on her door twice.
Patricia opened the door. When she looked at him, her eyes widened. "Are you all right, Ken?" she asked, noticing his red eyes and the haunted expression on his face.
"I'm fine," he answered shortly. He mentally kicked himself. He shouldn't take out his frustrations on Patricia. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude." He apologized soberly.
Patricia was about to say something but she hesitated and shrugged. She stepped back to allow him to enter. Ken noticed she was wearing formal business clothes. What is this all about? he thought, suddenly nervous.
"Manx came while you were out. She told me I would be the one to brief you of the new mission. The others should be arriving in a few minutes." Patricia didn't miss the stricken look that appeared on Ken's face when she said the word 'mission'. Pursing her lips, Patricia surmised that there was something wrong.
Ken saw understanding dawn in Patricia's eyes. Ken inwardly groaned. Patricia was sure to probe him about what was wrong with him.
"Ken," she began.
Please don't ask me. Please…Ken thought.
"Would you like something to drink?"
Ken nodded with relief. Patricia went into the kitchen then came back with two Coke cans. She handed one to Ken and opened the other for herself. She took a long swig. "It's hot, isn't it? I've forgotten how hot Japan could be in the summer." She motioned for Ken to sit down on the couch. She sat beside him. "Our new mission is about the organization that hired Hagiri."
Ah, Ken thought, taking a long drink. "So, Kritiker has new information about the organization. By the way, where are the others?"
Patricia shrugged. "I have no idea." As if on cue, the door then burst open, revealing the other three members of Weiβ. Aya was standing behind a dressed-up Youji while Omi was busy picking up the books that scattered when he accidentally tripped. Patricia glared at them. "Where have you been? Manx was looking for you."
Youji smiled at her. "Sorry. I had a date with a girl I met yesterday."
"Another one? Don't you get tired of dating a different girl each day?"
Eyebrows raised, Youji replied, "Look whose talking. It's not like you haven't had a lot of boyfriends."
Patricia shot Youji an indignant look. "For your information, I have had only one true boyfriend."
"Really? What happened to him?"
"I married him," she answered casually. She gave Youji a level look. "Enough about that. Manx came here a while ago with our mission. Manx couldn't wait for you guys so she gave me the job of briefing you." Patricia held up an envelope and handed it over to Aya. "As of now, we don't know what name of the organization that hired Hagiri. All we know are their activities." She motioned for them to sit down. "They're kidnapping young girls, ages between eighteen and twenty two." Patricia gave Youji an arch look when she noticed him smile. "Just around your age preference, Youji. Anyway, the girls inevitably turn up dead, missing body parts–usually their reproductive organs–and drained of blood."
Aya scanned the contents of the folder. "Is this all the information Kritiker has gathered?" From his tone, the others could tell that the information in the envelope was judged inadequate. Aya gave the folder to Youji who studied it for a moment. Youji whistled.
"It appears so."
"But it isn't enough! Where are they taking the girls? What vehicles do they use? Damn it, with this kind of information we might as well be fortunetellers!" Youji complained, slouching on the couch.
Turning to Patricia, Aya asked, "Have you done any research yet?"
Patricia shook her head. "Not yet. I just came home a while ago. Ken arrived an hour after me. Manx said that the girls were all living or had once lived in a certain place downtown."
"All right," Aya was saying, going to what Youji called Aya's I-am-the-leader-I-make-the-decisions-you-will-not-counter-it mode. "Omi, Patricia and Ken, find out more about the victims. The victims should have something in common other than their ages and residence. Youji and I will scout out the place." They all nodded and stood up. "We'll keep in touch."
"Check out the doctors or medical labs in the area," Ken suddenly said. The group stared at him. He hadn't spoken during the whole discussion. Ken looked at them. "Whomever doing this could be a doctor, possibly someone who has expertise on the female reproductive organs or an expert on blood. After all, they're the only ones who could use this stuff."
"Ken has a point," Patricia conceded. "Maybe it's another one of those genetic studies." She turned to her nephew. "Omi, check the girl's medical backgrounds. I think we'll find something useful there."
"Why are you dressed like that?" Youji asked, noting her formal clothes. "You look like something straight out of a business magazine."
Patricia shrugged, a gesture that told them that she wasn't going to bother to fully explain. "I went to a business meeting. I own a major percentage of stocks in a company and I sometimes go there to know what's going on. It's nothing major." She picked up her empty can of Coca-Cola. "Want some drinks?"
*******
"Ken, can you wait for a sec?" Patricia asked him as the guys were about to leave. She gave Ken a dimpled smile, a tactic she used quite often to get the results that she wanted. Ken ignored the curious looks the others directed at him. Ken turned to Patricia.
"Something's wrong. What is it?" Ken didn't reply. "Ken, do you love her?" she asked him bluntly.
His eyes widened. "Do I love who?"
"The girl that glomped you. Do you love her?"
Ken's face hardened. "I don't see how that's any of your business," he replied stiffly.
"It is. Your problem affects your work; it also affects your social skills. You're being very rude." Patricia gave Ken a small sad smile. Her eyes had a far-away look in them. "If you do love each other, don't let go," she told him in a serious voice. "True love comes only once in a lifetime. Seize it when you see it."
"I'm an assassin–a murderer," Ken pointed out bitterly. "Love isn't for me."
"Says who?" Patricia leaned on the door. "Love is for everyone willing to take it and to give it. There are no exceptions. In your case, loving might be a very difficult thing to do, but not impossible." She touched his cheek. "I don't want to see you unhappy, Ken. You're a good friend." Patricia liked Ken. They both loved kids and both spend their free time coaching kids. It wasn't unusual for them to hang out together, watching games, eating with their protegees or discussing about sports. The time they spent with each other created a friendly bond between them.
Ken looked away. "Your advice came too late. I've hurt her too much for her to forgive me and to take me back." Ken felt a dull ache in his heart as he remembered the spiteful words he said to Yoriko. He had made sure she would never want to see him again.
Patricia shook her head. "I don't think so. I don't know who the girl is, but I think she's not the type who'd give up easily and neither are you. Girls aren't dense, you know." A mischievous look sprang in her eyes. "Why don't you go and patch up things with her? Omi and I can handle the research stuff," she suggested.
Ken managed a small smile. "Thanks for the talk." He felt a little comforted now. "I'll think about it."
"Do." She patted his hand. "I'll see you tomorrow." Her smile was fleeting. "Be well, Ken."
*******
"Another mistake!" a man wearing a bloodied lab coat raged. With one huge arm, he swept several medical equipment off the table. There was a deafening clatter as the medical equipment fell into the floor, smashing into pieces. The man shook his head, disgusted at yet another 'mistake'.
"What shall I do with the body?" a small, piping voice asked. The man turned and glared at his assistant.
"What else, you fool? You dispose of the carcass the usual way!" He was furious. He had been searching for years, on a multitude of girls hoping the find the one thing he wanted–what the organization wanted, but he has yet to find it. The other members of the organization were getting impatient for results. That was not good. He did not want to displease them. He knew what price he would pay if he were to fail.
He turned to his other assistants. "Clean up this mess!" He waved at the shattered equipment on the floor. And bring in the next subject!" he ordered. His assistants scurried to obey.
The man sat on a chair, glancing at the list in front of him. This was the list of his patients and from this list, he picked the ones that were most likely to have what he was looking for. A name caught his eye, and he smiled.
*******
"Any new information?" Omi asked Aya through the transceiver. Aya was downtown, along with Youji, scouting the area where most of the victims came from.
"There are about five doctors in the area," Aya replied, his voice cackling over the transceiver.
"Any gynecologists or obstetricians?" Omi wanted to know.
"Any what?" Youji demanded in a baffled voice.
"A gynecologist is a doctor that specializes in women, specifically their reproductive organs; an obstetrician is a doctor that specializes on pregnancy and birth. Patti-san told me to check them out–on account that all the victims are women and the missing parts are their reproductive organs." Omi heard a grunt then the sound of paper being flipped. A moment later, Aya spoke. "There is one. A doctor named Shin Yukino."
"He came up in my search too. It seems like he's been doing some kind of research on genetic disorders in women." Omi paused, suddenly realizing the significance of what he said. "Aya-kun, I think–"
"I got that. We're checking him out now."
"Uh–Aya-kun?" Omi started to say in a hesitant voice.
"What, Omi?" Aya sounded annoyed.
"Do you know where Patti-san is? I haven't seen her since yesterday's briefing."
There was a long pause. "Your aunt is a grown woman, Omi. She can take care of herself," Aya replied coldly. "Abyssinian out."
*******
Aya shifted his attention back to the road. He willed himself not to be bothered by what Omi had said.
"That was very unsympathetic. Omi sounded very worried about his aunt," Youji observed. He took out a cigarette. Aya quickly grabbed the stick and threw it out the window. "Don't smoke in my car," Aya warned.
"Well, excuse me!" Youji peered at Aya's face. Aya's face was a little pale. "You're worried, Fujimiya."
Glaring at Youji, Aya said. "No," he replied evenly.
Youji cocked an eyebrow. "Really? You're not fooling anyone, Ayan."
"Neither are you, Youji," Aya retorted.
Youji laughed. "You think I fancy Patricia?"
"I didn't mean Patricia." Aya's purple eyes were penetrating as he spoke. "I was pertaining to her nephew."
Silence followed Aya's words. Youji lit a cigarette. Aya didn't stop him from smoking. "So you noticed," Youji finally said, inhaling the bitter smoke. That probably explained the stares Youji had been getting from Aya lately. Aya had been watching his actions around Omi. Damn. Youji didn't try to evade Aya; it was no use bullshitting around Aya. Aya was too damned smart for that.
"Keep your hands to yourself, Kudou. Omi doesn't need you meddling in his life," Aya told him. "Omi's not quite as innocent as other teens, but he's still innocent. You are definitely not. I won't have you jumping into his life, hurting and confusing him more. Find another toy to play with."
"Aren't we a bit overprotective?" Youji said mildly, wincing at Aya's words. "Relax, Ayan. I won't hurt him. Patricia will kill me." Youji noticed Aya's barely perceptible frown when Youji mentioned Patricia's name. Youji then decided to grab the bull by its horns. "You like Patricia a lot, don't you?" Youji gulped when he saw the glare Aya gave him. If looks could kill, Youji would be dead by now. However, Youji persisted. If Aya can criticize my feelings, I can also criticize his as well.
"It's high time you got interested in someone. I was beginning to think you have plans to become a eunuch," Youji continued. "Can't blame you for liking her. She's a great girl. You two would have made a good couple." Youji met Aya's blazing violet eyes unflinchingly. "Too bad she happens to be a Takatori and we all know how you hate Takatoris. You're not playing around her, are you? That's not a good thing."
The car screeched into a sudden halt, pitching Youji forward. "What I do or feel for Patricia is none of your business, Kudou." Aya's voice was tight with anger as he spoke.
"So are my feelings for Omi," Youji pointed out. Aya didn't say anything. He simply got the car moving again. Youji was quiet as well. He didn't like the bitter taste in his mouth.
*******
"Damn, damn, damn!" Patricia swore softly as she made her way through the dark, empty streets. I should have checked the car! I should have brought my phone! she berated herself. Suddenly, raindrops fell rapidly from the sky, sending her running for the nearest cover. She was soaked to the skin before she found shelter. I should have brought my umbrella, she thought wryly. This had not been a very good day.
Patricia's day couldn't get any worse. She hadn't changed her clothes since last night. She was also very tired. She had been summoned for an emergency board meeting at an ungodly hour last night, sending her rushing to the countryside. When she was going home, her car broke down. As she was about to call for help, she found that she had left her phone. She walked for miles, finally getting a cab.
When she finally arrived in the town, she was summoned once again to another board meeting. When the meeting ended around midnight, she found to her horror that there was a terrible traffic jam; traffic was at a standstill. She then decided to walk. I suppose I could have asked one of the guys to pick me up but my pride got in the way, she mused. She looked around. Most of the shops were closed. The sky was completely black. The street would have pitch black as well if it weren't for the streetlights and the occasional passing vehicles.
"And now, I'm stuck here alone in the rain," she said loudly. She was so tired, too tired for her mind to function in its full capacity. Patricia was in this state when Yuriko found her.
"Are you OK?" Yuriko asked the wet girl. Yuriko had seen her standing underneath an awning. The sight of her soaked figure tugged her heart. She peered at the girl's face. She looked vaguely familiar. "Aren't you the girl that…" Yuriko's voice trailed off as she remembered whom the girl was. The girl who worked with Ken.
"The girl who works at the flower shop. And you're my savior, I hope," Patricia said wryly. She didn't mention Ken's name. "What are you doing at this hour?" Patricia's watch told her it was two in the morning.
Yuriko shrugged. "Driving around." Actually, the reason Yuriko was here in the town was to visit a friend. Her meeting with Ken had been an unexpected event. There was a moment of awkward silence.
Patricia extended her hand. Then she laughed, taking back her hand. She bowed. "I'm Patricia Deschanel."
A foreigner, Yuriko noted. Yuriko hesitantly bowed back. "I'm Yuriko Asou." The foreign girl's surname seemed to ring a bell. "Are you related to Martin Deschanel?" Yuriko asked impulsively. "The late billionaire?"
A sad smile touched the girl's face. "He was my husband," she replied simply.
Yuriko was instantly sympathetic to the girl. Yoriko had heard of how in love the Deschanel couple was. Their love tragically ended when Martin Deschanel was killed in a car crash just hours after their wedding. Yuriko was curious why a wealthy widow was walking around town alone–not to mention selling flowers, but she didn't ask. The girl needed Yuriko's help, not her questions. The girl was completely soaked.
Patricia was also busy assessing Yuriko. This was the woman Ken loves, Patricia thought. It was such a crazy coincidence that they should meet here of all places. Patricia noticed the haunted look on Yuriko's pretty face–a near replica of Ken's face last night. Patricia decided not to mention Ken as much as possible to Yuriko.
"I'll give you a ride home," Yuriko offered. Patricia nodded. She grinned. "I hope you don't mind having a wet passenger."
Yuriko grinned back. "That's what waterproof racing suits are for." She tossed Patricia a helmet and her spare leather jacket. "Thanks," Patricia said, putting them on. She easily slid on the motorcycle. "Ready?" Yuriko asked. Patricia nodded. "Let's go."
After several minutes of driving, the motorcycle suddenly coughed and sputtered. Then it stopped. "This is not happening!" Yuriko exclaimed, getting off the motorcycle. It was still raining heavily. It was supposed to be the middle of summer, Yoriko thought in irritation. Why is it raining?
"The weather is not cooperating," Patricia observed gravely.
"Neither is my motorcycle." She turned to Patricia. "Can it get any worse than this?" Then without warning, a car whizzed past them, sending a spray of muddy water towards them, dirtying their clothes.
"I had to ask," Yuriko said mournfully. They looked at each other. Then they laughed. It was Yuriko's first genuine laugh since her painful meeting with Ken. It felt good to laugh. It lightened her mood considerably.
"Yuriko, get down!" Patricia screamed suddenly. Patricia yanked down Yuriko's arm, sending them sprawling at the wet ground. "Get out of the way!"
"What's going on?" Yuriko cried out. No sooner had she spoken that a car skidded into a halt in front of them. Two men got out; they were carrying something that looked like guns. One of the men aimed the gun at her. Yuriko froze. She could hear Patricia saying something about running but she couldn't move. The man pulled the trigger.
Yuriko's last memory was her own loud scream of terror.
~T.B.C~
What will happen to them? Will Ken come to the rescue? Will Aya? Stay tuned to find out! (I sound like a TV announcer.)
By the way, thank you Ai-chan and Ami-chan, my co-CDL members and major Ran Fujimiya/Weiβ Kreuz fans, for giving me a lot of ideas. Koyasu Takehito and Hikaru Midorikawa and Ryuutaro Okiyaou rules!
By the way (again), the next chapter would probably be focusing more on the romantic relationships of the characters (if it weren't already) so forgive me if I become increasingly mushy or romantic in the following chapters!