I'm sorry it took me so long to write. I have been having serious
writers block. So here it is after a long wait. Enjoy and R&R! ~Arzetta
Sakura was jarred awake as the plane touched down on the runway. She glanced out the window and she could see that the airport was a large one. Dublin was obviously a huge city. Sakura turned to look at the person sitting next to her. It was Omi, and he was still asleep. Behind him sat Nagi. The three friends had come to Ireland to solve the mystery of Omi's necklace.
She turned and shook Omi by the shoulder. "Hey little marmoset, time to wake up. We're in Ireland now."
Omi yawned and blinked sleepily at her. "Already?"
"Yep. Wake Nagi up and help me gather up our stuff. Then we have to head to where ever we collect our other things." They both stood up.
Omi turned around in his seat so that he was on his knees, reached out and poked Nagi. "Hey, wake up!"
Nagi's eyes flew open. He flung his arm out wide back handing Omi across the face.
Omi grabbed his face and yelped falling backwards over his seat to the floor.
Nagi blinked and the realization of what he did hit him. "Oh my gods! Omi I am so sorry!" he said as he climbed up to look over the seat. There lay Omi feet in the air, one hand on his face and the other reaching for the arm of the chair.
Suddenly Sakura turned around to look at them and began to laugh. As soon as she caught her breath she asked. "How did this happen?"
"Omi surprised me and I slapped him!" Nagi said as he reached over the seat to give Omi a hand up.
"I surprised you? Imagine how I feel about being slapped!" Omi stated and with Nagi's help got to his feet.
"Omi, I'm sorry but you scared the hell out of me!" After saying that Nagi began to laugh and Omi soon joined him followed once more by Sakura. They all stood there laughing for a few minutes then Omi asked:
"So Sakura where are we headed? Can we stop at a hotel so I can get over being slapped and jet leg? Nagi, please warn me when your are going to slap me so I can sit down okay!"
"To a village by the name of Glandore. I was reading a book about Ireland and that is where the Solstice Stones are. I think we will find some answers there. I guess we can since I'm hungry and we could all use some rest to recover from the flight." Sakura replied as she passed the last of the bags from overhead to Omi. The three of them filed off the plane and through the terminal. Sakura stopped to ask where they could collect their luggage. The man she asked told her to look at luggage pick up C4. She thanked him and then they went to luggage pick up. Together the three friends found their luggage they and made their way out of the airport terminal. Nagi was able to hail a cab as they piled in the cabbie asked "Where to?"
"A nice hotel please." Omi asked. Then he sat back and closed his eyes. Some thing was going to happen, he knew it but he wasn't sure what.
"So are ya new to Dublin?" The cabbie asked as he pulled away.
"Yes." Sakura answered. She glanced out the window Dublin seemed so big and there were so many people.
"Aah, well welcome to the Emerald Isle. Since you're new may I suggest a hotel?" The cabbie asked. "By the way I'm Sean."
"Yes you may Sean." Nagi said. The cabbie seemed nice enough.
"Well thank you young sir. Let me take you to the Emerald Mary. It's the nicest hotel in town and the people are always courteous. They also have a free breakfast buffet every morning. May I enquire as to whether who you three are?" Sean asked. He flipped the radio on and tuned it in to a station playing a merry Irish tune.
"That sounds good. Thank you Sean. I'm Sakura Fujitani and these are my two friends, Nagi Naoe and Omi Tsukyono." Sakura replied.
Soon they pulled up in front of a tall hotel. It was emerald green in color because the walls were made of many green windows making it appear as though the whole hotel had been carved out of one enormous emerald. Sean pulled up to the front of the hotel. "Well here we are, The Emerald Mary. Isn't it beautiful."
All three of the friends looked at it, all at a loss for words. Omi was the first out. He helped Nagi and Sakura out. Sean got out and began to get their luggage out of his cabs trunk. As soon as that was done he shut the trunk, Sakura paid him and he nodded his thanks. "Thank you kindly lass. May you have the best of Irish luck upon your quest." With that said he climbed back into his cab and drove off.
Sakura stared at the cab until it disappeared from her sight. Then she shook her head. There was no way that Sean could have known. None had even made mention to what they were doing here. She picked up her bags and followed Omi and Nagi into the large hotel.
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(Meanwhile back in Japan)
Bradley Crawford twisted and turned wrapping his blankets tight around his body. Rolling to close to the edge he fell off the bed and hit the floor with a resounding thud that jogged him awake. He opened his eyes it had been a dream. He took a deep breath and shuddered as a cold sweat poured off his forehead then he began to untangle himself from the blankets. He reached for his glasses off his nightstand then looked at the clock. It was three in the morning. Standing he made his way to the bathroom, flipping on the light he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. The usually neatly combed black hair stood on end and his skin was white with a slight pink tinge to it. He looked quite bedraggled and disheveled, Crawford took off his glasses and ran some cold water in the sink then he splashed his face. As he dried off he walked back into his room and began to look around for his cell phone. He didn't care what time it was he had to talk to Aya. He dialed and put the phone to his ear. It seemed to ring forever but finally a voice answered. "Hello?" it said groggily.
"Aya? I'm sorry if I woke you but it's important. You see I had this dream….," Crawford started but he was interrupted by Aya.
"Brad! Yes you did wake me. Do you know what time it is? It's the three in the morning. What kind of dream could be so important at this time of the night?" Aya asked and rolled over onto his back. This had happened before but only once had it been unimportant.
"Aya, like I said I'm sorry. I know what time it is I looked. You know me I'm not one for making too many calls at ungodly hours. But I think this might be very important maybe even a life or death thing." Crawford said and sat down on his bed.
"Alright, but it had better be good." Aya replied.
"Okay like I said I had this dream. Omi and Nagi were in it. So was that girl they always hang out with, you know the Fujitani girl," Crawford said and tried to recall all the details of the dream.
"Sakura?" asked Aya
"Yes, that's the one. At any rate, they had all packed and were on Sakura's motorcycle. Omi had this weird necklace. Then they went and hopped a flight to Ireland." Crawford paused to take a breath and a sip of water from the glass on the nightstand.
"Ireland? Why would they go there? They all have school and Omi has work." Aya sat up, put his feet on the floor and stood up. He walked out to the living room; Kasumi was asleep on the couch. He made his way to the door of his apartment.
"I'm not sure." Crawford replied and stood up and made his way to the door of his apartment. The two men even though in separate buildings opened their doors at the same time and made their ways down the hallways of their separate buildings to the door of the co-worker that had just spoken about.
Aya looked at the door of Omi's apartment. "Brad I'm sure it was just a dream. I mean not all your dreams are prophecies, right?"
"True. But what if it's not?" Crawford stood outside of Nagi's apartment. Taking a deep breath he began to knock on the telepath's door.
Aya did like wise on Omi's door. Neither of them received any answer. "I guess we're about to find out."
Crawford tried the handle of Nagi's room. Finding it unlocked (which was pretty strange for Nagi) he went in and made his way to the back bedroom. Once there he walked over to the bed. It was empty the covers were tossed about as if someone had gotten out in a hurry. "Aya, Nagi's gone."
"So is Omi." Aya said as he looked down at Omi's very empty bed.
"What about the Fujitani girl? Couldn't Nagi and Omi just be out for a bit of fun?" Crawford asked in a slightly more than hopeful tone. Though his inner senses told him other wise.
"I don't know. At the three am? Come on Brad it's Omi and Nagi we're talking about not Yohji or Schuldich." Aya stated and walked about out of Omi's bedroom. As he made his way out he spotted some thing. It was a small burlap bag and next to that there was a note. He read it.
To my friends,
As you can see I'm not here. I've gone to Ireland. This necklace is driving me crazy! I should be back in a few days to a week. Please take care and say an extra prayer for Sakura, Nagi and myself. I'll call some time. Don't worry, I'll be alright!
Bombay
"Well I think we've just gotten our answer." Aya replied he picked up the burlap bag and smelled it. It smelled like that herbal remedy that Sakura had given Yohji once after he had gotten stone drunk. Aya shrugged and made his way back to his own apartment taking the herbal mix with him.
"Really? What did you find? I didn't find anything." Brad said and went back to his apartment and began to look around for a pair of pants.
"Yes. I found a note from Omi. He and Nagi and Sakura have gone to Ireland. Something about that weird necklace and a mystery. I also found a bag of Mom Fujitani's herbal hang over mix. Sakura must've brought it for Yohji. " When Aya entered his apartment he found Kasumi awake. He walked past her to stand in front of the living room window and gazed out into the streets below.
Kasumi looked at Aya, he looked upset. Standing up she went over and stood behind him laying her head on his back and put one arm around his waist and held him. "What's wrong?"
Aya closed his eyes and leaned into her embrace. Something about it felt right. "Omi, Sakura and Nagi are all gone."
"The necklace? Oh my gods! I saw it in my dream, long purple crystal, right?" Brad exclaimed as he stood half in and half out of a pair of pants.
"Yes. That's right. But, that is beside the point. We what we have to do now is decide whether or not we need to go, find them and bring them home." Aya said and placed one hand over Kasumi's.
"I can tell you the answer to that. We have to go." Brad replied and finally pulled his pants on. He made a grab for a shirt out of his closet.
Aya opened his eyes. He could see something, it looked like it was flying and headed straight for his window. As it got closer it got bigger. Whirling around he pushed Kasumi to the floor just as the animal crashed through the window.
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Crawford heard the sound of glass breaking and some scream. "Hello? Hello Ran?" he said but no one answered. The line was dead. He looked at the phone then threw it on the bed like it was on fire. He pulled the shirt onto his body, and ran out of his apartment screaming. "Schuldich! Schuldich you lazy telepath wake up!" He yelled as he ran for the other man's apartment. Crawford hit the door full force, it burst open and he ran for the bedroom where he found Schuldich just starting to stir and crawl out from beneath his latest conquest.
"Brad what the hell are you doing in my apartment at three in the fucking morning?" Schuldich asked as he stood up. He was completely naked and didn't care who saw him as he lit up a cigarette from the nightstand. There came a voice from the bed:
"Schuldich come back to bed." It said playfully. The voice belong to a young man who Crawford saw as the other man crawled out from the blankets. The young man was pale with blue eyes and sandy blonde hair that hung down to his shoulders.
Schuldich turned back to look at his latest lover. "Just a moment little Chen. I have to take care of Brad then you and I will go back to bed. Keep the sheets warm" He leaned over, kissed Chen and nibbled on his ear. Chen laughed and nodded. "Now Brad, what can I do for you? Have a bad dream? Need some comfort? You know Bradley you really should go out and get yourself a lover of some sort. A good fuck does wonders." Schuldich said and took a drag from his cigarette. There was another laugh from the bed.
Brad rolled his eyes, ran a hand through his hair and then spoke, "Schuldich, I didn't come here to play sex games with you. Not that I would in the first place with some who has had the whole lower east side of Tokyo tramping in and out of his bed. I came here because I think Aya is in trouble and I think he could use our help. Now!"
"Oh it's about your poor little Aya-nichi is it? Well why didn't you say so. I'm always willing to help another guy get the buck or doe of his choice. Of course I'm not sure why you would want my help. Seems to me you could get a hold of that slice of cake by yourself." There was another snigger from the bed when Schuldich said this. " Just let me say goodbye to my sweet little Chen and grab some clothes." He replied. "After all I can't very well go in there naked, oh the shame of it." The telepath said in mock disgust and laid a hand palm up on his forehead.
Crawford said nothing.
Schuldich grinned at him then turned, kissed Chen and went to his dresser grabbed a pair of jeans, a long sleeve black shirt, his shoes and his gun then he followed Crawford out of his apartment.
It wasn't long before the two were in Schuldich's red Porsche speeding down the highway towards the Weiss apartments.
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Dragon Ice crawled silently up the side of the apartment. She knew he lived here, because she had followed him home one night. She made her way up the building to the last window on the left and peered in. There he was, Claws Blood fast asleep in his bed. Dragon Ice smiled to herself and picked the lock on the window then silently let herself in. She closed it behind her and slipped over to the side of the bed. Slipping her katana from its sheath she started poking Claws Blood with the tip.
Ken could feel some thing poking him. He opened his eyes but just barely and looked over. He could see them, a tall black figure with a long sword that had glowing blue runes on it. All of this seemed vaguely familiar. Quickly he reacted and rolled off the opposite of the bed and grabbed for his clawed gloves. He peered over the side of the bed as he got his gloves on the figure just stood there seeming to mock him. Then it spoke:
"Claws Blood you not remember me? Dragon Ice of the Wudan dragons." She said and swung the sword. It sang a lovely song when she swung it.
Ken blinked a bit but didn't let down his guard. "I remember you now. You wanted to kill me. Back to finish the job?"
Dragon Ice shook her head. "No. I came to check on Kasumi."
It was then that they heard it. A tremendous crash, sounds of breaking glass, and a harsh roar. Ken and Dragon Ice looked at each other. "It sounds like it came from Aya's apartment." Ken said jumping over his bed and running for the door. On the way there he grabbed a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He struggled to get them on as he ran. He paused to at the couch in the living room where a very frightened Iria lay. "Stay here alright!" He told her then ran on.
Dragon Ice followed him. She kept her sword out. Together they ran towards Aya's apartment.
Ken burst through the door and stopped in his tracks when he saw what had caused the sounds. It was huge a beast that appeared to be a cat that was at least nine feet tall and pure jet black. It had huge silver wings and a maw that could swallow a grown man whole. It roared and threw its paws out to try to claw Aya who was fighting fiercely. On it's back sat a rider clad in deep blue. It had a bow it its hand and was notching an arrow to fire at Aya.
Dragon Ice looked at the animal and it's rider, "Oh my gods!" She exclaimed. Her shock didn't last long after she saw the rider. Dragon Ice sprang into action and knocked the bow and arrow from the rider's hand then the two began a vicious fight when the rider drew out a pair of metal nunchaku's. The rider swung at Dragon Ice who leapt up and sliced with her sword leaving a long trailing scratch across the riders left cheek. The rider in turn kept swinging. Dragon Ice swung again but this time with her leg knocking the rider from the saddle. They hit the floor landing on their back but it didn't take long for them to recover. The rider stood, holding out their right hand they said one word: "Oni-su" The metal nunchaku's that had been knocked from their hands seemed to take on a life of their own as they raced and landed in the hand of their owner. The rider swung them once the leapt up and once more began to fight with Dragon Ice who swung ducked and dodged to stay out of the way of the now electrical nunchakus.
Ken who had also recovered from the shock bounded in and slapped the cat on the nose with his metal claws. This made that cat angrier and it swatted out but missed Ken and hit the couch instead tearing it in two seemingly ignorant of the battle that raged upon it's back. Ken bounded around the cat and swatted it on the backside but the cat was quicker this time and hit him sending him flying to the opposite side of the room. Leaving a long gash in one arm.
Kasumi had backed away and began chanting a spell, "Marsa ille` kota` ta!" then she stretched out her hands and lightening streamed from her fingers towards the beast. It raced across the room and rammed the cat in the side. Kasumi said the spell twice more ramming the cat again and again. But the cat was only slightly swayed by the spell because it stood shook it's head as if waking from a dream then it seemed to grow larger and the wounds that Aya, Ken and Dragon Ice had given it healed and disappeared. Kasumi stared wide-eyed. This was no ordinary Garoot(animal of mythic proportions) this one was a magic eater, a Wyrsa. Kasumi hadn't thought it possible Wyrsa were wolves. But here it stood and it turned to look straight at her its huge green glowing eyes seeming to make her appear miniscule in comparison.
The rider in blue swung once more this time the wicked nunchakus connected with the back of one of Dragon Ice's legs. There was a sudden loud sound of a shock of electricity and the smell of burnt flesh floated through the air.
Dragon Ice screamed and fell from the back of the beast landing on the now rent in two couch.
The rider turned the cat towards Kasumi. The beast raced over grabbed Kasumi in its huge maw and ran for the window.
Aya chased the cat trying to get it to stop so he could get Kasumi back, but he was beaten off by the rider and couldn't keep up with the massive animal's speed. He stopped at the edge of the window. Aya looked fiercely out at the night sky. The cat flew off into the night sky and there was a flash of light and they were gone. Without a trace even suggesting they had even been there except for the mess they had left behind. Aya glared out at the night sky there would be hell to pay when he found them.
Dragon Ice lay slumped over one end of the couch. The pain in her leg had made her black out. As she came to she saw Aya and then Ken who was slumped in a corner like a forgotten rag doll. "Claws Blood? Oh gods!" she said as she tried to stand finally making it with Aya's help and limped over to where Ken lay. She knelt down and took the bandanna from her forehead and wrapped up his arm to stop the bleeding. She pulled the knot tight then felt him over for breaks with Aya looking on. When she reached his ribs he gave a small groan and opened his eyes.
"Damn that hurts." He exclaimed and looked at her. It was then he noticed that her mask had become ripped and torn in the fierce fight. He could see beneath it, her skin was pale almost milky white; she had red full lips and spring green eyes. Her beauty amazed him, but she noticed him staring and readjusted her mask.
"Please don't stare at me like that." She said quietly then resumed checking him over. She turned to Aya "I'm not sure who you are but could you help me stand once more?"
Aya nodded a thousand thought going through his troubled mind. Suddenly the apartment door burst open. He turned to face it and prepared for a new threat. Then two men came through. He recognized them and gave a sigh of relief.
It was Crawford and Schuldich who had his gun drawn. Crawford looked around at the mess. "What the hell happened here?"
"Long story." Dragon Ice said and turned back to Ken.
"She's right it is a long story. I'm glad you came even if you're late. There are many things that need to be discussed. We can talk at Ken's place." Aya said and began to help Dragon Ice to stand and help Ken up also
Ken and Dragon Ice leaned on each other and they followed Aya out of his wrecked apartment to Ken's down the hall. Ken let them in and they all went in and sat down. All but Aya, he remained standing.
"I'm not sure what this is all about. But tonight my apartment was invaded and Kasumi was kidnapped. We, Crawford and I, found out that Omi, Nagi and Sakura have all gone to Ireland. Originaly Crawford and I had thought that we should go, find them and bring them home. But now that has taken a back seat to the greater need, to find Kasumi." Aya stated as he looked at all of them.
Schuldichin the meantime had lagged behind. He had found the little burlap bag. He knew what that meant. Yohji was stone drunk. Schuldich picked up the bag and quietly walked behind every one else till he reached Yohiji's apartment the he silently tried the door handle, finding it unlocked he let himself in. Let everyone else discuss the fate of the world. He was going to find a certain blonde.
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Authors Notes: Well there is the long awaited chapter eight. I hope it is enough to wet your appetite while I get nine and ten ready. Please let me know what you think. Thanks again. ~Arzetta
Sakura was jarred awake as the plane touched down on the runway. She glanced out the window and she could see that the airport was a large one. Dublin was obviously a huge city. Sakura turned to look at the person sitting next to her. It was Omi, and he was still asleep. Behind him sat Nagi. The three friends had come to Ireland to solve the mystery of Omi's necklace.
She turned and shook Omi by the shoulder. "Hey little marmoset, time to wake up. We're in Ireland now."
Omi yawned and blinked sleepily at her. "Already?"
"Yep. Wake Nagi up and help me gather up our stuff. Then we have to head to where ever we collect our other things." They both stood up.
Omi turned around in his seat so that he was on his knees, reached out and poked Nagi. "Hey, wake up!"
Nagi's eyes flew open. He flung his arm out wide back handing Omi across the face.
Omi grabbed his face and yelped falling backwards over his seat to the floor.
Nagi blinked and the realization of what he did hit him. "Oh my gods! Omi I am so sorry!" he said as he climbed up to look over the seat. There lay Omi feet in the air, one hand on his face and the other reaching for the arm of the chair.
Suddenly Sakura turned around to look at them and began to laugh. As soon as she caught her breath she asked. "How did this happen?"
"Omi surprised me and I slapped him!" Nagi said as he reached over the seat to give Omi a hand up.
"I surprised you? Imagine how I feel about being slapped!" Omi stated and with Nagi's help got to his feet.
"Omi, I'm sorry but you scared the hell out of me!" After saying that Nagi began to laugh and Omi soon joined him followed once more by Sakura. They all stood there laughing for a few minutes then Omi asked:
"So Sakura where are we headed? Can we stop at a hotel so I can get over being slapped and jet leg? Nagi, please warn me when your are going to slap me so I can sit down okay!"
"To a village by the name of Glandore. I was reading a book about Ireland and that is where the Solstice Stones are. I think we will find some answers there. I guess we can since I'm hungry and we could all use some rest to recover from the flight." Sakura replied as she passed the last of the bags from overhead to Omi. The three of them filed off the plane and through the terminal. Sakura stopped to ask where they could collect their luggage. The man she asked told her to look at luggage pick up C4. She thanked him and then they went to luggage pick up. Together the three friends found their luggage they and made their way out of the airport terminal. Nagi was able to hail a cab as they piled in the cabbie asked "Where to?"
"A nice hotel please." Omi asked. Then he sat back and closed his eyes. Some thing was going to happen, he knew it but he wasn't sure what.
"So are ya new to Dublin?" The cabbie asked as he pulled away.
"Yes." Sakura answered. She glanced out the window Dublin seemed so big and there were so many people.
"Aah, well welcome to the Emerald Isle. Since you're new may I suggest a hotel?" The cabbie asked. "By the way I'm Sean."
"Yes you may Sean." Nagi said. The cabbie seemed nice enough.
"Well thank you young sir. Let me take you to the Emerald Mary. It's the nicest hotel in town and the people are always courteous. They also have a free breakfast buffet every morning. May I enquire as to whether who you three are?" Sean asked. He flipped the radio on and tuned it in to a station playing a merry Irish tune.
"That sounds good. Thank you Sean. I'm Sakura Fujitani and these are my two friends, Nagi Naoe and Omi Tsukyono." Sakura replied.
Soon they pulled up in front of a tall hotel. It was emerald green in color because the walls were made of many green windows making it appear as though the whole hotel had been carved out of one enormous emerald. Sean pulled up to the front of the hotel. "Well here we are, The Emerald Mary. Isn't it beautiful."
All three of the friends looked at it, all at a loss for words. Omi was the first out. He helped Nagi and Sakura out. Sean got out and began to get their luggage out of his cabs trunk. As soon as that was done he shut the trunk, Sakura paid him and he nodded his thanks. "Thank you kindly lass. May you have the best of Irish luck upon your quest." With that said he climbed back into his cab and drove off.
Sakura stared at the cab until it disappeared from her sight. Then she shook her head. There was no way that Sean could have known. None had even made mention to what they were doing here. She picked up her bags and followed Omi and Nagi into the large hotel.
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(Meanwhile back in Japan)
Bradley Crawford twisted and turned wrapping his blankets tight around his body. Rolling to close to the edge he fell off the bed and hit the floor with a resounding thud that jogged him awake. He opened his eyes it had been a dream. He took a deep breath and shuddered as a cold sweat poured off his forehead then he began to untangle himself from the blankets. He reached for his glasses off his nightstand then looked at the clock. It was three in the morning. Standing he made his way to the bathroom, flipping on the light he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. The usually neatly combed black hair stood on end and his skin was white with a slight pink tinge to it. He looked quite bedraggled and disheveled, Crawford took off his glasses and ran some cold water in the sink then he splashed his face. As he dried off he walked back into his room and began to look around for his cell phone. He didn't care what time it was he had to talk to Aya. He dialed and put the phone to his ear. It seemed to ring forever but finally a voice answered. "Hello?" it said groggily.
"Aya? I'm sorry if I woke you but it's important. You see I had this dream….," Crawford started but he was interrupted by Aya.
"Brad! Yes you did wake me. Do you know what time it is? It's the three in the morning. What kind of dream could be so important at this time of the night?" Aya asked and rolled over onto his back. This had happened before but only once had it been unimportant.
"Aya, like I said I'm sorry. I know what time it is I looked. You know me I'm not one for making too many calls at ungodly hours. But I think this might be very important maybe even a life or death thing." Crawford said and sat down on his bed.
"Alright, but it had better be good." Aya replied.
"Okay like I said I had this dream. Omi and Nagi were in it. So was that girl they always hang out with, you know the Fujitani girl," Crawford said and tried to recall all the details of the dream.
"Sakura?" asked Aya
"Yes, that's the one. At any rate, they had all packed and were on Sakura's motorcycle. Omi had this weird necklace. Then they went and hopped a flight to Ireland." Crawford paused to take a breath and a sip of water from the glass on the nightstand.
"Ireland? Why would they go there? They all have school and Omi has work." Aya sat up, put his feet on the floor and stood up. He walked out to the living room; Kasumi was asleep on the couch. He made his way to the door of his apartment.
"I'm not sure." Crawford replied and stood up and made his way to the door of his apartment. The two men even though in separate buildings opened their doors at the same time and made their ways down the hallways of their separate buildings to the door of the co-worker that had just spoken about.
Aya looked at the door of Omi's apartment. "Brad I'm sure it was just a dream. I mean not all your dreams are prophecies, right?"
"True. But what if it's not?" Crawford stood outside of Nagi's apartment. Taking a deep breath he began to knock on the telepath's door.
Aya did like wise on Omi's door. Neither of them received any answer. "I guess we're about to find out."
Crawford tried the handle of Nagi's room. Finding it unlocked (which was pretty strange for Nagi) he went in and made his way to the back bedroom. Once there he walked over to the bed. It was empty the covers were tossed about as if someone had gotten out in a hurry. "Aya, Nagi's gone."
"So is Omi." Aya said as he looked down at Omi's very empty bed.
"What about the Fujitani girl? Couldn't Nagi and Omi just be out for a bit of fun?" Crawford asked in a slightly more than hopeful tone. Though his inner senses told him other wise.
"I don't know. At the three am? Come on Brad it's Omi and Nagi we're talking about not Yohji or Schuldich." Aya stated and walked about out of Omi's bedroom. As he made his way out he spotted some thing. It was a small burlap bag and next to that there was a note. He read it.
To my friends,
As you can see I'm not here. I've gone to Ireland. This necklace is driving me crazy! I should be back in a few days to a week. Please take care and say an extra prayer for Sakura, Nagi and myself. I'll call some time. Don't worry, I'll be alright!
Bombay
"Well I think we've just gotten our answer." Aya replied he picked up the burlap bag and smelled it. It smelled like that herbal remedy that Sakura had given Yohji once after he had gotten stone drunk. Aya shrugged and made his way back to his own apartment taking the herbal mix with him.
"Really? What did you find? I didn't find anything." Brad said and went back to his apartment and began to look around for a pair of pants.
"Yes. I found a note from Omi. He and Nagi and Sakura have gone to Ireland. Something about that weird necklace and a mystery. I also found a bag of Mom Fujitani's herbal hang over mix. Sakura must've brought it for Yohji. " When Aya entered his apartment he found Kasumi awake. He walked past her to stand in front of the living room window and gazed out into the streets below.
Kasumi looked at Aya, he looked upset. Standing up she went over and stood behind him laying her head on his back and put one arm around his waist and held him. "What's wrong?"
Aya closed his eyes and leaned into her embrace. Something about it felt right. "Omi, Sakura and Nagi are all gone."
"The necklace? Oh my gods! I saw it in my dream, long purple crystal, right?" Brad exclaimed as he stood half in and half out of a pair of pants.
"Yes. That's right. But, that is beside the point. We what we have to do now is decide whether or not we need to go, find them and bring them home." Aya said and placed one hand over Kasumi's.
"I can tell you the answer to that. We have to go." Brad replied and finally pulled his pants on. He made a grab for a shirt out of his closet.
Aya opened his eyes. He could see something, it looked like it was flying and headed straight for his window. As it got closer it got bigger. Whirling around he pushed Kasumi to the floor just as the animal crashed through the window.
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Crawford heard the sound of glass breaking and some scream. "Hello? Hello Ran?" he said but no one answered. The line was dead. He looked at the phone then threw it on the bed like it was on fire. He pulled the shirt onto his body, and ran out of his apartment screaming. "Schuldich! Schuldich you lazy telepath wake up!" He yelled as he ran for the other man's apartment. Crawford hit the door full force, it burst open and he ran for the bedroom where he found Schuldich just starting to stir and crawl out from beneath his latest conquest.
"Brad what the hell are you doing in my apartment at three in the fucking morning?" Schuldich asked as he stood up. He was completely naked and didn't care who saw him as he lit up a cigarette from the nightstand. There came a voice from the bed:
"Schuldich come back to bed." It said playfully. The voice belong to a young man who Crawford saw as the other man crawled out from the blankets. The young man was pale with blue eyes and sandy blonde hair that hung down to his shoulders.
Schuldich turned back to look at his latest lover. "Just a moment little Chen. I have to take care of Brad then you and I will go back to bed. Keep the sheets warm" He leaned over, kissed Chen and nibbled on his ear. Chen laughed and nodded. "Now Brad, what can I do for you? Have a bad dream? Need some comfort? You know Bradley you really should go out and get yourself a lover of some sort. A good fuck does wonders." Schuldich said and took a drag from his cigarette. There was another laugh from the bed.
Brad rolled his eyes, ran a hand through his hair and then spoke, "Schuldich, I didn't come here to play sex games with you. Not that I would in the first place with some who has had the whole lower east side of Tokyo tramping in and out of his bed. I came here because I think Aya is in trouble and I think he could use our help. Now!"
"Oh it's about your poor little Aya-nichi is it? Well why didn't you say so. I'm always willing to help another guy get the buck or doe of his choice. Of course I'm not sure why you would want my help. Seems to me you could get a hold of that slice of cake by yourself." There was another snigger from the bed when Schuldich said this. " Just let me say goodbye to my sweet little Chen and grab some clothes." He replied. "After all I can't very well go in there naked, oh the shame of it." The telepath said in mock disgust and laid a hand palm up on his forehead.
Crawford said nothing.
Schuldich grinned at him then turned, kissed Chen and went to his dresser grabbed a pair of jeans, a long sleeve black shirt, his shoes and his gun then he followed Crawford out of his apartment.
It wasn't long before the two were in Schuldich's red Porsche speeding down the highway towards the Weiss apartments.
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Dragon Ice crawled silently up the side of the apartment. She knew he lived here, because she had followed him home one night. She made her way up the building to the last window on the left and peered in. There he was, Claws Blood fast asleep in his bed. Dragon Ice smiled to herself and picked the lock on the window then silently let herself in. She closed it behind her and slipped over to the side of the bed. Slipping her katana from its sheath she started poking Claws Blood with the tip.
Ken could feel some thing poking him. He opened his eyes but just barely and looked over. He could see them, a tall black figure with a long sword that had glowing blue runes on it. All of this seemed vaguely familiar. Quickly he reacted and rolled off the opposite of the bed and grabbed for his clawed gloves. He peered over the side of the bed as he got his gloves on the figure just stood there seeming to mock him. Then it spoke:
"Claws Blood you not remember me? Dragon Ice of the Wudan dragons." She said and swung the sword. It sang a lovely song when she swung it.
Ken blinked a bit but didn't let down his guard. "I remember you now. You wanted to kill me. Back to finish the job?"
Dragon Ice shook her head. "No. I came to check on Kasumi."
It was then that they heard it. A tremendous crash, sounds of breaking glass, and a harsh roar. Ken and Dragon Ice looked at each other. "It sounds like it came from Aya's apartment." Ken said jumping over his bed and running for the door. On the way there he grabbed a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He struggled to get them on as he ran. He paused to at the couch in the living room where a very frightened Iria lay. "Stay here alright!" He told her then ran on.
Dragon Ice followed him. She kept her sword out. Together they ran towards Aya's apartment.
Ken burst through the door and stopped in his tracks when he saw what had caused the sounds. It was huge a beast that appeared to be a cat that was at least nine feet tall and pure jet black. It had huge silver wings and a maw that could swallow a grown man whole. It roared and threw its paws out to try to claw Aya who was fighting fiercely. On it's back sat a rider clad in deep blue. It had a bow it its hand and was notching an arrow to fire at Aya.
Dragon Ice looked at the animal and it's rider, "Oh my gods!" She exclaimed. Her shock didn't last long after she saw the rider. Dragon Ice sprang into action and knocked the bow and arrow from the rider's hand then the two began a vicious fight when the rider drew out a pair of metal nunchaku's. The rider swung at Dragon Ice who leapt up and sliced with her sword leaving a long trailing scratch across the riders left cheek. The rider in turn kept swinging. Dragon Ice swung again but this time with her leg knocking the rider from the saddle. They hit the floor landing on their back but it didn't take long for them to recover. The rider stood, holding out their right hand they said one word: "Oni-su" The metal nunchaku's that had been knocked from their hands seemed to take on a life of their own as they raced and landed in the hand of their owner. The rider swung them once the leapt up and once more began to fight with Dragon Ice who swung ducked and dodged to stay out of the way of the now electrical nunchakus.
Ken who had also recovered from the shock bounded in and slapped the cat on the nose with his metal claws. This made that cat angrier and it swatted out but missed Ken and hit the couch instead tearing it in two seemingly ignorant of the battle that raged upon it's back. Ken bounded around the cat and swatted it on the backside but the cat was quicker this time and hit him sending him flying to the opposite side of the room. Leaving a long gash in one arm.
Kasumi had backed away and began chanting a spell, "Marsa ille` kota` ta!" then she stretched out her hands and lightening streamed from her fingers towards the beast. It raced across the room and rammed the cat in the side. Kasumi said the spell twice more ramming the cat again and again. But the cat was only slightly swayed by the spell because it stood shook it's head as if waking from a dream then it seemed to grow larger and the wounds that Aya, Ken and Dragon Ice had given it healed and disappeared. Kasumi stared wide-eyed. This was no ordinary Garoot(animal of mythic proportions) this one was a magic eater, a Wyrsa. Kasumi hadn't thought it possible Wyrsa were wolves. But here it stood and it turned to look straight at her its huge green glowing eyes seeming to make her appear miniscule in comparison.
The rider in blue swung once more this time the wicked nunchakus connected with the back of one of Dragon Ice's legs. There was a sudden loud sound of a shock of electricity and the smell of burnt flesh floated through the air.
Dragon Ice screamed and fell from the back of the beast landing on the now rent in two couch.
The rider turned the cat towards Kasumi. The beast raced over grabbed Kasumi in its huge maw and ran for the window.
Aya chased the cat trying to get it to stop so he could get Kasumi back, but he was beaten off by the rider and couldn't keep up with the massive animal's speed. He stopped at the edge of the window. Aya looked fiercely out at the night sky. The cat flew off into the night sky and there was a flash of light and they were gone. Without a trace even suggesting they had even been there except for the mess they had left behind. Aya glared out at the night sky there would be hell to pay when he found them.
Dragon Ice lay slumped over one end of the couch. The pain in her leg had made her black out. As she came to she saw Aya and then Ken who was slumped in a corner like a forgotten rag doll. "Claws Blood? Oh gods!" she said as she tried to stand finally making it with Aya's help and limped over to where Ken lay. She knelt down and took the bandanna from her forehead and wrapped up his arm to stop the bleeding. She pulled the knot tight then felt him over for breaks with Aya looking on. When she reached his ribs he gave a small groan and opened his eyes.
"Damn that hurts." He exclaimed and looked at her. It was then he noticed that her mask had become ripped and torn in the fierce fight. He could see beneath it, her skin was pale almost milky white; she had red full lips and spring green eyes. Her beauty amazed him, but she noticed him staring and readjusted her mask.
"Please don't stare at me like that." She said quietly then resumed checking him over. She turned to Aya "I'm not sure who you are but could you help me stand once more?"
Aya nodded a thousand thought going through his troubled mind. Suddenly the apartment door burst open. He turned to face it and prepared for a new threat. Then two men came through. He recognized them and gave a sigh of relief.
It was Crawford and Schuldich who had his gun drawn. Crawford looked around at the mess. "What the hell happened here?"
"Long story." Dragon Ice said and turned back to Ken.
"She's right it is a long story. I'm glad you came even if you're late. There are many things that need to be discussed. We can talk at Ken's place." Aya said and began to help Dragon Ice to stand and help Ken up also
Ken and Dragon Ice leaned on each other and they followed Aya out of his wrecked apartment to Ken's down the hall. Ken let them in and they all went in and sat down. All but Aya, he remained standing.
"I'm not sure what this is all about. But tonight my apartment was invaded and Kasumi was kidnapped. We, Crawford and I, found out that Omi, Nagi and Sakura have all gone to Ireland. Originaly Crawford and I had thought that we should go, find them and bring them home. But now that has taken a back seat to the greater need, to find Kasumi." Aya stated as he looked at all of them.
Schuldichin the meantime had lagged behind. He had found the little burlap bag. He knew what that meant. Yohji was stone drunk. Schuldich picked up the bag and quietly walked behind every one else till he reached Yohiji's apartment the he silently tried the door handle, finding it unlocked he let himself in. Let everyone else discuss the fate of the world. He was going to find a certain blonde.
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Authors Notes: Well there is the long awaited chapter eight. I hope it is enough to wet your appetite while I get nine and ten ready. Please let me know what you think. Thanks again. ~Arzetta