Echoes in the Soul
WEIß KREUZ - SAIYUKI FANFICTION

Part 1 - A flicker of memory

Gyokument Koushu's long blue hair was tamed into a knot that resolved to a long tail of hair. She liked it better when it was combed up to a couple of lovelocks but then she needed to keep up to the times like everyone else. She wore flowing blue chiffon in a peasant blouse and skirt combination that approximated her old robe.

Ah, the good old days...but then, the now is more conducive for my plans. No one in this day and age believes in demons anymore...

When the Sanzo-ikkou had come to stop Gyuma Ou's revival, she had spared by dint of luck. She was in one of the hidden laboratories when that accursed monk came up like a natural disaster and depopulated the palace. Her entire retinue had been reduced to only a couple of bodyguards. Dr. Huang and Nii Jieni had been killed along with the rest. It took her a while to scrounge up Nii's research and much longer to comprehend it.

Things have changed...not necessarily for the worse...

"You will help us revive Masafumi-sama, if we do this thing for you?" The soft contralto on the other side of the line tried not to sound to eager but Gyokumen Koushu knew that she had the speaker the moment she heard the voice. She had known this particular person before, a long time ago, to be very reliable.

Death and rebirth hadn't changed her much. Earnest and loyal to a fault... Who would imagine that it would come to this?

She smiled and paused to enjoy the other's discomfort. There was no point in hurrying, she had this fish well and truly hooked.

Might as well enjoy it...

"Aa." She said, timing it a shade before the anxiety that from the phone turned to panic and suspicion.

"Consider it done, then." The line went dead with a click.

Gyokumen Koushu laughed and laughed.

Who would have thought that Huang would end up obsessed with Nii? She had been so professionally jealous of my attentions to Nii. Fate definitely has a strange sense of humor... Time to go back into my role... The things I do for my love... [1]

Her form blurred into that of an old woman in frumpy clothes, though the cat in cream expression on her face didn't change.

Soon, soon, this charade would become unnecessary...

Her cellular phone rang and she picked it up with no hesitation.

"Emma, is all in accordance with our plan?" Said a baritone tinged with the unevenness of age.

Old fool…

"Yes, it is. Schrient caved in quickly when I suggested that we would help them with their little problem."

"Are you sure of that? That they wouldn't use the powers of the girl to further their own agenda once they have her. " It was a tenor as age worn as the tenor.

Ah, Hengist Sinclair, the worrier…and all that is there to this expensive conference call… What a waste!

She didn't let the annoyance she felt at the question filter into her voice.

Imbeciles, I have more at stake here than both of you…

"Be assured that they will not. I have seen to it that they don't know the true value of what they will hold." With that, the other two so-called-Elders of Estet had to be content.

Hah, Estet is mine and have always been from the start… And soon I don't have to be burdened with the doddering humans… Let them think that they were getting their youth back when we summon the Ancestor… I will be rid of them soon enough. They'll be the first to be eaten… My love, Gyuma Ou, soon…soon…we will be reunited once more…

***

Crawford sat on the dingy barstool gingerly. The bar was full of cheap plastic bucket seats and lit by semi-colored lights that flickered irregularly. Most of the clientele were wearing faux leather and shabby vinyl, a parody of his own leather ensemble. Some of the more unsavory natives were looking him over with a predatory gleam in their eyes, only to be cowed by his self-assured air that practically screamed "Beware, higher predator!" It wasn't really his sort of place. Schwartz had become so much more prosperous that he didn't have to go to a place like this for work reasons. Estet and Takatori's cronies used prestigious restaurants to meet in.

This had better be worth it…

The precog's eyes shifted from face to face absently looking for the reason of his presence. After some minutes, he concluded that the man was not yet inside. He settled down to order a whiskey. The bartender took his order and came back with a dubious looking glass of amber liquid. He sipped at the drink then put it back down as a redhead drifted into the tacky semi-darkness from the cold Tokyo night.

Ah, there he is…

Crawford toyed with his drink, dawdling a bit, though he knew somewhere at the back of his mind that in his mind that this meeting was inevitable. Here sitting in the cigarette-fogged darkness, still, didn't know why he was doing this…but…

Might as well…

He sighed. Then he stood up, his glass in hand, and moved off to meet his quarry.

"Schwartz!" Abyssinian hissed at him. He was wearing his mission boots and pants with a shirt of deepest purple, nearly black. He wore a bulky leather jacket over it all like Crawford and the precog didn't doubt that the redhead was wearing it for the same reason.

He's also carrying a gun under there…

"Fujimiya…" Crawford inclined his head. They were at the edge of the dance floor where the washed out lights were close to being white. He could clearly see the stiffened expression on the other's face.

"Does Schwartz have any involvement in my sister's kidnapping?"

"No." It was said quickly, maybe too quickly, for Abyssinian's eyes narrowed.

"You do know something."

Damned I was hoping he didn't have to pick up on it…

Crawford always had trouble in deceiving Abyssinian. There was something in those purple depths that demanded truth from him. Besides, the redhead had an uncanny sense for strategy despite his temper. It made him a good field leader for Weiß and an opponent to watch out for when he wasn't blinded by vengeance.

Come to think of it, he isn't that bad an opponent even when he was…

"Tell. Me." Before he could answer, Crawford found himself thrown to the wall and staring into two hard amethysts.

"Why should I? Besides, this really isn't wise of you…" Crawford said, coolly. He knew very well that the man was in the bar without the auspices of Kritiker. Fujimiya was working alone and couldn't afford any sort of drastic action.

"Because I--I--"

I guess he's too intelligent to threaten me, when he knows it's likely that I know he can't really follow through…

Inexplicably, Crawford felt a stirring of something. Ghost hands around his neck, not too comfortable but not too tight either. Lithe body hovered above him. Then the memory faded and he found himself back in the bar with Abyssinian pressed against him and other's warmth elicited more than a passing interest in some rather embarrassing parts of his body.

Shit! What a time to get horny...though to be honest I've always felt something like this whenever he's around...

Crawford remembered clearly his reaction upon meeting the redheaded kitten in the Human Chess game...

***

"Takatori, shine!" The battle cry rang through his consciousness and echoed by his thought.

Now! Here he comes...

Crawford moved to counter the blow that he knew was to come for his employer.

Like an avenging angel, an orange-clad blur swooped in with sword upraised. He met the sword with a feint of his own. He caught it with his hands. He met the glittering purple eyes and felt the hot breath of the other's rage on his face.

Strange, they should be green...

The disjointed thought came and gone so fast that he barely registered it. He was amazed at how slight the assassin was and at how delicate the man looked.

He could be a girl...with those features...

However, the wiry strength that wielded the sword and the muscles that strained against Crawford told him otherwise.

Definitely a guy...and definitely...attractive...

It wasn't the first time he'd lusted after another man so it wasn't much of a surprise him when his body reacted to the closeness of such a pretty guy. The rush of déjà vu, however, did startle him.

Strange, there seems to be something familiar about him... This striving is not all that unusual come to think of it…

Crawford could not place the man but he felt that he had met him before somewhere.

Somewhere...but where...

It was rather disconcerting that he couldn't place the man.

Surely I would remember someone as exquisite as this…

He would've dwelt on it a little more but Fujimiya's next move was to withdraw his blade and agilely dodge him so that the volatile redhead could get at Takatori. He'd been hard-put to keep his client from being split in half, hustling the annoying geezer away.

***

It wasn't until later when Crawford had time to think that he wondered at his thoughts of the encounter.

Green eyes…? Why would think about it? His purple eyes are lovely enough as it is…they don't need improvement…

Even with the weirdness, or maybe because of it, Crawford had lusted after Abyssinian. He had taken every opportunity to grope the redhead when they fought. He assigned himself that duty whenever they encountered the White Hunters, something that amused Schuldig to no end. It was inevitable when fighting with only with his fists anyway. He had a vision that Weiß would be useful one day and didn't permit his team to damage the other. There was something Weiß that called out to him, compelling as a siren song. He dismissed the sudden flight of fancy.

What am I thinking, they're just a bunch of amateurs… No, we'll need them later. We can risk killing even one of them. So, no guns…and how else can I fight if I'm not using my gun…

Before he could think more on the attraction, Fujimiya interrupted his thoughts again.

"Tell. Me." It was said through gritted teeth but the purple eyes were glowing softly with the desperate plea the man would not voice. The combination was irresistible. Suddenly, Crawford found his lips warm against the softness of the Weiß redhead's, and realized…

I kissed him?

Before Crawford could do anything else, Abyssinian broke the lip-lock. He tried to think through the sudden disappointment. He had barely tasted the heady sweetness of the other's mouth, reminiscent of sweet brandy.

"Would you deal for the information?" The glow in those purple orbs turned a bit less pleading and a shade more calculating.

"Huh?" Crawford was startled by the question.

Is he saying what I think he's saying?

"Let's discuss it in a better place, then?" Fujimiya put his hand onto Crawford's arm and started to drag him to the entrance and he lost all thought in amazement.

***

The determination in that tone translated itself into action as Crawford found himself being dragged out of the club and checked into the sleazy "love hotel" before he could protest.

Not that I'm going to protest…when I want to have my wicked way with him anyway…but this is so sudden…

"So?" The tone was still demanding but was said much softer than anything he had ever heard from Abyssinian before.

Crawford found himself avoiding those purple orbs by shifting his gaze at his surroundings, at the tawdry cream colored walls, the TV and VHS on the corner… Finally, it fell on the blue-spread of the bed where the Weiß redhead sat.

Oh my…

It hit him then at last.

I'm all alone with Fujimiya Aya in a room with a bed…

"Well?" Fujimiya sat with unconscious sensuality, head thrown back to stare at Crawford who loomed above him.

At least, I hope it's unconscious. I'd kill anyone who'd seen him like this…or worse had him practice that… Did Kudoh or Hidaka ever pull the moves on him? How could his teammates ever ignore his beauty?

"Well, what? I can hardly trade any information about your sister. You'll oppose us, after all." Crawford said, trying to get control of the situation though the warmth under his belly was rising to a fever pitch and that his breath was becoming uneven.

"I'll do almost anything for it." Aya said, pouncing on Crawford to pin him onto the bed. The familiar feeling was there again, much stronger this time, that he had the other man in a similar position before.

Which is ridiculous, he'd never had the chance to do this to me…

The feeling didn't go away though and grew stronger. He didn't want to budge from his position from underneath the slender body. Warmth traveled the almost non-existent space in between their bodies through their clothes making him tingle all over with reaction.

Then, Aya's lips were ghosting on his own, Aya's tongue entwining with his. The sweet taste of the other's mouth was back, this time invading his mouth and binding his body in place. It was becoming hard to think.

No! At least, not like this...

Inexplicably, Crawford was repulsed by the casualness of the situation.

I don't want him to come to me like this... Not for a deal... It should be more...than this...

He couldn't move though, couldn't fight his traitorous body that was completely submitting to the touch that was fast becoming the center of his world.

So good...can't think...maybe I shouldn't have kept celibate all these years...it's making it very hard to resist.

Not that it would have helped. This was the first time he'd have such an overwhelming reaction towards a person. He usually had no problems refusing anyone. Even Schuldig had given up trying to influence him in that manner, stating that he must have ice water in his veins.

"So...?"

The question broke through the sex haze in his mind.

"No. No, I not like this."

Astounded silence greeted Crawford.

"I suppose you would leave if I said no." He continued, pushing his luck since he already knew the answer.

"Of course."

The coldness in the tone really got to Crawford. Anger burned away the last of the desire tying him to the bed. He sat up on the bed and pushed Aya away from him.

"Of course, but that's all you have to bargain with. Is that it? You're willing to get into bed with your enemy just for your sister? Great thinking there, Fujimiya! What do you think of me, a fool? And while we're at it…what do you think of yourself?" Crawford stood up, turning to go. He did not even try to fix his suit.

I must leave…at once…

He wasn't very sure that his resolve could stand up to the strain if he remained further with the tantalizing redhead. He was already by the door when he heard the plaintive voice.

"She's all I have left."

The despair in the deep voice almost changed Crawford's mind. He turned to look at the man who slumped on the bed.

"You'll find her again someday." The reassurance slipped out before he could think.

"Is that a prediction?" Abyssinian pounced on the sentence with the enthusiasm of a drowning man. He stood up and closed the gap between them. He was definitely pleading this time.

"Maybe." Crawford smirked. He finally found himself in the position of control.

"Bastard."

"That makes us two of a kind, doesn't it?" Crawford asked, smirk even getting larger before his brain registered what he just said and how it could have been taken.

Fuck! He really must be getting to me…

Aya smirked back at Crawford.

Okay, that's it. I better leave here before I make an ass of myself…or, at least, more of an ass… I have a feeling I've already done my quota of foolish things for the year…

Crawford got out of the room with that smirk lingering on his mind.

At least, he doesn't look too depressed anymore…

The thought had a happy feel to it that the precog decided to ignore. He didn't even noticed that he'd thought of his enemy by the redhead's assumed name.

***

Aya sighed as he sat on the bed. It had been so close...

She had been so close… He'd almost had her…had known… Ah well…

Crawford wouldn't have been Crawford, if he'd allowed his opponent any sort of advantage. Aya had known about the precog's weakness since the second time they'd fought. The man couldn't quite keep his hands to himself. His touches tended to linger, rather than swiftly inflicting damage. He wasn't as much restrained with the other Weiß members though he was more lenient with the "White Hunters" than with other opponents. Aya often wondered at this seeming leniency.

Is it just part of his bigger plan?

Aya knew that the precog had some hidden agenda, some scheme that involved Weiß. Crawford wouldn't spare them otherwise. He knew good planning when he saw it. The missions involving Schwartz had the feel of something arranged, a deadly dance where the dancers were only allowed to inflict some damage but not to kill. Like the time with Ouka…

***

"Omi wouldn't betray the team." Ken protested.

"I know that Kenken, but he isn't here, is he?" Youji drawled lazily. He lounged around the couch he had turned to face the computer with apparent ease but his jaw was tight with the unspoken tension.

The three Weiß members were currently huddled over the computer. The screen blinked innocently at them was the message that caused this furor.

To: Weiss@Kritiker.com
From: Nausicaa@mysterykitty.com

Go to the park at this moment and you will find evidence of Bombay's betrayal of your team.

An Informer

It was such a short message but deadly poison nonetheless. The team hadn't seen Omi for the entire night and had no way of confirming the message. Except…

This is getting us no where…

"It's a trap." Aya said, standing up. It had been more than thirty minutes since the argument had started and there seemed to be no end to it. They had managed to drag out every doubt and angle of this situation. He was tired of this wrangling and wanted some action.

"Oi, Aya…" Youji said.

"Hn."

"You're going to the park, aren't you." It wasn't a question. Youji knew Aya a little better than Ken ever did, and knew that there was only so much the redhead could stand before doing something. Like his teammates, he had a protective streak for the youngest of the team. That was one of the reasons why Omi had been put at the back of every mission. He just hid it well under his stoic façade and hate of all things Takatori.

It's possible that Omi is being held hostage or something… He may have been born Takatori but he's proven himself to us…

There was still doubt there. It wasn't that long since the mission involving Takatori Hirofumi that Aya forgot how Omi had turned against them for the kid's older brother.

But he had been confused then… Now it's different…

It was just hard to forget.

"Aa."

"You can't think Omi would…"

"I'm not saying that Omi would betray us, Ken, but he might have been taken in a trap. " Youji said. He'd been playing devil's advocate in this conversation voicing what they could not.

"Aa, we still need to do this anyway." Aya had said and so they went.

***

The fog was as thick as the confusion Aya had felt. It obscured any enemy action as well as the doubt obscured his thoughts.

"Omi?" Ken asked as their younger member had appeared out of the fog. The kid didn't seem harmed or tied or the least bit restrained.

Could it be a trap? Could he be a willing pawn? No…I can't believe it…I won't believe…

Then Schwartz had attacked in a surprising speed occupying us as Omi cut Ouka loose. It turned out later that they had been keeping the girl hostage but, right then, we had no way of knowing. Doubt hampered us like the tendrils of a sinuous vine. Not that we needed to be hindered much, fighting Schwartz was usually enough. Then Schuldig and Farfarello were in retreat. A shot rang out, taking out Ouka.

***

Reflecting on it much later, Aya knew that Farfarello could've as easily have taken down Omi but didn't.

We definitely figure in their plans…but as what?

It was hard to figure out Schwartz when Aya didn't know their motives. All the other 'Dark Beasts' Weiß had hunted were uncomplicated in that respect.

Plus, they're psychic…for all I know, they operate on a different level of consideration…or several levels of consideration…

It rattled him a bit that he couldn't find anything about their most serious rival.

Though Oracle seemed human enough…in some ways…

The Schwartz leader baffled Aya. Given that he was evil, Crawford should have taken what Aya had offered. He didn't even need to give the information, just promise and never deliver. They both knew that the redhead had no real recourse but to take him at his word.

But he refused me…

Aya couldn't understand what just happened.

It's as if he wanted something more of me than what I wanted to give…what he could have taken…

What, he didn't know.

Aya snorted and stood up to smoothen his shirt and left.

Bah, there's no use pondering this tonight…

***

He looks peaceful, almost asleep…

Hel thought as she looked through the clear glass tank to gaze upon a dark haired man in his naked glory.

Masafumi-sama…

She had to take off her glasses to wipe the sudden accumulation of moisture in them. Her hand tightened on the clipboard of statistics she was checking.

We will avenge you…and then with Estet's help, get you back…

"So Neu...are you ready to perform your duty?" She said without turning her back.

"I am." With a flash of the red visor, the other woman in the room was gone.

~TBC~

Author's Notes:

[1] This is one of the inside jokes in this otherwise serious story. Sorry to those who have very little knowledge of Saiyuki or, of Weiß, for the matter, the chapter might be a little cryptic for some of you. I'm fair =^^=, a little something for everyone to recognize. Though it's going to be cleared up. Or so I hope... Maybe, I should set up a reincarnation table as characters appear and fill in their roles? But that would be plain lazy. I should just make an effort to make the characters recognizable ne? ^^;

* Ummm, has anyone guessed who Aya was in Saiyuki? ^^;;;

NEXT: dungeons of the mind…