Youji slammed his foot on the accelerator, throwing his body back into the seat as the Mustang jumped forward, squealing brakes and tires. His knuckles were white around the wheel, his teeth clenched. Damn Schudich and his mind games, Kudou Youji was out of there. They should have known they couldn't hold him. The brunette felt a sickening feeling rise in his gut. He hoped. Ah well, it was the best he could do. He jerked the leather-coated steering wheel around again, taking the next corner on the two outermost wheels. His heart leapt suddenly into his throat as his saw a young woman on the road in front of him. She screamed, he swerved. Narrow miss, but it cost him. A quick look in the rearview mirror told him that his rival was onto him, and gaining fast. He wondered at Schuldich's lack of mind control, but quickly lost the thought as he skidded through a red light and almost hit the curb. It was night, but that didn't mean there weren't other cars about. He might have to be careful. Another thought forgotten as he saw the redhead's car swerve up beside him dangerously. His eyes widened, and he pushed on the accelerator again. Not that it could get any further into the floor. He had to try, right? He almost lost control as the other vehicle slammed him just behind the door. He was lucky the convertible was heavy…well, heavier than Shuldich's little Viper, anyway. Youji pulled ahead again as they entered a little one-way street. He would have to trick the other if he was going to escape.
You won't escape anyway, little kitten.
Youji took that to his advantage. While Schuldich was distracted, he swerved again sharply, almost hit a garbage can on the curb, and then pulled away speedily, leaving Schuldich in the confusion of an empty alleyway in front of him. Youji knew he didn't have a lot of escape time, and he must use is wisely. He was out on an empty freeway now, driving down the absolute center of the road, engine roaring to its maximum capacity. His next corner was a gentle one, but it threw him quite off-balance as he swung around. He noted headlights. One in front, one behind. Schuldich was on his tail again, and some poor, innocent driver in front of him. Youji eased the car back into it's own lane. Schuldich wasn't in his head anymore; the redhead must have realized how dangerous losing his concentration could be. An advantage for the tall assassin, as any rate. As the car in front of him came closer, the blonde saw his predicament. It was Nagi. With Crawford. He saw Nagi had his eyes closed. That close, that close. Youji slammed the breaks. His lanky body flew foreword with the momentum, but he kept his foot where it was. He heard Schuldich's mental curse and saw the green viper fly by narrowly, saw Crawford's car do the same. Saw Nagi's face of rage. Now he was in for it. He tried to spin the wheel around, to turn around and get away, but by the time he was half way there he felt the car slide sickeningly sideways. Nagi's doing of course. He saw a brick wall on the side of he freeway. Youji closed his eyes, waiting for the impact that might kill him. Then again, they might not let him go so easily. He knew for a fact that Schuldich wanted more from him. The car hit. He heard and felt the metal caving inwards, the wreckage, the fuel pouring across the road from where the gas tank had broken open. The windshield shattered. Instinctively, his hands went to his face, and then everything was black.

You went to sleep in pain, why wouldn't you wake up like that too?
Shuldich circling round and round, his hot finger burning the pretty brunette as he traced it round and round his chest. Obviously, he was enjoying himself. More obviously, Youji was not.
We are so alike, you and I…to bad we're mortal enemies…to bad you had to get in the way…
GET out of my HEAD bastard!
Is that really the best you can do? Is that really as hard as you can fight?
Telepathic laughter.
What do you say…we strike a deal…just…you and…I…
The redhead stopped mid-point in his circling. Youji's hands were tied above his head, his feet dangling inches above the floor. He hated being so goddamn helpless!
Farferello would approve!
Shuldich's finger was right at the center of Youji's chest. Accusing, taunting.
Well, kitten? What do you say?
Youji was silent. Then a stab of pain through his head, white light searing him, burning him. He writhed, unsettling the other's touch. Shuldich didn't seem to mind that much. In fact, he was smiling.
When I ask, you answer, pet. I have no time for you…only for your pain.
Youji wanted to scream. Both from frustration and pain. He realized, somewhat subconsciously that he had cuts running over most of his body. Perhaps that was why the telepath's touch burned him. He assumed it was from the glass of his windshield. Schuldich brought his attention back to the matter at hand with a solid punch to the stomach…physical this time. He groaned.
Well?
What do you want?
The redhead appeared to be thinking.
What do you want most right now, little Kudou? Well, that is besides alcohol and a cigarette and perhaps a lady. Or…
Youji wasn't about to let him finish his sentence.
Freedom.
He said with all the strength he now possessed. It left him feeling empty. Shuldich laughed.
Alright…
He said at length
I'm willing to gamble. Now what do you think I want right now, kitten. Besides alcohol, a cigarette and perhaps a lady…or…
Once again, Youji cut in.
You're the mind reader, bastard.
Tight, feline smile.
Why I do believe your right…
The smile turned into a glare.
Guess, kitten.
Shuldich sneered, and resumed his circling.
A chance…freedom?
Schuldich stopped in front of again, striking the helpless brunette in the stomach, again. Youji closed his eyes.
God get me out of this.
Now that our Farfie would most certainly NOT approve of, darling. I wouldn't do THAT again.
I hate you Shuldich.
I know kitten.
The lanky assassin smiled. Genuinely. Youji found himself suddenly ten times more frightened.
At any rate, pretty one, back our bargain. You have guessed rather accurately at what I want…now can you give me a chance to get it? If you can, lovely, your wish will also be granted.
What, exactly, do you want freedom from, Shuldich?
The redhead threw his own words back at him, using a whiney, nasal voice, that Youji suspected was supposed to be an imitation of his own.
You're the telepath, Yo-tan!
Youji didn't say a word. He did know the answer. Shuldich wanted out of Schwartz…and there was no way Youji could give it to him. Absolutely no way.
Absently, he heard the other laughing again.
Goodness, little Weiss boy, I wouldn't expect that much of you!
Youji's turn to glare.
Then what DO you want, Shuldich?
Mmm…to tell, you, not…to tell you to not…?
I can't give it to you unless I know what it is.
Fine then.
He almost sounded like a little boy when he said it like that…Youji marveled. Shuldich seemed agitated…uncomfortable…. A first for the brunettes to see. It surprised him. But the German seemed undecided at what he wanted of the other yet. Odd. Shuldich had not broken the frail link that still bonded them, and Youji could feel small tendrils of thought winding themselves about his head.
I need………
Youji stayed silent…. for the sake of his health and also his curiosity.
I need to hurt Crawford. Badly.
Shuldich let out a mental sigh and continued pacing.
Why?
You have forgotten your place, kitten.
Youji felt a lash like a whip across his mind. He winced, but stayed silent. The redhead glared. But he answered anyway.
Call it revenge, if you like.
Youji nodded, eyes narrowing.
You've always been one for revenge.
Shut-up, weakling.
To his surprise, Youji wasn't attacked again. Shuldich seemed to be keeping his anger at bay. Miracles. He really was asking for a beating wasn't he? But the German's anger never came. Youji pushed it.
What did he do to you, Shuld?
He said it tauntingly, inviting his captor. At the same time, he wondered if he was still sane.
Steal a box of your precious cigarettes? Funny, I didn't know the boy smoked…
Shuldich ignored him completely.
Do you think you could manage, kitten, if I was to give you a little mission of my own.
I don't owe you any favors, Schuldich, you fuck
Youji saw the redhead's eyes narrow, and knew this one wouldn't pass by unnoticed. Shuldich whirled on him suddenly, a knife blade bare in his hands. In seconds it was at Youji's throat.
"One thing, whore. You owe me one thing. Your life."
The brunette was not prepared for his opponent to speak normally, and had unconsciously tried to throw himself backwards, away from the words and the knife. Schuldich laughed.
USELESS
Damn, straight fool. Now will you do it…. or will you die?
Youji gritted his teeth. Maybe he should. It was his best chance…though he didn't really trust Schuldich to release him as he said he would. At least he hadn't been asked to hurt one of his teammates. He heard Schuldich's silent laugh.
Oh but that comes next, kitten.
Youji felt a rising hate and frustration. There was nothing, nothing he could do. He gritted his teeth.
Fine. I'll do it.
Schuldich smiled.
"Good"
I knew you'd come around.