Original Characters.
I have a new fic called Organized Chaos that's a multi
crossover of anime.
"." Talking.
//.// Thinking
Aki was walking down some nameless street in the richer part of the city wondering what in the hell was she doing there. //How did I get con into "Checking on the client." Yeah right more likely "Appeasing the clients." Oh ya I remember. "It's a short hop from Cairo to Italy." Stupidly I listen. // Aki stopped in front of a gate leading to a mansion. //OK a large house but that should make the owner happy. // She pressed the intercom.
"Hello." Good thing she had studied Italian.
"Hello, I'm Rebecca Conaway sent by the WRC to speak to Mr. Martiano."
"One moment." She waited. "Yes Mr. Martiano is expecting you please come in."
It took her awhile to actually get to the house. (Can we say overdoing it.) //Thank god for spare names. If I went around spouting Aki Keiichi I'm bound to get more attention then I want. // The maid led her into the waiting room. //To sit or not to sit. // Good thing the owner came in motioning for her to sit, but not before shaking her hand.
"Now Mr. Martiano could you please state some of your concerns and I'll answer them to the best of my knowledge." Aki felt sick from being so sweet. So he vented everything and Aki resisted the urge to smack him. But his son chose that moment to come in.
"Dad I'm going out with my friends." As he walked away, Mr. Martiano yelled at his son.
"Don't go spending money on those stupid races."
//Races. // For Aki it sounded too good to be true. Using her great people skills, she managed to speed up the process and was out the door following the son. //Damn my curiosity. It got the better of me again. // She followed until he met up with his friends.
"So who's in the hot seat today." Aki giggled. //Aren't we trying a little to hard to be American. //
"Mario against some poor kids." They walked off.
//Lead on boy's. // Aki followed. //Some on up there likes me. Either that or my lucks gone into overdrive." (FF10) Following them seemed to take forever. //Jeez taking the long route. // Finally the led her to the spot, which had a lot of, peoples mulling around like cattle. She moved to the road. //Interesting a lot curves and hills. Kind of reminds me of Canada in away. Not to mention this would be great for rallying. // (It's true out-foxed showed me one street) She stopped. //I've never really tried it, yet alone taught it. // She made a mental note to try it. Aki knew where to go. The guy taking all the bets. He wasn't too hard to find with most of the guys around him. (Where are the girlfriends?) //Let's do this. //
"Excuse me I have a question." The man, boy? Turned to her.
"Call me Vic it's easier."
"Then you have to call me Rebecca. Who's actually driving." She noticed he rolled his eyes. //Oh please I'm using the wrong words on purpose. //
"Well the challenger is Mario Francesco and he's racing Vicky Mariano."
"Oh your sisters racing, do you race with her." He stared at her. //Not again. //
"No one gets it right away, how did you?"
"Simple deduction. You're names Vic, Vicky. Also I don't think a perfect stranger would let someone handle their money." Vic blinked. "Plus Vicky being a women would mean the opposition won't take her skills seriously and more bets would be made against her."
Vic whistled. //She's quick and knows a lot about these things. I wonder where she learned it. // "Anyway care to make a bet?"
"Are you trying to lose your money." Vic blinked. "Win or lose I take you and your sister out for dinner."
"You don't have to do that and we don't need handouts." He mumbled the last part but Aki heard it and had to smile. //Gutsy, mixed with pride and a pinch of attitude. Where's Alex when I need her. // Them two together was an interesting idea. // I wonder what motivates them to do this though. // Vic took a couple more bets against Vicky.
"No handouts, just to talk I swear." Vic nodded, because it seemed a good answer.
"I want to discuss it with my sister first. So after the race I'll give you your answer." This time Aki nodded and Vic went over to his sister.
Aki maneuvered to see both of them. //Probably giving pointers. They would make a great rally team. Being twins would give them an edge. // She focused on Vicky because the race had started. Halfway through Aki made her decision. //Nice skills, they may not have what I'm looking for separately but together they cover the whole. I just need to get more information // And she knew just who to call.
Vicky had won. (I know, I know) and came back to pick up her brother. Everyone had left, most grumbling about his money. As she came up Vic was counting the money. "Well." Vicky was very impatient.
"We made enough to pay some of the hospital fee and back pay of the rent."
"That's it! What about food for the kids." Vic shook his head and Vicky violently kicked a stone.
Aki came up. //Ok definitely have to introduce her to Alex. // "My, my that's quite a temper you have." Vicky looks at Aki.
"Who's she." Speaking Italian to Vic.
"Rebecca Conaway and I made a bet with your brother to take you and him out for dinner." Aki spoke perfect Italian. Vicky just blinked totally blown away she switched back to English.
"Where did you learn Italian so well."
"My employers required that I know as many languages as possible." She smiled. "So shall we dine then?" Both looked at each other before agreeing.
"We'll use are car since it's here and I'll be driving since Vicky's probably tired." Vicky nodded to that.
"May I ask a favor and sit in the front seat." They looked at each other again.
"I don't see anything wrong with that." Vic lead the way well Vicky thought it over. //Why does she want to sit in the front for. // They got in and Vic drove them to the nearest restaurant.
Aki carefully watched and felt how Vic was driving. //His movements are smoother then Vicky's but he must know more techniques then she does. //
Vicky watched from the backseat. //She's hiding something. // As if sensing Vicky Aki looked back and gave her a smile. This didn't help Vicky at all.
Vic took a glance at Aki. //She so quit and focused like Vicky when she drives. //
***
Well the waitress passed the menus, they stared at each other from either side of the table. "Please order what you want, well I use the restroom." She left and Vicky spoke up.
"I don't trust her, she's buttering us up for something."
"You don't trust anyone, I think she's ok." Vicky narrowed her eyes at her brother.
"Your sweet on her aren't you." Vic spit out the water he was drinking. "I mean she is good looking."
"Vicky that's not it." His voice squeaking. "From the way she speaks and dresses, she's obviously came from a good family. Plus since she took us to one of the finer restaurants her job must pay her well." Vicky was still glaring at him. "But well do it your way." Vicky smiled as the food came.
"I wonder why she's taking so long." Vic speaking with a mouth full of food.
"Maybe she fell asleep on the toilet." (I've done that before at work) She replied the same way.
Meanwhile Aki was sitting on the couch in the restroom, using it as an excuse to call Bennie. "Hey Bennie."
"Hiya Aki, who's past should I dig up this time."
"I'm I getting to predictable?"
"Just a little, so cough up the names."
"Their brother and sister. Vic and Vicky Mariano."
"Ok should I send it to your lab top again."
"No I don't have it with me. So just tell me the important stuff."
"Ok." She could here his rapid typing. "Got it. Man CIA needs better firewalls." Aki giggled. "Here's the scoop. Father's in the hospital in a coma from an accident on a fishing boat. Apparently the rigging came down in a storm right on his head."
"Poor guy." Aki felt sorry for him.
"Yeah tell me about it. The mother works in a laundry mat and they have five younger siblings. Only two are currently working both as maids in one of those rich homes."
"That's great thank you. Also transfer some money no name attached unto their account and pay off the rent bill."
"Take a couple of seconds. Good way to win their trust."
"I know, but that's not the only reason." She returned to fine the table laden with food. "Wow you have a hardy appetite." They stopped thinking they did something wrong. Aki noticed as she ordered tea. "Don't worry keep eating what you don't finish you can take home to your younger siblings." They stopped again forgetting that Vicky had said they had younger siblings. So Aki had to motion to them again to continue eating. So she sipped her tea and they finished eating. Aki had the rest, which wasn't much into a doggy bag. Vicky started things up.
"You brought us here, paid for dinner. What's your angle."
"Vicky." Vic shocked at her bluntness. Aki just laughed.
"Very good Vicky. Your instincts are sharp and well developed, but that naturally develops from racing." She finished her tea. "Here's the deal. Race me." She said it seriously and with a striate face.
"Your serious." Both said at the same time. Aki nodded.
"On the condition that both of you together race me. If you win you can ask me for anything as long as it's in my power to give." She looked at them and used her stare that had them mesmerized by her eyes. "But if you lose I get to ask of you the same thing." Aki put the money with the bill. "Think about it then call this number." She handed them a business card and left.
"You know I wasn't expecting that." Vicky nodded.
"I thought she might have been from a collection agency or something."
"Lets take these home and go pay the bills." Vicky nodded and both grabbed the stuff and drove home. Vic took his bicycle and did the rounds.
Vicky was cooking stuff to go with the leftovers while Vic roughhoused with the three other siblings. The grown ups were at work and their mother always stayed late. They never saw their sisters but occasionally got money from them. Actually Vicky's mind was on something else. //Vic said someone paid the entire rent owed. No name attached. But who would know? // She had no idea but one thing she as sure on was that Rebecca Conaway was not her real name. //Who is she, why is she here and why is she so interested in are racing skills. // Night came and they put the kids to bed, when their mother came home. They explained what happened and asked for her advice.
"It's up to you two. This is your thing, you should decide." She went to bed leaving them the only ones awake.
"I think we should go for it." Vic stared at her.
"I thought you were the cautious one here."
"I know but she said anything and you said she has a high paying job. We could pay off all are debts." Vic thought on it.
"Alright, but let's pay fathers bill before we phone her." They went to bed.
At the hotel Aki phoned home and Alex answered. "Alex how's Chris adjusting."
"Fine although he still gets nerves when the door bell goes."
"No doubt since his store door rang every time someone came in."
"Yeah anyway Chris is soaking up languages like a sponge, he's even taught me more about physics and auto-mechanics then I knew."
"He's had more education then you have, which will help me greatly when I bring home a surprise, hopefully if everything goes well."
"A surprise, tell me, tell, tell me." Aki's face screwed up. //Definitely have to get those two together. //
Alex was rewarded with the disconnected signal and the automated voice. //Damn her now I'm going to go crazy wondering what the surprise is. // Chris came out.
"Who was that."
"Aki she's asking how you are doing and bring home a surprise."
"I'll give you three-to-one odds that it's more students."
"You're on." The bet was made.
***
Aki was getting ready Vic and Vicky was visiting their father's hospital room. When they entered they found a doctor examining their father.
"Excuse me, who are you and where's the normal doctor." The doctor faced them.
"Oh sorry I'm Dr. William, you must be his kids." They nodded. "Good I wanted to talk to you, but please let us chat in the spare office I'm borrowing." They followed him to the office, were he motioned them to sit down in the chairs. "Now to further answer your questions, I'm a doctor from America. I specialize in neurosurgery and a friend ask me to come here and look in on a patient who has had severe head trauma."
"So who is this friend of yours." Vicky betting he was going to say Rebecca Conaway.
"Her names Aki, sorry I can't tell you her last name but I promised I wouldn't." Vicky disappointed. He pulled out a brain scan. "Lets just say she called in her IOU. Now if you look at this scan, the trauma to Mr. Mariano is not that bad. I can fix most of it meaning that he'll regain most of his movement, but he may not be able to speak or move properly." He thought a moment. "The affects would be like he had just recovered from a stroke."
"How much will this cost us." Vic figured the money in his pocket.
"Nothing, part of the IOU. I do the operation and she reimburse me for the extra stuff I might need."
Something clicked in Vicky's mind. //He keeps saying she and Aki sounds like a women's name. But I'm disappointed that he didn't say her name. //
"Can you describe your friend for us maybe we had met her before." Vicky was very glad that Vic had a way with words.
"What's this twenty questions. I seriously doubt you've met her but if she knew about your dad then you must of." He shrugged. "Why don't you come back tomorrow so we can discuss what involved with the procedure and maybe I can tell you some more about her."
They nodded and headed for the car. In the car Vic looked at his sister. "Vicky I know what you're thinking but they can't be the same people."
"So then I'm going crazy from paranoia, but I swear that Mrs. Conaway is in on this some how."
"Well let's go ask her." He picked up the phone and dialed the number. He requested that they meet at the place they first met. When Aki said the restaurant Vic turned red, but she agreed. So they drove to the spot to wait for her arrival.
An hour later Aki arrived. Getting out of her car she went over to them. "I'm really happy you decide to call me."
Vic and Vicky just stared. Vic was looking at her car. //That is a car customized for racing, I can tell just by looking at it that it has some incredible parts. // He looked at Aki. She was wearing jeans, boots, a tank top and leather racing gloves. //She must work for a racing company or something to have this car. Maybe she is even a racer, but we would of heard of something about her. //
While Vic was running through his thoughts, Vicky was putting two and two together. //Ok she has a racing car and she knows something of racing. That could explain all the money she has and why she was watching are race. // She thought harder. //Now the doctor said he owed a friend a favor. Now we met her a couple of days ago, but that would give her enough time to find out all about us. // Since this was getting her nowhere fast. She decided to come out and say it.
"You're the one, who paid the rent and called that doctor here. Also I bet your name is Aki." Vic stared at his sister who was going to get them in trouble again. He was about to apologize when Aki started clapping.
"Bravo Vicky, you figured it out fast. That is impressive feat in itself, but I'm surprised that Vic didn't figure it out first since his thoughts are more logical."
They started. "You mean I got it right, wow that was just one of my gut feeling." She turned to Vic. "See you should trust me more."
"So what's your real name." Vic sort of mad that Vicky has figured it out frist.
"It's Aki Keiichi. I go by the assumed name Rebecca Conaway because my true name can cause me a lot of trouble." She saw their faces and sighed. "And I can see that the curse has come true once again."
"So you obviously know are history, but that doesn't explain why you want to race us." Aki cocked her head at Vic.
"Call it professional curiosity if you wish. I just want to see how good you two are."
"I bet it's more then that or you wouldn't have done those nice things to get on are good side." Vic nodded at Vickys statement. Aki chuckled under her breath.
"Suspicious to the end. But you're right, so the only way to settle this is by finishing our race." Hands in pockets she leaned against her car. "What I said in the restaurant remains true. If you defeat me you can ask for anything as long as it's in my power to give and for a bonus I'll answer all the questions you might have." They looked at each other. "But lose this race and I get to ask you the same thing, plus you have to listen to what I say without interruption. Unless I let you."
"Can we discuss this a bit."
"Sure is ten minutes enough?"
"Plenty, thank you." The twins huddled by their car. "It sound reasonable to me." Vic had dissected what she said and found no lies.
"And my gut feeling tells me she's not the type of person to break her word." She paused. "But do we have a chance against her skill."
"We should I mean both of us are racing so you have my knowledge as well as your. So if you look at it two brains are better then one."
"You and your American sayings." She snorted but really she was thinking. //Vic's analyzed everything and it sound logical so we might have a chance. // They returned.
"We agree." Aki smiled, figuring they would accept.
"Great let's start."
***
They lined up their cars and Aki gave the get go. So that meant the twins had the lead. //Well her style has changed slightly from before, but then she didn't have Vic helping her. // She liked this it was different then the race with Chris. //I'm still shocked that Vicky figured it out first and here I was thinking that Vic was the smarter one. // To make things interesting she used half of her skill to get in front.
They watched this happen. "What was that saying, two heads are better then one."
Vic frowned. "You don't have to mock me, now concentrate on the course." Vicky went back to driving and Vic studied Aki. //All right she may have a good car that compliments her skills, but I know this course. // He saw the bend coming up. //That's it. // "Vicky at this turn cut close to the inside, she'll end up going to the outside and we can pass her." Vicky nodded and did what he said.
As Vic had predicted Aki slid out and Vicky quickly took the lead again. Aki was impressed. //That had to be Vic's idea, I'm surprised he was able to predict my movements. Vic's defiantly smart, analyzing everything and Vicky's very in tuned with her car changes. // She smiled evilly. //And if they think that their getting away, they better think again. // Aki waited for the last moment before taking the lead again, leaving no time for the twins to get past her. //Sorry kids but if you had won, then there would no chance for me to recruit you and I doubt my luck will hold out in finding anyone else. //
They stopped and the twins just sat in their cars. "Why does it seem that she was just playing with us." Vic disappointed.
"Wait what about the bet. We don't have anything to give." Vicky horrified.
"Well will just have to, possibly trick her."
"I thought you were the smarter one of us Vic, who know she'll see right through it." Aki waved at them and they got out. Making their way over Vicky just blurted it out. "Look I know the bet and we have nothing to give so." She stop.
"I'm not after money or processions, because I have enough of those. All I want is for you to join me."
"Join you, for what." Vic confused.
"See I've been hired to train some students in racing. The thing is I get to choose the students and I want you two."
"But if we go with you who will take care of our family." Vicky's loyalty was to the family first.
"You will. On top of living with me, you get weekly allowances, which you can send home to your family. Further more once you finish my course, which is up to three years max you receive a healthy sum of money."
"So then if we want we don't have to race and take the money to live with our family." Vic not sure on what he was hearing.
"Yep, you can do want ever you want after the three years. I won't hold it against you."
"So we're paid every week for as long as we study with you." Vicky calculating how many weeks that was times two. Both Vic and Aki could tell what was on her mind.
"I swear your sister must be money crazy."
"No just trying to make life better for our siblings then we had it."
Aki walked up to Vicky. "I'm quite serious about what I said, everything and if you don't believe me just read this."
They took the formal contract and read it over. Everything she had said was in the contract. The discussed it. "I say we go for it, we already know some about racing and think of the money her employers are willing to give us."
"For once I agree with you Vicky. Let's do this." They turned to Aki. "So where do we sign on this thing."
Aki started laughing. "What are you laughing at." They said at once.
"Thought I would have a harder time convincing. The others I picked up were quite harder I assure you."
The twins smiled. "So when do we leave."
"As soon as you tell your family. I do need their permission."
"Then let me use your phone." Vic called all the places necessary and told them all about what happen. Then passed them on to Aki who got their permission.
"Well that went easier then expected." Aki passed the air plane tickets set for another hour before departure.
"You planned this from the beginning." Vic teasing.
"Nope finding you guys was lucky, after that I planned." The twins went for their car. "Leave that thing, you'll both be getting new cars."
"But can we at least leave it for our family." Aki closed her phone.
"Already done a person will come by and pick it up, then drive it to your home. But if we don't leave now we'll miss are flight." She drove them to the airport and in the plain she had only one thought. //How's Alex going to handle this. // Chris she knew would be fine.
"Aki." The twins look at her. "Who are these other students."
"You'll see." She smiled and took a nap.
"." Talking.
//.// Thinking
Aki was walking down some nameless street in the richer part of the city wondering what in the hell was she doing there. //How did I get con into "Checking on the client." Yeah right more likely "Appeasing the clients." Oh ya I remember. "It's a short hop from Cairo to Italy." Stupidly I listen. // Aki stopped in front of a gate leading to a mansion. //OK a large house but that should make the owner happy. // She pressed the intercom.
"Hello." Good thing she had studied Italian.
"Hello, I'm Rebecca Conaway sent by the WRC to speak to Mr. Martiano."
"One moment." She waited. "Yes Mr. Martiano is expecting you please come in."
It took her awhile to actually get to the house. (Can we say overdoing it.) //Thank god for spare names. If I went around spouting Aki Keiichi I'm bound to get more attention then I want. // The maid led her into the waiting room. //To sit or not to sit. // Good thing the owner came in motioning for her to sit, but not before shaking her hand.
"Now Mr. Martiano could you please state some of your concerns and I'll answer them to the best of my knowledge." Aki felt sick from being so sweet. So he vented everything and Aki resisted the urge to smack him. But his son chose that moment to come in.
"Dad I'm going out with my friends." As he walked away, Mr. Martiano yelled at his son.
"Don't go spending money on those stupid races."
//Races. // For Aki it sounded too good to be true. Using her great people skills, she managed to speed up the process and was out the door following the son. //Damn my curiosity. It got the better of me again. // She followed until he met up with his friends.
"So who's in the hot seat today." Aki giggled. //Aren't we trying a little to hard to be American. //
"Mario against some poor kids." They walked off.
//Lead on boy's. // Aki followed. //Some on up there likes me. Either that or my lucks gone into overdrive." (FF10) Following them seemed to take forever. //Jeez taking the long route. // Finally the led her to the spot, which had a lot of, peoples mulling around like cattle. She moved to the road. //Interesting a lot curves and hills. Kind of reminds me of Canada in away. Not to mention this would be great for rallying. // (It's true out-foxed showed me one street) She stopped. //I've never really tried it, yet alone taught it. // She made a mental note to try it. Aki knew where to go. The guy taking all the bets. He wasn't too hard to find with most of the guys around him. (Where are the girlfriends?) //Let's do this. //
"Excuse me I have a question." The man, boy? Turned to her.
"Call me Vic it's easier."
"Then you have to call me Rebecca. Who's actually driving." She noticed he rolled his eyes. //Oh please I'm using the wrong words on purpose. //
"Well the challenger is Mario Francesco and he's racing Vicky Mariano."
"Oh your sisters racing, do you race with her." He stared at her. //Not again. //
"No one gets it right away, how did you?"
"Simple deduction. You're names Vic, Vicky. Also I don't think a perfect stranger would let someone handle their money." Vic blinked. "Plus Vicky being a women would mean the opposition won't take her skills seriously and more bets would be made against her."
Vic whistled. //She's quick and knows a lot about these things. I wonder where she learned it. // "Anyway care to make a bet?"
"Are you trying to lose your money." Vic blinked. "Win or lose I take you and your sister out for dinner."
"You don't have to do that and we don't need handouts." He mumbled the last part but Aki heard it and had to smile. //Gutsy, mixed with pride and a pinch of attitude. Where's Alex when I need her. // Them two together was an interesting idea. // I wonder what motivates them to do this though. // Vic took a couple more bets against Vicky.
"No handouts, just to talk I swear." Vic nodded, because it seemed a good answer.
"I want to discuss it with my sister first. So after the race I'll give you your answer." This time Aki nodded and Vic went over to his sister.
Aki maneuvered to see both of them. //Probably giving pointers. They would make a great rally team. Being twins would give them an edge. // She focused on Vicky because the race had started. Halfway through Aki made her decision. //Nice skills, they may not have what I'm looking for separately but together they cover the whole. I just need to get more information // And she knew just who to call.
Vicky had won. (I know, I know) and came back to pick up her brother. Everyone had left, most grumbling about his money. As she came up Vic was counting the money. "Well." Vicky was very impatient.
"We made enough to pay some of the hospital fee and back pay of the rent."
"That's it! What about food for the kids." Vic shook his head and Vicky violently kicked a stone.
Aki came up. //Ok definitely have to introduce her to Alex. // "My, my that's quite a temper you have." Vicky looks at Aki.
"Who's she." Speaking Italian to Vic.
"Rebecca Conaway and I made a bet with your brother to take you and him out for dinner." Aki spoke perfect Italian. Vicky just blinked totally blown away she switched back to English.
"Where did you learn Italian so well."
"My employers required that I know as many languages as possible." She smiled. "So shall we dine then?" Both looked at each other before agreeing.
"We'll use are car since it's here and I'll be driving since Vicky's probably tired." Vicky nodded to that.
"May I ask a favor and sit in the front seat." They looked at each other again.
"I don't see anything wrong with that." Vic lead the way well Vicky thought it over. //Why does she want to sit in the front for. // They got in and Vic drove them to the nearest restaurant.
Aki carefully watched and felt how Vic was driving. //His movements are smoother then Vicky's but he must know more techniques then she does. //
Vicky watched from the backseat. //She's hiding something. // As if sensing Vicky Aki looked back and gave her a smile. This didn't help Vicky at all.
Vic took a glance at Aki. //She so quit and focused like Vicky when she drives. //
***
Well the waitress passed the menus, they stared at each other from either side of the table. "Please order what you want, well I use the restroom." She left and Vicky spoke up.
"I don't trust her, she's buttering us up for something."
"You don't trust anyone, I think she's ok." Vicky narrowed her eyes at her brother.
"Your sweet on her aren't you." Vic spit out the water he was drinking. "I mean she is good looking."
"Vicky that's not it." His voice squeaking. "From the way she speaks and dresses, she's obviously came from a good family. Plus since she took us to one of the finer restaurants her job must pay her well." Vicky was still glaring at him. "But well do it your way." Vicky smiled as the food came.
"I wonder why she's taking so long." Vic speaking with a mouth full of food.
"Maybe she fell asleep on the toilet." (I've done that before at work) She replied the same way.
Meanwhile Aki was sitting on the couch in the restroom, using it as an excuse to call Bennie. "Hey Bennie."
"Hiya Aki, who's past should I dig up this time."
"I'm I getting to predictable?"
"Just a little, so cough up the names."
"Their brother and sister. Vic and Vicky Mariano."
"Ok should I send it to your lab top again."
"No I don't have it with me. So just tell me the important stuff."
"Ok." She could here his rapid typing. "Got it. Man CIA needs better firewalls." Aki giggled. "Here's the scoop. Father's in the hospital in a coma from an accident on a fishing boat. Apparently the rigging came down in a storm right on his head."
"Poor guy." Aki felt sorry for him.
"Yeah tell me about it. The mother works in a laundry mat and they have five younger siblings. Only two are currently working both as maids in one of those rich homes."
"That's great thank you. Also transfer some money no name attached unto their account and pay off the rent bill."
"Take a couple of seconds. Good way to win their trust."
"I know, but that's not the only reason." She returned to fine the table laden with food. "Wow you have a hardy appetite." They stopped thinking they did something wrong. Aki noticed as she ordered tea. "Don't worry keep eating what you don't finish you can take home to your younger siblings." They stopped again forgetting that Vicky had said they had younger siblings. So Aki had to motion to them again to continue eating. So she sipped her tea and they finished eating. Aki had the rest, which wasn't much into a doggy bag. Vicky started things up.
"You brought us here, paid for dinner. What's your angle."
"Vicky." Vic shocked at her bluntness. Aki just laughed.
"Very good Vicky. Your instincts are sharp and well developed, but that naturally develops from racing." She finished her tea. "Here's the deal. Race me." She said it seriously and with a striate face.
"Your serious." Both said at the same time. Aki nodded.
"On the condition that both of you together race me. If you win you can ask me for anything as long as it's in my power to give." She looked at them and used her stare that had them mesmerized by her eyes. "But if you lose I get to ask of you the same thing." Aki put the money with the bill. "Think about it then call this number." She handed them a business card and left.
"You know I wasn't expecting that." Vicky nodded.
"I thought she might have been from a collection agency or something."
"Lets take these home and go pay the bills." Vicky nodded and both grabbed the stuff and drove home. Vic took his bicycle and did the rounds.
Vicky was cooking stuff to go with the leftovers while Vic roughhoused with the three other siblings. The grown ups were at work and their mother always stayed late. They never saw their sisters but occasionally got money from them. Actually Vicky's mind was on something else. //Vic said someone paid the entire rent owed. No name attached. But who would know? // She had no idea but one thing she as sure on was that Rebecca Conaway was not her real name. //Who is she, why is she here and why is she so interested in are racing skills. // Night came and they put the kids to bed, when their mother came home. They explained what happened and asked for her advice.
"It's up to you two. This is your thing, you should decide." She went to bed leaving them the only ones awake.
"I think we should go for it." Vic stared at her.
"I thought you were the cautious one here."
"I know but she said anything and you said she has a high paying job. We could pay off all are debts." Vic thought on it.
"Alright, but let's pay fathers bill before we phone her." They went to bed.
At the hotel Aki phoned home and Alex answered. "Alex how's Chris adjusting."
"Fine although he still gets nerves when the door bell goes."
"No doubt since his store door rang every time someone came in."
"Yeah anyway Chris is soaking up languages like a sponge, he's even taught me more about physics and auto-mechanics then I knew."
"He's had more education then you have, which will help me greatly when I bring home a surprise, hopefully if everything goes well."
"A surprise, tell me, tell, tell me." Aki's face screwed up. //Definitely have to get those two together. //
Alex was rewarded with the disconnected signal and the automated voice. //Damn her now I'm going to go crazy wondering what the surprise is. // Chris came out.
"Who was that."
"Aki she's asking how you are doing and bring home a surprise."
"I'll give you three-to-one odds that it's more students."
"You're on." The bet was made.
***
Aki was getting ready Vic and Vicky was visiting their father's hospital room. When they entered they found a doctor examining their father.
"Excuse me, who are you and where's the normal doctor." The doctor faced them.
"Oh sorry I'm Dr. William, you must be his kids." They nodded. "Good I wanted to talk to you, but please let us chat in the spare office I'm borrowing." They followed him to the office, were he motioned them to sit down in the chairs. "Now to further answer your questions, I'm a doctor from America. I specialize in neurosurgery and a friend ask me to come here and look in on a patient who has had severe head trauma."
"So who is this friend of yours." Vicky betting he was going to say Rebecca Conaway.
"Her names Aki, sorry I can't tell you her last name but I promised I wouldn't." Vicky disappointed. He pulled out a brain scan. "Lets just say she called in her IOU. Now if you look at this scan, the trauma to Mr. Mariano is not that bad. I can fix most of it meaning that he'll regain most of his movement, but he may not be able to speak or move properly." He thought a moment. "The affects would be like he had just recovered from a stroke."
"How much will this cost us." Vic figured the money in his pocket.
"Nothing, part of the IOU. I do the operation and she reimburse me for the extra stuff I might need."
Something clicked in Vicky's mind. //He keeps saying she and Aki sounds like a women's name. But I'm disappointed that he didn't say her name. //
"Can you describe your friend for us maybe we had met her before." Vicky was very glad that Vic had a way with words.
"What's this twenty questions. I seriously doubt you've met her but if she knew about your dad then you must of." He shrugged. "Why don't you come back tomorrow so we can discuss what involved with the procedure and maybe I can tell you some more about her."
They nodded and headed for the car. In the car Vic looked at his sister. "Vicky I know what you're thinking but they can't be the same people."
"So then I'm going crazy from paranoia, but I swear that Mrs. Conaway is in on this some how."
"Well let's go ask her." He picked up the phone and dialed the number. He requested that they meet at the place they first met. When Aki said the restaurant Vic turned red, but she agreed. So they drove to the spot to wait for her arrival.
An hour later Aki arrived. Getting out of her car she went over to them. "I'm really happy you decide to call me."
Vic and Vicky just stared. Vic was looking at her car. //That is a car customized for racing, I can tell just by looking at it that it has some incredible parts. // He looked at Aki. She was wearing jeans, boots, a tank top and leather racing gloves. //She must work for a racing company or something to have this car. Maybe she is even a racer, but we would of heard of something about her. //
While Vic was running through his thoughts, Vicky was putting two and two together. //Ok she has a racing car and she knows something of racing. That could explain all the money she has and why she was watching are race. // She thought harder. //Now the doctor said he owed a friend a favor. Now we met her a couple of days ago, but that would give her enough time to find out all about us. // Since this was getting her nowhere fast. She decided to come out and say it.
"You're the one, who paid the rent and called that doctor here. Also I bet your name is Aki." Vic stared at his sister who was going to get them in trouble again. He was about to apologize when Aki started clapping.
"Bravo Vicky, you figured it out fast. That is impressive feat in itself, but I'm surprised that Vic didn't figure it out first since his thoughts are more logical."
They started. "You mean I got it right, wow that was just one of my gut feeling." She turned to Vic. "See you should trust me more."
"So what's your real name." Vic sort of mad that Vicky has figured it out frist.
"It's Aki Keiichi. I go by the assumed name Rebecca Conaway because my true name can cause me a lot of trouble." She saw their faces and sighed. "And I can see that the curse has come true once again."
"So you obviously know are history, but that doesn't explain why you want to race us." Aki cocked her head at Vic.
"Call it professional curiosity if you wish. I just want to see how good you two are."
"I bet it's more then that or you wouldn't have done those nice things to get on are good side." Vic nodded at Vickys statement. Aki chuckled under her breath.
"Suspicious to the end. But you're right, so the only way to settle this is by finishing our race." Hands in pockets she leaned against her car. "What I said in the restaurant remains true. If you defeat me you can ask for anything as long as it's in my power to give and for a bonus I'll answer all the questions you might have." They looked at each other. "But lose this race and I get to ask you the same thing, plus you have to listen to what I say without interruption. Unless I let you."
"Can we discuss this a bit."
"Sure is ten minutes enough?"
"Plenty, thank you." The twins huddled by their car. "It sound reasonable to me." Vic had dissected what she said and found no lies.
"And my gut feeling tells me she's not the type of person to break her word." She paused. "But do we have a chance against her skill."
"We should I mean both of us are racing so you have my knowledge as well as your. So if you look at it two brains are better then one."
"You and your American sayings." She snorted but really she was thinking. //Vic's analyzed everything and it sound logical so we might have a chance. // They returned.
"We agree." Aki smiled, figuring they would accept.
"Great let's start."
***
They lined up their cars and Aki gave the get go. So that meant the twins had the lead. //Well her style has changed slightly from before, but then she didn't have Vic helping her. // She liked this it was different then the race with Chris. //I'm still shocked that Vicky figured it out first and here I was thinking that Vic was the smarter one. // To make things interesting she used half of her skill to get in front.
They watched this happen. "What was that saying, two heads are better then one."
Vic frowned. "You don't have to mock me, now concentrate on the course." Vicky went back to driving and Vic studied Aki. //All right she may have a good car that compliments her skills, but I know this course. // He saw the bend coming up. //That's it. // "Vicky at this turn cut close to the inside, she'll end up going to the outside and we can pass her." Vicky nodded and did what he said.
As Vic had predicted Aki slid out and Vicky quickly took the lead again. Aki was impressed. //That had to be Vic's idea, I'm surprised he was able to predict my movements. Vic's defiantly smart, analyzing everything and Vicky's very in tuned with her car changes. // She smiled evilly. //And if they think that their getting away, they better think again. // Aki waited for the last moment before taking the lead again, leaving no time for the twins to get past her. //Sorry kids but if you had won, then there would no chance for me to recruit you and I doubt my luck will hold out in finding anyone else. //
They stopped and the twins just sat in their cars. "Why does it seem that she was just playing with us." Vic disappointed.
"Wait what about the bet. We don't have anything to give." Vicky horrified.
"Well will just have to, possibly trick her."
"I thought you were the smarter one of us Vic, who know she'll see right through it." Aki waved at them and they got out. Making their way over Vicky just blurted it out. "Look I know the bet and we have nothing to give so." She stop.
"I'm not after money or processions, because I have enough of those. All I want is for you to join me."
"Join you, for what." Vic confused.
"See I've been hired to train some students in racing. The thing is I get to choose the students and I want you two."
"But if we go with you who will take care of our family." Vicky's loyalty was to the family first.
"You will. On top of living with me, you get weekly allowances, which you can send home to your family. Further more once you finish my course, which is up to three years max you receive a healthy sum of money."
"So then if we want we don't have to race and take the money to live with our family." Vic not sure on what he was hearing.
"Yep, you can do want ever you want after the three years. I won't hold it against you."
"So we're paid every week for as long as we study with you." Vicky calculating how many weeks that was times two. Both Vic and Aki could tell what was on her mind.
"I swear your sister must be money crazy."
"No just trying to make life better for our siblings then we had it."
Aki walked up to Vicky. "I'm quite serious about what I said, everything and if you don't believe me just read this."
They took the formal contract and read it over. Everything she had said was in the contract. The discussed it. "I say we go for it, we already know some about racing and think of the money her employers are willing to give us."
"For once I agree with you Vicky. Let's do this." They turned to Aki. "So where do we sign on this thing."
Aki started laughing. "What are you laughing at." They said at once.
"Thought I would have a harder time convincing. The others I picked up were quite harder I assure you."
The twins smiled. "So when do we leave."
"As soon as you tell your family. I do need their permission."
"Then let me use your phone." Vic called all the places necessary and told them all about what happen. Then passed them on to Aki who got their permission.
"Well that went easier then expected." Aki passed the air plane tickets set for another hour before departure.
"You planned this from the beginning." Vic teasing.
"Nope finding you guys was lucky, after that I planned." The twins went for their car. "Leave that thing, you'll both be getting new cars."
"But can we at least leave it for our family." Aki closed her phone.
"Already done a person will come by and pick it up, then drive it to your home. But if we don't leave now we'll miss are flight." She drove them to the airport and in the plain she had only one thought. //How's Alex going to handle this. // Chris she knew would be fine.
"Aki." The twins look at her. "Who are these other students."
"You'll see." She smiled and took a nap.