Mobbing Up the Past

The Golden Ostrich

* * *

"Man, talk about dejá vu," said Jigen, staring around the empty street.

"Yeah, well go figure, it's right by a park," said Lupin. "Perfect place for Zenigata to hide out, although I'd be suspicious if I were in the mob...we were just here."

"They say a criminal always returns to the scene of the crime," Goemon chimed in.

"Yeah, but what the hell are we supposed to be doing here?" asked Miyuki.

"Umm...stealing something I guess," Jigen said with a shrug.

"We should take advantage of this," mused Lupin.

"Don't."

The three companions were located outside of the same museum they had robbed the night before, waiting for the gunfire to break lose once again. Waiting several blocks away was Fujiko with Lupin's car, just in case Zenigata turned on them or something went awry with the plan. And crouched in the bushes with the infamous thieves was Miyuki. After much protesting from Lupin and Jigen, they finally agreed to bring her along in order to make it look more realistic to Zenigata.

"And why not? Don't you think you're mob friends will be suspicious if we just sit here in the bushes staring at the place?"

"Shhh," said Miyuki. "I hear a car."

Goemon stared through the leaves and nodded. "They're here...our enemies, that is."

"Let's hope Pops is in place," muttered Lupin.

"Well I'm pretty sure that wasn't the Artemis statue cocking her gun and swearing before," said Jigen, jerking his thumb back at the moon goddess sculpture that stood in the park.

"Okay, let's lure them out...we'll make a break for the museum and hope the mobbies attack," said Lupin, drawing his pistol.

"Right." Jigen nodded and pulled a walkie-talkie from his coat pocket. "Hey Fujiko, we're going in."

"Okay...everything's set over here," her voice crackled softly over the radio.

"Good...let's go."

Lupin crept stealthily from the bushes and out into the street. He nodded and motioned for the other three to follow. Their footsteps echoed awkwardly in the silence as they approached the museum.

* * *

"What the hell is he doing?" muttered Zenigata, peering through his binoculars. He watched the four figures move towards the museum and shook his head.

"This is bullshit...no one's coming here, least of all the freakin' Mafia." He dropped his binoculars and slumped against the Artemis statue. "Damn it all." A sudden shot rang out through the street follow by a cry of pain and he perked back up.

"Hehehe...never mind that..."

* * *

"Son of a bitch," said Jigen, watching Goemon clutch his arm and stumble. "You okay, buddy?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied through gritted teeth.

"Come on," said Miyuki, coming up from behind. She grabbed his hand and kept running.

Jigen reached into his jacket and fished around until he found the radio. Tugging it out, and depressed the button and said,

"Hey Fujiko, we're done...hurry up and bring the car, alright? Goemon's hurt."

"I'm on my way."

* * *

Fujiko set her radio down on the dashboard and twisted the key in the ignition. The engine hummed to life and she pushed the accelerator down hard. The car squealed off into the direction of the gunshots. As she approached she could see Zenigata leaping up and down, shouting out orders as the police force surrounded their enemies.

"I don't see you," she said, picking up the radio again.

"Pull up by the museum," came Jigen's voice.

Fujiko turned the wheel, speeding towards the specified building and causing the tires to scream once again. Out of the shadows bounded Lupin, Jigen, Miyuki, and the wounded Goemon.

"You gotta take it easy on my car, Fujicakes," said Lupin as they clambered in.

"Tough," she said, tearing away from the museum. "I'd rather get out of here alive."

"Everything's in the trunk, right?" said Jigen from the backseat.

"Yup...it's time to skip town ladies and gentlemen," announced Lupin. "Crap, look out! Dammit, Pops!" The inspector had just darted out in front of the car, causing for Fujiko to slam on the brakes.

"Aha! You think I'd really let you get away!" he yelled victoriously, wielding a pair of handcuffs. Lupin rolled his eyes.

"Pops, don't embarrass yourself...you're doing wonderfully with the Mafia."

"I don't give a rat's ass about the mob; I've been waiting for years to finally get you, Lupin!"

"Jigen..." said Lupin.

"Right." He pulled out his gun and aimed it at the ground where Zenigata stood. Losing a few shots, he forced the inspector to hop backwards and slightly to the side.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Just move," he grunted, hitting the pavement between his legs. Zenigata leapt again, his feet landing on the grassy road bank.

"That's it, just a little bit to the right," Lupin snickered. "Hit it Fujicakes."

She nodded and floored the accelerator. "Nice dancing," she laughed as they screeched away from the baffled cop.

"Now to enjoy our plunder...let's get out of the country and cash this baby in," said Lupin, pulling the Blue Flame from his jacket.

"Indeed," said Goemon tightly.

"What do we do about Miyuki?" Jigen asked. "I mean, you're welcome to tag along if you want, but I don't know if robbery is really your niche."

"Suits me fine," she said, glancing at Goemon and smiling fondly.

Jigen rolled his eyes and threw his hands up in the air. "I give up...women are impossible."

* * *

"How's that wound healing?" asked Lupin two weeks later. He and the others had fled into the countryside after the mob incident so Goemon could recover and everyone else could enjoy a little break.

"Quite well," he said. "We can go whenever you're ready."

"No, I rather like it here...nice little cottage, the lake, beautiful scenery. We'll stay a bit longer."

"All right."

"And while we're here, I've talked Fujiko into taking a little hike with me," he said, his eyes glazing over.

"Please don't start fantasizing in here again."

"Hey, you're one to talk, pal. I see you with Miyuki all the time, wandering around here at night."

Goemon's cheeks turned slightly scarlet. "I don't insist on shoving my relationships down other people's throats."

"No, but I'm sure you're shoving something else down hers-OWW! What'd you do that for?!" Lupin asked, rubbing his face where Goemon had hit him with the handle of his sword.

"Some of us value women for things other than sex," he said demurely.

"Well jeez, Goemon, excuse me for being human!" he yelled and walked haughtily from the room. Goemon laughed and set down his sword, shaking his head.

* * *

Author's Note: how was the ending? I couldn't let them go without a little interfence from Pops. *grin* Hope you enjoyed it! Since this one seems to have gone over well, I figured I'd do a sequel...preview is at the bottom of the page (I'm so good at pointing out the obvious). Oh yeah, please review, and thanks for having faith in me!

* * *

Preview

Ah...the Winter Olympics! Skiing, figure skating, hockey, and of course all those beautiful medals...the gold ones in particular. Now that Miyuki's joined our humble gang of thieves, it's time to put her to the test. Unfortunately, good ol' Pops insists on showing his apelike face and things gets complicated. Check out our snowy ordeal and get into the winter spirit with Pedal to the Medal!