A/N: Forgive me for the delay, here is the next chapter.

Title: Dear Diary

Chapter: 7 -  A walk down memory lane

It was cloudy and the sky was eclipsed with gray clouds. Francoise made her way from her bed. She found that someone must have pulled the covers over her; she felt a strong wind blow through the open window on the right side of her dresser. She opened her door slowly and made her way downstairs. She found that everyone was clustered around something, their looks were of awe.  "What is going on here?" Everyone jumped back in shock and Francoise saw Doctor Gilmore tuck something behind him. "Well you see Francoise, we were.....um...." 009 started but couldn't think of anything to invent."We were just unpacking a new lab document that I ordered; I was just explaining to everyone what it was." Mr. Kazumi said while Doctor Gilmore straightened his spectacles. Francoise crept closer and tried to sneak a peak at what they were hiding when 002 suddenly said; "003, now that you're awake, I'm sure that you would like to talk to 009." He gave one of his sly grins and Francoise's cheeks flared up immediately. Joe felt like saying something back to 002, instead he nodded and took Francoise by the hand. He knew that Jet had done the deed to get them out of quicksand, but half heartedly he did it for amusement.  Secretly, they had organized a combat plan to battle Black Ghost the following morning. The other 00 cyborgs along with him, did not want to worry Francoise, and they knew she was in any condition to fight. After the experience with Black Ghost, they felt it was necessary that she rested for a while.

"How are you feeling, are you all right?" Joe asked Francoise, concentrating on her well being. "I'm fine, really. I just want to know, what lab equipment did Mr. Kazumi show you guys?" Luckily for 009, Doctor Gilmore came outside at that moment and when Francoise wasn't looking, winked at 009. "009, I'm afraid that 006 needs you for his errands again." Joe slumped against the wooden door and sighed. "If things keep going this way, Black Ghost won't need to kill me. Exhaustion will..."  Francoise let out a soft laugh and her expression no longer held a curious glint but one of glee. "I could come and help you, if you want?" Joe knowing how tired Francoise truly was shook his head rapidly. "I was just joking, I'm fine." As he was going inside Francoise heard him murmur the words; "This is going to kill me..." Francoise giggled and set her gaze on Doctor Gilmore." He had a distant look in his eyes and then he focused on the feminine cyborg. "Ah yet, Francoise you should rest. I'm sure that if 009 isn't too tired when he comes back, he'll wake you for dinner." Francoise shifted her gaze to the sky, "I doubt that." Doctor Gilmore nodded, he knew just how 006 liked to torture 009 making him buy supplies that were "in his standard", and making him make endless trips until he was satisfied. In the end Francoise agreed to retreat to her room to rest until dinner time. She let exhaustion take a hold of her and she fell into a deep sleep.

"That was a close one, but luckily 003 is asleep now." Doctor Gilmore stated with a guilty sigh, there was nothing he could about it thought. He wanted the best for his little ballerina, even if it meant lying to her. The others with a heavy hearts agreed, and set to work revising the plan. First over night, the cyborgs would take shifts, guarding the house." They weren't safe as long as Black Ghost was in existence. "Well I better get to making dinner..." 006 trying to lightened up the mood, but he failed miserably. Every felt awful, and the reason was obvious. Francoise had been lied too, something no one had wanted to do. Even though, it had been done and so everyone went to their usual activities will a pang of guilt in the pit of their stomachs. 002 went to get some fresh air to clear his mind; he couldn't take being trapped in the Kazumi household all day. 004 decided to get a check by Doctor Gilmore to see if everything was going well for the battle that was about to take place. 005 decided to continue planting in the garden that he had began around the Kazumi house, he trotted to get his supplies. He thought that perhaps, it would clear his mind. 006 began cutting and boiling ingredients in the kitchen, immediately causing a delicious aroma to fill the house. But the aroma wasn't noticed by anyone including 006; their minds were caught up in the battle that they would have to take place in the next day. 007 was rehearsing an old play that he had done long ago. The jovial character that he was portraying role was going terribly wrong. Usually portraying such an easy going and merry character was easy for him; after all he was much like that himself. But this time it was different, nothing stirred merriment and so he plopped on his bed and stared at the dull play booklet.

008 was outside looking at the stars watching them twinkling every second. He wondered how many stars they were up there, and how many burned out each year. He began to compare his fallen allies with the stars; the only difference was that they didn't die in a bright light, victorious glory. Instead they died unnoticed, only their death disturbed those who knew them. He looked down at his hands that were stained with blood of the past and a determination lit inside him. Tomorrow there would a battle and they would be successful. Jet walked through the streets of the busy town. He began to remember how he had came to America, being Italian. How he used to run dangerous errands to help out his mother with the financial needs. He smiled to himself and tucked his hands into the worn pockets of the coat that he was wearing. It was strange almost. He could smell the air of his memories, feel the feelings that he had felt at those moments. Suddenly all the pain and hatred that had been thrown at him during his years in New York hit him, and he staggered for a moment. He regained his cool demeanor. He scowled at being so weak in public, and put his cocky grin on his face. Only this time he didn't mean it, it was merely a mask. The lack of usual emotion frightened Jet. He turned the corner and headed back into the Kazumi household. He slammed the door behind him, not caring about what anyone would say.

Francoise awoke minutes later unable to sleep and clear her mind. She had felt the tension between herself and the others; she knew that there was something else that they were hiding from her. The pale aluminous light of the moon reflected her worried expression. She went to the balcony of her room and looked outside. She saw Joe barely walking to the house, his arms without movement. She rushed downstairs to help him out; he looked like he wouldn't mind falling asleep on the sidewalk. "Joe, are you all right?" Joe was too tired to say anything else. She helped him inside supporting him on top of her petite frame. They both made it into the kitchen when he sat down on one of the chairs. 006 had just finished his meal and he had a look of shock on his face and then he calmed himself. "Ah 003, I didn't see you there. 009 did you get the cheese that I wanted you to." 009 nodded and handed him a small jar. 006 nodded and then began cooking once more. "I need this kitchen empty, so you would you two please leave?" Before either Francoise or Joe could answer, 006 was shoving them out of the kitchen.

They both retreated to the parlor where 002 was watching television, they decided they best be in the library. With the expression that 002 had on his face, it was clear that he was not in a good mood. The library had beautiful Oakwood shelves packed with books. Over the time that the 00 cyborgs had stayed in Mr. Kazumi's house, they found out that he was a pack rat.  He still he had things from twenty years back. Francoise took a comfortable cushioned seat while Joe took the big chair in which Doctor Gilmore often worked on his countless papers.

The battle was affecting everyone's behavior, Joe knew. Francoise sensed the uneasiness around them and decided not to probe the motive anymore. Francoise bid Joe a goodnight with a smile and then retreated upstairs. She fell into a much calmer sleep, unknown to the battle that would soon take place.

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