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'Oh hell, how am I supposed to explain this?' Usagi kicked herself inwardly for even mentioning the raid to the female stranger. The woman was bound to be one of Yamazuki's spies, and all Usagi herself had to do was merely fall into the trap and ruin everything… Or was she? 'Very mysterious indeed,' concluded her subconscious mind. 'That she would be hidden in a closet without any explanation available… But what's even stranger… To work with Yamazuki would to be able to put up or even be a whore… And by the looks of it, this Haruka isn't even close… Decisions, decisions…'
Haruka, by that point, had already propped herself against a wall. "Don't worry yourself." Her eyes continued to stare back at Usagi with their misty shade of blue, almost with patience. "I can wait."
'Well that sure gave me plenty of reassurance,' Usagi's mind echoed. 'What am I supposed to say? Well, freakishly serene stranger-lady, the raid is some greedy plan where I must seduce the Yamazuki in order to allow my master's forces to capture him, and then put up for ransom…'
"Look, I'm not out for your blood," Haruka mumbled, "so you don't have to freak out over me… In fact, it's none of my business. You should be on your way."
'Nani?!' Usagi shook her head rapidly and began waving a hand in defense. "Iie, iie, iie, iie, Haruka-san. That's not what's on my mind at all! It's just… Ano…"
Another sigh from Haruka erupted. "If you were wondering, no, I'm not on Yamazuki-sama's side. But, I'm not on Wufei-sama's side as well. I'm simply… in the middle."
"Heh?!" Usagi jumped back, pointing a finger towards her. "How did you know I worked for Wufei-san? I could have sworn I never even mentioned his name… Aya…" She scratched her head sheepishly. "I'm confused…"
"So you do work for Chang," she retorted, frowning to herself. "I knew it. He's been at war with Yamazuki for as long as anyone can remember…"
"Oh?" Usagi stepped closer, suddenly interested. "And why has this conflict lasted for such a long time? What was the reason? I didn't think this mission was plotted for revenge…"
"It started ten years ago… when they were children, of course. Both Yamazuki and Wufei were training at the same dojo; practicing their abilities and what not… And then, that day; the day that changed history..."
"Hai? And?" Usagi clasped her hands with anticipation. 'There must have been a giant showdown with just Yamazuki and Wufei-sama; equalized in strength… Then… Then… I never knew Wufei was such a neat person!'
Haruka wagged a finger, cutting off her daydream. "And then… And then, on that very day, Wufei cooked rice balls and served them to his fellow student, who happened to be Yamazuki."
'What?!'
"But, you see, they were no ordinary rice balls… The very next day, in fact, Yamazuki grew very sick… So sick, he ended up missing his round in the final dojo tournament; therefore losing it. Wufei won instead, and was named strongest among all the others. Yamazuki grew furious and fled the dojo… He disappeared for many years, until he wounded up leading this organization dedicated in stealing and destroying his rival, Wufei."
Usagi sweatdropped. 'That's a lame story… It all started with Wufei's bad cooking… And lead onto a mass assassination death wish?! How childish!'
"Interesting, ne? Now, I want to know about this raid…"
"Hai, hai," Usagi replied gloomily, "I suppose… Anyways, the raid is a plan made up by my master. He has ordered his troops to be prepared for action at exactly the stroke of midnight… At that point, Yamazuki will be pre-occupied with myself, and it will give time for a fully charged attack. Yamazuki won't be able to fight back, and so he will be captured and set up for a giant ransom! Ohohoho…"
Haruka blinked, twice. "That's very… original of Chang. But since he's now got a girl on his side, I suppose he has the upper hand for now… This heats things up a bit…"
Usagi quirked an eyebrow, obviously puzzled. "Demo, demo… Yamazuki has had many women for lots of years… Why couldn't it be vice-versa? Why couldn't he come up with that kind of plan?"
"One, he's a lot stupider when it comes to strategy," Haruka held up two fingers. "Second of all, Chang isn't too interested with the opposite sex. He's what you would call--"
"He prefers men?!" she cried loudly, cutting her off. "No wonder Yamazuki wants to get revenge! Ah, I can't believe I'm working for someone like him!"
"No, you've got it wrong. Wufei is simply a lone boy. He likes being by himself most of the time… Around these parts, he's known as 'The Solitary Dragon.'"
"That's sad…"
Haruka glanced towards the closet door behind her. A considerable amount of footsteps could be heard beyond the door, and Usagi had to plug cover her ears to block the giggly chatter. It quickly silenced.
"Go, now," Haruka said quietly, grabbing Usagi by the shoulders. She began edging her towards the door. "Those were Yamazuki's women just now. If you don't hurry, they won't let you into his headquarters… And, Kami-sama! Quit pulling down your skirt if you don't want to be kicked out!" With that said, Usagi was forced into the hallway behind the door.
"Itai…"
'This is… his headquarters?' Usagi peered around the women-full room nervously, adjusting to the disgusting smell of perfume. Most of the women were smoking, although some were taking distant glances at her; inspecting.
"Oh my, look at that pretty young new girl. She's too cute."
Usagi found herself blushing as she heard numerous conversations spread out around as she passed. 'These women are freaking me out… Where is that damned Yamazuki-baka?!'
"Indeed. She is extremely attractive… Yama-sama will have no trouble picking that one out for the night that's for sure," another woman whispered, "we're no match."
'Why is all the attention directed towards me? I'm not acting suspicious!'
Usagi listened in on another discussion; "I wonder how old she is… I've never seen such beautiful eyes! Her skin is so perfect… Poor girl, she's surely going to receive a few dirty looks from Akiko-san…"
'Akiko-san? I wonder why she would do such a thing.' Usagi stopped in her tracks and began searching the room. Her eyes caught the attention of another pair; cat-like and an alarming shade of red. They belonged to a much older woman, although she was a breath-taking sight; black hair cut short to her chin, while her clothing consisted of a Chinese undergarment style. 'Is that her? Akiko?'
The woman continued to glare at her for a few more moments, and then rapidly averted as she began to speak with another whore. Usagi shuddered inwardly. 'She's very frightening.'
"Sumimasen, would you like a cup of hot tea? Miss?"
"Heh?" Usagi turned around. A young woman stood before her, smiling warmly, a small pot held in her right hand. She giggled softly at Usagi's actions. "Did I alarm you? I apologize. Yamazuki shall be arriving shortly… In the meantime, would you like tea?"
Usagi blinked.
She blinked as well. "Since you are new, let me help you. My name is Michiru; I am a servant of Yamazuki. If you are in need of anything, I'm the one to contact."
"I see… Ano, would you mind telling me who the woman is, in the far corner?" Usagi gestured towards her direction. "Is she, by any chance, Akiko?"
Michiru followed her gaze. She then nodded. "Aa, she is. I wouldn't get involved with her… She can be quite deceptive at times… and cruel."
"Is she that way to everyone? Is she unkind to you?"
Michiru smiled softly, but said nothing. Instead, she began to pour Usagi a cup of tea. Handing it to her, she whispered, "a girl like you doesn't belong here. It's a place for crude happenings…"
"Neither do you," Usagi pointed out, bringing the steaming cup to her lips. "I bet you get treated really poorly. What are you doing in such a place?"
"I should be asking you the very same question." She tucked a strand of aquamarine hair behind her ear. "You're not like the others around here. They are considered 'creatures of the dark.' And you do not fit that description."
Usagi lolled her head to the side tiredly, and again she caught Akiko's violent flash of eyes pinned on her. 'Aya… If looks could kill…' She straightened immediately. 'I'll just have to ignore her.'
To her surprise, Michiru seemed to notice the distraction. "Try not to look in her general direction.... It seems to aggravate her more than anything… Ah, so you've finished." She smiled again, gently taking the empty cup from Usagi's hand. "I must be going. It was nice serving you, Miss." With a simple bow, the woman had disappeared into the crowd.
'All of this was started between a simple food conflict… It might have even been a misunderstanding… Perhaps Wufei-san is just a horrible cook, and all he wanted to do was make a truce with Yamazuki…' Usagi found it hard to believe a mass rivalry had begun with the simplest of mistakes… In fact, by the sounds of Yamazuki's personality so far, he wasn't too different from Wufei himself!
Absently, Usagi caught Akiko's ever watchful eyes again. She couldn't help it! Even if she were to turn her back, she would feel the woman's stare nearly burning holes through her. They were threatening indeed; she felt tempted to send her a nasty glare of her own.
No, it wouldn't be wise, Usagi countered bitterly. Instead, she began focusing in on her seduction. 'Everyone is counting on me. I have to do this right, and I have to do this without embarrassing myself…' As her thoughts rambled on, her eyes kept edging towards that damned corner. She tried to scold herself. 'No, I won't make a fool out of myself in front of all these women… I'll… I'll… Those eyes…'
"Damnit Akiko, stop testing my patience!" Usagi stamped a foot against the ground, flustered with agitation. Only then did she realize her mouth had said the words instead of her conscience. And she reddened.
Possibly every woman's attention in the room was now directed in Usagi's direction, much to her horror. Some were giggling, others were merely blinking. Usagi felt utterly helpless either way. "Ano… Ah…" was all she managed.
Gulping down a lump in her throat, she turned to face Akiko with a shameful-stricken face. There was silence as everyone observed the two with interest. The new girl; beads of sweat trickling down her forehead, and Akiko; eyes still wide with surprise.
Finally, Usagi managed a few words, "I didn't mean to say that, Miss Akiko… I just—"
She was cut off abruptly. A male voice. "What's going on here? Why did I walk in and find all my precious ladies swarmed in a little circle?" There was only one person who could match the tone of his humored, flirty tone of voice; Yamazuki.
With a clap of his hands, the girls had assembled themselves in a long line. It was as if any previous events had been forgotten, and even Akiko seemed to be uninterested in Usagi's remark.
Then again, Usagi was the only one standing in the middle of the room, glued to the spot with shock. Yamazuki, of course, noticed immediately, and was standing before her in a matter of moments, eyebrow raised.
The so-called man, as Usagi had predicted him to be, was merely a boy; maybe one or two years younger than Wufei himself. His eyes, an astonishing feature, were a pale shade of lavender, which seemed to brighten as she stared in to them. His hair was cut quite short, color matching his eyes, but a bit darker. She cocked an eyebrow herself.
"You must be new," he murmured softly, studying her face with a smile. "Ah…Well, let me take a look at you, ne? Turn around, please."
Usagi felt a vessel pop. This boy wanted her to turn around without even knowing her name first?! It was absolutely not forgivable! But then again, she reminded herself, it was her mission. Swallowing any anger, she swiftly turned on her heel. 'Take a good look, you perverted moron, because after the raid is over, I'm going to make it so you won't be able to see anything else!'
Yamazuki made noises of concentration as he began to circle her; raising her arms, observing her hair. "Well, you're very clean," he mumbled as he poked at her waist. "And you're defiantly not pregnant."
"What did you say?" she snapped from the corner of her lips.
He looked up at her with innocent confusion. "What? I have to be sure, you know. A pregnant lady is not at all my type… I'm not very good with babies."
Another vessel. Oh well, she'd just have to deal with the irritable pest for now… "Oh, well I suppose that's understandable… Carry on, then, Yamazuki-sama." She flashed an uneasy smile.
"There's no need," he protested suddenly, brushing the dust off his long navy robes. He chuckled and took her hand gently between his fingers. "What I mean to say… is that I can clearly see you are the most ideal lady in this room. I choose you tonight, my dear."
'He still doesn't know my name and he's already decided upon me! Should I resist?' Usagi knew better than to object, and so she let him drag her along behind him while the other women watched in bewilderment. She couldn't help but feel a bit smug as she was led into his room; for she was the most ideal of them all.
Duo kicked a rock out of his path as he paced back and forth in front of the door, eyes shut in concentration. Tonight was defiantly not his night… For one, he had just been kicked out into the freezing cold because of some random comment that had displeased Wufei. And the other reason…
He stopped in his tracks. It was the other reason that bothered him most… the raid.
Shaking his head, he continued to stomp to and fro. Yes, the raid was a plan Wufei had been putting together for a long time. And now that he had his diversion, Usagi, it was finally going to be carried out.
But was Usagi the right one for the job? Her temper could be outrageous and, of course, great fun for Duo, but sometimes it was very unpredictable. When that look in her eyes began to form… When they altered in color… And her voice rasped almost like a cat's hiss.
Yamazuki was just the kind of person to reawaken that frightening half of her. And if he did succeed in doing so, would Usagi do something she would regret later? Or inflict harm upon herself?
He had discussed these thoughts with Quatre. He seemed to have the same impression, and was equally as worried. When he had read her thoughts for the first time, he claimed, all he could make out was her father's brutal death… Replaying over and over in her mind… and the fact that she blamed herself for it…
The other 'half' of Usagi was only triggered when she was reminded of his death, or when a situation grew deadly serious. Quatre had figured that out when she had altered for the first time.
Unfortunately, Quatre also suspected Usagi didn't have ability neither the power to control her actions while in one of her outbursts. She was completely unreachable as an individual.
And when her wrathful half disappeared, Usagi herself would be left perplexed… She wasn't able to remember a single thing about her dark side.
'Poor girl,' Duo mused, punting another stone against the door. 'She doesn't even mean to act with such hostility… It's all part of her mind… I hope it doesn't get the best of her on this particular occasion…'
The heavy door swung open at that point, jerking Duo out of his thoughts. Wufei was presented before him, stern-faced as usual; clad in robes of combat. Duo did the only thing he could think of… he grinned.
Wufei sniffed in return. Nearly a snort, Duo corrected, but a sniff nonetheless. He put a hand to his long sheathed katana before speaking, "Maxwell, take your group and start heading for Yamazuki's headquarters. I want all those women restrained instantaneously. There will be five other groups, including my own, so be sure not to kill anyone on first sight… or you will be answering to my blade."
Duo rolled his eyes as the dragon walked past with refinement. He watched as the other four of his companions emerged from the open doorway, Quatre being the last one out.
"Quatre will be assisting myself," Wufei explained slowly, meeting eyes with each boy. "I want the rest of you on full alert this time. We're dealing with many other bodyguards and what not. Your groups each consist of a minimum of three, so see to it you stay close together."
They all bowed their heads rapidly, except for Duo, who lazily bobbed his head up and down. With a final nod of approval from Wufei, they parted into the night.
Usagi lowered herself onto the satin cushion uneasily, trying to smile at the already seated Yamazuki as she did so. Clumsily staggering back into a kneeling position, she bowed. He did so in return.
'What am I supposed to say?' She coughed with hesitance behind her hand. "Ano… Thank you for choosing me… Yamazuki-sama… I'm very grateful!"
He seemed content enough by the compliment, and began arranging an assortment of china cups, saucers, and a small flask of… sake. Usagi bit down on her tongue, hard.
He seemed to notice her discomfort. "Is something wrong, Lady? I hope this variety does not displease you in any way. Would you prefer wine? Perhaps American beer?"
Usagi shook her head in protest as she reluctantly brought the cup to her lips. The fumes were revolting! 'How about something that won't intoxicate me, you idiot!'
Yamazuki picked up his tiny cup after he had finished serving himself. Throwing back his head, he forced the liquid down his throat. Usagi wrinkled her nose at the disgusting display. She couldn't help it.
Wiping the last remnants of sake from the corner of his mouth, the boy turned his attention once again towards her. He smirked. "Be at ease. It's not poisoned or anything… Go right ahead!"
Usagi felt perspiration dripping down the back of her neck as she shakily tilted the cup against her bottom lip. Yamazuki watched with growing anticipation. She paused for a few moments, wondering how on earth she would manage without her own common sense. Could she even be inebriated with such ease?
Would she go this far, just to prove herself to some men?
The cup fidgeted between her calloused fingers as she toyed with the idea. 'I could ruin the whole thing. The whole plan rests on my shoulders…'
She remembered the way the five boys had given up comfort for her… When Quatre had been so kind; when Duo had aided her at a time of drunken weakness; when Heero had attempted to protect her from the streets; and when Trowa had… Well, Trowa was Trowa after all.
She could feel herself giving in to the scent of the drink, disgusting as it was. She could stop herself now; and possibly save herself from being a vulnerable idiot, or she could simply drink the damn substance…
Should Usagi:
What harm could it do? Drink it! Drink!
OR
Decline the sake?
Author's Notes: Wow! That took longer than expected… And I'm sorry if any of you grew impatient (my apologies to Dark Star, Luna-sun, cherrygirl and bumbleneko). Please vote for the next chapter's results if you have the time!
Feedback Corner (chapter 6):
From anonymous reviewer, me, Is it going to be usa-hee-chan??? Ohoho! You'll just have to wait and see… It depends on which path you set Usagi towards… But try to be rational when voting!
ChibiBear Check!: Yo! Looks like things are up and running again… Usagi seems like she's in quite a difficult situation, but you know what? I LOVE Yamazuki-sama! He sounds like such a cutie! See you until next time!
