Disclaimer: I do not own Lupin III. If I did I would own the entire DVD episodes and movies. And I would never take my eyes off of the TV and you would not be reading this, as I would not have written it.
A/N: Well here we are again.
Vincent – At least you got one review.
Kev – I know. I guess no one reads Lupin the Third fics anymore.
Vincent – Cheer up. Your one reviewer seems to like the story.
Kev – Well if not for the world, for those who appreciate it then.
Vincent – That's the spirit.
Fox Xanatos – Thank you for your review. I appreciate your comments. Just knowing that people like my story keeps me writing them.
Chapter Two: Jack of Clubs
Lupin and his not so merry band of thieves were dining in a café not far from the site of the jewel heist from two days previous. Jigen was in his normal sarcastic mood, Goemon was silent and unapproachable as usual, and a very miserable Lupin sat ignoring a barrage of insults from the object of his affections. To put it lightly, Fujiko was pissed.
"Why are we just sitting around? We should be out there trying to find out everything we can about these 'Wolves'!" Lupin made a face and left the money for the bill on the table. "And just where are you going?"
"Back to the apartment. I can't think straight with all of this noise." He then turned and walked out of the café. Lupin made his way back toward the hotel where he and the others were staying. He loved his dear Fuji-cakes to pieces but sometimes her voice gave him a headache. Lupin wondered if Fujiko would ever settle down with him and have a hand in Lupin the Fourth.
He contemplated his chances at marriage to his beloved as he turned the last corner to the hotel. He suddenly stopped. Someone was leaning against the wall of one of the buildings just between Lupin and the hotel. This someone happened to be wearing clothes in a dark gray theme. In the dim light of the streetlamp the glint of a pair of sunglasses could be seen and the gray sports jacket was clearly old and worn.
The man gave Lupin a sideways glance and a crooked grin. He then turned and fled. And Lupin gave chase. The city proved to be a maze. Lupin followed the gray clad man through alleys and streets, up ladders and across rooftops. The chase went on until Lupin was completely lost. The only thing he could rely on to guide him was the fleeting glances he got of the man.
Just as Lupin thought the chase would last forever he came into a courtyard. It was dark and smelled of fresh roses. The dim light of the moon filtered down from above drinking the color of the surrounding garden. Out of the shadows stepped Gray. His hands were clasped behind his back and a sly smile played across his face.
"So this is the great Lupin the Third?"
"What if I am?"
"I've heard so much about you. Everywhere I go I hear stories about the cunning Lupin. I hear about the sly and sneaky Lupin. Lupin is clever, Lupin is unbeatable." Gray strode in a circle around Lupin as he spoke. "I hear tell you are a womanizer, a con artist, a master of disguise, and a master thief."
"So glad that my illustrious reputation proceeds me."
"Mr. Lupin I admire your work and am a great fan of yours. That is why I brought you here tonight."
"You want my autograph?"
"Hardly. I respect you as a master thief, and as respect demands I must ask you to stay away from any place that I have interest in. There are many places that have precious artifacts and mountains of money to be obtained. I have looked up to you for many years now and I would be devastated if I were required to injure or even kill you should you block my ambitions. I would greatly appreciate it if you kindly kept to yourself for the next two weeks or left Ireland entirely."
"You want me to what?" Lupin asked in shock.
"As I said, I respect you and wish you no harm. My partners are having the same sort of conversation with your friends. Please go back to Japan and leave the Emerald Isle to me for now. Goodnight Mr. Lupin." Gray bowed gracefully and disappeared into the shadows leaving Lupin fuming.
((()))
When Lupin finally managed to get un-lost he had made his way back to the hotel. He had spent several minutes in the shower and several more spouting profanities at his new 'friend'. That kid had some nerve, telling a veteran of the art to 'buzz off'. He was sitting in one of the chairs when Jigen appeared. The marksman looked irritable as he made his way to the mini-bar and filled a glass with ice and scotch.
He tossed his fedora into a corner as he sat in one of the remaining chairs. He noticed Lupin's expression and asked, "What's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong with me? Our competition lured me into an empty garden and told me to keep my hands to myself or buzz off. What do you think is wrong with me?"
"So you met Gray huh? What was he like?"
"He was very polite. He said he respected me and looked up to me. He said he didn't want to have to hurt me so I should leave him to his business. Some nerve."
"You were lucky then."
"What do you mean?"
"I just got back from a chat with Black. He's blunt, plainspoken, and rude. He said basically the same thing as Gray did. He told me to stay out of the way or get lost. I had to follow him to a train yard." The black bearded gunman took a long pull from his drink and wiped his mouth on his sleeve.
"It seems I had the best time of it then." Goemon had appeared out of nowhere and was sitting on the couch. His unexpected appearance made both other men jump in surprise.
"Jeez Goemon," Jigen said as he clutched at his chest with his hand, "Make some noise next time or I might have a heart attack."
"Sorry. Anyway I had a meeting with White. He is indeed civilized. He patiently explained his and his partner's positions and thoughts. He did say more or less the same thing as you have heard though."
As the swordsman finished his sentence they all heard a commotion. An angry huff, one slammed door, and a trail of stomps later an irate Fujiko entered the room. She was muttering under her breath and by the look on her face her evening had not gotten much better since Lupin had last seen her.
The three men watched and listened as she ranted and raved about ignorant juvenile hussies and ripped things apart. By the time she had settled down into a state of mild irritation the others knew exactly what had happened. Goemon bravely spoke up.
"I take it you had a run in with Miss Red." Fujiko just mumbled more profanities under her breath.
"Well guys," Lupin sighed, "What do we do?"
A/N: I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Vincent – Don't worry, someone will enjoy it.
Kev – Yeah, but I hope they review. I won't do very well unless I get encouragement from my readers.
Vincent – Come on! We've both read what they put on this section of the website. Some of the stories are pretty good but most of them look like either movie scripts or the writers haven't done anything in their English classes except make spitballs.
Kev – Please don't insult the other authors. I know most of what I have read blows but there are a few good stories out there. That story "Little Fu" is good and if "The Education of Lupin" is ever updated I would like to read the rest of that.
Vincent – I agree with you but I know your story is good.
Kev – Lets let the readers decide.
Vincent – Leave a review telling the author what you think. If you approve of the story and want to read more I suggest you post nice encouraging reviews.
Kev – But any suggestions are helpful and feel free to point out spelling and grammar errors.
Vincent – See you next time (Hopefully)
Kev – Ciao!