Travel to Paradise
Disclaimers: I apparently don't and never will own Weiss or Schwartz......... Makes me depressed just thinking about it. (Sigh)
Warnings: The usual......... shounen-ai bordering on Yaoi, Yaoi that has yet to be seen and supposed slight cursing that comes out way too often. ;
GA: yes! Finally! Got chap 7 up, now for chap 8......... Sorry again for the long wait minna. And thanks for bearing with me. But more over, thanks to aaaaaaaaallllllllllll the reviews. Oh, and GAK! I just found out a "BIG MISTAKE"!!!!!!! I made while I was rereading the previous chaps, hehehe, you see, I kinda made a mistake about Nagi's eye color.......... instead of a dark blue, I made it into chocolate brown, which in fact was supposed to be for his hair......... I only found it out as I read the first chap again......... speaking of which. Ehehehe. I made a few changes to the first and third chapter of the story. The first chapter is the first part and the one on third was somewhere in the middle where Aya and Schuldich went to visit Nagoi. You would to read those re-dos because if you don't, I doubt you'll be able to understand the next chapter. Teehee. (Prostrates herself in front of all the readers) FORGIVE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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The sound of numerous footsteps coming closer brought Aya out of his trance of having another dead body added to this already baffling mystery as a furious Akuro stormed into the scene. Well actually furious is only one of the words Aya would use to describe the man now kneeling beside the deceased lady, trembling uncontrollably.
The emotions, which he thought the old drugs dealer didn't posses, were all too evident on his face. Feelings he hadn't expected to be there when he had first arrived on the island. The usually calm and authorizing aura the man once held literally shattered as he lifted the body of the young girl and shook it slightly while murmuring her name, as if not believing she was truly dead. But, as expected, he was only answered with painful silence.
Aya stood in tranquil state of being as he understood perfectly how the man was feeling. How one's inside would churn and leave you barren when you lose someone you prize or one you hold close to your heart. How your heart feels forsaken and vulnerable to the world. He had gone down that road himself and he could only imagine the pain the old business man was going through.
Akuro had lost his beloved first wife to a man who took her away from him a couple of years back according to Omi's research and he had lost his daughter the other the day as a victim to a brutal murder, probably as revenge. And the most recent one as of now, had claimed the one he had promised to abandon anything and everything for, all for her.
Aya recalled last night when he and the telepath accidentally walked in on them with out the two lovebirds noticing and he could swear that the tycoon's feelings for the young lady were genuine, there's no doubt in that. The glint their eyes showed true passion for each other that Aya have somewhat envied. The mutual and loving emotions exchanged between them were stronger than life itself. The same feeling he never got to experience in the life he is living at present, a strong sensation unknown to the man except for when he sees others possessing it.
His hands balled into fists at his sides as he turned his head away from the scene when he noticed he couldn't take it anymore. Small pools of tears threatened to spill as he bit his lower lip trying to stop the pain seeping into his heart. He felt his hands getting shaky as his nails dug deep into his skin, almost making them bleed and knuckles turning white with pent-up frustration. He could somehow hear a soft conversation between the two other people in the room when he had arrived but he was too engrossed in his own thoughts to care.
Suddenly, a soft venturing finger was felt against the back of his clenched fist trying to soothe away the anger built up inside of the katana master as if saying everything was going to be ok. But who would......... Aya stopped his train of thought as that finger trailed down the back of his hand and tried to coax open the fist. The Weiss leader let the invading touch take its course as he slowly allowed the balled hand to relax. He felt soft digits, similar to the lone finger, grasp his palm and wove themselves into the space in between his own. Aya felt himself respond to the touch and entwined his fingers with the other man's. The hold then tightened possessively to his hand and he could sense the man's thumb graze his own, trying to appease the uneasiness of the sword master.
It's going to be fine Aya. he heard a soft reassuring nasal voice whisper into his head.
What do you mean it's going to be fine.........the younger man replied. it is far from fine Schuldich.the German knew right there that there was something wrong with the kitten just by the way his voice sounded.
The man lost the woman he was supposed to marry, and my head is on the line. HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE FINE?!?!Schuldich couldn't help but flinch a little at the way Aya shouted into his head. His telepathy was still on the fritz and straining it too much could prove to something close to fatal.
Sorry.the man beside him said in a voice no louder than a whisper when he noticed the cringing expression the German showed for the fleetest of moments. The telepath, in turn showed that he harbored no ill will by lifting the hand up to his mouth and, while nobody aside from the katana wielder was looking at him, gave a soft kiss to the back of the man's hand, earning a soft blush on the younger assassin's cheeks. As he captured the amethyst eyes in his own jade ones, the glint in them told Aya everything. Trust me, they seem to say to the Weiss assassin as a gentle smile appeared on the older man's lips, and Aya somehow felt himself nodding in agreement.
Time seemed to slow around them as the young sword master found himself captured in those green orbs and as to what seemed like an eternity came to a halt when Schuldich went back to being his old pompous self when he let go. Aya then retracted his hand from the touch pulling it close to his chest as a smirk appeared on the older assassin's lips. His pose showed no fear and it told Aya the easily practiced tact the man really had in situations such as these. With both hand now tucked on his blazer pocket, the German looked straight ahead with out even a sign of doubt in his stance. Aya then found himself admiring the man from where he stood a few feet away. He could tell without actually trying to that this man possesses something else aside from the cold demeanor he put out.
"How could you.........?" The soft whisper of words from where the old man knelt reached Aya's ears, bringing him out of his trance. Somehow a lump appeared in his throat as his mouth dried at the way he said the statement. A heavy burden suddenly found its way on Aya's shoulders when he noticed that he failed to protect another person from her fate.
"How could you let this happen?" The man repeated himself. The pang of guilt inside the young assassin grew heavier as he noticed that the tone of voice was not what he expected. He would have been ready for any harsh words spat at him or any threats, he could take those. But the way the old man had said it was not of anger but of disappointment.
"I trusted you. And yet, you let this happen to Lilika. Oh, my Lilika. My beautiful, wonderful Lilika........." Akuro's voiced trailed off softly as he bent down and kissed the pale white cheek of the unmoving woman, tears falling freely from his old and tired eyes.
The young assassin said nothing in his defense. He screwed up. He had let another one die while he was on the job. This was not part of the plan. His mission was to just kill the leader of the whole organization, who was in fact in front of him right now crying over the body of his loved one, yet instead he had four dead people, no lead on the killer and his mission not yet even finished. He would never hear the end of it from Manx.........
Licking his lips to try and calm himself down, he then noticed that the business man was standing and carefully brought the dead body with him, cradling the deceased woman in his arms. The man then slowly made his way out of the room, while doing so, Aya saw the stern look in those silver eyes as Akuro stopped just a few feet away him while on his way to the door.
"Mr. Hajime" the old tycoon started. "Will you please see me in my office, alone? I have a few things I wish to discuss with you." Aya then murmured a soft reply of acceptance as the business man strode out of the room with the lady still in his arms.
Aya, then letting out a soft breath, not knowing that he had kept it, turned around and was about to follow the gray haired man to the arranged destination when he felt a hand land softly on his shoulders. He stared at the tender landing of the hand before meeting jade eyes once more that day. The same reassuring look in them was still present.
"It's going be fine." The telepath stressed again. "Nagi and I'll hold down the fort here." The German said in a soft voice as he slightly tilted his head in the direction of the other two people in the room, namely Sakura and Jintarou who were now being asked by the young brown haired telekinetic to take a seat. Aya then realized that this was still a murder scene and by asking the people present, they would get another lead in this all too baffling mystery. Taking a quick glance at the couple seated together, still shocked at what happened, Aya allowed his eyes to close momentarily. This was too much; he though to himself before he felt the older man came closer and brought him in for a hug. It took him a while to relax in the embrace as he felt the telepath's lips graze oh so lightly on his temple and whispered something close to a 'just be careful' into his ear before completely pulling away with a smile on his lips.
"Go." The German said as he showed the younger man to the door and giving a friendly push to his back before giving a small wave of his hand mimicking a mock salute. "Ja."
Aya only nodded and gave a weak smile as he headed off leaving a German telepath at the door, which in turn chuckled to himself and reentered the room to help make more sense of whatever is happening here.
--
Big blue eyes looked at the young boy walking beside him as he rode on the white horse. Curious as to what the younger teen may be hiding from him and wondering if it was right to leave Nagi behind. They had been touring around the compound for some time now yet he hadn't been able to tell anything wrong with Yutaro nor bring himself to ask any questions about the young horse tamer for fear of asking the wrong questions. He was never any good at these things and he wondered if he would be able to ask something with out giving his true identity away.
Yutaro caught the look his guest was giving him at the corner of his eye as he smiled inwardly. With Nagi gone, he might be able to have some fun with the young boy. He had noticed how possessive the brown haired youth was to the lad now sitting on Clair and wondered what it was about him that caught both Nagi and his attention.
"See something you like?" the young stable boy tease as he turned to face Omi.
The young assassin instead looked away, hiding a forming blush at being caught staring. He hadn't intended to look too long at the stable boy but he couldn't help it.
"Sorry." The young sharpshooter replied, not knowing what to do. "I was thinking of asking you more about the specifics of how you found the body but I'm not really good at this." He finished with a chuckle.
"You needn't be shy Morabe-san." Yutaro said as he stopped his walking, causing the young mare to halt in her tracks as well and Omi to look at him. Placing a soft hand on the Weiss assassin's that was holding the rein, he continued. "You can ask me anything. You know that." A flash of emotion passed through the younger boy's eyes before Omi could catch it. The hacker found himself nodding to the statement as he forced a smile onto his lips.
"In that case Yutaro, I-." the statement was cut off by a hand lifted up by the horse tamer as he shook his head.
"Morabe-san, why don't we discuss this over lunch? It's almost twelve anyway and I was wondering if you would want to join me since we're already together."
"That would be nice Yutaro." Omi said in a happy tune. He hadn't eaten much at breakfast and was starting to wonder when lunch would show itself.
Giving a smile, Yutaro started to walk forward, continuing down the path into the forest.
"Ne, Yutaro." Omi called his attention. "Shouldn't we head back?" he said throwing his thumb over his shoulder to show the direction.
"Ah, don't worry. I have this nice place where it would just be the two of us. We can talk there with out being disturbed." Another smile plastering his face.
"O-okay, if you say so Yutaro." Giving a sigh and turning his attention to the road where Clair was now treading, he suddenly had this feeling of wanting Nagi beside him.
After a few moments more of treading through the growth of plants. They finally reached a clearing where Omi was surprised to see a red and white plaid picnic blanket spread on the grassy floor with a picnic basket placed atop it. Stopping a distance away from the cloth, Yutaro helped the young sharpshooter off Clair and gestured him to take a seat which Omi happily did. Taking one opposite the light blonde assassin, the stable boy reached for the basket and offered Omi a variety of food choices that made the Weiss hacker's mouth water.
"This is delicious." The blue eyed boy said as he but down on a piece of chicken leg. "You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble Yutaro."
"Oh, it was no trouble at all. Please, eat some more." The stable boy said as he pushed a plate of vegetables to the undercover assassin, another smile gracing his lips.
However, Omi was too busy eating to notice the smile turn devious and the glint of mischief on azure eyes.
--
Schuldich entered the room with a forced grin as he took a look around the place, mentally taking note of the surroundings. Sakura Shigin and Jintarou Koizumi sat beside each other on the bed provided in the room and by noticing the decorations of the place, it seemed to be a guest room. It was not any normal guestroom as one would have. For one, it lacked the usual dank smell of one not continually used, but it did harbor a few things that said it was. He soon reached the conclusion that this was provided by the old geezer for Lilika.
He noticed that the two people on the bed were still baffled at what had just happened so he asked both of them to narrate as much as they can as to what really went on.
"Well." Sakura started, "Lilika invited both of us to have a little drink. We sat there." She then pointed to a table and four chairs around it near the window overlooking the sea. "After a few laughs and all that, she started to act, funny........."
"What do you mean by funny?" the chocolate haired telekinetic asked both of them while Schuldich walked over to the area the woman said and started to inspect the part of the room. He remembered the body faced prone on the floor a few inches away from a seat and the short glass used for alcohol was still lying on its side.
Looking over her shoulder to her boyfriend, she returned her gaze to Nagi and continued. "She started to shake and hyperventilate all of a sudden. Her body went into shock and she stood up, dropped her glass of gin and started to clutch her chest, heaving in big gulps of air."
Nagi nodded as he saw at the corner of his eye a certain orange reddish fluff bending low and picking up the said gin glass still holding a few drops of her drink.
"And then........." the young hacker's attention went back to the couple as he saw them exchange glances. "Well, she collapsed. I tried to administer CPR, actually Jintarou tried to but since he lacked the medical training, I did instead. But it was too late. I swear it was as if she was having a seizure........." Sakura finished
"Lacked medical training?" "The Schwartz assassin asked.
"Yes," the lawyer said "Sakura had taken pre-med but her father told her to focus on family affairs instead since Yuriko had taken up show business. It would have been Yuriko handling the business if she hadn't decided to leave."
Taking mental note of it, Nagi continued. "You didn't notice anything else aside from that?" both shook their heads to the question. "Any body else aside from Lilika and the two of you but walked out later?"
"No, it was just the three of us in the room." The lawyer in turn replied as he put an arm around the secretary and gave her a hug, trying to assured her that it's fine. Schuldich then stood up from his crouched position and walked his way towards the couple and Nagi.
"Who poured the drinks?" the telepath asked as he stared down at the two seated on the bed.
"Lilika did so herself. She even said that we shouldn't trouble ourselves since she was the one who invited us in the first place."
"Hmm, I see."
"Can we go now?" Sakura asked. "I still need to go and see if my dad's alright." Both assassin's looked at each other and nodded, allowing them both to leave.
A few moments after the couple excused themselves; Schuldich placed the glass on Nagi's hand and began combing the area, leaving the young hacker to stare at the gin goblet. "What am I to do with this?" the chocolate haired boy asked with irritation.
"Notice the white residue at the bottom of the glass, Nagi boy?" the telepath said as he started opening drawers and peering into them, taking out a few knickknacks that belonged to the young girl and putting them back in when he found nothing.
"Yeah, so?" the telekinetic raised an eyebrow at the nickname.
"It, my dear boy, is 'Barbiturate'. You know the depressant drug?"
"Yes I know what Barbiturates are." Not seeing where this was going.
"Drugs, Nagi, when combined with alcohol are fatal if not quickly taken cared off." The German continued to search through other drawers, still not finding anything to help except a few dark dirt residues sticking to the recently deceased white clothes. "Which was probably what did her in. I thought they teach you that in school." A hand finding its way to his hips as he stood with an eyebrow raised.
"I know that Schuldich." The hacker said as he tried to follow. "Are you saying that one of those two placed the drug in with her drink and she didn't know, taking in the alcohol anyway?"
"I'm not sure. It could be one of them, it could be both. It could also mean that the glass was probably for someone else and Lilika became the victim of a murder that wasn't supposed to be hers." As he approached another drawer and went through a couple of clothes, he found a silver object lying on the bottom. Taking it out he noticed that it was a key with its end had an irregular cut, not the type that was used for ordinary locks.
Giving a shrug, he pocketed the key and as he was about to close the drawer, found that another item lay there. Jade eyes widened in surprise but he quickly recovered back to his smirk. Grabbing the object, he stuffed it in his pocket and went to Nagi. "There's nothing left here, might as well head back to the room. Aya's probably there waiting. I have to go get him first before we take lunch."
The blue eyed telekinetic nodded slightly and stood up. "I'll go find Omi. He might want to know what happened." Both separated when they reached the door saying that they'd meet back at their rooms after.
--
Aya managed to arrive at the office of the owner of this whole island and the real reason for him being here with out even noticing anything around him. It was as if he was under a spell. He couldn't even remember how he managed to find his way there in the first place. The two large mahogany wood-carved doors that seemed to be the entrance was what greeted him the moment he arrived, along with two men dressed in black standing in an alert manner on either side. They paid no attention to him until he finally made his way towards the door handle. One of the men then came to intercept him and of what he thought was a gesture to protect, was in fact a gesture to serve.
"Mr. Shigin is expecting you Mr. Shu." The man then took hold of the doorknob and twisted it slightly. "Please." He said as he opened the door for the redhead and gave a small bow and motioned the undercover assassin inside.
Once Aya had managed to step foot inside the lush carpeted room, the door shut close behind him with a soft 'click' forcing him to focus on the figure sitting a few meters away behind a wonderful antique desk. The room was exquisitely designed with a large overlooking window thrown at the far back of the room behind the desk allowing sunlight to enter the area. A few paintings hung here and there and small ancient figurines probably dating back long, long ago; all screaming expensive class. All of which though were ignore by the young man as he swallowed the lump in his throat and cautiously made his was to the man seated in front of him, willing his mind to stay alert and hopefully be able to get out of here unscathed. He wasn't afraid of anything the man would do to him but how this would affect the mission. If the man was angry in any way at him, it would mean getting kicked off the island or death at the very least. All of which leading to one conclusion, he would fail his mission to kill the man now a mere feet away from him.
"Please," Akuro said in a monotonous voice. "Take a seat." As he waved to an available leather arm chair placed on the opposite side of the desk. The young katana master obliged to the offer as he allowed himself to sit down.
Looking now at the man in front of him, he had opened his mouth and was about to start his apologies on how he had been careless to let this happen again when an old, tired hand rose up to silence him.
"We can talk about that later." The man's tone not changing in the slightest. "Tell me, do you know what that is?" he began again as he motioned to an old statue made out of stone sitting a little far off to the left from the redhead but close enough to be seen and identified as to what it was.
Giving a soft nod, Aya shifted back into the character of Hajime Shu, a man known for his great cultural knowledge in all arts around the world. He started to say that the stone carving was an original statue taken from the temple ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Created for their God Vishnu, it was one of the very few in perfect conditions to this date. He continued stating about its history and how the temple houses a lot of different statues composed of both Khmer and Hindu art as he told the story in a practiced ease.
As he finished, Aya noticed a small smirk on the old man's lips, as if threatening him.
"Interesting........." Akuro said as he sat back onto his leather chair, elbows propped up on the arm rest and fingers weaving themselves with each other and finding their way to under his nose, concealing his now thinning mouth. The glint in his silver eyes was something Aya found disturbing as the business man continued.
"Very interesting indeed."
"May I ask as to what it is that interests you sir?" Aya found himself asking, hoping that the man would hurry up and get to the point as he tried to get rid on an incessant knot in his stomach.
"Well, first off, I am surprised that you know a lot about this figurine that I had imported straight from Cambodia."
"It is my specialty sir." Aya said trying to keep calm. Something here was not right.
"Of course." The gray haired man said as he gave a slight nod. "But what concerns me is that the real Hajime Shu knows nothing about cultural artifacts. Much less how to solve a mystery." The silver eyes then narrowed tremendously at the end of the statement and Aya couldn't help but keep silent at the realization of his cover being blown.
"Sir, I don't know what you mean........." he chuckled softly as he tried to rectify this predicament and put a lighter note on the subject.
"You know perfectly well what I mean." Akuro replied to the redhead's statement. "You're not the man I had invited to my island. Who are you?"
"You must be mistaken sir, I am who Hajime Shu." the now nervous man started.
"Bullshit!" the older entrepreneur shouted as he slammed both palms onto his desk and standing up at the same time, startling the katana master. "You're trying my patience young man. The real Hajime is an ignorant idiot whom his father passes out as a man possessing great intellect. I should know the fraud of a man. I helped him build his and his son's reputation! Now, I am asking you one last time.........Who. Are. You?"
Under normal circumstances Aya wouldn't give up his name or profession but he was now playing with fire and if he refused, who knew what could happen.
"Aya Fujimiya, sir. Weiss." Red hair falling forward as he bent forward when he whispered those words, ashamed that he hadn't handled the talk well.
"I see." The tycoon said in a calmer tone as he sat back down staring at Aya at eye level. "You came here to kill me correct?"
The sword master's head shot up at how much Akuro actually knew and he nodded slightly as he responded. "Unfortunately sir........." averting eye contact yet again.
The older man gave a soft chuckle as he relaxed into his chair. "I had a hunch that this day would come. Though I hold no grudges towards you."
"Sir?" the young redhead questioned, not believing his ears.
Giving a sigh, the old man explained. "I have had enough with this life of mine. Dealing with drugs is my business but that doesn't mean I enjoy it. All I want is to enjoy life with those I love. But now," a tear slid down his cheek as he recalled the loss. "My beloved Lilika is away from me, I have no reason to be alive. You'd actually be doing me a favor." The sentence was ended with a chuckle.
The man eyed Aya for a moment before speaking again. "You wouldn't happen to be responsible for the deaths of the people here would you?"
"No sir. Of course not. My mission objective was to come here and kill you, no one else." Aya felt a bit weird telling his victim of his intent but it was necessary to prove that he was not a heartless bloodthirsty killer.
"Thought so. May I ask you one thing though before you take away my life?" his voice unwavering as he looked at the Abyssinian assassin.
Aya nodded, unable to say anything to the man now offering his life to him on a silver platter.
"I want you to find out who is responsible for all of the deaths on this island and I want to see his face when that happens. Do you mind keeping me alive until then Aya?" the redhead felt uneasy at being called by his real name but only nodded and replied,
"It would be my pleasure sir."
"Good. Thank you." As he spoke this, silver eyes gleamed with untold gratitude. Both men then stood and each bowed low as a sign of respect after Aya asked to be excused to continue with his search for the killer.
After the redhead assassin stepped out, a silhouette of a person standing just at the old man's right side and came out and questioned how he was doing.
"Are you sure it's fine to let him go?" the girlish voice asked.
"It will be fine, Sakura. I know you mean well but he is the only person who can solve this." The baritone voice of her father replied in contrast to the uneasiness in the girl's own.
"If you say so." Still not wanting to believe her father on it, but not saying anything else. She soon after left as well through the mahogany doors, leaving her father to brood over the happenings of the day.
When the two large doors closed behind his daughter, Akuro slumped down unto his chair and shifted his gazed to his high ceiling with a glint of sorrow in his eyes.
"Wait for me, love. After I find whoever did this to you and make them pay, we would be together as I promised........."
--
When Schuldich had returned to the room he and the Weiss kitten shared, he wasn't surprised to find Aya on the bed, with all the clues spread out on their bed and the katana wielder eyeing them all with consternation. Aya acknowledged the man's presence by giving him a glance and nodding. The telepath closed the doors behind him and made his way to stand beside Aya. Looking down at the clues arranged neatly on the bed, he told Aya what happened while he was interrogating the couple and that Nagi went to find his Weiss counterpart. The sword master in turn just nodded and continued to look at the objects sprawled on the bed.
An eyebrow was raised by the telepath as he found the silence of the younger assassin a bit unnerving. "You know, you looking at these items are good and all but if you really want something good to look at, might I suggest me on the bed with nothing but arms open wide for you." The German said playfully as he caught the man by his waist and gave him a hug.
"Schuldich." Aya started as he tried to pry away the hands. "Schuldich, stop it."
"Sheesh. I was just kidding." The telepath said with a pout and pulled away. "What's wrong with you anyway?"
Giving a sigh, Aya mumbled a, 'He knows who I am.' Five words of which spoke volumes to the German.
"The old geezer knows your true identity?!" not bothering to hide his shocked expression. Nodding, Aya narrated the whole incident with Akuro to a frantic German, who calmed down a little after knowing that Aya's life was not in real danger at the moment.
"That's.........nice, I guess." Schuldich said as he took a seat on an available part of the bed. "Did you find anything on Mira's diary?" Aya gave a smile to the change in conversation.
"Actually yes I did." Opening the pink covered notebook, he flipped to a page and gave it to the telepath to read through.
"Hmm." He started when both jade eyes widened in surprise and two eye brows raised to look at the katana master standing in front of him. "Mira and Nagoi?!"
"Yes," the Weiss assassin said as he explained it more thoroughly. "It seems that they both had a relationship no one really knew all that much about, which is why Mira had all those lovely things. Gifts from the good doctor himself for helping him with his blackmailing. Apparently Mira gathers the information around the island from numerous guests and give it to Nagoi, who makes the deal."
"Whoa. This day just gets better and better." The telepath said as he closed the diary and placed it on the bed with the other evidences.
"But I can seem to get the connection with all these murders. I get why Mira and Nagoi was murdered. They probably blackmailed the killer and got themselves killed in the process but I wish there was still something I can connect the last with." The sword master racked his brain for anything but nothing came up.
"There was something that I haven't told you Aya." The German said as he looked at the carpeted floor, fidgeting his thumbs as he refused to look at the katana wielder. "I just never thought it important, but........."
"But what?"
"The night before you guys came. The same night that Yuriko was killed. The reason why I didn't hear anything was because I wasn't there to hear anything."
"What do you mean Schuldich?" Aya's gaze landed on the German as he said this.
"Well, that night, when Yuriko came up from dinner, she was with Lilika and both where talking about their next album. They entered Yuriko's room and I was about to take my seat next to the door when Lilika asked me to get her favorite ice cream from the fridge downstairs in the kitchen." He imitated the recently deceased woman's voice, mocking her tone by adding dainty actions and turning his own voice several octaves higher.
'Oh, Mr. Schuldich. Can you be a dear and get me my strawberry, non- fat, dairy ice cream from the freezer? The walk in one? I want it put in a small bowl. Blue colored, not green. Two scoops, not one, not three, two. Equally cut out from the gallon. Use the scooper, not the spoon. I want them in a nice orb shape. With whip cream. The one in the refrigerator closest to the door since it's the imported one. A nice cherry on top would be a nice addition. And I want the cute little spoon. You can ask chef pier where it is. Thanks, love!' Schuldich finished his long impersonation by cursing something about women who are too bitchy for their own good. After catching his breathe, he continued, ignoring the shocked look on Aya's face.
"I did exactly what the woman wanted and when I got back, everything was still fine. I saw Lilika exit Yuriko's room, and gave her the goddamn ice cream and she left. Nothing was out of the ordinary so I let it slide." Holding his head in between his hands, Schuldich continued to stare at the floor.
"So you think that Lilika was responsible for those deaths?" Aya said finally breaking the silence as he digested the thought.
"No. Right after Lilika went out, somewhere in the night; Mira came to do her daily duties of helping the diva with her nightly routine and soon left with out showing anything wrong. She even smiled and engaged in a nice conversation with me. After she left though Sakura came along, went in and after a few minutes came out. Still not showing anything was wrong."
"You didn't hear any talk behind her doors?" Schuldich shook his head in response.
"No, I didn't. Even in the previous nights. Guess they talk in hushed voices when I'm there. Ch'."
"Yuriko's room," The Abyssinian started. "It overlooks the sea does it not?"
"Yes it does, but what does that have to do with it?" Not receiving an answer, Schuldich's shoulders slumped in confusion and defeat. He gave a long wail and threw his arms in the air. "I give up!" Suddenly he remembered the two more important clues that he found in Lilika's room while he was there. Bringing them out of his pocket, he handed them to the katana master, who in turn replied with,
"Wait........." as a smile crept up on his lips, a knowing glint in his eyes told Schuldich everything.
"You know who did it, don't you?" the smile getting contagious as it showed on the telepath's own mouth. Nodding, Aya replied,
"Get every one together. It's going to be one hell of an answer."
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AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally I get to the juicy part. Haha. You guys got any idea? Hmm? Wait for the next chap. Again please reread the first and third chap as I stated on top. With out doing so would leave you lost and bewildered as to why it ended as so. Haha. And while I do my part of typing chap 9 for you, do your part and......... REVIEW!!!!!!
-Gunning Angel-
Disclaimers: I apparently don't and never will own Weiss or Schwartz......... Makes me depressed just thinking about it. (Sigh)
Warnings: The usual......... shounen-ai bordering on Yaoi, Yaoi that has yet to be seen and supposed slight cursing that comes out way too often. ;
GA: yes! Finally! Got chap 7 up, now for chap 8......... Sorry again for the long wait minna. And thanks for bearing with me. But more over, thanks to aaaaaaaaallllllllllll the reviews. Oh, and GAK! I just found out a "BIG MISTAKE"!!!!!!! I made while I was rereading the previous chaps, hehehe, you see, I kinda made a mistake about Nagi's eye color.......... instead of a dark blue, I made it into chocolate brown, which in fact was supposed to be for his hair......... I only found it out as I read the first chap again......... speaking of which. Ehehehe. I made a few changes to the first and third chapter of the story. The first chapter is the first part and the one on third was somewhere in the middle where Aya and Schuldich went to visit Nagoi. You would to read those re-dos because if you don't, I doubt you'll be able to understand the next chapter. Teehee. (Prostrates herself in front of all the readers) FORGIVE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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The sound of numerous footsteps coming closer brought Aya out of his trance of having another dead body added to this already baffling mystery as a furious Akuro stormed into the scene. Well actually furious is only one of the words Aya would use to describe the man now kneeling beside the deceased lady, trembling uncontrollably.
The emotions, which he thought the old drugs dealer didn't posses, were all too evident on his face. Feelings he hadn't expected to be there when he had first arrived on the island. The usually calm and authorizing aura the man once held literally shattered as he lifted the body of the young girl and shook it slightly while murmuring her name, as if not believing she was truly dead. But, as expected, he was only answered with painful silence.
Aya stood in tranquil state of being as he understood perfectly how the man was feeling. How one's inside would churn and leave you barren when you lose someone you prize or one you hold close to your heart. How your heart feels forsaken and vulnerable to the world. He had gone down that road himself and he could only imagine the pain the old business man was going through.
Akuro had lost his beloved first wife to a man who took her away from him a couple of years back according to Omi's research and he had lost his daughter the other the day as a victim to a brutal murder, probably as revenge. And the most recent one as of now, had claimed the one he had promised to abandon anything and everything for, all for her.
Aya recalled last night when he and the telepath accidentally walked in on them with out the two lovebirds noticing and he could swear that the tycoon's feelings for the young lady were genuine, there's no doubt in that. The glint their eyes showed true passion for each other that Aya have somewhat envied. The mutual and loving emotions exchanged between them were stronger than life itself. The same feeling he never got to experience in the life he is living at present, a strong sensation unknown to the man except for when he sees others possessing it.
His hands balled into fists at his sides as he turned his head away from the scene when he noticed he couldn't take it anymore. Small pools of tears threatened to spill as he bit his lower lip trying to stop the pain seeping into his heart. He felt his hands getting shaky as his nails dug deep into his skin, almost making them bleed and knuckles turning white with pent-up frustration. He could somehow hear a soft conversation between the two other people in the room when he had arrived but he was too engrossed in his own thoughts to care.
Suddenly, a soft venturing finger was felt against the back of his clenched fist trying to soothe away the anger built up inside of the katana master as if saying everything was going to be ok. But who would......... Aya stopped his train of thought as that finger trailed down the back of his hand and tried to coax open the fist. The Weiss leader let the invading touch take its course as he slowly allowed the balled hand to relax. He felt soft digits, similar to the lone finger, grasp his palm and wove themselves into the space in between his own. Aya felt himself respond to the touch and entwined his fingers with the other man's. The hold then tightened possessively to his hand and he could sense the man's thumb graze his own, trying to appease the uneasiness of the sword master.
It's going to be fine Aya. he heard a soft reassuring nasal voice whisper into his head.
What do you mean it's going to be fine.........the younger man replied. it is far from fine Schuldich.the German knew right there that there was something wrong with the kitten just by the way his voice sounded.
The man lost the woman he was supposed to marry, and my head is on the line. HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE FINE?!?!Schuldich couldn't help but flinch a little at the way Aya shouted into his head. His telepathy was still on the fritz and straining it too much could prove to something close to fatal.
Sorry.the man beside him said in a voice no louder than a whisper when he noticed the cringing expression the German showed for the fleetest of moments. The telepath, in turn showed that he harbored no ill will by lifting the hand up to his mouth and, while nobody aside from the katana wielder was looking at him, gave a soft kiss to the back of the man's hand, earning a soft blush on the younger assassin's cheeks. As he captured the amethyst eyes in his own jade ones, the glint in them told Aya everything. Trust me, they seem to say to the Weiss assassin as a gentle smile appeared on the older man's lips, and Aya somehow felt himself nodding in agreement.
Time seemed to slow around them as the young sword master found himself captured in those green orbs and as to what seemed like an eternity came to a halt when Schuldich went back to being his old pompous self when he let go. Aya then retracted his hand from the touch pulling it close to his chest as a smirk appeared on the older assassin's lips. His pose showed no fear and it told Aya the easily practiced tact the man really had in situations such as these. With both hand now tucked on his blazer pocket, the German looked straight ahead with out even a sign of doubt in his stance. Aya then found himself admiring the man from where he stood a few feet away. He could tell without actually trying to that this man possesses something else aside from the cold demeanor he put out.
"How could you.........?" The soft whisper of words from where the old man knelt reached Aya's ears, bringing him out of his trance. Somehow a lump appeared in his throat as his mouth dried at the way he said the statement. A heavy burden suddenly found its way on Aya's shoulders when he noticed that he failed to protect another person from her fate.
"How could you let this happen?" The man repeated himself. The pang of guilt inside the young assassin grew heavier as he noticed that the tone of voice was not what he expected. He would have been ready for any harsh words spat at him or any threats, he could take those. But the way the old man had said it was not of anger but of disappointment.
"I trusted you. And yet, you let this happen to Lilika. Oh, my Lilika. My beautiful, wonderful Lilika........." Akuro's voiced trailed off softly as he bent down and kissed the pale white cheek of the unmoving woman, tears falling freely from his old and tired eyes.
The young assassin said nothing in his defense. He screwed up. He had let another one die while he was on the job. This was not part of the plan. His mission was to just kill the leader of the whole organization, who was in fact in front of him right now crying over the body of his loved one, yet instead he had four dead people, no lead on the killer and his mission not yet even finished. He would never hear the end of it from Manx.........
Licking his lips to try and calm himself down, he then noticed that the business man was standing and carefully brought the dead body with him, cradling the deceased woman in his arms. The man then slowly made his way out of the room, while doing so, Aya saw the stern look in those silver eyes as Akuro stopped just a few feet away him while on his way to the door.
"Mr. Hajime" the old tycoon started. "Will you please see me in my office, alone? I have a few things I wish to discuss with you." Aya then murmured a soft reply of acceptance as the business man strode out of the room with the lady still in his arms.
Aya, then letting out a soft breath, not knowing that he had kept it, turned around and was about to follow the gray haired man to the arranged destination when he felt a hand land softly on his shoulders. He stared at the tender landing of the hand before meeting jade eyes once more that day. The same reassuring look in them was still present.
"It's going be fine." The telepath stressed again. "Nagi and I'll hold down the fort here." The German said in a soft voice as he slightly tilted his head in the direction of the other two people in the room, namely Sakura and Jintarou who were now being asked by the young brown haired telekinetic to take a seat. Aya then realized that this was still a murder scene and by asking the people present, they would get another lead in this all too baffling mystery. Taking a quick glance at the couple seated together, still shocked at what happened, Aya allowed his eyes to close momentarily. This was too much; he though to himself before he felt the older man came closer and brought him in for a hug. It took him a while to relax in the embrace as he felt the telepath's lips graze oh so lightly on his temple and whispered something close to a 'just be careful' into his ear before completely pulling away with a smile on his lips.
"Go." The German said as he showed the younger man to the door and giving a friendly push to his back before giving a small wave of his hand mimicking a mock salute. "Ja."
Aya only nodded and gave a weak smile as he headed off leaving a German telepath at the door, which in turn chuckled to himself and reentered the room to help make more sense of whatever is happening here.
--
Big blue eyes looked at the young boy walking beside him as he rode on the white horse. Curious as to what the younger teen may be hiding from him and wondering if it was right to leave Nagi behind. They had been touring around the compound for some time now yet he hadn't been able to tell anything wrong with Yutaro nor bring himself to ask any questions about the young horse tamer for fear of asking the wrong questions. He was never any good at these things and he wondered if he would be able to ask something with out giving his true identity away.
Yutaro caught the look his guest was giving him at the corner of his eye as he smiled inwardly. With Nagi gone, he might be able to have some fun with the young boy. He had noticed how possessive the brown haired youth was to the lad now sitting on Clair and wondered what it was about him that caught both Nagi and his attention.
"See something you like?" the young stable boy tease as he turned to face Omi.
The young assassin instead looked away, hiding a forming blush at being caught staring. He hadn't intended to look too long at the stable boy but he couldn't help it.
"Sorry." The young sharpshooter replied, not knowing what to do. "I was thinking of asking you more about the specifics of how you found the body but I'm not really good at this." He finished with a chuckle.
"You needn't be shy Morabe-san." Yutaro said as he stopped his walking, causing the young mare to halt in her tracks as well and Omi to look at him. Placing a soft hand on the Weiss assassin's that was holding the rein, he continued. "You can ask me anything. You know that." A flash of emotion passed through the younger boy's eyes before Omi could catch it. The hacker found himself nodding to the statement as he forced a smile onto his lips.
"In that case Yutaro, I-." the statement was cut off by a hand lifted up by the horse tamer as he shook his head.
"Morabe-san, why don't we discuss this over lunch? It's almost twelve anyway and I was wondering if you would want to join me since we're already together."
"That would be nice Yutaro." Omi said in a happy tune. He hadn't eaten much at breakfast and was starting to wonder when lunch would show itself.
Giving a smile, Yutaro started to walk forward, continuing down the path into the forest.
"Ne, Yutaro." Omi called his attention. "Shouldn't we head back?" he said throwing his thumb over his shoulder to show the direction.
"Ah, don't worry. I have this nice place where it would just be the two of us. We can talk there with out being disturbed." Another smile plastering his face.
"O-okay, if you say so Yutaro." Giving a sigh and turning his attention to the road where Clair was now treading, he suddenly had this feeling of wanting Nagi beside him.
After a few moments more of treading through the growth of plants. They finally reached a clearing where Omi was surprised to see a red and white plaid picnic blanket spread on the grassy floor with a picnic basket placed atop it. Stopping a distance away from the cloth, Yutaro helped the young sharpshooter off Clair and gestured him to take a seat which Omi happily did. Taking one opposite the light blonde assassin, the stable boy reached for the basket and offered Omi a variety of food choices that made the Weiss hacker's mouth water.
"This is delicious." The blue eyed boy said as he but down on a piece of chicken leg. "You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble Yutaro."
"Oh, it was no trouble at all. Please, eat some more." The stable boy said as he pushed a plate of vegetables to the undercover assassin, another smile gracing his lips.
However, Omi was too busy eating to notice the smile turn devious and the glint of mischief on azure eyes.
--
Schuldich entered the room with a forced grin as he took a look around the place, mentally taking note of the surroundings. Sakura Shigin and Jintarou Koizumi sat beside each other on the bed provided in the room and by noticing the decorations of the place, it seemed to be a guest room. It was not any normal guestroom as one would have. For one, it lacked the usual dank smell of one not continually used, but it did harbor a few things that said it was. He soon reached the conclusion that this was provided by the old geezer for Lilika.
He noticed that the two people on the bed were still baffled at what had just happened so he asked both of them to narrate as much as they can as to what really went on.
"Well." Sakura started, "Lilika invited both of us to have a little drink. We sat there." She then pointed to a table and four chairs around it near the window overlooking the sea. "After a few laughs and all that, she started to act, funny........."
"What do you mean by funny?" the chocolate haired telekinetic asked both of them while Schuldich walked over to the area the woman said and started to inspect the part of the room. He remembered the body faced prone on the floor a few inches away from a seat and the short glass used for alcohol was still lying on its side.
Looking over her shoulder to her boyfriend, she returned her gaze to Nagi and continued. "She started to shake and hyperventilate all of a sudden. Her body went into shock and she stood up, dropped her glass of gin and started to clutch her chest, heaving in big gulps of air."
Nagi nodded as he saw at the corner of his eye a certain orange reddish fluff bending low and picking up the said gin glass still holding a few drops of her drink.
"And then........." the young hacker's attention went back to the couple as he saw them exchange glances. "Well, she collapsed. I tried to administer CPR, actually Jintarou tried to but since he lacked the medical training, I did instead. But it was too late. I swear it was as if she was having a seizure........." Sakura finished
"Lacked medical training?" "The Schwartz assassin asked.
"Yes," the lawyer said "Sakura had taken pre-med but her father told her to focus on family affairs instead since Yuriko had taken up show business. It would have been Yuriko handling the business if she hadn't decided to leave."
Taking mental note of it, Nagi continued. "You didn't notice anything else aside from that?" both shook their heads to the question. "Any body else aside from Lilika and the two of you but walked out later?"
"No, it was just the three of us in the room." The lawyer in turn replied as he put an arm around the secretary and gave her a hug, trying to assured her that it's fine. Schuldich then stood up from his crouched position and walked his way towards the couple and Nagi.
"Who poured the drinks?" the telepath asked as he stared down at the two seated on the bed.
"Lilika did so herself. She even said that we shouldn't trouble ourselves since she was the one who invited us in the first place."
"Hmm, I see."
"Can we go now?" Sakura asked. "I still need to go and see if my dad's alright." Both assassin's looked at each other and nodded, allowing them both to leave.
A few moments after the couple excused themselves; Schuldich placed the glass on Nagi's hand and began combing the area, leaving the young hacker to stare at the gin goblet. "What am I to do with this?" the chocolate haired boy asked with irritation.
"Notice the white residue at the bottom of the glass, Nagi boy?" the telepath said as he started opening drawers and peering into them, taking out a few knickknacks that belonged to the young girl and putting them back in when he found nothing.
"Yeah, so?" the telekinetic raised an eyebrow at the nickname.
"It, my dear boy, is 'Barbiturate'. You know the depressant drug?"
"Yes I know what Barbiturates are." Not seeing where this was going.
"Drugs, Nagi, when combined with alcohol are fatal if not quickly taken cared off." The German continued to search through other drawers, still not finding anything to help except a few dark dirt residues sticking to the recently deceased white clothes. "Which was probably what did her in. I thought they teach you that in school." A hand finding its way to his hips as he stood with an eyebrow raised.
"I know that Schuldich." The hacker said as he tried to follow. "Are you saying that one of those two placed the drug in with her drink and she didn't know, taking in the alcohol anyway?"
"I'm not sure. It could be one of them, it could be both. It could also mean that the glass was probably for someone else and Lilika became the victim of a murder that wasn't supposed to be hers." As he approached another drawer and went through a couple of clothes, he found a silver object lying on the bottom. Taking it out he noticed that it was a key with its end had an irregular cut, not the type that was used for ordinary locks.
Giving a shrug, he pocketed the key and as he was about to close the drawer, found that another item lay there. Jade eyes widened in surprise but he quickly recovered back to his smirk. Grabbing the object, he stuffed it in his pocket and went to Nagi. "There's nothing left here, might as well head back to the room. Aya's probably there waiting. I have to go get him first before we take lunch."
The blue eyed telekinetic nodded slightly and stood up. "I'll go find Omi. He might want to know what happened." Both separated when they reached the door saying that they'd meet back at their rooms after.
--
Aya managed to arrive at the office of the owner of this whole island and the real reason for him being here with out even noticing anything around him. It was as if he was under a spell. He couldn't even remember how he managed to find his way there in the first place. The two large mahogany wood-carved doors that seemed to be the entrance was what greeted him the moment he arrived, along with two men dressed in black standing in an alert manner on either side. They paid no attention to him until he finally made his way towards the door handle. One of the men then came to intercept him and of what he thought was a gesture to protect, was in fact a gesture to serve.
"Mr. Shigin is expecting you Mr. Shu." The man then took hold of the doorknob and twisted it slightly. "Please." He said as he opened the door for the redhead and gave a small bow and motioned the undercover assassin inside.
Once Aya had managed to step foot inside the lush carpeted room, the door shut close behind him with a soft 'click' forcing him to focus on the figure sitting a few meters away behind a wonderful antique desk. The room was exquisitely designed with a large overlooking window thrown at the far back of the room behind the desk allowing sunlight to enter the area. A few paintings hung here and there and small ancient figurines probably dating back long, long ago; all screaming expensive class. All of which though were ignore by the young man as he swallowed the lump in his throat and cautiously made his was to the man seated in front of him, willing his mind to stay alert and hopefully be able to get out of here unscathed. He wasn't afraid of anything the man would do to him but how this would affect the mission. If the man was angry in any way at him, it would mean getting kicked off the island or death at the very least. All of which leading to one conclusion, he would fail his mission to kill the man now a mere feet away from him.
"Please," Akuro said in a monotonous voice. "Take a seat." As he waved to an available leather arm chair placed on the opposite side of the desk. The young katana master obliged to the offer as he allowed himself to sit down.
Looking now at the man in front of him, he had opened his mouth and was about to start his apologies on how he had been careless to let this happen again when an old, tired hand rose up to silence him.
"We can talk about that later." The man's tone not changing in the slightest. "Tell me, do you know what that is?" he began again as he motioned to an old statue made out of stone sitting a little far off to the left from the redhead but close enough to be seen and identified as to what it was.
Giving a soft nod, Aya shifted back into the character of Hajime Shu, a man known for his great cultural knowledge in all arts around the world. He started to say that the stone carving was an original statue taken from the temple ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Created for their God Vishnu, it was one of the very few in perfect conditions to this date. He continued stating about its history and how the temple houses a lot of different statues composed of both Khmer and Hindu art as he told the story in a practiced ease.
As he finished, Aya noticed a small smirk on the old man's lips, as if threatening him.
"Interesting........." Akuro said as he sat back onto his leather chair, elbows propped up on the arm rest and fingers weaving themselves with each other and finding their way to under his nose, concealing his now thinning mouth. The glint in his silver eyes was something Aya found disturbing as the business man continued.
"Very interesting indeed."
"May I ask as to what it is that interests you sir?" Aya found himself asking, hoping that the man would hurry up and get to the point as he tried to get rid on an incessant knot in his stomach.
"Well, first off, I am surprised that you know a lot about this figurine that I had imported straight from Cambodia."
"It is my specialty sir." Aya said trying to keep calm. Something here was not right.
"Of course." The gray haired man said as he gave a slight nod. "But what concerns me is that the real Hajime Shu knows nothing about cultural artifacts. Much less how to solve a mystery." The silver eyes then narrowed tremendously at the end of the statement and Aya couldn't help but keep silent at the realization of his cover being blown.
"Sir, I don't know what you mean........." he chuckled softly as he tried to rectify this predicament and put a lighter note on the subject.
"You know perfectly well what I mean." Akuro replied to the redhead's statement. "You're not the man I had invited to my island. Who are you?"
"You must be mistaken sir, I am who Hajime Shu." the now nervous man started.
"Bullshit!" the older entrepreneur shouted as he slammed both palms onto his desk and standing up at the same time, startling the katana master. "You're trying my patience young man. The real Hajime is an ignorant idiot whom his father passes out as a man possessing great intellect. I should know the fraud of a man. I helped him build his and his son's reputation! Now, I am asking you one last time.........Who. Are. You?"
Under normal circumstances Aya wouldn't give up his name or profession but he was now playing with fire and if he refused, who knew what could happen.
"Aya Fujimiya, sir. Weiss." Red hair falling forward as he bent forward when he whispered those words, ashamed that he hadn't handled the talk well.
"I see." The tycoon said in a calmer tone as he sat back down staring at Aya at eye level. "You came here to kill me correct?"
The sword master's head shot up at how much Akuro actually knew and he nodded slightly as he responded. "Unfortunately sir........." averting eye contact yet again.
The older man gave a soft chuckle as he relaxed into his chair. "I had a hunch that this day would come. Though I hold no grudges towards you."
"Sir?" the young redhead questioned, not believing his ears.
Giving a sigh, the old man explained. "I have had enough with this life of mine. Dealing with drugs is my business but that doesn't mean I enjoy it. All I want is to enjoy life with those I love. But now," a tear slid down his cheek as he recalled the loss. "My beloved Lilika is away from me, I have no reason to be alive. You'd actually be doing me a favor." The sentence was ended with a chuckle.
The man eyed Aya for a moment before speaking again. "You wouldn't happen to be responsible for the deaths of the people here would you?"
"No sir. Of course not. My mission objective was to come here and kill you, no one else." Aya felt a bit weird telling his victim of his intent but it was necessary to prove that he was not a heartless bloodthirsty killer.
"Thought so. May I ask you one thing though before you take away my life?" his voice unwavering as he looked at the Abyssinian assassin.
Aya nodded, unable to say anything to the man now offering his life to him on a silver platter.
"I want you to find out who is responsible for all of the deaths on this island and I want to see his face when that happens. Do you mind keeping me alive until then Aya?" the redhead felt uneasy at being called by his real name but only nodded and replied,
"It would be my pleasure sir."
"Good. Thank you." As he spoke this, silver eyes gleamed with untold gratitude. Both men then stood and each bowed low as a sign of respect after Aya asked to be excused to continue with his search for the killer.
After the redhead assassin stepped out, a silhouette of a person standing just at the old man's right side and came out and questioned how he was doing.
"Are you sure it's fine to let him go?" the girlish voice asked.
"It will be fine, Sakura. I know you mean well but he is the only person who can solve this." The baritone voice of her father replied in contrast to the uneasiness in the girl's own.
"If you say so." Still not wanting to believe her father on it, but not saying anything else. She soon after left as well through the mahogany doors, leaving her father to brood over the happenings of the day.
When the two large doors closed behind his daughter, Akuro slumped down unto his chair and shifted his gazed to his high ceiling with a glint of sorrow in his eyes.
"Wait for me, love. After I find whoever did this to you and make them pay, we would be together as I promised........."
--
When Schuldich had returned to the room he and the Weiss kitten shared, he wasn't surprised to find Aya on the bed, with all the clues spread out on their bed and the katana wielder eyeing them all with consternation. Aya acknowledged the man's presence by giving him a glance and nodding. The telepath closed the doors behind him and made his way to stand beside Aya. Looking down at the clues arranged neatly on the bed, he told Aya what happened while he was interrogating the couple and that Nagi went to find his Weiss counterpart. The sword master in turn just nodded and continued to look at the objects sprawled on the bed.
An eyebrow was raised by the telepath as he found the silence of the younger assassin a bit unnerving. "You know, you looking at these items are good and all but if you really want something good to look at, might I suggest me on the bed with nothing but arms open wide for you." The German said playfully as he caught the man by his waist and gave him a hug.
"Schuldich." Aya started as he tried to pry away the hands. "Schuldich, stop it."
"Sheesh. I was just kidding." The telepath said with a pout and pulled away. "What's wrong with you anyway?"
Giving a sigh, Aya mumbled a, 'He knows who I am.' Five words of which spoke volumes to the German.
"The old geezer knows your true identity?!" not bothering to hide his shocked expression. Nodding, Aya narrated the whole incident with Akuro to a frantic German, who calmed down a little after knowing that Aya's life was not in real danger at the moment.
"That's.........nice, I guess." Schuldich said as he took a seat on an available part of the bed. "Did you find anything on Mira's diary?" Aya gave a smile to the change in conversation.
"Actually yes I did." Opening the pink covered notebook, he flipped to a page and gave it to the telepath to read through.
"Hmm." He started when both jade eyes widened in surprise and two eye brows raised to look at the katana master standing in front of him. "Mira and Nagoi?!"
"Yes," the Weiss assassin said as he explained it more thoroughly. "It seems that they both had a relationship no one really knew all that much about, which is why Mira had all those lovely things. Gifts from the good doctor himself for helping him with his blackmailing. Apparently Mira gathers the information around the island from numerous guests and give it to Nagoi, who makes the deal."
"Whoa. This day just gets better and better." The telepath said as he closed the diary and placed it on the bed with the other evidences.
"But I can seem to get the connection with all these murders. I get why Mira and Nagoi was murdered. They probably blackmailed the killer and got themselves killed in the process but I wish there was still something I can connect the last with." The sword master racked his brain for anything but nothing came up.
"There was something that I haven't told you Aya." The German said as he looked at the carpeted floor, fidgeting his thumbs as he refused to look at the katana wielder. "I just never thought it important, but........."
"But what?"
"The night before you guys came. The same night that Yuriko was killed. The reason why I didn't hear anything was because I wasn't there to hear anything."
"What do you mean Schuldich?" Aya's gaze landed on the German as he said this.
"Well, that night, when Yuriko came up from dinner, she was with Lilika and both where talking about their next album. They entered Yuriko's room and I was about to take my seat next to the door when Lilika asked me to get her favorite ice cream from the fridge downstairs in the kitchen." He imitated the recently deceased woman's voice, mocking her tone by adding dainty actions and turning his own voice several octaves higher.
'Oh, Mr. Schuldich. Can you be a dear and get me my strawberry, non- fat, dairy ice cream from the freezer? The walk in one? I want it put in a small bowl. Blue colored, not green. Two scoops, not one, not three, two. Equally cut out from the gallon. Use the scooper, not the spoon. I want them in a nice orb shape. With whip cream. The one in the refrigerator closest to the door since it's the imported one. A nice cherry on top would be a nice addition. And I want the cute little spoon. You can ask chef pier where it is. Thanks, love!' Schuldich finished his long impersonation by cursing something about women who are too bitchy for their own good. After catching his breathe, he continued, ignoring the shocked look on Aya's face.
"I did exactly what the woman wanted and when I got back, everything was still fine. I saw Lilika exit Yuriko's room, and gave her the goddamn ice cream and she left. Nothing was out of the ordinary so I let it slide." Holding his head in between his hands, Schuldich continued to stare at the floor.
"So you think that Lilika was responsible for those deaths?" Aya said finally breaking the silence as he digested the thought.
"No. Right after Lilika went out, somewhere in the night; Mira came to do her daily duties of helping the diva with her nightly routine and soon left with out showing anything wrong. She even smiled and engaged in a nice conversation with me. After she left though Sakura came along, went in and after a few minutes came out. Still not showing anything was wrong."
"You didn't hear any talk behind her doors?" Schuldich shook his head in response.
"No, I didn't. Even in the previous nights. Guess they talk in hushed voices when I'm there. Ch'."
"Yuriko's room," The Abyssinian started. "It overlooks the sea does it not?"
"Yes it does, but what does that have to do with it?" Not receiving an answer, Schuldich's shoulders slumped in confusion and defeat. He gave a long wail and threw his arms in the air. "I give up!" Suddenly he remembered the two more important clues that he found in Lilika's room while he was there. Bringing them out of his pocket, he handed them to the katana master, who in turn replied with,
"Wait........." as a smile crept up on his lips, a knowing glint in his eyes told Schuldich everything.
"You know who did it, don't you?" the smile getting contagious as it showed on the telepath's own mouth. Nodding, Aya replied,
"Get every one together. It's going to be one hell of an answer."
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AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally I get to the juicy part. Haha. You guys got any idea? Hmm? Wait for the next chap. Again please reread the first and third chap as I stated on top. With out doing so would leave you lost and bewildered as to why it ended as so. Haha. And while I do my part of typing chap 9 for you, do your part and......... REVIEW!!!!!!
-Gunning Angel-