A/N: Hahaha… Late update again. Ahehehe… well anyways. I made like a side fic/ prologue thing, It's called "Leave Me". It's a one-shot, song-fic. And I'd really appreciate it if you read it. Please read and review it! And this too! Hope you enjoy!

Please forgive typos

Disclaimer: Ya… You know this right?

Claimer: I own stuff. Mine.

Warning: OOC stuff, other things that I'm not sure of, made up stuff

Locked

Chapter 10

"What?"

It echoed in his head. Like a bell, a rather happy ringing bell that he just wanted to break and throw away. She touched the wick and it lighted up again and he saw her face, her lips curved in a calm smile. Was this her intention? To get him killed if ever he was of no use? Then she placed the candle back on the floor.

"What I'm about to teach you is far from all laws you know in this world today. If you cannot grasp it quickly… it just means you are unworthy and therefore must perish." He gulped hard at the calm reply. She really does hate him… taking those last words about being sincere back… "But, I'm confident you'll be able to learn it so don't worry." She stood up. "I'll leave you to ponder on that for now, I have things to do. Just call me when you get the answer to my question."

"What question?" He asked. She kept silent and walked up to the door, her shoes tapping lightly. She reached it and opened it letting the hallway light barge in. "You didn't really give me a question to answer… just vague comments about fire…"

She turned back at him, with a calm smile still painted on her features and he just sat back and waited for her reply. "That my friend… is what you may have to find out." With that she disappeared from his sight. Closing the door lightly.

As she walked farther down the hallway, she felt the rapid vibration of her cell phone. She drove her hand inside her pocket and took the silver folded object, as it rang and vibrated. She unfolded it, pressed the button and placed on her ear.

"Hello? Tsujiimoto speaking. Oh, Christopher. How nice of you to call. No, no, I'm fine. Something just got out of hand that's all." She laughed. "No!" She laughed again. "Well, that's great. What? A Cruise? You want me to go? Oh but… well I don't mind much. Auction? Oh that's why… I see… Sure, I'll go. Hai, hai I get the idea. Yes, I love you too." She laughed. "Yes, very much. Bye." With that she pressed another button and whoever she was talking to was gone. She twitched. I can't believe I had to say that…

"Not good, huh?"

She heard the very familiar voice and she turned around to see the American. A calm expression plastered on his face. "I saw it in my vision… Since the long sleep ended."

She smirked and Crawford finally reached her and halted in his steps. "Once again… you never warn me about these things…"

"Well, it's all too amusing to miss." He answered coolly. "So, a 5 day long trip… from Tokyo to an unknown island and back to auction off weapons and such. Isn't that illegal? And not only that we have to leave in 2 days…" He tried to mock. He was never really good at it, in that sly tone. But because of that fact it makes it sound all the more degraded.

"We always do illegal things and I don't hear you complain about them. Wait, I don't hear you complain, period." She said with a smile and he grinned back. She was right, Crawford wasn't the obedient puppy who'd follow her everywhere. He just knew what to do and she'd know what to do and since they both knew it was already like following each other's orders. Schuldig whined a few times, but he's still as crafty. "And this is an auction, the morph might be there."

Crawford looked out the window. He sensed he's been sleeping for a long time now and he presumed the reason why there was no noise was because Schuldig had also fallen asleep. He grinned. What would the future hold this time?

llllll

The next two days went by fast. Crawford had gone back to his own place to prepare and so has Yasumi. She instructed Ran to prepare for both himself and Schuldig for a 5 day cruise. Not like he had a choice, sometimes she was too intimidating and he had no other alternative but to follow. He had packed his own bag first, then Schuldig's which was a little harder because he didn't exactly know what he would want to wear.

On the day of the departure, Schu awoke, and as soon as his eyes were open both Ran and Crawford had carried him to the van. And much to the German's surprise, since he just awoke with a yawn, then to be dragged to some heavily tinted vehicle without even a proper explanation. As soon as everyone was inside the van drove off toward the docks.

"IS anybody going to explain to me what's going on?" The German remarked after a long silence. The only woman of the group took another vehicle and another route toward the waterfront, in order to give the illusion that she had no accomplices other than Lupus and Leo.

"We're going to find the missing morph. And in order to do that we have to go to Mr. Winter's cruise and take part in the auction." Crawford replied calmly. He took his spectacle and began to clean it with the edge of his coat. "So we have different identities, once again with the name changing…." He paused. "Schuldig, you'll be known as Lance Vilhem."

"Vilhem…? Seriously? Can't you people think of better names?" He grinned and Crawford gave him a pointed glare.

"Anyway, you're mafia so it doesn't matter. And you're ally and business partner, Ran, who will now be known as Kazuo Onsen. Don't worry about talking to Yasumi. The Onsen are also allied with the Tsujiimoto Empire. Ran is now registered as Onsen's younger son. No flaws. The Onsen sell Tsujiimoto various weapons, we had to make us all linked in order to create the illusion that we're all here for business." He put the monocle back on his eye. He looked at Ran who returned an impassive stare. "I know you don't want to get involved but that very same day Schuldig abducted you, it will obviously lead you here." He paused. "Trouble."

The swordsman gave out a small sigh. "I'm not that bothered." For Aya-chan's sake… I will kill for her again if it was the only option. Even if I don't want to… He told himself and averted his gaze out the window. He started thinking about Yasumi's lesson. But then he'd end up thinking about… absolutely nothing and space out. The very idea was some kind black hole that took away other thoughts, it was too weird.

/Problem, kitty?/ He heard the voice of the German in his head. /Wonderful, how I can do this again…/

/Ah… well, not really. Nothing you have to worry about, at least. I'll be fine./ At that remark he received a concerned glare from the German beside him. /I didn't I say not to worry…/

/I know but still… the very reason why you were in you're previously sad state was because of me… and now…/

/I'm all right, Schu./ There was a eerie pause. /And it's not like you to be so worried. I'll be fine, I was just thinking about things and you know…/

/Yes, you think too much…/ Ran looked at him and the German gave him a warm smile. One that he barely sees but it will now be treasured. He liked seeing it. /Be careful, ok?/ The swordsman returned the caring gesture with a half smile.

/Hai./

After a short while the vehicle stopped. They all took their time getting out and the first thing Ran took notice of was the large white boat. Around the area was but of course the clear waters of the sea and on land were the surrounding vehicles and a bunch of VIP's. Followed by the plenty of bodyguards. There were plenty who he noticed were not Japanese. The driver on their vehicle began unloading their bags from the van and a bunch of other finely suited men came and started boarding them inside the ship.

Ran looked up and noticed how clear the sky was with only a few fluffy white clouds that crawled quite fast due to the gentle wind that made his hair and clothes dance along with it. Ahh… The sea. He noticed he barely knows much about it. He can only read it in books and watch it from a TV but he never stopped to visit and speculate it for a few seconds. This made him realize that when he had become an assassin he had missed nearly everything one must enjoy in life.

He shook his head.

Now he's thinking way too much.

Before he could start his march toward the ship he noticed something burning through the back his skull, immediately he paused. He never felt such a sensation before. Like it was real fire burning… burning…

"Surely, you can see the flame that is suppose to be burning me now has no effect. But what is it that has to surely burn, me or the fire?" She moved her hand upward a centimeter away from its original position and the fire burnt out. And now they were surrounded by darkness.

"But how certain are we that there was any fire to begin with?"

The idea came to him with a snap of a finger. She was explaining to him typical feelings, a certain type of skill that can be found in any other person's life. It was simple! Premonition and perception… how these two is related to mental and spiritual prowess, it is by the view of one to understand if it is reality or fiction. In this case everything is nothing and something is everything…. The world of subconscious has no known bounds therefore considered limitless and at the same time unreal because everything has a limit… but the limit is unknown therefore it is infinite. Everything is real. You just have to know what to consider.

He got it!...

Darn he thinks too much…

I wonder if anyone understands…

As he was in the semi-happy phase of finally understanding the complex teachings. He still noticed the burning sensation. He moved his eyes to a side glance trying to make it less a obvious that he was becoming wary. With that he saw a man, lean, tall, and slightly tanned complexion. He had silver hair, with ends dipped in crimson. His eyes kissed with the same color of his hair, red with the mix of platinum. He was off another direction but Ran could feel he was looking at him. He dressed in a white button up shirt and jeans with leather shoes and was off to a less fancy entrance into the boat.

He works in the boat… He told himself. "Kazuo!!! Yo!!!" He finally noticed his other name and quickly forgot about the strange man. He looked at the boat to see the German waving at him, looking impatient. He was probably calling his name for a long time but didn't bother to notice because he wasn't used to hearing it. "Damn it!!! Don't just stare at me because I'm an idiot!!!!... well acting like one…" There was a pause. He noticed how everyone was looking at the German or him, like they were a bunch of loons who broke out from the asylum and they were either too freaked or too scared to go near them. "MOVE!!!" Came a slightly louder but sing song holler.

Ran sighed. Sometimes, that other man needs to be more sensitive to things like these… With that he walked toward the boat.

llllll

And it was fancy. Within the boat were bright chandeliers and red carpeted floors. The paintings on the wall in the main hall were beautiful and there were so many people exploring, who were finely clad in silk and fabric, some even in animal fur and skin. He then remembered he had never been in a boat before, not even in a mission. And never in his life a boat like this… until now of course. He felt something tug on his arm and he looked down.

A little girl, fair skinned around 10 years of age. She had glowing dark blue eyes and silky long blond hair that was kept from her face was a golden hair band. She was wearing a pretty frilly dress. She had a very innocent and confused look on her face, her head tilted to the side as he stared into Aya's amethyst orbs.

"Yasumi-neesan?" She said questionably. Her head still tinted to the side. Ran eyes widened in shock. Why would she think that? And how would he know the young president? "No, you're not her. You look like her!" Ran laughed nervously.

"Yes, I'm not Yasumi. I'm a friend of hers though." Hell I don't look like her. She's the very spawn of the evil… Who is dying to have my head chopped off if I don't grasp her technique… And where on earth is Schu? He moved his gaze to his surroundings. The German wasn't around, weren't they just walking in here just a few minutes ago. He looked back down at the little blond stranger who was still so happy looking. He kneeled down beside her and gazed into her eyes. "I'm sorry to be so rude, not to introduce myself, my name is Kazuo Onsen. Nice to meet you, miss…?"

The girl's smiled brightened even more. "My name is Juliet Veronica A. Valerian Vervain. And I'm very glad to meet you to Kazu-niisan!"

Fidelity… Sophisticated… Enchantment… He spoke in his head. Being a florist had its worth, flower language was indeed one tongue worth learning. It was a graceful way of communicating. He gave her a half smile. It was all good… except the fact that he lost Schuldig… Damn German… Wait… Vervain… He thought for a moment. It sounds so familiar… OH… Hell no… this girl is…

"The daughter of John Vervain… a man who sells women to all sorts of people. Mr. Onsen." Ran heard a voice behind him. It was seductive and well smoothened with a foreign tone, English tone. The sword master stood up and found the man he saw enter through the other opening. Juliet became even more happy and ran up to the intruder, hugging him and hanging on to the man's shirt. He was a commoner no doubt and very much out of place with his eyes and hair.

"Kazuo-niisan!" The happy blond remarked as he dragged the silver haired man, catching the red head off guard as he flinched back. "This is Aedës. He's my bodyguard!" She said once again in her high pitched happy tone.

The foreigner outstretched his has hand and Ran took it into a handshake, although hesitantly. He got his hand back after the uncanny vibe he was getting as silver plated crimson eyes stared at him with a look he's seen once too many times that it was no longer healthy.

The man was checking him out. He knew all too well he was. The flirt-ish gleam in his eyes, the amusement and excitement. The way he'd make his small gestures, a simple movement, the way he blinked and the fact that he knew his name when they just met. Ran has got another admirer, the joys of being him…

"Kazuo," He heard the sound of a German slang and felt an arm wrap around his shoulders. A taller body pressed not firmly to his side but enough to give a an impression of ownership He looked at his side and found Schuldig and on his face a smirk of amusement and a small hint of annoyance as he stared at the silver highlighted-red haired man. "What's up?" he paused. "Aedës." Came an impassive tone.

"Schuldig." Came a cold tone from the other man. Ran looked at both of them in confusion. They know each other? "Or should I say, Lance."

"Heh. I'm not surprised to see you here… but I suppose it's better we talk some other time."

"I didn't come here to talk to you." Aedës replied with a purr. "I just came here to say hello to something interesting." He eyed Ran possessively and Schuldig gnashed his teeth. He pushed the younger red head back a little behind him protectively.

/He's mine. Back off./

/Oh is he?... well…/ He silvered haired man took Juliet by the hand. "Come now, Julie, we have to see your daddy." He said with a smile which looked fake to both the red heads' eyes. The girl responded with a nod and she looked up at Ran. "Bye, niisan! I hope we see each other later!" She squeaked. And they both started walking another direction.

/I'll just have to get him from you then, Schuldig…/

llllll

"Who the hell was that?"

Ran questioned irritated. They were now in Schuldig's suite, bed and floor covered in fur. The walls were white and the lamp of a slightly yellow color which was the reason why the German had abandoned him in the main lobby. They had both walked there in silence and now since there was nobody around now was the time to interrogate.

"He's a talent. RosenKruez. He was also a scapegoat. And no we don't get along." Schuldig answered, slightly irritated. Ran shrugged at the tone and saw the man sit on the couch by the round window. The boat has already set sail and they were already in motion but there was no sign of Crawford nor Yasumi. "Crap… Why does Brad have to be so lucky to stay clear from him? I bet he didn't even see it in his vision. If he did he would have warned me…"

"What kind of talent does he have?" Ran asked. Taking his seat on the side of the bed. Schuldig looked at him with a serious glare.

"He can make dreams… And he learned a healing art. He can make you go insane in your sleep. Make you end up day dreaming all day and the next thing you know it your dead. He was one of the best. If not, maybe as good as Schwarz."

"He's that dangerous, ah?" Ran asked and the German nodded. The swordsman studied the other man carefully. He looked so vexed and his eyes like they were being drove into a pit of loneliness. The swordsman looked at him. "Schu?" The telepath buried his face in his hands.

No reply.

"Schu?" Ran stood up and went close to him. Trying to comfort the guy. What would that other foreigner had done to get him so upset?

"He stole my stuff!! He's a klepto!"

Silence…

"Eh?"

"My clothes! My shoe! My toothbrush!!! Ran, the man is insane! And he stole my other hat!!!" Schuldig said exasperatedly. And a large sweat drop appeared on Ran's head. He was too weird. "I loathe him…" Ran sighed. Schuldig is Schuldig. And the German grinned. "Aww… Ran was worried about me?"

"Oh, Shut up…" Ran said with a hint of scarlet on his cheeks. And he stood up. Everything is complicated… Before he could get away he felt, the other man grip his wrist tightly. "Schu, I don't want to argue with-.."

Before he could complete his sentence he felt warm lips pressed on to his own. His eyes widened in shock at first then he closed his eyes to hold on to the moment.

Ran tasted exotic. Like wine. It was delicious, finely made from the best of products. Taken time to become so rare and tasty. Most of all, he was addicting, dangerously addicting. It was almost as horrible as it was fantastic to savor. Bathing in what is both holy and evil. That's probably the definition of addiction. The German pulled away from the kiss and gazed into Ran's purple eyes. They looked at him with a hint of confusion and yet something deeper he couldn't quite grasp. He moved closer to Ran and whispered into his ear, "Let me take you away from here, Ran… Let me make you mine…And I too will belong to you…"

The other red head couldn't answer. He didn't know what to say or do. But he loved the situation he was in now. But he didn't understand why he'd feel that way… fear? "I don't know… I can't…" He said hesitantly. "I never…"

"Don't worry. I'll teach you." Came the seductive whisper. Then he felt the foreigner's mouth on his again. As he was pushed and they both fell on top of the fur covered bed, there was nothing to be worried about now. Everything would be sealed in that room, everything would be locked.

TBC

Hah… there. A cliffie coz I lab you all. Hehehe. Keeping it PG-13, by the way. Lemons and limes are pretty hard for me to do. (which is not a bad thing…) Although, I don't mean the cliffie… but yes, it's a lot better that way. I guess. Don't kill me…

Comments, Suggestions, other stuff… VERY welcome

Please R&R