Disclaimers: Do I own Weiss Kreuz and all the related characters? Nope, just the weird ones [Farfarello doesn't count].

Thank you to all of you who still hold on to the hope that I finish this story without too many breaks in between each chapter. Seeing as how life has taken a very interesting turn, I hope to continue to indulge in my writing despite the other commitments in my life.

This is dedicated to all of you who still await each chapter of my "grand" epic. Thank you so much for your reviews and reminders!

Chapter 15: Coveting the Unknown

Baron's Tokyo Residence

As the sun rose, Rothschild watched its rays touch and glide across the pale skin of the slumbering witch. Majel had slipped into a deep sleep after losing consciousness from the earlier absorption of the demonic power. Except for the slight rising and falling of her chest, one could have easily assumed that she was dead. Rothschild on the other hand, did not indulge in the luxury of slumber. He was still alert and his body thrummed from the earlier energy he had sipped from her. He remained seated in his chair, his left hand cupping his cheek in thought.

Outside of the room, Kanta paused before tapping lightly waiting for the Baron's voice to usher him in. Placing the tea tray by the side table, he bowed before making his way out. Only the Baron's question halted his leave.

"Kanta, has Mr Sato contacted you regarding his whereabouts?"

"No sir. Mr Sato has merely said that he will call when he is ready to be picked up," Kanta replied quietly.

"I see." That single phrase almost made the chauffeur cringe. Rothschild was not pleased with his Japanese contact's seemingly flippant disappearances. Only his pet witches were allowed to indulge in such capricious behaviour simply because it served his greater goal. Kanta bowed once more before hurrying out. He hoped that Sato would call for him soon; Kanta had no wish to see the man 'removed' from the Baron's service.

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In the room down the hall, Michiko lounged among the thick pillows while idly twirling a lock of her unbound hair. Her thoughts were scattered and indistinct but only because she willed them so. This was because she was willing the Sight to emerge and guide her. She was not purely a pre-cog like Crawford but her abilities were similar to that of Momoe-san's. If compared, Crawford's abilities could be considered the lesser to that of the two.

The thoughts that flashed across her mind's eye included that of the girl Sakura, her dream guy, the men of Schwarz and Weiss and that of the Hunter. Michiko's magical mirror had revealed the various players and she had watched with delight at the battle that had unfolded. She had paid particular attention to several of the men from the two groups as they appeared within the mirror's depths. Once Majel awoke, she would discuss with her Twin regarding these individuals.

From this confusion of visual images, a sequence finally emerged and Michiko smiled in triumph. Once things start to fall into place, the Summoning could begin. But first, any and all obstacles needed to be removed and as far as Michiko was concerned, it could prove to be a real pleasure.

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Weiss HQ

Omi wearily made the coffee while Ken raided the fridge for anything edible. It was now eight in the morning but none of them had got any rest. At the kitchen table, Yoji tiredly rubbed his face while waiting for the coffee to brew. Ran was nowhere in sight. It didn't take a genius to know that the redhead had immediately left for the Koneko after grudgingly driving the rest of the team back. As for the three, they had been praying desperately that they would return home in one piece, preferably alive.

Yoji and Omi had barely enough strength to walk up the stairs after that hell-raising ride home. Ken had been dumped onto the couch since they couldn't bother to drag him up. The brunette had had that petrified 'deer caught in the headlights' look when they left him there. After a restless night, it was agreed almost instinctively that they start their day. And now they were in their kitchen trying to understand what the hell had been going on.

Breakfast was cold cereal with milk and it somehow perked them up enough to start speculating on the events of last night. Yoji was surprisingly considerate of his team-mates and did not light up as per his custom. He had easily gone through two packs during the night. As each finished his meal, he pushed the bowl aside and waited for the others to finish. It appeared to be an unspoken agreement whereby no talking would happen until after they finished eating. Finally, Omi pushed his bowl aside and looked up at his companions.

"Do you think Ran would bring Aya-san back here?" Omi asked quietly. The other two frowned at the question and Ken spoke up.

"Knowing Ran, he probably would. After that fight…" There was a pause as Ken recalled the incident.

"If he brings her here, Manx'll give us hell," Yoji muttered as he brushed a stray curl aside.

"But Aya-san's his sister, Yoji!" Omi's eyes widened at the subtle implication behind the chestnut blonde's words.

"I know that, Omi. But how would he explain to her about last night? I sure as hell don't!" he snapped in reply.

"There's something really fishy about this and we'll only find out about it tonight," Ken said having brushed aside the earlier conversation. There was a thoughtful frown on his face and the low tone captured the others' interest.

Yoji sighed and stared into the coffee dregs of his mug. "I don't know if I can handle anymore surprises."

"I still can't believe that it was Aya-san that survived that fight. That guy was a very serious fighter and he had those strange powers…" Omi shook his head at the memory. "I don't think we'll be able to handle another Schwarz," he added ruefully.

"I don't think they work for Schwarz. Crawford's too set on his team and that guy didn't look like he was part of it," Ken stated matter of fact.

"I didn't know you were all that interested in psycho-analysing Schwarz, KenKen," Yoji teased.

"Why not? Sorry I don't live up to your idea of a simple soccer-minded guy?" Ken retorted.

"Please don't start arguing," Omi pleaded. "We'll wait for Ran-san to return before discussing this any further, okay? It's time to open the shop."

Yoji groaned and Ken smirked at the man's obvious dislike of the early shift. Unlike him, Ken had the later shift and planned to take the free time to get some decent shut-eye. Omi collected the bowls and turned to face Ken.

"Oh, before I forget. Ken-kun, you'll have to fill in for Ran-san since I have to prepare the report for Manx."

Yoji laughed at the brunette's stunned expression before tossing the apron into his face.

"Guess I get the last laugh eh, Ken-Ken?"

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Schwarz HQ

Crawford lay propped up on his pillows, his mind methodically going over the events of the night before. Through the drapes of his bedroom, he could see the glint of sun rising in the horizon. He liked it as it was a daily reminder to begin his morning routine - a certainty that comforted him. Today, however, it was an unwelcome reminder of his duties. Given the utter chaos and cock-ups at the warehouse, he now had to handle the fallout and begin damage control.

For a moment, he wished he had Schuldig's room at the opposite end of the hall. The only time it caught the sun's rays were in the evening and that was generally the cue for the German to rouse himself from bed. Unfortunately, today was not a sleep-in for any of them.

"Might as well wake the guy up," he murmured with a cruel smirk before mentally focusing his 'wake-up' call and releasing it. Given the proximity and close daily contact both mentally and physically, the telepath had developed a particular sensitivity to his team's focused thoughts. Coupled with his current weakened state, the effect was more pronounced. Needless to say, the effect of Crawford's intense mental call was like a very loud alarm clock set to maximum volume within his head.

"Mein Gott!" The German cursed and swore as he tried to untangle himself from the blankets while pulling himself back up onto the bed.

"Get up, Schuldig before I send Nagi to wake you up," came the curt after thought once the horrible jangling started to fade from the telepath's internal hearing.

"Ja, ja, I'm up!" Schuldig grumbled as he managed to tug the clingy blanket off.

Sitting on the bed, he tiredly rubbed at his sleep-heavy eyes and tried to focus on regrouping his mental processes. They should not be working today especially after the disaster of the night before. Even as he tried to pull himself from the bed, his eyes drooped downwards defying his will before succumbing to sleep and gravity. A loud bang jerked him awake and he saw Nagi standing by the door. The teenager looked like hell but the sharp glint in his eye warned the German to get moving.

Waving his hand in an 'I know, I know' gesture, Schuldig stumbled into his adjoining bathroom. He knew what the teen was capable off when pissed and he had no desire to experience it today. Nagi would always deliberately turn the water to cold before using his telekinesis to toss him in. The worst part was when he would 'trap' Schuldig in there until he was sobered up enough to satisfy him. It was absolute torture for the hot shower-loving telepath.

"Crawford says to take a quick breakfast before meeting in the computer lab. If you dawdle or fall asleep again, I have every right to throw you into Crawford's tub. And we have extra ice in the freezer." With his message and threat voiced, the teenager walked away.

"Who the hell pissed in his fruit juice?" Schuldig grumbled around his toothbrush as he hastily brushed his teeth. Five minutes later though, he was propping his feet on the table and sipping a stolen cup of Crawford's piping hot coffee.

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Majel dreamed. It was not so much a dream as a revelation. Within the borderless expanse of her mind's inner eye, she watched the procession of images pass by her in waves. They flew pass her, around her, above her, until they surrounded her. Each image showed a promise of what would be given to the one who released It from the seals that bound it within the Nether Realm. Majel allowed herself to be swept along and felt her hidden desires burst forth.

"Yes, yes, YES!"

The words escaped her lips in a shrill hiss. Just as suddenly as they appeared the images disappeared, swallowed within the darkness of the mind's infinity. In its place was a shadow that appeared indistinct, its edges blurring as it approached her. She drew back in fear as it reached out to touch her. But even as she tried to escape, she found it appearing in front of her. Finally it caught her and Majel felt a powerful shock rock through her.

She felt the energy flood her body like molten fire. It burned and she screamed in agony. She brought her hands to her face and cried out in horror at the thick scabs that formed over them. Her skin peeled off her in putrid strips and she collapsed onto the ground writhing in pain and fear. It seemed like an eternity of torment but as fast as the pain came, it left her. Now, a strange calm blanketed her. The energy that had flooded her now thrummed within her veins. Her unholy baptism was complete. The servant of the Great Demon was ready to serve her master.

For Majel, the dark powers she now possessed were the fulfilment of her deepest desires - the master's promise to his loyal servant.

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Author's Notes:

I took a rather long time with this. I think I went a little melodramatic for Majel's dream sequence. I don't even know how this chapter actually worked itself out. The only part I really enjoyed was writing about the Schwarz household. I think our maladjusted assassins are rather fun to write about. Hmm, maybe I should daydream a little harder to get this story into shape. I'm starting to lose focus – look at the pointless Weiss dialogue… I'm so ashamed.

Anyway, the notes here are very short. I just don't know what to say about this chapter. Hopefully the next one will be fun to write. So please leave a review to tell me what you think. Till then, ja mata ne!