Gamblers of Life and the Games they Play
by: purplerose28
CaseII: Retrieve the Brightest Star…
"Good MorWOW!"
"Ginji, what are you talkWOW WOW! MAMA MIA!"
"Good morning too Ban, Ginji. You two got good nose and knew the perfect time to come." Paul said to the duo that has drools on the side of their mouth.
"What's with all these delicious foods?" Ban asked with his eyes feasting on the foods in front of him. 'What a beautiful sight in the morning.' He thought.
"Is it your birthday, Master?" Ginji asked as he too looked at all the kinds of food placed at almost all of the table in Honky Tonk. He has never seen foods this many. There are dumplings, different kinds of viands from chicken to meat and sea foods too. The food that caught his attention most were the…"WOW! SWEETS!" Chibi-Ginji yelled in delight when he spotted the cakes, chocolates and all the sweet foods he loved the most. It was placed on the booth beside the counter where Paul is.
"WOW! JAPANESE FOODS!" Ginji's partner exclaimed upon seeing a bunch of sushi and other kinds of Japanese food he loves the most. Ban can smell the food's sweet aroma circling the whole place. He can't wait to taste all of it.
"Good Morning, Ban-san and Ginji-san." Natsumi came out from the kitchen carrying a chocolate cake with lots of icing on top. Ginji and Ban looked at it as if they were on a spell. They didn't hear Natsumi's greeting to them.
"Go ahead parasites eat. It's in the house. " Paul said. Chibi-Ginji and Chibi-Ban doesn't need to be told twice. They dashed and chow down the foods. They can't seem to make up their mind on what they are going to eat first. You can clearly see the exact words running through their heads right now.
'WOW! This is heaven… FOODS for FREE!' Their eyes were gleaming with so much delight as they eat.
"What can you say? Delicious?" Natsumi asked then gave Chibi-Ginji and Chibi-Ban a cup of green tea each. She didn't get any respond for their mouths were filled with foods.
"Natsumi-chan, don't even consider that you can talk to them while they are eating." Paul said. Natsumi just laughed with the looks on the duo's face. They are eating as if they haven't eaten in years. "Pigs." Paul muttered with a smile on his face.
"Master, why are there so many foods?" Ginji asked after he drank half on the green tea that Natsumi gave him. He then started to eat the chocolate cake that Natusmi brought from the kitchen. He is still on his very cute chibi state.
"Someone is upset." Paul answered.
"Huh?" Ginji can't understand it while Ban doesn't seem to care for all he did was eat. He even asked for another cup of green tea from Natsumi after he emptied his first cup.
"Somebody I know that when very upset spends her entire day on the kitchen cooking all sorts of foods." Before Ginji can ask Paul who he was referring to, a lady came out from the kitchen wearing a plain gray colored apron. You can clearly see the annoyance on her lovely features.
"Good morning, Major." Came the cheery voice of Ginji smiling up at Major Hajime but it quickly turned into a disappointed face when Major didn't mind him at all. They heard the loud and upbeat music coming from her headphone when she passed by…
It was a once-in-a-millennium love
The land and sky moved for the two of us, Those days we could do anything, COME BACK
The misanga I threw into the midwinter sea
Completely vanished without a sound, The breakwater was a burning red in the afternoon sun
The waves were beautiful like spangles, weren't they
So go ahead and smile
Don't turn away, come on, let's go!
…after getting something from the cupboard she went back to the kitchen with the loud music still playing.
JUMP out of your dream and embrace the storm! Don't stay stuck on an ISLAND forever
Search for that endless clear sky, Even the wounded seagulls fly off to die
Hurricane of tears
This throbbing feeling, HOW TO MAKE IT?
Couldn't see passed the dazzling neon lights, Those enticing memories move my heart
"What's wrong with Major lesB?" Finally Ban seems to care to give his comment on what is happening around him but that didn't stop him from swallowing the whole fried shrimp followed by another.
"SHUT UP PINEAPPLE HEAD! I'll put poison on the next food you'll eat!" They heard Major Hajime shout from the other room.
"Yeah…yeah. Sure!" Ban yelled back then he whispered to his self. "Yeah sure, Major lesB."
"Major-chan is very upset." Natsumi replied. She noticed the mouth-watering pasta placed on top of the table her left.
"Why? What happened?" Ginji questioned Honky Tonk's owner that was now eating a tasty apple pie. He then asked Natsumi when he noticed Paul was busy looking at the apple pie. "Do you know what happened?"
"I don't know what exactly happened because when I arrive here Major-chan was already at the kitchen cooking. Master can you tell us what happened." Natsumi remarked. She listens to Paul while eating the pasta. 'Delicious.' She took another spoonful of it.
"She was assigned on a case and she has been investigating it for almost two weeks now. She told me that she already knows the suspect and just needed a hard evidence to prove who it is but then this morning when she went to their headquarters she just found out she was pulled out from the case." Paul said and ate another slice of pie. 'I'll ask her to cook me this again so I can add it to the menu. These taste so good.' He thought.
"LesB is upset over that simple thing. What an idiot." Ban commented not aware that the lesB he was calling was just behind him.
"PAK!" The loud thud of something hard hitting Ban's head sounded on the coffee shop followed by Ban's loud cry of pain.
"I heard what happened. Is there anything we can do to help?" Ginji asked kindly to Major who was now sited to his left between him and Natsumi. He can still hear the song coming from her headphone.
If a flower can bloom from asphalt
It is sure to become so beautiful, but how much can one do on its own
DO YOU KNOW about fate? Though, WHAT CAN I...
Salty rain like this
Doesn't hide my emotions, so come on, let's go!
All the more reason to JUMP out and embrace the storm! There's a brighter SUNSHINE beyond
This fruit is almost ripe, The whole world is disembarking (CHU)(...?)
Hurricane of tears
"I don't think you can help and I'm pulled out from the case so that means I don't have the authority to take any actions unless I was ordered by my superiors." Major Hajime said with frustration evident in her voice. She turned off her CD player that was inside the left pocket of her apron. Ban watched through the corners of his eyes as Ginji and Major talked. He noticed her long jet-black hair fixed in a braid that was up to her lower back. On their first meeting her hair was concealed by the short wig that she is wearing to disguise herself and when he saw her on the bathroom it was covered with a shower cap. She's good in disguising even him didn't notice that she was a girl. She really looks like a guy at that time and even move and act like one.
"These are the best foods I've ever tasted… you cook so well, Major." Ginji said changing the topic. Food seems to be a good topic to take away her annoyance. Meanwhile, Ban saw her thin, two-inches-long, silver cross earring on her right ear as his gaze drifted to her face to observe it. She has thin, pinkish-red lips with a dot-like mole beside it, smooth rosy cheeks, a nicely-shaped nose and bluish-green eyes with another mole under her right eye. He never noticed it before because of the ray ban that she was wearing at that time. He noticed too that she has removed her apron. She was now wearing the same clothes as before but without the trench coat.
'She really likes music.' Ban thought. He noticed her always carrying her CD player and listening to different songs. He quickly looked away when Major noticed him looking at her. He focused his self on the tasty sushi she made. For the first two weeks of Major lesB's stay in Honky Tonk it's only now that Ban got to see her up close. Whenever he and Ginji hangout here on the coffee shop they will see her talking with somebody on her cell phone, through her headset that is connected to it, then she will leave. They won't see her return because Paul throws them out when he is going to close the shop.
"Thanks." Ban heard her say. Ginji finally saw a smile on Major Hajime's face. "Please just call me Ayorih." She added then thanked Natsumi for the cup of tea.
"Then please call me Ginji. I don't like the corn head or the miss." He said as he scratched the back of his head. He got another one of her rare breathtaking smile and he doesn't know why but he felt kinda shy to Major Hajime. "Why do you call me corn head? Is my head shaped like a corn?" Ginji asked naively. This made Ayorih laugh and Chibi-Ginji blush.
"Coz your hair is yellow and the first thing that came in my mind was a corn." Ayorih said and smiled at Chibi-Ginji again. She finds him very nice and funny because of his naivety. She can see that Ginji is totally different from Ban.
'Wow… she's so lovely.' Chibi-Ginji thought as he looks at Ayorih with very big and glittering eyes.
"You didn't put any love potion here to make me like you, did you?" Major Hajime's smile turned into a grin on Ban's comment. Ban's face soon became a look of shocked when he saw Major Hajime holding something familiar to him, a black rectangular object with three buttons. "Hahaha… I'm just kidding. You're the greatest cook in the world." Ban said. He knew so well what that object is and he doesn't like it.
"That's the lasers' switch." Chibi-Ginji quickly turned back to normal when he recognized the switch to the car's security device two weeks ago. "Master, you have a laser here?" He asked surprised.
"If MISSY doesn't stop pestering me I'll sure install lasers here so every time he insults me he'll loose a part of his body." Ban felt relief that there wasn't really any installed security device on the coffee shop particularly the lasers. "Great idea, right pineapple head?"
"I think Master doesn't need that. Right, Master?" Ban asked.
"I think that's a great idea for those who don't know how to pay their debt. When can you put it?" Paul asked his twenty-one-year-old niece.
"I'm not busy right now. Just give the go signal and I'll put it." Ayorih said with a wide smile on her face while Ban and Ginji's face was a picture of panic. A cell phone rang. "Save by the ring." Ayorih excused herself and receive her call. She gets her cell phone from her pant's right pocket then wore its headset. Ban and Ginji sighed in relief.
"I think I'll buy a headset just like Major-chan's... I'm sure I'll look cool like her." Natsumi said as they all watched Ayorih talk with somebody on the phone. Her face was cool, calm and composed. Ban can see authority in her. Blend her in a crowd and he is sure she'll stand above all.
'She's definitely one of a kind.' Ban thought. Then after almost four minutes she was dashing out of the coffee shop with her trench coat not completely put on.
"What's with lesB?" Ban asked. "OUCH!" He winced in pain when he felt something hard hit his head yet again. It was a tray. "What the…" He saw Major Hajime standing behind him with scowl on her face.
"I heard you!" She said then caught a set of key that Paul threw at her. "Thanks." Then she's gone again with her Ducati motorbike that Ban has been fantasizing to drive for two weeks since he first saw it parked outside.
"Idiot!" Ban grumbled as he rubbed the spot where he was hit for two times in less than an hour. "Ginji, let's go." He didn't have the chance to stand when Paul threw something at his face.
"Apron… what for?" Ginji asked looking at the pink lacy apron with laces on it that was threw at him. Ban's apron was light blue with a picture of a kitten sewed on the right pocket.
"Wash the dishes." Paul commanded.
"WHAT?" Ban exclaimed.
"The foods are free. Why are we going to wash the dishes?" Ginji asked.
"That's the point! I was so kind to let you eat for free so now you can pay me by washing the dishes or do you want to pay cash for all the foods you eat?" Paul already knew the answer that caused his triumphant smile.
"Major lesB really is Paul's niece. They think alike." Ban said and Ginji agreed to that. Both sighed in defeat and looked at the pile of plates that they are going to wash.
"The invincible Get Backers are going to wash the plates. Good luck." They heard Paul said as they go inside the kitchen followed by Natsumi's chuckle.
"Damn it! The next time Major lesB got upset I won't go here." Ban muttered angrily and then he wears his apron.
"It's ok Ban-chan at least we got to eat very yummy foods and it's all for free." Ginji said while he put on his apron then turned on the faucet. He heard Ban mumble something but wasn't able to understand it so he just let it slip away and begin washing the mountains of dishes. After almost seventy five minutes of soaping and washing the mountains of plates and Ban's endless complains the two were finished and was really exhausted.
"I think all the foods I've eaten were drained because of washing those stupid plates." Ginji heard another whine from his partner as they exit the kitchen. He saw the clock by the wall, twenty minutes before one o' clock.
"Are they the Get Backers?" Ginji heard from the man that was sited on the booth beside the window. He saw Natsumi nod her head as she placed a cup of coffee on the table. "Are you sure?" The man asked again doubting that the two men wearing an apron were really the retrieval experts that he was looking for.
"They are the Get Backers mister… believe it or not." Paul stated as the two removed their apron and afterward walked towards the man.
"What do you want?" Ban asked then sat opposite the man. Ban looked at him while Ginji sat beside him. From the looks of the man Ban can say that he was on his late twenties about twenty seven or twenty eight. He has bright blond hair, squared-jaw with pimples on both cheeks, wearing a grayish-green polo shirt and black slacks over a long roll overcoat made up of light material. The man's accent tells him that he is a British.
"I'm Henry Switzer."
"Hello I'm Amano Ginji and this is my partner Mido Ban." Ginji smiled warmly at him and he smiled back at the blond guy.
"What's your story?" Ban asked. He is still infuriated because he washed the dishes and told his self. 'I should think a way to get even with Major lesB.' He noticed his client took something from his pocket and showed it to them.
"Who is she?" Ginji asked as he looks at the photo of a smiling young lady with long wavy brunette hair.
"She is Evelyn Smithson, daughter of the late Neville Smithson."
"Do you know Neville Smithson, Ban-chan?" Ginji asked interrupting Mr. Switzer.
"No. but I know someone by the name James Smithson." Ban replied.
"Mr. James Smithson is Mr. Neville's great great grandfather." Mr. Switzer informed them.
"James Smithson is a British mineralogist and chemist, whose legacy provided for the foundation of the Smithsonian Institution in 1846." Ban said.
"Smithsonian Institution… what's that?" Ginji asked.
"It is the largest museum complex in the world and a major center for research and education. The Smithsonian consists of 16 museums, the National Zoo, and several prominent research centers. It has headquarters in Washington, D.C., where most of its museums are located." Mr. Switzer stated.
"Another cup, sir?" Natsumi asked. Mr. Switzer nodded and Natsumi gave him a cup of coffee then she left to let them talk.
"The institution's collections number more than 140 million items, from masterpieces of modern sculpture and the world's oldest fossil to the original compass used by the Lewis and Clark expedition to the American West. The Smithsonian museums share these collections with the public through exhibitions, lectures, symposiums, school programs, concerts, festivals, and publicatio…"
"Enough with history Mr. Switzer and go straight to the point what do you want us to retrieve?" Ban asked impatiently. Mr. Switzer took another thing from his pocket and showed it to Ban and Ginji.
"Wow!" Ginji looked at the photo then asked Mr. Switzer. "What are this?"
"Have you heard of the Star of Africa?" Mr. Switzer asked.
"Yes. It's a very beautiful diamond that costs millions of dollars."
"Left part of the picture is the largest of all known diamonds -– the Cullinan –- discovered in the Premier mine in South Africa in 1905.The Cullinan weighed 3106 carats when the stone was cut, a total of 105 gems were produced, weighing 1063 carats in all. The largest of these was a drop-shaped stone called the Star of Africa..." He pointed to the right part of the picture then continued. "…530.2 carats, the largest cut diamond in existence…" Ban butted in again.
"Mr. Switzer what exactly do you want us to retrieve, the diamond or the girl?"
"The diamond." Mr. Switzer replied.
"Ehh… why?" Ginji asked.
"I know you're thinking I'm greedy but I'm not. My family has been serving the Smithsons for centuries, guarding the museum's treasures and the Smithsons have treated us as their family. We arrived here in Tokyo one month ago for business. Two weeks ago we were on our way home after attending a meeting. I was driving the car with Ms. Evelyn and her father on the back sit. We were talking about the meeting when all of a sudden I lost control of the car." He paused when the coffee shop's door chime sounded. All looked to who it was.
"Himiko-chan! What are you doing here?" Ginji asked surprised to see the beautiful Lady Poison. Kuduo Himiko, nineteen years old with deep blue-green hair and a pair of lovely purple eyes. She is four feet nine and has a star tattoo below her right eye. She was in a group with Ban and her older brother Yamato before Ban met Ginji but their group was dispersed after her brother's death which she blames on Ban. She has a big grudge on Ban but she has gotten over it. Up to now she still doesn't know the truth about her brother's death.
"I want some coffee so I came here… got problem with that?" Kudo Himiko asked then she sat in front of Paul. She's in good terms now with Ban and Ginji, and has worked with the Get Backers several times.
"As I was saying…" Ban and Ginji returned their attention to their client. "I remember trying to control the car; I heard Ms. Evelyn's scream then all went blank and the next thing I knew I was on the hospital bed. I asked what happened to Ms. Evelyn and Mr. Smithson. They told me Mr. Smithson died on the accident while Ms. Evelyn was missing."
"Have you referred this to the police?" Ginji asked.
"We have and two weeks have already passed and they don't have any leads yet. I think the police here lack skills and trainings." Mr. Switzer commented.
"Oh how sweet of you Mr. Switzer. Thanks for the compliment." All three men looked to where the voice came from and there they saw Major Hajime Ayorih. "Mr. Switzer if we lack skills and need more training you wouldn't be here drinking that coffee coz you'll be dead even before you can set foot outside your private plane when you first arrive here." She stopped and walked towards them. She sat right next to Mr. Switzer and said. "I think we deserve some respect and credit but if it'll come from you I think I'll pass."
"Easy Major lesB." Ban said and received a glare from Ayorih then she turned to Mr. Switzer again.
"Remember me?" She asked.
"Yes. You were assigned on Ms. Evelyn's case but from what I've heard you resigned on the case. Maybe because you need more training and you lack skills for the job." Mr. Switzer retorted.
"Looks like you heard it wrong I didn't resign I was withdrawn from the case. Guess you lack skills and needs more training in using your ears and common sense." For a while the two had a staring contest.
"What the heck are you doing here Major lesB?" Ban asked interrupting their mini contest on whose gonna melt first and die right there and there.
"Mr. Switzer I think I know what you want from this two." Ayorih said. Mr. Switzer wants to say something but Major didn't let him utter a word. "You already knew that Mr. Smithson's daughter was kidnapped after the accident that killed Mr. Smithson and from what I see I believe you already knew about the Star of Africa."
"The gem is very beautiful. I can't wait to see it up close." Ginji added.
"The kidnappers want the Star of Africa in exchange for Ms. Evelyn's freedom." Mr. Switzer quickly butted in. "That's why I wanted you to retrieve the diamond for me. I need that to get Ms. Evelyn back. I need it as soon as possible or Ms Evelyn will die. I already failed to keep Mr. Smithson alive I can't let Ms. Evelyn die as well. It's my duty to protect them and I don't want to loose her." Sadness was evident in his voice. "We were to be married when we get back but then this happened."
"Save the drama later I have a question. Where is the Star of Africa? Do you have any idea on where we can find it?" Ban asked.
"It's the family's most important treasure. Their clan had it for centuries. It's priceless and one of a kind. Only Mr. Smithson and the Vice President of Smithsonian Institution -– Mr. Akihiro Chesterton -– knew where it is hidden... I told him that I need it to save Mr. Smithson's daughter but he don't want to give it up saying that it's a priceless treasure and is very important." Mr. Switzer explained his hands curling into fist on top the table. "He is so heartless!" He exclaimed and pounded the table.
"Easy lover boy… where is he hiding the Star of Africa?" Ban asked.
"It's hidden on Mr. Chesterton's mansion on Shibuya behind the Japanese Folk Art Museum. It's the meeting place of the Smithsonian Institution here in Japan. The place is highly secured…" Major Hajime interrupted Mr. Switzer.
"We won't have any problems with that."
"Care to fill us in Major lesB?" Ban asked but she didn't mind him.
"I think you won't be needing the get backers to save your lady I can do this for you for two million." Ayorih said.
"EEHhhh! He is our client Major lesB so stay out of this!" Ban exclaimed.
"You haven't closed the deal."
"We'll take this." Ban said.
"Don't worry anyone can partake and I'll pay one million each. You have two days to get the Star of Africa. I'll be back here to get it on Sunday." Mr. Switzer said. "Is that fine with all of you?"
"Prepare the two million Mr. Switzer you'll have the diamond even before Sunday." Major Hajime said with confidence.
"You can't do this you're a police and your duty is to help without anything in return. Abusive, corrupt, lesbian police!" Ban exclaimed. "And why two million you're all by yourself. GREEDY!"
"I was pulled out of the case so right now I'm offering my services as a civilian and since you two are getting paid for your services why can't I." Ayorih said.
"We can work together." Ginji suggested.
"NO! We will not work with lesB!" Ban said with finality.
"That's fine with me. I have no intention of working with spiky boy either. I'll do this somebody else."
"Somebody else? Who are you working with?" Ginji asked.
"Himi-chan." Ayorih called out.
"HIMI-CHAN!" Both Ban and Ginji have a surprised looked on their faces.
"Finally." Himiko said and walk on the table where Major Hajime and the others are.
"Sorry to keep you waiting Himi-chan. Did you enjoy your coffee?" Ayorih asked at Himiko.
"It's good. So when do we start?" HImiko asked going straight to business.
"Wait a minute… you know each other?" Ginji asked. He noticed that the two were talking as if they knew each other for a long time. Ayorih even called Himiko by a nickname "Himi-chan".
"Of course." Major and Lady Poison replied in chorus.
"How?" Ginji and Ban asked both at the same time.
"We've known each other for almost three years now. Himi-chan delivers stuffs for me when I'm to busy to do it. She's really good. The best deliverer I've known." Major Hajime replied.
"Ok enough story telling let's get to business." Himiko said.
"So what you're plan? Is there anything I can do to help?" Mr. Switzer asked.
"We got everything under control. We'll just call you if we need anything." Major Hajime said.
"Thank you very much. I'll give your payment on or before Sunday." Mr. Switzer said and all watched as Natsumi escorted him outside.
"Thank you for coming. Please come again." They heard Natsumi said.
"So what's our plan?" Ginji asked not to Ban but to Major Hajime.
"Ginji we will not work with them." Ban said.
"Use your pride some other time you need our help and we need you both as well. Let's work together I already have a plan." Ayorih said.
"We won't work with you!"
"Ban-chan…"
"Don't Ban-chan Ban-chan me eel-boy and just shut up!" Ban exclaimed.
"So how do you plan on getting the Star of Africa? I heard Mr. Chesterton's mansion is highly guarded by the police. He requested their protection and assistance to make sure no one can get inside his mansion." Himiko stated.
"Nothings impossible to the get backers we'll get that diamond before you and Major lesB."
"Oh well if they don't want to help that's fine with me. We can do this Himi-chan. Too bad I plan on giving them my one million but if they don't want it…"
"So major what's our plan?" Ban asked as he lean on the table with his arms and looks straight to major.
"Greedy!" Ayorih said as she looks into Ban's eyes.
"Thank you." Ban said with a smirk.
"Hey Un-chan can I use your computer?" Ayorih asked as she stands up and walk inside Paul's computer room.
"Your already inside how can I say no?" Paul heard his cousin yell thanks then called out for the others to follow her inside.
"Wow! I didn't know Master have a computer this big." Ginji said once he, Ban and Himiko were inside the room. Ayorih is already seated in front the pc with Himiko and Ban beside her. Ginji stood behind her and look to the monitor. He watched as Ayorih type on the keyboard and it reminds him of Makubex and everyone in Infinity City.
"How do you exactly plan to get inside and pass the security without getting caught?" Himiko asked as she looked at the monitor.
"That's easy."
"Stop blabbering and just say it." Ban said.
"Easy pineapple head!" Ayorih said as she continue to type and look for whatever she is looking for in which Ban, Himiko and Ginji doesn't have any idea.
"You're hacking your own office?" Himiko asked.
"Yes. Right now I'm a civilian and have no authority to access on our main computer so here I am hacking it to get what we needed. If I got caught I'll be suspended. Okie here it is." After several clicks on the keyboard and mouse, images were now on the screen.
"What place is that? There so many police." Ginji said as he observes the images on the screen there is a total of ten different scenes all playing on the screen. Police were everywhere guarding the front gate, front door and all over the place.
"This is Mr. Chesterton's mansion. Look at the seventh image. Star of Africa is hidden there." Ayorih said. At the seventh image two guards were standing five feet away from the door both were alert and ready to whatever might happen.
"Neat." Ban said. 'She's really good. We won't have any problem in getting the diamond.'
"The door can only be opened by a password but not any coded password. You'll need Mr. Chesterton to open it. It's a voice activation password." Ayorih typed something and the scene change on screen seven.
"That must be the Star of Africa." Ban said. The room was small with two spotlights from above were directed at the center where a box was atop a beam like table with a transparent glass with same structure surrounding it.
"Correct spiky boy. The room has lasers…" Ayorih click the mouse and the lasers became visible. "…the glass surrounding the gem can only be removed by voice activation as well."
"So how do we get in?" Himiko asked.
"I can hack the security so one of us can get in easily. I'll record the places where one of us will be passing by that includes the hallway and the room where the diamond is then I'll turn off the security cam and play what I recorded so the guards won't see anyone sneak in." Ayorih explained.
"What about the password? How can we pass that?" Ginji asked. Ayorih got a mini disk on her pocket and inserted it on the CPU. One click here another there...
"I see dead people!"
"Eeehhh… that's the password!" Ginji said in disbelief.
"That's the most stupid password I've ever heard." Ban said.
"It sure is." Himiko added.
"Ayori-chan where did you get it?" Ginji asked.
"I was assign for the case so I know all about it and I'm the one who installed all the security devices in the mansion. I recorded Mr. Chesterton's voice last week just in case something like this happens. I have a feeling that the car accident was intentional." Ayorih said.
"So you think Mr. Chesterton planned the whole accident thing to get the Star of Africa." Himiko said.
"He is not my only suspect and I have to prove it first. Let's do this. Who wants to volunteer to get the diamond?" Ayorih asked. All eyes look on one person.
"EHH... WHY ME?"
...Chesterton Estate...
"Can you hear me?"
"Yes I hear you loud and clear."
"Good. Now move your butt MISSY!"
"SHUT UP LESBIAN!"
"Good luck Ban-chan."
"SHUT UP Ginji. This is your fault. " Ban said then he muttered something else that the others didn't hear. He heard Ginji's apology for the second time.
"Now go to your right then to the third floor." Ban heard Ayorih said from the other end of the line.
'Why did I even agree to do this? This sucks.' Ban thought as he makes him way to the stairs to his right. He lost the voting when Ginji voted him to do the job. 'That traitor.' It's not that he can't do it but he knew Major Hajime is making his life miserable. He can see it in her eyes and he is sure this is part of her plan. Here he was in a big mansion all alone wearing contact lenses with camera on his eyes then a small headset with microphone.
"Go to the far left and you'll see an air duct go inside. Go straight it'll lead you to the room the location of the Star of Africa. " He heard Ayorih's instruction from his earphone then he almost slip on the floor when she yelled. "MOVE IT!"
"I swear I'll make you pay lesB!" Ban said angrily. His voice was a whisper but firm. He went inside the duct and does as what is instructed. "I'm here."
"Wait a sec I'll play my little movie clip first then remove the lasers." Major Ayorih said. Ban waited for a while then when he saw the lasers were gone he stepped down from the duct. "Now spiky boy do you see a mini speaker below the glass?" Ban replied yes. "Face your microphone on it." Ban does what major ordered him and soon he heard Mr. Chesterton's voice password.
'What a stupid password.' He thought upon hearing the password for the second time. After that the glass slowly moves up. Ban move near the box and carefully get it. "Got it." He then replaced it with the same looking box that Ayorih made. Inside it was the fake Star of Africa that he doesn't know where Ayorih got it.
"Now get back to the air duct and get out of there. Himiko will pick you up and we'll talk about the second step." Ayorih told him.
"What second step?" Ban asked as he stepped out from the air duct and move to the stairs.
"We'll get Ms. Neville Smithson."
"But Ayorih-chan that's not part of the job." Ban heard Ginji said.
"You think I'll give you my share without something in return… that's silly."
"I knew it." Ban grumbled as he went to the back door exit. He heard two rings from the other line then Himiko's voice.
"Get spiky boy then go back here for the second part." Ayorih said.
"Got that. Bye."
"Take care Himiko-chan." Ginji said then Himiko cut the line.
"What are you planning?" Ban asked. He jumped on the mansion's fence and run to the place where Himiko will pick him up. "I tell you one million is not enough for me and Ginji."
"Don't worry I'll pay you another million if you do this right."
"Major lesB your not doing anything illegal are you? Where do you get all your money?" Ban asked as he walks on the abandon street of Shibuya. It's already two in the morning and no vehicles are passing by. Not even a single soul.
"Just do your job and I'll pay you… I'm not paying you to question my source of income."
"Fine..." Ban said. 'What a cranky woma… lesbian.'
"So what's the plan?" Ginji asked.
"I'll tell you everything once spiky boy and Himi-chan is here. I'll prepare something to eat." Ayorih said then she left Ginji on the computer room.
"Hey Ban-chan! You there?"
"Yeah." Ginji heard Ban's reply. The computer screen shows him what Ban is looking at.
"Ayorih-chan is really cool, right Ban?" Ginji didn't get any reply. He can see the black and starless sky that Ban was looking at. 'What could he be thinking?' Giinji asked his self.
"She's a monster." Ban said with a chuckle. He heard Ginji laugh as well. 'She's cool and… crazy.' He has never met any girl like her. She's full of spirit and very competitive…very different.
"What do you think is she planning?" Ginji asked him again. Ban can tell that his partner is fascinated with the female FBI. He is too but he would never admit that to anybody not even to his self.
"Maybe she plans on capturing the person behind Mr. Smithson's death and Ms. Neville's captors or it could be anything. No one knows what runs on that mind of her." Ban replied. Long silence came between the two until Ban heard Himiko's vehicle coming. "My service is here." Ban waited until Himiko stopped in front of him.
AN: You knew Himiko's vehicle right… the motorbike with a mini passenger seat… the one she used with Greyman on the sunflower painting... remember that episode?
"Hop in." Himiko said. Ban sat on the passenger seat and the two were quiet on the first ten minutes of the ride.
"Himiko-chan how did you met Ayorih-chan?" The two heard Ginji asked. The night was quiet and the breeze was blowing softly.
"I encounter her in one of my mission. I was to deliver stuffs and I didn't know its stolen items until Ayorih-chan was behind me and chasing after me. We had a fight and I tell you she's really good. I lost but then she didn't arrest me. She let me go in one condition." Ban was quietly listening to Himiko while she drives. Ginji can see the long road Ban and Himiko were passing by. "I'll deliver a couple of items for her in exchange for my freedom. I did for free and I thought she is like the other corrupt police I hear about but I was totally wrong. Before I leave for the mission she gave me one rule…"
"Never kill anybody. I don't know how you'll do it but I don't want to see any corpse… not even a single one." Ginji said. "I remember it very clearly." He added with a smile. Ban can never forget that too. Those words earned his trust and respect to Major Hajime Ayorih.
"Yes that's right." Himiko said and paused again as if she was replaying it on her mind. "I thought she won't do what she promised but she did. She let me go and for that I respect her so much." There was a long pause.
'Just like what she did to us.' Ban thought about their first encounter with Major Hajime Ayorih two weeks ago.
"What happened next?" Himiko heard Ginji asked again.
"Tell me Ginji do you like Ayorih-chan?" Himiko asked with a smile on her face.
"Umm…I…" Ginji heard Himiko laugh. He felt his face warm up. "I find her really cool and she's very nice." He replied shyly.
"Nice? She's a monster!" Ban said. Himiko and Ginji didn't mind him. Himiko continued her story.
"After that she called me again and asked if I can deliver something for her again with payment this time. I did a couple more deliveries for her and there are times she call for my help. We became good friends since then. She has saved my life many times and I really admire her. She is a very strong woman."
"How come we don't see her on Master's shop? Where does she live?" Ginji asked. They've know Paul for a long time but he haven't mention that he has a niece and they don't see her coming to the shop either.
"She was assigned in America a year ago, that's the year we all met and when the whole Infinite Castle fiasco happened, she became an FBI agent in America but before that she is a special secret police detective for two years, that was the year before the paths of the Retrievers and the Deliverers crossed. For her whole year of stay in America we didn't have any communications until this morning when she called me."
"Gin-chan come over here! The food is ready we'll wait for Himi-chan and spiky boy here."
"The monster is calling!" Ban announced.
"Coming!" Ginji yelled. "Hurry up guys or I'll eat all the foods." After that he went inside the café. Silence came between Ban and Himiko who both have different thoughts. After another ten minutes they were back at Honky Tonk. Ginji greeted them. They saw him sitting at the far left booth. "Welcome back!" Himiko sat opposite to him while Ban sat on the counter. He can smell the aroma of hot coffee. After a minute, Ayorih came out from the kitchen carrying a tray with cups of coffee and a big plate of sandwiches.
"Welcome back." Ayorih greeted them with a smile. Ban watched her as she went to where Himiko and Ginji were. She gave them a cup of coffee each and placed the big plate with lots of sandwiches.
"Thanks." Himiko said followed by Ginji. "Where's Paul?" She asked.
"Un-chan is already asleep." Ayorih replied as she went to Ban and hand him his coffee. She went back to the kitchen and then back. She sat next to Himiko.
"So what's running in your head?" Ban asked as he stares at the cup of coffee. "You didn't put anything here, did you?"
"I can put some if you want. What do you like hydrochloric acid, carbolic acid, bichloride of mercury, or ammonia?" Ayorih asked nonchalantly as if she is just asking if Ban wants some sugar or milk in his coffee.
"I think I'll pass." Ban replied and drank his coffee. He should've mentioned anything for Ayorih always has a comeback for him to make him shut up.
"As what I've stated before I was assigned to this case and for two weeks I've been investigating. I already have my suspect but when I saw Mr. Switzer here my suspicion changed and I want to solve this case and since I don't have authority right now as a police I'll hire the three of you. Now like what I've said I'll pay another one million for you Gin-chan and Ban. I'll pay you to Himi-chan."
"So what exactly do you want us to do?" Himiko asked as she sipped her coffee and ate a sandwich.
"Here's the game plan… we'll call Mr. Switzer tomorrow morning and give him the Star of Africa. We'll follow him to the kidnapper's hideout. We'll be divided into two teams. First team will go with Mr. Switzer without him knowing and the other team will be saving Ms. Smithson. I'm sure the negotiation won't go smooth so team one will back up Mr. Switzer to make sure he is alive then we'll all meet back here." By now Ban was already sited in front of Ayorih. He and Ginji were eating all the sandwiches like they're going to die tonight.
"Hey Ban-chan, that's mine!" Ginji exclaimed as he try to get his sandwich from Ban.
"HEY!" Ban yelled when Ayorih snatch the sandwich from his hand and give it to Ginji.
"Thanks Ayo-chan." Ginji said and when he looked to his partner he received a defiant stare. Ban looked at Ayorih and thought.
'She's so unfair.' Ayorih then gave her own sandwich to Ban.
"Fair enough?" She asked but she didn't receive any response from Ban just a surprised look that quickly faded away.
"Who'll be in team one and on team two?" Himiko asked.
"Himi-chan I'll leave Ms. Smithson to you. I need to be in the first team and see for myself if my hunches are correct and for Mr. Switzer's safety as well." Ayorih then turned to the get backers. "Who's coming with me?"
"Ban-chan should go with you. He is more skillful in combat and good in making decision." Ginji suggested even thought he wanted to be in the first team with Major Hajime.
"I agree." Himiko added.
"Is that fine with you spiky boy?"
"Sure Major lesB."
"Now all of you can stay here for the night and we'll execute the plan tomorrow." Ayorih said and drank her coffee.
"Where do we sleep?" Ginji asked.
"You two sleep here. I'll give you pillows and blanket. Himi-chan you can stay in my room."
"What? She sleeps on the bed and we sleep on the chair." Ban complained.
"If you don't want to sleep on the chair you can sleep on the floor or outside." Ayorih said. She went to the other room and called for Himiko to follow her. They can hear Himiko and Ayorih's footsteps going upstairs.
"Women!" Ban stated with annoyance. "I mean woman and lesbian are so annoying! Especially a lesbian who is an abusive poli…"
"BLAG!"
"Shut up or I'll make you sleep outside." Ban removed the pillow that was thrown at his face and saw Ayorih standing with two more pillows and two blankets. 'Wow! Smell so good.' He thought sniffing the pillow that was thrown to his face. It's covered with a black and white checkered pillowcase.
"That's Un-chan's pillow so don't droll on it." Ban threw the pillow to Ginji feeling disgusted. He thought it was Ayorih's pillow. "Gin-chan, that's my favorite pillow so take care of it."
"Yes!" Ginji replied with a wide smile. He smelled it. "Ayo-chan it's so fragrant..." He pressed his face on the pillow. "…so soft and fluffy too." He was very delighted as he hugged the pillow tightly. 'I'm so happy!'
"Ginji don't hug it to tight. LesB has a contagious disease… you'll be a gay tomorrow when you wake up." Ban said.
"Goodnight!" Ayorih exclaimed and threw the remaining things in her hands at Ban who fell on the floor butt first.
"Ouch! My butt! Damn it! One day I'll get you!" Ban cursed under his breath.
"Goodnight Ayorih-chan." Ginji said. Ayorih left them and the two to fix their sleeping place. "Goodnight Ban-chan." Ginji removed his green vest. He lie down on Ayorih's deep green colored pillow and hug another one that is as soft, sweet-smelling and fluffy as the other. He heard Ban said goodnight and before he went to sleep he covered his body with Ayorih's matching blanket. 'I'm sure I'm going to have a pleasant sleep.'
Ban turned off the lights and then went to where he will be sleeping. The booth's chair is soft and a little comfy but still the space is too small. He removed his white polo shirt and lie down wearing only his pants and grey undershirt. He looked at his partner who looks very happy. A chibi-Ginji with eyes closed and with a very pleasurable smile on his face.
'Hmmp! LesB is so unfair.' Ban wants Ayorih's pillows and blanket instead of Paul's. He's sure he'll have a very pleasant sleep if he has those. He wanted to snatch them from Ginji but he is too tired to plan how to steal Ayorih's stuff from his partner, Ban just went to asleep.
When Ban opened his eyes the sun was already up. He saw it was almost eight in the morning. He looked around and didn't saw anyone. He can feel his upper body ache for staying in one position for the whole night.
"Finally you're awake." Ban heard somebody spoke and when he looked behind him he saw Ayorih came out from the computer room. She was wearing an oversize black t-shirt and a short. Her hair was gathered in a messy round coil on the back of her head with few strands falling from it. He watched her walked pass him and saw her long and shapely legs. "Are my legs good enough for you? Do they meet your standards?" He heard her asked before she went inside the kitchen.
"Where are Ginji and Himiko?" Ban asked instead of responding to her question. His face is still a little flush from being caught staring and he knew Ayorih is making fun of him again. He fixes the place where he slept and tries not to think about her legs. He folded the blankets and pile up the pillows. He removed his undershirt and then he heard her reply.
"I asked them to buy our breakfast." Then he asked where Paul is. "He's still asleep. He agreed to open after lunch and Natsumi-chan will be coming after her class." He heard her asked him what drink he wants for breakfast.
"Burma Coffee." Ban replied then he asked where he can find a towel.
"Go upstairs then inside the last room. Un-chan hides the hygienic stuffs there." He went there then to the kitchen to wash his face. When he opened the door he saw Ayorih with her back facing him and her favorite CD player hanging on her short's left back pocket. Ban can't help his self to smile as he watched her slightly sway her body to the music.
"Glad I can make you smile with my little dance." Ayorih said when she caught Ban starring at her again. That made him move and go to the sink to wash his face. He knew he blushed again. "Should I do a split for you or maybe a handstand? What do you think?" Her voice was serious but he is very sure that if he looks at her he'll see her amused face.
'Damn that lesbian.' Ban thought. From the corner of his eyes he saw her smile and then she resumed making coffee. The headset she was wearing was framing her face nicely. While washing his face he knew she was watching coz he can feel her eyes on him and smile to his self. He knew she was staring at his bare upper body. "Is my chest good enough for you? Does it meet your standards" He imitated the way she has asked it to him. His smile widen when he saw her blush and then she quickly looked away. 'One point for Midou Ban.' He thought victoriously as he left the kitchen and then wore his undershirt and white polo shirt again. The front door opened.
"Were back!" Ginji and Himiko arrived with one shopping bag each. "Good morning Ban-chan." Ginji greeted him then he followed Himiko inside the kitchen.
"What took you so long? I'm starving."
"Quit your whining Ban you woke up late and if I were Ayorih-chan I won't let you eat." Himiko said.
"Yeah… I think I'll let you starve to death since your loud snoring woke me up last night."
"I don't snore!" Ban exclaimed.
"Yes you do." And for ten minutes of preparing their breakfast Ayorih and Ban were arguing with each other on whose snore was louder as if they were sleeping beside each other. Finally their breakfast was finished, Ban and Ginji were eating on the booth were they slept while Himiko and Ayorih were on the counter.
"Delicious. Since Ayorih-chan arrived we got to eat decent breakfast. I'm so glad." Ginji said. Ban was quietly eating while listening to Himiko and Ayorih's conversation.
"So when did you arrived?" Ban heard Himiko asked.
"Two weeks ago." Ayorih replied.
"How's America?"
"Not bad."
"How's his case going? Any news about it?"
"I have no idea… they won't let me know anything about it but I already know who's behind it." Ban noticed Ayorih's distant look. "I've know the moment it happened." She whispered almost to herself.
"So what are you going to do about it?"
"Nothing... I'm sure he doesn't want me to do anything about it too." Ayorih replied with a languid smile. Himiko looked at Ayorih and she can clearly see the sadness in her beautiful eyes. She has worked with Ayorih for almost a year and she has treated her like a big sister. After a year without communication she was glad to see Ayorih again. Himiko can tell she is still the same but some things have changed and she knew well what caused it. Silence came between them.
"By the way I like what you did to your hair… it looks great on you. It grew so long." Himiko said. She saw Ayorih touched her hair and then she looked at her and gave Himiko another listless smile. 'She has definitely changed.' Himiko thought.
'HE?' Ban's mind asked. He didn't ponder on it and pushed it out of his mind. 'Why the hell will I care?' One hour have passed all of them have eaten their breakfast; Himiko excused herself and said she'll be back by afternoon to meet with them. Ban and Ginji left too to go home and get change. Ayorih was left to make sure everything goes according to her plan.
...Team Two: Honky Tonk, 3:35 pm...
"Thank you very much for your help. Here's the payment." Mr. Switzer handed them a check as his payment for their service. He was wearing again the long roll overcoat and underneath it is an emerald green v-neck polo shirt and black slacks. His tall, reddish-brown haired bodyguard was standing beside him wearing a black suit.
"Thank you very much." Himiko said.
"Where are Mr. Mido and Major Hajime?" Mr. Switzer asked when he noticed that they are not around.
"Major Hajime went to the police headquarters and as for Ban he has important matters to attend to." Ginji replied then suddenly a phone rung.
"Its mine." They all looked at Paul as he picked up the receiver.
"Too bad... I wanted to thank them personally." They heard Paul uttered a yes to whoever he was talking to then it was followed by a thank you.
"I'll make sure they received your gratitude." Himiko said. Paul placed the receiver back.
"Oh well I'll be going then. Thank you again." Ginji escorted Mr. Switzer to Honky Tonk's door and watched as another man in a black suit who was smaller than the other one open the brick red Mercedes Benz's door. Mr. Switzer went inside followed by the tall bodyguard. Himiko was beside him when the shorter man looked at them before he went inside the passenger seat in front.
"Let's get ready." Himiko said and the two went inside the café.
"Third Street after Tokyo station… abandoned building... sixth floor… 22 o' clock…" Paul said. Himiko and Ginji and waited for the right time for the operation. They left Honky Tonk at nine thirty and arrived there two minutes before the designated time. The building was twenty stories high and it looks like its ready to collapse anytime.
"Let's go." Ginji went behind the building followed by Himiko. They found the backdoor ajar so they silently went inside. They proceeded to the sixth floor through the staircase to the left of the door where they entered.
"Wait. Someone's coming." Himiko whispered. They were on their way to the sixth floor when Himiko sensed someone coming so they quickly went inside one of the rooms on the fifth floor. She got one of her perfume and when the man smelled it he fall asleep. Ginji dragged him inside the room and locked him there. From the outside you can tell that the building doesn't look good and inside it doesn't look any different. The wallpapers are ripped and stained while the floor was dirty. Some doors are partly open while some were locked.
"Second to the last room." Ginji said. They continued their way to the sixth floor and stopped at the staircase when they noticed that the light on this floor was brighter than the other floors which are dimly lit while some doesn't have any light at all.
"I'll handle this." Himiko used the same perfume she used to the man on the fifth floor and in seconds all the guards on the sixth floor were fast asleep. All were wearing loose pants and a round neck shirt. "They won't be up until tomorrow morning." Himiko said. Ginji got the key from one of the sleeping guards and opened the room where Ms. Neville Smithson was being held captive. They saw her sitting on the right corner of the room and when she saw them she was frightened.
"Don't be afraid were here to save you." Himiko said gently so not to scare her.
"How did you get here? Who are you?" Ms. Smithson asked with a weak and quivering voice.
"That's not important right now. We have to leave. We'll tell you the details later." Himiko replied and she helped her get up. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine. Just tired..." The floral dress that Ms. Smithson was wearing is already dirty and it has dried blood on the shoulder part. She was only wearing her right sandal while the left was on the floor with the straps snapped into two. Her hair was messy and all tangled. Her eyes were puffy and red maybe because she has been crying. "Who are you? Why are you doing this?" She asked again.
"Your fiancé is alive after the car accident and he hired us to save you." Himiko replied.
"My fiancé…h-he's alive." Himiko noticed Ms. Smithson was more surprised than relieved to hear that her fiancé was alive.
"We better hurry. We should be out of here before the negotiation finished." Ginji said interrupting Ms. Smithson. He checked again if the place is clear while Himiko helps Ms. Smithson walk.
"Ms. Smithson… Hey! Are you ok?" Himiko asked worriedly. She kneeled next to Ms. Smithson who was half lying on the floor with her eyes clothes. "Ginji help…carry her and I'll check the place." Himiko went out of the room. "Ginji all clear."
"AAAHHHH!" Himiko heard Ms. Smithson's loud scream so she quickly went back inside. She found Ginji lying on the floor unconscious and Ms. Smithson was nowhere. "Ginji are you ok? Gin – ji…' Himiko felt something hit the back of her head and then everything was blank.
…To be continued…