Ante-Mortem
By: Wildfire Sky
Hey peeps!! Glad to see you're still coming back for more...and more...and more, actually...
Um...Question. Do you people have a life? Oh wait, wait...I really can't criticize because I write the stuff that keeps you coming back. I think I'd better stop before it's too late.
Oh yea, one other thing. I found another fanfiction archive, one that's obviously not well known, but hey, I'm sure no one knew about this place either until people started spreading the word. So call out my friends!! Check out , and enjoy!! Not much there right now, but meh, it'll come.
Ok yea, enough yappin, time to get going on the fanfic....sigh such is the life of a writer...
Ante-Mortem
Chapter Fourteen
Tagasuki glared down at the man huddled at his feet, his body shaking with fear and exertion. It was only moments ago that this man had been dragged into the hall by two of his samurai, bleeding profusely from what looked to be like a beating. His words were slurred, but constant, his breath locking in his throat as he told his master of his attack.
Tagasuki, mean while, simply leaned back against his couch, chewing on the end of his cigar, rolling his tongue over the bitter wrapping of the unlit smoke. Finally, he pulled the cigar from his lips, snorting and clearing his throat.
"Are you telling me, that Captain Sotomo is a traitor?"
The agent nodded, "Yes, Tagasuki-sama...his crew attacked me, threatening to kill me. That bastard, Kinto, had his knife pulled but...but I fought him off...and had him on the ground, begging for mercy!" the agent chanced a look up, "I only left because the odds were becoming too great for even me. I, myself, had to rescue my guards from a deadly fate at the hands of those fools."
Tagasuki chuckled, "I can hardly imagine a tiny boy like you fighting off a child, never mind a fully grown man. But I'll allow you to gloat and fill your empty head with hot air. Now, did Sotomo explain his reasoning for his low shipments?"
"Aa. He says that his ship is in disrepair and that they would require proper maintenance if they even hoped to make it to the fishing grounds."
"He did, did he?" Tagasuki scratched his double chin thoughtfully, "I can't believe Sotomo is making such blatant demands of me...and then 'attacking' one of my officers...perhaps he's lost his mind. That would be the only explanation for it."
The agent's eyes flashed with excitement, "Do you wish for me to deal with his disrespect, my lord? Give me half an hour and I'll have a team fully assembled."
The fat city shark waved a dismissive hand, "No, you've done enough damage for today. Anger and violence do not simply spring out of no where, something, or someone, always stimulates it...makes it grow and become dangerous. I don't know what you did or said, and frankly, I don't give a shit...all I know is that because of you I've lost a fishing boat, and a damn good one at that!"
The samurai came forward, each one grasping one of the agent's arms. The man looked at Tagasuki in shock, "My...my lord! What are you doing?"
"I can't afford something like this. Payment for your blunders will come out of your skin." The shark waved the samurai away, "Take him. Tell the Master to take his time with this one."
Tagasuki watched happily as the man was dragged away, his cries for mercy falling on deaf ears. "Bring me that damn Cuban bastard!"
The doors opened to reveal the seething Diablo held between two large samurai guards. Tagasuki leaned back in his couch, setting Diablo with a hostile glare and smile. Diablo stared back, equally as hostile, his face a mask of unspoken hate and intolerance for the fat Japanese man.
"You just had to take the red one," Tagasuki snarled, tapping his fingers on the couch arm, "And what's more, you disobeyed a direct order from me, even had the audacity to hang up on me. Just who the hell do you think you are?"
Diablo shook his arms from the samurai's grip, staring down Tagasuki, "You listen to me, fat boy, I've already warned you once not to piss me off, but now I feel threatened. You obviously don't realize that the man I work for could rip out your heart in an instance and destroy your entire organization with one command. Hell, I could easily rip your fat throat out."
"You little bastard..."
Diablo stepped forward menacingly, "I've already demonstrated my power to you, Tagasuki, shall I perform it on your head next?"
Tagasuki could feel the beads of sweat beginning to slide down his face, "You...you would dare to challenge me in my own home? I am Tagasuki, leader of----"
"Save your speeches," Diablo snapped, "My mission was to retrieve the target with minimal interaction with him, which was where you came in. However, your failures caused my involvement in the scheme, which did not sit well with my master." The Cuban chuckled, "Luckily, he is much more forgiving than I am. My master is granting you one day to capture the target and bring him to me. Upon his safe delivery, you shall be paid as agreed."
Tagasuki heaved his body upright, staring at Diablo in disbelief, "This is crazy! We couldn't find the bastard before, just what the hell makes you think we'll find him now?"
"His ship has recently docked in Tokyo Bay. Today as a matter of fact...one of your agents paid them a visit."
Tagasuki snorted, "I have hundreds of agents on that pier, and any one of those ships could contain the target. How am I to know which one?"
"Well that's your problem now isn't it?"
Wine spilled over the silk carpet as Tagasuki slammed down his glass, "God damn you! I need more information if I'm to capture him! You know which ship it is, don't you? So speak up!"
Diablo grinned, enjoying the man's panic, "Calm yourself, I just wanted to play with you a bit. As far as I know, the ship and her skipper are still at the pier. The man goes by the name, Sotomo. Find him and you have the target."
Tagasuki drew in a sharp breath, "Captain Sotomo? I just had that agent put to death...by God, why don't you speak up? Guards! Have the Master hold his killing blade. I want to know everything the agent has to offer about that ship."
Diablo grinned evilly as the men ran off, "So I take it you're willing to cooperate?"
"More than willing, sir." Tagasuki flashed a nervous smile, "However, I hate to leave business unfinished. Will you tell me the name of your master?"
The cyborg paused, staring at Tagasuki with a hint of boredom, "His name, Tagasuki, is Black Ghost..."
The moment the Cuban had left, Tagasuki allowed himself to relax, slouching back against his couch. Women scurried towards him, holding out platters of food and wine to the large gang leader. He snatched a glass of crystal wine from the serving dish, waving the young woman away. The liquid shook violently with his hand as he brought the glass to his lips.
"My lord?"
Tagasuki looked over at the small man crouched down next to his couch. He lifting grey eyes to Tagasuki's face, his own an emotionless mask, one that promised danger. His silver strands of hair fell over his face in faint wisps of bangs, shadowing his face from his aversaries. Tagasuki gulped down the smooth liquid and motioned the man forward.
"You have something to tell me, Oreru?"
The man nodded slowly, "Yes sir. That man that just left, he is an agent for the Black Ghost Corporation, is he not?"
"I've known for sometime that he was on a mission, but not the fact that he was working for this Black Ghost fellow. Personally I don't like the little shit, but as it is I don't have a choice but to cooperate with him."
Oreru stood, straightening his black suit and tie, "I thought the man was familiar, indeed I did. I find it interesting that he's still alive, even after all these years."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Tagasuki blinked as his agent shoved a newspaper clipping in his face, "What is this? 'Coup attempt in Cuba, Battle in the Streets'...Oreru, why are you showing me this?"
"That man," Oreru replied, "Is a survivor of that coup attempt from so long ago. In fact, he is the leader's son, Black Martinez...now known in the underground as the Black Diablo, a man trained in assassinations and spying."
Tagasuki slowly lowered the clipping, "Jesus Christ..." he moaned, "I've been harboring an underground assassin in my gang? What a fucking mess..."
Oreru chuckled lightly, "I'm preparing to track him down tonight. I don't doubt he'll be on site when we capture the target."
"Is the target a trained assassin too?"
"That's something we both don't know."
"Well damn it." Tagasuki groaned, "This is just great..."
There was a long silence between the two as Tagasuki downed another glass of wine, shoving a slice of warm bread into his mouth. Tagasuki pondered as he chewed, wondering just what the hell he'd gotten himself into and how to solve the problem.
"Tagasuki-sama? Shall I take my leave?"
The shark glanced at him, "Not yet...I'll be damned if I let that bastard have his way with me. Oreru, I want you to take four of our best men and track down this Black Diablo. The man dared to insult me in my own house, and such a dishonor deserves death. You and the samurai are to kill Diablo and then bring me his head. Then, once we capture this target, we will sell him to the highest bidder. I'm sure if the target is wanted by a company like Black Ghost, then there must be others, right?"
Oreru frowned, "I haven't heard of anyone else wanting our target...perhaps..."
Tagasuki held up a hand, "Oreru, please, don't argue with me. Why don't you leave the planning to me and I'll leave the brainless fighting to you, alright?"
Oreru snarled viciously, "As you wish...Lord Tagasuki. I'll take my leave now."
Tagasuki nodded and smiled, "Very well, my good Oreru, I'm sure you won't disappoint me. And I almost forgot," Tagasuki's eyes shone with a violent rage, "make the son of a bitch die slowly..."
Mumei kneeled next to Tai's bed, a sorrowful frown crossing his face. The youngster had been unconscious ever since he'd been removed from the fishing ship. Although both Kinto and Sotomo had been against moving to a new location, the strange, silver eyed man who'd come had convinced them otherwise. The man's arrival had been both unexpected and unnerving, from the moment he'd arrived, the stranger never took his eyes off of him.
Now he was surrounded by these strangers, each with a shocked expression on their faces. The two that he'd met in the alley had apparently told them about him, but still, they seemed surprised to see him. The old doctor had left only moments before, gripping the stair rails as he struggled up them, leaving him alone with the group of men. Sotomo and Kinto were upstairs with the silvered eyed man, talking to him about God knows what.
The rest of the crew had opted to remain on board the fishing vessel, standing guard against any other intruders and protecting the unloaded cargo from pier looters. Even with his brother sick in bed, Min too, had decided to remain on the ship, but Mumei thought that he wanted to stay to drink himself unconscious, a trait he took up when problems arose.
There was a silence in the infirmary as the men stared down at an apparent ghost. GB and Chang stood off to the side, over the shock they'd had earlier. Now they simply eyed their resurrected friend cautiously, even a bit warily.
"Hey 006...where's 003?" GB whispered to him friend, "I haven't seen her since we called in."
Chang shrugged, "Probably with 002. You almost gave her a heart attack when you told her about 009 still being alive." He glanced over at Joe, "I'm surprised that she hasn't coming rushing down the stairs."
The infirmary doors hissed open, allowing Dr. Gilmore's entrance to the sterilized room, his hands clasped behind his back as he slowly approached the kneeling young Japanese man. He ran a hand through his grey hair with a small sigh.
"Will you excuse us for a moment, cyborgs?" he mumbled to the group surrounding Mumei, "I must speak to 009 alone."
Mumei glanced up and over at the Russian, "Did you just call them cyborgs? And who is this 009?"
A tall, muscular man moved forward, "Is that wise Dr. Gilmore? He doesn't seem to have any memories of his past, sir."
The old man nodded, "It will be quite alright, 005, he might not have any memories, but his personality won't have changed. I'll be fine alone with him."
The group hesitated for a moment before heading towards the door. GB approached Gilmore and Mumei, clamping a hand on the boy's shoulder, "We'll be right outside, doc, so just holler when you need something, ok?"
The two remained facing each other as the door hissed closed, Mumei standing to his full height and staring down at the doctor. "Excuse me, sir, but I don't understand what's going on here. Who were those men and why do they address themselves by numbers? Is this an army or something?"
Gilmore slowly walked over to the heart monitor beside Tai's bed, taking his time as he scanned over the large green numbers. Pulling the chart from the bedside table, he quickly jotted down a few notes, avoiding Mumei's eyes. The young fisherman remained silent, his red eyes watching the old man's every move, using the patience he'd learned on the sea to rein his anger. Let the man take his time...he could wait.
Finally, Doctor Gilmore picked up his mug of coffee, taking a low sip before turning to his undead friend. His old, wrinkled eyes softened, even in the mist of Mumei's hard glare.
How many times had he'd seen that determination before? Every battle with Black Ghost's troops, every fight he had with 002...the boy was as remarkable a person as he was a cyborg...and he knew that personality would help in this situation.
Gilmore smiled, approaching the young man, "It's been awhile, my friend...how long were you gone? A week...two weeks?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, sir." Mumei snapped, his eyes narrowing, "I would like to know what this place is and why I'm here."
Gilmore rubbed his eyes warily, "Ah, yes, your failing memory. Hopefully not too much has been lost." The doctor sat down in a chair, motioning Mumei over, "I suppose it's only fair to explain to you what's happened in your past and how you're related to the other cyborgs here."
Mumei slowly took a seat across from Gilmore, "How I'm....related to them? I've never seen any of these men in my life!"
"Oh, yes you have, 009...you've known these cyborgs longer than you could imagine. You've been with them since the beginning."
"Since the beginning of what?"
The old doctor stared directly in Mumei's eyes, his lips pressed together in a thin frown, "Why...since your creation, 009..."
Mumei froze, his narrow eyes widening in shock, "My creation??" He stared at the old man, frowning as he observed the ailing creature before him. Suddenly, his frown dissolved in to a lopsided grin, laughter bursting from his chest. "Ha-ha! You must be one helluva quack, pal! I mean, you really had me going there for a minute with that whole, 'my creation', crap. Listen, have you pulled this on Taii Sotomo yet? Or Kinto? They'd love it, ha-ha!"
Gilmore was more surprised than insulted by Mumei's reaction to his proclamation. Maybe he'd expected anger, or surprise, or hate...but laughter? The old Russian shook his head. This was going to be harder than he thought. Gilmore took another slow sip, sighing into his cup, as he prepared himself for round two.
"Listen to me, 009..."
"It's Mumei, doctor," the youngster cut in, "my name is Mumei."
Gilmore sighed again, "Please, just let me finish and I'll explain everything. You're..." he searched for the right word, "You're not as normal as other humans, 009. You've been granted something that others will mostly likely never experience in their lifetime. Technically, you didn't experience it in your life time either. 00...I mean, Mumei, have you ever heard of Black Ghost?"
"No. What's that?"
"Black Ghost is not a thing, but a very powerful man...a merchant of death. He owns the Black Ghost Corporation, which in an underground company that sells weapons of mass destruction and deadly technology to any with enough money to buy." The Russian stared directly into Mumei's bright eyes, "You, Mumei, are one of those weapons."
Mumei sighed, shaking his head, "Listen, doctor, I don't mean to be rude, but I'm just not buying this. So, you're saying that I'm some sort of agent for this 'Black Ghost', am I right?"
"That's correct..."
Mumei blinked, "And I'm for sell by this company, right?"
"Yes..."
Mumei smiled softly, "I'm sorry, but doesn't that sound crazy to you? Because it certainly does to me!"
Doctor Gilmore returned the smile nervously. After hearing it himself, it was a little ridiculous...especially coming from the person it affected the most. If only something could jog his memory...an item he treasured...
Gilmore started in his seat. Of course! She would be the one person that could bring him back to reality. The old man, gripped the chair arms, struggling to heft his body up with his weakening arms, "Excuse me for a moment, Mumei, I believe I've found a solution that will clear up everything for you."
Mumei watched as the metal door hissed closed before standing and walking over to Tai's bed. He grabbed a cloth from the cart nearby, ringing it out over a basin of water, and gently pressed it to the boy's forehead, pushing his sweat damped bangs from his slim face.
Tai's breaths came in labored shuddering through dry, parched lips, his chest heaving and twitching with every inhale. Mumei couldn't help but worry over his friend...a boy no older than himself. Sure, they'd never been close, but everyone on that boat was like family to him, and he felt that primal protection to them all.
As Mumei dipped the cloth into the basin again, his quick eyes caught the movement of Tai's fingers, their light flexing signifying wakefulness. He dropped the rag, rushing back to Tai's side. The injured boy stared up at him, giving his friend a small smile.
"M-Mumei? Is that you?"
Mumei gripped Tai's hand in his own, relief washing over his face, "Tai! Thank God you're awake! Are you ok? Does your head hurt? Do you want something to eat?"
Tai winced at the barrage of questions, "I'm...fine, Mumei...I really am...how long...was I out?"
"Almost five hours now. You had us all worried, especially your brother."
"Min? Min is here?"
Mumei slowly shook his head, "No...He's back on the ship with the rest of the crew. Only the captain, Kinto, and I came here."
Tai looked around, "Where am I?"
"I've been trying to figure that question out myself." Mumei looked over his shoulder at the door, "It's strange...this ship...these people...it's almost like I'm in a dream, like I've been here before."
Tai smiled painfully, "That's...a weird case of déjà vu..."
Mumei returned the smile, "Isn't it? Anyways, Tai, you'd better get some rest for now. The doctor will be back in a moment and I'll tell him you woke up. Do you want any water or something like that?"
Tai sighed, leaning back into the pillow, "No...I'm fine right now, Mumei. Tell Min that I'm alright...and I'll be expecting...a visit..."
His friend grinned, wiping his brow, "I'll be sure to do that."
"Oh, and Mumei...?"
The Japanese youth turned, "Yes?"
Tai closed his eyes, "Thanks for sticking by my side. I don't have...a lot of memories of people...doing that for me...so thanks."
Mumei bowed his head, "You're welcome."
Gilmore descended the short flight of stairs to the living quarters of the Dolphin, his hands clasped behind his back as he walked. Most of the team had dispersed on the upper levels and control rooms, keeping an eye on their guests. The only two not on the main deck was Francoise and Jet, and it was a wonder where they had gone.
Gilmore sighed. Francoise had taken it harder than anyone when they found out about 009's discovery. The trip into Tokyo had been a spur of the moment decision to satisfy the young French woman. They'd never expected to actually find Joe. Now that he was back and alive, he knew things would become hectic once again.
But first...he needed to regain his memory.
"Why can't I go and see him, Jet!?"
Gilmore paused in front of the quarter's door, staring at it as if it might jump out and eat him. The voices exploding from the metal weren't the friendly sounds of Francoise...but the hostile voices of the Devil himself. He could just imagine the flames surrounding the woman as she screamed at Jet.
"Francoise will you calm down, damn it!!" there was a loud crash, "Ahh!! Jesus, woman, what the hell is wrong with you?? Stop throwing things!!"
"Don't you tell me what to do Jet! If it's true that Joe is alive, then I want to see him!"
"I'm not saying you can't, but we have to make sure that nothing's wrong with him...that he's healthy and...sane..."
Gilmore flinched. Wrong thing to say 002...
"Excuse me?!? What are you saying, that Joe's crazy??"
"Only a crazy guy would jump off a ship in the middle of a goddamn storm! He tried to commit suicide!"
"He was trying to protect me! 002, you let go of me this instance!!"
The voices stopped abruptly as the door hissed open. Gilmore stood there, looking at the arguing couple before him. Jet was gripping Francoise's arm in a vice-like grip, his eyes blazing as he looked over at the intruder.
Francoise was exactly as Gilmore imagined her...a carbon copy of the devil. It might have been her imagination, but flames seemed to be shooting from her eyes as tiny dagger aimed at Jet.
Suddenly, he began to regret ever considering Francoise an asset to regaining 009's memory. With time and exposure it would have eventually come to him but...well, time was obviously of the essence.
"Excuse me 003, are you busy right now?"
Francoise jerked her arm from Jet's grip, plastering a strained smile on her face, "No, Doctor Gilmore, I'm not doing anything important right now, is there anything I can do for you?"
Gilmore nodded, motioning for her to follow. 003 threw another black glare in Jet's direction before following the Russian out of the room. They strode along side each other quietly until they'd mounted the stairs, well out of hearing, before Gilmore turned to the French woman.
"003, I'm pretty sure you're aware of 009's return, are you not?"
Francoise blushed, "I gather you knew that from out argument."
"It was a good hint, actually." Gilmore nodded before he turned serious, "But more importantly, you are especially important that you stay by 009 as much as possible. I'm not sure if anyone has told you yet, but...well 009's memory has been virtually erased from his mind completely. I'm not sure of what he remembers and what he does not...but I know for a fact that he doesn't recognize a single person he's seen. He's even forgotten about Black Ghost!"
Francoise held back a gasp, "That is strange...Black Ghost was his life...but doctor, if he doesn't recognize any of us, what good could I possibly be to him?"
"I'm hoping that you'll help him remember." Gilmore smiled, "Usually, when a person loses their memory, one of the first steps to regaining that memory is to be exposed to things at the victim held as personally important to him or her. It's quite obvious that you are one of the most important things in his life."
"So you think that if he sees me...he'll remember everything?"
"Yes."
Francoise paused at the infirmary door, "Doctor Gilmore, can I ask you something?"
The doctor turned, "Of course, 003, ask me anything at all..."
"Does...does 009 seem happy to you...I mean honestly...?"
The old doctor paused, weighing his response carefully, "I believe, 003, that he is as happy as he can be in his current state of mind. However, just because he might be happy now, doesn't mean that problems won't arise in the future. Whether with medical treatment or not, victims of amnesia do eventually remember the memories they've lost, even if it's only bits of pieces. Although 009 has only been missing for just less than two weeks now doesn't mean that his brain is still inactive. For all we know, it might be fighting to bring back those images and memories...if we allow nature to take its course; it might do more harm than good."
Francoise nodded slowly, bowing her head, "You have to understand, Doctor Gilmore, I just want him to be happy..."
"And he will find that happiness with you, 003. Now go to him and help him. I remember that you'd once told me that you wanted to be with him and help him. Well now's your chance. Now go. I'll be upstairs talking with that captain."
Gilmore silently retreated to the staircase, casting a final glance over his shoulder before climbing the steps and emerging on the top deck.
Francoise, on the other hand, was scared...more scared than she could imagine. It seemed so long ago that Joe has disappeared, and now he miraculously reappears with a new identity...a new life, the only life he's known for this short period of time. And worse of all, he was happy and content with that life. Would she really be helping if she took that away? If she opened his eyes to the horrors of Black Ghost?
There was no turning back. Joe was here, now, just on the other side of the metal slate. The man of her dreams and heart...he was so close...how could she simply turn away and leave him...going off to torture herself until finally she caves in? This was the chance of a life time...one she might never get again...
Taking a deep breath and setting her shoulders, Francoise hit the switch on the door, her body bathed in light as she stepped into the infirmary and the door hissed closed behind her.
A thousand apologies my friends!! I am ashamed for my weakness...I had not the time, nor the energy, to post until now. SATs are a bitch. This is the second time I've taken them in the span of this fic, so you can imagine how long I've been writing!!
To make up for my blunder, I shall begin working on the next chapter right away!! Hopefully it won't take me longer than a few days to post (hopefully not exceeding a week, eh?). So stay tuned and keep sending in those R&Rs!! I want to get back up to 103. I don't care what you have to say, hate my fic for all I care, just REVIEW!!!
Review Response time!! Oh lord this is going to take awhile...I think I'll just do it for chapter 13...
animefreak5483: you...you FORGOT about my fic.... (wail) HOW COULD YOU FORGET ABOUT MY FANFIC?!?!? WAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!! sniffle....oh well, screw it. Glad ur back man!!
Kuzo-gal: ah, you can't skip the 8th grade. One of the best years of my life actually...anyways, I still haven't found a job, so right now I'm screwed. Oh well...I guess I can't help it!!
Moon Shaddow: I like the name, dog!! Very...original...and forgive me for not updating sooner!!
Cat/Yami Cat: Errr....burn my story?? Right...hey, Yami Cat, you ever consider seeing a psychotherapist....or a vet?
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR REVIEWS!!!
WATCH OUT FOR MY NEXT CHAPTER!! FRANCOISE FINALLY CONFRONTS JOE AS SHE STRUGGLES TO BRING HIM BACK TO HER!! YOU DON'T WANNA MISS IT!!
