Ante-Mortem

By: Wildfire Sky

Well, it's that time again...no, no, not that time of the month...but that time when I post the chapter, you read, and then you respond...and the whole cycle starts over again!! Guh...I'm sorry, that was weird...you know what, fuck this, just read the damn fic and enjoy it as always.

Ante-Mortem

Chapter Eighteen


Tagasuki groaned with exertion, his eyes shut tight as the woman moved against him. Sweat rolled down his face, his breathing heavy and labored, teeth clenched. The woman's head was thrown back, her screams low and deep as she bounced against his flabby body.

In any other situation, the sight of a fat man and a young, beautiful woman would be disgusting to most, but right now, Tagasuki didn't care who saw them, as long as he was able to finish. He could feel his release coming, and quickly, his hand coming up to grip the woman's hips to steady them both as he let out a mighty roar of pleasure.


The guard pressed his ear against the polished, wood door, smirking at the sounds coming from his leader's bedroom. Winking at his partner, he leaned back, hefting his semi-auto against his shoulder as he dug inside his jacket for a smoke. He silently cursed under his breath when he came up empty handed.

"Aw hell..." he looked up, "Hey, do you have any..."

His partner silently handed him a cigarette, forcing a smile to break out on the face of the other, "Thanks...got a light?"

The other reached into his pocket again, pulling out a small box of matches and striking one on the side. The first tilted in, puffing at the white stick, smoke billowing from the corners of his mouth. He sighed with relief, settling back against the wall as he took another drag, blowing out a white cloud into the air.

"So, what do you think about the boss and this spy?"

The second glanced at him, "That 'Diablo' character? Stupid fucking name if you ask me."

"Well yea, I know that...I'm asking do you think the boss is really scared of him or is he just stroking the bastard's ego?"

The second guard rubbed the base of his nose, already annoyed by the line of questioning. "I really wouldn't know..."

"Then take a guess!"

The second guard rounded on his partner, shoving him up again the wall. The smoke fell from the shocked lips of the first. "H-Hey!"

"If you don't leave me alone..." the second threatened evilly, "Then I'm going to take his gun and put a bullet in your head, got it?"

The first guard stared at him until the second guard snapped his head against the wall, "Ok! Ok! I got it..." he glared as his partner lowered him, "Stupid son of a bitch, I was just curious."

"Then be curious in your own mind!"

The first guard stiffly straightened his jacket, his glare still hard on the face of his partner, "You owe me a smoke."

"No I don't, it was mine to begin with!"

"Yea, well, the moment I took it, it became mine! You made me drop it so you owe me!"

"I don't owe you shit!"

"Calm down. I've got one..."

The two guards looked up in surprise, eyes jerked towards the form in the middle of the hallway. The first guard lifted his weapon, training it on the intruder.

"Identify yourself!"

There was a low snap and a sudden heat filling the space, a hot wind washing over the two guards as a loud roar rumbled around them. Their screams caught in their throats as a wall of flame engulfed their bodies, throwing them back from the shockwave and burning them to ashes on the ground. There was silence and then the crunching sound of boots as the figure moved.

Diablo calmly walked towards the still burning corpses, enjoying the smell of roasted flesh. He kicked aside the twisted pile of metal that was once a weapon, the charred hand attached to it dissolving into dust at the contact.

He paused at the doorway, smiling in amusement at the slow squeaking of bed springs. Fat bastard still kept at it, even at such a dangerous time. Was he really so ignorant? Diablo raised up his hand, a thin smile crossing his lips. Might as well see how he's doing.


Tagasuki literally threw the girl from on top of him as the bedroom door exploded inward, shattering into hundreds of burning shards. He jerked upright, covering himself with the thick covers, sweat still dripping down his pudgy face.

"You!"

Diablo stepped through the flaming doorway, dramatically, fire sweeping up around him in a ring of death, scorching the very ground he walked on. The woman cried out in fear as Diablo approached, his eyes reflecting the flames.

"Oni!" she cried fearfully, "He's an oni!"

Tagasuki glared at her, "Shut your mouth woman! Get out!"

She stared at him, "H-How??"

Tagasuki snarled evilly, reaching beneath his pillow and removing a silver Colt, aiming at the girl's shocked face, "Get out."

She quickly scrambled to her feet, dancing around Diablo and disappearing into the burning hallway, her terrified sobs silenced by the roar of fire. Diablo and Tagasuki faced each other, each hell bent on killing their opponent.

Tagasuki rolled from his bed, reaching for his discarded clothing, "I hope we can settle this matter as gentlemen?" he said quietly, eyes never leaving Diablo's face, "You will at least let me put on my cloths, won't you?"

Diablo eyed him, "If that gun comes above your hip, I'll kill you in an instant...I swear..."

"And I don't doubt you," the gang leader replied stiffly, placing the gun down on the nightstand as he pulled on a loose pair of pants, the fabric sticking to his clammy skin uncomfortably. Buttoning up his shirt and slipping on a jacket, Tagasuki turned to face Diablo, his face set.

"I can't help but wonder why you're here and not chasing down your little friend."

Diablo smirked, "They're not going anywhere, Tagasuki, just like your assassin."

Tagasuki clenched his fists, "What did you do to him?"

Diablo smirked, "I'm sure you can guess. After all, I'm standing here and he isn't..."
The gangster's mouth went dry with worry, "His...his target was only the ship, not you, Diablo...after all, you and Black Ghost are our allies."

"I don't remember such an oath of allegiance coming from you..." Diablo grinned, "Could it be that the great Tagasuki is scared?"

Tagasuki frowned, "I am scared of nothing...not even a demon like you..."

Diablo's grinned grew, his eyes flashing evilly, "Oh you should be, Tagasuki..."


Mumei watched the beautiful creature in front of him carefully, not sure why they were up here in the first place. He held the umbrella over the young woman, something inside of him twisting and knotting which his gut. He was nervous...even scared of her...not sure whether or not she was real. Even in the rain her hair seemed to radiate with beauty, his breath captured by the sight of it flapping in the sharp wind.

Not the most romantic setting...his mind jeered at him. Mumei pushed the thought aside, watching and waiting. She'd taken him up here for a reason, but in all honesty, he wanted to get down and back inside, the weather making him feel very uncomfortable.

Finally Francoise turned towards him and he was instantly bombarded by a deliciously sweet smell, their proximity only intensifying the scent. Francoise slowly reached out, stroking a strand of damp hair from Mumei's round face, smiling slightly.

"I wasn't joking when I said you needed a haircut..." she said softly staring into his eyes, "Maybe you'll have time before you leave..."

Before you leave. For some reason those words caused a feeling of panic. He didn't want to leave in the first place, and now it sounded like this woman was truly saying goodbye. He quickly reached up, grasping her hand in his own and lowering it from his face, looking at her sternly.

"Why did you bring me up here...?"

The young woman smiled slightly, bowing her head, "It's Francoise, Mumei..."

Mumei blushed slightly. He should have remembered... "Gomen, Francoise-dono, I should have known. But still, why are we outside instead of inside, warm? It's raining and you might catch a cold."

Francoise laughed softly, "Getting sick is the least of my worries." She pulled her hand away, already missing the warmth of Joe's soft hands. She turned slightly, staring out over the churning waters. Just say it...get it over with!!

"Joe...Mumei...you disappeared on a night like this...disappeared from my life..."

Mumei was silent shocked. What was this woman talking about??

Francoise continued, never lifting her eyes to Mumei's, "I know it's unbelievable, especially since you have no knowledge of the past, but it's true. You were one of us...our leader, friend..." she trailed off sighing, "And much more than that to some of us. But something happened, something terrible and you left me and the others. We searched the entire ocean for you, but never found any trace of you or your body..."

"My body?" Mumei stared at her.

She looked down, "In the past, we fought together, you and me...and 002 and everyone, we fought against Black Ghost, an evil villain bent on world domination, selling war weapons and...machines...we found you on an island, running from Black Ghost, and 001 contacted you, waking you up and leading you to us...to me.

"We fought alongside each other for what seemed like years, a constant battle against the armies of Black Ghost...you almost died for us once, taking down a prototype of Black Ghost and destroying his base...you were so brave..." tears began to slip down her face, "We...you and me...oh, Mumei...why won't you remember?" her voice fell to a hush, "Why won't you remember my love?"

While she spoke, Mumei's mind began to flash, memories coming back to him in a flurry. People...faces...smiles...destruction...robots...a man...in black...a skull...rain...waves...party lights...pizza...dancing...music...a kiss...

He blinked in surprise. What...

Francoise sighed turning back, surprise evident on her face at the look of panic on Mumei's features. She scrubbed at the tears falling down her face, staring at him. "Mumei? Mumei are you alright?"

Mumei stared at her, recognition slowly spreading across his features. A kiss...a wonderful beautiful kiss...and dinner...we danced...we dance forever in...

"Rome..."

Francoise wasn't sure if she'd actually heard him, his voice nothing more than a whisper. "Mumei..."

Suddenly Mumei's hand jerked out, drawing her close to his body. He smiled down at her, "We danced together...in Rome..."

Francoise opened her mouth to respond, but Mumei's suddenly descended on her own, gathering her mouth into a greedy kiss, the umbrella slipping from his grasp as he gathered her close, deepening the sensual claiming of her mouth with his own. For a moment, Francoise's mind spun wildly, not sure how to react...but then the warmth of Mumei's embrace soothed her and she found herself responding just as greedily...

They finally pulled apart, Francoise gasping for air. Mumei merely smiled down at her, eyes soft with love. "I remember that too..."

Francoise stared up at him happily, "Oh Mumei...do you remember?"

Mumei's smile faltered at that, "Not everything...I'm still not sure about my name...but I do remember you and," he chuckled, "...pizza."

Francoise broke out in a light laugh, gently slapping his chest, "You, mister, had better start remembering more than that!"

Mumei scratched his head, grinning wickedly, "Well...there is something on the edge of my mind...but I can't seem to grasp it...maybe a little help?"

Francoise rolled her eyes, but succumbed to the bait, tipping her face upwards and allowing Mumei to claim her lips once again, a brief, but deep kiss that left her body tingling. When he finally pulled back, he sighed as if a large weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Francoise smiled at him lazily.

"Feel better?"

Mumei nodded slowly, pulling her into a tight embrace, lowering his chin on top of her head, trying to protect her from the bitter rain. "I'm feeling a lot better..."

Francoise leaned her head against Mumei's chest, closing her eyes and listening to the soft beating of his heart. She silently trailed a finger over the thumping area, suppressing a giggle as Mumei's chest jumped at the touch. Progress is being made...good job Francoise...

Mumei pulled away from her, holding her at arms length, "Francoise, I must ask you something, and please be honest with me..."

The French woman looked up into his deep eyes, mesmerized by them as she answered, "Yes?"

Mumei heaved a sigh, bowing his head, "You seem to know so much about me...about my past..." he looked up bashfully, "What is my real name?"

Francoise stared at him before leaning up and planting a small kiss on his cheek, whispering in his ear, "That, Mumei, you need to learn on your own..."

What the hell are you DOING?!?

Francoise glowered inwardly. He has to remember on his own or else he might never accept the truth.

"Are you stupid or something? Damn it all, he's willing to listen and you're just going to push him away?"

It's for the best.

"Say's you..."

Mumei stared down at the beautiful young girl in surprise, "But...how can I ever figure it out?"

"I don't know, honestly," Francoise admitted, "But I'm sure something will jar your memory." She reached up, pulling Mumei down for another kiss, this one deep and passionate. One arm slowly encircled her waist, the other coming up to tilt her chin back, allowing for better access. Francoise trembled at the feel of his strength and love for her.

"Well, it's nice to see you two getting along so well."

Mumei instinctively jerked away, head whipping around to face the speaker. The tall man stood glaring at them, his strangely styled hair and hooked nose reminding him of a hawk. There was a man slung over one shoulder, as the stranger stared, legs akimbo, face distorted in anger. The intruder's eyes slowly slid over to Francoise, his gaze seeming to harden.

"Dare I ask how this little interaction got started, Francoise?"

Mumei felt a surge of red hot anger flush through his body at the menacing tone of the stranger. Clenching his fists at his side, Mumei moved to stand in front of his woman, blocking her from the other's heated glare. The man stiffened visibly, eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Don't even think about it, 009..."

Francoise peeked out from behind Mumei, "Jet, please don't..."

"You stay out of this!" Jet snapped, eyes never leaving Mumei's, "I knew there would be a problem, 009, the moment 006 and 007 called in saying they found you. I knew that Francoise would have to make a decision between the two of us, which one she would want to be with."

Mumei glared, "It looks like she's already decided...Jet, was it?"

"002 to you, buddy...and don't you ever forget it." Jet held out a hand, beckoning Francoise to his side, "Come on, babe, Dr. Gilmore needs to look at this man before he dies of alcohol poisoning."

Francoise's hand slid into Mumei's, her eyes hard with defiance, "I'm sure that Dr. Gilmore can take care of him. Besides, Joe and I were in the middle of talking..."

For a moment, something flashed in Jet's eyes, but it quickly disappeared, replaced with simple annoyance, "We're the ones who need to talk, Francoise..." He started to approach, "Now let's go."

Mumei was in front of him in a flash, so hell-bent on stopping Jet's progress forward that he never realized his speed of interception. Jet stumbled back a few steps, equally as surprised as Francoise was at the sight of Joe suddenly appearing inches from his face.

"I think we should have a talk, 002..."

Jet hesitated before allowing a crude smirk to close his lips, "So, I guess you've remembered huh? Got your speed back an everything?"

Mumei shook his head slowly, "I don't remember much...and frankly, I really don't care to anymore. But obviously something happened between us in the past that needs to be addressed, something that probably had to do with Francoise. I think it's time we got it off our chest."

Jet sneered, "How can you get anything off your chest if you can't even remember your own name, huh?"

Mumei's hard gaze faltered and he silently looked away, staring at the ground, "For the sake of all of us, I'm going to try to recall as much as I can...especially if it means we get all of this behind us."

For the first time since he and Joe's relationship truly began to suffer, Jet showed a hint of actually pity, albeit concern, for his comrade. He nodded his head, and turned away, carefully exiting the deck of the ship and proceeded down the flight of stairs leading inside. Joe turned to face Francoise for a moment, his heart aching.

What if this Jet is her real lover? I can't simply steal her away like that...

He quickly turned, following Jet down, his heart thundering inside his chest at the though that he might just lose the woman of his dreams.



(singing) BOOOORN FREEEEE!!! AS FREE AS THE WIND BLOOOWS!! AS FREE AS THE GRASS GROOOOWS... THROUGH OUT TIIIIIIIIIMMEE!!!! BOOOOOOORN FREE AS FREE.........(trails off).....oh yea, just in case you don't realize it....I'm friggin happy as hell!! Today, just a few hours ago in fact, I finished my final final for school!! HURRAH!! Now it's winter break, and I have all the damn time in the world!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!
BOOOORN FREEEEE!!! AS FREE AS THE WIND BLOOOWS!! AS FREE AS THE GRASS GROOOOWS... THROUGH OUT TIIIIIIIIIMMEE!!!! BOOOOOOORN FREE AS FREE..............oh yea, just in case you don't realize it....I'm friggin happy as hell!! Today, just a few hours ago in fact, I finished my final final for school!! HURRAH!! Now it's winter break, and I have all the damn time in the world!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!

And yes, this chapter is a little shorter, but I want to save the Jet/Joe interaction for next chapter. Oh!! And good news, I'm continuing on Ad Astra again. Lord knows I've put that one off long enough!! So look forward to it being posted either this weekend or next week sometime!! PEACE OUT!!

And now it's time for Review Responces...

Animefreak5483: fluff...fluff...hmmm...i don't know...personally, I like the death and gore myself...

GoldAngel2: sry for taking so long with this one. I'm so ashamed...feel free to beat me mercilessly...(falls to knees and bows head)...I will not fight back and accept any punishment you see fit...(waits for blows...looks up...) oh, before you do one thing: Kinto is a little he-man, I'm all powerful, isn't he? I really didn't expect that...hum...ok, I'm ready now... (bows head again...)

CopperlineBlue Kitty: The closet?? Heavens I hope she hasn't been in there for all this time!! Gods!! She'll be a skeleton by now!! LET HER OUT!!

mik0021: well thank god for you...(whispers) they'll never get rid of us, will they?? HELL NO!! Fanfic writers/readers are like rabbits...we just keep comin'...

heather: cool!! I WILL!!!

Cherry Blossom Sakura: beautiful name BTW...you know, you can get an account here. Don't have to necessarily post anything, but it'll keep ya updated...of course, you don't HAVE to. I'd be happy to email you!! Thanks for the review!!

Eva-Freak015: I plan on having a shit load of blood and gore in the final chapters...believe me...it'll be GREAT!!!

THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR REVIEWS!!

LOOK OUT FOR MY NEXT CHAPTER (AND AN UPDATE TO AD ASTRA)!!