Disclaimer: you know the drill. Not mine, blah, blah, blah….

Death and the Assassin

Chapter 9

The Past Comes Alive

Ken was taking the bags of equipment to the store house after practice when his cell phone rang. He let the bags go with a groan and reached in his own bag, rummaging for the ringing phone. He flipped it open and saw the name displayed.

"Hey babe."

Hey yourself.

A smile lit up Ken's face at the sound of his fiancée's voice. He picked the bags up again and continued to his destination.

Are you done with practice?

"I was just putting the bags away."

Damn, I really wanted to help you with that.

"Yeah yeah."

Ken unlocked the doors and stepped into the large storage shed. He hung the bags up and went back outside, ready to lock up and go home for a shower.

I'm serious.

"Well if you wanted to help me, why aren't you here?"

Ken was about to slide the lock in place when a blade imbedded itself mere inches from his head in the door. He knew Duo was speaking to him, but all his attention was focused on his surroundings. He pulled the blade from the door, realizing it could be the only weapon he's afforded. As he turned and scanned the surrounding area, he slowly brought the phone up to his ear again interrupting whatever Duo was saying.

"Hey babe, I'm sorry to cut you off but my phone is about---"

Ken didn't finish his thought. He heard the sound of something heavy slicing through the air and he threw himself to the ground. He rolled and came up, eyes frantically searching for the source. It was just getting dark and the shadows were working against him.

He also didn't see what was thrown at him. No sign of any projectile. The only thing he did see was his phone lying in the grass, still on. Shit. He cautiously made his way over and snatched up the phone, disconnecting the call without even checking to see if Duo was still on the line.

He slowly made his way towards the parking lot, eventually setting out in a full run. He saw his motorcycle waiting for him and he entertained the idea he might be able to leave without any further trouble. His mysterious assailant had other ideas however.

"Ahhh! Damn it!"

Suddenly, Ken went down on one knee as he was sliced along his thigh. He grimaced as he stood up, trying to make it to his bike. A high-pitched noise alerted him to another projectile and he threw himself to the ground, landing hard on his shoulder. This time he managed to see the retreating weapon and followed it to its source. He watched as it circled back around and into a tree to the left of the storage shed. His first instinct was to go after whoever was in the tree and confront them. But without backup or his bugnuks, that would be very stupid. I've gotta get up. Get to my bike. Gotta get to the Koneko.

Ken forced himself up and managed to make it to his bike without further incident. He gingerly eased himself over and onto his bike, grimacing the whole time. He sped away, hoping he wasn't being followed. He drove around the city for awhile before finally heading to the Koneko.

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Yohji was counting up the day's deposit when he heard a knock on the window. He looked up to see a familiar pair of legs. "Oh hell. I wanted to go out tonight." He went over and unlocked the door, bestowing a playful grin on the serious looking woman entering the Koneko. "Hello Manx. Lovely evening, yes?" She just walked past the slender blonde and headed downstairs. "What's her problem?"

Yohji followed Manx downstairs where Aya and Omi were already seated and waiting to hear what mission Manx had for them.

"I'm not here to deliver a mission. I'm here to warn you of a serious situation. Someone hacked into Weiss' system and retrieved the names of several agents."

The cigarette that was between Yohji's mouth fell to the floor unnoticed. "What!"

"We're warning all our agents to be careful and on the lookout for anyone suspicious. And since the names could be those of current or past agents, you may want to warn Ken."

"No need."

All eyes turned to see Ken limping down the stairs and favoring his left shoulder.

"Ken!" Omi was by his side in seconds, helping him down the stairs and onto the sofa. "You're bleeding!"

Before Omi could move to retrieve any medical supplies, Aya was standing behind him with the first aid kit and a towel. "Remove your pants."

Manx raised an eyebrow at how easily Ken complied with Aya's request and watched as Omi helped the injured man out of his sweatpants and as Aya cleaned and bandaged the gash on his thigh, Ken related what happened.

"So you didn't get a good look at him?"

"No. It was getting dark and there aren't many lights by the shed. So what the hell is going on?"

"Someone hacked our system and retrieved names of agents. Past and present. And since they're not kept on some master list and the hacker was cut off before he could completely pillage our system, we don't know which names he managed to get."

"Great."

"Don't worry Kenken. I'll take care of this."

"Yohji, wait. We don't know much about this person. How are you going to find him?"

The slender blonde turned back from the stairs and smiled. "Remember who you're speaking to chibi. I'll find the bastard. Nobody messes with Kenken and gets away with it."

Omi turned to Ken, exasperated. "You're just going to let him go!"

"Omi, I'm in no condition to stop him and honestly, you should know that Yohji is better than anyone at finding people."

"Done." Aya left to put the first aid kit away and when he returned he had a pair of pants with him. "Here. These should fit."

"Of course they'll fit. They're mine. Where did you get these?"

Aya shrugged. "I think you left them in my room one night."

Neither paid attention to Omi's red face or Manx's uncomfortable shift.

"So Manx, you'll keep us posted?"

"Oh, uh, yes. Keep an eye on your email. We'll be sending updates."

"Is it safe to send email after the system just got hacked?"

"We've already fortified the system's security and whereas our technicians are confident that we're safe, Persia wants you to try and hack the system Omi."

The young man nodded solemnly and went over to his computer.

"Take care boys."

Ken sat there with Aya, absently playing with a piece of string on his bandage.

"Stop playing with it."

Ken automatically complied with the order. He laid his head back and closed his eyes. "Could I steal some painkillers from you?"

"Sure." Aya returned quickly with three white pills and a glass of water. "So what are you going to tell Duo?"

Ken swallowed the pills and placed the glass on the table with a sigh.

"Freak soccer accident. The gash can be explained away by saying I was caught by somebody's cleats. Damn things are sharp. And my shoulder…I'll just say I fell on it. Which isn't a lie. I just won't tell him I was dodging razor-sharp daggers at the time."

"Very plausible. Good."

"Yeah."

Aya watched Ken as he sank back into the sofa, looking despondent. "You can't tell him the truth."

"I know. But what if this bastard comes after me again while I'm home? What do I do then?"

Aya didn't answer him.

"I've gotta get home. Keep me posted, ok?"

"You can't drive like this."

"I have to. I had an accident remember? I stopped by the school's infirmary; they patched me up and sent me on my way." He saw the skeptical amethyst eyes and he smiled. "I'll be fine Aya."

"I'll follow you."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken sped all the way home. Not because he was trying to lose Aya, but because he didn't want to be driving when the painkillers really kicked in. As he pulled up to the apartment, he heard the sound of Aya's car driving past. He took the elevator up to the third floor instead of taking the stairs like he normally did. When he entered the apartment he called out for his lover.

"Duo! Hey, I'm home!"

No answer. Ken slipped off his shoes and headed through the living room to the kitchen.

"Duo?"

A stab of panic hit his gut and he called out again, this time a bit of panic coming through.

"Duo? You here?"

He headed back towards the bedrooms, quickening his pace. Oh gods, did that bastard come here looking for me after I drove away?

"Duo!"

Ken passed the open bathroom, the empty office and finally found Duo in the bedroom, sleeping. His heart ached at the sight of the peaceful scene. He limped over and gingerly laid down next to Duo, nestling into his warm body. The movement caused the man to wake up and he smiled when he found Ken next to him.

"Hey, I missed you. Where have you been? Your phone cut out awhile ago."

"I know. I'm sorry. But I'm here now and we can talk all you want. I'll tell you about the accident if you like."

Duo sat up, concern in his voice. "An accident? What happened?"

Ken started pushing the waistband of his sweatpants down to reveal the bandages on his thigh. "There was a collision and one of the boys' cleats sliced my thigh. And I landed pretty hard on my shoulder too."

"Ken!"

"But I'm fine. The nurse at the school infirmary took care of me and gave me some painkillers, which would explain why I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open."

"You drove home under painkillers? What kind of stupid nurse did you see?"

"I told her someone was picking me up and she believed me. Now calm down. I'm fine. You're fine. Everything is fine."

"No, not fine. Why didn't you mention this when we talked on the phone?"

"I didn't want to worry you. Look at you. I'm home safe and sound and you're still worrying."

Duo sighed and brushed at Ken's bangs absently. "Can I get you anything? Dinner? Something to drink? A smack upside the head for being so stupid?"

Ken smiled and reached up to pull Duo's braid, bringing him down for a kiss. "I only need you."

Duo slid down and stretched out next to Ken, wrapping his arms around him. "Well you've got that so go to sleep."

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Ken closed his eyes and let Duo wrap him up in his strong arms. He knew he wouldn't be awake for much longer, but while he was, he was going to worry about what this attack meant for them. I should tell him. He has a right to know. His life could be in danger. I know I said I'd give you up if I thought my life was putting you in danger but….

Ken tried to concentrate on the sound of Duo's breathing, the warmth of his body, the way he smelled…anything other than the horrifying reality he was facing. How am I going to protect him while that bastard is still out there? Maybe I could convince him to go away with me for a few days. Or maybe I could ask him to stay home with me while I recover and that way I'll be able to protect him myself.

His mind was getting hazy and Ken knew he didn't have much longer before he fell into a deep sleep. Oh shit! What about tonight? What if he comes here tonight looking for me? I'll be drugged up. I won't be able to…

Ken's side began to vibrate and it brought him out of his drug-induced haze.

"Huh?"

"It's your phone."

Duo frowned as he reached down and handed the phone to Ken. I thought he said his phone died. Why is it ok now?

Ken inwardly cringed at his carelessness. Damn! I forgot to turn the phone off! I wonder if he noticed. He checked the display and saw Yohji's name. Please be good news…

"Hey."

I just wanted you to know that I've got somebody watching your place. You're in no condition to keep watch.

Ken visibly relaxed and let out a deep breath.

"Thanks man. I owe you."

Just protecting what's mine.

Ken chuckled and looked up at Duo, knowing exactly where his friend was coming from.

"Call me."

I will. Later.

Ken hung up the phone and placed it on the nightstand with a grimace.

"Who was that?"

"Aya. He's going to go shopping with Yohji this weekend so I don't have to."

"Um…ok."

"You've never been shopping with Yohji. If you had, you would appreciate what Aya is doing for me."

Ken nestled back into Duo and let his mind drift quickly into sleep, his nerves no longer on edge knowing he had a guardian angel outside. I love you Duo. And I'll do everything I can to protect you. I just hope you never have to find that out.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken heard the phone ringing and he reached out from the shower to answer it. Ever since the attack three days ago, he'd been so paranoid that he was carrying his cell phone with him everywhere. He flipped the phone up and saw Yohji's name.

"Yeah."

You can stop worrying.

"You found him?"

Found him, fought him and killed him.

"Who was it?"

Don't know yet. Omi's handling the stolen records, Manx is running prints and dental for an ID.

"Thanks Yohji. I don't know how much longer my nerves were going to last."

Hey, it's my job. I am your best friend. Now give Duo a hug for me and I'll talk to you guys later, ok?

"Ok. 'Night Yohji."

Ken flipped his phone closed and finished his shower. He was immensely relieved that he no longer had to worry about someone attacking him or Duo. But he still had a nagging guilt about lying to Duo about his past. How can I marry him without telling him the truth? He has a right to know exactly who he is marrying.

To be continued….