Avenging Angel
Chapter 17
Disclaimer: Happy Thanksgiving Minna. Same thing don't own anything but the story.
The next morning found Shuuichi sitting at the table reading the morning paper's headline. A frown on his handsome features.
"So…one of Usagi-chan's former friends was killed last night." He muttered to himself. He glanced down at the photograph and his eyes widened in horror. He hadn't really paid much attention to his Mei's friends. He had been more concerned with his Niisan and his bodyguards being at the cemetary.
"Kami-sama. She looks exactly like Usa-chan. Except her hair is down, and tied with a red bow."
Shuuichi shuddered slightly at the uncanny resemblance between the deceased girl and his beloved Mei.
"Is it possible that Aino-san was killed because of her likeness too Usagi-chan?!" He closed his eyes and a cold shiver ran up his back again. "If so Akiko will try too correct his mistake.
He was just taking out his cell phone to call his assistant Manx for a more detailed report on Minako's murder. When Usagi walked in to the Dining Room with Nagi and Schuldich bringing up the rear.
"Ohayo Oji-chan." She said brightly. But then she frowned when she saw the worried expression on her favorite Oji's face as he put down the newspaper that he had been reading. "Daijoubu?" she asked him with concern.
Shuuichi gave her a small pained smile as she walked towards him. 'I don't want Usa-chan too know of this. Demo…It's better that she hears it from me, and not from anyone else.' He thought to himself.
"Usa-chan…Onegai sit down. There is something that I need too tell you."
Her frown deepened even more as she sat down next to her uncle and waited patiently for him to continue.
"Usa-chan…one of your former friends was murdered last night. Her body was discovered in a fourth rate motel." Upon seeing the shocked expression on her face he slowly continued. "I think that she may have been killed because of her likeness of you."
Usagi's eyes widened as she realized just which one of her former best friends had been killed. "Minako." She said softly. While it was true that Minako and the other Inner's had betrayed her,
she had never wanted them dead. "How did she die?" She asked her uncle in a quiet voice.
Shuuichi closed his eyes. "I haven't gotten the report yet. I was about too call my assistant when you came in." He told her.
He opened his eyes again and said calmly: "As you already know Usagi-chan my Niisan has already loaned his two bodyguards Nagi and Schuldich." His expression hardened when he said the German's name. "Demo I have also hired two more bodyguards. One of them is your friend Tsukiyono Omi."
Noticing the surprised look on his Mei's face he shrugged. "He wanted the job so that he could watch over you." He gave her a grin. "Apparently he thinks of you as his imuto." He finished.
Usagi blinked at this bit of news. 'Saa…he and I are family.' She thought to herself.
Schuldich and Nagi exchanged looks and nodded their heads. They could probably put up with Bombay.
~"You two better. I am not about to loose anymore family members."~ Usagi informed them telepathically.
"Who is the other bodyguard Oji-chan?" She asked out loud.
Shuuichi had a rather disgruntled look on his face. "Tsukiyono's co-worker Hideka Ken." He sounded rather annoyed when he said the former soccer player's name.
Usagi, Schuldich, and Nagi tried to squelch their amusement. Apparently Takatori Shuuichi was still ticked off about his broken glassware.
'Let's just hope that Ken-kun/San doesn't break anything else.' Was the general thought going through their minds.
The chime on Shuuichi's watch went off. "I have too go to work now Usa-chan. Schuldich will drive you and Nagi to school, and pick you up after." He stopped when he noticed that his Mei wasn't ready for school yet. "You might want too get dressed and ready for school." He said while giving her an amused look.
Usagi's eyes widened when she noticed that she was still dressed in her nightgown and robe. She gave a loud yelp and took off up the stairs. ~"Why didn't either of you tell me that it was a school day!!"~ she hissed at Schuldich and Nagi telepathically.
~"Gomen nasai Usagi-chan. I had thought that your Oji-san would have let stay home for one more day."~ Nagi explained.
~"I on the other hand was enjoying the lovely view of you in a nightgown. Pity that you had covered it up with that robe."~ Schuldich commented.
Usagi's face turned beet red. ~"ECCHI, HENTAI!!!"~ she shrieked and continued with several expletives that would have made Haruka proud, and Michiru glare at her lover and make her sleep on the couch.for a month. Schuldich winced at her mental scream. Nagi who had been spared the mental onslaught just smirked at his team mates obvious headache.
Shuuichi who had noticed the apparent mental conversation between his Mei and her two new bodyguards shook his head in amusement, and surmised that Usagi had let the German have it for some reason or other. 'Probably because that Schuldich made a comment that she hadn't cared for.' He theorized. He briefly wondered if his brother would take Schuldich back and send the precog Brad Crawford in his place. Making a mental note to ask his Niisan later. He picked up his briefcase and left while giving Schuldich a death glare.
When he was gone Schuldich picked up the newspaper that was left behind and perused through it. While Nagi used his telekinetic powers to get a zip-loc bag, and began to fill it up with the still warm biscuits, ham, sausages, and scrambled eggs. Knowing full well that Usagi wouldn't have time to eat breakfast when she came back downstairs.
Fifteen minutes later Usagi rushed downstairs completely dressed and ready for school. Nagi who was holding two lunch bags in one hand and the zip-loc bag containing her breakfast in the other smiled and asked. "Are you all set Usagi-chan?"
Usagi. Who saw what Nagi was holding in one of his hands gave him a grateful smile. "Hai. Nagi-kun. Arigato for saving me some breakfast."
Nagi blushed and gave her a small smile. "Your welcome Usagi-chan." He replied while handing her the bag.
Schuldich who watched this little exchange scowled inwardly. 'KUSO! Why didn't I think of doing that.' He wondered. He shoved the thoughts aside and gave her his customary smirk.
"We had better get going if we want too miss the morning traffic." He mocked bowed and said: "Ladies first."
Usagi scowled and nodded her head. She was still mad at him for his earlier comment. She walked out the door with Nagi close behind her and Schuldich bringing up the rear. They got in to the car and drove off.
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When they arrived at the school Nagi climbed out first and then helped Usagi out of the car. Schuldich rolled down the passenger side window and said: "I'll pick you two up after school, wait for me in the Principal's office."
They nodded their heads and Schuldich drove off towards Takatori Reiji's political headquarters. As he was driving he noticed the blue haired girl Mizuno Ami getting out of another car. He saw her turn to the driver and say something and then walked off.
"Hmm…let's see what she's planning." He said to himself and gently probed her mind. "Oh Ho…she's going too ask Akiko-san to kill Kino-san, and Hino-san. This could work out to Takatori-sama's advantage in gaining points with his Mei. Not too mention myself."
He chuckled to himself and headed off to his employer's office with the intent to report his findings to Reiji.
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Meanwhile Usagi and Nagi had just arrived in their first classroom. Usagi sat down behind her desk and Nagi followed suit sitting at his own desk. Omi and Hotaru came in five seconds later holding hands and talking about the upcoming dance.
The bell rang and the teacher came in and told the students to sit down at their desks. After everyone was quiet the teacher continued with his announcement.
"We have a new transfer student from Juuban. Please welcome Mizuno Ami."
Usagi and Hotaru's right eyebrow twitched upwards every so often when they heard this. Ami walked in to the room coolly while all of the boys in the classroom, (with the exception of Omi, and Nagi.) made catcalls, and wolf noises. The girls on the other hand were not happy to see yet another pretty girl in their class. She made her way to the empty seat in front of Usagi and sat down.
"Now then class. Take out your books, notepads, and pens. We have a lot of ground to cover for the upcoming S.A.T.S." All of the students groaned and did as he asked. Ami raised her hand and said: "Gomen sensei, demo I don't have a book to read from."
The teacher turned around and nodded his head understandingly. "Can anyone assist Mizuno-san by sharing their book and notes?" He asked the class.
Several boys raised their hands to volunteer and the teacher picked one out. "Naoe-san, your close too her. Why don't you assist her through the rest of the class, and then show her where she can get a book of her own."
Nagi smiled tightly and nodded. He moved closer to Ami and held up his book. The teacher turned back to the blackboard and resumed writing the chapters that the S.A.T. exam would cover for the first class.
When the class was finally over. (Though not fast enough for Nagi. Poor kid I feel sorry for him. -_-) The teacher turned to face his students and said. "Now class I want you too read five chapters in reference to the lessons that we have covered for today."
The students gave a dismal "Hai…Sensei." And got up to leave. Ami laid a hand on Nagi's shoulder and asked "Will you show me where the Library is?"
Nagi inwardly groaned and made a mental note to telekinitically drop a bucket of paint on to the teacher for assigning him this task. "Hai…follow me." He said calmly and devoid of emotion, and then headed off with Ami close behind him.
"Poor Nagi-kun." Usagi murmured. Omi and Hotaru nodded their heads in agreement, and pitied the young Schwartz assassin. They gathered up their belongings and made their way to their next class. Nagi arrived later on with Ami following close behind. He plopped down in his seat next to Usagi, who gave him a sympathetic look.
Ami once again sat down in front of Usagi and just stared at what was in front of her. All the while trying to come up with a way to get close to Usagi again. "How am I supposed to get close to Usagi so I can gain her trust, and lead her in to a trap. So Akiko-san can kill her?" She quietly pondered on her dillema. "Saa…I'm sure that I can come up with something." She smirked cruely.
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At lunch Usagi was sitting at one of the school's outside tables. Nagi who had finally been able to get away from Ami plopped down and sighed in relief. Each and every teacher had assigned him to show Ami to her next class. (Which to his continual frustration matched his and Usagi's) "If one more teacher asks me too escort her to her next class, this whole school will be blasted off the face of the Earth." He grumbled. Usagi laid a hand on his shoulder in sympathy causing Nagi to look at her. "Just try and forget about her Nagi-kun," her lips quirked up in a wry grin. "At least you didn't have too have lunch with her." She added.
Nagi sighed in relief with that statement. "Your right Usagi-chan." He leaned forward on the table and rested his head. Enjoying his brief period of peace and quiet. Then something occurred to him. "Usagi-chan…your birthday is in two weeks isn't it?"
Usagi gave him a small smile. "Hai…it is." She said quietly looking up at the sky remembering all the Birthday Parties that she had celebrated with her family and friends. 'But their dead now, and the Inner Senshi's are my enemies so there is no reason on dwelling on it.' She thought wistfully.
Nagi who noticed the sad expression on her face tried to think of something that would cheer her up. "What would you like too do for your Birthday?" Upon seeing the sadness in her eyes had deepened he mentally kicked himself.
"My family and I were going to have a Birthday bash at a restraunt near the sea, where we could watch the ships as they sailed by. Demo their gone now." Nagi flinched when he heard this he and the other Schwartz team had been responsible for her family's murder. And nothing would change that.
"Well maybe you can still have that party, I'm sure that your Oji's would be happy too throw you one." He said trying once again to cheer her up.
Usagi gave him a sad smile knowing that he was doing his best to cheer her up, but it was no use her memories were still to painful to bear. "I appreciate your trying too cheer me up Nagi-kun, demo with the threat of the assassin that Chiba no Baka, and my former friends have hired to kill me. There is very little chance of my Oji's throwing me a Birthday Party." She said gently.
Nagi nodded his head in understanding. He knew full well that both of Usagi's Oji's were fiercely protective of their Mei. Shuuichi was the most fiercely protective by far. Nagi had heard some of the warning that he had given Schuldich the other night.
"Maybe the assassin will be caught before your Birthday, Usagi-chan." He commented.
She shook her head. "I don't know Nagi-kun, there isn't a whole lot information, or clues. That will lead the police to his location."
Nagi was trying to think of something, in order to change the subject to a much safer topic. When Omi and Hotaru arrived at the table with their lunches. They sat down with Hotaru sitting on the other side of Usagi, and Omi sitting across from her.
"Ne Usagi-chan, Nagi-san. What were you two talking about?" Hotaru asked while pulling out her sandwich.
Nagi looked somewhat uncomfortable and replied: "I was asking Usagi-chan what she would like too do for her birthday."
Hotaru's eyes widened. "Oh my Kami-sama, that's right your birthday is in two weeks isn't it? What have you decided too do Usagi-chan?"
Usagi sighed again. "As I have already explained too Nagi-kun. I can't have a Birthday Party because of the assassin the Chiba Baka, and the others have hired to kill me is still at large." She explained dejectedly.
Omi could understand Usagi's hesitation about having a party. Since Akiko was somehow able to penetrate a maximum-security party for diplomats and politicians. He would have next to no trouble crashing in on a Not so Maximum-Security Birthday party.
"Don't worry Usagi-chan, we will think of a fun thing too do for your Birthday." He said.
Usagi gave him a gentle smile, which he returned. Twenty minutes later the bell rang signaling that lunch was over. They gathered up their trash and threw it away in to one of the trashcans, and made their way to their next class.
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Unseen by them Ami was standing beneath a tree. She was speaking intently with Akiko.
"Are you sure that you understand what we want you to do?" she asked him for the umpteenth time.
Akiko rolled his eyes and sighed deeply. He was getting rather annoyed with his client. "Hai…you and Chiba-san want me too add Hino-san, and Kino-san to my list of targets." He replied.
Ami nodded her head. 'Mamo-chan has finally wised up, and realized that I'm the only girl who is worth his time.' She thought to herself. Outloud she said: "Make sure that it looks like an accident. The last thing that Mamo-chan and I need it to be incriminated in their murders."
Akiko nodded his head again and turned to leave. Glad to be finally leaving the blue haired pain-in-the-ass. (Gomen Ami Fans.) "Oh…one more thing." Akiko turned on his heel and faced his client for the new job trying his best to squelch the annoyance from his voice. "Hai?"
"Usagi's Oji's are sure to throw Usagi-chan a Birthday party in an attempt too cheer her up. As soon as I have the information on the where and when I will contact you." She said with an evil smirk.
Akiko bowed in mock respect. "Hai…Mizuno-san." He acknowledged her information. And watched as she left for class.
Akiko shook his head in disgust. "Oh Brother…now I know that this is too good to be true." He smirked. "Both Kino-san, and Hino-san, have offered me money to kill their rivals. Kino-san wants me to kill Mizuno-san, and Hino-san. Hino-san wants me to kill Kino-san, and Mizuno-san." He burst out laughing at the latest turn of events. "And now Mizuno-san says that she and Chiba-san want Kino-san, and Hino-san killed. Although it's probably just her request.
He gave another laugh and shook his head again this time in amusement. "Geez…all I need right now is for someone to want Chiba-san dead, and my day will be complete." He chuckled as he started walking toward his car.
"Well…that certainly does sound like my cue too make you an offer that you can't refuse." A voice said out loud.
Akiko whirled around and came face to face with Takatori Reiji. Behind him stood Brad Crawford and Farfarello. Crawford was holding a briefcase. 'Which…' Akiko surmised to himself. 'Contains money for the assassination.'
"I have a business proposition for you Akiko. Reiji began. "I want you too eliminate my Mei's enemies. You can continue with their wishes of killing each other, and when they are all dead you will no longer have too worry about money." He informed the assassin.
Akiko's left eyebrow went up when he heard this bit of news. In his profession when people said that it usually meant two things. A) He was going to make Akiko a very wealthy young man. Or B) He was going to kill him when the job was done.
'I'll have to keep my guard up when dealing with Takatori-san.' He thought while saying aloud: "I accept your proposition Takatori-san."
Reiji nodded his head in approval of Akiko's wise decision. "One of my bodyguards will check in with you every now and again, to see how you are fairing. When your assignment is done I will pay you handsomely." He told the young assassin.
Akiko bowed in respect as Reiji Takatori and his two Bodyguards left but not before Crawford tossed the briefcase filled with a million dollars in Yen. After they were gone Akiko saw a shadow move out of the corner of his eye. His training kicked in and he pretended to go through the routine of opening the briefcase so he could count his money. He noticed that the shadow left the bush for a nearer one. Which was when he noticed the telltale ponytail.
"So…Kino-san has overheard my conversation with Takatori-sama. Saa…she will be my next target instead of Mizuno-san. He muttered to himself while taking out his lighter out of one of his pockets and a cigarette out of the other and putting it in his mouth. Lifting the lighter to the cigarette he lit it, and inhaled taking in a drag. After he exhaled he picked up the briefcase and headed over to his car. Makoto thinking that she could take him followed close behind. When Akiko disappeared behind a bush she followed forgetting her Senshi training. When she was on the other side of the bush. She walked right past Akiko who had concealed himself behind a boulder. He lunged out and grabbed Makoto from behind covering her mouth with one hand, and grabbing the knife that once belonged to one of his dead partners with the other he began stabbing her repeatedly. Ten minutes later Makoto's dead body was partly buried under some dead underbrush being burned in the fire that Akiko had started.
Akiko turned around when he heard voices and dove behind the boulder again. Just three minutes before two teachers arrived with some students who had seen the smoke and had come to investigate it. Seeing the fire the two teachers began putting out the fire with a fire extinguisher. When it was finally out one of the girls screamed when she noticed the burnt corpse beneath the foam and ashes.
Both teachers swore and one of them escorted the students to the Principal's office, while the other one stayed behind to make sure that no one disturbed the site. Akiko who was watching this silently swore when he realized that he had left his money next to a tree in plain sight. And the teacher who had just noticed it was heading in its direction.
He lowered his facemask and picked up a heavy rock that was lying next to him. He quietly made his way to the teacher who had opened the briefcase and was staring wide-eyed at its contents. Just as he brought the rock down the teacher turned and looked up at him in horror and tried to scream. The rock crashed down on his temple and the teacher was lying there unconscious and helpless.
Akiko stood over him and was about to finish him off when he heard a shout and saw Omi running towards him darts in hand.
"Kudos! Looks like today is your lucky day old man." Akiko told the unconscious teacher. Picking up his briefcase he charged off toward is car that was two yards away. Omi had finally arrived at the teacher's side and was checking his pulse when Akiko's car tires squealed as he burned rubber. Leaving Omi straining his eyes to catch a glimpse of his license plate. Which was pretty hard to do with all the dust and dirt billowing behind the vehicle.
Omi sighed and looked down at the teacher. "Oh well…at least I stopped Akiko from killing Takagami-sensei." He muttered. He took off his jacket and placed it gently underneath the head of the slowly coming to teacher. Omi heard people coming and saw two police officers hurrying over towards him. Along with a Coroner, who had checked the teacher out and told the Police Officer nearby that he was all right. The Police Officer helped Omi take the dazed man to the Nurse's Office. And then Omi spent the next two hours giving his statement to the policeman. Takagami-sensei was grateful to Omi for saving his life and thanked him repeatedly.
Omi walked slowly out of the Nurse's Office and headed for the Principal's Office since Setsuna wanted to hear what had happened. Since Omi had recently been made one of Usagi's bodyguards. Omi spent yet another hour telling Setsuna what had happened when Usagi, Nagi, and Hotaru came in. Following Schuldich's earlier instructions that morning.
Schuldich arrived and the three friends followed him to the car, but not before Omi kissed Hotaru good-bye. Hotaru stayed behind with her guardian. Since she was riding home with her.
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During the ride back to the manor Schuldich informed Omi that Ken was already there waiting for them. Omi nodded his head, and leaned back in to his seat. Usagi, Who had been quiet through out the whole drive, looked rather pale. Much to the concern of everyone in the car.
"Usagi-chan, are you all right?" Schuldich asked her with a tint of worry in his tone.
"Hai Schuldich-san…I'm fine." She said tiredly.
Schuldich looked in the rearview mirror and saw that both Omi and Nagi were watching with great concern.
When they had arrived Omi and Nagi walked side by side with Usagi, while Schuldich drove the car in to the garage. When he got back they were all sitting in the Living Room talking about the latest murder.
"Do they know who it was Omi-kun?" Usagi asked him.
Omi shook his head. "Not yet Usagi-chan." He told her.
Usagi got up and started up the stairs. Omi, Nagi, and Ken watched her leave, and decided that she needed time to herself. Schuldich on the other hand followed her up the stairs. Just as she was about to go in to her room Schuldich stopped her.
"Usagi-chan?"
"Nani Schuldich-san?" she answered.
"Would you like me to get you something?"
"Iie…I just want too lie down for awhile."
Just as she turned the doorknob, Schuldich gently put his hand on her shoulder. Usagi looked up at him questioningly, and Schuldich gently captured her lips with his own.
"Schuldich…Doushite?" she asked before he kissed her again. Even more deeply than the last. When it was over he lay his forehead on top of hers.
"Aishiteru…Usagi-chan." He told her quietly before kissing her deeply once again. And for the life of her Usagi could bring herself to break it. And they stood in the Hallway sharing in their first real kiss.
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Well Minna-chan, I hope that you will enjoy this chapter when you read it. I hope that you all will have a nice Thanksgiving Day.
Oh, and for those of you who didn't like my other story "A Spiritual Wedding" I'm sorry, I'll try to do better next time.