Disclaimer: Get Backers is owned by Aoki, Ayamine and Team Get Backers. X-Men and canon characters owned by God, otherwise known as Stan Lee. Felis is mine. Don't bother suing. No, really.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Felis walked up behind the two men sitting at the counter. They were so busy begging for a meal from the sour-faced owner that they didn't hear her. She was slightly annoyed at this, from what she had learned in her first few days in Tokyo, Raitei was supposed to be a master at awareness. Ah, but Raitei was gone. That power was locked behind the will of the blond man in front of her, Amano Ginji. Amano-san, who was suddenly only about a foot tall and very pudgy, dancing on the counter. Felis couldn't help herself. She burst out laughing. Her reaction brought everyone's attention snapping to her.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," She apologized, clasping her hands to her chest and bowing. "But that was the cutest thing I have ever seen! How did you do it?"
"We have no idea," The brunet with the purple sunglasses said, thumping the little man firmly on the head. Somehow, the blow triggered another transformation and Amano-san was back to normal. Felis sniffed discreetly. Amano-san smelled like ozone, the brunet of cigarette smoke and ancient incense. What an odd combination. Felis gave the two men her best non-toothy smile.
"Well, you just made my day. Let me buy you lunch. I haven't eaten yet either and I'd really like to get to know you better. Kitten? What do you recommend?"
"Kitten?" The two men looked at each other with evil smiles, then at Natsumi, who blushed.
"Um, the Get Backers really like pizza."
"Really? How fascinating! Ok, one large pizza with the Get Backer's favorite toppings and whatever red meat you have, rare, please."
"Rare?"
"Yes. Oh, and make sure you add Akabane-sama's coffee to my bill as well."
"A…aka…Akabane?" Amano-san shrieked, turning into the pudgy form again and clinging to the brunet's head. The brunet turned in his seat and frowned at Akabane, who saluted him with his coffee cup.
"WAAAAA! BAN-CHAN! Why didn't you say something!" Amano-san bawled, hiding his face in the brunet's spiky hair. Felis backed up a step, her tail twitching. What on earth was going on here? She looked at Natsumi, who shrugged and went back to the pizza.
"Because I didn't see him, eel-boy. Now get off." Ban-chan, no Ban-san to her, plucked the chubby Amano-san off and dumped him roughly back on the stool.
"I apologize for my partner. He had a bad experience with Akabane a while back."
"Oh, not a problem. I must apologize as well. I asked him to be here."
"You? Whatever would you want the Jackal for?" Ban-san asked, eyes raking over her frame. Felis smirked, recognizing the look. A lot of men had done that. Most of them survived.
"I wanted to hire him for a job. I must say, he's very efficient." She wagged the tip of her tail at Akabane and caught the very faint chuckle. Ah, the joy of feline hearing.
"But if he makes you so uncomfortable, Amano-san, we could go someplace else to talk. After you have your food, of course."
"Wait, wait. How do you know Ginji's name?"
"Akabane-sama told me." Felis looked at Ban-san as innocently as she could with her glasses on.
"He told you Ginji's name, but not mine?"
"Oh, I am so sorry! No, he didn't. You see, it was Amano-san I was interested in."
"Me? Really?" Amano-san perked right up, brown eyes sparkling. "Wow, that's very flattering, miss…miss…"
"Felis."
"Felis? That's a strange name." Amano-san got another bonk on the head from Ban-san.
"Ginji! Don't be rude! She's buying us lunch!" Ban-san hissed. He turned a cocky smile on Felis.
"Oww. I'm sorry, Felis-sama. I didn't mean it."
"I know you didn't, Amano-san," Felis said soothingly, ignoring the smile. "I'm quite used to it."
"So, why are you so interested in Ginji?" Ban-san asked, folding his arms and looking put out. Was it because she had asked about his partner or because she ignored his smile? Felis did a tail-shrug, which garnered another soft chuckle from Akabane-sama. At least she was keeping him entertained.
"I'm here because there's a powerful group looking for him. They want him for their organization and will go to great lengths to take him." Natsumi gasped and dropped the knife in her hand. Ban-san and Amano-san went very still, predators poising for a fight. Felis allowed herself one more tail twitch before letting it hang along her right leg, the tip curled around her shin.
"How do you know this?" Ban-san asked in a deadly voice. Felis forced her fingers to relax. She was surrounded by predators! How exciting!
"I've fought them in the States. They're called the Brotherhood of Mutants and they're looking to expand their ranks. Amano-san's electrical ability is, I believe, genetic in nature, classifying him as homo superior. A mutant. I'm with the X-Men, a group of mutants trying to keep the Brotherhood in check. They want to exterminate normal humans, rid the planet of anyone not genetically superior. The X-Men seek only peaceful co-existence. If the Brotherhood captured Amano-san, they would break him. Make him work for them. We wouldn't be able to stop them. It would be a world war," Felis said soberly. Her audience stopped breathing.
"Wh…why haven't we heard of them before now?" Amano-san asked softly, looking to his partner. Felis shrugged.
"You've been lucky. They've been focusing on the United States, where mutation is higher by percentage. Or perhaps the Limitless Fortress protected you from their leader's notice. I don't know exactly. You showed up on our radar several weeks ago, but we were too busy in the States to come and warn you. Thankfully, the Brotherhood was fighting us, so they were too busy as well. Now, though, it's only a matter of time."
"Who will they send?" Ban-san asked. Felis saw him grip Amano-san's shoulder, a comforting gesture. She smiled. Good. Amano-san had at least one friend who would help him.
"They'll try to seduce you first. Tokyo is too populated to risk an all out assault. If persuasion won't work, then they'll either send in the big guns or lure you out of the city and take you then. I'm authorized by my superior to grant you safe passage out of Japan if you wish. Akabane-sama would be accompanying us as far as the airport. If you don't want to go, I would understand completely. This is shocking news and it will take some time to absorb." Ban-san and Amano-san nodded slowly. Felis took a card out of her suit pocket and handed it to Amano-san.
"Please, call me if you have any questions. My hotel is on the back of the card. I'll be in Tokyo for another week." Amano-san took the card and stared at it. Felis twitched the tip of her tail nervously, then lowered her head and took off her glasses. She bent at the waist, looking up at Amano-san through her hair. He finally met her gaze and gasped.
"I know how hard this is, Amano-san. I went through the same thing. If you want to talk, about anything, you know how to reach me. Whatever you do, don't forget you have one very good friend beside you. I can tell. Don't let him out of your sight. The Brotherhood will try to separate you, divide your strength. Don't let them." Amano-san nodded. Natsumi cleared her throat.
"Um, I'm very sorry, but your food is ready."
"Could you box mine up, please, Kitten?" Felis asked, straightening. "I need to be going."
"Oh. Of course!" Natsumi put the pizza down next to the Get Backers and rummaged under the counter. A bloody rare steak dropped into a Styrofoam container and she handed it to Felis. Felis put it on the counter long enough to take out her wallet and pay for everything. She left Natsumi a generous tip, picked up her food and bid everyone farewell. The bell chimed much too cheerfully as she left.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------Ban and Ginji stared after Felis, seeing the tail curled lightly around her leg. The dark brown fur matched her hair perfectly. Ban recovered first.
"Who the HELL WAS THAT?" He yelled, pointing at the retreating cat-woman.
"Katrina Hoffler, code name, Felis. An X-man. Abilities include regeneration, healing touch and shapeshifting. Distinctive features, cat ears, whiskers, vertical pupils and a dark brown tail," Paul said, putting down his newspaper. Ban turned to gape at the café owner. Ginji continued to stare out the window.
"How the hell do you know that?" Ban exclaimed. Paul shrugged.
"MakubeX told me two days ago. Seems someone was poking around the internet, looking for information on Raitei." That got Ginji's attention. The blond whipped around, brown eyes dark.
"Why?" He asked in a soft voice. Paul shrugged again and lit a cigarette. Ban muttered to himself and did the same.
"MakubeX wasn't sure. He tracked the probe to its source and sent me everything he could copy before he was detected. I have the information upstairs if you want to take a look."
"Ginji?" Ban asked, blowing a cloud of smoke.
"Yeah. We need to know what we're up against." The Get Backers followed Paul into the back room, Ban carrying the pizza. After a few minutes, Paul returned. Akabane stood.
"It would appear my services are no longer required. Good day, Paul-san, Natsumi-san."
"Bye, Akabane-sama!" Natsumi said, waving cheerfully. Akabane tipped his hat and opened the door. Hevn was on the other side.
"Hello, Hevn-sama." Akabane tipped his hat. Hevn looked at him contemptuously and brushed by without saying anything. Akabane frowned and left the café, wondering at Hevn's rudeness. The mediator always treated him with respect. He turned his feet in the direction of his apartment and began walking up the street. He would reprimand her later. Right now he had more important things to do. Like calling Hoffler-san and taking her up on the offer of hunting.
"Akabane-sama!" Speak of the neko. Akabane twisted his hat to look out the slit and smiled at Hoffler-san dashing towards him.
"Hoffler-san. What a pleasant…" He broke off when he realized she was carrying someone over her shoulder. A very familiar looking someone.
"Akabane-sama. Did a woman with obscenely large breasts and long blonde hair come this way?" Hoffler-san asked, ignoring his use of her real name.
"Yes and she looked exactly like the woman you're carrying." Hoffler-san said something in English that sounded very rude.
"Do you know this woman?" She asked, gently lowering her cargo until the feet touched the ground. Hevn was unconscious, blood matting her hair. Hoffler-san kept both arms around her burden, cradling Hevn against her.
"That is Hevn-sama. She's a mediator, someone who finds and distributes various jobs."
"Does she work with the Get Backers?"
"She's their main source of income." Hoffler-san said the rude word again and put her hand on Hevn's head. After a few seconds, the blonde moaned and scrunched up her face.
"Uhnnn." Hevn opened her eyes and blinked at them. "What happened?"
"You were assaulted. I found you in an alley nearby," Hoffler-san told her.
"Akabane-san?" Hevn asked, focusing on him. He tugged on his hat brim.
"I suggest, Hoffler-san, that you hurry back to the Honky Tonk. I will take care of Hevn-san."
"No! No, that's okay. I'm fine. Just a little headache." Hevn shoved out of Hoffler-san's arms, backing away from Akabane. He let his smile slip. Really, must both Hevns be rude today? Hoffler-san looked between them, a slight smile on her face.
"Am I the only one not afraid of you, Akabane-sama?" She asked.
"Afraid? I'm not afraid. It's just that I know what his idea of taking care of is and I'm not interested. No offense intended, Akabane-san," Hevn said, eyeing him closely. He smirked and she backed up a step.
"You're healed anyway, the best I can do at short notice. Come on, we have to go warn the Get Backers."
"I take it the Hevn who was so rude to me is not the real one?" Akabane asked, following Hoffler-san. She sprinted to the door, he was right beside her. A block away, they could hear Hevn yelling at them to wait up.
"No. That was Mystique. A Brotherhood agent." Hoffler-san paused, hand on the doorknob. "Oh, and Akabane-sama. Please just call me Felis. It's much easier on my ears."
"As you wish, Felis." She smiled and yanked open the door, making the bells jangle harshly. Hevn-Mystique was holding Paul by the tie, growling in his face. Natsumi was nowhere to be seen. The two looked up as Akabane and Felis entered.
"Let him go, Mystique. He's not the one you want," Felis said, spreading her fingers. Akabane slid to the side. He noticed curved claws coming out of Felis' fingertips, much like a tiger's.
"Oh look. The Professor sent the kitty-cat." Mystique shoved Paul back, sending him crashing into the shelves behind the bar. Glassware shattered around him. Akabane frowned at the noise. If the Get Backers were anywhere around, they would be arriving shortly.
"You're too late, doppleganger. I was here first."
"Funny, I don't see any lightening coming out of your tail. Where did you hide him, furball?" Mystique rippled, showing her true form. Blue-skinned, lithe, with a cap of dark red hair. Akabane smirked at the stand-off. A cat and a doppleganger. A door slammed open, distracting both opponents. Ban and Ginji were in the kitchen doorway, Ban in front. He immediately threw an arm out, keeping Ginji back. Natsumi peeked out from behind Ginji.
"Stay back. You'll only get hurt," Felis warned, eyes shifting back to Mystique. Ban looked at Akabane, who shook his head slightly.
"I will find Raitei, kitten," Mystique snarled, moving into a fighting stance.
"Good luck. From what I've learned, he no longer exists." Gasps from the doorway. Ban turned and hustled Ginji and Natsumi back into the room, slamming the door behind him. Howls of protest were heard through the kitchen, followed by terse admonitions for quiet.
"We'll see." Mystique lunged. Akabane smirked. She was much too slow. It would be easy to kill her. Felis dodged, using her tail to trip up the doppleganger. The neko was also too slow, what a pity. With a grab and a twist, Felis had Mystique in a submission hold, a set of claws buried in her neck. She wrenched the hissing woman around to face him.
"Behold, Akabane-sama. This is part of the opposition. She can take down a dozen normal humans without breaking a sweat. She can even give our best fighters a run for their money. She's a perfect impressionist, duplicating someone right down to their mannerisms. But only if she has prolonged exposure to her target."
"Let me go, you bitch," Mystique snarled. Felis licked her captive's cheek, making her growl in disgust and Akabane smirk.
"Wrong species." Felis retracted her claws and shoved her towards Akabane. Mystique recovered quickly, glaring at him.
"Care to have a go, Akabane-sama?" Felis asked, licking the blood off her fingers.
"She would be too easy, I'm afraid." Akabane tugged on his hat. Scalpels erupted from between his fingers as he brought his hand down. "Besides, I have an agreement with the owner of this establishment. No blood on the carpet." Mystique snorted and bolted for the door.
"This isn't over, hairball!" She yelled over her shoulder, rippling into a non-descript Japanese woman once she was outside. Hevn barely managed to avoid a collision with the fleeing shapeshifter. The mediator hurried into the café. Felis continued sucking on her red fingers. Akabane put his scalpels away.
"Where is she?" Hevn demanded. Akabane shrugged as the Get Backers peeked out again.
"Already gone."
"You let her go?" Ban asked, coming out with Ginji and Natsumi in tow.
"She still has her uses," Felis said, giving her pinkie one final tongue swipe. The retrievers gaped at her. "Thank you, Akabane-sama, for not killing her. You would have brought the wrath of Magneto on Tokyo."
"I do hope the rest of the opposition proves better entertainment then the doppleganger."
"Depends on who he sends next. Since Mystique didn't work, I'm guessing Pyro, maybe Sabertooth. Worst case scenario is he comes himself. That would prove a very interesting battle."
"How so?" Paul asked, boosting himself onto the counter. Natsumi and Hevn rushed over and fussed over him, picking glass out of his skin.
"He's called Magneto for a reason. He can control the magnetic field of the planet, manipulate any conductive metal, even fly. If he and Amano-san went head to head, I hate to think of the consequences. Electricity has magnetic qualities." Felis shivered.
"Felis-san, how do we get him to stop?" Ginji asked, brown eyes going dark again.
"Make it clear you're not interested. Join the X-men. Magento is like a wolf. He seeks out the weak, the wounded, the disenchanted and convinces them his way is the only way. He attracts the like minded."
"But, I don't want to leave Ban. We're the Get Backers. We stick together. No matter what." Ginji clenched his fists, sparks dancing along his skin. Ban gripped his shoulder and Ginji sighed. The sparks winked out.
"You won't have to. I'm sure the Professor will agree to let you stay here. Or…" Felis trailed off, looking at Akabane thoughtfully.
"Or what?" Ban asked.
"Is there any way we could fake Amano-san's death?"