"So you're saying Estet is gone for good?"

"No, Yohji, I'm saying Kritiker has found no evidence of them. From what we can tell, they're gone but don't let your guards down." Manx walked across the room to Aya. "Schwarz is on the move."

Aya grimaced. "What are they up to? Is Aya safe?"

"They don't seem interested in her. They are more interested in . . . a certain household."

"Whose?" Yohji questioned.

"Well, I was really waiting for Ken and Omi to show before discussing all the details."

"It's the Takatori's, isn't it?" Aya inserted.

Manx looked sternly at Aya. "Yes."

"What would they want with the Takatori's? Schwarz was like the lap dogs of them. Besides, we killed most of the Takatori's on missions." Yohji pondered.

"With one glaring exception . . ." Aya added.

"Yes." Manx continued. "Omi seems to be an interest of theirs. Although we've discovered Schwarz researching Omi's background, we haven't figured out why. They've even attempted tapping into our computer records."

"What are we going to tell Omi?" Yohji worried.

"We believe at this time it's best that Omi only be aware that Schwarz is on the move. He doesn't need to be alarmed."

"Why do I get the feeling you're not telling us everything you know, Manx?" Aya interrogated. "What are you leaving out?"

Manx glared at Aya. "Why would I not tell you everything? It's in everyone's best interest if Weiss has the whole story."

"I guess that means Weiss is reactivated." Yohji groaned.

"Your orders are to keep surveillance on Schwarz and to report back to Kritiker their movements. No involvement. And keep this quiet from Omi."

"Omi will know something's up." Aya countered.

"Well, you'll just have to make sure that he doesn't." Aya and Yohji stared at Manx. She continued. "We're counting on you." With that, Manx turned and walked out the front door.

After a minute of silence, Yohji asked, "Should we tell Ken?"

"Why not?" Aya questioned.

"Well, he's really close to Omi. And he's a hot-head. Ken might not be able to keep it from Omi."

"Keep what from me?" Omi growled.

"Omi!" Yohji said surprised. "When did you get here?"

"We just came in." Ken stated. "Now, answer Omi's question. What can't I keep from Omi?"

Yohji looked at Aya who responded. "Manx was here. She had to leave so she gave us our mission without you here. We're following Schwarz's movements. Manx was afraid of their past history with your family . . . you might not accept the mission."

"I'll accept the mission." Omi said firmly. "Why would Manx worry about that? We're the ones who killed my brothers and father."

"But they were responsible for your sister and uncle's deaths." Aya reminded.

"Wouldn't she be more worried about you and your sister?" Omi asked angrily.

Ken looked at Yohji. Yohji spoke almost in answer to Ken's glance. "Ah, Omi, you know Manx. She always worries about you. She knows Aya's too cold to care. But you, Omi, you're . . . kind. This killing life doesn't really suit you. Remember how Manx was there for you when you started getting your memories back?"

Omi paused in thought. "You're right, Yohji. Aya, I'm sorry."

"That just means you're taking my turn in the kitchen tonight."

Omi smiled. "You got it, Aya. Anything you want." Omi pulled Aya into the kitchen with him. "But Aya, you have to show me your trick with peeling apples."

Ken looked at Yohji who was still staring at the doorway Aya and Omi had just walked through. As their voices tapered off, Ken whispered. "That's not the real reason, is it?"

Yohji turned to face Ken. "You amaze me, Ken. I think you hanging out with Omi all the time is doing you some good. His brains are starting to rub off on you." Yohji smiled.

Ken rolled his eyes. "I want the whole story."