Disclaimer:
I don't own anything about Digimon. No money is being made and no copyright or
trademark infringement is intended.
Author Notes:
Okay, here's the story... I was taking a break at first, it was winter break I wanted a
small breather and so I went with my friends skiing for a week. However I got into
a small accident my first five minutes of skiing thus ending my skiiing season... So
I spent a week at the cabin playing video games... Cool huh?
Anywho then I came back and I kept writing in my notebook, however here is the
problem, I kept writing in my notebook... I didn't transcribe any of it on the computer.
No I didn't lose my notebook, it's just I just kept writing, different scenes, redoing
scenes... You know my usual jive...
Anywho sorry for the delay and I hope this is up to snuff...
Ergh, also this is the longest chapter I believe it's registered as nine pages on my check
listing thing...
I don't like one part of the chapter though... You can probably tell where, the writing gets
sort of funny and I just go bleagh with it... I did four rewrites of that scene and I couldn't get
it better so I just left it.
Oh Takato and Juri scene was pretty much a filler, didn't have any relevence to the story, it did
at first but after the third rewrite I think it disappeared...
BTW the last scene, is my favourite so when your guessing which scene I hated, you better not
choose that one or else... Sorry, okay I'm good...
Thanks to who, thanks to:
Takako:
I know when you said I didn't have to hurry didn't mean for nearly a month... I'm so sorry...
I hope nine pages makes up for it though...
d:
Oh things are just about to shake up a bit more...
E-chan Hidaka:
Ryo and Alice/Sarah... Hm... I'm still deciding on that... But this chapter lets you a bit more
insight on Kenta's misgivings... Not much just a bit... Yes I am evil... I'm sorry, it's my nature.
Silent Angel:
Indeed, I hope vacation was better for you then me thought, I have a tear in my knee and
possibly ACL... I need to get a MIR now... WHAA!!!... I'm okay... sniff
kallie:
Oh, I like writing, it's one of the very few small joys that I like in my life, I like to write and so
when I write to 4 in the morning it means I got a brainstorm and I want to get it all out before
I lose it... Either that or I was working on my homework up to that time...
NiChoMiMeSaJe:
Okay when I first started to play with the idea of Kenta and Suzy I wasn't sure of it... Now
I'm getting more of a feel for it... You will see more of it, whether better or worst... Well we'll
see... Oh and about Fox... BLAH! Except for Simpsons I nearly never watch it anymore.
Rika Wong/Akiyama:
Thank you very much...
: (blank intentional)
Thank you, I love your review too.
Teenager Rika:
1) Right Ignoring Kazu.
2) Thank you for that comment, I'm going to reread your fic soon as soon as I get the chance...
Got to go to bed soon...
3) Still ignoring...
4) Kenta and Suzy are cute aren't they...
Sorry for the delay though... Had to hobble to my computer to type it all out.
Henrika:
Charles is Rika and her mother's manager, he was briefly in an earlier chapter. His job is to
try to manage Rika and try to fit it in with her personal life... Why? Because he wants Rika
to stay in the business, if Rika gets fed up with the press and with the lifestyle she'll leave.
Charles being a manager and a very good one doesn't want that. The kiss? Never in public
did the two ever kiss.
littleweirdwriter:
Thank you very much, like I said 4:15 is nothing sometimes, I'm sort of a nightowl sometimes...
Occationally I think I'm a vampire until I try to fly then I just fall right on my face...
Red Moon Kree:
Here's another update... Sorry for the delay.
LB:
Expect Kazu to get more character, I like all the characters in Digimon and Kazu is no exception
there will be a part he'll be playing, this chapter sort of starts the ball rolling for him a bit...
Kara Kasai:
As usual, your right, however I have good news! I got an English course finally for this term!
Yes that means that you might see an actual improvment in my grammer!
I'm so happy that I got the course don't mind me...
SVZ:
I hope you'll still read, I'm sorry for the delay.
dahan:
I know, especially the delays that happen which I'm very sorry for, but the story is going well,
everyone still seems to enjoy it and I'll keep writing because of that.
Teenager Takato:
True, you and I feel the same way, I have much respect for Teenager Rika's writing, in fact I do
believe she is a better writer then I. But thank you for the review and I hope you keep writing.
~*Jenruki*~:
Believe it or not the story is far from finish there is still about... I think about ten chapters to go...
Not sure... Have to check on that if the idea sticks right... But there are several things that needs
to happen first... Yes I know what will happen, I just have to put them into words now...
: (blank intentionally)
Thank you, I think I got plenty of sleep and I think mostly I should just get back to writing...
Sorry for the delay.
§Ñ§ :
Wow, well... Rika and Henry are the main part of the story, how it ends is semi decided already.
How long? About another ten chapters or so... Perhaps more... Leaning towards more...
Ryo and Alice/Sarah, it's right now very undecided, I can really go either way, it depends on how
the later chapter goes and what the story directs me to do... Like I say this story sometimes has
a life of it's own...
I love Jenrya:
Here it is... Sorry for the delay!
Joanchan:
I'm still writing and writing strong, thank you!
Sorato4ever:
The argument that Juri and Takato had was only a touch, the problem is since they both love each
other so much any little thing can hurt them. Even though they love each other both are scared
Juri is scared that Takato would leave one day like Leomon and her mother, Takato is scared that
Juri would wake up and see him for what he is and not like it. The fact is when they get into a fight
it hurts. The fact that they can make up quickly speaks how much they can say in few words. When
your in that much love you know what each other are thinking, you know what they really meant
when they speak from the heart... Good comment though, I pulled out my notes to answer that
question, I had it written down besides my writing why the scene happened... LOL!
I know I write very weird!
Well that's it and on with the story shall we?
****************************************
On The Line
Chapter 24/?
*******************
The sun was out the bright light however didn't reach one of the rooms in the skyscraper
building as the blinds were closed. In the room was a heavy atmosphere, except the green
yellowish glow of the computer screens and holo-projector there was no lights on. However all
twelve people in the room attention was not on the images the holo-projector was showing or the
information on the console screens in front of them. But it was on a screen a screen that had
only a shadow of a man that was heavily breathing and wheezing as he conducted the meeting.
"You have to be joking."
The old man in the dark screen crackled slightly, "Special Agent Rowen, in your entire life have
you ever known me to joke?"
"No Sir," answered Sarah, her eyes moved around the room to gauge everyone else's reaction.
Yamaki who usual was silent during these sorts of meetings spoke up, "I do have to agree with
the Special Agent Sir, this is an unusual order."
Another laugh from the old man answered Yamaki who was wearing sunglasses still in the dark,
"Director I order people to spy on leaders of governments, countries, organisation, and even
sometimes on plain ordinary people just because of curiosity... What makes you think this order
is more strange then the others?"
"I understand Sir, but," began Yamaki.
"You have your order Director and Special Agent," said the old man for the first time in the
meeting there was steel in his voice. "Is he ready?"
"No," answered Sarah glaring at the screen.
"No?"
Sarah looked away for a second then back at the screen, "He isn't ready yet Sir."
"Can he get the job done for this mission?"
Sarah nodded slowly in regret, "Yes Sir, he can."
"Then he is ready," wheezed the old man.
"There can be others Sir," protested Sarah, "we have dozens of other operatives that can do the
job Henry isn't fully trained yet."
A sigh came from the screen the old man's shoulder dropped his voice becoming fatherly, "Sarah,
you are like a daughter I've always wanted to kill, you know that, but you are an agent under my
command and I'm ordering you to carry out this mission."
Sarah's head dropped slightly ashamed, "I'm sorry..."
"It's okay Sarah," said the old man amused, "you know if it was anyone but you I would have had
them killed by now."
Sarah grinned impishly at the screen, "I know but I'm too cute for you to kill me."
The old man crackled another laugh out, "Well that's all I want done, Director Yamaki please
make sure everything is carried out."
"Yes Sir," answered Yamaki.
The screen blinked out, pressing a button on table the blinds around the room opened allowing
the room to be illuminated. "You know what to do carry it out please," said Yamaki standing up.
The other eleven agents in the room stood up and saluted before filing out the door, only Sarah
remained behind waiting patiently for Yamaki to acknowledge her. Sarah's eyes focussed on
Yamaki's sunglasses, he always wore them whether they were indoors or not. Secretly Sarah knew,
the sunglasses secretly was a high tech piece of equipment, besides the standard thermo, night
vision equipment installed, it also had a hidden mike, telecommunication link, scanner system, video
system, and a rumour was once said that it could shoot laser beams too. Though Sarah was
sceptical of the last part she was pretty sure of the rest of the gadgets on the billion dollar sunglasses
the Director Yamaki wore.
"Yes Sarah," said Yamaki finally acknowledging her as he stood and started for his own office.
"I wanted to talk to you about Operation's orders," said Sarah.
"It's not opened for debate Sarah you know that Operations was very clear on what he wanted,"
answered Yamaki pressing the button on the elevator.
"There are more experienced agents," reasoned Sarah.
"The profile requires someone young Sarah, Henry fits the bill," said Yamaki entering the elevator,
"my office please Helen."
"Yes Director," answered the feminine voice of the computer.
"But Henry."
"Is ready," said Yamaki cutting Sarah off, "we both know he can get the job done, it's a low level
assignment Sarah, perfect training mission. I'll put in another team in just to make sure the job gets
done in case you and Henry can't do it."
Sarah's eyes flashed slightly in anger, "I've never failed in an assignment Sir."
"Then I doubt the second team is going to do anything, but I assure you, if Henry can't get the job
done, another team will," explained Yamaki.
"Yes Sir," saluted Sarah as Yamaki walked out of the elevator.
*******************
"Do you love him?" asked Tomas taking a step closer to Rika.
"Of course," Rika answered her back facing Tomas.
Tomas looked down at his feet for a second then looking up in defiance, "I don't believe you."
"I don't care what you think," said Rika flippantly, walking away slowly her shoulders were shaking
slightly, "all I care about is how he feels and I feel."
"Then why do you always look at me?" demanded Tomas angrily, "Why are you always with me
instead of him?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," retorted Rika her voice shaking.
Reaching out Tomas turned Rika's face to face him, "Don't lie," he pleaded, "please."
"I'm not," said Rika quietly her eyes wide, trying to look anywhere else but at the boy in front of her.
"You are, after three years do you think you can still lie to me?" asked Tomas quietly, leaning in he
kissed Rika gently.
Rika tried to push Tomas away but slowly her hands pulled him closer to her, slowly deepening
the kiss.
Pulling away Tomas looked at Rika with a small smile, "See?"
Shoving Tomas away Rika took a few steps back, "What are you doing to me?"
"Nothing that we both don't feel," said Tomas evenly, walking up to Rika, he put his hands on her
shoulder, "tell me how you feel."
Rika's eyes were wide with fear, "I… I… I think this is love."
"And cut!"
The lights that were dimmed suddenly blared out in full glory lightening the entire stage,
"Marvellous!" shouted Miss Tamanchi, "You and Tomas make such a pair Rika!"
"Yeah brilliant," growled Rika stalking away to one of the seat she pulled out a water bottle to drink.
"You were great Rika," said Tomas with a shy smile.
"Don't let the kiss get to your head Tomas, it was just acting," said Rika acidly.
"I don't know your Majesty," teased Steven sitting a few steps away, "it really look like you two were
enjoying yourself."
Teeth clenched, Rika glared at Steven, "Don't push it or I'll show you why people call me the Ice Queen."
"I'm shaking," retorted Steven crossing his arms.
Reaching into her schoolbag she pulled out her cell phone with a quick check she smiled softly seeing
that there were already three messages for her. Pressing the proper keys on her phone she began to
listen to the messages.
"Message one, fifteen-thirty hours."
"Hi Rika, it's Henry, school is over and I know you are heading to practice…" began Henry.
"Henry you got a meeting in ten minutes!"
"About what?" asked Henry confused, Rika could hair Henry shifting several papers on his desk.
"It's about the firewalls you made for Info Tech."
"Well that's stupid, why do we need a meeting for that?" Rika heard a large stack of paper fall to the
ground; "Ah crap!" cursed Henry.
"End of Message One."
Stiffing a laugh Rika pressed the button to continue.
"Message Two, fifteen thirty-five hours."
"Hi Rika, it's Henry I'm sorry for the last message, just erase it… Anyways I know you are heading to
practice and well I just wanted to…"
"Henry we're waiting for you!"
"You have one hell of a timing," said Henry, "can't you tell I'm trying to leave a good message for my
girlfriend."
"Sorry man, but you know the rest of us single people who aren't dating a Superstar, we just have to
bother you when…"
Rika heard Henry throwing something.
"Owe! Why did you have to throw a pen holder of all things?"
"Just go away!" said Henry throwing another object.
"Owe! Okay, okay, jeez why can't you throw something small like an eraser? Owe! Now that really hurt."
"You told me throw an eraser," retorted Henry.
"Okay, okay, I'm leaving."
"End of Message Two."
Shaking her head, Rika pushed a button to continue.
"Message Three, fifteen forty-five hours."
"Um… It's Henry Rika, and well like I was saying, you are heading to practice and I just wanted to say,
good luck… Well I think I'm suppose to say break a leg…"
"Henry, let's go," said a voice that Rika knew fairly well.
"Is it about the meeting? Because the firewall is perfectly," began Henry.
"It's not that," replied Alice in an amused voice, "we've got an appointment."
"You know I'm leaving a message for my girlfriend," protested Henry.
"So tell her the truth of your affair and get on with it," joked Alice.
"Hey that's not funny," snapped Henry.
"Owe!" shouted Alice, "I don't believe you just threw your shoe at me! Owe! Now that's not funny your
other shoe? What's next? Owe! A suitcase?"
"I'll call you later Rika," said Henry in a hurry, "I love you. I'm going to kill you guys!"
"End of Message Three."
Rika stiffened another laugh, frowning slightly at the phone; she didn't know that Alice was working with
Henry.
"Rika let's go!" shouted Derek as he sat on his director chair, "alright let's go from Act five scene eight."
Sighing in disappointment Rika looked at her cell phone, which she wanted to leave a message for Henry,
"Alright I'm coming," said Rika putting her phone away.
*******************
"That wasn't funny," said Henry pulling his shoes back on.
"Relax Henry," said Sarah waiting patiently for Henry, "we've got an assignment."
"Okay let me get my stuff," said Henry picking up the box of his things from his old desk he began to follow
Sarah to the elevator.
"You should have moved by now," commented Sarah.
"I was trying to leave a message," Henry replied.
"I could see that," said Sarah entering the elevator, "next time try to get the important things done first okay?"
"It was important," answered Henry.
"You are such a child Henry, you have to learn how to priorities work. What happens if we are disabling a
bomb somewhere and you have to call you girlfriend?" muttered Sarah shaking her head, exiting the elevator
with Henry in tow she entered an spacious office, pointing to one of the two desks, "that one is yours."
Nodding Henry put his things on his desk glancing around the office he noticed that it didn't have a window.
On one of the walls there were three large screens on it showing pictures of mountains, lakes, and forests.
Pulling his personal things out of the box he began to put it around his desk, "So what is the assignment?"
"This," said Sarah pulling out a small yellowish crystal from her pocket she placed it into a slot into the desk,
tapping a few keys on her keyboard, Henry's screen on his desk began to show different information while the
three screens on the wall blinked off and showed another string of background information, one of the screens
held a picture of France.
"France?"
Sarah nodded, "During the Winter break we are going on a little trip Henry, the American Embassy in France
is suspected of having a mole. According to the American NSA and CIA they believe that they might be
compromise as well. That is where we fit in, since we are not part of their chain of intelligence system, the
Director of the CIA has asked us to find the mole while they perform their house cleaning. Hypnos was
hired a few days ago to upgrade the security software in the Embassy; we are to pose as two interims level
three programmers, to perform the upgrade. During this period of time while we are upgrading their software
we are also to insert a secret program into their network system."
"What does the program do?" asked Henry curiously.
"You don't get to know Henry, the only thing you need to know is it affects their messaging system," answered
Sarah, "needless to say we do not want them to find the software."
Henry looked worried, "Sarah, you do know I haven't been trained yet right? I mean I don't even know what to do
in any spy mission."
Sarah smiled softly, "Relax Henry this is a small level assignment, first we are going there under real
circumstances, we are going to upgrade their security software. Second we are in France, the Company's France
department will be on hand in case anything goes wrong. Third I've setup a small training mission this Friday so we
can perform nearly the same thing."
Henry frowned, "I have to go to Rika's play on Friday."
"I think this is a bit more important," said Sarah raising an eyebrow.
Henry sighed, "But if I don't go Rika will kill me."
Sarah sighed squeezing the bridge of her nose, "This is why operatives can't have relationships outside of work."
"I'm sorry," apologized Henry.
"What time is the play?" asked Sarah.
"Eight," answered Henry.
"Good then we should be done before then," said Sarah, "our operation takes place at five when all the workers are
leaving."
"Explain please," asked Henry.
"There is a hi-tech software company nearby that is right now using the same program as the Embassy in France,"
explained Sarah, inserting a different crystal into the slots all the view screens changed. "We are going to do things
a bit more difficult however, first we are going to break into the company, then we are going to sneak into the central
computer and install our secret program. The operation time should only be about one to two hours."
"Sounds dangerous," said Henry studying his screen.
Sarah shrugged, "It'll be good to put what little skills you have learnt into practice."
Henry nodded, "Okay."
*******************
Kenta was fairly certain that things were not as comfortable as usual, for one he was shifting in his seat trying to
start small talk but it always ended with uncomfortable silence. Glancing up his heart started to beat a little more
faster and his palms were sweaty, extremely disturbed by the situation, Kenta decided to do what he normally did,
he began to analyze the situation. In front of him was a student he was suppose to be tutoring, undeniably she
was a girl, it was revealed that she had a crush on him. Lately he was getting weird feelings in his stomach when
she was around, he had passed it off at the beginning as something he ate, but now especially after his best friend
Kazu's talk he was beginning to think differently. Usually he would begin an experiment to test if he had these
weird feelings with other students, however given the situation he deemed it as very unwise to do so. At the end
he decided that the best course of action was to have a long talk with two people who knew about girls and about
relationships. With certainty that it was the best course of option he elected to talk to Juri and Kazu together
when he had the chance.
"Is everything alright?" asked Suzy her voice slightly worried and nervous; she had an uncomfortable feeling
around Kenta since the entire tutoring session started. All their usual small talk that amused them before ended
in nervous and uncomfortable silence. Giving up they both began to work earnestly at their school work, when
Suzy was looked up she saw Kenta staring intensely at her which made her extremely nervous.
Snapping out of thought Kenta gave a crooked grin, "Yes, I'm sorry, I was thinking of something."
"Oh," nodded Suzy slowly giving an impish smile, "about me?"
A long tense silence answered her, staring at each other Kenta and Suzy looked away from each other.
"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have," began Suzy.
"It's fine," interrupted Kenta with a nervous smile, glancing at his watch he sighed in relief, "well times up."
"Yes it is… I've got to go," nodded Suzy glancing at her watch packing up her bag in a hurry with Kenta she
ran to the door but before she opened the door she stopped and glanced at Kenta, "Kenta?"
Kenta looked at her with surprise, "Yes?"
"I had a good time… Friday… With you," opening the door before Kenta could say anything Suzy fled.
Kenta stared at the spot that Suzy was standing a few minutes ago, looking down at his feet he sighed before
picking back his bag and trudging for freedom.
*******************
"You know I've never figured that working here could burn so much fat," stated Takato amused.
"Losing weight honey?" asked Juri amused.
"Not only losing but I think I'm getting muscles too," answered Takato lifting another box ketchup.
Juri rolled her eyes, "Heaven forbid that you start exercising Takato."
"Hey I exercise," protested Takato.
Juri raised an eyebrow and stared at Takato.
"Okay maybe I could exercise a bit more," admitted Takato meekly.
"You know your parents want me to work at the bakery since you are working here now," said Juri
changing the subject.
Takato shrugged, "You don't have to if you don't want to."
"I think it would be interesting," said Juri trying to keep a straight face, "you know then your mother and I
can swap stories, maybe she can show me your baby pictures again… Who knows maybe she'll part with
one so I can put it on my binder for school."
A look of horror filled Takato's face, "You wouldn't."
"I don't know," continued Juri, "you looked very cute when you are a baby, especially your naked one on
the porch…"
Face burning red, Takato turned to Juri with pleading eyes, "Jur-ri!"
Ignoring Takato Juri continued with a smile, "I think that picture made you look really cute… I think I
would get it blown up at the photo shop so I can have it as a poster on my wall."
Dropping his head in defeat Takato sighed, "What do I have to do in order to get you to give up the idea?"
"Ball room dancing," answered Juri smiling.
"Ball room dancing?" protested Takato, "Why in the world do we need to learn ball room dancing."
"Because it's good exercise and it's very sexy," answered Juri returning to opening the boxes of mustard and
packing them away.
Groaning Takato nodded, "Fine…"
"Thank you," answered Juri kissing Takato on the cheek, "I knew you would agree."
*******************
Two people walked down a white corridor, both were dressed completely in a dark cat suit; it clung to their body
not making a sound as they moved. The pair was walking slowly down the hall make sure they didn't make a
noise, their eyes continuingly running around their surroundings.
"You know I expected this to be harder," said Henry scratching his head, "I mean shouldn't we have to do
some great acrobatics or sneak in from the roof or something?"
"You watch too many spy movies Hack," said Sarah dryly using Henry's new code name.
"All we did was hide in a broom closet till they were closed," said Henry amused, "I'm rather disappointed."
Sarah rolled her eyes, "I always get stuck with the wise cracking ones."
Reaching a fork in the corridor, Henry checked with the computer attached to his forearm, grinning he pointed
down the path to the right.
Nodding Sarah glanced at a similar computer on her arm pressing a few buttons she started to scan the
corridor, "This isn't right," muttered Sarah frowning.
"You're telling me," said Henry reading his own computer, "motion sensors, laser system, pressure floors,
pressure walls, cameras..."
"Thermo scanners, sound detectors," Sarah finished rattling off the list.
Henry glanced at Sarah with a sheepish smile, "I take it back about the comment about this being too easy."
"You want to call it quits or plough on through?" asked Sarah studying Henry carefully.
"Plough through," decided Henry, "I'm not going to let a few more traps stop this mission."
Sarah nodded curtly, turning back to the corridor she tapped at the sunglasses she was wearing, activating
it's infrared vision, "Over there," pointed Sarah.
Nodding Henry pulled out a small pistol loading it with a special clip he aimed at the spot and fired. The
small gun made a popping sound as it discharged the object deep into the wall, turning back to his computer
Henry tapped away silently his eyes full of concentration.
Sarah kept scanning the room with her sunglasses, "Can you disable the security system?"
"No," said Henry frowning, "I think I can set it on a redundant pathway though."
"Meaning, for those of us who don't speak nerd," teased Sarah.
"I make the computer scan the same areas again and again, instead of all the area being scanned it would only
cover a small portion of the areas," explained Henry.
"Interesting," said Sarah dryly, "what does that mean."
"We'll have a narrow path that we can walk on for about a minute," said Henry grimacing.
Sarah grinned, "More then enough."
"You have got to be kidding," protested Henry, "the path will only big enough for half my size."
"Do it," ordered Sarah taking on a sprinters form.
Shaking his head Henry sighed, "You're the boss," tapping a button on his computer suddenly all the lights
in the hall changed. The two agents could hear a small whining, "Go!" shouted Henry.
Jumping Sarah started to cartwheel down the hall in incredible speed, reaching the door with fifteen seconds
to spare she rapidly punched in a code that Henry had lifted earlier that day, light turning green she ran into
the room.
"I'm in."
Henry heard Sarah through a sub-dermal implanted into his head, pressing a place behind his lower right ear;
he spoke softly, "Link me up."
"Wait one," said Sarah softly; "okay you should have a link now."
Glancing at his computer Henry nodded even though he knew Sarah couldn't see it, "Yeah, I'm good, I have
access, give me a minute… There the program is in… And now it's buried, we can go now."
"Can you shut down the system again?" asked Sarah.
"Better," answered Henry grinning, "the computer in there controls the security network, you can walk out
whenever you want."
"Good because frankly I hate doing cartwheels," said Sarah her voice filled with amusement, "it makes me
dizzy."
Glancing up Henry saw Sarah walking towards him, smiling, "This was pretty easy considering everything."
Sarah stopped in her tracks pointing behind Henry she pulled out her pistol.
Following suit, Henry pulled out his pistol as he turned around, his eyes noticing that the elevator was moving
towards their floor, "Okay, I'm going to shut up from now on."
"Come on," said Sarah grabbing Henry's arm she pulled him down a hall.
The two teenagers heard the elevator door open a pounding of feet as people rushed out of the elevator.
"What was that an army?" hissed Henry.
"How did they detect us?' demanded Sarah glancing behind them.
"They shouldn't have, I checked over everything, fail-safes and all, it's a closed system they shouldn't have
detected us, unless this just happens to be a routine security check," said Henry sarcastically.
Both agents screeched to a halt when they found themselves at a dead end, "This isn't suppose to be here,"
said Sarah surprised.
"Hey you two! Stop!"
Glancing behind them, they saw three security guards with their weapons drawn running towards them.
Sarah's eyes widened, "They shouldn't have guns."
A crack rang out as one of the guards fired, a piece of the wall blew out beside the two agents, jumping to
either side of the corridor they hid behind a wall. "That is one hell of a gun they're packing," said Henry.
Leaning out slightly Sarah fired three shots rapidly, Henry heard three thuds hit the ground, peering around the
wall he saw that all three guards on the ground.
Before Henry could say something there were more pounding of feet as guards round the corner, Henry lifted his
pistol but hesitated while Sarah began to fire rapidly. Noticing Henry's hesitation Sarah jumped to Henry's side,
taking his pistol out of his hand she pointed at the window firing two shots into the window, it shattered letting
the night's chilly air roll into the building.
Breaking out of his hesitation Henry pulled out a hook shot, "You think this will hold us?" asked Henry.
"One way to find out," said Sarah.
Standing as one both jumped out the window, while in freefall of the building Sarah held onto Henry tightly,
pointing at one of the building Henry fired the hook shot. Immediately both agents felt themselves being lifted
into the air again. Pressing a button on the device Henry and Sarah descended rapidly to the ground, dropping
to the ground they both took off into a run. Reaching a particular yellow phone booth they both touched it.
Immediately the surrounding faded into darkness, revealing a completely black room, the only light shining now
was above them. A door opened revealing a bright white light, both panting they stumbled out into the hall.
"The hell was that?" asked Henry, "It was suppose to be a quick easy training mission in and out not Mission
Impossible added with a little Die Hard."
Sarah grimaced as he looked at the panel against the wall punching up their training program, she frowned,
"Someone has tampered with the program while we were inside."
"Who did you piss off?" asked Henry slumping to the ground.
"Why do you assume it's me?" demanded Sarah, "it could have been easily meant for you."
"I've been here for less then a week, I haven't had time to piss anyone off," said Henry grinning.
"Why the hell are you grinning?" asked Sarah, "We were nearly simulation killed."
"It was surprisingly exhilarating," answered Henry his grin widening.
"So should we find out who the person was?" asked Sarah.
Henry stood wearily, "Can we do it after? I could really use a shower."
Sarah nodded, both heading into the change room they began to strip getting ready for a shower.
Henry was uncomfortable with the fact that the change room was unisex, but Sarah explained it was
because during missions, sometimes agents saw each other in compromising situations. It was better
to desensitize agents before hand; still Henry kept his back to Sarah at all times.
Keeping his eyes averted he heading into one of the shower stalls, he heard Sarah enter into the one
next to his, "So have you talked to Ryo lately?"
Sarah hesitated for a second before answering, "You want to talk about that?"
Henry shrugged turning on the water to full spray, "It's as good as topic as any."
"No I haven't" answered Sarah quickly, "and don't press it Henry there are reasons."
Henry raised an eyebrow in interest, "I take it you don't want me asking why."
"That's right," came Sarah's sputtered reply as she ducked her face directly into the shower blast.
"Why don't you want to talk to Ryo?" pressed Henry, "He said he really had fun that night and
well, he thought you did too."
"I did," sighed Sarah, "but it was just that night Henry, it was fun for only that night... For Alice."
"Was he a bad date?" asked Henry ducking his own head under the shower.
"No he was wonderful," said Sarah slowly, "charming, handsome, cute, sexy, funny, an above
average dancer, attentive, a character flaw which is his ego. All in all he would make a wonderful
person to date."
Henry was confused, "Oh..."
"He likes Alice," sighed Sarah tiredly slumping against the shower wall.
"Ah," nodded Henry even though he was still confused.
Sarah turned to the wall where Henry would be standing, "You have no idea what I'm talking about
do you?"
"It defiantly sounds Twilight Zone to me," admitted Henry.
"Alice Hitomi, is a person someone in the agency made up," explained Sarah, "Alice Hitomi is not
real, she is just another Alias, name, personality, face, life I use."
"So why don't you let Ryo know Sarah Rowen?' suggested Henry, "Just use Alice's name and face."
"Because Sarah Rowen is just another person I made up," answered Sarah sadly, "Sarah isn't even my
birth name. That was lost when the my guardian took me that night, he destroyed it to cover his tracks,
my cover name was Sarah and I grew to answer it… But it isn't me…"
Henry turned off the shower leaning his hands against the wall where Sarah would be standing he looked
down at his feet watching the water swirl down the small grate in the ground, "Then who are you really?"
Holding herself in Sarah looked up into the light in the ceiling, "I'm not really sure, all my life I've used
different names, identities… I guess when it comes down to it I would consider my code name who I am."
"Wraith?" asked Henry surprised.
Wrapping a towel around herself Sarah exited the shower stall, "I've always used it… It's been my code
name even before I entered into the agency."
"So will I meet Wraith?" asked Henry exiting his shower stall.
Sarah smiled bitterly, "Let's hope you don't, Wraith hasn't appeared since two years ago… I've been hoping
that it was her last mission."
Seeing Sarah's bitter face Henry decided to drop the subject, turning to his locker he started to dress in silence.
*******************
The water sparkled different colours, as the sun was hitting it just right to illuminate it, two boys were talking,
one the taller boy had brown hair was throwing rocks into the river standing up as if defiant of the world. While
the other sat on the small hill of grass watching the river flow, his green eyes filled with confusion and sadness.
"It was completely and utterly horrible," stated Kenta.
"Oh my little Kenta has a crush!" said Kazu amused he mussed up Kenta's hair.
"Come on Kazu I need you as a friend," protested Kenta, "not as an mother that seriously needs medication…
Besides my own mother doesn't even do that."
"Fine, fine," grumbled Kazu still having an amused look on his face, "so let me get this straight you felt more
weird feelings then usual when she is around."
Kenta nodded resting his head on his hands he sighed.
"Sweaty palms, pounding heart," named Kazu as he began to list while ticking off his fingers, "tightening pants…"
Kenta looked up at Kazu, "You're disgusting."
"It's a perfectly reasonable reaction to have," said Kazu grinning.
"Kazu Suzy's Henry's sister, she's like a sister to us," said Kenta.
"She's also a girl," dismissed Kazu gently, "a girl who really, really likes you Kenta and as far as I can tell you really
like her too."
"Henry is going to kill me," moaned Kenta.
"Why?" asked Kazu bewildered, "Suzy has a choice too."
"Henry will say I'm seducing her or something," said Kenta slumping in his seat, "that she's too young… That…"
"That doesn't sound like Henry," interrupted Kazu, "Henry is protective yes, but when he sees you making his
sister happy, he'll come around… Just don't make her cry… Then you'll be dead before sunrise."
"It wouldn't work," said Kenta shaking his head, "I'm leaving for University by the end of the year."
"So will she," said Kazu softly, "because of you she's worked hard."
Kenta looked up in surprise at Kazu, "What are you talking about?"
"She passed," said Kazu softly, "she just skipped junior and high school all for you."
Kenta looked stunned, "Why didn't she tell me?"
"She wanted to today, but she just couldn't… Said something about it being too uncomfortable," said Kazu
frowning in thought.
"And she told you?" asked Kenta.
"Actually no," coughed Kazu uncomfortably, "you see I was in a closet while Suzy and Ai talked outside…
I just happen to overheard it."
Kenta looked evenly at Kazu, "Who was she?"
"Awaki, from homeroom," answered Kazu grinning, shaking his head he realized he was being led off topic,
"wait we're suppose to be talking about you."
"I don't know if I should risk it," said Kenta softly.
Kazu sat down beside Kenta, pulling his knees up to his chest he looked out into the ocean as if able to see
something, "It won't happen like last time."
"You don't know that Kazu," said Kenta softly.
"It was my mistake last time," said Kazu anger filling his voice, "my fault not yours, you know that."
Kenta looked at Kazu, "You can't take all the blame Kazu, it was my relationship."
Kazu usual grinning face was now stoic, "But at the end most of the blame was on me, I…"
"Did nothing a friend wouldn't do," interrupted Kenta, "you can't keep blaming yourself."
"And you can't keep being scared to put your heart on the line again," said Kazu evenly.
Kenta looked away out into the lake unable to stand his friend's gaze.
After a few seconds Kazu returned to his gaze out into the water.
I don't own anything about Digimon. No money is being made and no copyright or
trademark infringement is intended.
Author Notes:
Okay, here's the story... I was taking a break at first, it was winter break I wanted a
small breather and so I went with my friends skiing for a week. However I got into
a small accident my first five minutes of skiing thus ending my skiiing season... So
I spent a week at the cabin playing video games... Cool huh?
Anywho then I came back and I kept writing in my notebook, however here is the
problem, I kept writing in my notebook... I didn't transcribe any of it on the computer.
No I didn't lose my notebook, it's just I just kept writing, different scenes, redoing
scenes... You know my usual jive...
Anywho sorry for the delay and I hope this is up to snuff...
Ergh, also this is the longest chapter I believe it's registered as nine pages on my check
listing thing...
I don't like one part of the chapter though... You can probably tell where, the writing gets
sort of funny and I just go bleagh with it... I did four rewrites of that scene and I couldn't get
it better so I just left it.
Oh Takato and Juri scene was pretty much a filler, didn't have any relevence to the story, it did
at first but after the third rewrite I think it disappeared...
BTW the last scene, is my favourite so when your guessing which scene I hated, you better not
choose that one or else... Sorry, okay I'm good...
Thanks to who, thanks to:
Takako:
I know when you said I didn't have to hurry didn't mean for nearly a month... I'm so sorry...
I hope nine pages makes up for it though...
d:
Oh things are just about to shake up a bit more...
E-chan Hidaka:
Ryo and Alice/Sarah... Hm... I'm still deciding on that... But this chapter lets you a bit more
insight on Kenta's misgivings... Not much just a bit... Yes I am evil... I'm sorry, it's my nature.
Silent Angel:
Indeed, I hope vacation was better for you then me thought, I have a tear in my knee and
possibly ACL... I need to get a MIR now... WHAA!!!... I'm okay... sniff
kallie:
Oh, I like writing, it's one of the very few small joys that I like in my life, I like to write and so
when I write to 4 in the morning it means I got a brainstorm and I want to get it all out before
I lose it... Either that or I was working on my homework up to that time...
NiChoMiMeSaJe:
Okay when I first started to play with the idea of Kenta and Suzy I wasn't sure of it... Now
I'm getting more of a feel for it... You will see more of it, whether better or worst... Well we'll
see... Oh and about Fox... BLAH! Except for Simpsons I nearly never watch it anymore.
Rika Wong/Akiyama:
Thank you very much...
: (blank intentional)
Thank you, I love your review too.
Teenager Rika:
1) Right Ignoring Kazu.
2) Thank you for that comment, I'm going to reread your fic soon as soon as I get the chance...
Got to go to bed soon...
3) Still ignoring...
4) Kenta and Suzy are cute aren't they...
Sorry for the delay though... Had to hobble to my computer to type it all out.
Henrika:
Charles is Rika and her mother's manager, he was briefly in an earlier chapter. His job is to
try to manage Rika and try to fit it in with her personal life... Why? Because he wants Rika
to stay in the business, if Rika gets fed up with the press and with the lifestyle she'll leave.
Charles being a manager and a very good one doesn't want that. The kiss? Never in public
did the two ever kiss.
littleweirdwriter:
Thank you very much, like I said 4:15 is nothing sometimes, I'm sort of a nightowl sometimes...
Occationally I think I'm a vampire until I try to fly then I just fall right on my face...
Red Moon Kree:
Here's another update... Sorry for the delay.
LB:
Expect Kazu to get more character, I like all the characters in Digimon and Kazu is no exception
there will be a part he'll be playing, this chapter sort of starts the ball rolling for him a bit...
Kara Kasai:
As usual, your right, however I have good news! I got an English course finally for this term!
Yes that means that you might see an actual improvment in my grammer!
I'm so happy that I got the course don't mind me...
SVZ:
I hope you'll still read, I'm sorry for the delay.
dahan:
I know, especially the delays that happen which I'm very sorry for, but the story is going well,
everyone still seems to enjoy it and I'll keep writing because of that.
Teenager Takato:
True, you and I feel the same way, I have much respect for Teenager Rika's writing, in fact I do
believe she is a better writer then I. But thank you for the review and I hope you keep writing.
~*Jenruki*~:
Believe it or not the story is far from finish there is still about... I think about ten chapters to go...
Not sure... Have to check on that if the idea sticks right... But there are several things that needs
to happen first... Yes I know what will happen, I just have to put them into words now...
: (blank intentionally)
Thank you, I think I got plenty of sleep and I think mostly I should just get back to writing...
Sorry for the delay.
§Ñ§ :
Wow, well... Rika and Henry are the main part of the story, how it ends is semi decided already.
How long? About another ten chapters or so... Perhaps more... Leaning towards more...
Ryo and Alice/Sarah, it's right now very undecided, I can really go either way, it depends on how
the later chapter goes and what the story directs me to do... Like I say this story sometimes has
a life of it's own...
I love Jenrya:
Here it is... Sorry for the delay!
Joanchan:
I'm still writing and writing strong, thank you!
Sorato4ever:
The argument that Juri and Takato had was only a touch, the problem is since they both love each
other so much any little thing can hurt them. Even though they love each other both are scared
Juri is scared that Takato would leave one day like Leomon and her mother, Takato is scared that
Juri would wake up and see him for what he is and not like it. The fact is when they get into a fight
it hurts. The fact that they can make up quickly speaks how much they can say in few words. When
your in that much love you know what each other are thinking, you know what they really meant
when they speak from the heart... Good comment though, I pulled out my notes to answer that
question, I had it written down besides my writing why the scene happened... LOL!
I know I write very weird!
Well that's it and on with the story shall we?
****************************************
On The Line
Chapter 24/?
*******************
The sun was out the bright light however didn't reach one of the rooms in the skyscraper
building as the blinds were closed. In the room was a heavy atmosphere, except the green
yellowish glow of the computer screens and holo-projector there was no lights on. However all
twelve people in the room attention was not on the images the holo-projector was showing or the
information on the console screens in front of them. But it was on a screen a screen that had
only a shadow of a man that was heavily breathing and wheezing as he conducted the meeting.
"You have to be joking."
The old man in the dark screen crackled slightly, "Special Agent Rowen, in your entire life have
you ever known me to joke?"
"No Sir," answered Sarah, her eyes moved around the room to gauge everyone else's reaction.
Yamaki who usual was silent during these sorts of meetings spoke up, "I do have to agree with
the Special Agent Sir, this is an unusual order."
Another laugh from the old man answered Yamaki who was wearing sunglasses still in the dark,
"Director I order people to spy on leaders of governments, countries, organisation, and even
sometimes on plain ordinary people just because of curiosity... What makes you think this order
is more strange then the others?"
"I understand Sir, but," began Yamaki.
"You have your order Director and Special Agent," said the old man for the first time in the
meeting there was steel in his voice. "Is he ready?"
"No," answered Sarah glaring at the screen.
"No?"
Sarah looked away for a second then back at the screen, "He isn't ready yet Sir."
"Can he get the job done for this mission?"
Sarah nodded slowly in regret, "Yes Sir, he can."
"Then he is ready," wheezed the old man.
"There can be others Sir," protested Sarah, "we have dozens of other operatives that can do the
job Henry isn't fully trained yet."
A sigh came from the screen the old man's shoulder dropped his voice becoming fatherly, "Sarah,
you are like a daughter I've always wanted to kill, you know that, but you are an agent under my
command and I'm ordering you to carry out this mission."
Sarah's head dropped slightly ashamed, "I'm sorry..."
"It's okay Sarah," said the old man amused, "you know if it was anyone but you I would have had
them killed by now."
Sarah grinned impishly at the screen, "I know but I'm too cute for you to kill me."
The old man crackled another laugh out, "Well that's all I want done, Director Yamaki please
make sure everything is carried out."
"Yes Sir," answered Yamaki.
The screen blinked out, pressing a button on table the blinds around the room opened allowing
the room to be illuminated. "You know what to do carry it out please," said Yamaki standing up.
The other eleven agents in the room stood up and saluted before filing out the door, only Sarah
remained behind waiting patiently for Yamaki to acknowledge her. Sarah's eyes focussed on
Yamaki's sunglasses, he always wore them whether they were indoors or not. Secretly Sarah knew,
the sunglasses secretly was a high tech piece of equipment, besides the standard thermo, night
vision equipment installed, it also had a hidden mike, telecommunication link, scanner system, video
system, and a rumour was once said that it could shoot laser beams too. Though Sarah was
sceptical of the last part she was pretty sure of the rest of the gadgets on the billion dollar sunglasses
the Director Yamaki wore.
"Yes Sarah," said Yamaki finally acknowledging her as he stood and started for his own office.
"I wanted to talk to you about Operation's orders," said Sarah.
"It's not opened for debate Sarah you know that Operations was very clear on what he wanted,"
answered Yamaki pressing the button on the elevator.
"There are more experienced agents," reasoned Sarah.
"The profile requires someone young Sarah, Henry fits the bill," said Yamaki entering the elevator,
"my office please Helen."
"Yes Director," answered the feminine voice of the computer.
"But Henry."
"Is ready," said Yamaki cutting Sarah off, "we both know he can get the job done, it's a low level
assignment Sarah, perfect training mission. I'll put in another team in just to make sure the job gets
done in case you and Henry can't do it."
Sarah's eyes flashed slightly in anger, "I've never failed in an assignment Sir."
"Then I doubt the second team is going to do anything, but I assure you, if Henry can't get the job
done, another team will," explained Yamaki.
"Yes Sir," saluted Sarah as Yamaki walked out of the elevator.
*******************
"Do you love him?" asked Tomas taking a step closer to Rika.
"Of course," Rika answered her back facing Tomas.
Tomas looked down at his feet for a second then looking up in defiance, "I don't believe you."
"I don't care what you think," said Rika flippantly, walking away slowly her shoulders were shaking
slightly, "all I care about is how he feels and I feel."
"Then why do you always look at me?" demanded Tomas angrily, "Why are you always with me
instead of him?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," retorted Rika her voice shaking.
Reaching out Tomas turned Rika's face to face him, "Don't lie," he pleaded, "please."
"I'm not," said Rika quietly her eyes wide, trying to look anywhere else but at the boy in front of her.
"You are, after three years do you think you can still lie to me?" asked Tomas quietly, leaning in he
kissed Rika gently.
Rika tried to push Tomas away but slowly her hands pulled him closer to her, slowly deepening
the kiss.
Pulling away Tomas looked at Rika with a small smile, "See?"
Shoving Tomas away Rika took a few steps back, "What are you doing to me?"
"Nothing that we both don't feel," said Tomas evenly, walking up to Rika, he put his hands on her
shoulder, "tell me how you feel."
Rika's eyes were wide with fear, "I… I… I think this is love."
"And cut!"
The lights that were dimmed suddenly blared out in full glory lightening the entire stage,
"Marvellous!" shouted Miss Tamanchi, "You and Tomas make such a pair Rika!"
"Yeah brilliant," growled Rika stalking away to one of the seat she pulled out a water bottle to drink.
"You were great Rika," said Tomas with a shy smile.
"Don't let the kiss get to your head Tomas, it was just acting," said Rika acidly.
"I don't know your Majesty," teased Steven sitting a few steps away, "it really look like you two were
enjoying yourself."
Teeth clenched, Rika glared at Steven, "Don't push it or I'll show you why people call me the Ice Queen."
"I'm shaking," retorted Steven crossing his arms.
Reaching into her schoolbag she pulled out her cell phone with a quick check she smiled softly seeing
that there were already three messages for her. Pressing the proper keys on her phone she began to
listen to the messages.
"Message one, fifteen-thirty hours."
"Hi Rika, it's Henry, school is over and I know you are heading to practice…" began Henry.
"Henry you got a meeting in ten minutes!"
"About what?" asked Henry confused, Rika could hair Henry shifting several papers on his desk.
"It's about the firewalls you made for Info Tech."
"Well that's stupid, why do we need a meeting for that?" Rika heard a large stack of paper fall to the
ground; "Ah crap!" cursed Henry.
"End of Message One."
Stiffing a laugh Rika pressed the button to continue.
"Message Two, fifteen thirty-five hours."
"Hi Rika, it's Henry I'm sorry for the last message, just erase it… Anyways I know you are heading to
practice and well I just wanted to…"
"Henry we're waiting for you!"
"You have one hell of a timing," said Henry, "can't you tell I'm trying to leave a good message for my
girlfriend."
"Sorry man, but you know the rest of us single people who aren't dating a Superstar, we just have to
bother you when…"
Rika heard Henry throwing something.
"Owe! Why did you have to throw a pen holder of all things?"
"Just go away!" said Henry throwing another object.
"Owe! Okay, okay, jeez why can't you throw something small like an eraser? Owe! Now that really hurt."
"You told me throw an eraser," retorted Henry.
"Okay, okay, I'm leaving."
"End of Message Two."
Shaking her head, Rika pushed a button to continue.
"Message Three, fifteen forty-five hours."
"Um… It's Henry Rika, and well like I was saying, you are heading to practice and I just wanted to say,
good luck… Well I think I'm suppose to say break a leg…"
"Henry, let's go," said a voice that Rika knew fairly well.
"Is it about the meeting? Because the firewall is perfectly," began Henry.
"It's not that," replied Alice in an amused voice, "we've got an appointment."
"You know I'm leaving a message for my girlfriend," protested Henry.
"So tell her the truth of your affair and get on with it," joked Alice.
"Hey that's not funny," snapped Henry.
"Owe!" shouted Alice, "I don't believe you just threw your shoe at me! Owe! Now that's not funny your
other shoe? What's next? Owe! A suitcase?"
"I'll call you later Rika," said Henry in a hurry, "I love you. I'm going to kill you guys!"
"End of Message Three."
Rika stiffened another laugh, frowning slightly at the phone; she didn't know that Alice was working with
Henry.
"Rika let's go!" shouted Derek as he sat on his director chair, "alright let's go from Act five scene eight."
Sighing in disappointment Rika looked at her cell phone, which she wanted to leave a message for Henry,
"Alright I'm coming," said Rika putting her phone away.
*******************
"That wasn't funny," said Henry pulling his shoes back on.
"Relax Henry," said Sarah waiting patiently for Henry, "we've got an assignment."
"Okay let me get my stuff," said Henry picking up the box of his things from his old desk he began to follow
Sarah to the elevator.
"You should have moved by now," commented Sarah.
"I was trying to leave a message," Henry replied.
"I could see that," said Sarah entering the elevator, "next time try to get the important things done first okay?"
"It was important," answered Henry.
"You are such a child Henry, you have to learn how to priorities work. What happens if we are disabling a
bomb somewhere and you have to call you girlfriend?" muttered Sarah shaking her head, exiting the elevator
with Henry in tow she entered an spacious office, pointing to one of the two desks, "that one is yours."
Nodding Henry put his things on his desk glancing around the office he noticed that it didn't have a window.
On one of the walls there were three large screens on it showing pictures of mountains, lakes, and forests.
Pulling his personal things out of the box he began to put it around his desk, "So what is the assignment?"
"This," said Sarah pulling out a small yellowish crystal from her pocket she placed it into a slot into the desk,
tapping a few keys on her keyboard, Henry's screen on his desk began to show different information while the
three screens on the wall blinked off and showed another string of background information, one of the screens
held a picture of France.
"France?"
Sarah nodded, "During the Winter break we are going on a little trip Henry, the American Embassy in France
is suspected of having a mole. According to the American NSA and CIA they believe that they might be
compromise as well. That is where we fit in, since we are not part of their chain of intelligence system, the
Director of the CIA has asked us to find the mole while they perform their house cleaning. Hypnos was
hired a few days ago to upgrade the security software in the Embassy; we are to pose as two interims level
three programmers, to perform the upgrade. During this period of time while we are upgrading their software
we are also to insert a secret program into their network system."
"What does the program do?" asked Henry curiously.
"You don't get to know Henry, the only thing you need to know is it affects their messaging system," answered
Sarah, "needless to say we do not want them to find the software."
Henry looked worried, "Sarah, you do know I haven't been trained yet right? I mean I don't even know what to do
in any spy mission."
Sarah smiled softly, "Relax Henry this is a small level assignment, first we are going there under real
circumstances, we are going to upgrade their security software. Second we are in France, the Company's France
department will be on hand in case anything goes wrong. Third I've setup a small training mission this Friday so we
can perform nearly the same thing."
Henry frowned, "I have to go to Rika's play on Friday."
"I think this is a bit more important," said Sarah raising an eyebrow.
Henry sighed, "But if I don't go Rika will kill me."
Sarah sighed squeezing the bridge of her nose, "This is why operatives can't have relationships outside of work."
"I'm sorry," apologized Henry.
"What time is the play?" asked Sarah.
"Eight," answered Henry.
"Good then we should be done before then," said Sarah, "our operation takes place at five when all the workers are
leaving."
"Explain please," asked Henry.
"There is a hi-tech software company nearby that is right now using the same program as the Embassy in France,"
explained Sarah, inserting a different crystal into the slots all the view screens changed. "We are going to do things
a bit more difficult however, first we are going to break into the company, then we are going to sneak into the central
computer and install our secret program. The operation time should only be about one to two hours."
"Sounds dangerous," said Henry studying his screen.
Sarah shrugged, "It'll be good to put what little skills you have learnt into practice."
Henry nodded, "Okay."
*******************
Kenta was fairly certain that things were not as comfortable as usual, for one he was shifting in his seat trying to
start small talk but it always ended with uncomfortable silence. Glancing up his heart started to beat a little more
faster and his palms were sweaty, extremely disturbed by the situation, Kenta decided to do what he normally did,
he began to analyze the situation. In front of him was a student he was suppose to be tutoring, undeniably she
was a girl, it was revealed that she had a crush on him. Lately he was getting weird feelings in his stomach when
she was around, he had passed it off at the beginning as something he ate, but now especially after his best friend
Kazu's talk he was beginning to think differently. Usually he would begin an experiment to test if he had these
weird feelings with other students, however given the situation he deemed it as very unwise to do so. At the end
he decided that the best course of action was to have a long talk with two people who knew about girls and about
relationships. With certainty that it was the best course of option he elected to talk to Juri and Kazu together
when he had the chance.
"Is everything alright?" asked Suzy her voice slightly worried and nervous; she had an uncomfortable feeling
around Kenta since the entire tutoring session started. All their usual small talk that amused them before ended
in nervous and uncomfortable silence. Giving up they both began to work earnestly at their school work, when
Suzy was looked up she saw Kenta staring intensely at her which made her extremely nervous.
Snapping out of thought Kenta gave a crooked grin, "Yes, I'm sorry, I was thinking of something."
"Oh," nodded Suzy slowly giving an impish smile, "about me?"
A long tense silence answered her, staring at each other Kenta and Suzy looked away from each other.
"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have," began Suzy.
"It's fine," interrupted Kenta with a nervous smile, glancing at his watch he sighed in relief, "well times up."
"Yes it is… I've got to go," nodded Suzy glancing at her watch packing up her bag in a hurry with Kenta she
ran to the door but before she opened the door she stopped and glanced at Kenta, "Kenta?"
Kenta looked at her with surprise, "Yes?"
"I had a good time… Friday… With you," opening the door before Kenta could say anything Suzy fled.
Kenta stared at the spot that Suzy was standing a few minutes ago, looking down at his feet he sighed before
picking back his bag and trudging for freedom.
*******************
"You know I've never figured that working here could burn so much fat," stated Takato amused.
"Losing weight honey?" asked Juri amused.
"Not only losing but I think I'm getting muscles too," answered Takato lifting another box ketchup.
Juri rolled her eyes, "Heaven forbid that you start exercising Takato."
"Hey I exercise," protested Takato.
Juri raised an eyebrow and stared at Takato.
"Okay maybe I could exercise a bit more," admitted Takato meekly.
"You know your parents want me to work at the bakery since you are working here now," said Juri
changing the subject.
Takato shrugged, "You don't have to if you don't want to."
"I think it would be interesting," said Juri trying to keep a straight face, "you know then your mother and I
can swap stories, maybe she can show me your baby pictures again… Who knows maybe she'll part with
one so I can put it on my binder for school."
A look of horror filled Takato's face, "You wouldn't."
"I don't know," continued Juri, "you looked very cute when you are a baby, especially your naked one on
the porch…"
Face burning red, Takato turned to Juri with pleading eyes, "Jur-ri!"
Ignoring Takato Juri continued with a smile, "I think that picture made you look really cute… I think I
would get it blown up at the photo shop so I can have it as a poster on my wall."
Dropping his head in defeat Takato sighed, "What do I have to do in order to get you to give up the idea?"
"Ball room dancing," answered Juri smiling.
"Ball room dancing?" protested Takato, "Why in the world do we need to learn ball room dancing."
"Because it's good exercise and it's very sexy," answered Juri returning to opening the boxes of mustard and
packing them away.
Groaning Takato nodded, "Fine…"
"Thank you," answered Juri kissing Takato on the cheek, "I knew you would agree."
*******************
Two people walked down a white corridor, both were dressed completely in a dark cat suit; it clung to their body
not making a sound as they moved. The pair was walking slowly down the hall make sure they didn't make a
noise, their eyes continuingly running around their surroundings.
"You know I expected this to be harder," said Henry scratching his head, "I mean shouldn't we have to do
some great acrobatics or sneak in from the roof or something?"
"You watch too many spy movies Hack," said Sarah dryly using Henry's new code name.
"All we did was hide in a broom closet till they were closed," said Henry amused, "I'm rather disappointed."
Sarah rolled her eyes, "I always get stuck with the wise cracking ones."
Reaching a fork in the corridor, Henry checked with the computer attached to his forearm, grinning he pointed
down the path to the right.
Nodding Sarah glanced at a similar computer on her arm pressing a few buttons she started to scan the
corridor, "This isn't right," muttered Sarah frowning.
"You're telling me," said Henry reading his own computer, "motion sensors, laser system, pressure floors,
pressure walls, cameras..."
"Thermo scanners, sound detectors," Sarah finished rattling off the list.
Henry glanced at Sarah with a sheepish smile, "I take it back about the comment about this being too easy."
"You want to call it quits or plough on through?" asked Sarah studying Henry carefully.
"Plough through," decided Henry, "I'm not going to let a few more traps stop this mission."
Sarah nodded curtly, turning back to the corridor she tapped at the sunglasses she was wearing, activating
it's infrared vision, "Over there," pointed Sarah.
Nodding Henry pulled out a small pistol loading it with a special clip he aimed at the spot and fired. The
small gun made a popping sound as it discharged the object deep into the wall, turning back to his computer
Henry tapped away silently his eyes full of concentration.
Sarah kept scanning the room with her sunglasses, "Can you disable the security system?"
"No," said Henry frowning, "I think I can set it on a redundant pathway though."
"Meaning, for those of us who don't speak nerd," teased Sarah.
"I make the computer scan the same areas again and again, instead of all the area being scanned it would only
cover a small portion of the areas," explained Henry.
"Interesting," said Sarah dryly, "what does that mean."
"We'll have a narrow path that we can walk on for about a minute," said Henry grimacing.
Sarah grinned, "More then enough."
"You have got to be kidding," protested Henry, "the path will only big enough for half my size."
"Do it," ordered Sarah taking on a sprinters form.
Shaking his head Henry sighed, "You're the boss," tapping a button on his computer suddenly all the lights
in the hall changed. The two agents could hear a small whining, "Go!" shouted Henry.
Jumping Sarah started to cartwheel down the hall in incredible speed, reaching the door with fifteen seconds
to spare she rapidly punched in a code that Henry had lifted earlier that day, light turning green she ran into
the room.
"I'm in."
Henry heard Sarah through a sub-dermal implanted into his head, pressing a place behind his lower right ear;
he spoke softly, "Link me up."
"Wait one," said Sarah softly; "okay you should have a link now."
Glancing at his computer Henry nodded even though he knew Sarah couldn't see it, "Yeah, I'm good, I have
access, give me a minute… There the program is in… And now it's buried, we can go now."
"Can you shut down the system again?" asked Sarah.
"Better," answered Henry grinning, "the computer in there controls the security network, you can walk out
whenever you want."
"Good because frankly I hate doing cartwheels," said Sarah her voice filled with amusement, "it makes me
dizzy."
Glancing up Henry saw Sarah walking towards him, smiling, "This was pretty easy considering everything."
Sarah stopped in her tracks pointing behind Henry she pulled out her pistol.
Following suit, Henry pulled out his pistol as he turned around, his eyes noticing that the elevator was moving
towards their floor, "Okay, I'm going to shut up from now on."
"Come on," said Sarah grabbing Henry's arm she pulled him down a hall.
The two teenagers heard the elevator door open a pounding of feet as people rushed out of the elevator.
"What was that an army?" hissed Henry.
"How did they detect us?' demanded Sarah glancing behind them.
"They shouldn't have, I checked over everything, fail-safes and all, it's a closed system they shouldn't have
detected us, unless this just happens to be a routine security check," said Henry sarcastically.
Both agents screeched to a halt when they found themselves at a dead end, "This isn't suppose to be here,"
said Sarah surprised.
"Hey you two! Stop!"
Glancing behind them, they saw three security guards with their weapons drawn running towards them.
Sarah's eyes widened, "They shouldn't have guns."
A crack rang out as one of the guards fired, a piece of the wall blew out beside the two agents, jumping to
either side of the corridor they hid behind a wall. "That is one hell of a gun they're packing," said Henry.
Leaning out slightly Sarah fired three shots rapidly, Henry heard three thuds hit the ground, peering around the
wall he saw that all three guards on the ground.
Before Henry could say something there were more pounding of feet as guards round the corner, Henry lifted his
pistol but hesitated while Sarah began to fire rapidly. Noticing Henry's hesitation Sarah jumped to Henry's side,
taking his pistol out of his hand she pointed at the window firing two shots into the window, it shattered letting
the night's chilly air roll into the building.
Breaking out of his hesitation Henry pulled out a hook shot, "You think this will hold us?" asked Henry.
"One way to find out," said Sarah.
Standing as one both jumped out the window, while in freefall of the building Sarah held onto Henry tightly,
pointing at one of the building Henry fired the hook shot. Immediately both agents felt themselves being lifted
into the air again. Pressing a button on the device Henry and Sarah descended rapidly to the ground, dropping
to the ground they both took off into a run. Reaching a particular yellow phone booth they both touched it.
Immediately the surrounding faded into darkness, revealing a completely black room, the only light shining now
was above them. A door opened revealing a bright white light, both panting they stumbled out into the hall.
"The hell was that?" asked Henry, "It was suppose to be a quick easy training mission in and out not Mission
Impossible added with a little Die Hard."
Sarah grimaced as he looked at the panel against the wall punching up their training program, she frowned,
"Someone has tampered with the program while we were inside."
"Who did you piss off?" asked Henry slumping to the ground.
"Why do you assume it's me?" demanded Sarah, "it could have been easily meant for you."
"I've been here for less then a week, I haven't had time to piss anyone off," said Henry grinning.
"Why the hell are you grinning?" asked Sarah, "We were nearly simulation killed."
"It was surprisingly exhilarating," answered Henry his grin widening.
"So should we find out who the person was?" asked Sarah.
Henry stood wearily, "Can we do it after? I could really use a shower."
Sarah nodded, both heading into the change room they began to strip getting ready for a shower.
Henry was uncomfortable with the fact that the change room was unisex, but Sarah explained it was
because during missions, sometimes agents saw each other in compromising situations. It was better
to desensitize agents before hand; still Henry kept his back to Sarah at all times.
Keeping his eyes averted he heading into one of the shower stalls, he heard Sarah enter into the one
next to his, "So have you talked to Ryo lately?"
Sarah hesitated for a second before answering, "You want to talk about that?"
Henry shrugged turning on the water to full spray, "It's as good as topic as any."
"No I haven't" answered Sarah quickly, "and don't press it Henry there are reasons."
Henry raised an eyebrow in interest, "I take it you don't want me asking why."
"That's right," came Sarah's sputtered reply as she ducked her face directly into the shower blast.
"Why don't you want to talk to Ryo?" pressed Henry, "He said he really had fun that night and
well, he thought you did too."
"I did," sighed Sarah, "but it was just that night Henry, it was fun for only that night... For Alice."
"Was he a bad date?" asked Henry ducking his own head under the shower.
"No he was wonderful," said Sarah slowly, "charming, handsome, cute, sexy, funny, an above
average dancer, attentive, a character flaw which is his ego. All in all he would make a wonderful
person to date."
Henry was confused, "Oh..."
"He likes Alice," sighed Sarah tiredly slumping against the shower wall.
"Ah," nodded Henry even though he was still confused.
Sarah turned to the wall where Henry would be standing, "You have no idea what I'm talking about
do you?"
"It defiantly sounds Twilight Zone to me," admitted Henry.
"Alice Hitomi, is a person someone in the agency made up," explained Sarah, "Alice Hitomi is not
real, she is just another Alias, name, personality, face, life I use."
"So why don't you let Ryo know Sarah Rowen?' suggested Henry, "Just use Alice's name and face."
"Because Sarah Rowen is just another person I made up," answered Sarah sadly, "Sarah isn't even my
birth name. That was lost when the my guardian took me that night, he destroyed it to cover his tracks,
my cover name was Sarah and I grew to answer it… But it isn't me…"
Henry turned off the shower leaning his hands against the wall where Sarah would be standing he looked
down at his feet watching the water swirl down the small grate in the ground, "Then who are you really?"
Holding herself in Sarah looked up into the light in the ceiling, "I'm not really sure, all my life I've used
different names, identities… I guess when it comes down to it I would consider my code name who I am."
"Wraith?" asked Henry surprised.
Wrapping a towel around herself Sarah exited the shower stall, "I've always used it… It's been my code
name even before I entered into the agency."
"So will I meet Wraith?" asked Henry exiting his shower stall.
Sarah smiled bitterly, "Let's hope you don't, Wraith hasn't appeared since two years ago… I've been hoping
that it was her last mission."
Seeing Sarah's bitter face Henry decided to drop the subject, turning to his locker he started to dress in silence.
*******************
The water sparkled different colours, as the sun was hitting it just right to illuminate it, two boys were talking,
one the taller boy had brown hair was throwing rocks into the river standing up as if defiant of the world. While
the other sat on the small hill of grass watching the river flow, his green eyes filled with confusion and sadness.
"It was completely and utterly horrible," stated Kenta.
"Oh my little Kenta has a crush!" said Kazu amused he mussed up Kenta's hair.
"Come on Kazu I need you as a friend," protested Kenta, "not as an mother that seriously needs medication…
Besides my own mother doesn't even do that."
"Fine, fine," grumbled Kazu still having an amused look on his face, "so let me get this straight you felt more
weird feelings then usual when she is around."
Kenta nodded resting his head on his hands he sighed.
"Sweaty palms, pounding heart," named Kazu as he began to list while ticking off his fingers, "tightening pants…"
Kenta looked up at Kazu, "You're disgusting."
"It's a perfectly reasonable reaction to have," said Kazu grinning.
"Kazu Suzy's Henry's sister, she's like a sister to us," said Kenta.
"She's also a girl," dismissed Kazu gently, "a girl who really, really likes you Kenta and as far as I can tell you really
like her too."
"Henry is going to kill me," moaned Kenta.
"Why?" asked Kazu bewildered, "Suzy has a choice too."
"Henry will say I'm seducing her or something," said Kenta slumping in his seat, "that she's too young… That…"
"That doesn't sound like Henry," interrupted Kazu, "Henry is protective yes, but when he sees you making his
sister happy, he'll come around… Just don't make her cry… Then you'll be dead before sunrise."
"It wouldn't work," said Kenta shaking his head, "I'm leaving for University by the end of the year."
"So will she," said Kazu softly, "because of you she's worked hard."
Kenta looked up in surprise at Kazu, "What are you talking about?"
"She passed," said Kazu softly, "she just skipped junior and high school all for you."
Kenta looked stunned, "Why didn't she tell me?"
"She wanted to today, but she just couldn't… Said something about it being too uncomfortable," said Kazu
frowning in thought.
"And she told you?" asked Kenta.
"Actually no," coughed Kazu uncomfortably, "you see I was in a closet while Suzy and Ai talked outside…
I just happen to overheard it."
Kenta looked evenly at Kazu, "Who was she?"
"Awaki, from homeroom," answered Kazu grinning, shaking his head he realized he was being led off topic,
"wait we're suppose to be talking about you."
"I don't know if I should risk it," said Kenta softly.
Kazu sat down beside Kenta, pulling his knees up to his chest he looked out into the ocean as if able to see
something, "It won't happen like last time."
"You don't know that Kazu," said Kenta softly.
"It was my mistake last time," said Kazu anger filling his voice, "my fault not yours, you know that."
Kenta looked at Kazu, "You can't take all the blame Kazu, it was my relationship."
Kazu usual grinning face was now stoic, "But at the end most of the blame was on me, I…"
"Did nothing a friend wouldn't do," interrupted Kenta, "you can't keep blaming yourself."
"And you can't keep being scared to put your heart on the line again," said Kazu evenly.
Kenta looked away out into the lake unable to stand his friend's gaze.
After a few seconds Kazu returned to his gaze out into the water.
