Problems and Good Memories

Night had taken over the city, as Mercy made her way home from the last minute meeting with her boss. She was ecstatic that she was going to keep her job, and still be able to live in another city. Mercedes was practically danced around the corners, when she heard the ambulance wiz past her. There were millions of reasons why the ambulance could be in the neighborhood, and Mercy knew that, but for some reason she just knew there was something wrong.

The chill of fear iced over her veins as her walk increased into a jog towards her home. The five minute jog seemed to take centuries, as she bumped into people and dodge cars. It wasn't logical to think the ambulance was going to her home. Standing in front of her apartment building, Mercy sunk down to her knees. The E.M.T's were walking from her room with a body bag and their heads down low.

Almost on queue he cell phone buzzed angrily in her pocket. She didn't bother to answer the annoyed electronic, the nurse she had hired would leave a message, and in assuming Mercy would listen to it as soon as she was out of her meeting the nurse would go home. It was better this way, nobody would have to watch Mercy break down, and she wouldn't have to worry about being a good hostess. When the ambulance left, Mercy stayed in her position.

"Do you want to talk about it?'

Mercy glanced up to see Mandy, the nurse she had hired. "Not at the moment," she paused, unsure what to say. "Thank you for all the love and care you gave to her when I wasn't there."

"That's my job; all that matters is the love you provided throughout her life." Mandy smiled. "You gave her the most precious gift any one could give, and she knew it. If you need anything, and I mean anything you have my number. Don't hesitate to call me."

"Bye Mandy."

Mandy hesitated, before leaving Mercy sitting on the streets corner. It wasn't her place to pry into Mercy's feelings until she was ready, but she did call Mercy's friends; just so they could do what she couldn't.

It took Mercedes a few minutes, but she stood up and walked around the neighborhood. She couldn't bring herself to go home, not when the pain was still so fresh. She couldn't understand it, Alzheimer's usually killed someone after five years, but it hasn't been two full years since she was diagnosed. There is always the possibility that her mother had given up on life, and just died, but Mercy wasn't willing to think of that.

Somewhere between her thoughts Mercedes had reached the bridge she visited a lot when she was a child. Without hesitation Mercy sat on the edge, and dangled her legs over the rushing river. This was the place she always went to when she missed her parents, and it seemed fitting for her to be here now. The storm that had been threatening Ikebukuro for the past week started pouring over her body. Mercedes body was hot, and the icy rain prickled her skin, before she went numb. The feeling brought back memories from when she was a child and in Russia.

Another foot of snow rested on the Russian ground, as Takuma drove down the iced roads. The snow wasn't such a surprised, after all it had been constantly snowing since they arrived a month ago, but the icy terrain was lush and new. A young Mercedes leaned close to the window as she watched the frozen trees wiz by. She was bound in a thick, body length, jacket with the hood up. Her mother worried she would catch a cold in the ice country. As Kurenai slept, Takuma rolled down Mercy's window. Instantly the young girl smelled the crisp smell of the snow, and felt the cold wind rush against her face. The battle soon began between the naturally cold Russian air, and the car's artificial heat. Mercedes smiled happily when her small black eyes met her fathers.

The odd feeling of hot and cold would always stick with Mercy as a happy memory, but now it had a bitter twist to it. Both her beloved parents died, and she was alone again. Tears ran down her cheeks as she looked up into the clouds, and without her noticing Mercy's body slid forward.

"Mercy," It was a question rather than a call, but Mercedes glanced over her shoulders to see Masaomi. "My dearest angel, you need to be careful!" He breathed, as he ran to her. "Come join me on the safe side of the fence."

Masaomi breathed a nervous sigh, when Mercy twisted her body so she was facing him. He was unsure what she was doing or whether or not she was going to jump, but he was relieved when she took his shaking hand. She was frozen, making him wonder how long she was out in the rain.

"Are you ok?" he questioned, as he pulled her close.

"Y-yeah I'm fine. How are you Masaomi?"

"I'm better now that you're safe. Let's go to dinner, you look like you need to eat."

Masaomi escorted her to a nearby restaurant in silence, giving Mercedes some time to think. The heat washed over their bodies as they crossed the threshold. The young hostess walked to them with a pleasant smile.

"Mercy, you're back, it's great to see you. Please follow me." She muttered. "The weather looks positively awful."

"I wouldn't say awful," Mercy forced out a chuckle.

"You sound like you've been crying, is everything ok?"

Mercy cursed under her breath, as she sat down, and looked to her hands. She needed to be convincing when she said she was fine. After a moment of quiet contemplation she met the worried glanced, of Masaomi and Rain with a smile.

"I am perfectly fine, thank you."

This time, when she spoke she sounded normal. Rain glanced to Masaomi, almost asking if he believed her, before walking off to get the waitress. Deciding to wait a little while, Masaomi smiled sweetly to the exhausted Mercy.

"Hello Mercy, can I take your order?" Amy questioned, with a worried smile.

"I'll have the usual, thank you."

"Ok one korokke with mashed potatoes and green tea, how about you kiddo?" She muttered winking at Masaomi.

"I'll have the same."

"Ok, that'll be right out."

"Mercy, what were you doing on the bridge?" Masaomi questioned.

"I was thinking," This was a lie, and she knew it was a lie. She just didn't want to admit it to anyone, she was going to jump. "What were you doing out there, so late?" she questioned to change the subject.

"I was actually heading over to your place," Masaomi sighed. "I have a problem and I am unsure what to do about it."

"Ok, tell me all about it, and we shall see what my words of wisdom are."

They were instantly interrupted when Amy walked over with their drinks. She smiled before placing the hot tea in front of them, and walked away. Masaomi told Mercy everything from Suki's injuries to the yellow scarves versus the dollars. Mercedes stayed quiet as he spoke; trying to absorb everything he had to say, so she could fully understand his problem. Again Amy interrupted them as she placed their food down, but she left soon afterwards.

"Hmm….that's a lot to take in, but at least I know who to blame for my house getting broken into while I was gone," Mercy sighed, "So what exactly is your problem, I heard a few in your story."

"Well I have a feeling Mikado and Anri are hiding something from me." Masaomi glanced at Mercy questioningly. "What other problems did you hear?"

"Ah, I see, well for your problem," Mercy smiled mischievously, "I think you should tell them about your involvement with the yellow scarves. You know, have a serious conversation with them, and I'm sure they'll be just as open with you."

"Thank you so much my sweet, sweet angel." He cheered, and leaned closer into Mercy.

Instantly she put her hand out and pushed him away. He wasn't going to kiss her in public again. He sent her a questioning glance, before sitting back down. They ate in silence for another moment. Masaomi's smile brightened the room, as he consumed his food.

"Are you really ok, or are you just trying to get us off your back?" He questioned.

"If I was trying to avoid the conversation, obviously I didn't do it correctly." Mercedes half smiled, but continued to eat. "I am, or rather, I will be fine."

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Can I tell you something that will stay between the two of us?"

He took a moment to contemplate what she might say, but he eventually said yes. Mercedes sighed, trying to calm her nervous jitters. He glanced at her contently, patiently waiting for her to continue.

Shock was written all over Masaomi's face when she was finished talking. He had imagined so many things she could have told him, but this, nothing could have prepared him for that. Masaomi tried desperately to real back his reaction; all the while Mercedes was watching him.

"I think you should go talk to your friend." Mercy smiled, "well actually I think you should go home, and tomorrow tell them."

"I, will you be ok?'

"Yes, I'll be fine, Text me when you get home."

"I will goodnight."

Masaomi walked out of the restaurant while Mercedes paid the bill. She wasn't sure what to do now. The rain had stopped, which opened the door to possibilities. Amy and Rain smiled, before wishing Mercy a good evening. As Mercedes walked through the streets of Ikebukuro she thought about everything that had happened in the last year and a half. Mercy had so many up's and down's, but within the past few months her world seemed to be crashing around her. So badly she longed for everything to stop and go back to the good old times. Her phone buzzed against her bottom. At first she was going to ignore it, but she remembered the young boy walking home.

I'm home my love, please be careful out there.

I will, I hope everything works out with you and your friends. Goodnight.

*Ballad of Mona Lisa*

Knowing that Masaomi was home safely, made Mercy feel so much better, and allowed her to wander around the city absent mindedly. Mercy's phone rang non-stop, as she walked around the city. She didn't want to talk about her mother, and she most defiantly didn't want to talk about her feelings. It still bothered her that she didn't know how her friends found out about her mother and the fact she unknowingly was going to jump from the bridge still scared her. Again Mercy looked to her phone, to see who was calling, and in her distraction she bumped into another person.

"Hey, watch-"

Both bodies stopped what they were doing. Mercedes didn't look from her phone, knowing it was Izaya whom stood in front of her. She breathed a quiet sigh, and ignored the call from Shyanne. The streets were crowded, like usual, but the two were off to the side.

"How have you been, Izaya?" Mercy questioned, as she leaned back onto her heels.

"Busy, chaos doesn't make its self." He chuckled awkwardly, "you?"

"Same, though for different reasons." Mercy muttered, glancing around the ground.

It took a few minutes, but the two managed to fall back into their normal conversation. Never once did they talk about the break up, or about when they were dating, rather they talked about current events. The crowd bustled around, bringing them back to their surroundings. Mercy found comfort in the normality in which they spoke.

"So are you working right now?" Mercy questioned.

"Not at this moment, no." he muttered, "What are you doing out so late?"

Mercedes hesitated, unsure how to answer his question. After some thought about it, Mercy looked him into the eyes and went to tell him, but was interrupted when her name was called out. Both Izaya and Mercy glanced back to see a man, who wasn't that much taller than Mercy, jogging towards them. Izaya, not knowing who he was, glanced at the annoyed female standing in front of him.

"Who's that?" Izaya asked.

"I have to go, bye."

Before Izaya could say anything else, Mercedes hopped over the traffic railing, and ran away from him. Soon after, the other male ran past Izaya calling out to her.

Out of breath, and legs shaking, Mercy leaned against a nearby building. She had lost Robert about three blocks ago, but she couldn't bring herself to stop, until she reached a very familiar bar. The Damn Bar had closed about half an hour ago, but the bartender was still cleaning. Once Mercy had caught her breath, she knocked on the door. After a moment Kohaku walked to the door and opened it.

"Hey, it's been a long time." He breathed, allowing Mercy to walk in. "Your two friends came by a while ago asking about you. I didn't even know you were back in town. Would you like a drink?"

Both Shyanne and Chandasea cursed under their breaths. They had been searching for Mercedes for the past six hours, and they still didn't have the faintest idea where she was. Everyone they talked to said they hadn't seen her, and they both were getting worried. Chan stopped in the middle of Ikebukuro square and looked at her friend, with tears in her eyes.

"What time did you say Mercy left Wolf-men and Heart?"

"She left around five, and we got the call from her nurse around six." Shyanne chocked up. "But you know Mercy. She walks around when she needs to think, so there's no need to worry."

Neither believed what Shyanne said, which resulted in both girls bursting into tears. Normally they would have waited till they got home to cry, but they were too determined to find their friend.

"Hey, is everything ok?" Shizuo questioned, walking past the two.

"We can't find Mercedes," the two wailed.

"I saw her a few hours ago, in the park. Did you check there?"

"Yes, she wasn't there half an hour ago." Shyanne hiccupped.

"Hm…..Ok, I'm working right now, but once I get off I'll join the search." Shizuo muttered before leaving.

Once again they decided to text everyone they know.

Hey guys, this is the ten minute checkup, has anyone seen Mercy?

*Brendon the Fish*

Remember, if anyone sees Mercedes please text either Channy or me.

*Princess Pete*

"Channy, I think we might have to ask the parasite for help." Shyanne muttered angrily.

"Friend, I have a question." Channy stopped walking and looked at the blond. "Have you noticed ever since Mercy started dating Izaya, she's been drift away from us?'

Shyanne glanced at the red head questioningly, before actually thinking about it.

"Yeah you're right, that sly little bastard, I bet he did something."

"Shy, this is just a theory, but wouldn't it make more sense that Mercy was drifting because we didn't approve of Izaya from the beginning?"

"Are you saying it's our fault?"

"I'm just thinking with Robby, who was supper possessive, she always chose us over him, and with him we didn't openly object to him. But with Izaya first thing we did was tell her no."

Shyanne glanced at the young red head before opening her phone. Izaya wasn't too hard to contact, or even find. It seemed everyone knew exactly how to contact him, which made everything easier.

"Hello,"

Izaya's voice seemed to automatically piss Shyanne off, almost like the same affect he had on Shizuo, but tamer. Since she hadn't replied he muttered his greeting, this time it was shadowed with a little annoyance. Shyanne chocked down her pride before answering him. Instantly Izaya knew something was wrong.

"Well, well, I never thought I'd hear from you." Izaya chuckled, mocking her. "Now, what can I do for you?"

"Shut up Izaya." Shyanne growled dangerously.

Instantly Chandasea lightly punched her friend, before giving her the, "Don't-Fuck-This-Up-Because-You're-Angry" look. Shyanne didn't react at first, and it wasn't until Chan threatened to kick her in the butt. She could hear Izaya's smirk from the receiver, before she took in a deep breath, to keep from killing him.

"Izaya, please be quiet because this is hard enough for me. We would appreciate it if you could locate Mercy, we've searched everywhere for her and we still can't find her."

"I'll call you if I get anything, but first we need to talk about my fee."

Kohaku had waited till Mercy fell asleep on the table before taking her phone. The two had talked about everything that was going on in her life, he felt bad, but he also believed it would be for the best if her friends were there to watch over her. The phone lit up as he went through her contacts, searching for her friends.

"Hey, is this Shyanne?" Kohaku questioned, as he left the room, so he didn't disturb the sleeping maiden.

"Yeah, who is this?" She questioned.

"It's Kohaku, the bartender from the Damn Bar." He paused to wait for her reaction.

"Why do you have Mercedes phone?"

"Well, her phone has been going off for the past few minutes, and I just wanted the two of you know she's here at the bar." He paused, hearing a slight moan from his guest. "I'm hoping you guys can pick her up."

"Thank god," Shyanne paused to tell, who he thought was, Chandasea what was going on. "We will be there in a few minutes, make sure she stays there."

"There's no worries, she's past out, on my table."

Shyanne had already hung up, which was for the best, if she had heard what he said, she would have killed him. The girls raced through the city, now bubbling with relief, instead of anxiety. They didn't remember running into Shizuo, but at some point he ended up following them to the Damn Bar. The three didn't bother to see if the doors were open, before they barged into the building.

"Hey, you're here."

All three of the new comers froze angrily, when they heard Izaya's chuckled.

"How long have you been here?" Shyanne growled.

"I just got here," he muttered, pushing back into his chair. "That Kohaku guy escorted Mercy into the back; I don't think he trusts me." Izaya smiled before forcing a pout. "That makes me sad."

Shyanne choked down the colorful words she wanted to say, and relaxed. Just knowing that Mercedes is alive and, for the most part, well was enough to calm the young blond; Shizuo on the other hand started to shake angrily. Since his last encounter with Izaya, Shizuo found it hard to control his anger. When Izaya sensed Shizuo's anger, he stood, unsure if he would have to run yet.

"Wow, why is everybody so tense?"

The room seemed to relax with Kohaku's entrance.

"Where's Mercy, is she ok? Do you know where she's been?" Chandasea was the first to react.

"Yeah, no she's fine. She's just sleeping in the back for right now. As for where she was, I don't really know, she just told me about this Robby kid." Kohaku muttered, "I'll wake her up, but please don't destroy my bar."

Once Kohaku left the room Shizuo's phone went off. "Hello?" The blond went quiet for a few moments, before hanging up. "I have to go; I'll see you guys later."

"Ok, be careful." Shyanne muttered, as he walked out of the bar, before glaring at Izaya again. "Shouldn't you be leaving too?"

"I have nothing to do, and I want to make sure she's okay. Is that a problem?" He chuckled.

"Yes, it is a problem-"

"Shy, just leave him alone." Chandasea muttered, "Morning sunshine."

Mercedes stumbled into the room, as she hugged more into Kohaku's body. Exhaustion was clearly written across her face, but her body screamed defeat. A pang of guilt ran through both Chandasea's and Shyanne's heart, when they saw their good friend. Maybe having Kohaku wake her up wasn't such a good idea after all.

"Hey guys," Mercy muttered quietly. "So, it's safe to assume you know about mom?"

"Yes, the nurse called us and asked if we could check up on you." Shyanne smiled. "So why don't we take you home?"

"I-I don't want to go back home." Mercy sighed, as unconscious tears slid down her cheek.

Kohaku helped Mercy sit down on the Karaoke stage, before he walked out of the room. He couldn't help but feel like this wasn't any of his business, so he found himself doing inventory while the girls talked.

"Let me talk to her." Izaya muttered, to Chandasea as Shyanne tried to calm Mercy down.

"I don't think that's a good idea." Chan said.

"Why not, I might be able to convince her to go home."

"This is true, but there are two reasons you shouldn't talk to her." Chan sighed, "First of all, Shyanne is so angry she'd rather die than allow you to talk to Mercy. Secondly, if you say or do anything that hurts her I will murder you myself."

A small smile crossed his face, before he spoke again. "Just take Shyanne outside; I have nothing to gain by hurting Mercy again."

"Fine, but if you hurt her again-"

"I know, I know, you'll kill me yourself. Now please, take your guard dog."

"Hey shy; let's make a run to the store real quick." Chan sighed.

"You want me to leave her with him?" Shyanne whispered, as she approached her red headed friend.

"Well Kohaku is in the other room, so there's no real worry. Let's go."

Not giving enough time for Shyanne to oppose, Chandasea pushed her companion outside. Just before she left though, she sent a worried glance to Izaya. After a moment, Izaya took a seat next to Mercy, and quietly contemplated on what to say. Never before, has he ever had to work this hard to find something to say.

"Since you don't want to go home, why don't you come to my place and stay the night." He sighed, glancing at her. "What do you say?"

"Okay," She sighed, allowing her body to rest against his. "I'm tired."

"I'll call Celty and have her drive you to my place."

Instead of calling Celty, Izaya decided to call Shinra. The phone rang two, three, times before Shinra's tired voice answered.

"Shinra, send Celty to the Damn Bar, I need her to take Mercy to my place."

Izaya wasn't sure how long the two girls would be gone, but he hoped it would be long enough, to get Mercy on Celty's bike. After a few moments of listening to Mercy's breathing, Izaya realized she was asleep. Instantly his body relaxed, as he picked her up like a bride, and pulled her into his lap. His left arm supported her back, as his right arm kept her bottom from slipping off his legs. Something in the touch was strangely comforting, making Izaya long for the "old" days.

Soon after, Celty stopped outside the door. Instead of waiting outside, like she normally did, Celty walked into the abandoned bar.

So I'm taking her to your house?

She questioned, not acknowledging the position the two were in. "Yes, let's get her on your bike. Now be careful, not to wake her okay."

Celty looked at Izaya questioningly, before taking the young woman into her arms. Mercedes was surprisingly light, as they strolled to the bike. Instead of placing the sleeping girl behind her, Celty put her in front. Izaya watched as they drove off. He needed to leave before Mercy's friends came back, or else he'd be in some serious trouble. Anyone who knew Shyanne knew about her temper, and honestly, Izaya didn't doubt Chandasea would join in on the murder.

Celty waited for Izaya outside of his apartment room, still holding Mercedes.

"You could have gone in." Izaya muttered, when the elevator door opened.

Since she had the sleeping girl in her arms, Celty didn't mutter anything, but she couldn't help but think profanities. Shut the fuck up, and open the damn door you weasel. She couldn't help but think, when walked into his house. Celty followed him contently, but stopped in his living room. Izaya continued walking, and disappeared into his bed room.

"Celty, bring Mercy in here, it will be more comfortable to her." When she entered the room, Izaya pulled Mercy out of her arms. "Thanks for driving her here."

No problem, I'll be back in the morning with some of her clothes.

Celty hesitated before leaving, unsure if she was doing the right thing. You're going to take care of her….right?

"Yes, I'm going to take good care of her. Now go spend time with Shinra." Izaya chuckled.