AUTHORS NOTES: Okay first I must apologize to everyone for a MAJOR SPELLING ERROR I FOUND AND SOMEONE POINTED OUT IN THE LAST VERSION. If you noticed it, I am sorry, if not, then do not fear- It is fixed and no one needs to get hurt xD. So in having said this- here is chapter Two of the new Over Haul- . I hope it's to everyone's liking. Enjoy!
Introduction:
She stood on the sidewalk amongst the other watchers of the brutal removal and transportation of the body. She was young, and she was dead- it would be a sensation in the news, even if Preventer put their little press black out in effect, people would talk. Eventually it would force them to make a statement. She couldn't help but smile at the idea, especially with Preventer's star captain investigator looking so intense. His feathers where ruffled, and everyone in the departments knew it. Though no one would know why at least until more digging became needed, and she would indeed insure it was needed. Her bright Irish green eyes watched as a picture was taken of a long slide pistol and the weapon bagged. A soft chuckle bubbled up from inside her throat as she turned and walked away from the scene, earning only a few curious stars.
Chapter Two-Opening Stages
"Her name was Saki, She held no last name to speak of- if she did she wouldn't tell us. She was pulled off the streets of L-1 In A.C. 204, she was caught with petty theft, and when officers couldn't locate parents through finger printing they called us. There where no missing persons reports to be found anywhere within the systems prior to Preventer take over, or after, so we where forced to assume she was an orphan. She was underage to be living on her own, and since she didn't have a home to speak of she was transferred in to CR permanent care. Saki was then transferred earth-side where she was fostered out to a Rokuro Nayoshi, Sensei of the Lightning Dojo in town." Duo looked up for the file he had been reading to take in Wufei's gaze.
"Saki wasn't getting along with a vast majority of the students, and so Nayoshi-Sensei contacted us to propose a change of location, he named Ishi na Dojo and the Owner Ayame Taylor as a perfect place for the then fifteen-year old. Kekko vouched for the placement, and since we already sent three others to foster in her care. We sent Saki to the dojo, She legally changed her name when she was seventeen to Saki Taylor out of respect for the now twenty six year old foster parent. She moved out six months ago, and was registered at Midaramai community collage, attending all her classes and lived on 9th and 37th." Duo finished before placing the simple file on the desk looking once again at the silent Wufei.
An Auburn eyebrow rose as he followed his friend's gaze. "What do you see something?" Wufei didn't answer directly, lifting a picture of the girl from his copy of CR's Files, and laying it beside the image of the body they found in the phone booth just twenty stories below. "I don't know, But I intent to figure it out." Obsidian eyes flicked up to meet Violet, "Is that going to be a problem?"
"Hey, I don't have a problem with you working along side us on this investigation." Duo flicked the end of his three-foot Auburn-braid over his shoulder. "Granted I don't think this is anything more then a suicide, one she wanted noticed." Wufei imitated Duo's earlier eyebrow raise. "And that doesn't strike you as off?"
"Of course it's off Chang, which is why CR is going to be heading any investigation in to Saki Taylor's apparent suicide, unless you have something compelling enough that Anna Une or Chairman Milles would sign off on a transferal of departments." Kekko walked in to the room briskly prepared for a long days work. "I have notified next of kin, and they are more then willing to speak with us on the matter. I have also made several phone calls to her school and know associates in her part time job placement." Duo nodded, "Right, where to first?"
"Ishi-"
"Yurigami." Wufei cut in, walking around the desk to lean on it's edge. "Will you force my hand to the point of going to Anna directly, or will you concede the case to me if I Told you Saki Taylor called me less then thirty seconds to pulling the trigger?" It was the only card he held at the moment. However it was effective enough to have both Kekko and Duo turning back to look at him. He was relaxed, but anyone who looked at him would definitively see small worry lines on the edges of his eyes.
"Are you positive?" Kekko asked, before the sound of a fax-machine ringing in the outer hall. "As positive I can be with out the guys down stairs sending me the trace i placed on my last incoming phone call." A knock on his door, signaled to him exactly what had just arrived. "Karin." The Secretary pushed open the door, her brown eyes taking in everyone present, before she subconsciously pushed a stray piece of dirty blond hair from her face. "The line trace you ordered came through."
Kekko snatched it from her hand, leaving Karin puffed, She wanted to break the woman's fingers instead she turned and walked out in a huff. "Kekko, you know you really should be nice to the other sections secretaries. Other wise they may not play ball." Wufei snorted, "Karin wouldn't play ball with anyone outside of My self, Anna and Milles. Your welcome to try though."
"Son of a bitch." Kekko muttered, lowering the file. "Why would Saki Taylor speak to you before she killed her self? Why wouldn't she call Ayame, or even Rokuro?" She looked pointedly at Wufei, "You didn't have any connections to Saki to speak of did you?"
"Who was the lead on her foster case?"
Kekko blinked, "I was." Wufei shook his head, "Then no, indirectly speaking the only connection I could possibly have with the girl would be through you and Duo simply because I am a friend of Duo and you work with him." Duo nodded following the conversation before flopping on the visitors chair leaving Kekko to remain standing. "So Why are you so interested in this case Wu-man?"
He twitched at the annoying nick name Duo had placed him with, but ignored it and lifted The photo of A green long-slide. On the slide it's self was a dragon inscribed in to the metal It's wings where open wide and head lowered as if searching for something. "Have you ever seen a weapon like this before?" He showed it to Duo, then to Kekko. "Nope, why have you?" Duo returned, and Wufei nodded.
"I actually have seen this weapon before, up close and personal." Duo blinked, "You have? When? Like before, before or earlier then that?" He rolled his wrist signaling that he was in a rush to know the answers. "Before the gundams before." Duo wanted to ask but didn't, he knew if Wufei was going to tell him it was because he was ready to or he held no choice. Duo sure as hell wasn't going to try and force it out of him.
"Where did you see it before?" Kekko asked, and Wufei looked up at her, "L-5, so I want to know how a gun that was at last check on a colony that doesn't exist anymore, ended up in the hands of a child from L-1 who was transported here to earth to be fostered. She obviously didn't have it prior to her transfer to earth because you at CR would have confiscated it." Kekko and Duo couldn't help but agree.
"Does the gun have any meaning to it?" Duo asked, and Wufei shrugged,
"The way i figure it, a gun isn't made like that just because it looks pretty. It has to mean something, and it's bound to be important. So this is why you want the case?" Duo sighed at Wufei's nod and Kekko stepped forward. "How about we make a deal, We work together on this case, you scratch our backs We'll scratch yours?"
Wufei took a minute to consider it before nodded, "Fine, I'll take next of kin, you take the school." Kekko Shook her head, "Ayame Taylor has been dealing with CR pretty well since it's inception in 202, and has grown comfortable speaking with me, she doesn't exactly approve of the whole Preventer program." Wufei rose his eyebrow, "I will speak to Ayame Taylor."
" So we'll go together, If Duo can manage the school chatting on his own for an hour with out blowing something up, we'll be set." Kekko smirked at Duo, "You figure you can handle it?" Duo stuck his tongue out at Kekko, "I hunt down run-a way's, and leap abusive parents in a single bound- Of course I can handle talking to some teachers and administrative staff." Duo stated with a finger in the air, before swishing it under Kekko's noes "I'll get the names of students who associated with Saki, and have them kept after school, so that we can both be present for the speaking."
"Good, when your ready Chang, Sensei Taylor is expecting us."
Ayame had been right in her earlier assumption that the day was going to be a long one. Saki, you foolish child. Her jaw was set as she walked out of her office, she was planning on heading straight up the stairs to her living quarters to see for her self if Justice was indeed missing. When she caught sight of a man sitting in a plastic back chair beside Izumi's desk.
He sat watching the class that Takashi was teaching. Her eye's followed his gaze, and she forced herself to take in a slow soothing deep breath. Despite being a unorganized young adult, Ichirou Takashi was great with the younger students of her dojo, and it would be a shame for her to have to fire the young man. He had the potential to be a very good sensei. He only needs to pull his head out of his ass long enough to realize what he is doing...
"Sensei, you have a man here who wants to talk to you about renting space." Izumi's whispered message brought Ayame back earth-side long enough to glance at the man in the chair, she then came to the realization that he was not one of the student's elder brothers, or family members.
He was of Japanese decent, but by the way he held himself, he looked to have spent a great deal of time on the colonies recently, his shoulders sagged barely. He was a well trained athlete, and she could see on his shoulders raised scares on his arms. They were jagged and appeared to have been painful as open wounds. He leaned forward, but kept his posture straight, or as straight as he could. A denim jacket sat on the chair beside him. His hands rested under his chin as his Persian blue eyes observed the teacher on the mats. A small smile rested on his lips. His Brown hair looked as if he rolled out of bed, and hadn't bothered to brush, though Ayame could tell that was how his hair was trained.
"His name Izumi." Ayame said flicking her eyes to the woman standing beside her, watching Takashi teaching class. "Oh right. His name is Heero Yuy." Ayame could see the hesitant recognition in the woman's eyes and Ayame chuckled, "Izumi, do you so easily forget that Preventer Maxwell was also a Gundam pilot?"
"No sensei, but Duo doesn't have the look of a hardened soldier." Izumi hugged her arms, and Ayame chuckled softly, "Izumi, do you also forget that I was once a soldier as well?" The girl blinked her hazel eyes, "Actually, that one I did forget." Ayame nodded, "You would do well to remember that, Also if I have any appointments they are going to have to be pushed back, Preventer Yurigami is to be coming to talk to me and it takes presidence over everything else."
"Alright Sensei." Izumi walked around the desk, and sat in her chair. Ayame waved off her going to speak to the man in the seat, and opted to go and walk past him to sit in the chair beside his coat. "Can I help you?" She asked in a hushed voice not wanting to disturb those being taught on the mats. From her position she wasn't able to see his face, for she too was watching the class, which she noted was making Takashi nervous.
"Perhaps. Are you the owner of this dojo?" his voice was gruff, as if he had eaten fire, but the original voice still held tough in the struggle for dominance. She turned to face him. " I am, My name is Ayame Taylor, though most have taken to calling me Sensei Taylor. What can i do for you Mr. Yuy?"
He turned to look at her, his eyes trying to determine whether she was being sarcastic or if she was merely asking a simple question, she could read those thoughts as clear as day, and she supposed with a man like Heero Yuy, not recognized by face by the general public, but name for his heroism during the Alliance war, and again during the rebellion, it was to be expected he would instantly jump to suspicions. It had taken her a long time after her time within the Alliance war to forget old habits, or at very least quell them.
" I was hoping on inquiring over times when your space was free for private rental use, if possible." Ayame nodded, "I do rent out my dojo, however it comes at a high price, as well as a strict set of rules. I also do not allow my dojo to even be thought of as a rental unless i know specifically what is happening during the times it is being rented. How ever Izumi could have informed you of all of this. So is there something else you wanted to inquire over?"
He watched her for a moment before looking at Takashi once more, "I am simply taking the measure of those who run the dojo. I am very particular in where I would book gatherings, and with who." Ayame was slightly taken aback at the mention of gatherings, but she wouldn't allow it to show, for she could tell by the way he toned his word that it was not a general party he was wanting, but a gathering of the gundam pilots. I have herd whispers of them gathering in one place, but never thought that it was truth.
"Does this bother you?" His gaze returned to her face, and she could feel it searching for some sign of what she was thinking, of course, she wouldn't make it that easy for him. "Why would it bother me that you wanted to take my measure? Many before you have, and there will be many more to come. I am a woman, who runs a dojo in the heart of japan. It is almost unheard of, even in this day in age. However I know this was not the reason you wanted to take my measure, you wanted to read whether or not I was trust worthy enough to house your guests before attempting the application process. There is no harm in wanting to protect those you care about."
"You understand then that I would need the entire dojo." His question brought her gaze back to his and she nodded, "However, Mr. Yuy, It is not easy to book this dojo in it's entirety. It is in high demand being ranked second over all in japan. Tied in Tokyo with lightening, but I am sure Rokuro would have already told you that." At his narrowed gaze Ayame smiled slightly, "Mr. Yuy, I am not stupid, despite Ishi na Dojo being ranked as high as it is, we are still a small dojo, with limited resources, I do not advertise. You would have first gone to Lightening dojo's, and you would have been turned down simply because Rokuro Nayoshi does not approve of renting space. He is a big believer in dojo energies."
Ayame shrugged, "Rokuro and I have known each other for some time, and he sends rental inquiries my way, and I send students not fit to participate in my teachings his way. We may be rivals, but we are also very good friends. So do not look at me as if you suspect me of any forum of mind reading, or spying. I have not the time nor interest in such things."
"I apologize, You understand that despite the time that has passed, and the places of many of my brothers in society, people still do not approve of our- integration." He relaxed, but didn't remove his gaze. "So you know who will be attending, and I can see you are not lacking in intelligence so you can hazard a guess as to what will be going on at the gathering. What say you to renting the dojo to me for a day?" He asked and Ayame leaned back.
"When would you want the dojo for?" Her gaze had returned to the class that was quickly rapping up, "Next week."
"Impossible." Ayame looked at him, "If you want the dojo for any given time longer then an hour, which I am sure you would, then I need at least two weeks in advanced, since Sunday's are the only free days for entire house rentals I would also have to then re-arrange my own personal schedule to accommodate you."
Heero nodded, he understood perfectly how such matters worked, and Ayame guessed he would if what Kekko had gossip to be truth. "Then two weeks will work just fine, Now for the dojo to be unoccupied-"
"Denied. Mr. Yuy, I will not under any circumstances leave this dojo unoccupied no matter who wants to rent the space, or for what reason. As I am sure you are aware, I live in this dojo. Well above to be more accurate, I also foster children through Preventer's C.R. Unit. While this dojo is being used I shall be present, and restrictions will be applied, and enforced if necessary. There is also liability issues that are of a concern, not to mention legal ones to consider." Ayame then stood and motioned for him to follow her, as the students parents started to make their way up the paved walkway outside.
"Sensei Taylor!" A young child from Takashi's class called as he bolted from the mats to cling to her leg. She looked down at the little blonde child. "Shinji-kun, I don't believe that Takashi-sensei has released the class." The child blinked up at her with bright blue eyes, "Oh yeah, sorry. I just wanted to say hi..."
Ayame smirked down at him and placed a gentile hand on his head, "well hello, now back to class with you before you get in trouble." The boy smiled, "Yes Sensei!" When the boy ran back on to the mats Ayame listened only to the beginning of Takashi's version of giving the young boy trouble for his actions. He has a kind heart, but he will not be able to work with the elder students if he isn't prepared to be more strict. She thought to her self leading Heero in to her office.
"How old was that student?" He asked as she settled down in her chair, "Five, oldest in the group, he will be moving up to my classes at the end of the month." She opened a drawer in her desk and pulled out a large stack of papers stapled together. "Now Mr. Yuy, Before I begin with the application process, I want to give you the list of rules, regulations and requirements of rental. You have to read it over and fill out the back page which is a standard acceptance forum." She slid a section of the stack across the desk for him.
He reach over and pulled the stack to him. "Also, I would like to ask you a few questions concerning your personal reasons for renting the dojo. I do not rent out to people who do not pass these questions, so please do not believe that – should you not pass, these questions where based off of your personal history." His eyes locked with hers, and she could see the suspicion rearing to the surface once more. "I would also like to remind you that I have dealings with one of your fellow pilots on a near constant bases."
He seemed to relax slightly, but not enough to bring her any kind of ease. She understood now why Izumi was so cautious of the man, despite the years that had passed from the war, he was still living day-to-day in full soldier mode. From Ayame's experiences with such people, it never ended well for anyone involved.
Ayame pulled out a single sheet of paper and a pen from a container, "Now I will skip over the obvious questions simply because it would waste both our time in asking them. "So, Mr. Yuy, given the fact that you had indeed fought in the war, does your reasons behind practicing martial arts have any ties to the past?"
"No."
Lie. She thought, watching his eyes but placed his answer. "What specifically would you and your guests be dealing with when speaking of martial arts, equipment or styles?"
"Kendo, Karate, among other standard fighting tactics." Ayame nodded place the appropriate checks beside his answers. "Do you practice street fighting or brawling of any kind?"
"Yes." Truth she nodded, "Any weapons involved, such as the following, Knives, daggers, katana, guns, rifles- whether show or real, among anything that could be classed as an outside or street made weapon as set by the Preventer civilian arms standards?"
"While renting no, on our own time yes." Ayame nodded, "You understand that no such weapons will be allowed on the premise during the time of rental, and that if they are seen your rental time will be terminated and no refund will be granted, regardless of who brings the weapons?"
"Yes." Ayame looked up at him, "Including Preventer personal?" He nodded, "Good." She marked off more boxes on the page and flipped it over. "Will any of your Guests be requiring the use of projectile weapons?"
He gave her a strange look, so she reiterated "Such as a Bow and arrow.."
"No."
"Will you have proper protective guarding/gear?"
"We do not use protective gear." Ayame said nothing as she scrawled his answer on the page. "
"You understand that the martial arts are also called the killing arts, and as such it does not limit the term to simply killing of a person's mortal body, but also their soul. And the art of killing will not be permitted in this dojo under any guise." He didn't answer at first, and when she looked up at him he asked. "Under what pretense does the practicing martial arts become the art of killing one's soul?"
Ayame lowered her pen watching him with a serious expression as she answered. "Many who share a common past with all soldiers wish to train when their mind has not yet come to the conclusions of their past. They hope, with such acts comes a higher ability to accept the time still not yet concluded in their minds. Many believe with this forum of training that past deeds can be omitted by the mock battles they practice. This is in essence killing that persons soul, for if they lose they are stuck in that place of uncertainty. Should they win, then it only gives them a temporary reprieve from the pain they feel over their past."
"Miss Taylor, I do not happen to agree with your assessment." Heero sat forward, "For Simply you have left out one important human condition." Ayame rose her eyebrow. "Oh?"
"You forgot that a soldier who is no longer part of the war is doomed to live for the rest of their days with their past mistakes, and should they not be able to find a place for themselves, then they must find an outlet for the pent up emotions they would keep to them selves for any number of reasons. Especially in this day in age where people still foolishly believe that Total pacifism is indeed achievable. With out the ability to use what they know as a means of venting- in a manner, then they would quickly become a weapon with out a cause, and we have witnessed more then enough of those in the last nine years." Heero watched her and she slowly sat back in her seat.
"Mr. Yuy, I do not advertise this, but I was also a soldier in the war, I understand full well the need for a means of feeling accepted in society, and many soldiers do turn to defensive arts, but that is what they should turn to. Defensive, however, martial arts isn't limited to strictly defensive, it is also offensive. Soldiers who have not received the proper help from professionals on the subjects of their haunting past tend to move more towards the offensive side of the arts, and they start to use the offensive to barrage themselves with faults should they loose, and to fault a soldier who is already classified as a potential loose cannon is dangerous if not deadly. Even more so if the Soldier is faulting them selves, or worse off those around them.
"I have been apart of the martial arts circles for most of my life, I have also watched my fare share of soldiers self-destructing, some where close friends, and some where people I respected. However, Many people share the same idea as you in this respect. They don't see it as a means of killing themselves, but as a means of release- You and Rokuro share the same opinion, however just because there is no blood being split, or physical signs of life being lost. Most fail to see that people who practice this forum of martial arts, and process of thought are killing a piece of their human soul every time they attempt to fix the past by the way of the soldier. It only serves the purpose of increasing the shadows and ghosts haunting their dreams. Those things to a highly decorated, or even the traveled soldier are deadly to not just them, but those they love.
"It quickly spirals out of control, and they hurt their loved one, even if it's by forcing them to watch while they destroy themselves one bit at a time." Ayame watched him digest the information she had handed him, and she could see that he didn't agree with her opinion.
"I see your logic for such ideas, especially if you have known those who have self-destructed, however, I do not agree with you. I will ensure you that within the best of my abilities that such on goings do not occur within the allotted time of rental, but other wise this is an impasse that would have to be a compromised upon, because this question would be entirely based off of your own personal opinions."
She didn't say anything as she lifted the pen and proceeded to write again, Potential candidate- but currently no threat. She looked up at him. "Final question. Mr. Yuy, but this one is simply personal in nature and holds nothing to do with this." She lowered the pen again.
He slowly nodded, "What gave you the shadows in your eyes, they seem misplaced."
"War does the strangest things to people Miss Taylor, and the same question can be applied to your self." He slowly stood from his seat pulling his jacket over his shoulders. Ayame half smirked, "Yes, I suppose it could. Alright Mr. Yuy, I'll give you the application, I will need that and the initial agreement to terms and conditions by the end of the day. On the Application I am going to need names of those who will be your guests, and on the day of rental they will need to supply Identification. No one outside of the list you give upon the application will be admitted in to the dojo."
Heero nodded as she slid a three page stack of papers attached by a staple in the upper corner of the page to him on her desk. He took the papers and tucked them under his arm, Ayame held out her hand. "I hope that your application passes, however I don't hold much of a doubt that it will. On the application's first page it will note the prices for rental, and different methods of payment. Should the payments be divided then you will have to make out the billing information on the back of page three."
He clasp her hand and she could see the slight surprise in his eyes at her grip, but quickly after the surprise the realization or remembrance flashed behind his eyes and she shook his hand. "I am sure this will be a pleasant arrangement, and potentially one that can be repeated in the future." With that she watched him leave her office, and she sunk down in to her chair and glanced at the clock on the wall. Kekko will be here soon... She sighed to herself, "Grieving is better saved for later." She stood from her seat and walked out to the main hall that most of the classes where taught in. "Takashi!" She waved the sensei who was cleaning up after his class over to her.
"Sensei?" He jogged over to her, and she looked at the wall clock, "Preventer Yurigami will be arriving shortly, I am not certain as to how long she will be here for, it is an urgent matter that needs to be handled. Should it go over our time at Derek's, then you will have to go and meet Nayoshi-Sensei there. He knows what I am looking for, and you know your budget. I expect you to choose very carefully, and inform Derek himself that I will be making an appearance later on tonight."
"Yes Sensei. I won't mess this up." Ayame nodded, then looked to Izumi, "I'll be forwarding all my calls to you when they arrive, be prepared for the overflow." the brunette sitting behind the desk simply smiled, "I was born for the overflow!"
Ishi Na Dojo, from the street looked like a temple Surrounded by a high brick wall and completed with a Tori archway and large wooded gates that he could see being closed at night. The top of the Wall was roofed in clay tiles that where indigenous to the feudal era of Japan pre-dating mans endeavors in to space. Wufei respected the choice of giving a little bit of history back to the area. He also couldn't help but note many of the shops that where near to the dojo had also adopted the owner's sense of style.
When he and Kekko walked through the front gates, Wufei felt like he was transported back in time, to his left was a small archery range, and his small Sakura tree where in full bloom, their soft pink petals littering the bright green grass. The walk way was as wide as the entrance way, and the cobbled path line with what looked like spirit houses, but where in fact decorative lights for the night time.
The building proper was two stories tall, and took up the majority of the property. The majority of the first floor wall was glass doors and a large viewing window, to not only let in sun light, but also allow those walking up to the place of business a full open view of any on going classes inside. The outer walls themselves were a cream like plaster, complete with dark stained wooden accents, that where only carried up to the second floor where a semi-wide self suspended balcony took up residence. Two sets of windows with rice papered shutters, and a sliding door served the exit to the balcony. The roof was a deep red clay tile that matched that of the surrounding walls of the property.
The building seemed to loom before him, seemingly empty of life yet at the same time so full of the energies left behind by both owner, and students alike. He could see himself as a young boy studying his martial arts lessons sparring with his grand master in the bay window just as easily as he could picture any student here. The only difference between this building and the one he trained in, was he could sense the happiness that each of the students felt, it wasn't foreboding and no sense of expectations where weighing the image down.
He knew then that the owner was a person who respected a students freedoms and abilities to achieve greatness in all that they did simply by wanting to please those around them, including their own selves. He instantly like the woman he knew was waiting for them, and hated the fact that he had to be there to talk about a child she had found out committed the worst of offenses in any martial artists mind.
"I will warn you Wufei that Ayame Taylor is a person of authority, and will not be looked down upon. She dislikes most Preventer's because they do not see the simple fact that while on her property in any capacity that they are indeed equals. She is a person who will not look down on you and expects the same curtsies."Wufei looked at his up until then silent companion. "She may not answer questions directly, because she is a teacher she near instinctively phrases answers to make you learn. Sometimes I think she does it intentionally and sometimes I cannot tell. With this being said, respect her position, and do not question the lack of emotions that you will see when pertaining to Saki's death."
"I understand well enough the kinds of emotions that I will see for a Sensei of the martial arts, The only acceptable means of death is in defense of another, not self-indulgent suicide. She will be hardened on such matters because it would be seen in her eyes as a failure. Not on the child's side but on her own, she did not convey the lessons she wanted taught. Do not worry Yurigami, I have had my share of dealing with Sensei especially those of a masters degree." He gave her a look, and she nodded swiftly.
"I forgot that you your self are also a masters degree in most martial arts. I just want to warn you a head of time, Ayame Taylor was also a mercenary in the war, and paid dearly for her actions before CR was established. She takes the protection of her children, All of them not just those she takes in to her care, but those she teaches as well, as her first priority. Do not be overly forceful with your questions, because she will not budge if she does not wish to answer them. You will know she is not telling you the truth, but you will not be able to prove it, and with all of this in mind do not make the same mistake Duo did."
Wufei could think of many mistakes the American blunder was capable of doing when meeting a person of a like that Kekko was describing, but he had to ask. "Which mistake would that be?" Kekko smirked, "He asked for her number while she was practicing her kata's." Wufei rolled his eyes knowing exactly how that one would have played out. "Yes well, he's our duo, can't expect anything different now can we?"
They started walking up the path once more and he found that the woman he would assume was Ayame Taylor stood before the doors of the Dojo in her white Gi and black Hikama, long black hair pulled in to a high pony tale giving her the appearance of a historical Samurai, only missing the katana. Her features where stone set, as they looked at him, but when they moved to look at Kekko, they changed. She had said something to the woman he had accompanied but it was only something that Kekko would know. Much the same as how He and the other Former Gundam Pilots where able to communicate with out much speech when the need arose.
Wufei wouldn't comment on the look, knowing that the two women had shared a history together when dealing with the Children in the care of CR and placing them. He had read before meeting leaving Preventer that Ayame Taylor had notations in the CR department for being an outside consultant. Also that most of the children who where stationed in Tokyo, where enrolled in to her dojo- or The Lightening dojo's. He always made it habit to know who he was going to interview long before he walked to their door.
'I am going to have to make a point of going to talk to Nayoshi-Sensei, For he had contact with the girl in the beginning of her enrollment in to the system.' He thought to himself. Just then Wufei felt familiar eyes on him, and he stalled slightly to turn and look back up the path. He spied Heero Yuy standing across the street outside the dojo property in front of a motorcycle that he should have recognized. He could only wonder what Heero Yuy was doing at Ishi na Dojo though he held suspicions that he already knew. Unfortunately Until the case was closed Wufei wouldn't be able to visit the dojo on any other premise then a professional one. He knew the ex-pilot of the Wing Gundam 01 was also well enough aware of this face.
Wufei held not doubt in his mind that they would be having a conversation following this interview, if not directly after, but in the near future. The thought no sooner had crossed his mind, as Heero Yuy climbed aboard the machine, placed the helmet on his head and drove away.
Duo sighed as he walked out of Midaramai community collage, of course none of the staff had noticed any changes in the woman who had committed suicide that morning, simply because there where too many damned students per-class. He hated that aspect of the more privatized schooling systems. Granted he hated the public schooling systems more. Teachers saw, but generally didn't care.
"At least the girl wasn't a social butterfly, it narrows down the list of people that she kept in contact with, but it also makes my job a little bit harder. Ah well, The only other place that she held any contact with the outside world was Ishi na Dojo." Duo said to himself as he rolled his eyes and opened his phone, it rang twice before being answered with a barked. "What do you want Maxwell I am in the middle of a meeting."
"Yeah, Ke-chan I know but I figured I would let you know that the school is a dead end. I am going to be heading down to her place of work, You know since the big wigs in Preventer have enforced the whole communication with your buddy system." He Stated simply, as the sound of a door closing and an echo came to Kekko's voice. "Okay, Didn't think the school would serve much of a purpose but it had to be checked off the list."
"Yeah Tell me about it, Maybe we should get Carson to get a tighter leash on those school board bureaucratic monkeys?" He laughed slightly, "Ayame has given me and Chang a list of people that Saki was involved with inside the Dojo and a few names of those she was rather close with outside. Though I doubt highly that we will get anything from them. Ayame Insists that this was Not Saki. Nothing indicated that the girl was capable of such a thing. I would like to believe her, but well the proof is staring us in the face unfortunately." Duo couldn't help but agree.
"Also Duo, We will be meeting with Saki's current Class tomorrow at 5pm, hopefully by then the press hasn't gotten a hold of any information that will clue in the students because Ayame is going to inform them after we speak to them individually." Kekko sighed on her side of the line. "That seems like the best way to do it. Cruel in a sense because they won't know until after they are questioned, but their minds will be clearer that way."
"That's what Ayame said, and I agree with her." Duo nodded as he stopped at his car, "Anything else I need to know about? What is Wufei's angle?" He herd Kekko move the phone, and a loud screech that made him pull his ear away. "Sorry Maxwell, your brain still intact?" Violet eyes glared at the phone, "What is hell was that?"
Kekko chuckled, "Izumi, Takashi-sensei scared her again. Now about Wufei's angle, I think he is rather focused on the gun and crime scene evidence side of things for the moment. I would expect him to be in the office for the majority of the day following this interview."
"Right'O, I won't blow anything up at Saki's former place of employment. I'll meet you back at the office." Snapping closed the cell phone, Duo walked over to the Preventer Issue car, looking over the roof of it, he took a final look around the moderate sized campus and all the students within his age category that attended the school. "I can't say I envy them any, though it would have been nice to have a chance to try this school thing out on a more permanent bases, Ah well." Sliding in to the drivers seat, Duo started the car and drove away. Mental note, Kick Yuy's Ass for steeling Bertha again. I Hate these crap machines Preventer calls vehicles.
So that was chapter two. Man, I hope everyone enjoyed it. I know I did. So Let me know what you think about the revision. I really want to know~! I am saddened by the fact that I only got one review! I hope everyone hasn't given up hope on me yet~!
NEXT TIME ON FIVE DRAGONS:
A Breakfast meeting between old friends. Twists in the investigation lead Preventer away from the truth of the case at hand. Ayame Taylor's second meeting with Heero Yuy and a Shuttle lands in Tokyo that holds faces we all should remember. All the While, Wufei Chang can't seem to get Ayame Taylor out of his thoughts long enough to keep his head on the investigation, She reminds him of some one- the question is who.
Meanwhile, Somewhere in Tokyo A Mysterious Woman plots to stir things up, and create a mess that once cleaned no one will come out the same again.
All this and more in Chapter Three of The Five Dragons : Search for Thorns