Disclaimer: Shiznat are not mine.
Was not suppose to update but wunderwolfer drew this sketch and made me giddy all night yesterday and this morning. So if I miss my ride for uploading this, I'm blaming her *harhar* Apparently it's how she envisioned me as a muffin loving pirate (which I totally am! lol). She said she's going to spread this all over ff. Sorry, K! I'm ahead of you mate hahahahaha...
It was uploaded to my fb account but to those who don't have an account there, use this link (remove all spaces and parenthesis):
(ht tp:)/ / a5 . sphotos . ak . fbcdn . (n et) / hphotos-ak-snc6/221802_134022860074623_1101309646_n . jpg
I love it! :)
Anyway, thanks for R&R once again.
Plan Ahead
(Natsuki)
Thirty seconds.
For thirty seconds I neither talk nor think. I let the situation sink in.
Fact one: I am alive.
Fact two: My brother is dead.
Fact three: Pumpkin is the shooter...I think?
Fine.
I'd like the last statement to be a fact, but according to my brother she's not. And as I playback the events, I'm starting to doubt it as well.
Why can't it be easy?
Nothing is easy.
Why can't she be the one?
Because it's easier to blame her than to love her.
And why did this all happened in the first place?
...
Exactly. I have no answers.
"I need answers." I demanded.
Charlie raised an eyebrow, obviously not liking the tone of my voice. I don't know why I hated her. I met her a couple of times, I knew she was working with my brother. She saved me just a while ago. So why am I pissed merely by her presence?
It's because she flirted with yourPumpkin. Admit it, you were jealous.
Shut it.
"I said I need answers." I demanded again. A bit louder this time to drown out my inner voice which is becoming more and more annoying.
I guess she sensed my overwhelming animosity towards her because she replied evenly, "And I need you to answer your phone."
"What?" That's when I noticed my mobile phone still ringing. I must be in the other world not to hear it at full volume.
My mouth is shaped in a visible 'O' when she said, "That must be your father. He was briefly informed on the outcome of our operation not too long ago. I assume he must be very worried."
This time it was I who raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me? My father was informed? He knew what was going on?"
She shrugged and merely stated, "Better ask Mr. Kuga. The topic is rather delicate for me to discuss."
"Delicate my ass. My brother was just killed and you know something about this whole bogus operation and you won't tell me about it." I ranted off. I turned around before I could say another venomous word. It's getting harder to think clearly. Hopefully my father can clean out the webs that are messing inside my head right now. "Hello dad." I said too warmly.
"Natsuki! Are you alright? I've heard what happened. Sweetheart, I'm sorry to hear about your brother. Don't worry about it. I'll make sure whoever is behind this will get what they deserve." Color me surprise when I didn't hear a single warm to his voice. Usually my father is casual and friendly, but his voice is rather cold like someone has a gun on his face and made him read a boring script.
I watch too much tv during vacation.
"Dad is something wrong? You sound different." I asked him.
"No, sweetie I'm alright. Just surprised with..." A pause. "What happened."
Clearly, something is not right. So I gave Charlie a tap on her shoulder and wrote the details on a piece of paper. She nodded briefly and retrieved her own mobile phone.
I have to drag this conversation so Charlie's men can go to our house. I said whatever came into my mind, "Hey dad what's for dinner?"
A dial tone.
Great. He hung up on me. Or maybe someone was listening and detected my poor feigning skills and made him drop the call.
I vote for the last one.
"Hurry!" I yelled at Charlie.
It's unbecoming of me to be so demanding. I'm pretty independent at home and I don't really shout unless provoked. But something has changed and I'm sprouting commands like I'm a freaking commander.
Change. Like not being a virgin anymore?
Shut up.
"Shut up." Charlie snapped. I guess she had enough of me pushing her to do whatever I tell her to do. And I'm not exactly being polite doing so. Hell, if I was me I'd ignore myself. She's probably doing this because my brother just died in front of me. Although no one can blame me for falling into despair once again because of that particular memory.
I snapped at her as well. "You don't get to say that to me Agent Charlie. I was kidnapped. My brother just died. And my father is not answering his phone. All these shit happening at the same time..."
She squirmed in her seat. I hate that I have to use the victim card here, but it's clear that she's toying with me. Somehow I just knew that she has information about what really is going on.
"Don't even dare say that everything will be just fine." I added when I saw that she was going to reply. "I don't need you to sympathize, Agent Charlie. What I need is for you to explain. Please explain what the fuck is going on!" I said a bit more dramatically. I guess my aloof mask is on break.
She fidgeted again in her seat and it's getting annoying. I was about to tell her another round of 'don't fuck with me' when she showed me a text message from her mobile phone. "I got this shortly after midnight."
I squinted my eyes to see the words and I'm at loss for words. It read: 'Contact seen Crimson. Tailing to confirm. Might deal with her again. Requesting back up. Wired for communication.'
At first I thought,'how could my brother forget how to use pronouns properly?'
Followed by, 'who was her contact?'
And what did he meant by, 'might deal with her again?'
Again.
Were they acquainted with each other? It is possible. They recognized one another back in the warehouse. I wouldn't say they are friends, but not total strangers.
"Did they work together before?" I suddenly asked. It seems I've raised the correct question because Agent Charlie was caught off guard.
"Miss Kuga," she started to say. She appeared to be conflicted.
This is deeper than I thought.
"Please let me know." I asked sincerely. I have this feeling that she's keeping something important from me, I have several theories, but let's just say I'm not too keen on testing any of them at the moment. I just want answer, nothing more.
"Please." I plead again.
She sighed and turned off several buttons on her mobile and some of the fancy gadgets inside the vehicle. They must be some sort of surveillance. Whatever she's going to say would have to be confidential.
"This is confidential, Miss Kuga."
Bingo.
I would have made a fist pump in victory but that would break the serious mood. Plus, she's willing to tell me now. I can't have her back out because of my childish behaviour.
"Swear that you won't tell a soul about this," she gravely stated.
"I don't swear."
What? I really don't swear...Okay, sometimes.
She gave me a perfect eye roll so I decided to appease her. "I don't swear. I only make promises which I can keep, and this time, I will decide after hearing your side."
It seems it was enough for her because she sat on the edge of a chair and stared on the window like she's reminiscing her past. She started, "I first met your brother in an espionage mission back in Iraq. Back then I was a star rookie of our division. Being the rock star that I am, I went ahead and volunteered myself to infiltrate the enemy base as an asset...alone. As I think about it now, it's very stupid of me. I guess you can say I let the praises went over my head."
As I listen intently to her story, I realized I was so intrigued in learning their experiences. What's it like to be someone else. What's it like to save the world. What's it like to be the modern day hero.
"I was nearly finished with my mission. I had all the information I needed and the criminals I've been working for have no idea. Suffice to say, it's successful. But in our world, you cannot say Mission Accomplishedyet until you're safely back in your own soil."
Here it is. I gripped my dress in anticipation.
"I took one measly phone call to check on voicemail back home. I was eating outside, open in public, when I did this. I had no idea that someone was tailing me because the mission was doing so well. So after another stupid mistake, I did another one—I called back. One of my mates in the academy heard of my achievements and was pretty much ecstatic to meet me. He was such a jo—Anyway, I called back and the next thing I know I was thrown in the back of a car."
You're not the only one.
"Then for weeks I've been tortured in a damp and when you say damp in those countries... They're literally damp. There were no sunlight, you can barely breathe with the lack of ventilation...and to summarize, it was pure hell."
"How did you..." I can't help but ask.
"Your brother saved me. He led the retrieval team. Apparently he was in the same area and heard the ruckus it made, he verified my identity with the agency and when he found out I was one of them, he personally asked to lead my retrieval. You know your brother is a proud man. He does not ask for favors, but he did just to save my ass. We are not in the same division, he doesn't even know me, and yet he saved me. Your brother saved me."
I looked at her eyes and saw her sincerity.
She respects my brother.
"I loved him." She declared as tears streamed down her face. It took me a while to react as I don't normally see strong people like her crumble.
"I loved your brother...not only for what he did for me, but for being him. He was strong, gentle and kind. Like a breeze of autumn air."
Damn. I could feel myself tearing up as well. I have to get hold of myself and be strong, at least for the both of us. I now understand that I'm not the only one who lost someone dear.
"Are you guys...?" I have to ask, I have to know if they were together.
She shook her head and softer sobs erupted. It hurt her even more that her love was unrequited.
I can totally relate.
This is not the time for me to be egocentric. I need to console this woman, this woman who has been by my brother's side for years. She might be able to help me bring into justice whoever did this to him.
"Please, I need to know." I tried again.
After drying her tears with a nearby towel, she smiled briefly and said, "You're brother told me you're stubborn, but I didn't imagine that you'd be this severe."
I chuckled. Natsuo would always tell me that I'm hard-headed when getting what I want and I'd always retort back saying I'm merely focus.
Natsuo.
"I also know that look of yours. Nat...He," she struggled with my brother's name. I didn't interrupt this time knowing she's having a hard time as well. I can be insensitive at times but I know when to shut my mouth.
"He always had that look in his eyes when he's determined to do whatever he wants. You have the same sharp look. Your eyes differ in color but they have the same tenacity in it. I've seen it countless times and I see it now..." She faced me and placed her hands on my shoulders. "I'm saying this now to you not to discourage, I know those eyes far too well that it won't matter what I say. Nonetheless, I will say this because you are his beloved little sister. So I will be honest..."
Here it is. The revelation, the answer that I demanded to hear.
"Give up."
Huh?
"What?" I voiced out loudly.
Is she kidding?
"I'm telling you to give up before you get yourself into something you will regret forever."
Is she fucking kidding me?
"Are you fucking kidding me?" I exclaimed. I shove her forcefully and she fell without a fight.
"Forget about this. You don't have to be involved in all this." She did not try to stand up nor did she try to look at me in the eye knowing if my pair could kill, I'd have her dead in an instant.
"Don't take me for a fool! I'm already involved in all this! How you dare you say I should just forget about it?" I shouted. I do not need her petty answers so I continued. "It is as you said we both share the tenacity to acquire what we aim and now you tell me I have to give up? To tell me I should forget? Tell me Agent Charlie, are you able to forget my brother?" It earned me a gasp and a pair of dilated eyes followed by relentless tears.
"Figures." I turned my back, unwilling to hear any discouraging words from her.
"But..."
"There is nothing in this world that could stop me from doing what I have to do. And if you loved my brother as you said you do..." I clenched my teeth before saying my plea, "Please don't stop me."
"Okay."
I was startled by her affirmation. "What?"
"I said okay. I won't stop you. I did my best and still you prove to me that you are related to him. Regardless of what you see and hear from today and onwards, you should remember this day Natsuki. Remember the blood running in your veins, remember the pain in your very soul, and remember whose life was sacrifice for you. Remember this day."
I merely nodded. Words would only make them shallow. After a few seconds of emotional silence, I asked. "So what should I do? You know I won't stand still."
"I know." She feebly smiled. "So here's what you going to do for now. First you should calm down and after we ascertain your father's status then you'll act as nothing happened—" She waggled her index finger knowing I'd interrupt again. "—don't even plan on saying anythingto anyone. In cases such as this, it is safe to say that everyone might be your enemy."
"Are you saying I should pretend that my brother didn't die?" I bit my lips. I'd rather slit my throat. What happens to what she said a while ago of not forgetting? Am I missing something here?
"Just listen. Let me finish first. You're annoyingly impatient as well." She briefly smiled showing that she's not truly mad. "What you have to do is answer all the questions we both expect that are coming. Answer them and don't sprout any word of revenge or they'll haul your ass off to another division. Even if you're his sister and a daughter of a powerful man...threats, empty or not, are taken seriously around here. So act normally. Mourn outside and be smart inside."
Mourn outside and be smart inside. Sounds nice no?
"Are you listening?"
"Uh...Yes." Then I added, "Sorry I'm just trying to think. How could I possibly pull it through? Just what happened makes me..." I crumpled a water bottle I didn't notice I was holding. She took my hands and cradled it. The bottle fell on the floor with a sound that echoed loudly in this small space.
"Don't let anger control you." She said as if it was based from experience. "Save it. Control it. Use it. To be your strength. It shallbe your tool to exact revenge in the future."
I garnered all my breath to muster one name. "Crimson."
The hand on top of mine slid away and rested on her own thigh, her eyes not wanting to meet with anyone or anything but the door and with a shaky voice she asked, "What about her?"
"Tell me about her."
"There is nothing much about her."
"But you know enough to flinch with just the name. I'm not stupid to see the tension back then. You were playing all coy and innocent towards her in the outside, but you were nervous."
A pair of bewildered brown eyes were directed towards me. I merely pointed at her hands, "You dig your nails onto your fingers when you're nervous. I saw you do it back at the warehouse, when you told me about my brother, and you're doing it now." I touched her hands which were cold all of a sudden. "Tell me about her. Anything."
"She's..." Her own fist knocked softly on her forehead like she wanted to get out the thoughts in her head but cannot. She struggled a bit more and then continued, "She's a ghost."
"What?" Pumpkin aka Crimson is not only a killer and kidnapper but also a ghost? Talk about making sense.
"It's hard to explain." She finally admitted.
"Then explain it like you would to a five-year old."
"I wouldn't say this to a five-year old."
"Please. Just tell me." I rolled my eyes in response. My hate for this day and for this world is wearing out my life force. All I wanted is information but everyonewould always dismiss me. Why is everything seems to be private? Why are they treating me like a kid? I just had my freaking birthday.
Ugh. Do I need to be reminded of what occurred back in the bar? Please no. Err... Maybe...Sometimes?
Get a grip Natsuki! This is important!
"Okay. Here's what I know about her."
I didn't realize that my throat is getting dry just from the anticipation of learning a thing or two about her. Her.Cripes. I don't even want to psycho-analyze myself anymore. It's one thing after another and I'm afraid I'm falling under the crazy category with these thoughts in my head.
Thoughts of her.
Yes, even though I tried to tell myself to completely forget about her, that I need to focus on the mission at hand (not that it's a mission really...sort of?) and stop caring about her. Wait. Did I just say I care about her? Ugh, I really am stupid.
But how could this be even possible? Me, falling for someone like her isn't logical. For one, she's way older than me that I could tell. Two, she's a crazy bitch. Yap I called her for what she truly is. For goodness sakes I bet killing is her pastime! Three, she's...Ugh...Come on brain don't fail me now. She's...crazy.
Great. I settled for one that is perfectly obvious and previously stated.
So what are her good points anyway? Let's see her skin is the smoothest and fairest that I've seen or touched. Her smell is intoxicating and heavenly that it feels like criminal just to sniff a bit. Her curves, oh those curves, are so fine that I wouldn't doubt if someone said she was molded for perfection. Her lips, those enticing lips, are inviting me to take a gamble of my life and jump into it. I would have if I weren't drowning in delirious passion from staring at those bloody eyes. Crimson. Her moniker really fits. Everything about her is fit and right. Well, of course, except for her being a killer.
Ugh, back to square one.
"Natsuki?"
Oops. I forgot I was talking with Agent Charlie. "Yes?"
"Don't tell me your—" She sighed heavily, probably exhausting the irritation brewing in her eyes. A moment later, she stated with a smile. "Forget about it. Let's continue with the story we're both going to give with the investigators."
Wow, she's a professional. How could she be so calm? Is she taking anything?
"NATSUKI KUGA!" Now she is shouting, what did I do again?
Oh. I spaced out again.
"Sorry, what were you saying?"
She breathed in deeply with clenched teeth this time. "Focus will you? What was the last thing you heard me say?"
"Uhh..." What was it again? Hmm... Oh! "The part when you said 'Okay, here's what I know about her'. That bit." And I grinned like a child. Maybe she'll forgive me, I'm cute when I grin or so my father would say.
And now she's showing her fangs, I meant incisors, when she hoarsely said, "To summarize everything I've narrated so far, Crimson is a ghost. We don't have information on what Agency she works for or affiliated with."
"Then how did you know it was her?"
"There has been tales about a lady who has deep bloody eyes, but it was mainly verified through the help of your brother. He had his mic on him open and so I heard everything."
"Everything?" I blushed. She heard me talking with Natsuo about Crimson. About me, falling stupidly in love.
She patted my back which I don't appreciate at all. "It's alright. A youngster like you could easily fall into a trap laid by a professional like her."
"Not you too." I said under my breath and I thought she didn't hear me but she did.
Dammit.
"Don't take this the wrong way, but I do agree with your brother. She's so wrong for you in so many ways. Dismiss your infatuation while you still can. She's merely toying with you. You're like a rabbit preyed upon a wolf."
"She's not a wolf and I'm not a rabbit."
"Then stop defending her."
"I'm not defending her, I'm just saying." She raised an eyebrow so I re-stated my statement, "I swear I'm not defending her."
"I thought you said you don't swear."
It took me a moment to throw a rebuttal. My normal wit is narrowing and truthfully I'm exhausted. Very exhausted. "I didn't swear. Did you hear me say 'fuck you'? No."
She shook her head obviously disappointed at me. Who wouldn't be? Even I am pissed at how I'm acting. "Your brother said you can be nasty and I didn't believe him for a second because you look..." she gestured haphazardly towards me, unable to find the right words she settled with, "decent."
"I am decent."
"You look decent but I highly doubt your mouth and mind are."
Ding. She's correct but why should I tell her that?
I took the conversation in the right track before we quarrel with words. "Natsuo and Pumpkin—" She frowned at the name I used. "Crimson I mean, she told me her name was Pumpkin back at the bar...so I, then, this and that...okay, I'm rambling," I could tell she finds this very amusing. "Stop."
"What?" She replied still smirking.
"I'm being serious here and you—"
"It's hard to take someone blushing so ridiculously seriously."
I turned my back on her before continuing, "How did they know each other?"
She stopped laughing and answered my query. "Your brother didn't share much, all he said was she encountered Crimson in Barcelona. They had a minor conflict but sorted it out so there were no casualties on both sides. I was worried about him and tried to probe more but he declined, saying there's no need to chase a ghost."
"How can he be certain it was her? If what you're saying is true, that you have no leads on this woman, then how did he know it was her? How?"
"Because she casually introduced herself and because of this," she produced a plain looking red card.
"What's this?" I inspected the card and saw nothing unusual.
"It's her calling card. Feel the card carefully."
I did and felt something embedded on it; you can only distinguish it by the use of your fingers like when you use Braille. "Is it a number...7?"
She nodded then without me asking she explained, "It's her calling card with an incomplete contact number. She leaves one behind after she finishes a job. Rumor says that if you collect her calling cards and complete the sequence of numbers to her mobile phone then you can call her to do one favor, any favor. And trust me that is the favorite word of every criminal in this world."
"Is she that good?"
"Natsuki, you're undermining her capabilities. When you work in the shadows, it is vital to keep your background and past a secret. Even your real name is prohibited to be told around carelessly, if you did it's the same as handing the enemy a rifle to shoot you with. Every data they can get from you about your real life can be used against you. Everything. Specially the people around you, the people you care the most or even hate can be your kryptonite. That's why identity theft is a serious crime. Spies do it all the time to preserve their real identity, to safeguard their loved ones, and to accomplish the tasks given to them."
"So you mean to say, she's that good because no one knows about her? That she's a ghost? Isn't that just a sign of luck? Or that maybe nobody investigated enough?"
"No, they investigated enough. More than a dozen bodies can be a proof of that. In our world, those who are not known are the ones whom you should be afraid of. But more so if their existence is established and yet you can't seem to find any information on them. Those are the ones you need to watch out for."
"What about my brother?"
"What about him?"
"Is he that famous for him to have enemies wanting him to be killed? He said that woman wasn't the shooter, so there's gotta be someone else, someone who wants him dead."
"It's entirely different if you're a head of a division in an agency. It's not proper to have a boss whose name you don't even know. They're the only exception to this rule because whether they like it or not, they're the faces of the division they handle. They're pretty much like the politicians nowadays, you know their background, their faces, their dealings, but what you don't know are the people under them who really do the dirty and menial tasks. It's not like this was your brother's choice. He told me he liked to work in the shadows so he could keep you and your father safe, but he was promoted and assigned. It was an order and he cannot decline. He was an excellent field operative, one of the best I've seen and him being the head of our division didn't dull his skills, though it was such a shame he couldn't do what he loves the most."
I could no longer afford to grief for my brother today. For once, I have to focus on what should I do. To learn and soak whatever Charlie will be willing to tell me. If I succumb myself to the past once again I'm afraid I'd deter and lose my determination to move forward. And that is something I won't allow to happen. "Tell me about Sakura."
"Sakura?" She was genuinely confused, that or she's good at feigning innocence. I get that Charlie is someone who works with Natsuo, and she's some sort of friend because my brother rarely introduce his co-workers to me. She knows him quite well and from the way she talks, I think she really fancies my brother, but as she said people like them works in the shadows...Who knows if she's lying all this time to get me to her side? Talk about being paranoid, but I'd say I'm going for being cautious. I've had enough of deceits and death today to be wary of just about everything.
"Sakura. Is there anyone in the agency you know that goes by that name?" I'm not sure whether I should ask because from the way Crimson caress her name, it seems like illegal to tell another about her, let alone just mentioning her name.
Charlie frowned a bit, I observed her eyes for any sign of recognition but I found none. "I'm afraid I don't. Not in our division insofar I know. Why?"
Now, that's a loaded question. Should I tell her that the woman I'm in love with calls this name involuntarily with such angelic tone that made me extremely jealous?
"Is this person related to Crimson in some way?" The tone of her voice tells me she's serious as hell to know about this Crimson.
Well, aren't we in the same boat?
With steadied voice and face I told a lie, "No."
"Then why did you ask me about her?" Now it's evident that she's suspicious.
I continued my facade of innocence, but this time a bit more humorous. "Nah, Natsuo dropped her name when we were talking and I thought she might be his new girlfriend."
A pang of pain was painted in her beautiful face. She's beautiful to be honest, but I'm only interested with one face—the face which carries those crimson orbs that could almost breathe out fire if necessary.
"When did he talk about this..." For someone who is said to be accustomed in adopting several identities, this time however, she cannot hold onto her emotion and pain slip passed right through her eyes. "...Sakura."
Or she's a really good actress.
"That was months ago. In Paris, I think, when I visited him? Never mind, so what should I do now after I graduate?"
I almost pitied her right there and then. It was my fault for bringing up a false conversation between me and my brother. Talking about his relationships with others is the least favourite topic of his. He's a smooth talker and could almost get away with everything. One moment you're onto his business, next he will be on yours. Sometimes I wish I had that talent as well because I have this tendency to be carried away by mere words and emotions far too easily. Not to the point of giving away my stuff to complete strangers or paying a large amount of money just so a lottery jackpot would be delivered in my place. I'm only gullible and you could say vulnerable to people I happen to like...a lot.
Like Crimson?
Shut it alter-ego.
That's why she fooled you to have sex with her.
Wait, wasn't it the other way around?
Now you finally admitted it.
Ugh! You trick me!
"Natsuki?"
Great. Aside from talking with myself, spacing out is now my thing too.
"Yes?"
"You weren't listening again?" She rubbed her forehead. I see an incoming headache, not that you can see it, but I'm just saying.
And me being me, I told a lame excuse, "I was actually thinking of what I should do." Which I was not actually, but she won't ask what is it about...I hope.
"So what would you like to do?"
Great.
Then I thought about it, really thought about it. If I wanted to find the people behind this murder then I'd have to have connections, and I also need to have the right skills to...
To see your Pumpkin again?
She's not my Pumpkin.
So you admit you want to see her again.
I...
Just be honest with yourself, Natsuki.
And so I did, "I want to join the Agency."
X
X
X
AN: Were you expecting that one? Yes? No? Tell me.
Till next time.
Side Story:
Natsuki: Waki, where's Crimson?
Waki: Why? You're missing her already?
Natsuki: No, of course not. Who would miss that *blahblahblahblah* and why did you thought I'd miss that *blahblahblahblah*?
Waki: Right.