Chapter 2: The Wealthy Client Shrouded in Mystery

AN: I am sorry that this took a long time to come out. I am going through a very stressful period of my life very early. TOO early, in fact. One of my friends tried to commit suicide. It's very stressful and depressing when you think about it. But if you're all wondering, she's fine. I am slightly depressed and sad right now so pardon me if there are any mistakes and if it is horrible.

PS. Since barely anyone is voting on my poll on my profile, and thank you, the ones who did, I have decided to upload this chapter with the most popular group name. So far, Styx is in the lead, and Styx it shall be for this chapter.

Warnings: There will be some character deaths in here, but not the main characters. No haters please! Contains hints of other pairings like MizukixYuuta, etc.

You know the drill:

*This* indicates time, location, etc.

This indicates thoughts and sometimes, noices.

"This" indicates speech.

Story Begins.

"Guys," he called out. "We're here."

Kurai led the way through the elegant hallway, their shoes muffled against soft red carpet. Kevin and Ryoma flanked her, while Kara walked slowly behind them. They were led by a sophisticatedly dressed butler, who had a hidden gun, but was already found out. The end of the hallway led to an intricately-carved door, gilded with lavishing of wealth, from rare gems to precious metals. The ornate door opened slowly so that, despite its bright and glittering form, it gave off a rather menacing and dark aura. Behind the doors of gilded hell, imagine walking down a king's royal ballroom, the carpet soft and lush, immediately leading toward the seat of the sovereign. Well, now you know how they felt as they walked down the abnormally long room. At the end of the room, sat a lone throne, draped with rich fabrics and gilded with false lure. They did not wait long, though, for that forged heavenly seat to be filled. A fragilely-spun silk screen covered the person who entered and slowly sat themselves down at the chair. He held a tall, graceful flute filled with crimson, blood-red wine and swirled it around once in the palm of his hand. They could tell it was a male even if he moved like a wraith from place to place due to his voice when he spoke.

"So," a melodious, subdued yet with an undertone of fire, voice slid out from between soft lips. He was wearing a masquerade mask, popular these days with aristocrats at parties. "And so we meet, STYX. Please introduce yourselves."

Kurai took the initiative first, being the leader of STYX. "I am PHOENIX."

Ryoma stepped up to plate. "I am LYNX."

Then it was Kevin. "I am MERLION."

Finally, Kara introduced herself. "And I am KIRIN. Together, we make up STYX."

Their voices matched their faces, which were covered by white wax masks devoid of any emotion.

Their client stared down at them, a hint of a smile playing around the corners of his rounded lips.

"You sound so young. Around 21, maybe?" He spread a lazy hand over toward the others, who immediately tensed up. "Relax," he drawled, when he saw them stiffen up visibly. "It's all part of the agreement, isn't it? I'm not going to have armed bodyguards, security cameras, microphones, or anything of the like."

"We would like to get onto this business as fast as possible," Kara continued smoothly. Dressed to impress in a sharp black and white suit, in fact all of them were, she made quite a daunting figure. Unfortunately, their client did not find it like that.

"Loosen up, sweetheart. We have all the time in the world." His tone of voice was rather, suggestive.

Kurai instantly hated that, how the client was toying with them. "Don't mess with us." She left out masses of unspoken threats drift out in her dangerous, yet sickly sweet tone of voice. Most patrons would have been intimidated, but this client was the complete opposite. He seemed amused, not offended or cowed.

"Ah," he faked a sigh, "very well then. As you wish." He clapped his hands, all business. "Dan, get the list."

The said servant bowed and went off into a small side door, still prettily decorated. Minutes later, he reappeared again, holding a silver tray in his white gloved hands. On that platter, there was a creamy white piece of paper, only marred by the thin spidery black lines of ink. Without any communication between the two, he proceeded to where they were standing and presented them the innocent looking paper. They knew better though, for if you picked up that piece of paper, you were bound by Underworld contracts to do what it bided you to do.

"What is it that you wish for us to do?" Kevin questioned. Being a swindler, he was the one that had all the fun interrogating people, since he was so good at it. For him, it was just practice for the real thing.

"I merely wish for you to eliminate some people thought worthless on the list. More will be added later on, when I get more information."

Ryoma's lips curled back in a feral snarl, though it was not shown beneath that cruel, hard, cold, wax mask of his. It seemed like all aristocrats were filth these days; getting rid of people who had upped them in a mere tryst, just like trash. They had no inhibitions of human life whatsoever.

Seeing hesitations in the air, their patron grabbed onto it eagerly. "You will be paid 3 million dollars beforehand. Each elimination of a single person, you will be paid 1.5 million. Upon completion, you will be paid 5 billion dollars. All in cold hard cash." As to prove his point, two burly looking men came in and carelessly opened a large suitcase. Bundles and bundles of bills fell out, drifting toward the floor, in front of widened stunned eyes beneath masks.

"That's a lot of money…" Kara whispered toward Kurai. "Way more than any other regulars before him."

Their client could see in the slight shifts of body movement that he was slowly, but surely swaying them over. "And upon the event that you do not accept, there will be 10 million to buy your silence."

There. That was it. He definitely won this round. He could literally see the cogs in their brains working, churning out scenarios in mere seconds.

Kurai sighed. "Fine, we accept." She took the list and looked it over once. Raising an elegant eyebrow, she noted that there were a LOT of people on that list. So many that it might've be considered suspicious and a massacre if they killed all of them altogether or in succession. She passed it around to the rest of the elites, who took as much time as she did to look down the rest. A few names were more prominent than the rest.

"Kite Eishirou? That's a pretty big name you've got on there. Any reason for why you're going after quite a successful politician that was just involved in a scandal?"

Their hirer smiled. "No reason; it's just fun letting people suffer. Seeing them suffer by breaking down their successful career and making it lose it all, when they have nothing." He let his sadistic personality shine through his pleasant front. He reminded Ryoma and Kara and Kurai of a certain tensai they remembered from years ago. Luckily, Ryoma did not make the certain connection to who right there and throw a fit.

"What is our time limit? I would prefer that we do this over a long course of time, and not get caught. For it would be like a massacre." Kurai asked the most important question for that night.

"You have no time limit. As long as you get those done, I am satisfied. Please note that there will be more names added on the list later."

This was better than expected; a pretty lenient patron was better than expected.

"However…" Damn it. They knew there was going to be a catch; there was always one. "I request that between each killing, there will only be at maximum, half a month between them. That way, it will keep the police dancing on their toes and make the game even more interesting. Plus, you will be given free reign to do whatever you wish to your prey before you eliminate them. Is that alright with you?"

Hmmm…this request wasn't so bad after all. Because all that STYX loved, was a fun game when it boiled down to their jobs. With an air of finality around it, the final words were spoken. "As is your wish."

*The Next Day*

Yawn. Everyone was tired from the events that occurred last night. In fact, they were so tired that the moment they got back to their cozy apartment, they collapsed on the couches and slept there. Somehow, they had managed to foresee this and luckily, left blankets on the leather couches.

Kara made coffee for all of them. Groggily, they accepted, except for Kevin, who was still asleep on the floor. Somehow, during his sleep, he managed to roll off the couch and land on the floor. What was amazing was that he managed to sleep through it. Comfortably as well.

"Kevin, time to get up."

Shifting under the blankets, he made no move to get up. Instead, he snuggled up even more under his blankets. This only pissed Kurai off.

"Kevin," she kicked the lump of blankets, which he let out a groan of protest. "Get up or I'm getting the bucket."

Immediately, he sat up. "NO! NOT THE BUCKET!"

He frantically ran around in circles, only then did he notice that they were all suppressing their laughter, visibly shaking. Only a snicker from Ryoma broke this silence and they all burst out into helpless laughter.

"Gee, real funny guys, REAL funny." Kevin rolled his eyes. "What did you wake me up for, at an ungodly hour in the morning?"

"Oh PLEASE. It's already past noon. It's not even morning anymore." Kurai rolled her eyes back at him.

"Well for one, we can start planning ahead for tomorrow night's game. Let's enjoy it as much as possible shall we?" Kara pulled out her laptop.

"We'll start with the first name on the list. Let's see. Mizuki Hajime. Hmmm, that name sounds familiar. He was the annoying guy that kept twirling his hair like a girl and was the manager of the St. Rudolph team, if I remembered correctly."

"Yeah, you still remember that Ryoma? He was the annoying prick with absolutely no thoughts for his teammates." Kurai spoke up from her cross-legged position on the floor.

"Hunh. He didn't make much of impression. Guess he was a supposed expert when it came to fashion. The CEO of a fashion line whose clothes are known globally." Ryoma recited from the list.

Kurai made a disgusted face. "Now you've just reminded me of that HORRIBLE and DISGUSTING purple sweater with roses on it. GROSS."

"Well, as much I would like to continue this amusing chat, this guy has an average security system but a whole lotta mirrors and lights in his office. Apparently, he likes looking at himself a lot." Kara narrated.

The others crowded around her laptop where she had hacked into Zuki's headquarters. That was the name of the company apparently. That spoke volumes about it; what kind of normal person would make a company name that was already a part of his owns? Guess it was the domination gene, the need to rule everything in your life as perfect and harmonious. Well, on screen, they could see multiple little screens of the security cameras. Little people were walking back and forth every now and then. Then bingo. They hit the jackpot. A couple of security cameras were installed in the office of the head honcho himself. Currently, the automatic door to his office was locked (Kara had hacked in and saw it) and he was making out heavily with this guy who probably was his secretary. He had close-cropped light brown hair and a little x-shaped scar on his forehead.

"MY EYES! THEY BURN!"

"Ok. THAT, I did not need to see."

Were the various reactions heard from first Kurai, then Kara.

"Oh, grow up, two." Kevin snorted. "It's not like you're little kids anymore."

"Whatever. Moving along, we have to observe this stupid boring little office and see the patterns in their schedule."

The rest of the day was spent like this, observing in shifts. To put it lightly, after a few hours of surveillance, they were bored to death. Currently, it was around 8:00 pm and it was Ryoma's shift. He yawned loudly and stretched his sore back muscles, stiff from the cramped position he sat in for over an hour. Purring slightly at the satisfying crack that he heard in his muscles, he leaned over the couch and typed a few commands into the laptop, which responded immediately. He liked this one.

Mental note to self. Ask Kara for a similar laptop. If she declines, get Kevin to "steal" one of the same model and make for me.

A noise by his right ear gave him something more pleasant to focus on than the droning computer screen. He accepted his jasmine tea, wincing at the contact with his skin, for the ceramic cup was quite hot. Sipping at his sweet tea- just the way he liked it, he settled himself down for another long hour of intense scrutiny. Rustling noises were heard as Kevin settled himself down to relieve some of Ryoma's boredom.

"Where's Kara and Kurai?" he questioned. He hadn't heard them for a while and was getting slightly worried for his twin sister.

"Out for a night downtown. Some friends of them literally dragged them there."

"Oh. Guess it'll just be us two then."

A comfortable silence broke down upon them, being interrupted occasionally by little sips of tea. That silence was broken when Kevin spoke.

"Ugh. This guy really has nothing better to do, doesn't he?"

His eyes were glued to the luminous screen. This was like the 4th time that day that the Mizuki person was making out with his secretary and getting it on with him. Due to loud screams and moans from various "activites" with his boss, they found out that the person's name was Yuuta. A name that Ryoma found familiar but just couldn't put his finger on it. Frankly, he didn't need to bother. Kevin and him were just amazed at the fact that people throughout the entire 30 story building didn't hear them yet. Either they were used to it or too stupid and deaf to notice, or the office was soundproof. The latter sounded more practical to them. There was no way that they couldn't hear it; the Yuuta person screamed pretty loudly.

"What's with you today, Ryoma? You seem down." Kevin commented while tracing circles on the feather-soft carpet.

"Nothing much," he sighed. "Just tired. Think how much work this is going to be for the next few months, fun as it might be."

"Ah. That reminds me, Kurai and Kara are going to get a kick out of this, because they haven't been able to do anything recently. They'll probably want to toy with the victim first, then utterly crush them mercilessly. Plus, look on the bright side! No worries about rent for awhile!"

Ryoma smiled at his friend's enthusiasm, but then suddenly thought of his mental note.

"Hey Kevin?"

"Hmmmm?"

"I like this laptop; could you swindle a type like this for me?"

*Japan 3:00 PM*

At the exact same moment that Ryoma was asking Kevin for a laptop, Sanada Genichirou sighed. He just went to check up on one of his lovers. Apparently, he had collapsed due to sleep deprivation and all the stress pent up from his work. The doctor said that he needed a few days of rest. It nearly broke their, as in his other lovers, hearts to see Keigo so fragile between the pristine silk sheets. They had never seen this side of Atobe before- he was always so headstrong. He sighed, for the millionth time it seemed today, before he left the room, walking down the chic hallway. A noise sounding on the upper landing alerted him. His eyes fell toward the two figures, one slimly built and the other more muscular but still lean.

"Genichirou, how is he?" Tezuka's hair was tousled, indicating that he just waked up from the throes of slumber. Fuji was the same, yawning slightly, as he covered it behind his mouth. "He's still sleeping, but he's doing well. The doctor says he just needs to sleep." Their aura cheered up excessively, relieved that he was doing well.

"Well, we have to start packing; our trip to New York is in less than a week. Keigo will surely be well by then."

An unspoken agreement was spoken between them. I know that he will. And with that, they dispersed to pack their belongings.

*New York 11:00 PM (Two hours later)*

Kurai and Kara returned to the complex, only to find Ryoma and Kevin completely burned out on the cream-colored sofas.

"Really! These guys! I tell them to keep watch and they crash out?!"

"Maa, maa, Kurai. Calm down; who wouldn't be tired of observing the same things over and over again?"

Kara sat down on the sofa where Kevin was, holding the laptop. Kevin snuggled into the newfound warmth, much like a child against a mother. Smiling at this revelation, Kara soon turned to the laptop. Her practiced eyes scanned the screen quickly, the light reflecting off the orbs in a data-like way. Kurai was kind of freaked by this. Guess that when master hackers are into their work, they really are in the zone for it.

"Anything new?"

"Yes. It seems like Ryoma and Kevin have fully finished observing the schedule and made up a schedule of all the day guards. Now, all we need to do is to observe the night guards."

"Oh, JOY. That sounds fun."

"…You know sarcasm isn't helping, Kurai."

*The Next Day; Japan, 6:00 AM*

"He's up!"

Fuji's joyous call rang throughout the entire mansion. Sanada and Tezuka awoke with a start; they had slept together tiredly for the night, worried about Atobe. They rushed awake, dressing hurriedly and not even bothering to tame the wild mane of mussed up hair.

Bam. They ran into the room, while Fuji was staring at Atobe, whose eyes slowly opened at the disturbance.

"Water," he managed to croak out. Sanada diligently poured out some refreshing water into a glass and gave it to Atobe. Atobe drank it down.

"Ara, are all of you that happy to see Ore-sama? I hope that you haven't forgot to prepare for the little trip."

Yup, that was the Atobe blood in him speaking. No one can stop him now; he's on a roll. And when Atobe gets on a roll, there's no stopping him. It's like a bomb on steroids. Fuji rolled his eyes playfully.

"Yes, yes, mother."

"Ore-sama is insulted."

"Keigo, don't worry about us. Worry about yourself." Tezuka spoke up.

"Hai, hai."

*New York, 10:00 PM*

The body slumped to the ground, dead. A group of people kneeled, circling the body, looking down. Silently, they rose, their luminous eyes glowing like a beacon in the dark. A figure trembled quietly in the little space below the desk for the feet. He prayed for his life, chanting for help in his head like a mantra. The four people swept their scary eyes across the room. One of them whispered breathily to the others, "This target is dead. Time to go for the others. This game will be on for a long time." They all laughed softly, although they were quite maniacal. Not finding anything of interest, they turned their backs and left, much like wraiths. He shuddered, for he had realized he was in the presence of possible the scariest people on Earth, the Underworld elite organization called STYX. The white masks that they wore were known world-wide and were now going to give him nightmares for as long as they possibly could. As soon as he thought it was safe, he crawled out and made his way toward the still-warm body.

"Mizuki," he choked out and bent over it. "WHY?!" Tears streaked his face as he hugged his beloved. He could only imagine why they had chose to kill his lover and not him. After all, Fuji Yuuta was a pro tennis player, and had made his relationship with Mizuki public, as the latter insisted on it. The Underworld people were too first-rate with their jobs, especially in killing so why did they leave him alive?

Why couldn't they have killed me with Mizuki?! The resounding wail of a siren was heard in the distance. But it was too late…

Meanwhile…

"Kurai, why did you not let Ryoma kill him? The guy under the desk."

Kara questioned softly. The other two's ears perked up; they were curious too.

Kurai shrugged. "There wasn't a reason to. Plus, he may be useful in this little scheme."

Kevin caught on pretty quickly. "Ah, you forgot to add something. You left him alive on purpose and left him the bait, hook and sinker. All of this to make it more interesting, am I right?"

Ryoma snorted. "Ah, what fun. We'll have epic car chase scenes with police surrounding us the entire time every time we make a kill. Joy, oh happy, happy joy."

"But it'll be fun, assuming that that person below the desk, Yuuta, if I'm not mistaken, passes it on. And without a doubt, he will pass it on."

As Kevin was saying that, the said person was doing the exact thing mentioned in the dialogue above. He trembled violently in the presence of the police, clearly shaken by what he had only recently gone through. They asked him questions and all he replied was with one thing.

"It was them, STYX. And their new and latest reign of terror is only beginning, for soon, they will throw the world into turmoil and chaos."

End Chapter 2

I figured since that it was near the holidays, I would upload earlier than I expected myself to. Sorry if the scenes were remotely crappy; I absolutely cannot, I repeat CANNOT write sappy romance scenes. AGH. Need to work on it. Sorry if this chapter is shorter than the one before it- I ran out of inspiration and ideas halfway into this chapter. That explains why the bottom half of this chapter is so bad. Sorry. Please keep reading and waiting for the next chapter. I will update as soon as possible!

Once again, thank you, the people who voted and reviewed! I appreciate it very much!