For Candice - you reviewed just as I was saying "Hey, its almost 12.30, time to post...."

AN: So I conned a friend of mine into watching Ninja Assassin. She now understands why I keep saying I really need to get a bite of Korean. Sadly, there's little quite that yummy of that sort around here, no Rains or Raizos in evidence. On top of that there's no Asian food stores within walking distance of my place. I have a really bad craving for Korean... And I grew up Asian food wise basically, so hopefully this doesn't sound racist muttering but y'see, when I was a kid my parents were grad students, and so the various neighbors would babysit me while they were in class. From the time I was like one, I could duel wield chopsticks. Rain can duel-wield swords, I can do the chopsticks. And probably totally kick his butt at an eating contest. I don't do the Korean polite eating. I do the scarf-until-there's-nothing-but-picked-bones that my Taiwanese babysitter Mai and her family did. Or C.C.'s who was from Vietnam did, who was the next building over. I will pick Asian food over 'American', or European any damn day of the year for any reason. Unless I have a really bad craving for beer brats. Which I do, and which I'm making tonight for dinner. Brats, potatoes, 'kraut and onions. And I also managed to con the lady who owns the little convenience store up the street, who's from Thailand to order me some goddamned Siracha chilly sauce, which will be added to my brats once they're done cooking with the four cans of Guinness I drenched them in. Stupid Korean hot actors and movies taking place in Berlin, making me crave food that's hard to get around here! shakes fist at the sky Why doesn't Malaga have REAL German brats and 'kraut? And WHY do I have to pay four euros to go to Marabella to go to the ONLY store that I could find that specializes in Korean? WHY? WHY? Huffs And besides, I dunno even how to get to that store, the Google map is all screwed up. And it's an hour bus ride from my place, into a whole different town. I mean, dammit, there's like, Chinese stores all over Malaga, but they're basically not food. Maybe some candy and soda, but it's like, all 'made in China' goods. Like Tupperware knockoffs, clothes – actually some pretty decent clothes, but they're kinda like these flea market, mated with miniature Wal-mart, dollar store, tool shops. Not food. I mean, okay, I can get vegetables here in Spain, they're everywhere, and they're great veggies, same with the meat. But sauces? No sauces baby. Nada. Okay, some yucky ketchup that has too much salt in it, and tastes more like pureed tomato with like.... cream of mushroom soup in it, and mayonnaise that is really bland – no matter that it says it's supposed to be aiolli, but I can't get nappa. Nappa cabbage is like, one of my favorites. And forget about trying to find sesame oil, rice vinegar, siracha for the most part (unless you're in good with the convenience lady), or raw ginger. Let alone bok choy. Or pocky. NO POCKY! NO POCKY! Do you understand the torture that is my life sans pocky? I miss my kimchi too, I make some uber yummy stuff.... And, like while I don't wanna leave Spain, I will be happy to be able to go to New Asia Store in San Antonio and know that without a doubt, I can pretty much walk in, and walk out laden with junk food (Asia has the best junk food on the PLANET), Asian veggies, and y'know, go make mom mad with the fact that the house smells like a restaurant by the time I'm done cooking dinner. But I have a question, more rhetorical than anything else – why the hell can't I get my Asian food with my Indian food? I mean, technically Indians are Asians. India is part of Asia. I want to go into an 'Asian' store and be able to get my freakin' tikka mixes and ghee along with my dim sum. Dammit, do you hear me? I WANT MY ASIAN FOOD! Sorry, I've been in Spain almost three months, and am going slightly crazy. Today I had the experience of going to a place, ordering what was chicken with potatoes, and I got, you guessed it – chicken with potatoes. Chicken breast, plain, no salt, no pepper, no SAUCE, and soggy fries. Also without salt. Or pepper. Frankly I couldn't care less about the salt, but the pepper? C'mon people! Morocco is like pissing distance from here! They are the land of yummy spices! This is part of why I came to Spain! Okay, sorry, didn't mean to rant so much. My apologies....

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Wake Up 6

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Stuffing her face, Mika kept reaching over and grabbing the soggy french fries, "You really should try these, they're good," waving one that was laden with some kind of garlic mayonnaise under Raizo's nose.

Making a face like he was in pain, "No thank you."

"C'mon, you're girlish figure wouldn't suffer from one harmless little french fry," shoving the proffered fry into her own mouth. "And you really should take a bite out of my burger, it's good. Extra bacon, onions, topped with sauerkraut and roasted garlic."

"It smells like vinegar and lard," nostrils pinching down.

Opening her mouth wide, Mika took a large bite, mumbling around the mouthful, holding her hand in front of her mouth only out of some sort of propriety, "Bacon-kraut burger. It's beef Raizo, you're a man, you're supposed to like beef. Preferably beef barely cooked and done over open flame, coated in enough toppings to cause angina for anyone who even looks at your mostly-raw beef." Offering it to him, holding up the four patty, dripping poppy-seed bun, "C'mon, give it a little bite. It's got bacon! If there's nothing men love more than cooked over an open flame, mostly raw beef – it's bacon. I think Thierry Mugler should make a bacon perfume. Any woman who wears it will have more men all over her than she'd know what to do with."

"Mika, I'm fine with what I have," taking another spoonful of soup.

Pouting, "C'mon, try it, you haven't lived until you've had this heart-attack waiting to happen burn your belly from the inside and on the way out." Munching on several fries at once, "And lentil soup isn't all that filling. I mean, what's it got in it, where's the meat?"

Raizo sighed, "There are bits of chicken in it Mika and many vegetables. Very nutritious, you should have some, it will give you more strength than your... burger."

"Okay, how about I take a bite of yours if you take a bite of mine?" what Raizo didn't know was that she actually quite liked lentil soup, particularly from the place they'd ordered from, but when he had gone over her take-out menus that was all he had requested, so Mika was determined to get more than just a bowl of soup into him. And he said she was too skinny, bah, he should look in the mirror sometime and see all those perfectly chiseled abs. He could use a little fat too. Maybe he would be less distracting without his shirt on.

So he was unaware of her wicked plan to make him eat something, and of the fact that while she had quite a healthy appetite, eating such a large burger and the bucket of fries was beyond her abilities. Mika would be happy to settle for half the food, so long as Raizo actually ate the other half of the food too.

Another sigh, heavy with suffering, "Fine. If you will eat some actual vegetables I would be satisfied."

"Hey, this has veggies on it I'll have you know," scooting closer to him on the floor, their backs pressed to the bottom of the couch with her coffee table holding their take-out feast, "Onions are veggies, so's garlic."

"Garlic is more of an herb, and baking it in oil does little to keep it's nutritional value Mika," even as he relented, taking the bun in hand.

Doing her best to not appear as though she were watching him so closely, "Well, sauerkraut is cabbage, and it's super good for you."

Raizo eyed the burger warily, "It's probably processed. Pasteurization kills all the vitamins and lactic acid. Cooked sauerkraut is like cooked kimchi – all taste, no substance."

"You're..." staring at him wide-eyed now, "you're some weird health nut aren't you? Oh crap, you aren't going to try and force-feed me weatgrass juice or something, are you?"

Making a small sound of contempt, "No. I will eat anything available if I must, but my body requires fuel of a higher caliber than...." brows beetling when a piece of garlic slipped from the mound he was holding, "something that qualifies as an item that 'burns on the way out'."

Shrugging, Mika didn't like to see garlic go to waste, especially not roasted garlic, and nabbed it from Raizo's lap, "Just eat it."

"You said I only had to take a bite," pausing just as he had been lifting the mound of yummyness to his mouth. "Not eat the whole thing."

"Fine, a bite, but not one of those sissy bites, a big nice manly bite," demonstrating Mika opened her mouth wide, leaning close to Raizo and snapped it closed on air, so her teeth would click. "And at least have the good grace to pretend to like it."

He relented, visibly bracing himself, before taking a large bite. Giggling at how his cheeks were puffed out, having done as she asked, Raizo resembled nothing so much as a cross between a puffer fish and an irritated chipmunk. Slowly he chewed, his look telling Mika that he was none too pleased with her mirth.

"Stop glowering, and start tasting it, it tastes good right?" prodding, even as she reached for his soup.

It took him several minutes to answer – apparently he had taken more than he could chew easily. Raizo had to finish his cup of tea and pour himself a second before he answered Mika. Now, Mika wasn't generally one who stared at men, let alone the extremely fit sort like Raizo, but just like in the bunker when he was tied up, the motion of his tipped back head and the long slow swallows was something she couldn't completely ignore. She had eyes to see, and even in the middle of a crisis, there was just something about Raizo that made it impossible to not watch him closely. Something like staring warily at an overlarge hunting cat, crouched and ready to strike, even in repose, Raizo looked dangerous. Even if he was pretty enough to be in a boy band or some kind of underwear model.

"It wasn't as disgusting as it smelled," which seemed to be the only concession Raizo was willing to make.

Blowing a jet of air on her soup laden spoon, "Then take another bite, smaller and savor it. Then you can say thank you for making you try it, because it's very yummy and makes you feel like a big, strapping manly man."

"Ah, that would be a no," setting his jaw.

"Ah, no that would be a yes," poking at the monstrosity on it's plate. "Have another bite. Please?"

"Eat some vegetables first, and then I will think about it," closing his eyes, Raizo settled in to wait her out.

Seeing that she wasn't going to win this one, "Okay fine."

Taking a few bites Mika was startled when Raizo jumped up, "Someone's coming."

"What?" half-rising, as Raizo motioned her to stillness.

Raizo went to the door, head tilted as he listened, then he relaxed, "Maslow. He's alone."

There was a knock, and Mika went to get it when Raizo gestured, doing his disappearing trick, "Just a moment!"

Checking that it really was Ryan by way of the peephole, Mika let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. The visit wasn't timely, and while she cared for Ryan as a friend, she had been enjoying her time with Raizo more. It just felt more important.

Unlocking it, "Hi."

"Ah, thank god Mika, can I come in?" warily Maslow looked around the hall.

"Um, sure," not really wanting to let him in, but couldn't think of a politic way of saying so.

As she closed the door, "Listen, Mika, I have some news about your boy." Ryan gave her apartment a cursory glance, paused, then, "You have company?"

"Ah, no, no, I was just really hungry, big flight and all," Mika crossed her arms, hoping to deflect further questions. "So, you have news about Raizo? Where is he, is he okay?"

"Well, ah, it looks as though there really are some warrants out for him," rubbing his chin, Maslow winced, "And if you see him, I want you to call me as soon as you can. I think some of the other clans are pulling some strings. They want him dead too Mika." He leaned in close, taking hold of her arms firmly, "If they think you know anything about where he is, they won't hesitate to come after you. So, steer clear of him as much as you can."

All that made sense, but Mika shook her head anyway, "Ryan, what makes you think I'd even know anything? Besides, just because Ozunu is gone, doesn't mean that the hit on me has been rescinded. I told you in the hospital, this can't be ignored anyway. It's wrong, what they do to people, how they break children down and turn them into monsters." Resolve firming, and glad she hadn't told him about Raizo's visit in the hospital, "And if I did see Raizo, I'd know I was safe, or at least protected. He can watch my back better than anyone else until this is all taken care of."

"Listen, Mika," she was surprised by the fierce hug he gave her, "I know you're right, but there's only so much that can be done, that I can do, that you can do. That he can do. He's dangerous. Haven't you thought about why he prevented you from being killed?"

No, she hadn't, not much. He had wanted her help. Simple. Mika had information that Raizo wanted. That was all. Wasn't it?

A hand lay on the back of her head, stroking, as though Ryan was trying to block anything bad from coming near, "You're too trusting Mika. You were bait for him, to draw them out so he could strike Ozunu."

"That doesn't change anything," and it didn't, despite the fact that Mika was upset. She really should have thought of that on her own. Mika just hadn't wanted to, "Raizo still saved me, over and over again Ryan. Even when he didn't need me anymore, when I became a burden. I can't ignore that." For Raizo's benefit, if he was still there, "I still trust him. And I wouldn't do anything to hurt him Ryan."

Mika hoped Raizo was listening.

Maslow sighed, squeezing her tighter, "Then we may have a bit of a problem. Because if the clans offer a deal, his life for yours, what choice do you think the agency would pick?"

What choice he would pick, Mika knew that at least. She wasn't stupid. Hating to split hairs, "The right one I hope. Ryan, I'll do what I have to, okay?"

It felt like lying, because she knew how Ryan would take it.

"Good," Ryan released her, "now, I don't want you to worry, I'm going to take care of everything and do whatever I must. This whole business with these sodders is an utter mess, and if I didn't want to make sure you stayed close so I can help whenever you need it, I would tell you to really go on holiday. Get away from it all. Throw the trail. Under most circumstances, I would. In this one, I don't think I can, not with what's at stake."

Nodding her understanding, "Got it."

"Do you Mika?" the corners of his mouth went tight. "This isn't a drug cartel, this isn't a crime syndicate. It's not the Triads, it's not something that you or I can strike at."

Raizo could, Mika was sure of that, "Tell me about it." Hugging herself, "Maslow, I have a question."

"What?" he had been moving to leave, but now he stopped.

"If I came up with locations for the other compounds of the clans," forging ahead, "with solid leads, solid proof. Could we mobilize again the way we did against Ozunu?"

"If, you could, I may be able to arrange something," uncertainly. "It would be a very, very tough sell to the higher ups. But if it was better planned out than last time, then probably. Would look good on their resumes."

Locking onto that, "So if I could, and if the compounds destroyed, the clans were disbanded – would Raizo be safe then and not just us?"

Maslow thought about it for a moment, "I can't change the warrants if they're real Mika. But if your boy could say, change his identity or at least cover his tracks better, I'm sure there's divisions that would hire him for his.... shall we say, 'expertise'."

That was more than she had hoped for.

Impulsively Mika hugged him, "Thanks Ryan, I owe you."

"Don't make me regret it Mika, and I still want you to tell me if you see him, and keep clear," and then he left.

Locks slid into place, "You can come out now."

"If he makes a deal with the clans, or if your agency does, they will not be honored," Raizo's face was inscrutable, closer to the stone carving he had resembled when he first stepped from darkness.

"I know that, he knows it too," not sure exactly what she was supposed to do now. "And I wouldn't turn you over to them anyway." Not on purpose.

"I know," accepting it easily.

"So, ah," clapping her hands once, "let's finish our food, hey?"

Raizo made no move to return to their meal, his eyes narrowed, "You don't have any comments."

Blinking, thinking, Mika realized what he meant. Smiling for his benefit, "No Raizo, it makes sense, keep your eye on their target, and when they move to strike, that's when you do. But like I said, I still trust you and I wouldn't do anything to hurt you." Broadening her smile, "Except poke you. You look like you could use a poke in the side right now, maybe a few, you look like the poster child for some cult on stoicism. Or maybe one of those guys in some cheesy kung-fu flick saying that my kung-fu is good, but yours is better."

"This isn't a game Mika," at the ready, and Mika could see the way his muscles were tight. She probably shouldn't be able to tell, this was a man trained to hide any physical evidence of what he was going to do next, but it looked like he was waiting for a fight. "You make very good bait. You're still bait. If I wait long enough, more will come. With or without any information you could dig up, you're useful that way."

Thrusting her chin out, stubborn, "More will come whether you're here or not, at least if you're here you can kill them. I stay safe, you kill the bad guys, everyone gets what they want." Inching closer slowly, approaching Raizo like he was a skittish animal, "In the end it isn't always why you do something, but that you did something at all."

Raizo had done much, a lot more than simply use her as bait. A blind man could see that. Could hear the incredulous regret in his voice when he asked why Maslow had staged his capture, could feel the resignation when he said they would all die together if she wouldn't leave, could see the relief when he got in the car, broken and bloody upon seeing her alive, could hear the anguish when he begged her to run. The rage, the soul deep agony that Mika hadn't thought humans were even capable of when she fell, Ozunu's blade in her back. He was human, and strangely Raizo had fixated on her. That was an epiphany, that Raizo had locked onto her, that she had actual power over him, could hurt him, truly wound him. Her pain was real to Raizo, just as his was to her. Beyond touched, Mika continued to move towards him, she wanted to show Raizo that he could trust her with what he had given her.

She would have to be cautious, and not scare him away but he wasn't going to do anything on his own without serious prodding. Better to push him a little too far, than not at all.

"Life, is rarely so simple," taking a firm step away from Mika.

Shooting off her rejoinder, "And sometimes it is. If you feel like you have to make it up to me, you could give me a hug and stop running away."

He probably needed that hug more than she did, except Raizo didn't respond to his own needs, didn't acknowledge them. But Mika's needs, her wants, Raizo reacted to those, and he didn't fail her this time either. Raizo didn't look at her, even turned his head away, but opened his arms enough to indicate he wouldn't stop her from taking the embrace she had asked for. Going up to him, closing the distance, and rather than wrapping her arms around his waist, she reached up around his shoulders, pulling him down far enough so he was forced to lay his head on her chest. That seemed to be a chink in his armor, seemed to be the only time he stopped fighting at all.

He twitched once before taking hold of Mika, pressing his ear close to her heart, eyes closing. Smiling, Mika stroked Raizo's head, glad he had let her do this. Glad he had handed this power over to her. She would use it to protect him, from others, and from his history however she had to.