A/N: Man, I just can't wait to finish this story and start the next one! Actually, I just want to type up the solution already.

Disclaimer: I own none of these characters; they are all the property of the imaginative Matsui Yusei.

--Chapter 6: Hack--

Yako didn't sleep well that night. She wasn't sure why, but every few hours, her eyes would fly open, and she'd make a wild grab for her cellphone and check for any calls. Somehow, it felt as though Shirota's call would be important. Each time, there would be nothing. Soon, day rolled in and Yako woke up with faint bags under her eyes. Automatically, she reached for her phone again. Still nothing.

She lied back on her bed with a sigh and picked up the ragged doll lying nearby. "Well, Akane, I guess it's just 3 more days until the trial, but," Yako mouth twisted into an annoyed smile, "I guess I should worry more about today. Sometimes, I really wonder if it really was just a few weeks ago. Even though the calendar says it is, the mind says otherwise. Life really is just changing too fast," she lifted the doll an arm's length above her, "I guess you're the only thing that doesn't change."

Riiip. One of the doll's pale arms fell right into Yako's face. At first, silence, then: "NOOOO!!"

After a shocking revelation that Akane indeed had several holes that needed to be patched up, Yako decided she would go somewhere public to wait for Neuro. She didn't have any doubts that he would somehow track her down. After all, Neuro somehow magically knew where she lived. It really made her wonder if he had eyes all over the place. Besides, he seemed to act 'nicer' if there were people around (with the exception of Godai).

In record time, Yako dressed and bolted out the door. It was not safe alone.

--x--x--x--x--

Yako soon decided that she would try to stick to the taxi for awhile. The newspaper article yesterday really made people even more aware of what they thought she had done. Stares shot themselves at Yako, making themselves clearly felt. Just like every other time, they stung. A few mutters sharpened the stares. Some said, "Can you believe they're still letting her walk around?" or, "I hope she gets what she deserves!" She wondered, did people ever realize what they say did affect another? Yako reached back and pulled the hood of her jacket low over her head, trying to blend in more. The looks persisted, and Yako quickened her pace. Well, at least there were fewer looks than before as she walked further.

A brief glance at the street sign showed that the there was only another block before she would reach the udon house. Yako brought her walk up to a near jog, bustling past crowds of people (which earned her a few glares). Just another street and— someone grabbed her arm from behind. "Dang," Yako thought, disgruntled, "Neuro found me already." But, when she turned around, it wasn't Neuro. Sure, the man had on a suit too, but it was black. On the face, the man had on a pair of sunglasses and a smile on his face. A smile that Yako had seen only a couple of times, but already knew that it was faker than three dollar bill. This was a smile that was only used to as bait to catch you off guard; then hook you in to whatever con he had in mind. Or was it because he didn't want you to know what he was really thinking?

"Ah! What a surprise," the man's face showed no change, "Katsuragi Yako, just the person I wanted to see."

Yako forced a grin on her face. "Mr. Hayasaka."

He waved his hand impatiently. "Such formality between us is not needed, Katsuragi, just call me Hisanori. After all," Hisanori's grin stretched further, "You are my little brother's good friend, no?"

"I'll call you that when you stop calling me 'Katsuragi."

Hisanori chuckled. "Fair enough. Now, if you'll come with me for a brief meeting?"

Hesitantly, Yako looked behind her, wondering if she should just run for it. But, another peek over Hisanori's shoulder made all thought of that disappear; there were 2 more people hanging around behind Hisanori. People that could probably subdue her in an instant. Definitely smarter to just follow Hisanori, at least she was certain nothing would happen to her…at least until she finished paying.

As nonchalantly as she could, Yako gave a shrug. "Lead the way."

--x--x--x--x--x--

Yako couldn't help but feel fidgety in her seat. I mean, for goodness sakes, they had to drag her off to a dingy, dim, bar. It was one of those places that Yako probably never would've set foot in if it hadn't been for Hisanori popping up out of nowhere. She couldn't even breathe comfortably due to the heavy clouds of smoke floating from various ends of cigars and cigarettes. Eventually, one waitress who had the 'I'd-rather-be-anywhere-but-here' look on her face came and asked for orders.

"This drink would be nice," Hisanori turned to Yako, "How about you Katsuragi?"

Trying to get me drunk, huh? "It's illegal for me to drink. Are just trying to get in trouble with the law?"

Hisanori laughed. "Some murderer you make."

"I'm not," she retorted icily.

"Perhaps not," Hisanori said with a wave of dismissal to the waitress, "But what's the point of even trying? You're completely caught on all sides."

Yako shot him a glare, and if it had any effect, Hisanori showed no signs. "Just get to the point already. What'd you call me here for anyways?"

"Always the direct one, eh, Katsuragi?" he commented, "Alright then. It would seem you bought more drugs than previously thought."

"I bought more drugs?" Yako said indignantly, "You mean, Yuki bought more. What is he? An addict?"

The two men behind Hisanori shifted slightly closer to Yako. Hisanori himself lowered his sunglasses, revealing a cruel eye that sent leers right at her. "Like I said, you bought more drugs than previously expected. Don't you remember? I could remind you if you like." Yako gave a nervous glance at his bodyguards; their hands had gone into their coat pockets.

Yako gritted her teeth. "That's alright, I remember perfectly."

"Good, good!" Hisanori said approvingly, pushing his sunglasses back up, "That makes matters much simpler."

"Well, how much more?" She braced herself for the number.

"About a 50 million yen worth more," he said as though it were just a few yen.

"F-fifty?" Yako's entire body froze over.

"That's right," replied Hisanori complacently, "Bringing it to a grand total of about…mm…say, 450 million?"

The weight of the world suddenly felt heavier. "F-four hundred f-f-fifty," she muttered numbly.

The waitress returned with a large cup, filled to the brim with a clear liquid. She cast a glance at Yako, "What the heck happened to her?" Out loud, the waitress said, "Here sure, anything else?"

"Oh, no, no, this is fine."

With a curt nod, the waitress stalked away. Hisanori took a sip of the drink before speaking again, "Ah, yes. The money needs to be raised by the end of the month."

Yako's head snapped up. "The end of the month?!" she exclaimed, "How the heck am I…?!"

"End of the month," he said, this time with a slight edge to it.

"Have you gone insane?!" Yako stood stared down at Hisanori, "Even if I work all the part time jobs I can, it's still impossible for me to pay you back by the end of the month!"

"What are you talking about?"

"What do you mean 'what am I talking about'?!" Yako yelled hotly, "There are no part time jobs that can pay that high!"

A few other customers tried to look inconspicuous, but Hisanori could still tell they were eavesdropping. He jerked his head slightly, and the two men behind him turned. Yako wasn't sure what they did, but quite a few of the other customers jumped slightly and then turned their backs on the conversation. Hisanori nodded approvingly and drank some more. "I meant you've inherited your father's money, correct? I've heard that the money sums up to a grand total of about 500 million yen, just about enough to pay off your debt. Plus a little extra as well."

Yako's eyes lit up in fury. "Do you think," she spat, every word embedded with steel, "That I would even consider using his hard earned money?! This wasn't even my debt to start with," Yako's voice rose, "My father just died, how can I just take advantage of his death to pay if off?!"

Hisanori didn't even faze slightly, he only gave a shrug. "It's your debt. I can't tell you how to pay it. But, using that money would really be the instant answer."

"Can't you give me some more time?"

"Let me think about it," he feigned deep thought, "No. That company wants it by the end of the month, but you don't have to pay in money," Hisanori's smile turned nasty, "You can pay with just you. I can arrange to sell those organs of yours; after all, Smiles Inc. is always ready to bring joy to those who will need them."

"Don't I need to be dead for that?" Yako said, shooting daggers at Hisanori.

He took another drink from the cup. "Who says you need 2 lungs?"

Yako bit at her lip, thinking, "Just how am I going to raise 450 million yen?"

"Still refusing to use that money?"

"Yes."

"Well then, I do know of a part time job you take up," Hisanori's smile turned even fouler, "It pays very well, although I guess you can still consider it selling yourself."

A brilliant shade of crimson rose onto Yako's cheeks. "A-are you asking me too…? Hell no!"

"Come now," he spread his hands out in front of him, "Be reasonable, Katsuragi. What else can you do? If you don't pay at the end of the month, that's what's going to happen to you for the rest of your life anyways."

The table shook as Yako's fist came down on it. "This was your fault in the first place! The only thing you can do is at least buy me some time!" she shouted vehemently.

"Now, now, Katsuragi," Hisanori formed a gun with his fingers and pointed them at her, "You remember what I told you I'd have to do if you keep saying crazy things like that."

Yako's face remained red, but she sat back down. Only to be grabbed into a bone-crushing hug. "Miss Yako! I'm so glad that I finally," the grip tightened, making cracking sounds where it made contact, "found you."

Just perfect. "Neuro?" she gasped out.

Right across from her, Hisanori tensed. A strange ripple went through his face and though the smile didn't falter, a vein twitched up from under his eye. Behind him, the two bodyguards let out yelps and backed up a step. There was low chuckle from Hisanori as he reached inside his coat. "Monster," he hissed, "So, how about instead of buying you a drink," from his coat, Hisanori pulled out a gun and pointed it straight at Neuro, "I give you a bullet to the head?"

Monster. A good description. "Why, hello!" Neuro replied, not giving any attention to the gun right in his face, "Hisanori Hayaska, I believe?"

"Heh, heh, heh," Hisanori raised one of his hands and covered the lower part of his face. "It's been awhile, eh?" The hand holding the gun shook slightly, "So, why don't I pay you back for last time?"

Neuro returned the laugh. "Looking to kill me I see?" He spread his gaze to the two men behind Hisanori, "Oh? Who are they?" From then on, Yako often wondered what Neuro did, never figured it out actually, but the two men let out a strangled gasp and ran out of the bar.

Only Hisanori remained, and even he put his gun away, mumbling something about it being useless. "I see you know Katsuragi."

"Oh, yes!" Neuro piped cheerfully, "Miss Yako, is my great," his 'hug' tightened even more, making another series of cracks and pops (and a few choked cries from Yako), "friend."

Twitches went all over Hisanori's face. "Is that so?"

"But, Miss Yako," he moved his face directly in front of Yako's, the smile was still there, but it seemed…threatening, "How did you get involved with a black market seller?"

Weakly, Yako tried to pull Neuro's arm off and get her oxygen supplies running again. As usual, Neuro's arm (though it was usually his hand) remained firmly lodged. "Not. My. Fault," she gasped out in short breaths.

"I see, I see," Neuro turned back to Hisanori, "But if it's not her fault, it must be your's; correct?"

"Hmph," Hisanori leaned back into his chair, "It's not my fault she has run up such a debt."

Neuro's face shifted to pure innocence. "Eh? Miss Yako ran up a debt for drugs? But that's impossible! Look!" Neuro rolled up one of Yako's sleeves, "There are no needle marks on her arms," he then finally released Yako and thrust her forward, "And, look at her complexion! No dark bags or sallow skin, perfectly healthy." Well, at that moment, Yako's face was actually blue and she was gasping for breath, but she was usually healthy looking (and that's what counts).

"That proves nothing."

"Come now Hisanori," Neuro said, still perfectly happy looking, "What would Miss Yako do with drugs? Nothing. So, those debts aren't hers, are they?"

Hisanori gave a jolt. "Just what are you trying to say?"

"Just that it's common sense not to pay debts that aren't even your's."

"So you want me to take off the debts, eh?"

"That's what I'm getting at."

Yako stared. Was Neuro actually…helping her?

Hisanori's hands had tightened into fists. "And just what do you think would actually make me agree."

Neuro gave a thoughtful pause, and answered, "Well, a threat with a threat works well, don't you think? Remember what happened last time?" That demonic feel Yako had felt from Neuro returned as his face twisted into a lunatic grin, "I can make it ten times worse," he hissed.

The words and aura played on Hisanori, even Yako could see that. It seemed to twist at his mind, torturing it. Finally, Hisanori sagged. "I just remembered," he whispered spitefully, "Those debts seem to belong to someone else."

The crazed smile was replaced by a smug one. "I'm so glad you remembered."

Yako was surprised at Hisanori, for even as he walked out of the bar, the smile never faded from his face. It stayed on, like a mask that refused to be removed.

--x--x--x--x--

"I can't believe it," Yako muttered, "You actually helped me!"

Neuro shrugged, "Hardly, I'm just planning ahead."

She gave him a quizzical look, "Planning ahead?"

"Yes, so be proud cockroach!" Neuro told her with mock honor, "For I have found use in you!"

"Wow, really proud," she grumbled sarcastically.

"So sorry!" He picked her up by the neck, making quite a few people on the streets stop and stare, "I didn't catch that last part."

"N-nothing!"

"Thought so," thankfully, Neuro dropped her after that. Still, despite what Neuro said, Yako couldn't help but feel that she was a rabbit, who was still being chased by a predator, but was now out of a corner she had thought she would never escape. Liberation by her own predator…

"Hurry up," he called, somehow already quite a distance ahead of her. Hastily, Yako scrambled to catch up, afraid of what might happen if she didn't.

--x--x--x--x--

"The police," Yako said disdainfully, "You're taking me to the police? The very people that want to arrest me?"

"But, Miss Yako," Neuro turned and gave her a kicked-puppy face, "Don't you trust me enough to not get you arrested?"

Images of previous torture flashed through her mind. "No."

Neuro shrugged, and then grabbed her by the scruff of her shirt to drag her in. "It doesn't really matter what you think. I need to ask the police some questions."

"And why," Yako said, "Do you need to question the police? They're the police! You can't honestly think that they would commit a murder!"

In response, Neuro gave a swift twist of his wrist, and sent Yako's head spinning into a 180 degree angle (with the usually short scream). "Don't be ridiculous, Yako. Anyone can be a killer, but, no. We're only here to see if the good policeman would be willing to let us see their file on the murder." Yako was set back on her feet as the glass doors leading into the police department building slid open. "Perfect!" she heard Neuro say.

Yako turned to look in the direction Neuro was, and saw only a young man with stiff, black hair completely immersed in building what looked like a giant fighting robot action figure. "I don't get it," Yako whispered, "What?"

"That," Neuro said with satisfaction, "Is the perfect person we can convince to show us the files."

After hearing that, Yako turned back to resurvey the young man. He was slightly jittery looking, and seemed rather naïve since he was building an action figure. Seemed pretty impressible. However, all plans of tricking him were dashed when a small man with glasses came out from nowhere. Yako narrowed her eyes; just where had she seen him before? A few moments of thought, and Yako knew; that man was the police officer that was in charge of the investigation on the night of the murder.

Usui (as she believed he was called) snapped something at the young man, who in turn jumped and dropped his action figure. "You incompetent!" he barked, "Why are you playing with your useless toys when you're suppose to be investigating the latest X case?!" Usui snatched the figurine from the young man and broke it to pieces as he smashed it against the floor. The young man let out a high pitched yelp and immediately sank to the floor, picking up the pieces with tears in his eyes. "Get back to work! We need to try and catch him while it's still fresh!" It would seem that Usui was about to yell some more, but luckily (for the young man), another worker came and diverted his attention. So, he just shouted one final, "Get back to work!" at the young man and left.

"Well, our plan has just been ruined," said Neuro, starting to walk over to the young man, "But perhaps it can be salvaged."

When they reached the young man, he didn't even look up at them. Yako doubted that he noticed them at all. "So," Yako said, trying to draw his attention, "I suppose you don't like him very much."

The young man made a scowl. "Of course not! He has no respect for the care and effort it takes to make such an intricate model!" With an angry flourish, he dumped some of the 'remains' into the box from whence it came.

Still, the young man did not look up. Yako persisted, "Do you have a name?"

"Doesn't everyone? I'm Jun Ishigaki!" he drew himself up, "Maybe you've seen me in a magazine?" he added hopefully (yet still not giving a glance towards them).

"Uhh, no." Then again, it was probably better that he didn't know who he was talking to.

Jun appeared crestfallen, but continued, "Man, I hate that guy. Acting all big and important!" Another worker seemed to notice the out-of-place Neuro and Yako, (but mainly Neuro who was glaringly strange with his 'unique' looking attire). Jun did not notice. "What a Napoleon complex! I mean, I'm taller than that shrimp who acts all high and might—EEEK!" The other man towered over him with a dark presence, sending Jun scuttling back on his elbows. "Mr. Tsukushi! I meant that he was almighty…heh, heh?" The nervous laughter stopped when the man's expression did not change. "I-I'll go n-n-now." Jun stuttered out, and keeping true to his promise, he left.

'Tsukushi' kept the same expression and turned to the two. "Well," he said blankly, "Is there something you need?"

"Well," Yako started, "We were just wondering if—mmph!" Neuro didn't just clamp his hand over her mouth this time, he shoved it in. Oh how she wished she had a knife.

Neuro took her place at speaking. "Hello, Mr. Tsukushi, I believe? We were just wondering if we could have a look at the police files," he then lowered his voice, faking a confiding tone, "It would be very beneficial to Miss Yako's case."

Tsukushi raised an eyebrow before giving a brief glance at Yako. A light of recognition flashed, "Oh, I see."

Perhaps he would've allowed them to view the files, maybe not. Whatever the answer Tsukushi would've given, neither ever found out because Usui decided to join them. "Joy," though Yako.

A look of disgust was present on Usui's face when he reached the three; an expression that appeared as though there was a rancid smell bothering him. "Ah, Mr. Usui," said Tsukushi, "These people were just asking about—"

The other policeman cut in, "No."

"Eh?" Neuro gave his 'confused' face, "But you didn't even hear what we wanted yet."

Usui hardly spared a look in their direction. "What are you talking about? I know very well what you want. You wish to read the police files, correct?"

"Why yes," a bit of surprise actually showed on his face, "We would be very grateful if you would."

"No," Usui said again promptly.

At this point, Neuro had removed his hand from her mouth. Immediately, Yako said, "Why not? We're only going to look at—"

Once again, Usui cut in, "What part of no, do you not understand, you pitiful excuse for a human being?"

Yako tensed. Sure, Neuro called her 'cockroach' all the time, but somehow, that seemed more playful. More of casual tone instead of this man's sneer. A sneer that made it seem as though she were not qualified to live. Neuro didn't react much, but Yako could tell that he was looking at the man with a new interest. Obviously, Usui wasn't going to be as easy to manipulate. As for Yako, she tried hard to keep a smile plastered on her face. "I'm sorry," she said through gritted teeth, "But just hear—"

"Look, I don't have time for you," interrupted Usui impatiently, "Besides, I'm sure that if you just ask from that incompetent, Sasazuka, he'd give it right to you. That novice never did follow the laws set."

Finally, the last nerve in Yako snapped, struck by the insult to one of the few people that stood by her. "Who are you calling an incompetent!" she shouted vehemently, "Mr. Sasazuka is a good person! You can't just accuse him of being a criminal!"

"And when did I say that?" Usui replied calmly, "You say he's a good person, but did you even know that he's been using any connections necessary to get the information he wants?"

Yako hesitated before answering, "What?"

Usui barely even gave Yako that time to answer before continuing, this time with more fury. "Sasazuka wasn't always such an incompetent, oh no! He actually used to be useful. Good memory, paid attention, didn't do anything questionable with the exception of a habit of drinking and smoking, but still, nothing too bad. And then," his hands clenched at his sides, "That piece of scum, Kaitou Sai, had to go and kill his family.

The surreal feeling from the night of her father's murder returned. Sai killed Mr. Sasazuka's family? "No-no way, S-sai?"

Usui continued as if Yako wasn't even there. "Mother, father, sister. Killed! All killed. But it was the aftermath...because after that, Sasazuka became completely distracted by anything 'Monster Robber X.I.' related," by now, he was shouting bitterly, "He's forgetful now! Only thinking of Sai, and nothing else! And then, he disappeared for one year," Usui's voice lowered, "I have no idea what he did then. But, from what I've gathered, he formed connections in the underground…"

Yako stood still, letting everything sink in. "Sai killed them…"

Suddenly, Usui seemed aware of everything he had just said and kicked the poor, desk next to him. "Dang it! I said too much," he groaned with his head in his hand.

"Mr. Usui," Yako started.

"Get out!" he demanded, "To anything you're asking, my answer is no!" Surprisingly, Neuro complied and dragged a still Yako out.

--x--x--x--x--

Yako sighed after they had left the police station. "I guess that was useless," she shuddered, "But I never imagined that Mr. Sasazuka suffered that much…"

"This, 'Sai'," Neuro said, "Who is he?"

"Who is Sai?!" Yako stared disbelievingly at Neuro, "How do you not know who Sai is?!"

Neuro seemed to ignore her shock, and turned down a street before answering, "Stop you incessant chatter and tell me already."

No patience whatsoever… "Well," Yako said slowly, "He's…a serial killer of sorts. Westerners call him 'Monster Robber X.I', X for the unknown, and I for the invisible. The police here have given him a translation of that title; Kaibutsu Goutou X.I., or 'Kaitou Sai'. He's become very famous for one reason; he's never been seen. No one knows what he looks like, or if it's even a man. But, that's not all," her face darkened, a clump stuck at her throat just from thinking about it, "Every one of his victims have been put in a red box, which are then either sent to any remaining family members or the public. The red box, it has become Kaitou Sai's symbol."

Whatever it was Yako expected Neuro to do, laughing wasn't one of them. And an amused chuckle? Definitely not. "This X," Neuro said, "It definitely interesting."

"Interesting?!" Yako exclaimed, "The guy's a murderer!"

"True," Neuro turned towards a slightly dirty looking, small house, "But he's one that's worth my attention." He stopped at the door and gave a few rings of the doorbell.

Yako gave a further inspection of the exterior of the house. The paint was faded, in need of a recoating, with brown streaks running near the area where the walls met the lawn. A look up, and Yako saw that at least the roof tiles were new and not in need of repairs. The lawn left much to be desired with its overgrown grass (that wasn't even green), weeds sticking up to a point that it nearly covered the path leading to the door, and a bare tree that really brought out the 'weeping' in weeping willows. "Who lives here?" Mentally, she pictured an old man will a beer belly, plus a beard sitting on couch in a shoddy living room. But, she quickly dismissed that picture, after all, Neuro didn't waste time, and going to a guy like that would give them no gain.

"A hacker," Neuro replied casually.

"A hacker?" Yako yelped, "Why did you come to a hacker's house?"

In a voice that many would've confused for a law-abiding citizen's, Neuro said, "Why, I need to hack into the police files, and I'm too lazy to do it myself."

Before Yako could retort, there was click of the door unlocking. The door opened a crack, revealing a face that definitely wasn't an old man's. In fact, Yako could've sworn the face wasn't much older then her. Whatever the age, the face's eyes shot open from their droopy position and quickly slammed the door again. There was another click, relocking the door, and then sounds that resembled the sliding of furniture getting closer to the door. Yako stood with a blank expression, thinking, "Is that guy trying to form a blockade or something?"

Neuro, on the other hand, seemed amused. "How funny, he's trying to keep me out." With that, he gave the door what looked like a light kick, but that kick sent the door crashing down. On the other side, there was a brief scream and the sound of crashing furniture. By the time Yako could peek in, all she saw was a pair of legs sticking out of a pile of sofas, chairs, and cushions. Neuro walked over to the pile and pulled up a disgruntled looking young man by his head.

The young man didn't have a bear belly, truth be told, he almost appeared underweight. Once he was set back on his feet, he brushed off some of the dust on his green sweater and pushed his glasses back over his clumps of black hair. "Great," he said sarcastically, "Just the person I wanted see."

"I'm so glad then, that you are ready to do me a favor," Neuro replied unfazed.

"A favor?" the young man narrowed his eyes, "What kind of favor?"

"I need you to hack in to the police systems to let me see a file."

The young man gave Neuro a blank look. "You're kidding, right?" Yako agreed with him, it wasn't exactly legal to hack into police files. Well, she agreed with him until he said, "The police files are so easy to hack into! You could do it yourself without breaking a sweat! What are you coming for me for?!"

"Hmm, Well, I really don't feel like it, so I came to you," an annoyingly sweet expression passed onto Neuro's face, "You don't agree?"

A twitch found his way onto the young man's expression, but he slumped in defeat. "Of course not," he said through clenched teeth.

"That's wonderful!" his eyes glittered with fake cheerfully, "So you'll do it?"

"Yeah, yeah," the young man waved off the question with a hand of impatience, "Just hurry it up—ow!" He turned angrily and rubbed the spot on his head where the chair leg had made contact.

"Hurry along now!"

The young man mouthed something that resembled '-censored- you', but complied and stalked back into a nearby room.

Yako may have been misled by who lived here, but the living conditions were spot on. Clothes laid around on the floor in piles or hanging off a chair. Even a few empty soda cans stood lined up or rolled together on tabletops. At least there wasn't any food on the floor…squish. Strike that. Yako looked down and peeled off the sticky remains of a slice of pizza that had been left on the floor for who-knows-how-long. "When was the last time you cleaned this place?" Yako grumbled, half to herself.

The young man turned around so fast there was a snap. "When did you get here?!" he exclaimed.

"Since Neuro dragged me here."

He kept looking back and forth between Yako and Neuro. "Who's she?"

"My client, Miss Katsuragi Yako," said Neuro innocently.

There was a scoff from the young man. "Client? I don't buy it, if she were a client, you wouldn't kick down my door like that, or start demanding me to hack in her presence," he turned to Yako, "Yuuya Higuchi, you poor, poor soul."

Yako twitched, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Higuchi gave a whimper of a laugh, "Believe me, if he acts like this around you, it means he's going to use you. And the thing is; you do not want this guy to use you." Yako glanced at Neuro, who just stood there with a blameless smile. Higuchi sat down in front of a laptop, "I know you just met me," he pushed his glasses down until they were right in front of his eyes, "But trust me on that one." Without another word, Higuchi began to type away at his keyboard. Codes and strings of numbers whirred by, making Yako's head spin. A few times, Higuchi stopped to delete something, or add another sting of letters or numbers. A particular code, 0.000000000000001 caught Yako's eye because of all the zeroes. After a few minutes, Higuchi leaned back on his chair and replaced his glasses onto his forehead. "Done."

And there it was, a report that was really only meant for the eyes of the police. Neuro pushed Higuchi, still on one of those rolling chairs, away and into a wall. "You're welcome," Higuchi grumbled. As usual, Neuro ignored the disdain that others gave him and just continued to scroll down. He stopped at the images of the crime scene. A lump formed in Yako's throat, and she turned away. She didn't need to see it again. The papers scattered on the floor. Walls dyed red. Pieces of pottery crimson from the blood coating their yellow and blue pieces. And a body covered in gashes…Yako shook the images from her mind. There really was no use though, of trying to forget images that were already burned in, even if forgetting is all you want…

When Yako turned back, Neuro had gone to another page, a page filled with red boxes. He was skimming through speedily, so Yako couldn't make out many words, but at one point, he stopped and entered a particular file. "Why are you looking at the old Sai cases?" Higuchi queried when he peeked over, "That one's from 12 years ago!"

"Because I want to, of course. What other reason would there be?"

Higuchi groaned and swiveled his chair to face Yako. "I think I've seen you somewhere before."

"Probably on a newspaper," Yako said resentfully.

"Oh, so that's why you're Neuro's 'client'," Higuchi said, "But, I don't mean that. I think on campus or something?"

"Campus, you're still in school?"

"Of course!" he jutted a finger towards himself, "I'm only 19 you know, and though I'm genius enough that I don't need learn much anymore, a degree looks good on your wall and credentials."

Yako twitched in annoyance, "Looks like another conceited person I have to deal with." "So, you go to Sakuba?"

He nodded. "Yeah, taking game design since hacking sort of…makes learning anything else not needed. You?"

"Neurology, and psychology," Yako said, "But I'll probably stop neurology since Professor Harukawa is getting beyond my comprehension."

Higuchi gave a low whistle. "You take Professor Harukawa's classes? Now that guy," he said with admiration, "Is a genius, and it takes a lot for me to say that. Some of his lectures actually make me strain my brain a bit."

"All his lectures make me strain my brain."

"Well that's just because you're of the average intelligence."

Yako rolled her eyes. "Wow, thanks."

"No problem," Higuchi seemed completely unfazed.

Riiing. Yako jumped slightly, and reached into her pockets to pull out her phone. The numbers running across the front was a number that seemed familiar. She answered, "Hello?"

There was a silence at first, but then, there was a shaky voice, "K-k-katsuragi?"

Her eyes widened. The voice was Shirota's. But instead of its usual pomp manner, it seemed thin and nervous. Almost as though he hadn't been able to sleep all night. "Right here Mr. Shirota, is there something you need to tell me?" she said excitedly.

Another silence.

"Mr. Shirota?"

"You have no proof!" Shirota burst out suddenly, "I-I didn't do it!" he gave a weak, crazed laugh, "Haha! You didn't mean any of if! I-I…" There was a flat tone. Yako sighed and closed her phone.

Neuro was now turned around, facing her.

"He didn't tell me anything," Yako said.

To her surprise, Neuro chuckled. "I didn't expect him to," he answered in an amused tone, "But, it's starting to work, I see." He stood up, "Come, cockroach, everything has been done here."

As they left, Yako heard a loud, "Hell yeah!" from the house.

--x--x--x--x--

Yako shivered. Stupid heater not working. Good thing a neighbor had noticed and called the repair man, who was now crawling around in the vents. Every so often, there would be a cough or a sneeze, not surprising since Yako couldn't recall the last time anyone cleaned the ventilation. There were a few pounding sounds. Yako tilted her head; how familiar it sounded. But what? A few more thuds, and a curse from whoever the repair man was. She nodded, it was definitely that sound. It was much louder, but it almost resembled the sound of, "Rain," Yako muttered, "It almost seems like it's raining."

"Well that's ridiculous, it's perfectly dry outside."

"Wahh!" Yako spun around only to come face to face with Neuro. "Why are you still here?!"

His eyes turned into that of a kicked puppy's, and his lower lip quivered. "What? I am not welcomed here?" The corners of his mouth twitched upward slightly, "Me? The person that's helping you? Don't you think you're being just a little," Neuro's foot slammed right at Yako's head, squishing her to the floor, "Rude."

"Well you don't usually follow me back," Yako grumbled as Neuro twisted his shoe further into her cheek.

"No I don't. But Shirota's call showed that what I need can come to you at any minute. And if it comes, how are you supposed to contact me?"

Yako hesitated. He was right, she had no way of contacting him. "Don't you have a phone or something?" she said hopefully.

"Nope!" Neuro replied chipperly, "So, I'll just stay here for awhile."

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!"

--x--x--x--x--x--

In the end, he had gotten his way (as usual) and Neuro slept inside her father's room. That night in Yako's room, she quivered in her bed and barely slept a wink.

--x--x--x--x--x--

A/N: Sorry for the time this had taken to be updated, but life had been throwing many projects at me. Sorry! I'll try to make the next update faster…if anyone cares.