Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass. I do own the plot. (Also, many thanks for the reviews! You keep reviewing, I'll keep updating!)
Chapter Two: Welcome to Your New Life
The soft clicking of the front door opening was all she heard. She looked up, awaiting a familiar voice. She heard footsteps but didn't hear him call to her. "Lelouch?" She called nervously, worrying her lower lip lightly. Had someone broken in? Had something happened to him? When she looked up from the couch and saw him standing there, wearing his black and gold school uniform with a soft smile turning up his lips, she relaxed visibly.
He approached her calmly, gently picking her tiny form up. "Sorry I'm late, Nunnally," He stated in a loving yet apologetic tone, "but things didn't go as expected. Also, I brought a new friend home with me." She blinked curiously, her tiny arms wrapping around his neck to help keep her up.
"Another ghost?" She asked curiously, her deep purple eyes searching his for an answer. That was one of the things they shared; their eyes. Whenever Nunnally thought about how they had the same eye color she'd smile, because a lot of people tried to argue they weren't really related. Some people suggested they be cousins or something like that but she knew the truth and their eyes were all the evidence she needed. He chuckled lightly, his smile still in place, as he took her up the stairs to her room. Considering that she did not have the use of her legs and her wheelchair was too hard to get up and down this was her means of transportation. She loved it, though she knew it was a bit of a hassle, because it proved Lelouch loved her and let her cuddle in to him. She liked being able to feel his warmth, his presence reminding her that he wasn't going to let his work kill him. He wasn't going to end up like their mother.
"No, not another ghost," He hummed lightly, gently nudging her door open with the edge of his foot. Her room was the closest to the stairs, due to that fact and that it had the best view through the window. When Nunnally sat in at her desk and did her origami she could gaze outside, something he knew she loved to do. "I'll introduce you to him tomorrow. Also, Milly and Shirley will be coming over for a while."
Nunnally knew what that meant. As Lelouch set her down on the soft, cool comforter of her bed she looked at him. 'Do you have another job tomorrow?" She asked, fear and sadness creeping in to her voice. Lelouch blinked a bit and gave a sad little half smile.
"It's just an exorcism. Plus I need to do some shopping for groceries and for our guest," He stated, gently pulling back the blanket and draping it over his precious younger sister's form. He gently laid her down, brushed her caramel covered locks from her face and gently kissed her forehead. "I promise I'll be careful."
She nodded and opened her mouth to speak but instead she yawned. "Be sure to be extra careful, big brother," She stated softly, her voice slowly fading as she began to drift. A loud crashing followed by a series of loud, powerful barks suddenly shook the house. Nunnally, too tired to panic, looked at Lelouch with a sleepy glaze over all her features. "What was that?"
Lelouch gently took her hand and kissed it, a small reassuring smile slipping in to place. "I think our new guest just met our ghost friend for the first time," He stated softly. He watched the soft, even rise and fall of his sister's chest, assuring him she was okay and well on her way to dream land. He placed her hand down as if it were made of glass and stated walking out. His eyes switched his warm glow for a more agitated and his lips flat lined. He shut her door quietly before looking down the hall at his own, where he heard low snarling. "I told Cici not to sneak up on him." He cursed to himself flatly before walking at a casual pace and tossing open the door.
Suzaku was on the other side of the room, tail erect and touching the wall a bit. He was crouched low, lips turned up to reveal his pearly and pointed fangs. His haunches were on edge, as were every nerve and instinct in his body, and his eyes were a bit darker from his unconcealed rage. Lelouch then shifted his gaze to the girl floating a few inches from the ceiling, hands behind her head and a bored gleam in her amber orbs as she twirled to face him. Long tendrils of neon green hair trickled over her shoulders as she floated down to face him. "You didn't tell me you were bringing home a stray," She stated in her dull, unenthusiastic voice.
Suzaku jolted up, eyes narrowing even more at the strange ghost talking to his Partner. Lelouch casually walked around her and went to him. He gently stroked behind Suzaku's right ear while his other hand lightly scratched his chest, earning a wagging tail from the wolf. "He's my Partner, Cici," He stated calmly, continuing his ministrations,"so you better behave yourself. I won't tolerate fighting. I don't want Nunnally getting stressed out." Suzaku resisted the urge of flashing the now surprised ghost girl a victorious smirk. That and the fact he feared dif he did Lelouch would stop with the gentle coaxing of his fingers.
Cici growled a bit, crossing her arms. It was then Suzaku noticed she was wearing a long white trench coat-like article. Lelouch seemed to notice his gaze shift to the ghost and the cause of the wolf's confusion. "Cici lived a long time ago. Because she liked other girls her parents have her locked up in a mental asylum to receive treatment. The doctors accidently tried too hard and killed her when they decided to use shock therapy," He explained. She let out a small huffing noise at his brusque treatment of her terrible past but the blessed human merely shook her glare off casually. "Tomorrow we have a bit of work to do. An exorcism at noon and then we need to get you some clothes. You can turn in to a human, right?" He asked curiously.
Suzaku perked up, realizing that he was still currently his wolf self. Deciding conversation would be easier if he was a human Suzaku began the change back. Transforming in to a human was much easier than transforming in to a wolf. As his body returned to the form it was better adjusted to he heard a soft gasp come from his newfound Partner. He closed his eyes and relaxed, feeling the hairs on his body slowly returning inward, retracting in to him at his order. His organs shifted and he held back a yelp as a lung was scratched by a rib. Because of their ability to change werewolves had stronger innards than normal humans and wolves so as to not be killed when changing. Things like this happened often and only caused mild discomfort for Suzaku now. When it was over he knelt there, meeting the startled amethyst irises with his calm emerald spheres. Lelouch's hands were now located tangled in chocolate hued curls and his other hand rested on the beating heart of the other teen. Suzaku's hands, keeping him balanced, were thankfully covering his free manhood from view. "Oh my, Lelouch! Are you molesting him already?" Cici chided snidely, a devilish smirk working up her lips. Lelouch, suddenly realizing their closeness, stumbled back on his rear with a surprisingly shrill yelp.
Now, again, there were some things that Todo should have prepared the young men and women he sent out in to the world for properly. One was that they could not touch ghosts without their Partners hex. Another should have been that humans did not normally walk around naked, even in the safety of their own homes, and were not use to getting touchie-feelie with a nude stranger. Another to add to that list would be to not investigate if your nudity startles your Partner. Because Todo neglected to teach these things Suzaku was unprepared. So, being curious as he was, Suzaku crawled above a sputtering and frantic Lelouch. As he inched closer Lelouch leaned back, trying to get away. Lelouch ended up on his back with Suzaku's hands on either side of his head, looking at him with a troubled gleam. "What's wrong? Do you have a fever?" He asked, referring to the beet red now painting over the usually pale face. Cici was trying so hard not to laugh, clenching her side and biting her lip, face turning red with the effort.
Sadly Cici lost her control and fell in to the giggles, rolling in circles with her fit. Suzaku quickly shifted his gaze at her, thinking the ghost had finally gone daft. What's so funny?" He asked in annoyance, glaring at her. While his attention was diverted Lelouch looked for any means of escape. Instead he looked down and saw Suzaku's private area, just an inch or so from brushing his thigh. Lelouch felt his face turn even darker, if possible, and he quickly threw his head back roughly, making painful contact with his wooden floor.
'They're wrong! They're all wrong!' He thought in a frantic haze of embarrassment, 'They don't know what they're saying! Japanese men are not ill-equipped; not if he's the average size!' Suddenly seeming to realize his Partner was still below him, and worse for wear, Suzaku shifted back to him. Lelouch twitched before glaring angrily at him. "Would you kindly get off of me?!" He all but shrieked, earning another bout of laughter from the cynical ghost floating close by.
"Oh, okay, sorry," Suzaku stated calmly, pushing up and away from the blessed human having a heart attack beneath him. Lelouch sat up and took in a few gulps of air, trying desperately to regulate his breathing again. He pressed a hand to his heart, feeling it slowly return to a more normal rhythm. He sighed in relief after calming down and looked back at Suzaku, who had turned back in to a wolf while his attention was elsewhere.
"I have no idea how we're going to pull this off. People will freak out if they see a giant wolf following me around town but I think you'll get arrested if you walk around in nothing but your birthday suit," Lelouch stated, his regular tone of borderline monotonous slipping back in to place. Suzaku blinked a bit before yawning loudly and shaking his head. Lelouch sighed and stood, slipping out of his uniform jacket. He disappeared in to his closet and returned a moment later in the button up white shirt he wore beneath the jacket and a pair of black sweats. "I guess that will just have to wait until morning. It is almost midnight." He stated while flicking out the lights. He slipped under the covers, relaxing against the cool sheets, when a mass was suddenly taking up half his bed. And this mass was furry. And smelted of wet dog and mud. "Suzaku…" He trailed lowly, a bit of aggravation creeping in as well as exhaustion.
"I'm not sleeping on the floor. It's too cold and hard. Maybe if there was a cushion or something I'd say okay but not this time," He stated evenly, meeting Lelouch's gaze in the dark. Lelouch, having a growing suspicion that arguing would be pointless and the fact he was truly too tired to bicker with his Partner about something as trivial as designated sleeping area, sighed and turned around, letting Suzaku get comfy as he tried to relax on his side. Shortly after Lelouch had dozed off but for the next few hours the wolf beside him was wide awake.
Suzaku wanted to move, try to find a position that would help him sleep, but he was afraid of waking Lelouch. Not only that but it was less his position that had caused his sudden insomnia. Once settling down Suzaku began to wonder how his mother was. In the small clan village each family was given a small cottage to live in. It was really just one large room with a small stove and a large bed. Suzaku and his mother usually slept in the same bed to keep each other warm and to ward off the loneliness of his father's absence. The Alpha Male was given a tiny hut by himself if he decided to use it. Genbu Kururugi spent all his time there, preparing for battles but also when he ate and slept. Now that Suzaku was gone as well what would his mother do? Was she lying in bed, alone, missing him? Suzaku let out a small whimper at the thought of his mother being like that. He had the urge to run to her, to tell her he'd never leave and stay with her in the village. But Suzaku knew that if he left he'd be viewed as a disgrace and his mother would blame herself. Inside he was waging war against his instinct and his logic. He was torn from the battlefield when a hand scratched behind his right ear soothingly.
A very groggy Lelouch looked at him, eyes half open and a few tints lighter in the moonlight streaming in from the window. "Home sick?" He asked softly, voice carrying his exhaustion. Suzaku felt another rush of guilt at realizing he must have woken the sleeping human up. Lelouch moved a bit, turning on his opposite side so he could better see Suzaku. "What ever is bothering you isn't important right now. You pack is full of strong, responsible adults. Your parents are wise and were prepared for what it would be like without you the moment they consented to having you. And your friends are probably either with their Partners by now or taking care of themselves quite well. Do not worry about any of them; they can take care of themselves." Suzaku blinked a few times, truly surprised at Lelouch's ability to cancel out any fear that could have in one swift moment. A smile found its place on the young wolf's face and he settled down, closing his eyes and letting the comfort of sleep engulf him.
…
Suzaku's nose twitched three times, adjusting to a strange and unfamiliar smell wafting in the air around him. Slowly lifting his head and greeting the sunshine that shot in to his eyes with a low growl, Suzaku followed his nose out in to the dark hallway where he regained his sight. The smell was coming from downstairs, according to his nose. He looked around, seeing that the bed was empty of both he and Lelouch and that Cici was floating near the door, again seeming bored and disinterested in the things happening around her. Suzaku scoffed at her before beginning to head out. "Hey," Cici called flatly. He turned, ears back and a low growl rumbling in his throat. Because Cici was a ghost she had a smell similar to the ghost from the previous night. Because of this her scent agitated Suzaku's sensitive nose as well as his instinct to send her on to the next life and what that he'd been taught to, let see… send her to the next life!
"What do you want, creepy spirit?" He asked in annoyance. She scoffed, turned again in the air, then motioned with her hand to follow her. She floated over toward the desk and he followed, curious as to what she wanted to show him. Folded neatly on the wooden face of the desk was a set of his clothes from home. He smiled happily as he shifted back to a human. He began dressing, slipping on his boxers and the light blue jeans first. He then paused, realizing that clothes don't just appear magically in the middle of the night. "How did these get here?" He asked, looking at Cici.
"Some she-wolf dropped them off for you," She stated, flicking her hair back over her shoulder so that it fell with the rest. He looked at her, pressing for more than that. She rolled her eyes and threw herself in to a sitting position. She crossed her legs together Indian style and looked at him. "She looked a lot like you, only a little more petite and, again, female. She came by this morning and left them with Lelouch. They talked a little bit, like they knew each other or something, and then she headed off. Happy now?" She asked with a sigh, as if he had just asked her to list all the items off of the periodic table of elements, if they were deadly or not and why. He smiled, gently sniffing his shirt and finding a trace hint of his mother's smell lingering on the soft fabric. He quickly put on the long sleeved tan top, hooked the strange black strap that went across his chest in to place, and slid on his jacket. He smiled, moving in the clothes to remember the feel. He'd never stayed as a wolf for so long and it actually felt nice to let his bones rest.
"Thanks for telling me," He stated cheerfully before heading down the stairs. Cici watched him go before sighing to herself, unfolding her legs, and returned to lounging in the air lazily like a cloud.
…
Lelouch smiled a bit as he cooked. Nunnally sat at the table in her chair, watching him and telling him about her activities at school the day before. "Even though Raito and Mimiru are fighting I don't think it will last much longer. Raito told me he feels bad about what he said so I suggested he try apologizing to her about it," Nunnally explained happily, eyes bright with her joy at being able to suggest help to a friend. Using the spatula Lelouch quickly flipped the pancake out of the hot pan and on to the plate with the others. He dripped a bit more batter in and watched the creamy mixture bubble lightly. He then turned to another pan and checked the sizzling bacon. Using a fork, and be careful not to get scalded by burning hot grease, he slipped that on to the napkin covered plate. He placed another napkin on top of the fresh bacon and placed a few more slices in to the bubbling pan.
"I think that was a very good thing to tell him, Nunnally. They need to work out their problems with one another but that doesn't mean you can't try to help guide them on the right path," He stated proudly, flashing her a small smile before quickly turning back to the stove top, flipping the pancake over and checking the bacon. He perked up when he sensed Suzaku in the kitchen doorway. He turned back and smiled at the confused looking wolf boy. "Good morning Suzaku. Nunnally, this is our new friend I told you about." He stated calmly. Suzaku looked at them and his gaze locked on Nunnally.
'Damaged,' Was all that ran through Suzaku's mind when he saw Nunnally. In the pack damaged pups were killed so that there would be more resources for the strong and healthy. He knew humans did things much differently than werewolves but he didn't think they let their damaged young last. He blinked when he realized she was smiling at him.
"It's nice to meet you, Suzaku," She giggled happily while offering him her hand, "I'm Nunnally." Suzaku was a little confused but reached out and took her small hand in his own. He was almost afraid to tighten his hold too much because her hand was so small and frail. She smiled warmly and he felt himself smile back. She took her hand back calmly and he sat down to her left. Lelouch slipped over to the table, carrying the plate of fresh pancakes, before setting them in the center and quickly darted to the other side of the small room. Suzaku watched with keen interest as Lelouch then went to the fridge, pulled out the maple syrup, opened a cabinet, pulled out three more plates, then skittered back to the table. Nunnally smiled at him. "Thank you, big brother." She stated as he set a plate in front of her, used a fork to place two pancakes on her plate, and offered the maple syrup. She took it as he handed a plate to Suzaku and placed one at the empty spot to Nunnally's right.
"They're called pancakes. Try them out," He explained when he saw the confused look on Suzaku's face. The wolves did eat food that was cooked but it was usually just meat or vegetable stews. They kept things basic to avoid clutter of materials needed for preparing meals in case they needed to move to a new land. Lelouch sighed as Suzaku just kept staring, sniffing at the pancakes a bit. He calmly used the fork to place three of the larger pancakes on his plate as Nunnally set the syrup next to him. "Nunnally, would you put some syrup on those for him?" He asked before quickly rushing back to the stove, turning off the hot pans and bringing over the plate with a neat pile of bacon on it.
Nunnally smiled as she popped the top open again on the large plastic bottle. She leaned over and dripped the rich amber liquid on to the lightly tanned pancakes. She then popped the lid closed again and set it next to Lelouch as he sat and set the bacon next to the pancakes. Suzaku picked up his fork and knife curiously, sticking one in to the fluffy food and slowly cutting a chunk off of it. Lelouch and Nunnally watched with acute interest, briefly exchanging looks, before watching as the cautious wolf took his first bite of what was considered "human food". Suzaku sat for a moment, the fork still in his mouth, as he swallowed the unfamiliar concoction. He slowly looked up, emerald eyes turning a few shade lighter with delight. "This is…good!" He yelped eagerly before going back to cutting another bite for himself. Lelouch and Nunnally exchanged smiles before they began eating their breakfast as well. Lelouch then perked up and distributed the bacon, giving each of them five pieces to start.
After an enjoyable breakfast Lelouch did a quick load of dishes before slipping on a red and black jacket. He then grabbed a small package tied up in brown paper. Suzaku perked up and looked at it curiously. "Is that for the exorcism we have to do?" He asked as Lelouch shoved his dark blue wallet in to the back pocket of his jeans. Lelouch nodded slightly before he looked over at Nunnally, folding a few paper swans out of colored paper. He smiled and walked over, causing her to look up from her work.
"I should only be gone for an hour or two. Milly and Shirley shall be here any moment but if you want we can wait until they get here to leave," He explained, worry lacing his tone. Nunnally smiled at him sweetly, gently taking one of his hands.
"I'll be fine on my own for a few minutes, Lelouch. Besides, tardiness is looked down upon when you're supposed to do a job," She said lightly. He smiled and nodded before letting Nunnally return to her origami. He turned to Suzaku.
"Our appointment isn't too far from here but we also have some shopping to do," He stated while heading out of the kitchen and to the front door. He smiled a bit at hearing his Partner rush to catch up and get to his side. They headed out in to the warm sunshine of the mid morning. Suzaku looked about, startled to see they were still on the school grounds. Last night he'd been too dazed by finding his Partner so easily to notice where they were going. Lelouch noted his surprised expression. "We've been given permission to live on the school grounds as long as I keep the ghosts and such either under control or out of the territory. It's a fair trade for free housing. Not only that but exorcisms are starting to be in higher demand."
Suzaku blinked, remembering his mother telling him something about this. Recently more vengeful spirits were running a muck thanks to Slayers killing werewolves and aiding in keeping the Ghost Slayers in the shadow of their powers. With fewer wolves and less skilled GSlayers, as some called them, things were getting out of hand. A bit of rage swirled in Suzaku's gut, his eyes hardening on the ebony haired male leading him out in to the busy streets. "Are you saying that you're using murder to finance your own causes?" He asked with contempt. Lelouch glanced at him, amethyst spheres gleaming with a mix of curiosity and a spark of understanding.
"This world is extremely different than the one you were raised in. In this world," He explained slowly without looking at him,"you have to do what ever it takes to survive. Not only that but no Ghost Slayer has ever done this for free. Even in the feudal era people accepted things like food or gold in return for aiding in the extermination of harmful apparitions." Suzaku growled lowly, not agreeing with his Partners factual outlook on it. Despite his disagreement of views, Suzaku kept his mouth shut, knowing that if he tried to press the matter he'd only be proven wrong ethically with more facts and figures.
…
The house they arrived at looked like it came from one of those magazines about family living. The dark and light blue house, the white picket fence, the oak tree in the front with a homemade tire swing on a branch dangling from longest branch that dipped down, the fresh cut green grass and the smell of it hovering in the air as they walked up the little stone front steps. It was all neat, orderly, and perfect. Lelouch had been surprised when he'd scoped the house out three nights ago. He always did that; go to the home of an upcoming exorcism at night to check for anything suspicious that would be important later. He didn't consider it creeping because he really wouldn't care if the tables were turned. He'd just guess it was for some plausible reason for the hired exorcist to walk around his yard in the dead of night like some kind of creeper. Then again, Lelouch probably only thought like this because he was extremely rational and jaded. He knocked the brass knocker calmly before looking at Suzaku. "No transforming and stay quiet," He ordered strictly. The taller male opened his mouth to protest just as the door turned. He then drew his lips together in what Lelouch assumed was meant to be a scowl but more resembled a pout.
The woman that answered looked weary and older than her actual age. Her shoulder length curls of ruby locks were tangled and looked like they needed a deep, long shampooing. Her eyes were a dull and worn muddy brown, made darker by the black bags under them. Her cheeks were a little sunken in, her skin an almost grey hue. She wore an old nightgown that Lelouch assumed was either originally light blue or purple. It was a bit ruined, with little rips and stains all over it. This was the first parent, Mikoto Takamoto, mother of two boys named Coud and Rowin. She had made the call about four days ago requesting Lelouch's assistance. "Hello, Mrs. Takamoto," He stated in an even, detached voice.
"You're Lelouch Lamperogue?" She asked, alarm switching to make her seem her proper age of twenty eight. This always happened when he showed up for the appointment; he knew exactly what she'd say next. "I believe you are mistaken. I was told a professional was coming to handle this and you are just a child." Bingo. Another reason Lelouch charged his clients; if they were honestly going to hope for some priest or daft old man to come by their home to save their child instead of him he earned the cash.
"I can assure you there is no mistake, ma'am," He stated calmly. He heard Suzaku snickering behind him and resisted the urge to hit his Partner in the gut with his rather pointy elbow. "Now, ma'am, I think it'd be best if I saw your son. It is Coud that's ailing, correct?" She gasped lightly at his inquiry. She hadn't mentioned it but Lelouch had become very good at this. He could sense the presence coming from upstairs near the window he had decided had to be the youngest son's room. He just guessed on the name.
She moved aside, surprise and hope making her face come to life again. Lelouch slipped in with Suzaku close after, who was watching these people curiously and keeping his eyes on Lelouch. He was a little suspicious that his human Partner was the type to gamble and swindle people out of their money. "I'll take you upstairs to his room," She stated quickly, shuffling up the stairs at a surprising speed. Lelouch followed, the picture perfect example of calm in a stressful situation, with the doubtful and somewhat skeptical Suzaku pulling up the rear.
Lelouch stood outside the white door, a home-made wooden block hanging from the pale surface by a chain. In perfect block letters painted blue was the name Coud. He slowly opened it and even when it was just a little crack, a small sliver of the room exposed to them, Lelouch and Suzaku flinched back. The maleficent aura in the room was thick and dangerous, its power making Suzaku growl low and dig his nails in to his fists until blood was drawn to keep back from giving in to the instinct to change. "Lelouch," He stated lowly, entire body shaking with the resistance. The paler boy looked at him and nodded.
"Suzaku, if it's too much you can wait down stairs," He stated in a calm, understanding voice. Instead of accepting his Partner's offer he shook his head savagely. Lelouch's brows came together in concern, a worried scowl working on his lips. "This aura is having an affect on you and it's not a positive one. Go downstairs until I'm done." His voice was more demanding, more of a barked order than a suggestion for the wolf's own safety. Though his face painted a mask of a harsh boy ordering another out of annoyance Suzaku could see the thin film of worry for his well being coating the dark purple eyes of the other male.
"I'm you're Partner, Lelouch," He began strongly, "so I'm not leaving your side. No matter what happens I'm here to help you." Lelouch tried to ignore the small burst of warmth in his chest at Suzaku's words. He was so used to trying to do things on his own and succeeding that the idea of another person helping, someone standing by his side, was completely foreign. He nodded, though, curious as to how things could play out if he accepted the help. Suzaku gave a triumphant smile as Lelouch finished opening the door and heading in.
The child on the bed was definitely worse for wear. His eyes were wide open, unblinking and unmoving, with what appeared to be a murky film covering the true color from view. His hair was the same curly red as his mother's and in a similar shape, needing a long shower. His body was frail and seemed to be nothing more than bones with a white sheet wrapped snugly around the bones. His mouth was partially open and a soft rasping noise echoed in the small space as he tried to take in air. His chest heaved and shook with the effort he was making, trying to live despite his condition. Suzaku twitched, the bones of his hands cracking in attempts to shift with an audible popping. He gripped his hands in to tight fists, ignoring the mind numbing pain that followed, as he tried to force them back to human shape. Lelouch glanced at him and then turned to Mrs. Takamoto who was gazing at Suzaku worriedly. "Please head downstairs. We can't risk the spirit jumping in to another body before it can be destroyed," He explained smoothly, moving fluidly to the boy's bedside. She gave a last, worried look at the peculiar pair before heading back down the way they'd come. Suzaku followed and stood a few feet away, his body refusing to permit him any closer.
Lelouch remained calm and collected as he unwrapped the strange brown package he'd been carrying the whole time. The paper fell away to reveal a white cardboard box which he opened as well. When his hand returned from the box a small skull with a large crack on its left side sat in the palm of his hand. Suzaku's eyes widened with horror and he stepped back a bit, back hitting the wall. "What the hell is that?!" He snapped indignantly. Lelouch glanced at him again before setting the small skull on the young boy's weak torso.
"I make sure to check for anything scandalous in my clients' pasts," Lelouch explained while pulling an extractor knife from the box as well, "and I found out a thing or two. This child's father was previously married and had a daughter with his first wife. However, they were killed by a hired hand when she demanded he pay child support if he left her for his current wife. The police never found evidence to link the case and hitman to him but it was something that you don't need a degree to piece together. I assume it's the dead daughter, trying to take his youngest son away from him as revenge." He stated while slitting his right index finger with the small knife. He reached over and traced the long crack with it, not even wincing at the pain from forcing and the bitter sting of the slice itself. "You'd be surprised how often little children are the victim's of their parents' dark pasts."
"Are you going to tell the wife?" Suzaku asked suspiciously. After all, if the guy had killed once, wasn't that a sign he could kill again? Lelouch sighed softly as the skull began shaking, slowly tumbling off the boy's torso and toward him.
Lelouch stood just as bright white light flashed from the eye sockets, causing both Lelouch and Suzaku to be temporarily blinded. When their vision cleared a little girl with long blond hair and bright brown eyes stared at them. Blood ran from a long gash on her head, flowing like a waterfall from her shoulder and hair to the floor. Her eyes gleamed scornfully at the blessed human who had forced her from her hiding spot. "Suzaku, go get the wife and husband. She can't hurt them without a host," The wolf nodded at the order and quickly darted out, silently thankful to escape the little girl's wrathful presence. Another second and he would have shifted, no matter how hard he struggled. The little girl watched his retreat and then looked back at Lelouch. "So you must be Yuuka Takamoto, I assume."
She scoffed at him, turning her head back to the young boy she'd been haunting. "If you're going to say I shouldn't be doing bad things, save it. I don't want to go to Heaven anyway," She stated evenly, watching how the freed child's breathing gradually stabilized, the gooey coating on his eyes disappearing gradually. "And now you've ruined my months of hard work! Thanks a lot!"
Suzaku returned with the two adults, both staring at the little girl with wide eyes. "Yuuka," The male, Kei Takamoto, whispered. Her eyes hardened on him, eyes sharpening to a dagger sharp glare.
"Your deceased daughter has a few words for you. Considering everything you put her mother and her through before having them killed I suggest you listen. It could mean saving your son's life," Lelouch stated calmly, placing the knife back in the box.
"You had us killed and then lied about it! You always told me when you do something bad it's always better to tell the truth, no matter what! And you said you loved me and that I was your little princess! You promised to always love me and take care of me!" She screamed with all her rage, eyes welling with bitter tears. A few slipped down her pale cheeks. "Go back and tell them what you did! Go to jail for what you've done or I'll kill your precious Coud! I'll kill him like you killed me and Mommy!" The man's head lowered, his wife staring at him in horror. He nodded slowly before rising and heading out, calling the cops as he left. The girl looked back at Lelouch, still waiting calmly for her to finish. "I'm ready to receive my punishment as well."
He rose slowly, pulling a small object from his pocket. He held out a little golden locket shaped like a heart on a rusty chain. The girl gasped lightly, hand covering her mouth. "This time you'll be laid to rest with your mother's locket. Use it to help guide your way to Heaven," He stated, flashing her a small smile while setting the small trinket in the box. She blinked, a few more tears falling from her eyes, before smiling back and disappearing, her skull floating gently in to the awaiting box. He looked at the crying mother before him. Lay this box to rest in your yard, under the oak tree. Her mother's remains are already there. If you do that you'll never have to worry about evil spirits attacking your family again." He stated. Se took the box, looked at it, and then back at him.
"What about my Coud? Were you too late to…" She trailed fearfully. Lelouch did not answer, merely walked to the door. Suzaku looked at him curiously, seeing a small smirk turning up the male's lips. Suddenly the woman gasped and Suzaku looked over. She set the box down gently on the bed and rushed forward, embracing the child now sitting up with a curious gleam in his sleepy brown eyes.
"Mommy? What time is it? How long have I been asleep?" He asked with a cute little yawn. She didn't answer, just clutching him to her and weeping happily.
"Thank you, young man," She stated to Lelouch's back. He nodded a bit but didn't say a word before walking off, his strange brunette friend following closely at his heels. She smiled before turning back to her son, adorning him with her joy and love.
…
"How did you do all that?" Lelouch glanced up at Suzaku curiously as they headed to the store. He then looked forward again as they walked. "I mean, how did you get her skull and move the mother's body and all of that?"
"Ever hear of grave robbers? They really do have some intelligent ideas," He stated simply, not halting when the werewolf did. Suzaku' gawked, mouth open and eyes wide and head tilted to one side. Was Lelouch implying he robbed the mother's grave before burying her in the yard, instead of back in the cemetery? That would explain the locket.
'Dear God,' Suzaku thought fearfully, 'I'm Partner's with a criminal!' As for the raven haired male a sinister smirk turned up his lips, a glint of mischief in his amethyst eyes.
'It's a good thing he's so gullible; he's fun to mess around with,' He thought with an evil laugh. He continued walking, not even waiting for his stunned and disturbed Partner to catch up.
End
This was longer than I planned/expected but I'm happy with it. The same thing sticks here people, you review, I write. Also, please check out my profile. I have a poll up that is in desperate need of some votes. So, review, vote and I'll give you more!