One Week

Friday: Truth Returning

Jade green eyes stared absentmindedly out the tinted windows of the limo. Crawford was
making another attempt to de-brief the rest of Schwartz on their work, ending with the
American muttering something about how lazy they all were and that they should take
their work more seriously. A smirk crept upon the German's face, and the leader of
Schwartz took notice.

"So, you think this is FUNNY?" 
"Aw, lighten up, Mr. Leader...if you get any more uptight, your ass will implode..." 
That comment earned him small chuckles from Nagi and Farfarello, while Crawford shot
them REALLY nasty looks. Schuldich sighed, returning his gaze to the window as the
American continued to lecture the others.
~More work for the dark ones, eh?~ The German muttered to himself. Today's
job seemed fairly simple: Stand guard at another one of Estet's business deals. It was
going to happen at a birthday party being thrown for one of the high-ranking officials.
Schuldich's train of thought derailed as Crawford's deep, authorative voice announced
their arrival. The four of them approached the large, elaborate mansion, decorated with
flowers, ballons, and streamers for the event. One of Estet's agents met the group at the
door, and led them down a long corridor, passing the main ballroom where the party was
being held. 
"Oh, we don't get to join in on the fun?" Schuldich inquired, in a voice that was
half-wimpering.
"We need the four of you to protect Lady Nagisa." came the agent's response.
"And I was hoping I'd get a chance to play..." The fiery red-head gave a playful sigh as
they reached a door.
"Lady Nagisa and her associates should be here in about 20 minutes. Two of you will
guard this entrance, and there is a back door that the other two will guard." 
Crawford and Farfarello went to guard the back door, while Nagi and the German stood
guard at the front. Seeing that this would probably one of their more boring assignments,
Schuldich took to teasing Nagi to pass the time. The young Japanese boy leaned against a
wall, dark eyes darting back and forth, not uttering a sound. 

~Oi, you're awfully quiet today...~
~Leave me alone, Schuderich. I don't need your taunting me. We have work to do!~
~Please, you're beginning to sound like Crawford...~ Schuldich grinned at Nagi, who
didn't respond. 
"Shutting your mind off to me, eh? Has our leader's anal-retentiveness rubbed off on
you?"
No response.
"Ah, I get it! That Schreient brat giving you hell?"
Nagi silently cursed as a blush crept across his face, while the German flashed a grin at
him.
"Woman trouble, eh? I understand. Somethings are better left unspoken..."
Schuldich and Nagi quietly waited for something--ANYTHING to happen. It had been
only 10 minutes, but the fiery-red head thought he was going to die from boredom. 

~Hmm...maybe Weiß'll show up. Then we'll get to have some fun, eh?~
~Heh. You know the REAL reason why you want them to show...~ 
It was his conciousness again. Damn! Of all times for his conciousness to kick in,
although he secretly hoped that Weiß would show. Schuldich laughed slightly; the
German never thought that he'd actually look forward to an attack from Weiß.

*******

The White Hunters sped down the road in Youji's jeep, heading for another mission. This
mission seemed simple enough. Kill a druglord named Lady Nagisa, who sold dangerous
experimental drugs through the black market. She and her goons would be at some
birthday party. 
"Is everyone ready?" Omi asked as Youji's jeep approached and stopped at the mansion.
The other three nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, this should be an easy enough mission. Since this is a party, maybe I'll get to meet
some ladies..." 
"Mou! Youji-kun!!" Ken chuckled slightly at Omi's protest.
"Yeah, I just hope Schwartz isn't here. Things get ugly when they're involved..."
All conversation trailed off into silence in Aya's mind. Fiery-red locks and shimmering
jade crept into his mind once more. That nasal voice beckoned to him, and Aya wanted
those strong arms draped around his chest once more...
~BASTARD!! Why am I thinking of him like THAT again?! He's our enemy!~
"...got that Aya? Aya? Oi, Aya??!!" Ken's voice boomed at him, shattering his mental
images.
"Eh?" 
"I said that once Omi kills the electricity, me and Youji would enter through the back,
while you take the front door...." 
"Ah. Let's go then." 

******

Schuldich and Nagi were still guarding the front door where the deal was taking place.
Lady Nagisa and co. had arrived about 25 min. ago, and so far, all was quiet, until the
thundering of explosions rang through the air, and the lights went out.
"Looks like we get to play after all..." Schuldich muttered through the darkness.
~Get ready. Someone's coming.~ 
The dark-haired Japanese youth held his palms in front of him, ready to use his powers.
Suddenly, bloody screams, gunshots, and the sound of weapons clashing came from the
room behind them. ~Sooner than I expected. Not bad, Weiß...~ Schuldich smirked. Swift
footsteps approached them as Nagi shot as blast of ki, knocking the attacker further back.
Shattering of glass, a groan.
~Allow me.~
~Sure.~~Pale. Glowing. Heavenly. Just like him...~
As he pulled the trigger, the lights came back on, to reveal Aya, clutching his right
shoulder as blood poured freely over the wound. The German's mind went frantic for a
few moments at seeing who it was he'd shot. More gunfire and weapons clashing came
from the room; a woman's scream announced that Lady Nagisa was dead. Someone
began to pound on the door.
~Tell our leader that I've got other business to attend to...~
~Nani? What are you--~ Before Nagi could finish, Schuldich was bent over Aya, who
was on the verge of passing out from the loss of blood. 

"Take care of Weiß for me, ne?" 

As the door burst open, Schuldich disappeared from the window ledge, leaving the
dark-haired Japanese boy to fight off the rest of Weiß, until Crawford and Farfarello
joined him. It didn't take the three Schwartz members long to kick Weiß's ass once more. 

Meanwhile, Schuldich flitted through the night, holding Aya like he was one of those
crystal figurines; beautiful, but easily breakable. The tall red-head wanted to die for
pulling that trigger. What if he died before the German could treat his wounds? His mind
buzzed, fussing like a mother hen as he ran across the tops of buildings, the moon being
his only guidepost.

~Note to self: Next time, read the thoughts of who you shoot, moron...~ 

Part 6?
Reading Room?