I still can't believe it. It's just something that my mind refuses to comprehend.
So much for 'nine lives.'
But that's all right. They'll both pay.
I slam the door of the rather lavish office open, glare set hard into my features. The fast, steady clicks of Ishiro's fingers on the laptop keyboard halt and he glances up with a look that's a mix of annoyance and curiosity.
"And just what did I do to make you so upset, Hirami?" One brow arches elegantly as he asks this, his chin resting on his hand.
"Oh, it's not you," I growl, failing to keep the anger out of my voice, "it's Kiyo, or, more specifically, Bladen."
"You're always having trouble with those two," he sighs, sounding almost disappointed that it's not something else, "you should pick fights with other people for a change."
I briefly wonder if he was actually being serious when he said that, but quickly drop the subject. "Arashi is dead," I hiss, slamming my hands down on the desk, "he's actually gone, and it's their fault."
"Another failure..." he mutters, leaning back in his chair slightly, "Dakumi failed to mention Bladen had actually managed to kill Arashi despite the power he's supposed to have." His gaze focuses on me, dangerous glow in his slightly narrowed aqua eyes; the glow that generally foreshadows suffering.
And he's quite fond of shooting the messenger.
"Dakumi must not have known at the time he reported it," I say, shaking my head slightly, "I just found out myself. The twins were headed upstairs to tell him when I left." Ishiro nods in understanding, the glow fades, and I mentally sigh in relief. Dakumi doesn't need any more problems than he already has.
"Well, I assume you came asking for help then.�"
"Yes, sir, if it's not too much trouble."
"Causing me trouble is not the issue, Hirami-kun. Few things do. Whether or not you're willing to...pay is the issue." And that suggestive smirk makes it clear just what type of 'payment' this requires.
I can't tell if he's giving me a chance to walk away because of a random fit of generosity, or because he knows that I won't back down from a chance to avenge Ara. In any case, I take a deep breath and seal my fate.
"I will do anything it takes," I say, surprised that I managed to say that without the slightest hesitation, "anything to strike back at them."
"Your dedication amazes me, Hirami-kun," Ishiro informs me, smirk widening, "and for that, I suppose you can wait until your plot of revenge is finished before you pay the high price for it." He's silent for a few moments, calculating look in his eyes, smirk fading slightly as he thinks. He nods slightly, as if finalizing his plan to himself, then shifts his gaze up to met mine.
"I'd let you off completely, but the way things work out, Bladen might be lost too, and it'd be your fault. I really can't afford that, so you have to pay for us taking such a big risk, you see."
"I understand," I insist, not caring about how the aftereffects will affect myself, "just tell me what I have to do." The last part very nearly becomes a plea, and though I want to smack myself for sounding so pathetic, it only seems to amuse Ishiro more.
"Listen," he says, waving a hand slightly before clasping them together, "people are very predictable. If our dear MIA Adel were to hear that Arashi was looking for him, he'd be here in five minutes. If Bladen were to be sent after him, he would take Kiyoshi. What does that tell you, Hirami-kun?"
"That we�re going to lure Adel here and set up an 'accident?'"
"Smart boy..." he muses, with an almost genuine smile, "that's right, we're going to get Adel to be the bait in this little trap. You'll have to make sure that the gun Kiyoshi takes with him is nearly unloaded. Leave one bullet so that if he fires before it's too late, he doesn't realize what's wrong."
I nod slightly, "And that's all?"
"The rest," Ishiro informs me with a knowing smirk, "is up to luck. Adel takes advantage of the fact the kid has no bullets left, is about to finish him when Bladen shows up and takes the hit, you know..." He leans back with a decidedly innocent look, as if it really will be up to luck; just a coincidence. "It's a risk, but I have a feeling luck will favor us."
That was four days ago, and I got word this morning today was the day things were to be set in motion. While Kiyo and the twins were over in the break room, I made my move and switched Kiyo's loaded gun with my near-empty one. The gun I use is heavier than his, even though they're quite similar, so he won't notice it feels oddly light.
Now Kiyo should be heading up the stairs any moment and I just have to see the look on his face as he tries to figure out why I'm smirking at him. He's so oblivious it's sad.
Sure enough, here comes Kiyo, running up the stairs, already giving me a confused look. I think he's surprised I haven't tried to shove him back down the aforementioned stairs yet. I have to try really hard not to laugh as I push past him and head downstairs, ducking into the elevator first chance I get. I spot Bladen near the building doors as the elevator ones slide shut, just as oblivious to his fate as Kiyo is. I can't help it anymore, and end up laughing all the way to the tenth floor.
