by Haruka

He could hear the shouting before he'd even reached the corridor. As Fish Eye drew nearer, the words became clearer as well as louder.
"You're going to ruin the entire mission! Why can't you just follow orders?!"
"Maybe if they weren't _your_ orders, I wouldn't mind following them!"
"But the official orders are to follow _my_ orders!"
"Good grief," Fish Eye murmured under his breath then knocked on the door.
"Go away, we're busy!"
"Kei, be still! Come in!"
Fish Eye opened the door and stepped inside. He looked between Kei and Yuri, who were glaring at each other. "I'm sorry to interrupt but I _am_ here to help."
"Good, because Kei needs lots of it," Yuri replied.
"You're the one who's full of herself!" Kei accused.
"Kei," Fish Eye began, "I know you don't like it, but for this assignment you _have_ to accept Yuri as your Mistress."
"She'll take advantage! I know she will!"
"She'll act like any other Mistress, won't you, Yuri?" Fish Eye looked at the lilac-haired girl.
"Of course," she said lightly. "That's the whole idea, isn't it?"
Fish Eye studied her closely, then nodded. "I believe you."
"Why would you believe _her_?!" Kei demanded.
"You'd better start believing her, too," Fish Eye gave her a direct look. "Your safety is in her hands while you're there, and vice versa."
"That's a scary thought," Kei grumbled.
"You're not fooling me, Kei," Fish Eye said. "You and Yuri have been partners for a long time. You may not have always liked each other, but the Lovely Angels were always a good team."
Kei and Yuri both opened their mouths to scream, "LOVELY " then stopped, blinking. "Hey," Yuri said slowly, "you _did_ call us the Lovely Angels!"
"Of course I did," Fish Eye replied. "Now let's get down to business."
"Heel, Kei," Yuri said.
"Shaddup!" Kei bellowed.
"Wrong," Fish Eye told them. "Yuri, you're not supposed to tell Kei to heel because she's already supposed to know that she should. Kei, you stay close to Yuri until she dismisses you, and always in a position of submission. If she's seated, you kneel. If she's standing, you stand behind her and off to one side. If she walks, you do your best to stay in that place."
"In other words, heel," Yuri said.
"Well, yes." Fish Eye shrugged.
"I'm not going to bow and scrape to Yuri and that's final!" Kei folded her arms.
The Changechild turned toward her, eyes flashing.
"_I_ did it!" he snapped. "And not with anyone who was familiar to me, but with a total stranger! A demon who abused his own brother and enjoyed it! And I did more than just bow to him, Kei, I spread my legs for him. Why? Because if I didn't, I might have blown my cover and both I and my partner would have been killed!" Fish Eye pulled his robe around himself a little more closely. "Consider yourself lucky to be working with Yuri. The better she plays her part, the safer you'll be from on-the-job seduction training such as Van and I received."
Kei held his gaze for a long time, then slowly let her arms drop to her sides. "Tell me what to do first."

"Come in," Setsuna said in answer to the knock at her office door. It opened and Duo walked in.
"Hey!" he greeted. "How are things going?"
"Very well, actually. Their phony passports are in order, all their I.D. and financial info accounted for. We've ascertained the precise docking time of the ship in both ports, which is good as ships of this nature don't remain in port for long too afraid of scrutiny by local authorities." She glanced at him. "Any word on how the recruits are doing with their crash-course training?"
"I know Fish Eye's been going around to them all probably pushing himself too hard. I think everyone's taking this seriously, though."
Setsuna nodded. "Good," she said, and returned to her paperwork. After a few moments, she realized Duo hadn't moved and looked at him curiously. "Was there something else?"
"Just one thing." He perched himself on the edge of her desk. "I want to go on this mission, Set."
"No," she answered firmly.
"Why not?" Duo asked in surprise.
"Because there are enough of our people going in already and their roles have been carefully planned out. You can't go in on your own and I'm not setting you up with a partner."
"Why _can't_ I go in on my own? I'm used to working alone, anyway."
Her ruby eyes met his purple ones seriously. "Duo, no."
He pouted, hoping she might be wavered by the cute-little-boy look. However, she ignored him and focused back on her papers. Duo sighed and slid off the desk.
"Okay, okay. If you say no, then it's no. You're the boss lady after all."
"Hmm," Setsuna said distractedly, "right."
Duo glanced back at her. "But it's okay if I help the others, right?"
"Sure ... of course." Setsuna wrote something down and turned the paper over.
"Okay, then! See ya later!" Duo left the room and closed the door after him and thoughtfully tapped his chin. "Hmm, now what would be the best way for me to help the others?" He grinned. "I know! By going on the mission!" He gave the closed door a sheepish look. "And what Set doesn't know, _right away_, won't hurt me!"

Chihaya looked up at Nuriko as he joined them at the table in the instructors' lounge. "Why are we eating here instead of the cafeteria? Signal, Yui, and I aren't even allowed here."
"You're all here because we need to practice being a family as much as we can," Nuriko answered. "We'll have to eat together in the dining area of the ship sometimes, and we have to be believable." He sat back in his chair. "All right, on the ship, there should be staff who will bring the meals and generally serve, but Fish Eye said that all Pets must be able to serve as well, because they might be required to if their Master invites guests to their cabin. So Yui, Kenshin, get to it."
Kenshin nodded politely. "Yes, Master," he said, and went to take the full plates off the cart that had been sent down from the kitchen. Yui hastily followed suit.
"Will you and Signal be able to eat in public?" Nuriko asked Pulse. "I know you don't generally eat at all."
"Well, _I_ don't," Pulse said with a significant look in Signal's direction. "He does, because he can't resist sweets, especially chocolate, but neither of us _has_ to eat. When necessary, we can go through the motions and empty out our internal disposal trays later."
Yui carefully placed a plate in front of Chihaya. "Um, what happens to Pets who spill food on their Masters again?" she asked nervously.
"Let's not find out first hand," Kenshin told her, pouring tea for Nuriko.
"You know you don't have anything to worry about in private," Nuriko told them. "It's only when we're with other Masters that you have to be careful."
"Mmm, it smells good," Chihaya said, sniffing the rich aroma of his lasagna.
Pulse watched Kenshin and Yui finish serving, then nodded toward the cart. "You two can take your own plates now."
"Yes, Master," they said in unison, then looked at each other. Yui almost giggled, but Kenshin shook his head slightly and returned to the cart. He picked up a plate and handed it to her, then took one for himself. Yui waited until she saw him kneel by Pulse's feet, then she awkwardly followed suit beside Nuriko.
"Do they really have to eat on the floor?" Signal asked. "It's kind of weird, isn't it?"
"This whole assignment is based on weirdness," Pulse retorted. "But it's important that we do things as these people do them."
"They may not have to eat on the floor every time," Nuriko said. "We'll play it by ear and see what the other Masters do."
"At least if I drop my fork, it won't have far to fall," Yui joked.
"But it will make noise and be viewed as clumsiness, so don't do it," Nuriko said, looking down to where she knelt by him. "Don't do _anything_ that will force us to take action in public. Please."
"Believe me, I don't want to force you to do _anything_," Yui said firmly. "I'll play this part right if it kills me."
"If you don't, it will," Pulse replied. "Now be quiet and eat. Pets should be seen and not heard."
"That's our daddy," Signal smirked. "Born to be a Master."
"When _you_ were born, I should have sent you _back_!"
"Pulse, don't sink to the level of trading barbs with our son," Nuriko told him. "If you don't like his attitude, tell him so."
Pulse glared at his brother. "I don't like your attitude!"
"I don't like your face," Signal replied.
"It's _your_ face, too, remember?!"
"It looks better on me."
"Maybe it would look better with my fist in it!"
"Try it and see!"
Chihaya smiled wanly at Nuriko. "I just love these peaceful family dinners, Mama."
"I know, dear." Nuriko sighed as he watched Pulse chase Signal around the table while Kenshin and Yui skittered under it for safety. "I know."

Hiei lowered himself onto his bed and tried not to smile. There were definitely going to be advantages to this assignment. Not that he enjoyed the thought of treating Kurama as less than an equal, but it gave them an excuse to try things they hadn't before. For instance, at that moment, Kurama was readying himself for bed. He'd promised 'Master' Hiei something special and the Master in question could hardly wait to see what it was.
"Please close your eyes, Master Hiei," came Kurama's voice from the bathroom.
"Hn," Hiei replied, "I don't think it's a good idea for a Master to close his eyes on his Pet."
"Indulge me this once? Please?"
"All right. This once." Hiei closed his eyes, and something changed.
A human wouldn't have felt it not unless they had some kind of psychic ability. However, because Hiei was youkai, by the time Kurama had reached the bedside, he was pretty sure he knew what Kurama's surprise was. The brush of something soft against his hip confirmed his suspicions, and he opened his eyes.
A self-satisfied smile under sly gold eyes met his gaze. Long silver hair framed a visage so beautiful that many would kill or die for it and had. Protruding from the top of the silver head were furry pointed fox ears. A bushy tail draped across Hiei's leg, flicking once to tickle him.
"Surprise," purred a voice that was sensuality incarnate.
"Hn," Hiei remarked, a dry hint of a smile on his lips. "Youko Kurama."
"Didn't expect to see me here, did you?" Youko lowered himself to the bed in one graceful, fluid motion. He reached over and played with Hiei's hair.
"It's been a long time since I've seen you released in anything but anger." Hiei studied the kitsune, enjoying the vision. He was Kurama, but at the same time wasn't. There were physical similarities in the face shape, but that was it. Their voices, although both as pleasurable to Hiei's ears as the caress of silk to his fingers, were very different from one another. This Kurama was taller, older, the secrets of his five-hundred years of experience twinkling in his mischievous gold eyes. His spiritual energy glowed brightly enough to the psychic eye to illuminate the night. Beautiful, powerful, dangerous.
"I was sent here to learn to control this side of me, hm?" Youko trailed a finger down the bridge of Hiei's nose. "Can't control what isn't there, so I thought I should make an appearance."
"As if you'd ever allow yourself to be controlled," Hiei scoffed.
"He's learning to do it," the fox spirit said, referring to his redheaded human side. "He may look pretty and harmless, but he's stronger than anyone knows, mentally and spiritually."
"You're speaking of others' ignorance about him naturally," Hiei said coolly. "I already know he's strong. In some ways, more so than you."
Youko raised an eyebrow slightly. "Indeed? You dare suggest my human side is a better fighter?"
"He's a formidable opponent, but no. You're more powerful that way." Hiei's ruby eyes met Youko's gold. "But despite his physical youth, he has maturity that you sometimes lack. He's not as self-indulgent. That's why I believe he'll be able to keep you in check."
Youko leaned close to Hiei. "Check ...." He kissed the Koorimei's ear. "Mate," he whispered.
"Be happy to," Hiei replied, and turned his head to cover Youko's lips with his own.
Sex with Youko Kurama wasn't like sex with redhaired Kurama. The human usually let Hiei control their lovemaking, but Youko had his own ideas about what they would do. Things began normally enough with kisses and touches, re-familiarizing themselves with each other's body. Hiei admitted to himself a fascination with Youko's ears and tail. Not only the soft fuzziness of the pointed ears, but the reaction he got from Youko when he rubbed one between his fingers. He could almost swear he heard the kitsune purr. A single stroke of the long, flowing tail drew a soft moan from its owner, and his rear arched up slightly in hopes of a firmer caress. The human Kurama often blushed during their lovemaking a charming trait that Hiei enjoyed taking advantage of. On the other hand, _nothing_ embarrassed Youko, and nothing intimidated him, either. Hiei found that out when the kitsune tried turning him onto his stomach.
"No," Hiei said firmly, resisting the pressure of Youko's hands on his hips.
"Why not?" Youko nuzzled his ear with his nose. "I'll make it wonderful for you."
"You know damn well that I will not be entered, Kurama, now stop it."
Youko chuckled softly. "Try it, you'll like it." He attempted once more to flip Hiei over.
"I said NO!" Hiei reached around Youko and pulled hard on his tail.
"OUCH!" Youko shoved Hiei away from him and retreated to the foot of the bed, glaring gold fire at him as he held his tail protectively. "That hurt!" he growled.
"You're lucky I don't beat the crap out of you for that show of defiance," Hiei retorted. "It may be the human in you that was summoned to Seigi, but you're still two parts of one whole, and you're as accountable as he is."
"Maybe I'll just leave!" Youko snapped.
"He won't let you and you know it. His sense of responsibility is too strong." Hiei gave him a fanged grin. "Besides, I'd just tell everyone that Youko Kurama couldn't take the pressure."
"You _would_ too," Youko grumbled.
"That having been said," Hiei moved closer to Youko until their noses were practically touching, "eat sheet, Fox."
Youko's lip curled nastily and he shimmered, changing back to his redhaired human form.
"Hn." Hiei shook his head in disgust.
Kurama's green eyes were apologetic. "I'm sorry, Hiei. He enjoys sex with you if it's his choice, but I couldn't make him stay once you ordered him."
"That's all right," Hiei fingered Kurama's scarlet tresses. "The important thing is to keep him from coming out involuntarily not to keep him around if he doesn't want to stay."
Kurama smiled impishly. "Shall I 'eat sheet' now, Master?"
"Please do."

The recruits were quiet as they filed into their dormroom for bed. Kurama was with them, having been sent back to the room for the night after he and Hiei finished up. All six were lost in their own thoughts even Kei had a look of preoccupation on her face. They went to their respective beds and lay down.
"Is anyone else as nervous about this as I am?" Chihaya asked.
"I am,"Yui admitted. "Peoples' lives are at stake here."
"I was made to protect people, so I'm not worried about my capabilities there," Signal said. "But it's going to be tough playing my own brother's son."
"You think _you_ have it rough?" Kei snorted. "How would you like to be in my position? Or Yui or Kurama's?"
"You think it's going to be easy for _me_?" Yuri looked over at her. "I'm the only recruit assigned to play a Mistress! And look who they gave me for a Pet!"
"Hey!"
"I guess everyone else _is_ as nervous as I am," Chihaya remarked.
"What kind of people do you think we'll meet?" Kurama speculated. "They can't _all_ be bad or Meiou-sensei would be shutting it down immediately instead of just investigating."
"I guess you, Kei and I will be meeting lots of Pets, mostly," Yui said.
"Slaves, you mean," Kei stated. "Poor pathetic prisoners who don't have the resources to free themselves."
"But that's just it, Kei," Signal said. "They _aren't_ all prisoners. Fish Eye said some of them _chose_ to be Pets."
"Like Inu Yasha?" Kei said sarcastically.
"No," Signal relented. "Not like him." He sighed. "Pulse and I may not always get along great, but I can't imagine him treating _me_ like that."
"I'm glad Himura-sensei is playing a Pet, too," Yui admitted. "I feel better knowing one of the staff will help us see things from that perspective."
"Didn't you find it hard?" Kei asked. "All that 'Yes Master' 'No Master' stuff?"
"Only at first," Yui said. "Mostly because I was afraid of making a mistake. Himura-sensei was helping me I just followed his example."
"You'd better get used to calling him Kenshin," Kurama pointed out. "Like Signal has to get used to calling Pulse-sensei 'Papa'."
Signal grinned. "It's not so hard. It's kind of fun seeing his reaction when I do it!"
"Then _he_ has to stop reacting," Kurama amended.
"What about you, Kurama?" Chihaya asked. "Is it difficult? In view of your relationship with Hiei-sensei, that is."
"Actually, that makes it easier." Kurama smiled. "Hiei and I trust each other entirely."
Signal looked at Kei. "It shouldn't be that bad for you, either. You and Yuri have been together as long as Kurama and Hiei-sensei, right?"
"It's not the same thing!" Kei protested. "We're not _involved_!"
"But you're still partners, and you've backed each other up in the past," Chihaya said. "Being partners and trusting each other you can't have one without the other."
"Like the wonderful trust between you and Kagetsuya-sensei?" Kei retorted.
Chihaya blinked as if he'd been struck. Signal glared at Kei. "Oh, nice one."
"I'm just saying no partnership is written in stone," Kei argued. "Hell, even Kurama and Hiei-sensei could come away from this hating each other." Her forest green eyes fell on Chihaya, who was staring at the floor. "But I didn't mean to be so blunt about it. Sorry."
"Better forgive her, Chihaya," Yuri advised. "It's a rarity for Kei to apologize to anyone, so she must mean it."
Chihaya managed a watery smile. "That's okay, she's right. I trusted Kagetsuya with everything even my love and he let me down. Maybe he still loves me, but at a time like this I need to know it, not to be pushed aside. He should know that about me." He drew a deep breath and wiped his eyes. "But if it's over, it's over. I'm going to do my best on this assignment whether he has faith in me or not." He looked around the room at them all. "And in case we don't get a chance to be all together again after tonight, I just want to say I'm glad to have met you, and I wish you luck."
The recruits exchanged long looks with each other, all empathizing with Chihaya's sentiments as the significance of the coming days sank in.

"This is the way I pick the lock, pick the lock, pick the lock. This is the way I pick the lock, so I can get in the of-fice," Duo sang softly to himself as he probed the lock mechanism again. It wasn't easy working in the dim night-lighting of the hallway, and his pen light wouldn't be much better once he got inside Setsuna's office, but there were a few things there he needed if his infiltration on the cruise was going to work. The fake passport wasn't a problem, he already had one of those. What he needed was info on the people known to be on the ship. He couldn't bluff his way through as a Master especially not without a Pet. So his only option was to be a freelance Pet and ensure himself a Master. But not just any Master Duo was going to the top. It was something Setsuna wouldn't dare attempt sending an agent into the possession of the Community's Leader. Two people couldn't do it, and she wasn't willing to send anyone in solo.
The lock rewarded him with a click and Duo slipped inside, closing the door quietly. He snapped his pen light on and headed for the file cabinets.
Once he learned the identity of that Leader, Duo was sure he could ingratiate himself to him. As the Leader's Pet, he'd probably have more freedom, and thus, more opportunities to search through private documents. Surely that person would have critical information concerning all members of his Community information that may provide Seigi with the means to shut them down without resistance.
"Ah!" Duo smiled as he flipped through a file and shone his penlight on one name. "Quatre Raberba Winner. Or should I say Master Quatre?"

End of Chapter 7 Story contents (C) 1997 Tenou Haruka Character copyrights are too many to mention, just know that none of them are mine.