Episode 2: Hacker *Scene opens at Satsuki, Kanoe, and Kai's apartment. Satsuki is sitting at the table, tapping at Val.* Kanoe: *is leaning against the counter, filing her nails* Satsuki: Hmmm... Kai: *is sitting on the ground, tossing a pen into the air and catching it* Satsuki: Interesting news, mina. Kanoe: Nani? Kai: ? Satsuki: *reading out loud* "The anonymous victim of a brutal shooting in a local apartment building has dropped all charges against his shooter, also anonymous.” Satsuki: Hmph. Satsuki: Like THAT doesn't spell out "MOB BUSINESS!" in giant neon letters. Kanoe: Hm. *stops filing her nails* Interesting. Satsuki: Thought that we'd all like to know. Kai: Yeah. Satsuki: *wipes away sweatdrop* Nice to know that we don't have that organization after us, at least officially. Kanoe: I doubt they'll come after us at all. Satsuki: Me, neither... *keeps reading news* Kai: Why would someone come after bounty hunters? Satsuki: 0.0!!! Kanoe: ?.? Kai: ? Kanoe: *shakes her head* Wakarimasen... Satsuki: So THAT explains it... Kanoe: ?.? Kai: What? Satsuki: That list of sites I went to... every single one has been shut down to its owner's "unfortunate demise." Kanoe: ?.? Kai: Wow... Satsuki: There's a little warning from the police, suggesting that no one post information about the organization online. Satsuki: *shivers* Satsuki: Well, there goes the plan for my latest updates... Kanoe: Not being a little blunt, are we? Satsuki: ^-^;;; I guess not. Kai: Heh. Satsuki: Oh, well... *taps away* *A few days pass uneventfully.* *It's midnight in the city. There's a faint tapping sound coming from the living room, while Kanoe and Kai snooze away - Kanoe snoring rather loudly - in their respective bedrooms. A half-full bottle of wine is sitting on Kanoe's bedside table, suggesting her sleep is something other than natural. The tapping continues.* Satsuki: *works and works and works* Satsuki: *is sitting in the living room, working with Val* *Suddenly, a wicked-looking smiley appears on Val's screen.* Satsuki: ?.? Val? Smiley: *expands until it's filling the screen, blocking out all the things Satsuki was working on* Satsuki: *jumps back* VAL! Satsuki: What are you DOING?! Satsuki: *scared to touch Val, now* *As if someone is typing them, words slowly begin appearing on the screen.* Satsuki: Ara...? Satsuki: *leans closer to read them* Screen: "Kiko Asae..." Satsuki: 0.0! Screen: "Kiko Asae, for years you have been the best hacker in the world...” Satsuki: *preens* Why, thank you! Screen: "But now I am better." Satsuki: WHAT?! Satsuki: NEVER! Screen: "I have searched the last month for you, and finally I've found you." Satsuki: *sits right back down and starts tapping frantically* Screen: "If you try and eradicate me, Val will explode." Satsuki: *stops tapping immediately* Satsuki: Who are you? Screen: "My name is not important. I will come to see you within the next few days. Be ready." Satsuki: *hisses* *Abruptly, the smiley and text disappears* Satsuki: ?.? *begins tapping cautiously* *No traces are left, except Val seems a bit confused.* Satsuki: *is seriously freaked out* Satsuki: *yelling* E-CHAN! KAI-SAN! WAKE UP! Kanoe: *snorts and rolls over, stays asleep* Satsuki: E-CHAN!!! Kai: *comes out of room with gun in hand* What’s wrong?? Satsuki: ;.;!!! Val went all weird! Kanoe: *wakes up suddenly* I'LL KILL YOU ALL - eh? Kai: How so? Satsuki: He had a big evil smiley! Kai: Ummm - a smile? Satsuki: And then there was a message from some hacker saying he was b- b- better than I w- was! ;.; Val: *beeps a little frightened and confused beep* Satsuki: *pats Val* Satsuki: Daijoubu - I know it wasn't your fault... Kanoe: *hears this* Oh, Satsu-kun... Kanoe: *feels awfully guilty for not being awake, even if she couldn't have done anything* Satsuki: And - and he said he was going to show up soon, and I sh- should be ready... Kai: Probably just someone trying to mess with your head... Kanoe: *shakes her head at Kai* No one can hack into Val. Satsuki: Exactly! Kanoe: But someone did. Kai: Oh... Satsuki: ;.;!!! Kanoe: This is really bad... Satsuki: *nods tearfully* Kanoe: Do you think it might help if we moved to a different location for a little while? Satsuki: *nods again* I don't wanna meet this freak... Val: *beeps sadly* Kai: Move across the street or something, then you can watch who comes into the apartment... Satsuki: Good idea. Kanoe: But if you keep Val with you, he'll be able to trace you anyway. Satsuki: ;.; LEAVE VAL HERE?! Satsuki: Are you INSANE?! Satsuki: I can't leave him alone! Kanoe: Then it does no good if we move. Kai: I could stay here with Val and wait while you guys watch for him... Satsuki: Demo... demo... Kanoe: No. Kanoe: The best course of action would be to stay here and, like he said, be ready for him. Satsuki: *sniffles* 'Kay. Kanoe: Well, the fact having been established that he won't be here for a few days, let's go back to sleep. Kanoe: *has horrible hangover already* Satsuki: Okay... Kai: As long as I'm awake I might as well stay awake... Satsuki: If you want. Kanoe: *groans, mutters* Damn sense of duty... Satsuki: *picks up Val and huggles him* I'm going to bed now - I don't want to work any more tonight, anyway... Kai: *goes to fix himself tea* Satsuki: *goes into Kanoe’s room and collapses on the bed, still hugging Val* Kanoe: *goes to fix tea of her own* Val: *beeps a happy little beep and shuts down* Satsuki: *half-asleep* Nn... watashi ga... ichiban... hakkaa... Kanoe: *boils some water and pours it into a cup, adding a tea bag* Satsuki: Nnn... watashi no Varu... ichiban da... Satsuki: *falls all the way asleep* Kanoe: *mutters to herself about the perils of drinking* Kai: *sits quietly looking at the ring in his hands as his tea fixes* Kanoe: *takes the teabag out, adds a spoonful of sugar and stirs* Door: *is knocked upon* Kai: *goes and opens it* Yes? Kisha: Hi, honey. Kisha: Is Hanako-chan home? Kanoe: *sips her tea in the kitchen* Kai: She’s over there. *moves so Kisha can come in* Kisha: Thanks. You're a sweetheart. Kanoe: *rubs her forehead, contemplates looking for aspirin* Kisha: *goes to the kitchen* Hey, Hanako-chan! Kanoe: *looks up* Oh, Kisha! Kanoe: What brings you to this rathole? Kai: *pours himself tea and goes back to the ring* Kisha: Just lookin' you up. Kisha: If your job keeps you away, then I just have to bring myself to you, I guess. Kanoe: *raises an eyebrow* My room is currently occupied. Kisha: ^-^;;; My, you're a fast worker. Kanoe: O.O! Not like that!! Kisha: *laughs* You're too much fun, Hanako-chan. Kanoe: Kai is sleeping in Satsu-kun's room, so I promised her I wouldn't take advantage of her so she could sleep in mine... Kisha: *laughs again* You're a softie, you really are - whatever you say. Kanoe: *mutters* If I wasn't such a softie I wouldn't have such a hangover... Kisha: *ignoring her* So, how'd your last bounty go? Kanoe: Oi... Kanoe: Not so good... Kisha: ^-^;;; That bad, huh? Kanoe: Yeah. Kisha: What happened? Kisha: Or is it a trade secret? Kanoe: ^-^;;; No offense, but I don't think I'm allowed to tell you... Kai: *sips tea* Kisha: Okay - I understand. Kisha: *wonders if the pretty guy who owns her lease had anything to do with it* Kanoe: *isn't saying anything unless Satsuki or Kai says she can* Kai: *quiet* Kai: You can tell her, Kanoe. Kanoe: *looks at him, then back at Kisha* Kisha: 0.0? Kai: Tell her as much as you like... Kisha: I want all the gory details, now... Kanoe: Well... Satsuki and Kai made a deal that they would hunt down this guy called Tetsuya... Kisha: 0.0!!! Kanoe: And so I came along so they wouldn't get hurt... Kai: =p Kisha: *knows that Tetsuya is the boss, but not that he is the pretty guy* Kisha: Good idea... Kisha: And? Kanoe: *relates the entire tale - since we've already heard it - sans the part about Megumi, merely saying she had a bad stomachache* Kisha: W- wow... Kanoe: And that's that, really... Kisha: I can't believe that you guys shot the BOSS and lived to tell the tale... Kanoe: *shrugs* Just lucky, I guess. Kisha: I mean, I've heard his organization is really fanatical about protecting him. Kanoe: It's amazing, I thought he'd be older... Kisha: What, he's not old? Kanoe: *shakes her head* No, he's young, and rather pretty... Kisha: *getting a little suspicious* Hmmm... Kanoe: *describes him to Kisha* Kisha: 0.0!!! But that's - *stops in midsentence* Kanoe: ?.? Kisha: Never mind. Kai: He one of your customers? Kanoe: *looks at Kai incredulously* Kisha: -.- No. Kisha: In case you hadn't noticed, I run a WOMEN'S club. Kanoe: *snickers* Kisha: *scoots over closer to Kanoe and puts an arm around her* Kisha: I'm just glad you got out of it in one piece... Kanoe: Believe me, I couldn't be happier myself. Kai: We followed him there. Kisha: So? Kisha: Anyone can go there - whether they leave is a different matter. Kanoe: *sweatdrops* Kisha: Well, anyway... Kisha: You sure you're feeling all right now? No bad side effects? Kai: *sips tea* Kanoe: *shakes her head, headache worsens* None other than a hangover from drinking too much wine last night... Kisha: ;.; Poor Hanako-chan... Kanoe: *mock-tears* ;.; Kisha: I'd give you a hangover remedy, but all the ones I know don't work worth crap. Kanoe: *giggles* Kisha: ^-^ Kisha: So, any more catching up to do, or can we go straight to bed? *winks* Kanoe: Bed. Kisha: ^____________^ Kai: *looks at tea blushing* Kisha: Which one? Kanoe: Well, since Satsuki's in one and Kai's in the other, there aren't really any free ones here... Kisha: ;.; Kisha: My place, then? Kai: I'm going to leave in a minute... Kisha: Where ya goin'? Kai: -.- Kanoe: *smirks at his look* Kisha: *looks perfectly innocent* Kanoe: Going to "gather information" again? Kisha: *sniggers* Kai: *glares at her and leaves, slamming the door behind him* Kanoe: Ooh, touchy... Kisha: Well, that settles that question, at least. Kanoe: ^-^ Kisha: *takes her arm and heads for Satsuki's bedroom* Kanoe: *is led* *And there they stay for the rest of the night.* Sun: *peeks into the curtains of Kanoe's room, where Satsuki lies sleeping* Satsuki: Nnnn... *wakes up* Varu...? Val: *beeps at her cheerfully* Satsuki: e_e Satsuki: *picks him up and goes into the kitchen to start making breakfast* Sun: *peeks in the window of the living room and illuminates the door to Satsuki's room* Kisha: *stirs, goes back to sleep* Kanoe: *doesn't even bother to stir, just keeps sleeping* Satsuki: *makes waffles* Kai: *comes back* Satsuki: Okaeri, Kai-san! Satsuki: Where'd you go? Kai: Out. Satsuki: Okay... Kai: Mmm... waffles... Satsuki: ^-^ *gives him a plate with three on it* Kai: Any syrup? Sun: *shines on Val* Val: *beeps* Satsuki: *hands him some* Badum! Kai: Thanks... *sits down and starts eating* Kanoe: *mutters in her sleep* Satsuki: *yells in that general direction* E-CHAN! BREAKFAST! Kai: Might want to make some for Kisha, too. Satsuki: ?.? Kanoe: *sits straight up and falls off the bed* OOF! Kisha: e.e? Kanoe: *untangles herself from the blankets that fell with her and gets up* Food? Kai: She stayed over during the night. Satsuki: -.-;;; Oh. Satsuki: *makes some more batter* Kanoe: *heads for the shower first* Kisha: *throws on some clothes and heads for the kitchen* Kanoe: *takes five-minute shower and goes back to her own room, rummages in her closet* Satsuki: *gives Kisha a plate of waffles, sits down with her own plate* Kai: *finishes waffles and takes out the ring again* Satsuki: *looks at it* You know, that's a really pretty ring. Satsuki: Where'd you get it? Kanoe: *quickly comes out again in a red tank top and short black fake leather skirt* Kai: My fiance... Satsuki: Oh... *gets embarrassed look and shuts up* Kanoe: Ohayou! Kanoe: *cheerfully sits down at the table* Kanoe: *looks around* Satsu-kun, did you make any tea? Satsuki: *gives her a plate of waffles, too* Satsuki: Yeah... *hands her tea* Kisha: *eating* e.e Kisha: *not a morning person* Kanoe: *sips tea and eats waffles happily* Kanoe: *normally isn't either* Kanoe: :d Satsuki: ~.- E-chan? Is something the matter? Kanoe: No, why do you ask? Satsuki: Never mind. 9.9 Kai: Heh. Kanoe: :d Okay Kisha: *keeps eating mechanically* e.e Kai: So... Kanoe: ?.? Satsuki: Yeah? Kisha: e.e Kai: Never mind... Kisha: Go ahead. Satsuki: Yeah, you can talk to us. Satsuki: Hospital room? Remember? Kai: I was just trying to break the silence... Satsuki: Oh... *feels dumb* Satsuki: *wonders if she's losing her edge* Kanoe: *at a loss for what to say* Good waffles. Satsuki: ^-^ Thanks! Kisha: Yeah. Very good. e.e... Satsuki: So! Bounties! Any good ones in town? Kai: Hmmm... Kanoe: You would be the one to know, not me, Satsu-kun. Satsuki: Oh, yeah... *sweatdrops* Satsuki: Haven't heard of any, actually. Val: *beeps very loudly* Satsuki: That's not a bounty, that's a stupid joker. Satsuki: And when he shows, I'm gonna... Satsuki: *makes wringing movements with her hands* Kanoe: *shifts nervously* Kai: We should concentrate on that weird hacker anyways... Kisha: e.e? Kanoe: *can't help but think Kisha looks cute with that look* Satsuki: So, suggestions? Kanoe: Sharpen your knives? Satsuki: -.- Well, DUH. Satsuki: I meant, who do you think the hacker might be? Kanoe: *shakes her head* No clue. Kanoe: You're part of that community, not me. Satsuki: I haven't heard of ANYONE lately who comes close to being as good as he has to be. Satsuki: I'm the best by a LONG margin. Kanoe: Well, that shows how good he is. Kai: Don't look at me... You’re the bounty hunters, and I'm new here... Kanoe: Hacking into places so they don't know he's there. Satsuki: Yeah... and I just haven't heard of anyone like that... Satsuki: I mean, even if he didn't leave a trace, someone would know. Satsuki: He'd have to brag somewhere, or there's no POINT. Kanoe: What if he's not doing it for personal glory and so doesn't feel the need to brag? Satsuki: @.@ But then why would he be a hacker? Kanoe: And what if he's a perfectionist and thinks it's nothing to brag about and he could do better? Kai: Don't all hackers do it for personal glory? Kisha: e.e Don' look at me, I just run a club. Kanoe: Why would a hacker come after Satsuki? To prove he was best? Kanoe: I doubt it. Satsuki: That's the only reason I could think of... Satsuki: I mean, I don't keep anything valuable on Val - that's just dumb, no matter how good I am. Kai: Maybe he wants to kill her so he will be the best... Satsuki: 0.0!!! Kanoe: Yeah, right. Like we'd let him. Val: *beeps frantically with worry* Satsuki: It's okay, Val... *pats him* Kai: I wasn't saying he will succeed. Kanoe: Satsu-chan, is there anyone from your past who may want to get back at you? Satsuki: No... Satsuki: I really haven't made a lot of enemies, you know. Satsuki: Not LIVE ones, anyway. Kanoe: Well, that's all I can think of... Postman: *knocks at the door* Kisha: e.e? Kanoe: *gets up and gets it* Yes? Postman: Are you Miss Kanoe or Miss Satsuki? Postman: I've got a package for you. Kanoe: I'm Kanoe. Satsuki: 0.0 Ooh! Present! *jumps up* Kanoe: *signs for package and takes it* Postman: *leaves* Kanoe: Hmm... Kai: Open it. Satsuki: *dashes over and grabs the package* I'LL do it! Kanoe: Not so fast! Satsuki: *is already ripping it open* Kanoe: *slaps her hand to her forehead* Satsuki: Hey, there's a note! Kai: ? Satsuki: It's addressed to Komori Hanako-san and Asae Kiko-san... Satsuki: *opens the note, starts reading aloud* Satsuki: "To Miss Satsuki and Miss Kanoe:" Kanoe: ?.? Satsuki: "I very much appreciate your efforts on my behalf the other day." Kanoe: ?.? Satsuki: "You showed a great deal of bravery, however misplaced it may have been. Please accept these tokens of my gratitude." Kanoe: ?.? Satsuki: *pulls something out of the package* Hey, it's some special gardening stuff! Satsuki: *hands it to Kanoe* Kanoe: *gets hearts in her eyes at sight of them, practically drooling* Kai: What else? Satsuki: *notices something else in the box, decides to finish note first* Kanoe: *hugs them to her chest, mentally pledges her undying love and gratitude to whoever sent them* Satsuki: It also says, "On a side note, I wish to clear up a possible misunderstanding." Kanoe: *too busy inspecting the tools to really care, but is still listening* Satsuki: "The man Miles O'Hanessey is not, and never has been, a part of the organization. He is most often associated with an Irish protection racket." Kanoe: *suddenly very still* Satsuki: "After all, to have all three of you howling for my blood is a thought to frighten anyone, but especially myself." Kanoe: *very still, listening* Satsuki: "If you wish more information on the racket, please stop by sometime and visit. I will be pleased to aid you." Satsuki: "Thank you once again." Satsuki: And - it's not signed. Kanoe: I... need to check my roses... *goes to her room quickly and shuts the door* Satsuki: *looks after her* Poor E-chan... Kai: *glaring at note* Kisha: *follows her, not sleepy anymore* Satsuki: *shrugs, turns back to the package* Kanoe: *sitting with the gardening tools in her hands, staring at them and thinking* Satsuki: *pulls out a disk* 0.0!!! Satsuki: Oh my GOD! Kai: ?.?!!! Satsuki: IT'S THE LATEST, BEST, COOLEST VERSION OF MARATHON EVER MADE!!! Satsuki: *hugs the disk* WAI WAI WAI!!! Satsuki: TETSUYA'S THE BEST EVER!!! Satsuki: How did he KNOW?! Satsuki: *shrugs again* Oh, well, who cares? Satsuki: *runs off to play it* Kanoe: *still quietly staring and thinking* Kai: *sits at table alone* Val: *beeps with excitement* Satsuki: *puts the disk in and rubs her hands together gloatingly* *Screen immediately goes black with evil smiley again.* Satsuki: 0.0!!! Satsuki: Not AGAIN! *But this time, evil smiley starts talking, in a deep, threatening voice* Kiko Asae. Satsuki: 0.0!!! Hacker: Are you ready for me yet? Satsuki: I'LL KILL YOUR PUNK ASS! Hacker: I suppose that is a no. Satsuki: YOU'RE GONNA DIE DIE DIE!! Hacker: Once again, any attempts to eradicate me will cause Val to explode. Satsuki: LET GO OF MY VAL *NOW*!!! Satsuki: *doesn't tap anything* Satsuki: LET VAL GO!!! Hacker: I'm coming for you. Be ready for me. Satsuki: WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?! *Evil smiley fades.* Satsuki: GYAAAAAHHH!!! COME BACK HERE, YOU PROZAC ADDICT!! Val: *beeps* Val: *shows a swirly-eyed face graphic* Satsuki: *hugs Val* ;.;!!! Kanoe: *stares and thinks some more* Kisha: *puts an arm around her* Kanoe: *looks up, startled* Kisha: That guy, Miles... Kai: *sits alone quietly* Kisha: Was he the one who killed your sister? Val: *beeps* Satsuki: ;.; I'm so sorry, Val... Satsuki: I don't know what I'm going to do about him... Kanoe: *totally surprised* How'd you know...? Kisha: I run a club. *tries a half-smile* I can always tell what people leave out. Kanoe: *hangs her head* Yeah, he was. Kanoe: He's behind bars somewhere... Kisha: *quietly* I'm sorry. Kisha: *hugs her* Kanoe: *for the first time in a very long time, Kanoe starts to cry* Kisha: *just holds her and strokes her hair* Kisha: It will be all right... Kisha: Somehow, Hanako-chan, it'll be all right... Satsuki: *wiping away her tears, checks out the rest of the disk* Satsuki: *finds it undamaged, plays Marathon* Satsuki: *soon happily absorbed in shooting the guts out of aliens* Satsuki: *and the occasional hapless human who gets caught in the crossfire* Kanoe: *sobs* Kisha: *keeps holding her* *The gardening tools sit forgotten on the ground.* Kanoe: *continues sobbing, letting out at least ten years of grief* Kisha: *strokes her hair and just lets her cry* Kai: *sighs and gets up, and knocks on Satsuki's door* Kanoe: *after a few more minutes, manages to calm down at least enough to talk* Kisha: Hanako-chan? Are you all right? Kanoe: I... I don't know... Satsuki: *keeps playing Marathon* Kai: *knocks on her door again* Satsuki? Satsuki: *hears the knock this time* Come in! Kai: *comes in* How’s the game? Satsuki: Oh, it's GREAT! Satsuki: But that - that DAMN smiley-face hacker broke in as soon as I put in the disk! Kai: Oh... Kisha: It'll be okay, Hanako-chan. Kisha: I know it must be hard, but you're a good person. Kisha: You're not like me. Kanoe: Snf? Kai: *watches her play* Satsuki: Wanna play a network game? Satsuki: I can hook up another computer... *there are about five lying around the room* Kai: I don't know much about computers... Satsuki: That's okay! I can show you how to play! Kai: OK... Satsuki: *quickly networks Val and another computer, then starts showing Kai the moves and explaining how things work* Kai: @.@!!! *at game* Satsuki: ^-^;;; *keeps showing him stuff* Val: *cooperates, though still a little confused* Kisha: *gives Kanoe a tissue* Kanoe: *blows her nose* What do you mean, not like you? Kisha: Hanako-chan, I'm not really a very nice person. Kisha: I try, but - I just... Kai: *slowly starts to understand game* Satsuki: *tries to go easy on him* Kanoe: *wrinkles her nose* I do believe you're selling yourself short. Kisha: Well, that guy I was talking with in the club, when you came by looking for the boss... Kisha: That WAS the boss. Kanoe: O.O! Kisha: I didn't know it then, but I do now. Kai: *loses big time* Satsuki: *gives him helpful hints* Satsuki: *unfortunately couched in occult computer terms* Kanoe: But that wasn't your fault! Kisha: Yes, it is. Kanoe: You told me when we first met that you wouldn't help me with my bounties! Kisha: Well... Kai: *tempted to shoot the computer* Satsuki: *happily oblivious of his sacrilegious impulses, keeps trying to help him* Kanoe: Technically that wasn't my bounty, but still! Kisha: Look, he owns the lease to the club. Kisha: And he runs drugs through it. Kanoe: O.O!!! Kisha: I didn't have much choice! Kisha: The club barely makes expenses as it is. Kanoe: *isn't blaming her, but is really surprised* Kisha: *looking tired* I get by now, but mostly on sufferance. Kisha: The club's too useful to him... Kanoe: *sniffles again, feels horrible for Kisha* Kisha: *gives her another tissue* It's all right. Kisha: I do get by... Kanoe: *blows her nose again* I can help... Kisha: No, no, don't trouble yourself! Kai: *after losing for the 100th time* -.- I'm glad Ren-chan didn't play games. Satsuki: 0.0? Ren-chan? Kisha: I'll make it just fine, don't worry about it! Kanoe: Demo... Kisha: *smiles at her* I'll be all right. Kisha: You take care of yourself, ya hear? Kanoe: *feels like she needs to help* Kanoe: Okay... Kai: My fiance... He used computers only to get info... Satsuki: Oh... *smacks herself in the forehead* Kisha: *hugs her again* But thank you, anyway... Kanoe: *blushes for some strange unknown reason* Kisha: *whispering huskily* I don't need to be back at the club til seven... Kanoe: *raises an eyebrow* Reaaaaaally...? Kisha: ^________^ Reaaaaaaaally. Kanoe: ^___________^ Kanoe: *wonders where she put the rest of that bottle of wine* *And the camera hastily pulls away from Kanoe's room.* Satsuki: *forcing cheerfulness* Well! Anyway! Kai: *gets up* Satsuki: Hey, don't go! Satsuki: You did LOTS better this last round! Satsuki: Oi! Kai-san! Kai: ?.? Satsuki: Stay! Stay! Satsuki: I didn't mean to drive you away! Kai: Fine... Satsuki: Now, I think that if you... *goes off into long pointer lecture* Kai: @.@ Val: *beeps encouragingly* Time: *used to being abused, skips ahead* *A day or two passes.* Kanoe: *wakes up at 3 AM, looks around confusedly* The sun's not up yet... Satsuki: *snoring, with Val tucked under one arm* Kai: *asleep at kitchen table* Kisha: *gone, presumably at her club* Kanoe: *pads into kitchen to see what time it is, doesn't remember she has her own clock* Nn... 3 o’frickin' clock... Satsuki: Zzzzzzz... Val: *quiet beep* Kai: *lifts head from table* e.e? Kanoe: *taps his head lightly* Go back to sleep... It's 3 o'frickin' clock... Kai: Oh... *asleep again* Door: *is knocked upon* Satsuki: Nnnnn... zzzz? Val: *beeps* Kanoe: *looks terrible, knows it, and goes to the door anyway in just her lingerie* Kanoe: Go away, it's 3 o’frickin' clock... Kai: *lifts head again* e.e? *A tall man with long black hair and green eyes is standing there in an Armani suit.* Man: Yes, is there a Miss Kiko Asae at this address? Val: *beeps really loudly this time* Satsuki: NNG! Satsuki: I'm up, Val, I'm up... e.e Kanoe: *too sleepy for alarm bells to go off* Yeah, she's asleep though... Kai: *gets up* Tell him we don't want anything. Satsuki: *looks at clock* Val, it's three in the morning... Val: *beeps frantically* Satsuki: 'Nkay... Man: Could you please wake her up? Kanoe: Well, she won't be happy... Kanoe: *yells* SATSU-KUUUUUUN! Satsuki: God, first Val, now E-chan... WHAT THE HELL IS IT?! Satsuki: *tries to find her glasses* Kai: *covers head* Kanoe: SOME GUY IS HERE TO SEE - *alarm bells go off* Satsuki: WHAT?! Satsuki: *dashes out, leaving Val behind* Kanoe: *stares at guy* Man: *smiles back at her* Man: *has a small evil-smiley pin on his suit jacket* Satsuki: YOU'RE THAT GODDAMN BASTARD WHO HACKED MY VAL!!! Hacker: Please. There is no need to call me names. Satsuki: DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE!!!! Satsuki: *pulls a knife out of hammerspace and goes for his throat* Kanoe: O.O!!!!! Hacker: *dodges* Satsuki: *goes flying out into the hall* Hacker: *catches her arm* Calm yourself. Kai: *blinks at them* Satsuki: @.@ Orooooo... Kanoe: *growls* Let go of her. Satsuki: *shaking it off* What the HELL do you want?! Hacker: *smiles* Do you really want to know? Satsuki: Actually - NO! Hacker: I thought not. Satsuki: *pulls out another knife and slashes his arm* Satsuki: THAT'S FOR RUINING MY PRESENT FROM TETSUYA! *Jacket gets ripped. He's wearing body armor underneath, so the knife doesn't make a scratch. It is also immune to guns.* Satsuki: 0.0?! Satsuki: KYAAAH!! Satsuki: KAI, GET YOUR GUN! Kanoe: O.O!!! Kai: *fumbles for a gun* Satsuki: *stark raving furious* Kai: *points one at the hacker’s head* Let her go. Satsuki: *jabs him in the chest, and the knife blade breaks* Hacker: *isn't holding her anymore* Satsuki: YOU HACKED MY VAL! Satsuki: WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU TRYING TO PROVE?! Hacker: Maybe that there was someone better than you out there, perhaps? Satsuki: NO WAY! I'M THE BEST! Kai: *mumbles* What does it matter? Hacker: Come now, Kiko. Surely you've recognized me? Satsuki: *drops knife hilt* Satsuki: O- o- onii- san? Hacker: So you do recognize me. Satsuki: But - oniisan... Hacker: Did you think you could run away forever? Satsuki: *starting to cry* I thought you were dead... Satsuki: I thought you were d- d- dead... Brother: You did? *looks surprised* Kanoe: 6.9 Satsuki: You j- just disappeared... Brother: Hmph. Why would I go off and die? Satsuki: I looked and looked, but I couldn't find you... Kai: *wonders if he can put up his gun yet* Satsuki: *crying hard now* Why would you hack Val? Satsuki: Why d- didn't you j- just c- call me? Brother: *obviously different from the person he used to be* I never disappeared. Brother: They forced me away. Satsuki: Forced? Who? Brother: They wouldn't let me near you. Satsuki: Who?! Brother: *obviously VERY angry* They said I was an awful influence on you... Satsuki: Demo - oniisan, you taught me everything I know about hacking... Brother: That's why. Brother: They said hacking was wrong. Satsuki: But WHO?! Satsuki: I'll hunt them down and kill them! Kanoe: 6.9 Kanoe: *COMPLETELY confused* Kai: *yawns* Brother: It was the people who raised you who forced me away! Satsuki: 0.0! They DID?! Brother: Yes! Satsuki: I - I can't believe... Oniisan, are you SURE? Brother: Yes, I am sure! They said I was a bad influence on you! Brother: I taught you bad things! Satsuki: Oh... *still crying* Brother: They said I didn't even deserve to be your oniisan. Satsuki: *hugs him suddenly* Oniisan... Gomen nasai... Satsuki: ;.; Hontou ni... gomen nasai... Brother: *looks surprised again, wasn't expecting that* Brother: *hugs her back* Satsuki: *still crying* I missed you, oniisan... Brother: *softly* I missed you too... Kanoe: *sniffles* ;.; Satsuki: I was so messed up when they said you went away... Kai: *blinks* Kai: *puts gun up* Brother: *pats her on the back* I won't let it happen again. Brother: Ever. Satsuki: *hugs him tighter* Yokatta... yokatta... Kai: I guess none of us are going to get any sleep... Kai: I'll go fix breakfast.... Satsuki: *over shoulder* You go do that. Kai: *goes into the kitchen and starts making food* Kanoe: *slaps her forehead* And I don't even have Kisha with me as a REASON not to be asleep... Satsuki: *blushes furiously* Brother: *blinks* Kanoe: *mutters and goes into her room to find some wine and drink herself back to sleep* Satsuki: *lets go suddenly and gives him a Look* Just don't hack MY COMPUTER again, got it? Satsuki: My creche-parents gave me Val right after you left, and he's REALLY important to me! Satsuki: So don't hack him any more! Brother: *smiles* I promise I won't... Satsuki: Good! *hugs him again* Brother: But it was the only way I could really find you... Brother: You're good at hiding your tracks. Satsuki: Oh... Satsuki: o^-^o Kai: *loud clanging is heard in kitchen* Kanoe: *comes out with a bottle of wine, slurring her words* Shee ya tamara, Shashu-kung... Satsuki: *sweatdrops* Kai: ??? Kanoe: *staggers back to her room, puts the bottle down and slumps over onto her bed, asleep and snoring loudly* Brother: @.@;;; Kai: ... Satsuki: She doesn't USUALLY get drunk like that... sorry... Satsuki: That's E-chan, but you should probably call her Kanoe. Brother: Ah, daijoubu... Satsuki: She's my partner! Brother: She is? Satsuki: As a BOUNTY HUNTER. Brother: *turns red* Oh, of course... Satsuki: *bonks him on the shoulder* Baka Oniisan. Satsuki: *then shakes her hand* Itai... Brother: Daijoubu?! Brother: *instantly concerned* Satsuki: ^-^;;; Un - I just forgot you had body armor... Brother: ^__^;;; Kanoe: *snores some more* Satsuki: How dangerous did you think I was, anyway? Brother: Not dangerous enough to seriously hurt me... But I heard you had a partner. Satsuki: Yeah... E-chan can be pretty deadly... Satsuki: Kai-san will be, soon - he'll be good if his dumb luck lasts long enough. Brother: ^__^;;; Kai: *in kitchen* I'm not a bounty hunter! Brother: ?.? Satsuki: Ignore him. Satsuki: *hugs him again, going into cute happy five-year-old mode again* I'm just so glad you're back... Brother: @.@ Brother: *bewildered at so many changes of mood* Satsuki: *looks up at him with complete confidence and trust* Satsuki: And you're REALLY going to stay? Brother: *smiles at her* I already bought an apartment a couple floors down... I was planning to move in tomorrow. Satsuki: V^-^V Brother: ^-^;;; Satsuki: *secretly relieved that they don't have to cram ANOTHER person into the apartment* Brother: *wasn't stupid enough to think they had room* Satsuki: I got the latest version of Marathon yesterday! Brother: *acts like he didn't already know that* Really? Satsuki: *drags him back towards her room* You HAVE to see it, it's SO cool! Brother: *is dragged* Satsuki: *boots up Val and the computer Kai was using so she can show everything off* Mite mite mite! Brother: *goes to the other computer* Ready to be beaten, imouto-chan? Satsuki: Never! *grins at him* Brother: *grins back* *And on the happy sounds of a gorefest - the scene fades.* Credits: Satsuki/Kiko: Hokuto Kuzuki Kanoe: MokonaChiirushia Kai: Ryuujin Tatsu Kisha: Hokuto Kuzuki Hacker/Brother(Suzuki): MokonaChiirushia Val: Hokuto Kuzuki Sun: MokonaChiirushia Postman: Hokuto Kuzuki Time: MokonaChiirushia