Disclaimer: I don't own Shiznat.

Kindly give thanks, support, flowers, poison and whatnots to The Fractured for being my beta in this chapter and story from here on till the world ends haha. I couldn't ask for a better slave...er...beta :)

A quick apology to everyone who are waiting for this update (hellooo anyone still alive?) because I'm afraid I've lost my muse (although I'm still hoping it'll come back) for this story hence it's quite short and crappy. I hope I didn't disappoint? :/

Anyway, every review you guys leave makes my stoned heart flutter. It is my soup whenever it rains. It is my compass when I'm lost. It is my ice to my cream. Hah. Please continue to shower me with your honest thoughts. Thank you and do enjoy.

P.S.

Totally loving Beer Fear and Tea and Toast by Lucy Spraggan. She's brilliant! Btw, does anyone here watches X-factor UK on telly? I only follow her on yt so... What happened to her? Any news? Pm me!

Take a Leap

(Natsuki)

Never in my life have I ever thought I'd step into this world. This world I cannot even begin to describe. This world which makes the overly hyperbolized television and movie films appear to be cheap.

It's insane!

"Natsuki, close your mouth. We're not inside yet. This is just the gate."

Oh.

My flushing cheeks spoke volume of my embarrassment and Charlie (bless her soul) for not furthering it by commenting. She casually produced her identification card on a wall installed with a gadget thingy and it magically opened and therefore allowing her Porsche's entrance to their so called HQ.

Great. Here are the few not-so-fun-facts about me.

One: I fall in love easily. Or badly to be more accurate.

One word comes to mind - Pumpkin.

Two: I am simple. I get impressed by gaudy structures…or female body parts.

Heh.

Three: I am hopeless with technology. What did I just say? 'Gadget thingy'? Who says that?

No one.

One would think I'm a pauper and had no education at all. But no, I am highly educated. I pride myself for graduating at the top of my class. And no, we're not comprised of three students in the class before you ask.

"Good morning, Agent Charlie." A handsome old man in his late fifties greeted my companion. There are others who greeted her as we paved our way to the grand entrance of The Agency.

However, when we got inside all I could mutter was, "Is this it?"

We bypassed at least five securities and when we got inside through gigantic opaque sliding doors, all I can see was a small reception desk, three sofas, a small coffee table and some palm trees that are definitely in need of a trim.

Charlie answered my hidden question. "Yes, it doesn't seem to be that impressive. This is just the front desk. It depends on what department you are heading."

"What? So we'll purchase a ticket from the desk and go to platform nine and three-quarters?"

"Platform…Nine and three-quarters?"

"Does Harry Potter ring a bell?" I asked incredulously.

"No, is he an important figure?"

"Duh. He's like the super—" I saw that she truly does not know what I'm talking so I shrugged and said, "Doesn't matter."

She eyed me carefully and decided to let it go, "Okay, if you say so. Wait there." She ushered me towards one of those sofas while she chats with the receptionist.

Due to events as of late, I've become overly paranoid of my surrounding so I began to observe everything around me. There's nothing odd or out of place. But honestly that's what makes me anxious. I know for a fact that this building is a secret intelligence agency even though it appears to be normal.

"I don't like how pretentious this place is," a woman whom I didn't noticed coming in sat beside me. She's somewhat near my age, wearing a skull printed tee, worn out pants...even her hair is a bit of red, and everything about her speaks of a rebel.

Is this some kind of juvenile camp?

"So what are you here for?" said the rebellious looking newly arrived girl.

"Excuse me?"

"What did you do for you to be here? Hacked some government facility? Killed someone? Cracked some code?"

I looked around to check if she's talking to somebody else. Because to be honest I don't know what she's onto. Isn't that something you normally ask someone inside a prison? This isn't a prison…is it?

Is it?

Okay, Natsuki. Calm down. You are becoming overly paranoid.

So I tried the civil approach and ignored her. I busied myself with a can of soda that magically appeared in front of me. I fixated myself on its calorie contents and other preservatives that I know I should avoid but like any other normal being I cannot.

"Ignoring me huh? Okay fine. Suit yourself." She muttered as she took out a Nintendo DS from her backpack and played with it.

Not a minute has passed when she destroyed the silence of the room, "Are you stupid? You've been staring at that thing for hours." The woman I ignored did something which, in any given situation, would make me angry—she insulted my intelligence.

"Excuse me?" I asked her in disbelief. Who is this stranger who can say these things to a stranger? Isn't there a code for strangers? Like the famous 'thou shall not talk to strangers' and 'thou shall not insult thy fellow stranger'. She must have heard of it, right?

She hasn't because without looking up, she responded nonchalantly, "You've been reading that thing for hours. Either you're stupid not to understand a single figure stated there or you're a health freak who has sworn she won't drink more calories than she should—"

"Are you done?"

It was her who said, "Excuse me?"

I stood up from my seat, took her plaything away and exclaimed, "Excuse you! Who are you to judge me? Where do you get off saying all those things? What do you know?"

Now she stood up and feigned looking scared, "Oh excuse me. I didn't know I was talking to a princess." She enunciated the last part with such mockery that I'm certain this woman, whoever she is, will be in my bad list forever. There will be no ounce of goodness in me that would remove her in the list.

To top it off, she stuck her tongue out like a child. Never in my life have I seen a seemingly adult person act like a child. It's infuriating and funny at the same time.

Wait? Funny?

I saw her wicked smile and those amused eyes and I gave up and laughed it off. Honestly, who could take someone like her seriously?

"Are you okay now, kid?"

"Huh?"

She moved closer and squeezed my cheeks hard. "You're burning the poor plant with your stare. I see those creases in your eyes. Lighten up. You're just a child, aren't you?"

"I'm not a child!" I weakly protested.

"Right. Anyway, smile more often you look beautiful."

And I blush.

"I hate you…" I growled at her.

Then her arrogant stance is back. "No, you don't. And I know you can't, kid."

I frowned evidently as I asked her seriously. "And why is that oh wise old hag?"

She laughed despite my pissed off aura emanating from every pore of my skin. "Because I'm lovable!" And she followed by a deafening laugh, one that can wake you up even in your deep, deep sleep.

I stared at her and waited for the punch line. But it has been five minutes and she's still laughing at her own statement.

Is this woman for real?

At first I thought this was a prison, now I'm thinking more of a mental institution. Why is this loon out here anyway?

I didn't have enough time to process everything as Charlie came back and said, "Good. You're getting along with your buddy."

And I frown. First, do I look like I'm having fun? And second, "Buddy?" I asked the oblivious Charlie.

It seems she's getting used to my attitude and probably has chosen to ignore it 'coz she merely explained. "From my experience it is best to have a buddy who has your back during your novice or training days. It is not mandatory but it would be an advantage for either of you if you want to succeed."

"But I barely know her!"

"Shut up, kid." My supposed-to-be-buddy whispered in my ear and announced to Charlie out loud, "Don't worry, Mam. I'll take care of this kid." And then she winked.

She winked!

And Charlie smiled flirtatiously!

What the…

Get me out of here!

…

"State your name please."

"Natsuki Kuga."

"How old are you?"

"Just turned eighteen last night."

"Ms. Kuga we would appreciate if you just answer the question precisely—"

"I just did."

What is his problem? I answered his answers precisely. And what do you mean by we? Are we not alone in this creepy room?

And there was a booming voice, "Natsuki just answer his questions. No need to elaborate." Ah, the familiar pissed off voice of one Charlie Gray. Yep, apparently that's her full name. Kind of catchy don't you think?

"Miss Kuga!"

"Huh?"

It seems I spaced out again.

"Never mind." The man in suit was clearly annoyed at me too. Great. He then turned into the windows and said, "Mam, shall I proceed with the actual questions? I've already established her base line."

I heard a sigh and a tired, "You may."

I swear I was lovable when I was in school.

I think I forgot to explain where I am right now. Currently I'm situated in a white box filled with nothing but a table and two chairs made of metal. We're surrounded by large mirrors which now I think about it, it must be the kind of windows wherein people could see you but you can't. The type of windows that predators would choose to cage their victims and suspects being interrogated by the police for murdering or treason or whatever felony they have done. Quite a lovely image. No, I just assumed it would be that kind of mirror because I heard Charlie reply, then there a surveillance camera on the ceiling and I saw this one scene in CSI where the place is exactly, exactly like this.

Ah…yes, a one-sided mirror is what it's called. Pretty straightforward name don't you think?

"Miss Kuga, do you understand the instructions being given?"

Wait? What?

"Excuse me?"

I can't read micro expressions like that guy on tv nor can I observe body gestures that well but when I see someone forms a fist and sigh deeply, it clearly means one thing and one thing only: he's angry and I know it.

But for some reason I find that observation funny because I remembered the song 'I'm Sexy and I Know It' and so I laughed. Hard.

"Miss Kuga," a very restricted tone was used. I'm guessing he wanted to shout out at me but he can't. He's a polygraph reader slash interviewer so he can't do that. I feel bad for him now…

"Miss Kuga!" and now there's shouting involved.

"Yes?"

"Kindly pay attention." Now he's clenching his teeth. Uh oh. He is mad.

"Okay." I decided to get this over with. I mean, I wouldn't want this guy to have a heart attack in front of me. I know CPR but I wouldn't want to use it on him.

"Do you understand the instructions?"

"What instructions?"

Then there's Charlie's exasperated, "Natsuki! Be serious about this or else I'll pull you out!"

I glared at the mirror intending to send my glare towards Charlie on the other side, but all I can see is my image glaring at me and the guy beside me who is glaring at me. Wonderful.

"I'm being serious!"

The man coughed loudly and said, "I said that you are to answer every questions from here on out with only Yes and No. Is that understood?"

"Wait, what if I'm not sure with the answer? What if I want to answer, maybe?"

I can see blood vessels popping out of the man's temple and was about to stand up when Charlie, once again, interrupted. "Mr. Brooke I apologize for her demeanor but please sit down and continue the interview. Natsuki, just answer his damn questions with Yes and No! If you're not sure then answer it with an answer closest of the two."

I want to ask 'what if I really can't decide between Yes or No?' But as I see all visible signs of anger on Mr. Brooke here, I decided to swallow my question and answered, "Yes, I do understand."

Charlie mentioned that I should put my best foot forward and make a good impression. Not everyone was happy with me applying for the Academy—the training ground for people who work in the Agency. At the very top of my list was my father who was surprisingly decent and unharmed when we visited him after that disturbing and suspicious phone call. He was adamant that I stay in school and live like a normal girl. Lucky me I just turned eighteen therefore I have a right to do as I see fit, I'm an adult.

Who would have thought that in just one night everything would change? I, losing my virginity, then my brother died in my arms, and my father…well, I kind of lost him too. I'm closer to my late mother but I sensed that something is bothering my father. His eyes are unsettled even more so when I told him my decision. I know I shouldn't be paranoid and sceptic at my own father but with this spy business, who knows? Who are your allies and enemies? For all I know everyone is wearing their best sheep clothing while planning behind my back.

"Miss Kuga!" Mr. Brooke it seems has reached his boiling point as he is now standing up ready to pounce at me any minute, while I'm smiling childishly as I raise both my hands in surrender.

"Alright. Alright. I'll pay attention. Chill it will you?"

It seems it did nothing more but aggravated the poor guy even more. I must say I'm doing a hella poor job of being inconspicuous. Charlie instructed me to play it safe and be a wall flower while I learn. She said that if I let my revenge-filled driven emotions take over I won't be able to know who was behind my brother's death. That I have to survive in the academy without an issue. She said that I'm already being monitored seeing I used to have a high profile brother.

I used to.

I can't get use to the idea of him being dead.

Natsuo…

"What the hell, Kuga?!"

"Yes?" I asked, startled by Charlie interrupting my reminiscing. Then I looked around and saw Mr. Brooke nowhere to be found.

"Seems I finished it early?" I commented sheepishly, half-wishing, half-hoping that I didn't make the poor guy more trouble.

"Early?" Now it was Charlie's turn to be aggravated. "The guy just left fuming, Kuga!"

"Oh…no?"

It was half past eleven in the evening when my fifth and final sets of interviews were done. After Mr. Brooke left and Charlie threatened to throw me out, I behaved and started answering like a stupid answering machine.

Answering machine…hehe. What a joke. I'm so tired of saying 'Yes' and 'No' for the past three hours. I was almost tempted to answer yes from questions 1 to 100 and then no from 101 onwards but I saw Charlie's glare as she was about to leave the room. A glare that meant 'mess this one up and you won't have a second chance.' What choice did I have then but to follow.

Sigh.

Then the next series of interviews were about my cognitive abilities: my ability to retain information, my ability to analyze simple and complicated objects, my ability to judge a situation accordingly to norms. In short they tested how intelligent I am. Which without a doubt, I know I am.

Then the third and final set of interviews were about my feelings. Out of the three queries I find this the hardest. The new guy, Mr. Shaves whose name tickles my funny bone literally, would ask me series of questions I'm not comfortable answering. But I really can't say 'Nope, sorry. Next question please.' Or 'I have the right to remain silent.' Wait…isn't that what cops would say when they arrest someone? Anyway, so the interview went like this.

"Miss Kuga, how do you feel about your brother's death?"

Ouch. They're not wasting any time now, do they? So I deflect with a, "Huh? Pardon. Please repeat the question?"

You see I learned that in school. When you want to stall for time to think of a more profound answer to give, you should ask the interviewer to repeat the question. Although you have to be careful because it might give your doubts away and you wouldn't want the interviewer to know that you're lying.

He coughed and repeated the question. To a question I don't know the answer so I stalled for time and I asked him to repeat the question again. By the fifth time I asked to repeat the question, he then asked me, "Miss Kuga, are you deaf? Would you like me to give you a paper so you can answer in writing?"

"That would be very help—"

"Kuga…" was another warning I heard from the other side or what I'd like to call as the 'outside world'.

"Nope," I shook my head. "I'm good. I got the question. Just a bit tired…" and I faced the window, "like we all are, I assumed. Can't we do this tomorrow? Seven sharp? Bright and early?" I wiggled my eyebrows, suggesting and half-begging for Charlie to consider my plea because I really, really don't want these kind of questions.

"No, Kuga. Mr. Shaves, please do continue." Was all she said.

Bummer.

Again, Mr. Shaves repeated the question, "Miss Kuga, how do you feel with the recent death of your brother?"

Instead of stalling, I am now deflecting. "Mr. Shaves, do you have a brother?"

"Miss Kuga!"

"Kuga!"

I stood up and glared at him. Wanting him to know that I'm tired of playing too. This mumbo jumbo of exams just to pry and get into my head? Give me a break! "I asked, do you have a brother Mr. Shaves?"

"With all due respect Miss Kuga, I'm the one with questions here and you need to answer them."

"Do. You. Have. A. Brother. Mr. Shaves?" I repeated every syllable in his face.

He stuttered, "Yes, I do."

I saw a glint of affection in his eyes and decided to go for it. "How old is he?"

"Miss Kuga, I think this line of questioning is inappropriate…" he fidgeted, now I know I'm on the right track.

"How old is your brother, Mr. Shaves?" I lowered my voice as I sat down once again but I took the stool and moved closer to the interviewer's side. I then placed my hand sympathetically on his arm and asked, "Is it a younger or older brother?"

I saw a quiver in his lips when I mentioned 'younger' so I said, "Younger brother is it then?" I didn't let him recover when I inquired again, "In his mid twenties?"

There was a gulp and I knew I was close. So I tried again, "Twenty…two?"

Two gulps. I'm getting closer. And let me tell you this reverse interrogation is getting interesting, more interesting when I had it with Natsuo.

Natsuo…Big bro…

You see, my big brother was big with role playing games. Most of the time we do 'I spy' games wherein we literally followed someone the whole day. Now that I think about it, it was a bit creepy. But it was fun. I got the chance to spend my time with my favorite person in the whole world.

But the interrogation bit wasn't so much fun when I was the one in the hot spot. He told me that learning how to deal with interrogators and tortures would become handy someday…and here we are. And let me tell you, I'm enjoying everything bit of it. Though I'm not trying to show it too much in my face or I'll blow the cover off.

But really, this is something…

"Twen…ty?"

He looked sideward and I knew I got him. "Twenty huh. A freshman or sophomore…eh?"

Still not making eye contact with me and I returned his question to him, "What would you feel then if your precious little brother was shot in front of you? While you hold his lifeless body in your arms knowing you can't do anything? Huh?"

"I—"

And then he started to cry.

"Okay, this interview is done." Charlie entered the room with an indescribable expression on her. She faced Mr. Shaves who was now in bad shape and handed him a ball of tissue, "Here Mr. Shaves. Thank you for all your hard work. You may go now."

"I—" he began but he was ushered away by two man in black suits.

Uh-oh. Am I in trouble?

Then the door was shut and I was alone in the room with Charlie. She made a weird cutting gesture in her neck. God I hope it was not a command beheading me...

Suddenly she shoved me on the wall and started shouting, "What the hell was that Kuga?"

"I—"

"I said, you need to be inconspicuous. Not to stand out! But what did you do?" She shoved me harder and it really, really hurts. "What did you do?"

"I—"

I was about to tell her that she's physically manly when she broke out into a smile, and a big smile telling me, "you nailed it! You freaking nailed! You just made the toughest interrogator in the Agency into a mush!"

"I—did?" I answered, waiting for her to say 'hell no' but it didn't come. "I did good then?"

"You did good?" She said incredulously. "You did great! And because of that you're in!"

Woah. I did great and…wait, did I hear it right? I'm in? I had to ask, "I'm in?"

By this time I'm already smiling as Charlie's enthusiasm can be contagious or I'm just really relieved they didn't throw me in a dungeon or a loony bin after that play I did with the interrogator.

"Yes, you're in!"

I'm in. I'm in. I'm in. I'm in…is all I could think about.

Charlie surprisingly extended her hand, I took it dubiously but she shook it warmly while telling me, "Congrats Kuga. You got in the Academy! You're one step closer to becoming an Agent…on becoming like your brother, Natsuo…"

She looked so sad when she mentioned my brother who I love dearly and all, but all I could think about was that because of this, getting in the Academy, I was closer to my goal: I am now one step closer to her—my Pumpkin…err…I meant, Crimson.

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Thanks for reading :)

Till next time!

Side Story

Telephone conversation between Crimson and Waki

Crimson: Waki?

Waki: Uhh...*looks at caller id*...No?

Crimson: Cut the crap I know it is you.

Waki: I'm sorry you've dialed the wrong number. Please never try again. *slams down the telephone*

Crimson: That kdnfslkfns!

Crimson visited Waki's office.

Crimson: Huh...*tries to open the door* Why is it locked? *uses her keys* What the? It's not working? Mm...*finds the spare key hidden underneath a pillow beside the door* I've always wondered why she'd leave a pillow outside...*shrugs and uses the key* AJSFSRERSRSER SFD! It's not working! *starts banging at Waki's door* I know you're in there Waki! I can hear you watching Parks and Recreation!

Waki: Nobody is here. You're hearing things. Please consult your doctor.

Crimson: That alnfsknnfs!

Crimson sent Waki a facebook friend request.

Waki: *checks her fb account* Oh, a friend request...Mmm...*replies back*

Crimson: *checks her fb account* A reply! *reads* Who you? *throws her laptop* That wkalfklasn!