Time to Feel Betrayed

A/N- Rewrite 2018

PART 1

Misaki Kirihara curled tighter into herself, pulling the covers up to her chin. She was having a good dream, she supposed, full of food and laughter and a man in a mask who looked so much like Li, carrying her in his arms, so close to his chest that she could even hear his heart beat…Then the moment was gone. She shifted in bed, feeling its weight and reality. She wanted to dive back into her dream, stay wrapped in Li's arms, warm and safe, but it was too late. Reality had gripped her and was not prepared to let her go. Her muscles tensed instinctively. Something was wrong here. What it was, she could not identify, but something was off. The rational part of her brain took over. No need to panic, she thought, willing her muscles to relax. She was in her apartment, safe…alone.

Mao snorted. She was neither safe, alone, nor in her apartment, but maybe Misaki needed to open her eyes first to realize that. It would be mean of Mao to judge her, blind as she was.

He watched as the lady officer snapped awake suddenly, jumping off the bed with a start. She went from bleary to alert in a matter of seconds. Mao had to hand it to her. Even he liked to take a couple of cat stretches before the day really began.

Where was she? was the thought running through her mind. Where had she been yesterday? Her head pounded, maybe she had gone partying? Hadn't Kanami tried to drag her somewhere? Maybe she had too much to drink and then she was in Kanami's friend's of a friend's apartment?

But no, that didn't feel right. She had told Kanami that she wasn't up for partying and wanted to spend the night working out some of the lingering cases. Then, Kanami had huffed before lecturing her on a concept called "me time." You should really have some more me time, said a voice that sounded suspiciously like Kanami's. You know, do a little sight-seeing, take a walk, people come to Tokyo for vacation, you know. Why can't you enjoy the city while you live in it?

And that was how Misaki had ended up wandering the residential streets of Tokyo. She remembered now, the street had been lit by a flickering streetlight and some dogs had been barking off in the distance. Misaki had taken a few turns around the park, around the batting cages, through the residential neighborhoods, before ending up in the dim street. Ominously, the wall separating Hell's Gate from the rest of society had stood against the dark horizon. Her eyes had flickered up towards the false stars for a second, and not for the first time, she had stared at one star in particular. Maybe you'll even run into BK-201! That was Kanami again, laughing in her head. Not that she was wrong, Misaki had muttered to herself. Damn it! Was she really so predictable? Half walking, half in thought, that's when a man in a black jacket and a porcelain white mask had dashed on scene, followed closely by a heavy-set man with a bright blue fist, GS-508... She recognized him on sight from the previous week's string of robberies: GS-508. Power? Immobilization.

By the time she got over her shock enough to shout her "Hands in the air!" line, GS-508 had reached out towards her and stopped her in her tracks. And that was how, for the next few minutes, she was forced to stand like an idiot in the middle of the street with no gun in hand as the Black Reaper and GS-508 danced around her. Not that it was a fair match, all GS-508 could do was try to stop BK-201 from throwing his knives, moving, or throwing his wire around and making the little Tokyo street his personal jungle gym. But the Black Reaper? Well, in one swift movement, he was behind the contractor with a knife to his neck. GS-508 let out one final gasp before BK-201 released his power, letting the heavy man fall to the ground, face first. His power dissipated and Misaki could feel life returning to her limbs. The man in black took one long look at the contractor's back and then slowly, his porcelain mask turned to her. Her memory had blacked out after that.

Sitting on the bed, Misaki took in her surroundings. She didn't recognize the room she was in, and judging from last night's memories, she was pretty sure it wasn't Kanami's friend's room…So what had happened last night? One minute, frozen, the next quite literally in shock, and then…her dream came back to her then, was it even possible? Had the Black Reaper carried her to this room, laid her on the bed, and tucked her in? Even putting her glasses on the bedside table which she now grabbed and put on? The room came into focus as the frames slid on her head. Why was she here?...Why wasn't she dead yet? She quickly scanned the room for cameras, escape routes like windows and doors and…cats?

"It's about time you woke up," the black cat said bluntly.

WHAT? In spite of herself, Misaki gasped.

"You're a contractor!" Misaki accused.

Mao dipped his head. "Observant. Good to know you're intelligent."

"Who brought me here?" Misaki demanded, her police instinct kicking in.

Mao licked his paw thoughtfully. He couldn't exactly tell her that Hei had rushed in here in the wee hours of the morning, holding Misaki like she was some precious cargo since Hei had asked him explicitly not to and he didn't fancy getting shocked again.

"Someone…who doesn't want to see your lifeless body."

"Was it a contractor?" Was it BK-201?

"Really now, Foreign Affairs Section Chief Misaki Kirihara, I would have thought your deduction skills were better than that by now." Was this lady really that stupid? If she was then the Syndicate was wasting their time recruiting her. Mao rolled his shoulders back in disdain. Or maybe…she was playing dumb, trying to gather all of the information possible from the innocent and unsuspecting cat. Mao knew that was Hei's favorite way to play it. It wouldn't be beneath Kirihara to try that too. Mao let the woman stew, knowing she was getting more anxious by the minute, shooting glances at the door. The door wasn't locked, but she didn't need to know that. Not like she'd get far anyway since the outside doors were locked.

"Where am I? Can I at least know that?" Misaki asked exasperated.

"You're in a safe place," Mao relented, "Huang will fill you in on all the details. As to why you're here? Well, our organization recently decided that you've learned one too many facts about us to be considered non-threatening anymore. We can't have you running loose. Who knows what you might decide to tell someone? And with brains like yours they would hate to lose you." Mao put a little emphasis on lose.

"What?"

Mao looked at her dead in the eyes. "We're asking you to join us. By the way, my name's Mao."

The cat walked towards the door, gave a sniff and chuckled. "It's about time. Hope Huang remembered to bring my salmon." A moment later, there was a soft knock on the door.

"It's me," a soft voice said from the other side.

"Come in, Yin," Mao called to her.

Misaki watched the door creak open to reveal a pretty, young girl in a purple and black dress. Her silver hair made her stand out in the dark room. It would have been hard to miss her if Misaki had seen her walking around. Misaki did a double-take. Wait, wasn't that the girl who ran the tobacco stand? How had she gotten involved in all of this? She seemed too independent to be a doll, but she wasn't contractor material according to Misaki's contractor radar. Then again, her contractor radar was clearly off since she had run into BK-201 at Alice's party and hadn't noticed him among the crowd, entering or mingling with the guests before his appearance.

Well, if this sweet girl was a doll, then who else was involved? What other innocuous, innocent, sweet person could also be wrapped up in this mess? Clearly, they hired more than just ruthless killers. Her eyes darted to Mao. Clearly. As if reading her thoughts, Mao stuck his nose in the air and left, flicking his tail.

"Huang wants to see her now," Yin explained in her distant monotone.

The black cat looked expectantly up at Misaki who hadn't moved a muscle.

"Follow Yin," Mao instructed. Misaki, seeing no way out of her situation, obliged, but beneath her fear and annoyance, she hated to admit she was more than a little curious. She followed Yin down a series of hallways lined with tattered wallpaper, down, down, to a basement level.

At least no one had hurt her, she thought. Finally, Yin stopped at one of the last doors and knocked lightly. After a precisely timed pause, Yin waved her hand motioning for Misaki to enter.

Misaki walked in apprehensively, recognizing the old man that always smelled of tobacco from around town. So he was in this "Syndicate" too. She decided to make a mental note for her police squad if she ever got out of here. Even though they would most likely use ME on her before she saw the light of day again.

Misaki nodded, business-like in greeting. "I understand there's something that needs to be discussed, well what is it?" Misaki asked curtly.

The old man snorted in response. This girl had nerve, a sense of loyalty, and morals. Something he thought he had once, a long time ago. He gestured to the seat across from him.

"Sit down, Kirihara." He waited for her to do so. "My name's Huang and I work for the Syndicate." He looked at her appraisingly. "I'll be your new boss."

Her eyes flashed. "I don't understand you. You took me against my will and seem to work for an illegal organization that employs dolls and contractors. How can you expect me to work for you? I've never even heard of the Syndicate before." That was a lie, but her pissed off attitude was not.

Huang was unaffected by her outburst. "We try and keep it a secret. Anyway. Yes, we do work with both dolls and contractors. But back to why you're here- the Syndicate has decided that your vast contractor knowledge could be of some use to us, especially someone of your standing. And just to be clear, you'll join us or risk having all of your memories working for Section 4 erased, including all knowledge of contractors."

She couldn't let him see how his words affected her. Lose her memories of Section 4? Unthinkable. Forget about BK-201? Now that, that was impossible.

She pursed her lips. "Let's say for a moment that I'll join you…what happens then? Do I have to quit my job? People will notice that I'm gone."

Huang shrugged. "We'll work something out. Foreign Affairs, no, the entire police, is basically owned by the Syndicate as it is. You'll be able to keep in contact with everyone from Section 4. Your contacts will be in handy." He thought bitterly to his own contacts working in the police force, remembering Hourai as he explained the need for a police division dedicated to contractor-related activities. Now he was looking at the product of such a division…and he was still in contact with Hourai. "There's no need to erase your identity off the map, Kirihara. But you'll work with us from now on."

"Who's us?" She asked testily. "I wasn't aware there were more than just you, Mao, and Yin."

"Oh, that reminds me." He said, as if he were not just reminded. "We've been informed of your unusual…interest in our contractor BK-201. If it makes any difference to you, he's the last member of our little family."

At this, Misaki's eyes lit up. BK-201 was a total mystery to her, especially in his elusive white mask. He popped up everywhere and had a talent for never getting caught. Her curiosity was too great. To forget that BK-201 had ever existed or to work alongside him, maybe knowing the person he was underneath the mask. Kanami would have laughed in her face. It was not even a choice. Even Kanami would have been able to predict what Misaki would choose.

"Fine, I accept."

Huang nodded, knowing it was the only rational choice for someone such as her.

"Right, your first mission is to move into apartment 200, the apartment complex near the center of the city. Mao will be there to give you your next instructions."

Her mission was to move? Seemed a little extreme to call it a mission. It made sense though...

"When will I be able to meet BK-201?" Misaki blurted out, unable to contain herself any longer. Huang gave her a funny look. Huang hadn't interacted with Hei in his Li personality, but he had witnessed from afar how charming he seemed to be with the ladies. Was it surprising that Hei had caught her attention as the Black Reaper? Especially considering how he knew Li and Misaki had something of a friendship. How ironic was that? Huang could laugh until he cried on that one.

"You'll be meeting with him tonight," Huang said, trying not to give anything away. "But don't let your personal interests get the better of you. Work first, bond with your teammates later, got it?"

She nodded. Anything to see the face beneath the mask.

As Misaki approached the apartment complex, she realized with a start that this was where Li Shengshun lived…and that she was to be his neighbor. Being next to that sweet, innocent young man brought a smile to her face. Maybe they could hang out more, like they did at the batting cages. Besides, she was going to be working undercover, with an illegal contractor group. She was thankful for even a little innocence and normality in her life, even if it only lived next to her. And his resemblance to BK-201? She asked herself. Did that have anything to do with her fascination in Li, the exchange student? Probably, but it wasn't like she had chosen to move here.

Misaki rang the doorbell.

"Are you selling something?! I told you, I'll call you for a coffin when I need one!" shouted the little old lady who shot open the door.

"No, no! I'm just moving into the empty apartment," she stated, very thrown off by the eccentric reaction.

"Oh, I remember now. Coming for apartment 200 aren't ya?...well come along! You'll have the best neighbor. Li, you know him? So kind and so thoughtful! He's the only one of my tenants worth a damn!"

She let Misaki in her new apartment and handed her the keys. "Have fun, just don't go partying too long and making a racket."

"No, I wouldn't. I—" work for the police, Misaki was about to say. But she didn't anymore, did she?

Misaki faced her new apartment with a sigh. It looked barren and depressing. Her old apartment was larger and it was already furnished. The rent was a pain in the ass though, and she didn't have any neighbors that she considered friends. It was always to and from work from the apartment, so she had never had time to get to know the people in the rooms around her. Maybe it was a good change, she thought. Now, she only had to move all of her belongings.

"Hey! Don't you like it?" Mao asked concerned, trotting in the room from the door between her legs. "We moved most of your clothes into the bedroom closet for you; but you won't be staying here to relax often- so it doesn't really matter how furnished it is just as long as you can sleep safely."

"Thanks Mao." What the hell? They had been through her clothes? "Now what do I have to do?"

"Hmm... We already took care of your work, and you already have some self-defense knowledge... Huang told me of your interest in our colleague." Mao grinned, how Hei got around! "I think you should be trained personally by the our very own Black Reaper. It's dangerous working with us, so defense should be your top priority, at least, that's what he says." Mao muttered something about never offering to teach him any self-defense. "Don't do anything stupid and do everything he tells you, you got that?"

Misaki perked up. "Yes. When am I meeting him?" She so desperately wanted to see what was behind that mask. Now that they were working on the same team, she couldn't kill him or turn him into the police, which only left them as people, Misaki and BK-201. She felt a stirring in her heart, a longing to just know him, somehow. Simply because he intrigued her. Mao watched the oddest look come over Misaki's face, like she had just been told her wish got granted. Mao just looked at her funny.

"Huh. I really don't know when he'll show up. Tell you what, just stay here and out of trouble and I'll ask him what's on the docket."

The cat jumped out the widow.

1 hour later

Misaki pulled on her work clothes after taking a shower. She had been dressed in the same clothes as last night all day- she needed a shower.

Suddenly, her mouth was covered by a black gloved hand, the white mask a foot away. Acting on instinct she tried to squirm away and scream. Mao had warned her about danger, coupled with how big the Syndicate was; it wouldn't be surprising some people knew of her new alignment.

"Sshhhhh," Hei whispered. Misaki froze; she didn't expect to encounter the Reaper so suddenly. She nodded. Hei took that as a sign she'd cooperate. The glove moved away. It was nearly 10:00 pm now, and the sky outside was near pitch black. So much for Mao letting her know when BK-201 could pencil her in.

"Misaki...you can call me Hei," Hei said. It felt odd to tell Misaki his name again, somehow more personal even though it wasn't the first time they had met.

"Hei," she said, trying it out. Black.

"That's not your real name, is it?" So far she'd met a girl named silver, a cat named cat, and a man named yellow. How was she to possibly think they were all named that originally?

"It's been my name since I was eleven, so it's very real for me."

They picked the Reaper up when he was just a kid? No wonder he was the Syndicate's top agent.

"When did you-?"

"Enough questions."

"But—"

"I'm probably going to have to answer more later, but right now we need to train. The police force doesn't prepare you for everything you need to know working with us." Like using lethal force as the first line of attack instead of a last resort.

Reluctantly, Misaki nodded. She realized how close they were standing together. She felt the warmth of his body against hers. In a way, she was soothed, knowing that he was here, on her side, the feared Black Reaper, BK-201. Hei, she reminded herself. His name was Hei.

"Everyone is at a block party down the road, so the apartments are all empty." Hei smiled as he remembered how Yin wanted to go to the party despite Huang's protests. But Huang, she'll blend in just fine when everyone's stinking drunk, Mao had said. "So we can afford to practice a little bit here without being detected. We both know you're good with a gun," Misaki was sure there was a smirk under that mask. "But how about knives?" Hei pulled some double-bladed knives out of his coat in one smooth motion. She couldn't help but flinch as they glistened before her eyes. Hei passed her a single knife.

"Show me how you'd regularly handle one."

Misaki gripped it tightly, holding it sideways in front of her chest. Hei shook his head. "That makes it way too easy for me to do this—" Hei hit her wrist in just the right spot so her hold would loosen and then positioned the knife under her neck. Misaki blushed, embarrassed that she would have died if it were a real life situation.

"You want to keep the blade away from any vital parts, hold it at an angle and try to get rid of it as soon as possible."

Misaki nodded. Now that she thought about it, the Reaper did use his weapons like that. Attack, discard, reload. Hei gave the knife back to her.

She tried again, positioning the knife in front of her but to the right.

"Good, now throw it at me."

Misaki went for it, thrusting the dagger in a rotation to impair Hei's upper arm. However, Hei was a blur as his hand shot out to catch the blade at its handle. Hei shoved the weapon back into his coat. It was like a sleight-of-hand, and so much more beautiful up close. Without the threat of imminent danger, Misaki could finally appreciate the grace that Hei had about him.

"Meet me tomorrow at the park," Hei said, making his way towards the window. He had climbed on the balconey and was about to dive off when Misaki shouted after him.

"Wait, Hei!"

But he was off.

PART 2

Misaki woke to see sun pouring in from her new bedroom window. Getting dressed, she exited to have some breakfast. She was surprised to see Yin sitting on a wooden chair with her hand dipped in a bowl of water. A water medium.

Yin turned towards her.

"Do you know why you are here?" Yin asked in her soft voice.

"I was ordered to move here," she answered simply.

"Do you know why the Syndicate wanted you? Why suddenly, they desired your cooperation?"

"Huang said it was my knowledge," Misaki said, realizing how dumb it now sounded. The Syndicate had all the knowledge they needed.

"No. Hei was ordered to kill you, but he persuaded the Syndicate to keep you if you were willing to work for them."

"…Why?"

"Hei really likes you."

"Oh." Well that's great to know, that the Black Reaper she had chased after for so long had developed a soft spot for her. If contractors could even feel like that...

"You came very close to finding out who he was a couple times. That's why the Syndicate needed you removed."

"Then why am I still here?"

"Because of Hei. He's their best contractor and they need him focused entirely on his missions. It gave him a little bit of leverage."

"Is Hei even a contractor?" Misaki asked exasperated. He had emotions and no price they could tell. But if he wasn't a contractor, then what was he?

Yin didn't answer.

"I have to go to work now…but I'll be watching over you." With that half threat, half caring statement, Yin got up and left.

The Syndicate sure was confusing.

Hei

Hei wasn't sure how long he could keep his identity from Misaki. They lived next to each other now, which meant that sooner or later, she was sure to pick up on something. But he would see how far he could push his luck. Being Li, he knew that the first thing Li would do would be to greet his new neighbor. Standing outside of door 200, Hei knocked once.

Misaki

"Oh Li!" Misaki smiled in surprise. There, right there, was the normality her life so desperately needed!

"Eh, hi Misaki! I heard that you moved into apartment 200, so I came to welcome you!" Hei smiled innocently.

"I'm doing fine Li. The move didn't take long at all! Thanks for asking!" Hei figured she had a rough day yesterday, so to make it up to her Hei had convinced Huang to let Misaki and him have the day off until training.

"I was wondering if you wanted to do something today. Moving must be really hard!" Hei asked, sure that she would say yes, but still feeling a little nervous. When he was around her, it was like he was normal. If only that were true, he though bitterly.

"Sure! If it's not too much, can you come to the mall with me? I kind of need some everyday items, and I'd really appreciate the company!"

"I thought you hated shopping?"

"I do, but you're not like Kanami who will drag me to all the clothes stores. Besides, I really need to stock up on some things!" Misaki smiled. One day she was kidnapped and blackmailed, the next she was spending a normal day shopping with the most normal person she knew! The joy of working undercover, Misaki thought, is that you get to lead a double life.

"Well, if you're sure then. We can go right now."

"Great, let me grab my bag."

Misaki and Hei. Two ordinary people, walking down to her blue Porsche together. Absolutely nothing to worry about.

Hei climbed into the passenger seat as Misaki snapped the seatbelt across her chest. Hei had imagined being in the officer's car before, but for other reasons. It was odd to just sit there for normal purposes, or purposes that didn't involve murdering the driver. Misaki drove smoothly in the direction of Tokyo's central mall, even if she did have a tendency to speed. It was a Friday, so the mall was fairly busy. Misaki parked the car and she and Hei headed to the entrance. As they approached, Misaki picked up the distant smell of cigarettes.

"Ew! I can't stand that smoke!" complained Misaki in a whisper to Hei. Hei smiled innocently.

"Me either!" he responded, while scanning the entrance. Hei's sight rested on the source of the smoke- Huang. What was he doing here? He had planned on keeping his identity secret for a while longer, but apparently the Syndicate had other plans. Hei glanced nervously at Misaki, who thankfully had not spotted Huang nonchalantly reading a newspaper. Hei grabbed Misaki's hand and dragged her gently forward through the automatic doors, away from the smoke. If Hei noticed the faint blush staining her cheeks, he didn't comment.

"Where do you want to start, Li?...Li?"

Hei needed to talk to Huang alone. "Um, how about kitchenware? I'll meet you over there in a minute. I just need to use the restroom first."

Misaki nodded, slowly heading off in the direction of the kitchen appliance stores. Once out of sight, Hei walked inconspicuously towards Huang.

"Still playing Li, I see?" Huang snorted, gracing Hei with his sight by quickly lifting his eyes off of his newspaper.

"Yes, for as long as possible. Now what is it?" Hei asked, his voice darker and rougher than he pitched Li's voice. Huang breathed out his smoke, taking his time.

"Well, we need the Reaper and the officer to save the day. There's reason to believe that Gregory's Appliance Store here is involved in some underground doll smuggling. We need to find out who is involved in the trade, and get the doll out of there." Huang put the cigar back in his mouth.

"Understood. Any contractors?" Hei asked.

"Most likely. Keep an eye out."

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Yin's specter rise out of the decorative, center fountain.

Hei left and began to walk towards the appliance store in question. Looking past the advertisements for their new microwaves and fans, he could clearly see Misaki admiring a shiny red plate with yellow flowers on it in the kitchen department. Misaki's eyes flicked to his, as if sensing she was being watched. Her eyes had a type of nervous determination in them as she tried to put on a smile and wave.

So someone had already told her about the mission, Hei thought. That wasn't surprising. It was good they did since he didn't have to explain it to her, but her face was a dead giveaway that something was up, if one of the sellers saw her, they would know that she knew. On the other hand, they were probably so novice at this black market industry, that Misaki's adequately guarded face wouldn't even rouse them. Maybe instead of learning how to use weapons, Hei should be giving her acting lessons.

Hei smiled in return. His superb acting skills had been in use for so long that no hint of anything wrong reached his seemingly innocent, naive eyes. Oh, Li has such a simple life! Misaki thought envying him. He didn't have to worry about doll smuggling or contractors. Hell! He didn't even know about their existence! Kanami had texted her while Mao prepped Misaki outside of the store. It seemed that HT-481 was showing activity near her current location, but Section 4 didn't know what to think of it. They had seen told that Misaki was on a little break, but decided to inform her to see if she had any ideas to help them.

"That's a pretty plate," Hei stated, shattering her thoughts.

Misaki nodded. Pull it together Misaki! Li doesn't need to be dragged into your mess!

"Yeah, I really like it," Misaki told Hei as they walked to the register located in the back corner of the store. Hei noticed that there was a back door behind the registers that appeared to be the only semi- guarded door in the store. That would be a good place to start searching, Hei thought. Misaki placed the plate onto the counter. The cashier smiled, his name tag read Ted.

"Is this all, Miss? That'll be 15 yen."

Misaki reached into her purse to pull out her wallet, but her police badge somehow came with it. Oops! Misaki quickly shoved it back in her bag, but not before everyone nearby had seen it. Ted's eyes narrowed. Dam! They're on to us! Ted thought. The store was empty except for these two, no one would see... Ted pulled out a gun from his pocket. Fully loaded, he was ready. He pointed the gun menacingly at Misaki first. She was the cop after all, and from what he gathered from watching the man and woman, the other guy wasn't going to be much of a match. Just a single bullet through the head would do him in.

"Put your hands on your head. Now! Who sent you?" Ted demanded. Misaki looked at the cashier shocked; she didn't want Li to get involved in this. Remembering the way the Black Reaper disarmed her last night, Misaki lunged for the man's wrist and knocked the weapon from his hands. Misaki smiled in triumph, the Reaper wasn't such a bad teacher. She easily knocked Ted out. Unfortunately, backup came spewing out of the back door. Three more men came into the room. Two of them had a gun, the other, Hei assumed, was the contractor. The agents spotted Misaki holding their colleague's gun, and then their attention shifted to Hei. Simple civilian, they thought, since he was unarmed and looking on in shock.

"Now miss, we don't want any trouble," one of the men joked. At the same time, a blond-haired man pointed his gun at Li.

"Who are you working for?" he demanded. Misaki barred her teeth, this wasn't good. But like Huang had said, work came first above her personal feelings, above Li. She positioned the gun at the brown-haired man and shot for his head. The man dodged, but ended up getting the bullet in his arm.

"Why you little-" Misaki fired another shot as Hei tried to hit the blond-man with the ceramic plate Misaki wanted, managing to knock him out. Misaki's bullet managed to hit the brown-haired man in the neck. Blood oozed out of him. 'Amateurs,' Hei scoffed mentally.

The contractor, fed up with the incompetence of his workers started glowing blue, causing Misaki to freeze. HT-481 had somehow managed to whip around the counter and get his hands on Misaki's shoulders before they knew what was happening.

"I have the power to turn you into a pile of ashes. Now drop your gun and tell me who you work for!" The contractor threatened in an apathetic voice. Misaki looked helplessly between the terrified face of Li, and the gleeful, yet serious one of HT-481. How could she have asked Li to join her for a nice day out shopping? She had thought that she could still do normal things without her new or old job getting in the way. She was probably going to regret this later, but she just couldn't let Li get hurt or die.

"Fine!" Misaki dropped the gun causing it to clatter to the floor.

"I work for the police!" Li looked at her in a type of calculating way. Like he was storing this info for a later retelling. It was after all the first encounter he's had with a contractor. Sadly, ME would have to be used... Misaki looked back up at the contractor's cruel face.

"Haha! I know you lie! Game's up Black Reaper, prepare to die!" the contractor started to emit synchrotron radiation. Misaki panicked and made a dash for her fallen gun. Black Reaper? Had Hei come to save her again? But it was no sooner that she thought that when the contractor released his hold. She aimed the gun at the contractor's head and fired. Before the bullet could reach its target though, it burst into flames.

"Li, run!" Misaki screamed, the Reaper was here now and she was sure that he would save her. Li, well, he might not be so lucky. 'Just wait for the Reaper to save her then. That was her plan?!' Hei thought. Then again, she was ill prepared to take this contractor on.

"Li?!" He asked, chuckling. Suddenly, a dagger was thrown out of nowhere, hitting the contractor on the back of the head. Hei's identity couldn't be kept much longer. He might as well get the contractor over with as soon as possible.

Hei! Misaki thought. He came! Her eyes traced the path of the knife, but the only one in the room was Li...Her eyes widened. It couldn't be.

"Come on Misaki, go into the back room and carry out the mission!" Hei screamed to her.

Shock was written plainly over her face. Li, her last anchor to normality, was anything but. How had he eluded her for so long and kept her so close? Was everything she knew of him a lie?

Hearing Hei's voice brought her back into reality. Right, mission first. She had time to feel betrayed later.

A/N- The sequel is "Time To Be Forthright" by Destinies Entwined! PLEASE READ! She's a wonderful author :)