It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Not the China

Reiji Sakamaki hadn't held a baby since his youngest brother had been born. He'd been the appointed babysitter - since Christa hadn't trusted Karlheinz's pick of nannies and maids. Cautiously, he lifted the chubby baby into his arms, bouncing it as his cries grew louder. Reiji's fuschia eyes glowered at the unconscious body that lay beneath his feet. Carlos' head was bleeding, the crimson soaked through the soft carpet, the stench strong and inhuman - Reiji's suspicion had been right all along. He glimpsed at the knife that'd been dropped, Athena's blood decorated the blade, Reiji felt rage erupt within his veins.

Slowly, the Sakamaki made his way out of the nursery, gloved hand patting the sobbing infant's hair as he stepped over the broken body of Malory Jacobson. Her neck was twisted at 90⁰, her arms limp and a metal gun hooked upon her finger. Reiji paid them no attention as he walked down the creaking staircase and to the front door. Casper's cries grew louder as Reiji made his way across the street to his own home. Only one light was on, he noticed - and it was the kitchen light. He could hear the shattering of china before he'd stepped foot through the gate. Panic surged within him, making his eyes grow wide as he rushed to the open front door.

Athena wasted no time as she stumbled into the kitchen, switching on the light and unlocking the fragile cabinet. She'd grabbed his cup first, launching it at the wall where it burst and shattered. Next was his beloved plate set and then the bowls and then the rest of the cups. She was about to throw the last one - her cup - before a hand grasped her wrist not too nicely. She didn't have to look to see who it was.
"Go ahead," she snapped, her rage so great that it drowned out Casper's screams, "kill me. It's not like you're above murder."

Reiji stood behind her, eyes glowering and jaw set tight as he stared down at the shorter woman. He was quiet for a long while, considering her words - would he like to kill her? Yes, absolutely. Was a war worth it? His father clearly thought so... but he didn't. Finally, Reiji let go of her and sighed. "Put the cup down and take the baby. I need to call the authorities." He was strangely calm, blinking slowly as the first blood turned on her heel, eyebrow twitching. She looked at Casper and then Reiji.

"You brought him here?" Her voice had fallen weak as she placed the china gently and scooped the blabbering baby into her arms, "Are you crazy?"
"Malory and Carlos asked us to babysit for the night," Reiji began to say as he took hold of the dustpan and began to sweep up the china shards with the brush, "at 9 o'clock sharp, we heard a scream. Detectives will conclude that the couple fought and ended up killing one another. You were never there - that cut on your cheek is from the shelf in the cabinet falling, the china falling on the floor - understood?" As he said this, he took the flimsy shelf between his thumb and forefinger, snapping it in half with ease, making Athena flinch. "Now be a dear and put the baby to sleep. Authorities will decide what to do with him."

Shaking her head, the woman cradled the baby who'd finally stopped crying. He'd found someone familiar again. Athena's eyebrows furrowed as she looked at her husband in disbelief. "You are a psychopath." He merely looked down at her, his face stoic before he slowly removed his gloves, sliding them on the counters. Gentle, he took her chin in his hand, stroking her lower lip with his thumb.
"Perhaps," he replied, his memory bouncing back to the village fire, "now, are you going to defy said psychopath and piss him off? Or are you going to be a good girl and do as I say?" She sneered up at him, ripping her face from his deathly-cold hands.
"I hate you." She shoved past him and made her way up the groaning stairs, carrying the baby. Reiji clenched his jaw, walking to the telephone and calling the authorities.
"Hello?" He said, "Yes, my wife and I heard screams coming from our neighbours across the street - all has gone silent now and we are rather worried."

Giesbach lounged in the drawing room, watching the scene unfold through his large crystal ball. A smirk was spread across his lips, revealing his long fangs and his yellowed tongue. "What a smart boy," he commented, watching Reiji intently, "I quite like you." He caught a glimpse of Shin and raised an eyebrow. "What is it, boy?"
"You ordered them to kill her?" Shin's teeth were gritted together, his eyebrows drawn into a frown. He was tired and taller, an eyepatch decorated his face now. Giesbach rolled his eyes at his son.
"So what? Either way, she's going to die."
"Because you're trying to kill her."
"Anything for Karlheinz's head."
"Even the life of your only daughter?"
"Her life benefits me in no way," Giesbach informed, "besides, if the plan had worked, the public would have sided with us. They were Karlheinz's spies after all."
"They would have sided with you."
"Oh? So you choose Karlheinz's side?" Malice flashed in Giesbach's stormy eyes.
"I choose Athena's side."
"Foolish boy."