“Hunter or The Hunted”
Chapter 4


While Nagi and Christine walked Brad, Schuldich, and Fararello stayed back from them as they followed along. Nagi informed Christine of all the new information they had come across on Sacred Hearts. As the conversation wound down and a couple of hours later, they found themselves back on the steps under Tokyo Tower. Brad and the others joined them when they seen Christine and Nagi hug.

Nagi Naoe is a 15-year-old boy with short soft brown hair and blue eyes. He is a sweet boy and very smart. The people around him because of his telekinetic powers shunned Nagi as a child, and as a result he is very solemn and embittered towards the world when he makes a friend they are a friend for life and he will protect them with his livelihood. Nagi looks up to Christine like a big sister because she was always there for him when he needed someone. He joined Brad and the others to take revenge on the world for the way he was treated.

“So do you think you can do something with this new information Nagi gave you?” Brad asks her.

Christine smiles as she says, “I do believe with this we might be able to bring them down if we play our cards right.”

Brad Crawford is 27 years old, he has short black hair, and soft blue eyes that set behind a pair of glasses, which does not hinder his good looks at all, he is a good friend of Christine’s on top of being her childhood loves best friend, the three of them grew up together from childhood. Brad is very focused, although what drives him is unknown. Christine swears he can see the future. He is the leader of the group Schwarz.

“That would be great I wish you all the best on this.” Schuldich tells her.

Schuldich is 22 years old with his bright orange hair and blue eyes. Christine was not to sure about him at first, but as the years past they became the best of friends. Schuldich both sadistic and masochistic to an extent, he enjoys messing with people's heads, which is all too easy given his power of telepathy. Schuldich claims that people's minds taste like honey; however, he also complains that at times he can't tell which thoughts are his.

“Thank you I am really getting sick of chasing these guys and the head honchos getting way from us. I want the big guys I am sick of taking out the pee ons. It kind of reminds me of when we were chasing you guys.” Christine says chuckling.

“We were far from pee ons Christine.” Fararello says crossing his arms over his chest.

Fararello is 20 years old the same age as Christine with his cotton blond hair and his yellow eyes Christine was sure he was some kind of demon. Fararello was called demented by most, as his multitude of scars and ability to grin at insane acts of violence toward others and himself making these accusations seem true. Christine learns later in their friendship that Fararello’s real name was Jei, she also learned that his real mother was a nun who had been his teacher, which made him snap and murdered his adoptive parents and sister, he then blocked out the memory, developing a vendetta against God and Christians. His name Fararello comes from one of the demons in Dante's Inferno, but Christine still accepted him as a friend seeing his kind heart under all his confusion and hatred. They have been the best of friends since.

Christine chuckles as she says, “I need to be going guys it is 3 in the morning and I have work.”

Christine leans toward Nagi again giving him a hug; she then goes to Schuldich hugging him. When she turns around to go to Brad he was standing behind her she smiles as Brad takes her into his arms he pulls her close and whispers in her ear, “Maybe I will go home with you tonight.”

Christine chuckles as she says, “Easy boy not so quick there.”

Christine pulls away from the hug turning and walking over to Fararello as Schuldich says, “Give it up Brad she sees you as a friend and you know that will never change.”

Brad smiles as he replies, “That does not mean I am going to give up so quick. I have known of stranger things to happen.”

Christine walks over to Fararello as she looks over her shoulder back at Brad and Schuldich as she says, “That’s true look at you guys I remember a day when Dragonfly was trying to bring you to justice and look at you now you have joined the good fight with us.”

Fararello chuckles as he says, “You could say that was because of you and what happen years ago is why we are here today.”

Christine’s eyes widen as she looks at Fararello saying, “Let’s not talk about that Faf. That is something I will be atoning for the rest of my life.”

Fararello chuckles as he says, “I have not heard that pet name in years.”

Christine smiles at him as she tilts her head in a questioning way as Fararello steps toward her wrapping his arms around her giving her a hug, Schuldich shakes his head as he says, “I am sorry, but it really disturbs me when I see Fararello in a lovey mood.”

Brad chuckles replying, “Christine is the only girl I have ever known Fararello to give a hug to.”

Christine turns as she says, “I have known you guys before ESAT, hell Brad I grew up with you and Tristan.”

“Tristan?” Brad questioned in a saddened tone, “Did you follow the lead I gave you on him?”

“Yes I did… and it paid off. Thank you Brad, now Tristan can rest a little easier because one of his killer was brought to justice.” Christine tells him.

“I only wanted to help after all Tristan was my friend as well.” Brad says.

Christine nods as she says, “Tell me Brad why did you not go after him yourself? With the information you gave me I found him right off the bat.”

“Tristan was a good friend yes and I want his killers dead as much as you do, but I felt you had more to gain then I did in this man’s death.” Brad told her.

“Well I thank you Brad for giving me that. I found true justice in his death.” Christine says.

“Justice… or pleasure Christine, remember… you are a killer?” Schuldich says.

Christine smiles a malevolent smile as she says, “I won’t lie to you Schuldich I found both in his death.”

Brad and Fararello chuckle as Fararello says, “You should have been with us Christine you would have made a great bad girl.”

“CC had her own path to follow in life. I am just glad she did not turn her back on us when she found out about us and then with the accident with… Michelle.” Nagi says as his tone changed to sadness in the end of his statement.

Christine places her hand on Nagi’s shoulder as she says, “And it was an accident Nagi, none of us knew she was going to be there.”

“I tried…” Schuldich says hanging his head.

“There was no saving her she charged in at the last moment and it was all in motion… we could not have stopped it even if we wanted to.” Brad says saddened.

“If she would had heard me yell at her she would not have went into the building.” Fararello says.

“She did not know what was going on Faf, she did not know you where only trying to protect her… she thought…” Christine pauses, “You all were the bad guys… If she only knew the truth and the whole story she would still be here.”

“But we were the bad guys… It is because of Brandon you were always sent after us.” Nagi says angered.

“Brandon knew we were the only team that could stop you. That is why he always sent us after you.” Christine replies.

Schuldich chuckles as he says, “If he only knew that it was all an act to suffice him and Scotty… He would have had your heads.”

“He would have had more then our heads Schuldich. He would have sent Terminal after us and we would be no more.” Christine tells him.

“Ahh yes the killers of killers, the ultimate assassin team. How is Sebastian anyway?” Brad asks her.

Christine laughs as she says, “He is doing well he called me last week to see how things were going with the mission.”

“He still wants you to join Terminal with him doesn’t he?” Brad asks.

“Of course he does he knows the training I have is the best and he is the only one that can keep up with me in a fight the rest of his team is awful.” Christine says.

“If ESAT only knew about you and the truth… do you think Bastian would have come after you?” Nagai says.

“Yes Sebastian would have come after me, but once he found me I am not sure what would happen from there. I think he would have played it as I did when it came to the mission’s I had on you guys. As for a fight I think it could be very interesting we both are at the top of our game.” Christine says.

“Just like when we all use to fight.” Fararello says chuckling.

“Yes it was quite a fight we all use to have. Sometimes some of us even got hurt…” Christine pauses hanging her head, “or killed. That is one of the reason you guys left the states.”

“It was getting to be too much for all of us to be friends and keep it hidden.” Brad says.

“Yes it was… among other things.” Schuldich says.

Christine looks at them as she says, “Something all of us will never forget…. Ok guys I really got to be going standing around here chatting is not getting me to bed any sooner. You have the house number and I am sure you know where the house is so come by sometime.”

“Do you think that would be wise? After all Stacey is quite mad at us and now you’re involved with Weiss and they two are not really fond of us.” Nagi says.

“I thought you worked for Kritiker now?” Christine asks.

“We do, but Weiss has had a few run ins with us when we were Schwartz so their feelings for us are all but warm and welcoming.” Brad says.

Christine chuckles as she says, “So are you telling me if I brought your names up around them I would get more information then what I bargained for.”

“I think you would hear more cussing and name calling then you ever heard in your life time.” Schuldich says.

Christine laughs as she says, “Well I am sorry, but they all will have to get over it. You guys are my friends and I have missed you. So be sure you come see me sometime.”

They all hug again as Christine starts to walk away from them Schuldich calls out to her asking, “Are you sure you do not want a ride home we can take you by there?”

Christine waves over her shoulder at them as she calls back, “I will be fine I will just hold up a Taxi to take me home.” Christine places her hand on the hilt of her Katana.

“CC?!” Nagi exclaims as the others laughing.

Nagi hears her say, “I was kidding sweetie I drove my car out here.” Christine turns winking at them as she moved so quick she disappeared from their sight.

They heard her call out into the night, “Stay in touch guy’s I have missed you all.”


A few minutes later Christine was at her car she opened the door climbing in as the passengers door opens and Stacey climbs in beside her the look on her face was anything but the look of a happy person as she barks at Christine.

“What the hell do you think you are doing with that bunch? Have you forgotten what they did?”

Christine looks over at Stacey narrowing her eyes at her she starts the car and backs up out of the packing spot. Christine looks back at Stacey as she puts the car in drive and heads home still not saying anything to Stacey.

“Are you going to answer me Chris?” Stacey asks her in an angered tone after a few miles of silence between them.

Christine not looking away from the road asks, “What are you doing here Stacey?”

“You know why I am here, do not ask the obvious. Now tell me why you where with them.” Stacey says in an ordering tone.

Christine looks over at Stacey, Christine sighs she looks back at the road as she replies, “They were the ones with the information on Sacred Hearts.”

“And you are going to trust them on it?!” Stacey exclaims. Christine looks at Stacey as she narrows are eyes at her saying in an upset tone, “If I remember right there was a day when you trusted them.”

“That was back before Michelle.” Stacey barked.

“THAT WAS AN ACCIDENT AND YOU KNOW IT!!” Christine yells. “You know Nagi did not mean for that to happen. Schuldich risk his life to try and save her and you know he did not have to do that.” Still upset Christine drives along.

“Well it was a failed attempt on his part.” Stacey says in a gruff hateful tone. Christine slams on her breaks in the middle of the street bringing the car to a screeching halt.

As Stacey catches herself on the dash with her hands she exclaims, “What the hell is wrong with you!!”

Christine gives Stacey her cold death stare as Stacey becomes angered and yells, “Do not look at me like that. You know damn well it is their fault that Michelle is dead, if they meant to do it or not it is their fault.”

“It is all our faults Stacey and you know it, stop avoiding the blame just because we were on mission does not make us blame free. If we would have filled Michelle in better on what was going on she would still be here with us today.” Christine replies.

Christine hangs her head as she lowers it to the steering wheel Stacey sees a tear trickle down Christine’s cheek. She was shocked to see Christine crying because that was an emotion she kept buried deep inside her. Stacey reaches for Christine’s hand still on the steering wheel as Christine lifts her head. She takes her foot from the break as the car starts to move again.

Stacey drew back her hand and sat there watching Christine for what seemed like hours in silence when Christine asks, “Do you think God sees us as a necessary evil?”

Stacey’s eyes widen as she says, “Necessary evil?”

Christine looks over at Stacey as she drove along then looking back at the road she says, “We have killed a lot of bad people in our time Stac. We hide in the darkness like a thief… and when the time is right… we rob them of their life. These bad people that hurt innocent people, good people… we are the judge, jury and executioners of them. God says we should not kill or pass judgment on one another, but what does he want us to do. We cannot let these people take over our world and hurt innocent people. I believe deep in my heart that God does not want that for his children.”

“I do not know what God thinks of us Chris, I know without pain and suffering you cannot truly rejoice and it makes you appreciate what you do have in your life. As far as us being a necessary evil…” Stacey pauses looking out her window, “I believe God gives everyone a path to follow… and he has given us this path to follow. If we are a necessary evil he made us what we are and when the time comes to stand before him to be judged, I believe he will be lenient on us for what we have done in our life.” Stacey looks back at Christine as she focused on the road.

“It does not scare me to stand before God for judgment over my wrong doings. I just want him to understand why I followed this path I have chosen.” Christine says.

“Well it scares the shit out of me to think I might burn in hell for this, but I know in my heart and will always know in my heart that I kept the world as safe as I could while I was alive and that I know this is the right thing to do.” Stacey says as she places her hand over Christine’s as she drives along. Christine turns smiling at her as they pull into the driveway of their home.

Christine and Stacey say good night and go to their rooms. Christine removes her swords and needles from her person and falls back on her bed not even removing her jumpsuit she draws her arm to her head she lays her forearm over her eyes she starts to cry as she thinks, “Memories of the past is it what keeps us human… is it what keeps us alive. The regret and the heartache of the ones we have killed or lost in our life time they haunt us living on in our memories are they what keeps us from turning into demons… do they keep us from becoming true killers.”

Tears now flow down Christine’s cheeks as she softly says, “I am so sorry Michelle if you only knew the truth then…” Christine rolls over baring her face in her pillow as she cried herself to sleep.


The next morning Christine hears her alarm clock going off as she swings her feet to the floor she reaches over turning the alarm off as she falls back to the bed, she looks up at the ceiling as she says, “I have got to stop these late night missions and meetings they are killing me.”

Just then Susie walks into her room as she says, “Come on night owl you got to get ready for work. The shower in empty we all have had our turn it is time for you to take it over.”

“I got time leave me for a few minutes.” Christine says.

“Time you have no time it is 6:45 you got to go now or we are going to be late for work and I cannot believe you fell asleep in your jumpsuit.” Susie tells her.

“WHAT!! No way my alarm just went off.” Christine exclaims setting up on the bed looking at the clock that read 6:46 am.

“Yeah it just went off… for the seventh time this morning.” Susie told her with a touch of sarcasm.

Christine jumps up running to the bathroom to get ready once she was done she ran to her room to get dressed. She then runs out to the living room to put on her shoes as Susie says, “What are you doing it is Friday. Why are you in a dress suit?”

Christine looks down at her outfit as she exclaims, “Crap I completely forgot it was Friday.”

Susie turns Christine around as she says, “We do not have time for you to change… here at least you can look casual.” Susie took Christine’s jacket off her and started to unbutton her blouse and removing her tie.

“Wait a minute I do not want everyone feasting on my flesh here.” Christine says moving Susie’s hands.

“Stop it… It is only three or four buttons you cannot see anything. I swear I need to take you shopping for some real clothes.” Susie says moving Christine’s hands back. “You have a nice body why don’t you want to show it off?” Susie asks her.

“Because it is my body and I hate to be gawked at.” Christine says irritated.

“You wear the jumpsuit and it is tight fitting why not some nice sexy clothes as well?” Susie asks her.

“I am not seen in that jumpsuit I am always hiding in the darkness and that jumpsuit keeps me alive.” Christine says.

“What ever… you are so strange.” Susie replies as she finishes up on Christine.

Just then Jen walks out looking at Christine she hands her a piece of paper as Christine asks, “Why are you not in your school uniform?”

“We do not have school today parent teacher conference.” Jen says going to the kitchen.

“Yeah so what is this?” Christine says looking at it, “OH NO… NO, NO, NO I am not going to do this. This is Stacey’s job not mine she is the one with kids I am not good at this stuff.”

“I cannot go to this one Chris you have to cover this one.” Stacey says walking from the backrooms.

Christine looks at the time on the note it says the appointment was at 2pm. Christine drops her hands to her side as she says, “Fine I will go to this one this time, but no more I suck at this type of stuff.”

“Thanks Chris you’re a real life saver.” Stacey says.

“Sure, Sure…” Christine says irritated.

Christine and Susie put on their shoes and walk out to Christine’s car.


When they get to the office Christine parks the car in the garage and the girls go inside. Once in the office they part ways with a few minutes to spare before being late.

Christine sits down at her desk and waits for her boss to arrive for the day. As the morning moves on Christine starts to wonder where her boss was she starts looking through the appointment book wondering if she forgot a court date or meeting, Christine could find nothing for the day it was totally open. Finally, at 10:38am the office phone rang for the hundredth time she answers it,

“Hello Law Offices…”

“Miss Conner…” A weak raspy voice says.

“Mr. Wang are you alright I have been worried about you.” Christine says.

“Yes I am fine I just came down with a cold and I was not able to make it in today. If you like, you are free to go for the rest of the day. I am sorry for calling so late, but that medication I took knocked me out.” Mr. Wang told her.

“That’s alright Mr. Wang I hope you feel better and we will see you Monday morning.” Christine replies.

“See you Monday Miss Conner.”

They hang up the phone and Christine starts to get things together to leave for the day as Susie walks up the hall seeing this she says, “Hey what’s up?”

“Mr. Wang is sick today and he let me have the rest of the day off as well.” Christine tells her.

“Lucky dog…” Susie says.

“Maybe so but no matter if I am here or at home I am working, I got to do a little research on the information I received last night on Sacred Hearts.” Christine replies.

“Well do not forget about Jen’s parent teacher conference at 2.” Susie says.

“I won’t…” Christine says in a displeased tone. “I will be back at 5 to get you Miss Q.” Christine says picking up her purse and heading for the elevators.

“That’s cool I will see you then.” Susie says walking back down the hall.

“You mean you will see me at lunch.” Christine says chuckling as Susie says, “Yeah that too…”

The girls chuckle as the elevators doors open and Christine steps in to the elevators.


When Christine gets back to the house, she goes to the mailbox and opens it seeing the files in there that Nagi said he would bring her the night before. She removes them going inside and starts going thought them. She gets on her laptop digging through old files they had to try and find a common link with what she was told and what she has ready known. Soon she become irritated from all the information and not being able to find anything she falls back in her chair resting she looks at the clock as she notices it is almost lunchtime. Christine gets up to changes her clothes into something more comfortable.

As she digs through her closet, she hears Susie voice in the back of her mind, “What is wrong with some nice sexy clothes as well?”

Christine starts to chuckle as she digs to the back of her closet she pulls out an old white sundress she wore years ago before Susie started with Dragonfly. The dress was strapless and had tiny purple violets printed on it the skirt hit about mid thigh.

Christine shakes her head as she says, “Susie will be shocked to see me in this.”

She got out her white flats and started getting dressed. When she was finished she left the house and went to the church.

As Christine walked toward the church, she saw Fararello standing on the stairway in front of it she started to laugh as he walked toward her as they finally meet when Fararello says, “You know you will never change Christine.”

“How did you know where to find me Faf?” Christine asks him smiling.

“It was easy after I found out where you worked; it is always the church closest between home and work for you.” Fararello replies.

“Well then…” Christine says as she starts walking again toward the church Fararello beside her, “What do you say you join me inside for a prayer?”

Fararello chuckles as he says, “I think I will wait for you out here Christine.”

“Are you sure Faf?” Christine asks him.

“I am more then sure.” Fararello says with a wild grin on his face.

Christine touches his hand as she smiles at him saying, “Have it your way… I will pray for you Faf.”

“Don’t you always Christine?” Fararello says. Christine smiles sweetly at Fararello as she walks into the church alone.

Christine walks out of the church ten minutes later as she saw Fararello sitting on the stairs in front of the church. She walks up behind him as she laid her hand on his shoulder she says, “Would you like to go to lunch with me and the girls today Faf?” He looks up at her over his shoulder as he nods getting to his feet as a slight smile comes to his face.

They head down the stairs as Christine takes Fararello’s hand in hers he looks at her as she says, “I missed you guys, it is hard to find friends in this line of work and when you find good friends it is really hard when you do not get to see them for a long time.”

“We missed you to Christine.” Fararello says as his half smile comes back. Christine chuckles as she says, “One day I will have a true meaningful smile on that face of yours Faf.”

Fararello looks at her shocked as he asks, “Is it that important to you that I smile Christine?”

“Yes then I will know you are truly happy when you are with me.” Christine says.

“But I am happy when I am with you. You treat me like a person and not a piece of trash.” Fararello says.

“You’re treated like trash, because you are trash!” A voice said behind them.



Hunter or The Hunted Chapter 5