http://clampfix.fanworks.net/ccd-fix/fancy.txt </head><body><pre>Hi, Here is another Clamp Campus Detectives Fic. I keep trying to write about Sakura, but every time I sit down another story comes to mind...It must be fate...let's not talk fate and CLAMP. Please tell me what you think, and what needs fixed. thank you, miai _______________________________________________________ Fancy That 3/2/00 by miai h_miai@hotmail.com -------------------------------------------------------- All characters and names within this fan fiction belong to CLAMP. They own the copy write and designed these characters themselves. I don't make any money and am only using characters someone else created for fun. ------------------------------------------------------ The phone rang. It was past midnight and there was only one person in the opulent mansion to get that phone. A young boy with dark hair groaned and turned on the light to his left. The phone rang again. He rubbed his huge gray eyes and looked at it. "Mamas..." He reached and picked up the phone. "Akira-chan!" Came the exuberant voice from the phone. "Ne, Onegai..." He heard another voice a little higher, but just as happy. "Ne, Akira-chan, did you see the news?" "Mama...No, is everything OK?" He stretched, unconcerned. The "onegai" was all he needed to hear to know why his mothers who had been out of the country for so long had called him at this late hour. "A diamond flute! It's going to be presented at your school on Tuesday!!" She sounded so happy at the idea. Akira thought quickly, "But Mama, you neither of you play the flute." "Oh, but we always wanted to learn how! And it would be the perfect opportunity. Please..." The second said. "P-L-E-A-S-E," they chorused. "But Mama-sans," "Oh, he won't get it for us," he could hear sniffling on the other side of the line. "Mama, please don't cry," Akira was devastated at the thought of making his mothers cry. "Please, don't" His eyes were wide with worry and his face slightly contorted and red, as though he was about to cry himself. "Ah, Akira, please, we would like to play the flute." Mama A said. "The Diamond Flute," Mama B corrected. "Hai, Mama. I'll get it for you," Akira suddenly felt awake. "How is your trip?" "Wonderful! We are having so much fun. Akira-chan you are taking care of everything, right?" "Yes, Mama, I'll get it for you." "We love Akira-chan so Much..." Mama B yelled. "We'll send you some recipes!!" Mama A's voice glowed through the phone. "Thank you," His was so happy that they always thought of him as much as they were demanding. "Please sleep well our little angel," Mama A sang. "Good night, dear one," Mama B said sweetly. "Have a good day, Mamas." Akira hung up the phone and stood from the bed. He found his slippers in the orderly manner he had left them, and his robe was still on the back of his chair. He put them on and walked out into the hall to the second story back balcony. Akira looked out in the full moon light at the diamond mermaid statue he had stolen from the woman he loved to please the women who needed him. When Akira thought of flutes, only one person came to mind. It was difficult for such a young boy to have so many responsibilities. He cooked and cleaned up after himself, there was no maid who came in once a week to dust or sweep. He had to do that himself. If anyone saw...the pool with the diamond mermaid, the living room rug that was the stolen curtain from the most famous theatre in the area, or any of the knickknacks his mothers passing infatuations had cluttered the house with, they would all be in jail now. He sighed. He was in elementary school, but he coordinated the monthly bills and cooked all his own meals, and when his mothers were home, he cooked for them as well. And now they want a diamond flute that would be presented at his school on Tuesday. The only nationally recognized flutist he could think of...No. Utako was different, she understood and had always kept his secret. How could he do this? It had been bad enough when he was accused of taking the golden plane, but to actually take something from such a close friend. From the love of an even closer friend? He felt ill suddenly. He clenched his fist and sucked in his breath. He knew he would do it. It didn't matter what the consequences as long as no one was hurt. He couldn't make his mothers cry. Akira turned as though he had a new purpose. He went downstairs to the den and turned on the computer monitor with a decided push. He began researching the presentation and where the flute was being kept until that time. Nothing could be left to chance and only Utako would know what had happened. ********************* In the student council room the stacks of paper on the president's desk were surprisingly low. Perhaps that is why he was allowed to lean over his friends shoulder to look at his computer screen. "And you wrote this program just last night?" "Yes. We seem to need something a little more powerful than the calendar we were already running to keep events in order." He moved slightly away from the keyboard as Nokoru's hand came off his shoulder and hit some numbers on the keypad. "Amazing," the blond boy said. "You did this just last night and already have events up to the next year marked out." "I also have it cross-referenced for your paperwork. That way we know what is the highest priority. Reminders will pop up on the screen when we log in." "Oh, that's great. We wouldn't want to do work too far in advance." Suoh's golden eyes narrowed and his voice deepened, "That wasn't the point." "No, no. It's a great idea!!" Nokoru stood up strait, laughing. He pat his friend several times on the back before leaning intently towards the screen and using the mouse. "Kaichou..."Suoh began, but saw that Nokoru was entirely intent on the computer. Suoh looked up from his desk as a familiar face entered. "Good morning, Ijyuin." He stopped short as he noticed the pensive look on Akira's face. For his friends sake he chose to pretend he did not see how tired Akira looked, or the way that he seemed almost...afraid. "Ah, Akria!" Nokoru smiled from Suoh's side. "I'm glad your here. Suoh was just showing me this year’s schedule. He has it all together on a neat little program." Akira looked across his friends at the computer screen, "How like Takamura-senpai to be so organized," he said without any enthusiasm. Suoh's looked into Nokoru's cobalt orbs. "Perhaps it is time to get to business," he said trying to take his younger friends mind off whatever it was that bothered him so much. "Ah, yes!" Nokoru exclaimed, "We should go tour the preparations for the banquet tomorrow night!" "Oh," Akira seemed troubled, then suddenly his face lit up, "Yes, that sounds like fun!" *********************** The hallway was lavishly hung with maroon velvet. Gold tassels swayed slightly in the breeze. Workmen were setting up a welcome table near one side of a large antechamber. The three campus detectives walked confidently down the center aisle, the blond one pointing out arrangements occasionally. "Oh, Nokoru-sama," a girl with light blue hair said. "I was just measuring." She smiled. "Umi-san," Nokoru smiled, "You are so kind to grace the proceedings with your unparalleled flower arrangements." The girl in a high school uniform blushed a little at this, "No thank you for allowing me the practice. You could have chosen from the most prestigious flower shops, but you asked my club. We have a lot of work to do." She curtsied to the three much smaller boys and left. The three elementary students continued moving down the hall, admiring clever placement of ornaments and the good use of color and light. "Kaichou, I will check the main stage." Suoh moved ahead of his fellow council members into the main room. "He is very worried about Nagisa-san's safety," Nokoru confided in Akira with an indulgent smile. When Akira did not respond he did something he does not normally indulge in. He gossiped about Suoh, "He has been over ever detail hundreds of times and has spent lunch times the last week checking every vantage point to ensure she is safe." Akira turned red, "Takamura-senpai is very careful of his friends saftey." "Yes, we can always count on him." Nokoru held up an flamboyant fan with the word "fidelity" written in kanji. "Oh, and there is the star." Standing at center stage talking to Suoh in what would be whispers if the acoustics in the room were not so good was Nagisa. She leaned closer to the blue haired boy, her face turned up, "I know that you have taken care of everything," she seemed to be insisting in her shy voice. To cover for them Nokoru practically yelled, "Good morning, Nagisa-san!" Suoh immediately moved back and placed his right hand behind his head, blushing. "Good morning, Nokoru-sama." "Ah, you look quite ready for this event," Nokoru said as they moved on stage. Suoh moved slightly back from the group and began searching the rafters. "Ijyuin-kun," he said, suddenly looking right at his kohai. "I have set traps at all the vulnerable locations, but I do not think that is enough." Akira stood very still. "Could you please look at the menu's and caterer's to make sure that everything is in order?" "Oh, yes, Takamura-senpai. That is a very good idea." Suoh did not respond but was watching the work crews, keeping one eye on the two figures conversing before him. ******************** "Kaichou," Suoh started. Then he found himself at a loss for words. Nokoru sat tilting his chair back with a cup of milk tea in one hand and his saucer raised in the other. "Kaichou, Ijyuin-kun," Suoh stopped again and took a deep breath as he moved around the president's desk to look out into the night. "I know. He is trying very hard to make sure we don't see how upset he is." "We don't even know what it is." Suoh moved his eyes to the reflection of his friend and leader as he thought. "Perhaps we should speak to him." "Akira has always made correct choices. If he needs our help he will come to us." "Yes," Suoh seemed unconvinced. **************** Akira put on his top hat. Already wearing his tuxedo and mask he looked up at the dark balcony where he knew Utako's room was. He deftly climbed a tree and slid over the balcony railing. As he approached the glass door he took off the hat again. He took one more step towards it and raised his hand to knock when it opened. "Oh, my twenty masks," Utako beamed. "It's been so long since you visited at night! I don't have any tea ready," She looked crestfallen. "No, please don't put yourself through any trouble for me." Akira said at once. Utako brightened and offered him a seat at the table. As she took on herself she looked at him. "Oh, no. What is it that you have to do now?" Utako always seemed to be angry that any woman would push Akira to do something, never truly realizing that she was much like his mother in her insistence on her way at times. "Nagisa-san's performance tomorrow..." Akira couldn't say it. Utako moved her hands up to her face. Akira looked at her face and trusted her utterly. "I have to take the flute." "Nagisa's flute!?" Utako's eyes were wide with horror. "The diamond one," Akira confirmed. "The diamond flute? Oh, then that at least is better." Utako seemed consoled. "But it's the award!" Akira cried. "Yes, but it is only a show piece, and no one would really use a diamond flute." "She's worked so hard to have it taken from her." He was heartbroken. "It will disrupt the ceremony," Utako agreed, but she did not seem to feel the magnitude of his betrayal. "It's Nagisa-san's!" Akira howled. "How will I ever look at her or Takamura-senpai again?" "What?" Utako looked startled. "The flute belongs to Nagisa-san," Akira said. "I will do as I am asked, but...but nothing, I will do it." "Nagisa is performing as a representation of excellence in the field, but she is not receiving the diamond flute." "Oh, really," Akira looked up less forlorn than previously. "No, don't you read the newspaper? The gentleman who is receiving the flute is being honored for his life-time of achievement." Akira was so relieved he almost left without saying goodbye, "Oh, Utako-san, I am so relieved! Thank you, thank you." ******************** Twenty Masks moved along the roof of the main auditorium on CLAMP campus. His cape moved in the breeze behind him. "Takamura-senpai placed traps at all the vulnerable points," he reminded himself. "But that was for the stage." The elementary student council division had nothing to do with the flute itself. But, he thought quickly, the Takamura clan is very thorough in their protection. He had already set up a loop with the security cameras. He prided himself on never using he knowledge as one of the leaders of the school to accomplish his criminal acts. That was one of the small points of honor he believed his secondary occupation had. He slid a piece of acidic paper between two connections on a sunlight and covered his nose as the metal turned from it's solid to gaseous form. Carefully he lifted the glass and set up his rappelling equipment. The line was light and looked like fishing wire, but was strong enough to move grand pianos with. Going down the line with nothing to push off of or slow the fall is the most difficult form of rappelling, but Twenty Masks seemed accustomed to the exercise. As he landed he felt the floor give way a little and jumped back up the rope. Several objects flew through the air at the space he had just occupied. The Takamura clan was very thorough. He swung on his line until he could jump clear of the area under the skylight. As he fell to the tiles he turned his shoulder to roll, just in case there was another surprise. There was none. From the building plans he knew he was only one room away from where the flute was being kept. He crouched down, watching his feet and the walls. As he approached the door he noticed a silver glint near the bottom right corner. As he got closer he realized that this was a trigger. He looked at the design in the marble wall and saw a tiny device. It must belong to Takamura-senpai. Another thief would be too tall to see it as easily as Twenty Masks had. Akira stood up strait and considered his options. He did not know what the hair-sized thread connected to. More than likely it was not a bomb. That would be careless and destructive. That was not his senpai's style. It must only affect the burglar. A smoke bomb! But it was so small. There might be a way to move it without setting the smoke bomb, but he couldn't chance passing out here. He looked around for an air-tight container, but the room was practically a museum. He took off his hat and placed it over the device on the wall. That would work. He turned his attention to the door handle. It had a simple lock on it and a high-tech combination lock as well. He moved his gloved finger along the combination pad. Then he realized that this school, therefore this lock, belonged to the Imonoyama family. Both Nokoru and Rijichou belonged to that family and they had a very distinctive trait in common. He tried the date of the largest festival day the school held. The lock opened. Picking the door handle was easy. He moved back to what he now thought of as the smoke bomb. He pushed his hat against the wall and slid it down until he felt the smoke bomb give and fall to the other side of the hat. Twenty Masks covered his nose and mouth with a handkerchief and quickly moved the hat to the ground. He could smell something odd, but could still move, so he cautiously opened the door. Inside there was a small vault and a roll-top secretary desk. He ignored both of them for a book that looked recently dusted. Pulling the book down, he saw a dull shine behind it. When he reached his hand to the back of the bookshelf he found a long cylindrical object. He smiled and exhaled in relief. Turning the flute the clockwise he was able to pull it out and leave the room. He closed the door, remembering to lock it behind himself, and reset the keypad. He twisted his suspender around the flute as he considered what to do with his hat. Twenty Masks pick up the hat off the floor, keeping it away from his face, and ran to the wire that was almost invisible in the middle of the room. He jumped onto the wire and climbed up to safety, closing the skylight behind him. ******************* Nagisa's haunting melody filled the room as every person sat in rapt attention. At the end of her song there was a standing ovation. "Some people believe the music of a single flute cannot capture the imagination, but those people have never heard the flute played by representative of CLAMP Campus," The presenter said. As the night wore on the crowd thinned and the three detectives with their ladies were left apart from the other groups. "Ijyuin seems to feel better today." Suoh's soft voice murmured. "Indeed he does," Nokoru smiled. "I love a party." Suoh smiled, "That is true, as well." "Takamura-senpai, Kaichou, try these deserts. I think I can duplicate them, but please tell me what you think!" ***************** At three A.M. Akira woke to the sound of the telephone and smiled. "Mamas," He spoke as soon as he picked up the phone. "Akira-chan, thank you!" Mama B gushed. "Oh, we knew you could do it!!" Mama A exclaimed. "Would you like me to send it to you?" Akira wanted his mothers to be happy. "Oh, no. That's OK. We found this great museum and it had the most lovely period earrings!" "You don't want the flute, Mama?" Akira was suddenly upset. "Oh, we will see it when we get home, dear. We just wanted to thank you for thinking of us and for going out of your way to help us. Sleep well, dear," Mama A said. "Goodnight." Mama B chirped. "Have a good day, mamas." Akira smiled into the receiver. Akira knew his mothers. They were more interested in acquiring than possessing. He would just wait until the flute struck their fancy again. _____________________________________________________________ That's it! And they all lived happily ever after. Until the Mama's call again or something else happens.</pre><p><a href="./">Back</a></p><p><a href=http://www.dreamhost.com/donate.cgi?id=216><img border=0 alt="Donate towards our web hosting bill!" src=https://secure.newdream.net/donate1.gif></a></p></body></html>