"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have now landed in Pasadena, Los Angeles, please do not leave your luggage and we hope you enjoy your time!"

Mael woke up with a groan, his eyes fluttering open like a newborn baby that was adjusting to the world. He stood up, stretching, he noticed a couple of goons that were a couple of seats behind him, only he let it be, knowing that he was a nobody in this world. He did realize that some people might recognize him, but from what he knew, his Father had rarely dealt with the Los Angeles Mob, preferring to keep himself with his own crowd. 

Mael had passed by a couple of people that eyed him warily, possibly spotting his odd choice of clothing, which was a t-shirt and jeans, along with boots. He did not have much time to make himself look dashing and he was a fifteen-year-old teen, what else was he going to wear? A three-piece suit? He found himself cracking a smile at his own humor before he hailed a taxi as he had finished exiting the airport, knowing that he had no luggage, but did have some petty cash. 

"To the Rosevelt Hotel please."

The taxi driver nodded, before taking off, he asked a couple questions, trying to wonder why a kid was wondering, or at best, coming out of an airport, when he looked like he should be at home, studying. Mael had to laugh, he was homeschooled and smart enough that he could pass by in this life. He knew finances and legal procedure, he knew his way around the world. 

"Excuse me, I would like to know, have you heard of Nikita or Itachi Uchiha around these parts?"

The taxi driver had stiffened, obviously knowing of the infamous rulers of Pasadena, clearly, they had enough reputation that the driver had stopped the car abruptly, causing Mael to faceplant into the glass pane that separated driver and passenger. Shaking his head of the cobwebs, Mael looked at the driver with an arched eyebrow, while his eyes hold a tiny amount of anger for being hurt at the driver's fear and foolishness.

"Woah Kid, why do you want to hear about them? They are nothing but a bunch of vagrants, you'd not want to get mixed up with their type, plus they worked down in Philadelphia for one of the Big Bosses they called 'em. They aren't the type to mess around with, kid, it's best that you head home, should you be asking for trouble around these parts."

Mael had released a small snicker, before covering his mouth with his hand, his eyes holding mirth and he looked out the window, speaking in a clear tone that was much more mature than one of his age. 

"I am not asking for trouble my good man, I am simply curious. I have heard of them, they were some feared people in Philadelphia, yet, now look at them. Running their own district, it's a step up, a chance that is given to people like them in this life. If they were vagrants as you say, how comes every Italian, Jewish, Irish, heck, even the Mexicans are kicking up to them. It's a sign of respect, but also, a sign of loyalty. If you want to operate in this area? You run it by them, they're the big bosses now."

Mael noticed that the driver had not stopped driving and stopped at a traffic light, as he looked out a window, he noticed a nightclub, clearly, one that was controlled by the Mob, he wondered in his head, were this guys kicking up to Nikita and Itachi also? Was this the power that they wielded at their fingertips? Possibly.

"Hm, your attitude, almost seems like you admire them, you want that? You want to be a part of this life?"

Mael released another breath as the taxi driver had suddenly stopped a couple blocks away from the nightclub, Mael looked out the window once more and found himself looking at The Rosevelt Hotel. He sighed, knowing that he would have to get a room soon. As he paid the driver and opened the door, he decided to answer the question with a mournful voice.

"It's the life I've been given."

With that he slammed the door closed and stared up at the hotel, he heard the driver leave and knew that he was going to be finding a new customer. He walked forward, knowing that he better get some rest, after all, the plane was not all that comfy, even if it was First Class.

Jack was sitting home, his wife in bed, while he had a drink in his kitchen. It had been a long day, his eyes were heavy, joints were aching, but he was not ready to fall asleep yet. As he grabbed the phone, he picked up the microphone end and waited for the switchboard operator to connect to him.

"How can I help you?" The operator asked.

"Put me through to The Rosevelt Hotel in Pasadena." Jack said. He took a sip of the bourbon that his wife had picked up for him earlier in the night. 

"One moment please."

"Rosevelt Hotel Front Desk, how may I help you?" The Receptionist at the lobby asked.

"I'm looking for a kid named Mael, can you put me through to his room?"

"No problem sir,"

Jack waited for the other line to pick up, and once he heard it, he relaxed in his chair knowing that the kid had made it to the hotel. 

"How are you doing? Make it there alright? Have you met with Nikita yet?" Jack asked. The moonlight was shining in through the window, casting a glow onto the kitchen table. He kept all the lights out in the house to let his wife sleep as he stayed awake late into the night. Their street was quiet, a car passed by maybe once or twice an hour, but he preferred it much more to the bustling city of brotherly love.

Mael yawned as he heard the incessant ringing of the phone that had decided to wake him up, he picked it up, hearing the dull tone of the operator that was obviously putting him through to the person that had decided to call. He placed it to his ear, hearing the voice of Jack Waltz, the man that had saved him from the Fed and brought him to justice, in the way that the Life had demanded, he heard the questions that had spilled from the man's mouth.

"Bloody hell Mr. Waltz, are you sure that you're not undercover? Who asks that many questions all in one breath?"

He joked, trying to lighten the mood, knowing that still had the image of the bloodied corpse of the crooked officer that would have killed him, had they not killed him first. He sat up, not feeling all that comfortable laying back, he backed up against the head of the bed, he spoke into the phone with a light tone once again. 

"I am doing well, the taxi ride was something special but otherwise, it was regular. No, I have not made contact with Nikita, do you have any tips for that, may I ask? What should I do? How much respect do I show a woman in her position."

He asked all in one breath, knowing that he was nervous and he was still a young boy, either way, he wanted to make sure that he made a good impression on the people that had been trusted by his Father, although, he would rather not bring him into the discussion with them.

"Although, have you mentioned me to them? Would they not find it weird that a fifteen-year-old boy is coming to work for them?"

He asked with the humor flooding back into his tone with such ease that he might as well have been a stand-up comedian, he switched moods with ease and that was the scary part with people in this life, you never knew if they were happy or ready to chop your head off, it was just a roll of the dice to see how they would react.

Jack laughed at Mael's comments, but quickly moved on from the absurd thought of him working undercover. 

"Any signs of respect you can think of, you show to her. It'll be a good meeting. You go there, you'll meet with one of her associates first, probably a bodyguard, just to check you out, make sure you're not a threat or anything, then you're in there to talk with her. Whole thing should take, maybe ten minutes." Jack said. "Don't worry, you're gonna make it out of there pretty good. They know about your father, just mention him, things should go quickly. Don't worry, they're not gonna ask you to pull any triggers any time soon."

Jack lit a cigarette, his final one for the night. He was prepared for the night to end, it might be a long night, being the first one in his new home, but it was worth it to be here safe. The longer that he was in Pasadena, the more he was beginning to realize that this would be a better fit for him. 

"One more thing before I get off of here. Once you get out of that meeting, if they don't have anything to do for you, head down to the butcher. I'll meet you down there. I got some things I need to pick up there. We can talk about your meeting afterwards."

"I understand, thanks once again Mr. Waltz, you've been a great help, and I understand, I shall meet you down at the butcher once everything is sorted with Nikita and Itachi."

Mael hung up the phone, leaving Jack to his devices, knowing that the man had his own business to handle, he would think that having a relationship in this kind of life would have been impossible. Only many had proved that theory impossible and wondered how he would do with another, how he would manage to have a relationship, then again, he was only fifteen and had plenty of time to become a sought-after man in this world.

"For now? I have to focus on business here and see if I am the sort of person that is looked for in LA, I have to get in on my own credentials and cannot get in by using the name of my father." 

Mael, relaxing into his bed, knowing that the business with Nikita and Itachi_Uchiha would bring his life to an end or a new beginning, because he needed this, as he had told the taxi driver, It's the life he was given.

At the Black Rose Crime Syndicate HQ.

Itachi was seated in his office, which some of his associates had dubbed the "throne room", when he heard a knock at the door. He had just been looking over some documents and blueprints for his next construction plan. He knew who it was knocking at his door. 

"Enter." He said loud enough for the person on the other side of the door to hear.

To no surprise the person opening the door was the head of his security Katsumi. The Asian woman who had her raven colored hair tied up and a woman's business suit on stepped through the door and gave a bow to Itachi. 

"Excuse me, Itachi-sama." She greeted before straightening herself. "One of our informants has brought some interesting whispers from the streets with him." 

The only sign Itachi gave that he was even slightly interested was the raising of his eyebrow. If he made no move at all then Katsumi would have just assumed that Itachi wasn't interested and she would have considered whatever she had heard to mean nothing but file it away for herself to investigate. The fact that Itachi showed even the slightest bit of interest gave her a note to carry on.  It also meant that this was of some kind of interest or importance in her own mind if she had brought it to him in the first place. 

Itachi said nothing but didn't lower his eyebrow or wave her away so she took it as her cue to continue. 

"Sir, apparently there's someone claiming to be of your previous leader's blood here in Los Angeles, seeking an audience with you and Nikita-sama." Katsumi informed him. 

Itachi's brow lowered and his eyes narrowed at this development. He didn't investigate much into his former boss' personal life. He never knew much about his family or his fellow business associates. Itachi was an Underboss in his organization but served primarily in an advisory position. He didn't expect to ever take over should anything happen to Charlie, and the fact that something did and he peacefully threw his full support behind Nikita just went to show that. He wasn't looking to be anybody's leader nor did he want to. The position came with a lot of risk and responsibility. Most importantly it came with a giant target. Itachi had lived his life as a wanted man but he didn't go paining bulls-eyes  on himself. He was one meant to stay in the shadows, which funnily enough he was but wasn't doing.   

Itachi leaned forward in his chair to look into his associates face. She was trained well and she didn't flinch in the slightest. Her face actually didn't show anything which was a pleasing sign. He could think of people who would've started getting insistent, defensive, or fearful in her position right now, but she held herself like a true professional. 

"Charlie's blood huh?" Itachi pondered seemingly to himself. "I imagine any blood of Charlie's would have long since come forth to us or never came to us at all, as I don't imagine he would've wanted any children of his to follow in his footsteps. Why am I just now hearing of this?" Itachi asked.

"Did you forget sir? You forgot to attend his funeral formally so you didn't see all of the mourners, also we believe the son is a bastard." Katsumi informed him.

"Aren't all of Charlie's children bastards? Itachi asked. "I don't remember him ever being married." 

Katsumi seemed like she was going through all the information she had on Charlie in her mind as quickly as possible so she didn't keep Itachi waiting. 

"I don't believe he was but I'm not 100% certain on all the details myself. We did a lot of investigating into other things but we never really investigated Pavanno-sama too deeply." Katsumi stated. 

Itachi just grunted in response. He then closed his eyes and rested his chin on his interlaced hands deep in thought. 

"A child of the Pavano's is coming forth now and is wishing to have an audience with Nikita-sama and I. I can't possibly think of an angle of which this is coming from. Charlie had enough money with the casinos and other things to take care of anyone of his lineage. This is truly an odd case, which makes it all the more frustrating." Itachi expressed. 

He had to fight back his irritation with this situation. He had become someone who was able to see moves about a few turns in advance from when they actually happened. He couldn't predict or see the reasoning behind this and this angered him greatly. He'd have to go to Nikita empty handed almost. He was sure she had already heard something about this from her own information network. He would have nothing new, no insight or anything to offer her. He was honestly a few seconds away from telling Katsumi to go capture said person and question them herself, but he wasn't that impulsive. Itachi was a thinker who stayed cool under pressure, and now wasn't the time to lose himself.

Realizing this, his eyes snapped open and found the eyes of his associate and head of security's.

"I'll have to inform Nikita-sama of this information. Tighten security around here and look into this person as much as possible before this meeting is set. Keep eyes on them and make sure they're not up to anything unsavory. Any mistakes or if anything happens to our leader it will be you who is held responsible, understood?" Itachi asked.

Katsumi again didn't flinch, she just bowed deeply and gave a simple "Understood." In response.

Once she did, she left the room as quickly and as quietly as she entered. Itachi heaved a sigh. He wasn't the type to get excited over a situation like this. He felt like situations like this presented more problems than they were worth. Given what Charlie meant to both Nikita and himself he hoped he was wrong in this instance but he honestly wouldn't be surprised if this turned out to be a hassle. Either way he was duty bound to inform his boss and bring it to her attention just like his subordinate had done to him. He got up out of his chair and switch from out of his comfortable cloak and clothing and put on his business suit. Once he finished he checked himself in the mirror and made his way to inform his boss of this newest development. 

Itachi found himself in front of Nikita's door in no time. He didn't fear nor dread this upcoming impromptu meeting, he just wanted to get it done and get back to business as usual. He did regret he didn't have a plan or anything in particular to tell Nikita about this situation that she shouldn't already knew. He knew she had people who gathered information for her as well, he knew because he shared informants with her. He gave a light sigh before knocking twice on her door and waited to hear her voice give him permission. 

Once she did, he twisted the door knob and walked in. Closing the door behind him he quickly gave a bow which was custom to someone in his position when they were in deference to their superior. He knew the action would slightly grate on the nerves of Nikita as she didn't like it when he was formal with her. He took pleasure in the slight irritation he would cause but it was also a signal that he was here on business this time around. Business that he wasted no time getting to. 

"Nikita-sama, I have news." He started. He also knew she again didn't like him referring to her in such a formal sense but it went along with the tone of the current meeting they were having. 

"I have it on good authority that there is a child of Charlie's asking around town and attempting to set up a meeting with the two of us. I was unable to discover or predict what it is exactly they could want, I however do suggest that we do take the meeting as the only way for us to understand what exactly they desire is to take the direct approach on this one, unless you want me to cause physical harm to get answers?" Itachi offered. 

He knew that wouldn't be what she wanted but he had to offer it just in case. In the meantime he kept a close eye on his leader waiting and watching to see what her response to all this would be.

Argh. "Endless paperwork for days!"

She leaned forward slightly to rest her elbows on the desk.  The office in the HQ had been a sanctuary for Nikita, with the calming blue tones of fabric across the furniture, but today was stressful for some reason.  Evidently the big move across the country, handling the taking over of Pasadena was finally catching up to Nikita.  She began massaging her temples slowly, closing her eyes for a brief moment before the soft sigh escaped past her lips.  Across the quiet room, Thom watched in silence as his employer set back to work pushing through another busy day.

Another soft sigh escaped before the rustling of papers was echoed throughout the office.  Nikita progressed through everything with effiiciency as usual, keeping everything organized and in its place over the next couple of hours.  She wasn't interrupted much due to Thom's diligence on keeping the intrusions down to a dull roar while Nikita worked and keeping his employer happy.  It had been a nonstop affair of events it seemed since the big move, and now she was just finally able to catch her breath.  Nikita paused for a quick refresher, and enjoyed a cup of coffee, glad to finally not be going over finances, information of all kinds and just some plain boring things.

The knock on the door ended that little break when Thom cleared his throat to gain her attention.

"Ma'am.  Stoutamyer has arrived, and said it is imperative he speak with you."

Nikita closed the current folder of paperwork, leaned back a bit in her seat, crossed her legs then nodded to Thom.

"Alright let him in."

She was greeted by the corrupt officer she still kept on the payroll from South Philly.  Stoutamyer even assisted in arranging the meeting with two officers located in Pasadena, two he had connections with and understood the ways of the criminal world.  It suited Nikita just fine once she had met with the two officers, made sure they understood the consequences for fucking her over.  For Stoutamyer to be showing up here in her city, she knew it must have been of great importance.

The officer who had been on her payroll for almost a month now came strolling in, his height had him towering slightly over her security detail, Thom, but her head security had more muscle than the thin frame of the officer.  With a nod in approval, Thom allowed the officer to approach Nikita's desk then stand there patiently.

"Stoutamyer.  What's so urgent you had to fly all the way in person to deliver news?"

"Ma'am.  You said to inform you of any news on Don Pavanno's untimely death."

Nikita's attention was indeed piqued with curiosity of any substantial news that could solve a few pending inquiries, but she remained calm, and her expression neutral awaiting the officer to continue.

"Well we came across some other info, directly related to Don Pavanno.  Someone had been asking questions about his death, as well as your name and Mr. Uchiha.  There were talks of a trip scheduled from Philly to Pasadena, and the flight manifest wasn't helpful.  I'm getting with the guys here in Pasadena to investigate this Mae Elle person.  She won't be of any concern to you ma'am.  Whispers goin' round of that Charlie guy having illegitimate bastards running around in South Philly.  And..."

She placed a hand on her desk cutting him off mid sentence.

"That's enough Stoutamyer!  Charlie was a damn good man and boss!  I will not hear of this rubbish anymore.   Whispers and rumors.  Don't say another word unless you have solid concrete proof of anything."

Stoutamyer gulped slightly then cautiously proceeded to speak again.

"Yes ma'am of course.  It was just your safety was at risk from an unknown source, so steps were being taken with precautionary measures.  I assure you no slander or ill will is intended toward the late Don Pavanno.  Just the matter of any said offspring might hold malice towards you ma'am for his death."

Nikita leaned back in her seat once more, resting her hands on her lap now then nodded.

"Alright.  Get with the other officers, and report in immediately upon anything...concrete.  Now I've got business to tend to, so see your way out."

Once he left, Nikita spent the remainder of the day mulling over the news she had just received while she attempted to delve back into the pile of paperwork.  Could her boss have had that secret of a life he didn't share?  Nikita thought she knew Charlie quite well, but now even she had a few doubts and more questions than answers.

Nikita sat there taking a moment before work to enjoy the steaming cup of java with slow sips as her mind wandered over the previous day's events.  The peace and quiet in her office always made it feel like a sanctuary from the outside world, giving her time to recoup and just think. She had quite a bit of things to think about it seemed.  Charlie.  Charlie's child?  She still had a bit of a struggle to grasp it all considering Nikita never was in the know of that side of her former employer's life, but the way he carried himself gave no hints of a secret life, or secrets period. Charlie always seemed like an open book, but appearances are definitely deceiving. 

Thom was already finished with his coffee since he was milling about across the office, but Nikita continued to take it easy for the time being. A rest was needed after all the rushing about recently, but as soon as the familiar knock on the door broke into the peaceful silence, Nikita called out for her trusted advisor to enter.  Thom arched an eyebrow as she didn't wait for him to see who was there before allowing someone to just enter, but as soon as Itachi entered the office, Thom relaxed.  The only person to ever give a rapid two knocks in succession was her right hand man, so it was easy for Nikita to guess who arrived.

Nikita sat there, the corner of her mouth slightly twitching due to the formality Itachi_Uchiha was displaying so early in the morning.  Her mind began to brace for whatever was to come forth, and after yesterday Nikita wasn't sure she wanted to hear whatever it was just yet to add to the never ending pile of issues cropping up.  As much as she needed another dose of hot liquid, she waited to hear Itachi begin telling his urgent news before she took a slow sip of java.

The moment he began informing her of the news of Charlie's indiscretions, Nikita felt like the hot liquid scalded her throat on its way down. She swallowed hard then put the cup back on the desk.  She listened to the calm tones Itachi had while speaking, but she rarely heard otherwise unless it was just the two of them alone, and a sparring match of words was involved.  Once he waited for a reply, Nikita took a moment to mull over everything still then spoke.

"That is very interesting Itachi-san.  One of our informants from South Philly had arrived in Pasadena just yesterday to bring this to my attention, and I was going to be calling you this morning.  It appears things have worked out though since you are here in person."

Nikita paused to allow the weight of his offer sink in because she was well known for her ability to think first before taking action.  She wasn't opposed to using force if necessary, but from what they've both gathered so far...this 'child' wasn't too great a threat to either of them.  Nothing had been noticed or heard within their circle regarding any harmful intent by this offspring.  

"No.  You won't need to harm this child.  We owe Charlie's legacy more than that, so set up the meeting.  Have Katsumi and Thom reach out to bring the child to a secure location, just in case he is a wildcard."

Mael opened his eyes, looking up at the ceiling for a while, he wanted to remain here, making sure that he did not get up too soon, today was the day. He had to make sure that he was truly ready, otherwise, he would be back out on the streets, something that did not appeal to him and his usual calm sense of life. He was thrown into this thing head first and with nothing more than his boyish charm, which did not exist at all, and his looks, which got him this far. 

He entered the bathroom, getting prepared, making sure that he did not smell like a bum. He had to appear as a man of refinement, nothing more. He was not a child today, he was a man heading into a life that he needed to know more about, nodding with his eyes closed, he made his way back out into the bedroom, putting on his clothes, neatly, of course. 

"This is the moment you've been waiting for, make sure that they recognize for you and not him, that is the goal here."

Mael spoke with such confidence to himself in the mirror, almost as if the mirror itself was the enemy and he was trying to convince himself that he could do this. He nodded with a shaky breath, walking towards the door and looked back around the room with a sigh, he enjoyed it here. Maybe he would come back here sometime. 

He stepped out, heading down the hallway, passing by maids and many morning people that seemed to enjoy the early-bird special or perhaps some other form of relaxation that was no doubt in this hotel. He passed by the concierge, passing him the key to his room before heading out and walking down the street. 

Mael stopped then, releasing a breath with a roll of his eyes, looking behind him, he noticed his ever-loyal security guards, Koneko and Cain. These two were not the best in their approaches of guarding him, he did wonder where they were during the takedown of the corrupt agent that had killed his father. 

"You know, I always did wonder how you two always seem to find me."

He chuckled bitterly, fully facing them with his eyes narrowed into slits, obviously not liking the fact that they were following him to an important situation that called for only his being there and not them. It could bring up an entirely different situation that he did not want to deal with today.

"You know Mael, wherever you are, we'll be there. Now, you wanna go or do you not know where you're going?"

Mael chuckled sarcastically, motioning to them that of course, he knew, which made them smirk, both of them filled with such mischief that he would think that they were thinking the same thing and it was clear as day they were. He did not know, he never knew, he was wandering aimlessly, wondering if someone was going to meet him, wondering if this was going to be the beginning of a life that he wanted here with them. 

"Okay fine, I've been waiting for something, anything. I have gotten nothing, makes me think that both of them have better to do than deal with a kid of my age. I'm nobody, not the son, not the kid, not the prodigy. Let's just go to fucking Las Vegas probably got some shit over there."

Koneko nodded, understanding where he came from before whacking him over the head with such force that a small echo was heard around them. 

"What the fuck was that for!?"

Koneko looked at him blankly before smiling sadly.

"For not believing in yourself, you will be a great guy in this business, that I have to believe and will witness myself."

Mael nodded, knowing that he had to believe Koneko somewhat as well before she whacked him on the head again, causing him to turn to her with a storm brewing in his eyes, only then he caught her glare and understood, he had cursed and thus, she had not wanted him to curse. He chuckled, that was the one normal thing that he had.

​​​​​​​"What now?"

Cain leaned forward, talking in his deep voice with a humorous undertone.

"For now? We wait for them and see what they have to say."

He nodded, understanding what Cain and Koneko were doing, they were keeping him company in a time like this, making sure that he knew that he was not alone. It was something that he had enjoyed just this once, he had actually forgot about the waiting for a while, knowing that whoever they sent would find him soon enough, for now? He would wait as Cain said and enjoy the small moment that he had right now.

It was on Itachi to set the arrangements for transportation and to kick the meeting into gear. Itachi had debated on how exactly to about this. He figured on showing some respect but didn't want to show too much. This person despite who they were related to was just a boy. Honestly sometimes Itachi couldn't figure out why he was so important. Sure diamonds in the rough were found everyday but the people who were surrounding this kid made him seem like a prodigy of some kind. All the research and investigations that Itachi had conducted showed a kid who lacked in self confidence and wasn't anything special in particular. 

Itachi knew better than to underestimate people. He knew very well how some of the most simple people actually turned out to be some of the most incredible. Deciding to get down to the bottom of this himself he dressed up in his black suit, white shirt and red tie. He wore a red cloud pin in the lapel of his suit jacket this time with his black rose pin clinging to his actual suit jacket. He wore a new pair of sunglasses today. 

He stood there with his hand in his pocket as he waited on the cars to pull up to the front of HQ to pick him up so they could head out. It didn't take long as about half a minute later two black automobiles pulled to a stop. One right in front of Itachi and the second on behind it. Rushing to get out the car and open the backseat door that was directly in front of him was Katsumi, his trusted right arm and head of his security detail. She opened the door and held it open while bowing to him as he gave a nod to acknowledge her presence. He then slid into the back seat of the car where he saw there was another guard sitting in the front passenger side of the car. This was another associate Itachi hand picked. All of his associates were hand picked by him and chosen for different specific reasons. The man's name was Alphonse. When dealing with a lot of Italians and Italian traditions it was good to have some of them who understood their way of things working for you directly. 

"Good morning, signore Uchiha." The man greeted. Itachi gave him a nod in response as well.

Katsumi got back into the drivers side of the car and put it into gear and began driving toward their intended destination. They were going to pick up this kid from a hotel in Los Angeles. He had directions to the address but it didn't really matter much to him. He also knew that Donald and African American man was driving the car behind him by himself. He figured this kid would be bringing someone he trusted to this meeting along with him. That was fine with Itachi, in face he would allow it. If this kid was trying anything funny or his guards he would slaughter them all mercilessly. He was in the mood to let off some frustration so he was almost hoping the kid did have something planned, but his more sensible side had reservations. This was his former boss' offspring, and he had invested a lot in his investigation of the kid. Killing him would mean a waste of all that investing. 

Itachi let out a sigh through his nose. He knew this whole situation was working his nerves a lot more than it should have. He had more patience than this, he shouldn't be this irritable, he shouldn't be so hasty or so quick to violence. Truthfully he was a pacifist by nature but he was finding that harder and harder to believe these days with his thoughts and actions. 

He swallowed down his frustration and focused on this meeting at hand. He still had been unable to figure out exactly why this kid was determined to meet with them. They had no idea about him or what he could possibly want but that didn't really matter. He had encouraged Nikita to take the meeting so now it was on him if this turned out to be something bad or something good. He took every precaution to make sure Nikita was protected if anything should end up going wrong. He ran through all the safety procedures and protocols he had in place and as he was lost in his thoughts it didn't take long for Katsumi to notify him of their arrival. 

Through the window he seen the group of three standing together with the boy Mael standing in the middle. Katsumi rushed around the car to open his door and let Itachi out. As he got out he looked to the car behind him and saw Donald get out of the car and stand by the passenger's side of it waiting to let the boy in when they were ready to hit the road. Itachi walked over to the three, Katsumi following closely behind him ready to spring into action to defend him at a moments notice. He gave her a hand sign secretly behind his back to tell her to calm down. She was more intense than usual due to the fact she knew very little about these people. The lack of intelligence Itachi had was putting everyone on edge. Itachi stopped right in front of the three people standing together on the sidewalk and removed his sunglasses to get a good look at them. 

Two of the three were unimpressive. The only one to intrigue him was the small girl who stood guard at on of the boys sides. She kept her face straight and indifferent, a skill that was learned by both Katsumi and Itachi himself. She looked young, inexperienced, like an even younger child than the boy himself, but her eyes and posture told a different story. She sized them up and she showed no fear. Itachi was honestly getting tired of not being able to spook people with just his outward appearance. Most of the way he set things up was to put people on edge and have them uneasy.

"I take it you must be Mael?" He asked of the young boy in the middle who was also looking at him. 

Itachi looked at him with a face of indifference. He didn't even wait for his response before he continued on.

"I am here to pick you up and bring you to your meeting with Nikita-sama. You are to ride in this second car and follow us to HQ. You will have the second car to yourself aside from the driver. That arrangement was made to accommodate your guests." Itachi said. 

He shot one last look at the small girl once more and gave the boy one last look as well to play off his interests. He knew her from somewhere or was able to tell she was unique. He couldn't quite place his finger on it but now it would bother him to know. He would also be further frustrated by his lack of knowledge with these people and this whole situation. He got back in his car along with Katsumi and they waited until the car behind them was situated before driving and leading them back to HQ. 

"Isn't he just lovely Kon? Something tells me that we are going to have to stay close with him, otherwise, a problem might arise."

Cain spoke as he continued to eye the car that Itachi had re-entered, a man like that was something of an ass. He knew this was the guy that was the trusted advisor of Nikita, yet, he too had doubts about their care for the boy that was the illegitimate son of their former patron. He was even wanting to scoop Mael up and take him elsewhere, yet that wouldn't be a possibility anymore and it was something that he wanted to keep on the back of his mind. 

"Oh I agree with you on that, Cain, I can tell that we are going to get on well with him. He was bursting with joy when he met us."

Koneko spoke with her monotone sarcasm, not using a tone that Mael would be used too as he could take that the wrong way and assume that she held a kinship with the Uchiha. She did not, she would not, and could not. He cared for his Boss, it was clear to anyone, even if one tried to hide it behind a mask or some kind of attitude, the way one answered and how they went about the situation, it would be clear to tell their intent on the situation, at least to Koneko, was how it worked. 

"Why do I have a feeling that you two are being very free with the sarcasm? You do know that he could still hear you guys, right?"

Mael looked between his caretaker and Head of Security, wondering if they wished to be killed and buried somewhere that even he, with his resources, would not find them. The two were the last remaining connection to his family that he had left, he would be damned if they died on his watch. 

"Because we are being free with the sarcasm Mae. He seems like a good guy to you, doesn't he? Protecting his boss, family, interests, correct? Is that good to you?"

Mael rubbed his chin thoughtfully, clearly having some problems with such a question, and yes, it was good for him. Protecting those you care about, those that you wish to succeed where you did not, it was good and nice in his book. 

"Yeah, it's good. He's just trying to protect his family and boss, their interests, alright? What's so bad about that?"

Koneko stared at Cain for a while before shaking her head with a bitter laugh escaping her, she did not try to hide or shield Mael's ears, he was meant to hear it, he was meant to hear the hurt in that laugh. 

"Huh? I guess you believe that you are already in their family, due to your father or own merits, cause I can tell you now; it won't be because of your knowledge or skill. You're not apart of their family Mae, you are not of value to them yet, you are not one of their interest. Your interests do line up with their's, remember that. Do not change yourself for them, be yourself and be proud."

Mael stared at the car, tilting his head as he breathed in shakily, he stood up, his legs buckling as he did so, the words that Koneko said to him echoing as he walked towards the car. He turned around, looking at Koneko and Cain as they simply sat there, beckoning him to go on. They were leaving him to go alone? What were they doing? He smiled nervously, before entering the car and getting himself ready. 

"It's time."

Once the car pulled up to the front of HQ Itachi remained all business. Itachi remained all business. Kagami approached the door and opened it for him. He gave Itachi a bow as he opened the door and Itachi stepped out of the vehicle. He then childishly stuck his tongue out at his sister Katsumi. Itachi paid it no mind and instead stood there waiting for the young man to exit the car.  As he exited with his two guards Itachi decided to inform him of exactly how things would be proceeding from here.

"Once we get inside, you're company will have to wait in the lobby or lounge, they will not be allowed inside the meeting room. If you have any weapons I suggest you leave them in the car. You will all be searched and no weapons will be allowed inside. Your safety has been guaranteed for this meeting and if you do not agree with these conditions we may turn back now." Itachi said.

He turned around and walked inside the building. Kagami and another associate of Itachi's was standing guard now at the front entrance. Katsumi had followed Itachi through inside already as well. Donald remained by the car Mael and his associates arrived in.  Itachi remained waiting inside of the entrance waiting for Mael to make his move and see if he was going to stick with the terms of the meeting or turn around and cut his losses and go home. This of course as well as everything else was a test. In their life you had to take orders sometimes that you don't particularly like, but it was your duty to follow through the orders of your superiors, even if your safety or life was at risk. Also sometimes you had to place blind faith in the people who gave you orders.

Itachi was again interested to see what the boy decided to do along with his council as well. It was obvious that they were coaching the boy along as well. They cared greatly for him and Itachi could see it, he was putting them all to the test and he was completely unapologetic about it. The boy had many caretakers, he was a sob story, the orphan the father didn't want, who dared to follow in his footsteps anyway. It made for a great story and gave great motivation, but you needed more than motivation and a good story to both survive and to impress him.

The boy ended up entering after getting searched by Kagami himself. Kagami was always looking for a reason to quarrel with someone so if he was allowed by then the boy most certainly didn't have a weapon on him. Once he approached Itachi again, Itachi gave him a look and Kagami gave him a nod to let him know the boy was clean.

"Very well, follow me." Itachi ordered.

He then turned while Katsumi continued to watch the boy. Itachi led the way up the stairs with Mael following behind him and Katsumi trailing the two of them. Itachi knew the guards of the boy were reluctant to leave his side but the rules were the rules. The boy was now in their den. Sure Nikita had great amounts of respect for the boy's father and Itachi had respect for the late Pavanno as well, but that was the father not his son. The boy had been able to keep his wits about him so far but the real test was yet to come. Itachi continued to lead them until he got to Nikita's door. He gave his usual two knocks before entering. 

The first person he saw was Thomas, Nikita's lead bodyguard who was always in the office. He gave a nod to the man as a brief greeting  before turning his attention to the leader. Thomas and Katsumi both took their places just outside the door, pulling it closed once the three people who were meeting were inside of Nikita's office. Nikita remained seated and Itachi stood on her right hand side. Mael was left to stand alone on the opposite side of Nikita's desk. Itachi gave a deep bow of respect to his leader before speaking.

"Nikita-sama, the boy has arrived. This is the son of Charlie Pavanno. His name is Mael." Itachi introduced and stepped back to be slightly behind Nikita's seat on her right hand side, waiting to see how this meeting unfolded.