Summary: The negotiations begin with everyone in place. Of course, nothing ever goes right.
Author's Notes:
Well I wanted it. So I wrote it myself ‾\_(ツ)_/‾
'I'm not going to write for RS until I've finished my LWA WIPs' I say.
I hate myself.
Rated T for Tomato's fight scenes and profanity.
Thoughts are indicated by sentences within parentheses and are usually clearly indicated. French phrases are italicized for better formatting.
Bang Bang Bang
The Starlight Express rumbles along the tracks at an optimal pace. With its curtains pulled up, its occupants are free to marvel at the scenery of the countryside it passes through, or go about their own business and enjoy the luxuries offered by the staff and their five star service.
A peaceful atmosphere settles within the lounge. The idle chatter of the other passengers is barely audible over Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata played by an adroit musician at the piano to the side. Advancements in technology ensure that the Starlight Express never causes the lightest glass of wine to slide from its perch, even as the train makes its way toward its destination.
The carefully-crafted itineraries of this cruise train allow travellers to enjoy the best of the on-board experience as well as being able to explore the scenery outside the train over the course of three days. Reservations are not easy to come by, even with the high prices of their tickets. The train is limited to ten carriages total: the main engine and crew, the lounge carriage, the dining carriage, the next six carriages with five suites each for most passengers, and the last carriage designated for two deluxe suites. It's a luxury only a minority can afford, with the exception of special access rights.
The perks of being a member of law enforcement.
Smiling to herself, the half French woman turns to the next page in her copy of the Starlight Gathering. It's the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the simplicities of life. These moments are hard to come by.
A blonde-haired gentleman rises from his seat, tucking a small black booklet into his coat pocket. He smooths out his crisp suit jacket before leaning over to grab a black briefcase leaning against the plush chair.
Ah, if only the peace could have lasted.
Through her periphery, Claudine watches the gentleman leave the carriage toward the dining car. Once she's certain he will no longer return to the lounge, she places a hand by her ear on the pretense of changing her reading position.
She takes advantage of the piano player's timing to whisper into her earpiece, "Second Baguette speaking. The Giraffe has left the lounge."
"Understood," Junna answers. "He's crossed the dining car and into Carriage 3."
For a moment, Claudine thinks she hears Junna's teeth grating together.
"Little Puppy, report."
There's no immediate answer. A couple of seconds pass before fumbling static sounds from Claudine's earpiece.
Finally, Karen heaves a relieved sigh. "Little Puppy here! He's left Carriage 3, still holding the briefcase. I don't think he noticed me."
"Alright, the surveillance is still working." Another sigh, this time from Junna. "Second Baguette, a few Monkeys are still in the lounge room. Keep an eye on them."
"Bien sur. Anything else?"
"The Giraffe is probably heading to- Oh, you mean everyone else."
Claudine gives Junna a moment to click through her countless real-time data footage.
"Everything seems fine in the engine room. Tsuyu-" again with the teeth grating, "Farmer John, can you confirm?"
"Farmer John, nothing to report!" Mahiru answers.
"The kitchen also looks fine… Big Mama…?"
Claudine hides a small chuckle behind her hand. She wonders how red Junna's face must be. It's a good thing Junna is the only one confined to one of the suites. She doesn't have to worry about keeping up appearances.
"Big Mama, nothing to report!" Nana replies with her usual cheer.
"That's goo- Why do we have to use these ridiculous code names in the first place?!"
Ah, Junna's finally reached her breaking point.
"It can't be helped. Kao- ah, Pretty Flower said it was her one condition for helping us with this operation," Nana says in an attempt to soothe her upset partner. "Besides, they're so fun!"
"Na-" another groan, "we're not here to have fun. We have a mission and the last thing we need is confusion!"
"But JunJu- woops, Uptight Glasses you have a really good name!"
"I don't want to hear that from someone whose name is Little Puppy."
It's not like Claudine is happy to have the code name Second Baguette, especially with the first word obviously tacked on to annoy her. But she's not going to voice this opinion so long as a certain detestable woman can hear her through her own earpiece.
Speaking of which.
"This is First Swan. The Giraffe has entered Carriage 9 and is outside Pretty Flower's suite," Maya's voice cuts through. "Another man has joined him. A… Gorilla."
Regaining her wits, Junna replies, "Ah, understood. First Swan, standby for a minute after Short Retainer lets them inside. Then proceed with the plan."
"Confirmed. Ah, one last thing." A short pause. "I do believe your name suits you, Second Baguette."
Claudine reminds herself that she is in public, most likely in the presence of armed, highly-dangerous criminals, and that she can't just scream and throw her book across the room for seemingly no reason.
Three quick knocks in succession, two slower ones a second after the first pause, and finally the last one nearly inaudible. Just like they agreed on.
"Futaba-han, can you get the door? It seems our guest has arrived."
"You sure about this? You know you don't actually have to listen to what this guy has to say." Futaba refuses to take a step away from the seated woman until she receives another confirmation from her.
"Of course. I wouldn't put in this much effort if I wasn't already invested. I am actually curious about what he has to offer."
"A miracle drug, huh? Sounds too good to be true."
"Maybe so. Well, we best not keep our guest waiting. That would be impolite of me as a host."
Futaba rolls her eyes. "As if you care about that," she mutters under her breath. Nevertheless she crosses the threshold and opens the door of the suite.
She's greeted by a dazzling smile from a tall man with short blonde hair. His eyes are closed to supplement this facade of cordiality. One hand is holding a leather black briefcase, the other gripping the lapel of his three piece suit, tailored to fit him perfectly without a speck of dust dirtying it. A red handkerchief sits in his left breast pocket, a giraffe insignia clearly embroidered on it.
Futaba hates him already.
With his lips still pulled up in that irritating smile, the man greets, "Good afternoon. Is Hanayagi-san here?"
"Let him in, Futaba-han," Kaoruko calls from behind her. "Though I don't remember you mentioning you would be bringing an extra guest, Kirin-han."
The giant behemoth standing behind the blonde grunts in greeting. Futaba doesn't like him either, though the blonde man is giving her worse vibes despite being half his bodyguard's size.
"I understand. I can keep him outside the room if you wish." The blonde man opens his eyes, loosening his smile just slightly. "Unless you also plan to have an extra attendant. Then I have to insist I keep mine as well."
Green eyes sparkle with curiosity and intrigue for a goal Futaba can't fathom. Futaba does recognize an ominous glint of danger.
That settles it. Even if Kaoruko orders her to, Futaba won't be leaving this room.
"Ara, I suppose that's fair. Futaba-han won't leave my side, so I suppose that'll have to do." Kaoruko waves her hand. "Futaba-han, let them in. Oh, and ask the conductor for something to drink. I have a feeling this meeting will leave me parched."
Futaba tightens her grip on the doorknob. After a second deliberating just slamming the door, she opens it all the way to let the two men inside. Kirin takes the seat across from Kaoruko at the table situated in the middle of the room. His guard steps to the side and stands next to the open door.
Once they're situated, Futaba steps into the hallway and closes the door, leaving only a small gap so that Kaoruko isn't left unsupervised with her two guests. She waves over the waiting train conductor.
"Bring a bottle of Juyondai 'Sichitare Nijikkan' from Junmai Daiginjo. Two glasses."
The conductor nods and leaves the carriage to grab what she needs. For now, Futaba tunes into the conversation Kaoruko has started with her guest.
"In the meantime, it would be polite of you to introduce yourself, Kirin-han," Kaoruko says.
"I would argue that it is usually the custom to introduce oneself first before requesting that, but you are my host."
"Eh~ That would imply you haven't heard of me before."
The man chuckles. "Yes, that would be a travesty indeed. Only an ignorant fool would have never heard of you, Hanayagi Kaoruko-san. Heiress to one of the most powerful investment companies in Japan. I must admit, the media does not do you justice."
"I do appreciate the flattery. But that's not what I asked."
"I understand. But you'll have to excuse me. I don't give out my name to just anyone. And unfortunately, we are nothing more than potential business partners as of now."
"Then you have everyone call you 'Kirin?' Like the animal?"
From the crack between the door and the wall, Futaba catches Kirin's amused smile.
"Like the mythical beast."
The carriage door opens, pulling Futaba from the conversation. Futaba steps forward to take the offered bucket of ice that holds the sake bottle and two glasses. As she grabs them, she leans forward just enough for Maya to clip a small video device on one of the buttons of Futaba's dress shirt.
"Thanks," Futaba says.
Maya nods. "Take care."
Futaba takes the items inside. Once the door is closed, she crosses the room and places the bucket on the table. She takes out the sake glasses first before opening the bottle of alcohol and proceeding to pour for Kaoruko and her guest.
Kaoruko laughs at something Kirin had said beforehand. Futaba missed the parts between, but whatever Kaoruko replied with must have diffused the tension. Futaba finds herself smiling against her will.
Kirin picks up his glass of sake and takes a sip once Futaba is done pouring. "Oh, Sichitare Nijikkan. Your attendant has good taste. Or perhaps she is that attuned to your own likes?"
Kaoruko grins proudly. "Futaba-han has been serving me for over a decade. Of course she knows the best."
"You still refuse to eat spring onions though," Futaba remarks.
"Wha- They're disgusting!"
"Oh, you're not a fan? I'll keep that in mind if I ever invite you to dinner," Kirin says.
Futaba barely holds herself back from slamming the bottle of sake in her hands against his head. The heavy feeling from Kirin's bodyguard's stare on her back is incentive enough to restrain herself. She can hold her own against most opponents, but it's harder to gauge if her opponent has a size advantage and possibly hidden weapons.
Instead, Futaba places the sake bottle in the bucket of ice on the table and steps back to the wall. She situates herself on the other side of the door, doing her best to ignore the presence of Kirin's guard to the side.
"Oh? That implies we'll remain associates after this meeting. What was it you wanted to sell me?" Kaoruko asks.
"I understand." Kirin places his glass onto the table and reaches for his suitcase. He turns the pins for a five digit code, then places his thumb on a biometric scanner to unlock it. Once there's an audible click, he turns the briefcase around opens the top to show Kaoruko its contents.
"The camera is clipped on Short Retainer. All is proceeding well," Maya relays.
"How are things panning out, Uptight Glasses?" Claudine asks.
Junna sighs with enough intensity to blow out the flames of the sun. Nana adds a mental note to bake her a nice banana cake when this operation is over.
(Or maybe a nice meal for everyone. With some potatoes from Mahiru-chan's family! I'll remember to invite Kaoruko-chan and Futaba-chan too, even if Junna-chan doesn't like that.)
Nana nods to herself and decides on that as she chops a few potatoes and adds it to the stew she's making.
"Neither the Giraffe nor the Gorilla suspect anything wrong," Junna says. "Pretty Flower is doing surprisingly well to keep the Giraffe engaged."
"As expected of someone with her standing," Claudine remarks.
"Hey you guys, have you heard from Farmer John? She's been quiet for awhile," Karen points out.
Nana eyes the door leading to the engine room. "I can't see anything from my end. Uptight Glasses-chan?"
"Big Mama, I don't think you need to add that honorific," Claudine comments.
"Nothing looks out of place from the cameras," Junna says.
Karen hums. "That's wei- whoa!"
Something thuds from Karen's end, loud enough that Nana can hear it over Karen's sharp gasp.
"Little Puppy, what happened?!" Junna demands.
"This is-! This is the conductor for Carriage 5?! Why's he tied up and unconscious?!"
"What?!" Frantic clicking and movements, then, "Oh no. Nana, there's five suspicious individuals leaving the lounge and heading to the kitchen!"
"Pas bon. Then the train conductor and the four with him before-!" A chair scrapes across the floor. "I'm intercepting."
Junna's voice cuts through to stop Claudine, "Wait! If you do you'll alert the other passengers-"
"Ah, too late for that," Nana says into her earpiece just as the door to the kitchen opens.
Nana hears the head chef turn to the non-personnel to say, "Hey, you're not allowed to be in-"
A man dressed as a train conductor enters, followed by three bulky figures wearing all black, including black ski masks covering their faces. A fifth intruder is dressed in the same manner as the black men, though much smaller than the other four. Her body shape reminds Nana more of a girl than a man.
As soon as the smallest one shuts the door, all five of them pull out a gun and take aim at a target.
Screams erupt from all around Nana. Nana throws one in for good measure, making sure it's believable enough that they don't single her out.
"Shut up!" one of the Monkeys shouts. "Keep screaming and we'll put a bullet through your mouth!"
The entire kitchen falls silent. The workers instead tremble in fear, edging as far away from the assailants as they can without outright running away.
"Hound 2, keep an eye on the workers to make sure none of them does anything," the one posing as a train conductor says. "Hound 5, stay by the door and back up Hound 2 if needed. Hound 3 and 4, come with me."
Hound 2, the one who had threatened the kitchen personnel, nods along with the smallest figure by the door. The other two follow the fake train conductor toward the other door leading to the engine room.
A bead of sweat runs down the side of Nana's face. But she doesn't dare move her hand to wipe it.
(What do I do? At this rate those three will encounter Mahiru-chan in the room over. Assuming they lock the door, even Mahiru-chan might have a hard time with three opponents, especially because they're all armed. Then there are the two in here…)
Zap.
A rather peculiar sound pulls Nana from her thoughts. Her ears had been trained to recognize it, but she was expecting gunshots, not a taser.
Which is exactly the weapon Hound 5 is pointing at a now unconscious Hound 2. And not just any taser, but one with extendable prongs.
(Oh! So that's where she went!)
"What the hell-?!"
Using their surprise to her advantage, Nana strikes the arm of the closest assailant to her and successfully knocks the gun from his hand. From her periphery, Nana sees Hound 5 moving to intercept the fake train conductor.
Her attention is pulled back to her own opponent who whips a back fist at her head. Nana ducks and kicks out his knee, sending him to the ground. He brings up a guard just as Nana aims a kick to his head. Despite being half a head taller, Nana's kick knocks him onto his back.
Winded, he gives Nana the opportunity to finally pull out her own gun and aim it at him, reversing their previous hostage situation.
"Don't move!" the last Monkey yells. For good measure, he tightens the choke hold he has on his hostage while shoving the barrel of his gun harder against his head.
"H-Help!"
Hound 5 clicks their tongue, kicking away the unconscious body of the fake train conductor. She makes no other moves.
"Drop your weapons!"
Nana and Hound 5 glance at one another.
"Do it!"
With no other choice, the two do as they're told; Nana drops her pistol while Hikari throws both her taser and her gun away.
Nana's opponent stands and takes her gun. He aims it at her while taking slow steps back toward his partner and their hostage.
"Hound 3, open the door for me," Hound 4 says as he backs up to the door with his hostage. "Stay in here to keep an eye on things, especially the traitor and that woman. I don't know how the police got in here, but we're going to have to tell the boss once we've secured the engine room."
Hound 3 unlocks the door for Hound 4. His eyes widen behind the ski mask at the imposing figure standing right behind Hound 4.
"Oh shi-!"
A fist rams into his face, rendering him speechless as he flies back into the kitchen from brute force alone.
Hound 4 stares as his partner ends up unconscious with a bloody nose on the ground in front of him. He whips around with a startled, "What the he-?!"
And is met with a kick between the legs, stunning him just as effectively as a stun gun. His opponent first knocks the gun away from his hostage, then aims a fist to his throat. These three precise hits effectively loosen his hold on the hostage and give his opponent one last opening.
A solid kick to the sternum, knocking him back into the kitchen, through the room, and slamming against the opposite wall. After all this, Hound 4 finally slides down the wall unconscious.
Nana can't keep the smile back from her face. "Nice one, Mahiru-chan! Oh, I mean Farmer John-chan!"
Mahiru sighs but smiles as well. "Thanks, Big Mama."
Nana turns to Hound 5. "And thank you too-"
The smaller figure pulls off their black ski mask, releasing long, smooth locks of black hair.
"-Hikari-chan. Oh, sorry. Your code name is actually Lazy Cat, isn't it?"
Hikari nods. "No problem. I would have done something even if you and Mahiru weren't here. I'm an infiltrator, not an actual criminal."
"It's Farmer John, actually," Mahiru says.
"Oh, we should relay things to Ju- Uptight Glasses-chan. Can you two take care of things here?"
Mahiru nods. "I've explained everything to the crew in the engine room already too."
"Bananice!" Nana clicks her earpiece on. "Hi, Uptight Glasses-chan! Everything-"
"NANA! Oh thank god. Is everything alright? You cut out and I couldn't hear you. You look unharmed from the cameras but I can't be sure-"
"Yes, yes, I'm okay! Lazy Cat-chan and Farmer John-chan helped diffuse the situation."
"Mahiru-chan is okay?! And Hikari-chan too?!" Karen shouts.
"Karen-chan our code names!" Mahiru rebukes. Then slaps a hand to her mouth. "Oh no."
Junna sighs. "This wasn't going to last anyway. But I'm glad you're all okay. Tsuyuzaki-san, why weren't you answering earlier?"
"I noticed that a few of the personnel in the engine room were different from the information we had gathered before. I didn't want them to notice anything suspicious if I started talking into my earpiece, so I kept an eye on them until I could be certain. Then they started to threaten the workers. I was able to neutralize them right before Hikari's team came in."
"Oh. I… I was watching the kitchen the entire time that I didn't see when you began to engage, Tsuyuzaki-san," Junna admits sheepishly.
Hikari looks into the engine room through the open door. "There are… three unconscious bodies in there?!"
"Mahiru-chan, you took down three of the men by yourself?!" Nana asks.
"She… did knock out two of them on her own just now," Hikari points out. She glances at the unconscious men with wary eyes. "With her bare hands… and through Kevlar…"
"Amazing, Mahiru-chan!"
"Mahiru-chan is so cool!" Karen cheers.
"Ara Mahiru, now I want to spar you even more," Claudine cuts in.
Mahiru tries her best to hide her blush. "Karen-chan! Kuro-chan-!"
"Saijou-san, if you would like a sparring partner-"
"Tendou Maya, we'll settle our match right after this operation!"
"All of you are in public! At least try to control yourselves!" Junna berates.
"Yes, Uptight Glasses," they drone in unison.
"Stop calling me that!"
"It's a lot smaller than I thought it would be," Kaoruko remarks.
Sitting in the open briefcase is a small syringe. The base is no larger than Futaba's palm, and the needle half the length of her pinky. It's filled with a clear liquid that Futaba assumes is the drug Kirin is advertising.
"The recommended dosage is 0.1 mL," Kirin says. "Of course, you may have to adjust that depending on body size. For the most part, only a small amount is required to produce the desired effects."
"Improving productivity by enhancing mental stability."
"Even those not plagued by mental illnesses have moments where they lack motivation, especially when it counts most. Perhaps it's for an important presentation, or even something as mundane as getting out of the comforts of your bed. I suppose you yourself may have these moments, Hanayagi-san."
Kaoruko snorts. "I wouldn't know."
Kirin continues unperturbed, "Like a vaccine, one dose is enough to alter your neural chemistry for the better. Though that might be different for someone with severe mental illnesses, or severe brain damage. We will need more empirical data to be certain."
"But you've run out of funds. And that's why you've come to me."
"Not necessarily. We do have other means. But I figured you would want to benefit from the success of this breakthrough as well."
Kaoruko narrows her eyes. "And what is that supposed to mean?"
"Your company is wealthy, but - ah, forgive me if I am speaking out of line - there are rumors that the Hanayagi Investment no longer has the same influence as it had before. There are those who blame you, there are those who blame your parents, and even those who blame fate. I'm sure you've heard the rumors?"
Of course. There isn't a day that Kaoruko doesn't gripe about how annoying it is for people to talk behind her back. But that's all it is - an annoyance. Or at least that's what Kaoruko makes it out to be in front of Futaba.
From the way Kaoruko purses her lips, maybe it's actually more than that.
Kirin takes Kaoruko's silence as an answer. "I understand. Invest in my patent, and I guarantee these rumors will no longer exist. Be the one who can help us alter the course of humanity."
"That sounds wonderful, but what are the hard numbers?"
Futaba whips her head toward Kaoruko. The usual languid smile is no longer there, replaced by a contemplative frown.
(Is Kaoruko actually serious?!)
Kirin smiles. "I understand. Thirty percent of shares, along with the money I will owe, and proper acknowledgement of your contributions."
"Fifty."
"Forty."
"Deal."
Futaba steps forward. "Kaoruko!"
All of a sudden, the familiar grin is back along with a quick and succinct, "Not."
Kirin frowns for the first time. "I understand. What?"
"The rumors circulating about my company? Its reputation? 'Altering the course of humanity?' As if I care about any of that." Kaoruko takes a sip of her sake and then places the glass onto the table with a resounding click. "If the world bows, it'll be from my influence and mine alone. If regaining dominance and rising above all others means I need to soil my hands in your dirt, I'd rather put in the effort on my own."
"I understand." The initial surprise is gone, replaced by a grin once more. "I expected nothing less from you, Hanayagi Kaoruko-san. Truly a blooming flower who knows no rival. You may not stand at the top, but you will not give up that position to anyone else."
"Ara, is that a compliment?"
"Of course. I acknowledge such radiance even if they disagree with my negotiations." Kirin reaches into his suit coat and pulls out a pistol, pointing its barrel to Kaoruko's head. "Though that doesn't mean I can simply accept such an answer."
Futaba's eyes widen. (Shi-!)
A gun cocks behind her. Before Futaba can move any closer, she realizes that Kirin's guard is pointing his own gun at the back of her head.
But there is no terror reflected in Kaoruko's eyes. She remains as lazy as ever. She even comments offhandedly, "If I had known you had even more guests than just Gorilla-han over there, I would have invited my own into the room too."
"Unfortunately, these were specially reserved for surprises." Kirin frowns. "Invited into the room…?"
Kaoruko flashes Kirin a shit-eating grin. "I'm the life of the party, after all."
The sake bottle suddenly explodes, enveloping the room in dense grey smoke. Thankfully the explosion isn't large enough for the shards to scatter around a dangerous radius or fly with enough force to hit anyone.
But now Futaba can't find Kaoruko. The bright side is she assumes Kirin and his guard can't find them either.
Futaba turns toward the sound of a chair toppling over. She isn't sure who it is, until she hears the Kirin curse.
"Boss!" his guard calls.
(Wait, wasn't he right next to me? When'd he get so far?)
Before Futaba can think about that, the door behind her slams open. She whips around on guard in case it's reinforcements from the wrong side.
Thankfully, it's just Tendou Maya the fake train conductor for Carriage 9.
"Short Retainer-"
"Tendou- Wait, what did you call me?!"
"Oh, did Pretty Flower not inform you of our code names?"
"Wait what?!"
Futaba's growing annoyance is quelled by a rush of air from the window thrown open. The sudden vacuum sucks the thick smoke out of the room, letting Futaba finally find Kaoruko again. To her relief, she looks unharmed if not only a little startled.
The smoke isn't the only thing gone though.
Maya is already next to the window and preparing to jump out as she speaks into her earpiece, "Uptight Glasses, the Giraffe and his Gorilla have escaped. I'm moving to intercept." She turns back to Futaba. "Take Pretty Flower and head to the front of the train with the other passengers. Uptight Glasses will join you to ensure a safe passage."
"Wait wait wait, who's who?"
Kaoruko pouts. "They're easy to guess."
"You gave me Short Retainer as a code name! And what kind of name is Pretty Flower?!"
A bullet ricochets against the windowsill. Maya barely avoids it with a quick click of her tongue.
"They're shooting back, aren't they?"
"Unfortunately." But rather than be discouraged, Maya grins. "Though that shouldn't be a problem. I am certain someone is eager to intercept them before me."
A gunshot rings above them from outside. Taking it as her cue, Maya uses her free hand to swing out of the window and onto the top of the train.
Judging from Maya's confidence, Futaba knows exactly who she's gunning for.
Thankfully, it doesn't take long for them to calm the civilians and summarize what they're doing here. Once they've calmed down, Hikari steels herself to take care of the next inevitable consequence of their actions.
"I need to report back to the other group," she informs the officers in the room, as well as those who are listening through their earpieces. She replaces the ski mask on her head. "They'll be suspicious if they find out they haven't taken control of the train by now. At least I can buy us some time."
"Be careful," Junna says. "It looks like they've already taken everyone in the dining carriage hostage. Saijou-san is already intercepting the Giraffe with Tendou-san. And I have to make sure Hanayagi-san and Isurugi-san are safe, but I'll provide back up when I can. Everyone else standby. Let Kagura-san handle the situation first. That includes you too, Karen."
"But-"
"Understood," Hikari answers for Karen.
"Be careful, Hikari-chan," Mahiru says.
"Don't worry. I've mingled with them for this long and haven't been killed yet. Another five minutes shouldn't be a problem."
"As expected of Hikari-chan," Nana praises with a smile. "Good luck."
Hikari nods and leaves the kitchen. She traverses through the lounge, ignoring the passengers quivering in their seats. Her attention is solely on the door leading to the next carriage.
She stops in front of it. Despite her bravado, her heart thuds painfully against her chest. She takes a deep breath to calm herself before opening the door and stumbling in. Riding on the adrenaline high of her role, she frantically shuts the door and wills her apprehension to power several deep, panicky breaths.
The one Hikari remembers to be designated Beast 3, dressed just like the unconscious ones back in the kitchen, points his gun at her. He doesn't pull the trigger when he recognizes her.
"Hound 5, what's the situation? What happened?"
Hikari forces herself to quake a bit. At least the heavy breathing isn't really an act. "We… were met with resistance. The others… are knocked out."
"Hah? How'd the Hounds get taken out by a bunch of cooks?"
"Unless the ones that knocked them out weren't regular cooks," another one, Beast 4 proposes. "The boss did say there's a chance the police could have gotten wind of the transaction. Didn't think they'd actually be here though."
"Cheh. Meaning they'll be intercepting us soon."
Beast 1 - who had stayed silent until now - asks Hikari, "Hound 5, are you certain the others have been taken out?"
A shiver runs down her spine. The coldness of his eyes rubs her wrong. Hikari wills herself to stay composed.
"Yes."
"I see. Then we don't have a moment to lose." In three quick strides, Beast 1 grabs the nearest passenger and pushes the barrel of the gun against his head.
The entire carriage erupts in terrified screams.
"What-"
"Oh, we're moving to that part of the plan?" Beast 7 asks. He points his own gun at the closest passenger to him.
The rest of the men in black do the same. With no other choice, Hikari mimics their movements to maintain her role.
"Until the boss issues any more orders, I want to confirm something." Beast 1 lowers the barrel of the gun down to the ground. "I wonder how those officers will react if we injure but not kill."
"Oi! That's not part of the plan!"
Beast 1 shoots Beast 2 a cold glare. "Like I said, I just want to confirm something."
Sweat covers Hikari's palms. Despite the perspiration, her fingers are so clammy that they're strength is starting to leave them. At this rate she's going to end up dropping her weapon. It'll draw attention to her, but at this rate it might be the better option than giving herself away or letting a civilian be injured.
"Just what are you trying to prove?" Beast 6 questions.
"Nothing, if I'm wrong. Everything, if I'm right."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Beast 1 cocks his gun. "Just shut up for now."
He aims his gun at his hostage's foot. Hitting that area will be painful for the receiver, but it won't kill them. Weighing the pros and cons, it shouldn't be enough to completely blow her cover for.
But letting a civilian get injured in front of her when she can prevent it is too cruel. Hikari knows better than to let that happen.
She doesn't have time to deliberate.
(What do I do?)
She makes the unfortunate choice.
Beast 1 narrows his eyes. "Hound 5, what do you think you're doing?" he asks, staring down the barrel of the gun now pointed at his head.
"Release the hostage," Hikari states. "Let them go and I'll consider not pulling the trigger."
"Getting sentimental? Or perhaps your allegiance was never with us in the first place?"
"Traitor," one of the Beasts whispers. Hikari can't be certain if she wants to keep her attention on Beast 1.
"Then the other Hounds that got knocked out…"
"Most likely was her doing. Or at least caught off guard thanks to her," Beast 1 supplies. "You always were the black sheep."
"Release the hostage," Hikari repeats.
"That can be arranged."
At least three pistols turn to her.
"After your brains decorate this carriage."
"They won't make a pretty sight. You'll disturb the other passengers with an ugly artwork."
"I'm sure they will…" Beast 1 flashes a predatory grin, "… learn to appreciate it."
The passengers scream again in fear. But they are quickly silenced by the unoccupied Beasts aiming their guns at random.
One last ditch attempt to stall. "Pull the trigger and you'll alert the others."
"And how many of us are there? Even we weren't given the full total of members involved in this heist. Can you really bet on the numbers on your side?"
No, but at this rate Hikari wouldn't even be able to bet on her life. Trusting her comrades seems to be the better choice than her own life, even if she doesn't want to. Revealing their own side will only complicate matters especially if they are still outnumbered.
There are seven Beasts that she can see in this room alone. That already outnumbers their side, considering Maya and Claudine are supposedly preoccupied by Kirin himself. Then there are the other possible members of Kirin's gang that aren't in the carriage…
Her next choice is made for her by the door on the opposite end being thrown open. More specially, Hikari's fate is sealed by the interruption of none other than her (best) worst partner possible.
"I-" Karen aims her gun at Beast 1, "-won't let you hurt my Hikari-chan!"
It takes all of Hikari's willpower to keep her jaw from dropping. That doesn't mean she can keep her inner most thoughts from being spoken though.
"Areh?" Karen stares dumbfounded as two pistols are aimed at her now.
"Bakaren!"
"Ehhh… But Hikari-chan you're being threatened too."
"Why are you like this?!"
"Eh heh heh… sorry?"
"Well that's one," Beast 1 comments. "If the rest of your comrades are of the same calibre as her, I do not think we will have to worry."
"Karen is an exception."
"That's right! The others are amazing!"
Karen is suddenly shoved out of the way, leaving a perfect trajectory for someone to aim at one of the assailants.
A deafening gunshot echoes throughout the carriage. Silence falls as everyone stares at the smoking barrel, then at the target collapsing on himself.
"H- Holy FUCK!" Beast 6 screams on the floor, clutching the area between his legs. "Holy fuck holy fuck fuck fuck fu-"
Junna sighs as the other Beasts shift their target away from Karen and onto her. "Karen, say any more and you would have given away too much."
"I was counting on you to come in at the right time!" Karen beams.
"Bakaren," Hikari sighs.
"Mo, Hikari-chan!"
"You… You shot him in the b-balls," Beast 3 shutters.
Beast 4 whistles in awe.
Junna's face flushes red. "I- I was aiming for his thigh!"
Karen cocks her head to the side. "But JunJun, you're the best shooter in our division, even more accurate than Tendou-san. There's no way you could have missed."
"To be fair, it's the least likely to be guarded," Hikari remarks.
"Oh! As expected of JunJun!"
"You two… aren't there more important things to worry about?!" Junna shouts.
"Have you guys forgotten the situation you're in? Geez, are you even police officers?" Beast 5 snorts.
"If you mean your backup, I don't think they're going to be coming to help you," Karen says. "JunJun and I made sure they wouldn't take any more hostages."
Junna levels her gun. "It's just you seven, now six, in here."
"Even with one down, even if it is only us in this carriage, we still outnumber you," Beast 1 points out. "What will you do?"
The door behind Hikari is thrown open. She reacts on instinct and steps to the side just as the body of Hound 4 is thrown into the room. A gunshot immediately follows it, hitting true to its target on the bicep of the arm Beast 1 has locked around his hostage. The sudden attack lets the passenger slip out of Beast 1's hold and also draws the other Beasts' attention to the front of the carriage where the bullet originated from.
"Run! Get out of the carriage!" Nana's shouts.
The passengers don't need to be told twice. They frantically run for the nearest exit while seemingly ignoring the escalating situation around them. If any of the Beasts try to shoot them, Hikari, Junna, and Karen kick up anything around them to intercept their aim. Chairs, tables, utensils, sheets, and any other object in the dining carriage flies around the room along with bullets, screaming, and pandemonium.
Once all the passengers are gone, Junna locks one door while Nana and Mahiru step in and lock the other.
Beast 1 grimaces, one hand covering his bleeding shoulder.
It is now five against five. Five guns raised against five guns. Or five and a half, considering Beast 1 can still fight.
The odds aren't great, but they're not impossible. Until Maya and Claudine apprehend Kirin, the rest of them will have to make due with what they have.
The first shot rings out, unleashing all hell and chaos.
Author's Notes:
'Your action scenes are great!' my readers say. 'They're not bad at all!' they reassure me.
Meanwhile, I'm crying while holding myself back from just straight up typing, "Bang bang bang" for every fight scene *sobs*
Seriously though, I have enough experience with swords and typical weapons to write decent fight scenes if those are the only weapons. But guns in real life? Nope. I've had a grand total of 1 self defense class for guns specifically and I remember nothing from it. So I sincerely apologize if every scene with a gun in it seems unbelievable.
Or just. Everything seems unbelievable. Alksdjflkdjfk
Everything is fine. Just have the Psycho Pass Main Theme OST on repeat and everything will be FINE. Yes I did think about doing a Psycho Pass AU but I didn't know who would be Inspectors, Enforcers, and/or Analysts. I think a lot but I don't have time to think that much. So this is just a modern police!AU.
On a side note, all of the characters are aged up. Let's say they're in their mid 20s. It's not an important detail.
This is my first (and if I'm being honest, probably only) time writing something for this series. As usual, this got way longer than I would have planned. I swear I can never write anything under 5k anymore. Initially this was going to be a oneshot but it got long enough that I decided to split it into three chapters. Fml.
In contrast to my usual update schedule, I'll be updating once a week for this story instead of once every two. I don't really want to hoard this for too long.
Please leave a comment or review if you liked, or would like to say something about it. This tomato loves reviews :]
Fun Fact:
The layout of the Starlight Express is inspired by the Seven Stars in Kyushu, an actual cruise train that I found as I was looking up a blueprint plan for luxury trains. Because the Bell Tree Express from Detective Conan - the original inspiration for the setting - doesn't have a friggin layout illustration for me to reference.