It's been a long time since I wrote fanfiction and it feels good to be putting my writing skills to work again. Constructive criticism is welcomed as I am trying to sharpen my writing skills. So please read and enjoy.
Blood+: New Blood
Chapter 1
"Whew, what a hot day," said Kai, raising his hand to shield his eyes from the beating sun. Not a cloud was to be seen in the sky on this hot, humid day in Okinawa. Today was Friday. Fridays usually meant good business for the Omaro Bar, the dining bar that Kai had inadvertently inherited from his father.
Kai positioned the sign outside. "Closed for special occasion," it said. Today Kai was closing the bar off to outside guests for his two girls, Hibiki and Kanade. Today they were finishing their last day in (11th grade).
"All done with the decorations on the inside," said Lewis, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Great," said Kai, turning to Lewis. "Now all that's left is the food."
"That won't be a problem, Kai" Lewis said with a chuckle. "Lulu's got that covered."
Kai raised a curious, but concerned eyebrow. "Lulu? Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"You're not still worried about last time, are you?" Lewis was referring to Lulu's 30th attempt to cook human food which took place no more than 5 weeks ago. It had been a particularly busy day and Kai needed some extra help in the bar's kitchen. Naturally, since Lewis was known for his great taste in cooking, among other things, Kai had called him to come by. What he had not expected was for Lulu to help as well.
While Lulu, being the puny, chiropteran female that she was, relied solely on human blood for sustenance, she had become more accustomed to engaging in some human hobbies in an attempt to fit in. Cooking had become one of those hobbies, though her skill definitely needed improvement.
Kai sighed with a grin. "Just as long as she doesn't burn the place to the ground. Don't forget that we live here."
"Trust me," Lewis said holding up his arms. "Lulu's getting better. The other day she managed to boil some great ramen."
During the two adults' exchange, a puny, little figure stepped out of the doorway, avoiding the sunlight.
"Hey, guys," Lulu called to the two men. During the last 16 years since the Red Shield agents and Kai returned to their peaceful lives, Lulu had hardly changed. Still at four feet with her sunken eyes and violet pigtails, the only thing she changed about herself was her attire. Having abandoned her old, black robes, she wore a light-grey hoodie which she wore during the daytime, concealing her with a black pair of baggy khakis that drooped over her pink sneakers. Her worried, sunken eyes were a clear indicator that something was not right. "Uh, are the riceballs supposed to get smoky?"
Lewis' reassuring smile instantly dropped and he ran for the kitchen. Lulu followed suit. "Oh, Lulu," he cried as he tried to save what was left of the riceballs Lulu was supposed to be making. "Lulu, you just burned my balls! Quick, get me some water!"
Kai sighed. Making a party was not easy, especially when it involved three chiropteran girls, one of which was still learning the art of cooking while the other two went about their usual day of studying at school and pretending to be regular girls. The latter was ironically easier than schoolwork, especially for Hibiki. Although the girls did a good job of being human, or at least pretending to be, it did not alleviate Kai's occasional anxieties. He loved and worried for Hibiki and Kanade. He always would.
Kai was snapped back to reality as a clang of pots hit the floor from within the kitchen. "Sorry. Sorry," Lulu said timidly. Without a second thought, Kai rushed in to assist them. He still had the decorations to set up. Perhaps Lulu would be better off helping to write the sign for Hibiki and Kanade. Oh, and for Yusuru, since he was finishing (10th) grade the same day as the girls.
Honk. Honk.
Kai's attention was drawn outside yet again as he saw a grey Toyota pull up with two people who he would recognize from anywhere.
"Akihiro, Mao!" Kai called as he walked out with a friendly grin.
"Kai," said Akihiro, stepping out of their Toyota. Though it could just as easily have been Mao's car since she could have convinced her Dad to have lent her some money. Not that Mao's associations with the Yakuza made him nervous… so long as they didn't bring their dirty laundry with them.
"Hey, Kai," Mao said, stepping out as well. Even after sixteen years, Mao was still fit and in good shape.
"Hope the flight went well," said Kai.
"Ugh, terrible as always," Mao said with a fuss.
"Well, you can fuss about it later. For now, I need a hand in here."
Akihiro sighed. "Ugh. Always ready to put the slaves to work."
Kai laughed. It was good that most of their friends were here. Now all they were waiting for was Julia, David and the children.
Hibiki patted the bat on the homebase as her opponent got ready to pitch. Hibiki glanced toward the opposing team's dugout where Hitomi, Hibiki's irritating school rival, sat. Hitomi seemed to glare back at Hibiki, likely it was her attempt to intimidate her after their last argument when Hitomi was threatening to expose her latest drawing of a certain someone. Someone who Hitomi was very fond of. The not so distant memory made Hibiki feel uneasy.
Hitomi waved the piece of paper in front of Hibiki's face. The two girls were alone in the girl's restroom where Hitomi had blackmailed Hibiki to meet her… alone. "Oh, who would have thought that the second best baseball player in the school would have a crush on her ototo?"
"He is not my ototo," Hibiki said angrily. "Ototo" was of coarse a name for one's younger brother. Hitomi was of course referring to a certain boy who was very close to their family. "We're not even related."
"Your two families are so close that you're practically related," Hitomi laughed, further taunting Hibiki. "Imagine what the school would say. Imagine what he would say." Hibiki was tempted to make a move on her, maybe even show off her amazing speed. But her father's cautions, or rather Kai's, stopped her. She was never allowed to show off her "abilities" in public. "But don't worry. I don't care what you fantasize about in that silly head of yours. You can have your drawing back, without anyone else having to know about it… if you are willing to do something for me.
Hibiki gave an angry sigh. "What do you want?"
"We're going to compete at the baseball game after school. The last inning will determine who is the best. You claim to be the best batter."
"I don't claim anything," Hibiki corrected her rival. "If everyone else says that I am, let them."
"Whatever," Hitomi scoffed. "The point is, you're a good batter, but so am I. Which means that I intend to win this afternoon's match for my team."
Hibiki could not believe she was actually putting up with this. "You do realize that both are teams are from the same school, right?"
"Just listen!" Hitomi said a little irritated now. "We are going to win. So here's the deal. You will step up to the batting plate last and miss the ball. If you deliberately miss the ball, I promise to give the ball back. But if you go against my wishes and hit it, I expose to everyone who your little crush is. Deal?"
Hibiki merely stared loathingly at Hitomi. She merely stood up and replied, "Fine."
Now Hibiki was here, being cheered on by her teammates and half the spectators in the crowd. Among them, Hibiki could make out two of the few people who meant the world to her. Her sister, Kanade, with her long dark hair and blue eyes. Even as teenagers, Kanade and Hibiki were inseparable. Kanade, to an almost embarrassing degree, insisted on being wherever there was a spectacle to cheer her twin sister on. Beside Kanade sat Yusuru, Julia's and David's son.
"Hibiki," Mitsuru, the school's umpire, said to her. "Keep your eye on the ball."
Hibiki snapped out of her thoughts and refocused on the game. The pitcher crouched down and Hibiki raised her bat, gripping it firmly. The pitcher swung her arm around and with swift speed, hurled the baseball. Hibiki swung without even trying to focus and the ball flew right into the catcher's mit.
"Strike one," the umpire shouted, throwing up his index finger.
Hibiki took her stance again, feigning to get ready for the next shot. With another swift swing, the pitcher hurled the ball in Hibiki's direction.
Swing.
Another miss. "Strike two," the umpire shouted throwing up two fingers now. Hibiki could hear the disappointing sighs from the crowd. She glanced again at Hitomi, who gave an arrogant smile, confident that this match was hers. Then Hibiki glanced toward her sister in the crowd. Kanade gave a concerned but supportive look. Clearly she wanted her sister to win, assuring her not to worry. Then Hibiki met eyes with her best friend, Yusuru. He smiled, giving Hibiki a reassuring nod.
Suddenly Hibiki did not care anymore what Hitomi was threatening her with. If she wanted to expose her little secrets, so be it. With a new resolve, Hibiki brought her bat back up, gripping it with a more serious energy and determination this time. The pitcher swung her arm back and hurled the ball at Hibiki.
In that moment, it seemed as if the ball were moving at a speed that allowed Hibiki to examine its every detail, from its rotation to the stitches etched in its surface. It was as if time had slowed down for Hibiki. Time was in fact not slowing down, but rather Hibiki's brain was now processing information much faster than a common human brain could, which gave her ample time to adjust the angle at which she would meet the ball with her bat without applying too much power. If she wanted, Hibiki could smash the ball hard enough to rip through a person like a bullet, but knew better than to show off her power… or cause any serious injury to another.
The ball neared hitting distance. With just a portion of her strength and bringing the bat at the right angle, Hibiki swung the bat forward, taking note of its motion as her brain continued to process time at an accelerated rate.
Smash.
The bat almost seemed to crackle thunder as the ball went flying over the fence, over the crowd, into presumably the parking lot that lay beyond. The crowd sat stunned in silence at Hibiki's raw display of power, though still unaware of her true potential. Time resumed its normal flow for Hibiki as her mind stopped processing everything so fast and she ran for first base. The crowd, having recovered from its initial shock, erupted into cheers as Hibiki and the rest of her teammates waiting on the other base, ran for home base.
Hibiki gave an almost pitiful glance at Hitomi, who sat dumbfounded at Hibiki's move. Her gaze soon turned to rage as Hibiki shrugged her shoulders, almost as if to say, What can I say? I changed my mind. So suck it!
As soon as Hibiki's foot landed on homebase, her teammates came running out and hoisted her into the air. Hibiki laughed from all the commotion, glancing back at Kanade who gave an approving nod with a smile. Yusuru had abandoned his spot beside Kanade to join in the commotion and cheer Hibiki on.
"That was incredible," Kanade hollered with joy, squeezing Hibiki into a bear hug.
"Yeah, you should have seen the look on everyone's faces," Yusuru said with his own grin.
Kanade, Hibiki and Yusuru were walking toward the school's driveway, after they had managed to escape from the crowd of spectators. Hibiki had no desire to stay for too long among the large throngs of students and parents who wanted to shower her with praise and approval. Especially since she did not feel like dealing with Hitomi.
"Yeah, you should have seen the look on Hitomi's face," Kanade said offhandedly. "She looked really jealous of you, Nee-sama. I can't imagine why though."
"Really? I didn't notice," said Hibiki with a shrug, feigning ignorance.
"Hey, she hasn't been bothering you, has she?"
"Nope," Hibiki answered, concealing her little concern she still had about Hitomi's blackmail. She rushed them along to the school's driveway. Then again, Hitomi was probably not going to bother her since she would probably have more pressing matters at the moment. Like the fact that she would be hysterical when she found her bag missing and would be raging through the school's hallways looking for it. A fact which made Hibiki smirk cockily, though also raised her concern that Hitomi may come running at them like a crazed berserker.
"Well, I'm looking forward to the party tonight," Kanade said, changing the subject. "It's been so long since we saw everyone."
"Uh, yeah, me too," Hibiki said, her cocky smirk turning to a genuinely pleasant smile.
"I just hope Mao doesn't bring the rest of the Yakuza gang down on us," Yusuru said a little worriedly.
"Speaking of Mao-san," Kanade interjected, making effort to show respect for their family's friend, "do you really think she and Akihiro are an item now?"
"What do you mean?" asked Hibiki.
"You know, are they… together?"
Hibiki shrugged. "Who knows. They've been travelling together for years. I heard the rumors."
"Don't they have laws against that sort of stuff?" Yusuru asked. The girls looked at him questioningly. "Well, when you think about it, Akihiro is many years older than Mao."
"Yeah, but Mao-san isn't a teenager anymore, Yusuru," said Kanade. "So technically that's not illegal."
An uncomfortable silence descended upon the trio right before they erupted into laughter. This felt good; being with each other, laughing at the silly things in life.
Buzz. Buzz.
A ring came from Kanade's Iphone. Fishing it out, she swiped it open and answered, turning on the phone's speaker. "Hey, Kai."
"Ugh, it's 'Dad'," Kai groaned.
Shutting her eyes, Kanade smiled humorously as she pictured her adoptive father slapping his forehead in frustration. Hibiki and Yusuru chuckled as well. Ever since they were children, the girls always refered to Kai by his name. He would often joke how terrible they were to him. The girls knew that Kai was not their real father, but they treated him as such. Hibiki regularly called Kai 'Dad' now. Kanade also refered to Kai as her father, though occasionally she liked to tease Kai a bit.
"Yes, 'Dad'," Kanade said, placing extra emphasis on the D-word for effect. "We're done with school and we're on our way to meet David and Julia."
"Good," said Kai over the phone. "How did the game go?"
"Hibiki made a homerun!" Yusuru nearly shouted with excitement.
"Great work, Hibiki!" said Kai. "But I hope you didn't hit the ball too hard."
Hibiki knew Kai was referring to her inhuman strength. "Don't worry, Dad," Hibiki said with a sigh. "I didn't knock anyone's head off." She loved Kai, but sometimes he could be so suppressive.
"Good to hear," Kai said with a his own sigh of relief. "I'll see you guys at home. Oh, one more thing. Can you guys ask Julia and David to get some more ice?"
"Hai!" the three youngsters answered with a salute. With that, Kanade hung up the phone, stuffing it back in her jacket pocket.
Almost as if on cue, a sleek black car pulled up in front of the three youngsters. From within the front of the car, David and Julia waved to the kids. The kids filed into the car one by one. In unison they greeted the adults, "Konichiwa!"
"Hey, kids," Julia said with a gentle smile. With everyone in the car, David pulled out of the driveway "How does it feel that school is done for the summer?"
"Great, Mom!" Yusuru said enthusiastically. "Now I can look forward to our trip to Hawaii."
"Not so fast, sport," said David, turning to his son. "Don't forget you've got studies as well."
"Dad, the whole point of summer vacation is to forget about school for a while so we can have fun," said Yusuru to his father. David meant well, but he was awfully strict sometimes.
"Your Dad's right, you know," said Kanade to Yusuru. "You can always study in Hawaii while you're at it."
"You're not helping," Yusuru pouted.
"It's not helping that you guys get to go to a whole other country, surrounded by a beautiful ocean and tropical trees, sunny beaches and endless green mountains… without us," Kanade playfully pouted back, squeezing Yusuru into a bear hug.
"Ugh, don't we have that here in Okinawa?" Yusuru gasped, trying to escape Kanade's overfriendly hug. Sometimes she could forget just how strong she really was. He remembered one time he had challenged her to arm wrestling when he was six and got thrown to the floor. After which he needed a slight relocation of his shoulder.
"Yeah, but that's not the same," Kanade continued to pout, as she squeezed Yusuru even tighter to her in her affectionate, albeit aggressive, embrace.
"Ah, Hibiki, hel-" Yusuru muffled as his attempts to break free only forced his face to fall into Kanade's bosom.
Upon seeing this, Hibiki sprung into action and swung her jealous arms around Yusuru. "Hey, hands off Yusuru," Hibiki cried as she desperately tried to pry Yusuru from Kanade's grip.
"He's my Yusuru first," Kanade said as she spat out her tongue at Hibiki.
Hibiki's veins pumped furiously in her head as her anger boiled over. That was a direct challenge from Kanade. Without any consideration for the adults sitting up front, the girls wrestled for dominance over their favorite boy in the whole world, with poor Yusuru being thrown in between them like a ragdoll.
David and Julia sighed. It was pointless to stop the kids right now. This was not the first time the girls fought over Yusuru… or anything else for that matter, and it certainly would not be the last. They would eventually wear themselves out.
"Phew, sixteen years," David sighed stressfully. "This is what we've endured for sixteen years."
Julia smiled reassuringly to her husband, touching his shoulder. "It'll pass," said Julia. "Remember, this is just a phase. All girls and boys have to expend their energy at this time."
"Except that these girls are going to stay little girls forever," said David. "Which worries me even more."
Julia chuckled. "Well, Saya stayed young forever, and look how she turned out."
David and Julia laughed together. It was amazing how they managed taking care of Kai's and their children all these years ever since their great war with mankind's greatest threat had ended. Even though they were not related by blood, David, Julia and Yusuru were considered as much a part of the Miyagusuku family as Kai and the twins. They had all helped each other out during the past sixteen years and had pulled themselves through. Even Lewis, Lulu, Mao, Akihiro and Joel before he had-
"Dad!" Yusuru called to David as the twins continued to wrestle over his body. "Could use- mmph… some help here!"
David sighed again. He wasn't going to last all the way to the diner with the kids going wild like this in the car. Giving Julia the signal, Julia happily complied as she started playing a song that the kids absolutely hated. Before long, the twins stopped their battle over Yusuru and instead began begging the adults to turn off the horrible sound of Japanese children's songs.
When the group finally arrived at the Omaro Bar, with poor Yusuru still relatively in one piece, Kai, Lewis, Lulu, Akihiro and Mao had greeted them with a big cheer of, "Congratulations!" and a big banner to go with it. The girls had run lovingly into Kai's arms. He was the best father they could ever ask for. Even Yusuru bowed respectfully for their salutations. This party was not just for the three youngsters who went to the Okinawa High School. It was an opportunity for the whole group to see each other again.
Now, the assembly of former Red Shield agents and the kids were sitting down to an expansive dinner of Japanese cuisine prepared by Lewis and Kai and sharing stories within the diner. Akihiro and Mao were talking their recent trip to Turkey. It was rather depressing hearing about the Refugee Crisis concerning Syria as well as the other worn-torn countries, but Akihiro and Mao also had some more lightening stories about Istanbul, as well as their other trips throughout Europe. David and Julia also shared their stories, raising Yusuru, David's work, and Julia's new job at a local hospital. Lulu eagerly talked about how she was finally making some new friends. They had no idea about her true identity, but that was fine with Lulu. Julia had long suggested that Lulu try to socialize with new people to fit in more. The twins talked about their life at school, though Hibiki neglected to mention her troubles with Hitomi (and preferred to keep it that way). Kai also talked about how things were getting better for their diner. Ever since the economy crashed in 2008, business had been hurting for Kai and the girls. But with a little luck, things had turned around for the better. It did not mean that Kai stopped worrying about the rent. The landlord could be a pain sometimes.
Kai suddenly stood and tapped his glass with a fork. The assembly turned their attention to him. "First I want to say it's good to see everyone again," he said as he cleared his throat. "It's not easy getting together like this, especially when we are so focused on our own lives. But when we have the opportunity, it does bring good memories. 'Cause we're not just friends or acquaintances. Not even just partners. We're family." Everyone smiled and voiced their approval. "My only regret is that those closest to us can't be here to enjoy it." He turned toward the framed pictures on the wall. There was the group portrait his adoptive father, George, with his strong arms hung around Riku, Saya and a younger Kai looking annoyingly at his family. Words were not enough to voice how much Kai missed them. It was heartening, though, knowing that Saya was only asleep but would not wake for many more years.
Next to the old family portrait was a picture of Joel Goldschmidt smiling from his wheelchair. Even after the injury that crippled him for life, Joel still had the strength to smile and be happy. Sadly, Joel had been diagnosed with cancer just a few years after their war with the chiropterans ended. It was miraculous how Joel still managed to hold on and be happy for a whole year after that until he finally succumbed to his sickness. Upon his request, Joel's ashes were buried both at the Zoo and near Saya's shrine, feeling that that is where Joel most belonged since his past was linked to both the place where the war started and with Saya. Even if Joel was gone, the former Red shield agents still loved and missed him.
Kai smiled. "But even so, they are not really gone," he said. "They are still with us." With that, Kai raised his glass in a toast. "To family."
Altogether every person present raised their glasses as they toasted in one voice, "To family."
Akihiro stood outside smoking a cigarette. The rest of the gang were inside enjoying a competition of karaoke. As usual, Kanade was first, as she liked to show off her voice. Kanade was a fantastic singer after all.
"Don't let Mao catch you, Akihiro," said Kai as he joined him. "She'll kill you."
"Thanks for the heads up," Akihiro replied with a smirk. "I haven't had a cig in weeks. I can't do it too often, otherwise Mao starts to smell the smoke on my breath." He took a puff of his cig. "You know, that was an impressive speech back there. A little depressing at one point, but still, impressive."
Kai laughed. "Very typical, always lacking the formalities, Akihiro."
"Comes with the job. I see that you've sharpened yourself a bit though."
"I had to, for the girls at least."
"Right. Gotta' be a role model for your kids." Akihiro laughed, taking another puff of his cig. "So, do they know?"
Kai raised a questioning eyebrow. "Know what?"
"You know. Who they are?"
Kai sighed. "Yeah, they do. Just not everything."
"Well, I won't press you about it. I know it's not easy." With that said, Akihiro dropped his cigarette and stomped it out.
"Is that tobacco I smell?" Mao shouted from inside, completely forgetting about the song she was supposed to be singing at the moment with Kanade.
"Oops," said Akihiro. "Guess I'm busted."
Akihiro made a move to go back inside, but was stopped. "Hey, Akihiro," said Kai. "So are you and Mao really gonna' go through with it?"
Akihiro shrugged. "I haven't asked her yet."
"What's stopping you?"
"A lot." Obvious that Akihiro did not want to discuss the details, Kai left the matter alone as Akihiro went inside.
Thinking back on Akihiro's question, Kai had indeed revealed the twins' secret history, though he had done it with counselling from David, Julia, and Lewis and the upmost caution. Joel, sadly, was no longer with them to offer advice. Since the girls were small, they had always known they were unique, much like their sleeping aunt Saya whom they visited in the shrine. But it was not until the girls had turned thirteen that it was time to reveal their true origins, from Saya's and Diva's birth of the Zoo to the final battle of the Opera House in New York.
For Kai, it had always been a concern not knowing how the twins would be able to handle the truth of their origins. Surprisingly, things had turned out better than he expected. The girls understood who their real mother was, but understood at the same time the horrible things that Diva and her chevalier had done.
The words that the girls said to Kai then was all that he needed to relieve him of his fears; "You're still our father, Kai."
It was relieving to know that Kanade and Hibiki rejected and hated their mother's and chevaliers' cruel ways and retained their goodness. Kanade seemed content, but Hibiki was perhaps the most inquisitive when it came to the Chiropteran War. She was especially interested in Saya. What had been the most painful to explain, both for the twins and for Kai, was the story of their father, Riku. Perhaps the story of Riku's life and kindness inspired the girls to preserve their own kindness and affection. Kanade had broken down into tears when she learnt that it was Diva whom ended Riku's life. Hibiki seemed also sad by this revelation, but not as deeply.
That was another thing that Kai noticed. Hibiki tended to be the more controlled and self-disciplined of the twins, though she still needed counselling and occasionally was more inclined to get into fights with other girls at her school. Kanade, on the other hand, was more free-spirited and was not afraid to show her true colors. Such a trait was admirable, but sometimes shunned in Japan's culture. Kai, though, had little concern for that. To him, it was more important to be honest about what one thought and felt than to bottle it up. But getting the girls to tell him what was wrong could still be a challenge.
Yes, it had been a rough sixteen years raising Kanade and Hibiki. But they were Kai's children. Even if their mother was a monster, they were far from being monsters themselves. They had love and kindness… and a piece of Riku in them as well.
Feeling content, Kai moved back inside the bar to join his family.
Not so far from the festivities that occupied the Omaro Bar, two black vans were driving to a special location.
"Director, we're approaching the target," a suited man sitting in front of a computer within the head van said to his superior.
"Very good," the portly man, known commonly as the Director, said in a satisfied tone. He took a long chug from his water bottle before turning his attention to a tall, slender, darkly dressed man with tied-back black hair running down his back. "Well, looks like this is it," the Director said to the tall man.
"Yes," the tall man answered.
"I'm excited, my friend," the Director said, trying to get conversation out of his taller companion. "I know almost everything about the girl from our intel gathering, to the old logs of the Goldsmiths and the Goldschmidts, to the stories you shared with us."
"Indeed," the tall man replied, his voice remaining monotone.
The Director grunted annoyingly. For years he had worked with the tall man sitting beside him. And in all those years, it was amazing how little the tall man in question had changed. Perhaps it was the fact that he was not technically human. Still, the director did indeed feel excited about the fact that they were about to meet and gather their prize at long last. He had been waiting for approval from his superiors for a long time to carry out this operation tonight and now it was finally happening.
The black vans stopped at the base of a long stairway leading up to a shrine that lay at the peak of the tropical steep that surrounded them. The Director stepped out with his tall colleague, eyeing him up. Though he never would admit it, the Director envied the taller man for his height, stature and good looks. Though none of that compared to the hidden power that his body concealed.
From the rear van, two men stepped out bearing a stretcher. One of them stopped when he caught sight of just how far up the stair went. "Sir, do we have to climb that?"
The Director eyed the man questioningly. "Are you seriously asking me that?" he asked, incredulous that even his trained subordinates could pout like babies.
The men sighed and began ascending the stairs with the stretcher in hand. The Director followed behind with the tall man beside him. "I trust that you have not forgotten our arrangement," the tall man said.
"Of course not," the Director replied. "So long as you can keep the other two girls in check."
"That should not be a problem."
"Good, phew," said the Director through a heave as they climbed the stairs. "The Japanese in the olden days sure liked to climb." The Director was a busy man, dealing mostly with board meetings and office work. He had little time for exercise. "Anyway, I might need you to get those girls to cooperate."
The tall man said nothing to that. He was merely cooperating with the Director to get what he wanted. The men finally came to the top of the stairs. As the Director caught his breathe, he eyed the small shrine in front of him. He stepped inside with the other three in tow. There, within the depths of that shrine, lay their prize, a delicate body wrapped in layers of silky protein, emanating a light from within.
The Director gazed at the enigmatic display with fascination and satisfaction. "And so we finally meet, Miss Saya Otanashi."