World's Finest in Ghost City
CHP 10: On the Run
Passing through the province, he became almost certain his hypothesis was correct. Through his travels of the world he never came across a city with a construct like the one around him. Numerous stood around staring, positive they had never seen him around before. His choice of clothing was also incredibly strange. Avoiding conversation he bypassed them quickly. If his hunch proved correct it was best in the short term he not get involved with anyone. Doing so would lead to a widespread of problems he'd rather not deal with.
Up ahead a large group crowded around a T.V. which got Bruce thinking. Everyone looked extremely intense, and wanted to have a look for himself. From behind he glanced up at the screen listening to those around him speak to one another. He was unsure what went on by just watching. The scene on screen was chaotic with various helicopters and police vehicles crowded in front of a single building.
"This is terrible! Who in their right mind would attack the Prime Minister Yoko Kayabuki all by themselves?!"
"Gotta agree with you there man, that is insanely absurd. Whoever it is can't really think they're going to get out of this alive."
Eavesdropping on the individual's conversation validated his theory. The name Yoko Kayabuki was not that of the Prime Minister. Well at least not from his world and or timeline. He had no idea where the activity on T.V. took place. Even if he did, the current situation wouldn't allow for him to do a thing. Sorting things involving his position would have to come first.
"Hey mister could you tell me what's going on, I can't see from down here."
Looking down a kid stared up at him. His ability to speak several languages including Japanese would come in handy; after all he wasn't sure how long he'd be away. Taking a knee he came down to the level/height of the boy.
"A youngster like yourself shouldn't pay attention to such violence," Reaching out Bruce placed a hand over his shoulder, "Do you mind if I ask a question? You might think me crazy, but could you tell me where we are and what year it is?"
He'd find out eventually, but the sooner the better. Immediately the boy laughed, which didn't surprise Bruce. A few seconds later the boy realized it was a serious question. Finding it strange someone would ask something so simple he shrugged his shoulders without giving any further thought.
"That's a silly question mister hahah, it's the year twenty thirty three and we're in Japan. What's with the stupid questions anyway sir, are yah tryin to test me or somthin?"
Running a hand through the boy's hair Bruce stood looking across the street. His heart raced at what he'd been told. If what the kid said was true it was likely he'd been zapped into the future, but he wasn't ready to assume anything yet. There was something he needed to check before he'd have an answer.
"You could say that. Take care kid."
Removing his hand from the boy's head Bruce crossed the street entering into a café. Looking around for a telephone, a worker behind the counter called out to him.
"Welcome to Chu Sahiarm's beef dishes customer! Would you like to try one of our samples, they're the best stuff in this part of town I guarantee?!" He asked with much energy.
Glimpsing over his shoulder he accepted the offer having no clue when he'd have another meal. Settling into one of the stools located across the counter he watched the chef go to work on the other side.
"So what's your name, I don't believe I've seen you around here? Good looking guy like yourself must be popular with the ladies am I right?"
Watching him cut up peppers and meat tossing them into a bowl of noodles and mushrooms he contemplated if giving his name would cause problems. Seeing no problem he introduced himself. In an upper corner of the room hung a T.V., on the same news station as the one everyone had been crowded around outside.
"Here you go Bruce-kun," He placed the hot bowl of soup in front of him," But be careful, it is very hot."
Another entered through the front entrance taking a seat in a far corner of the room. Plucking out and lighting a cigarette the worker behind the counter made his way toward her.
"Didn't you read the sign before entering? There is no smoking aloud in this café. You're welcomed to step outsi…"
In a burst she reached over the counter grabbing hold of his throat. Her grip was so tight he was unable to speak, grabbing hold of her arm trying to pull away. Immediately standing from his stool Bruce tightened his fists.
"I'm here to meet someone that should be here any minute. And in that time will do whatever I please; besides I'm not hurting anyone." She said tossing him back into a set of trays.
Her strength was impressive, but unnatural. Having a feeling she might be on some sort of drug Bruce continued forward stopping a few inches short of her.
"Can I help you?" She asked with crossed arms, "If not I'd get lost if I were you! I'm not in a very good mood right now."
Listening to her words angered him. How she could be so inconsiderate was beyond him. He'd come across dozens in public places that shared her unacceptable demeanor. The fact she was a woman meant he wouldn't attack, but even if she had been a man would have went about things the same way. He needed to keep a low profile.
"First off you're going to apologize to him," Bruce pointed at the worker placing all the trays back into place, "Second you're going to leave and never come back until you've changed your attitude."
His fists tightened even more as he waited to see how she'd react. Her stance didn't change nor her expression.
"And if I don't do any of those things, what are you gonna do about it," Extending an arm she pushed at him, "I could put you into the ground right now if I wanted. In fact I think I will!"
Behind the counter the worker phoned for the police but couldn't get a hold of anyone. He felt strongly it had a lot to do with what went on with the circumstances regarding the Prime Minister. Throwing out a kick connecting with Bruce's lower stomach he soared into the air ten yards colliding with a table. Putting a hand to his stomach he coughed blood while on his knees. Feeling her strength head on proved to him she couldn't be human. He could have dodged or blocked the shot, but decided against it. Getting physical with her in public would in all likelihood result in an arrest.
"You're dumber than you look. If I were you I wouldn't get into a fight with a full prosthetic."
"Prosthetic…what do you mean by that?"
His heart raced even faster than before. On the outside she looked like any ordinary human being. Her statement brought a shock of electricity up his back. The entrance door opened with someone wearing a purple hood standing in the doorway.
"Unfortunately I won't be able to have any more fun with you, so feel lucky."
Taking her eyes off him she followed the hood individual out the door. Chef Eyureo asked Bruce if he was ok. Standing he set the table back in its originally place.
"Do you have any clue what she meant by prosthetic?" Bruce asked facing Eyureo.
"Well of course! She obviously has a full prosthetic body, which is starting to become more common everywhere," Looking into the eyes of Bruce he could tell something was wrong, "Is everything alright Bruce-kun?"
Having a seat in front of his untouched bowl, Bruce raised his spoon. From this point on he had no doubts concerning his position. He was in another dimension and or timeline, and that was all he knew up till that point.
"Let's pretend I weren't from around here. Tell me a little bit about prosthetic bodies?"
He wasn't sure why he wanted to know, or if it even had any relevance or importance. It was something that interested him after the encounter with the woman. While cleaning dishes Eyureo entertained him on info relating to Prosthetic bodies. Lucky for Bruce Eyureo had worked with constructing them a year back, but had since opened his own restaurant.
Elsewhere downtown section 9 arrived on scene fully equipped. Because of the breaking news the streets were packed making it tough for them to get through. By order of Motoko Kusanagi all went into camouflage mode entering into where the activity was taking place. All in section 9 knew the location of Yoko's office, taking to the stairs.
Taking numerous rounds from a machine gun head on Atsushi grabbed hold of the security official throwing him into the side of a wall. During the scuffle Yoko escaped the room with several bodyguards. Staying persistent Atsushi knocked over another of them shattering his collarbone. From his blindside, a group fired off trying to take him down. A number of their bullets seemed to just bounce off or barely pass through.
"They're just in time." One of the security people shouted.
His eyes wondered to the entryway spotting Section 9. Being the first to execute the action Motoko ordered everyone else to follow her lead. If they were to stay in camouflage mode the city officials and police force wouldn't be able to see them. A possible consequence would be getting hit in the crossfire.
"So this is Atsushi," Saito rubbed a hand over his chin, "He's a lot bigger in person."
Holding his weapon close he awaited further instruction. Motoko went ahead but as she got in close was knocked over by Atsushi spinning around backhanding her across the face. Another tried to attack from his backside but was grabbed by his head. Smashing and fracturing his skull without difficulty Atsushi threw him off to the side rubbing his hands together.
"You bastard!" Batou yelled running forward shooting.
As everyone else his efforts did nothing. Atsushi leaped forward slapping the weapon out of his possession grabbing him by his throat. Laughing aloud he lifted him up high. Quickly closing in Togusa shot a few rounds. Atsushi lifted a leg kicking him back in the opposite direction into a group of police officials. Staying on the attack Motoko charged forward attempting to tackle him to the ground. She was only able to knock him off balance.
The strength of his body was impressive, especially for its size. With his free hand he reached down grabbing hold of her hair. With force he lifted her up high, getting a scream. Her cry brought a smile to his face. There was nothing he loved more than seeing someone in pain. Twirling a few times over Atsushi simultaneously threw both section 9 members in separate directions.
"Atsushi you need to get out of there right now! You're all over the news. Your assignment to capture the Prime Minister will have to be put on hold. Retreat now!"
Someone back at the hideout spoke to him via cyber brain connection. Finding out he was all over the news brought even more energy and excitement.
"Let me just have a little bit more fun! I'll have things wrapped up here in no time."
"Whatever you say, but don't get reckless. Use the escape route we discussed earlier whenever you decide to vacate. I'd make it soon if I were you."
Ending the conversation Atsushi turned facing section 9 and the many police officials. Through the commotion he lost sight of Yoko having no idea where she ran off. The suggestion given was looking like a good idea with each passing second. Having his eyes on the window he crashed through upon entering, he saluted the security people along with section 9.
"It's been fun losers but I really have to get going, things to do and people to meet know what I mean? Mark it down! You haven't seen the last of me!"
Running toward where he had entered, Motoko chased after him. Both leaped out the window consecutively. On the way down she grabbed hold of his ankle.
"Don't just stand there! Let's go after them!" One of the officials commanded.
Everyone including section 9 moved quickly to the exit and nearest staircases. On the way down Atsushi initiated his booster pack blasting upward. With a tight enough grip Motoko was able to hang on. Maneuvering with a couple spins, he tried hard to rid himself of her but couldn't.
"You sure are a persistent one aren't you," Gazing back he tried kicking at her with his free leg, "Hhhmm maybe you and I are like peanut butter and jelly. We just can't be apart!"
Continuing to kick at her hands he transformed his right arm into a rocket launcher aiming and blowing a helicopter out of the sky which tailed them. It went down in flames crashing into the side of a building. Down below uncountable police vehicles pursued him as well.
"Why are you doing this!?" Motoko shouted, "Who're your accomplices!"
"Sorry lady, but this is as far as you go."
Aiming his left fist back, he shot out a wire which connected directly with her neck. In mere seconds she was electrified throughout all of her body! Shouting aloud she lost hold falling downward over forty feet onto the top of a parked vehicle. The windows of the vehicle shattered on impact, leaving a strange sensation throughout her entire body. Ejecting the wire from his body, he increased his speed. Switching his vision to radar mode, confirmed jets approached from ahead. From behind several helicopters still followed.
"Things are about to get a lot more interesting…this should be fun!"
To Be Continue