Prologue
Azure Sword
From Modest Beginnings
Dark rain clouds form over an island city that beautifully blends the natural and artificial world into one. The city folk begin their day hard at work perfecting their profession and reward themselves when the night turns young with the rain dissuading them in any way. From the eastern residential districts, a young woman finds herself content with this lifestyle as she eagerly awaits to begin her day perfecting her trade of manipulating muscles and holistically healing the body of her clients.
Singapore, 207X CE
"Phew! Thank you for not showing up yet." Kira breathes heavily as she reaches the top of the MRT platform before the MRT could even pull into its next stop.
Kira accesses looks up at the time on her optical HUD on the top right. Although she believes that she'll arrive to work early enough, she fears that she may have delayed herself longer than she should have.
She'll need to remind herself to ask for a new uniform shirt for work, so that she won't have to wash and reuse the same one repeatedly.
"1306 hours. I'll definitely make it early enough."
She lets out a breath of relief leaving her to bitterly mumble about the idiocy plaguing her earlier. The same idiocy that nearly cost her being late to work.
"Stupid friggin' idiots forgetting my order... They're lucky they gave it to me otherwise..." Kira grumbles muttering unpleasant curses under her breath that would send chills down a child's spine. "And I had to run my friggin' butt over here... Stupid humidity... last thing I need is to show up lookin' like I ran a friggin marathon... And whaddya know? Looks like it's gonna rain."
Kira watches as dark storm clouds hover over the residential skyline in her sights. The smooth sterile apartment complexes looking organic in structure continue to amazed Kira, like something she's read from a Sci-fi book. Although the interior of those apartments are modest and minimalistic in space, Kira finds them comfortable, homey, and clean. Its a shame her place doesn't come with a washer and dryer.
A yawn makes itself known clearly through the clamoring crowd on the platform. Its a yawn that Kira has heard before, but what makes it really strange is that... the best way Kira can describe it is that it sounds like she would hear it wearing ear buds.
Only she's not wearing ear buds.
"Oh my... where are we exactly? Everything looks soo... sleek."
Kira's eyes widen knowing she's heard that voice before. That inquisitive regal girl's voice that she heard from her dream last night. But why is she hearing it now?
More importantly why is she still hearing it.
"Eugh! Why did you have to drag me here?! Everyone is so noisy!"
Kira decides to ignore the voice and focus on the MRT that is gradually slowing down as it pulls up to its stop.
"Goodness... are there people inside that carriage?"
"Its an MRT, dummy." Kira mumbles without thinking before she quickly adds with surprise, "Wait... why am I even talkin' to you?"
"Dummy?" The voice sounds genuinely offended. "Tell me, are you seriously this rude overall, or are you just incapable of even the most basic courtesy?"
Kira ignores whoever or whatever is running amok in her mind and enters the MRT as soon as the doors slide open.
"The doors open all by themselves? Did you do that?"
Kira slides next to the empty seat that is directly next to the doors she passed through and scans the nearby seats as other passengers begin to occupy them.
"That's right everyone," She murmurs. "The seat next to me is already taken, thank you."
"Hmm... why do you say that?"
Kira sighs deciding to amuse whatever is talking to her. "An oni took it already."
"A what? Wait... are you referring to me? Is that supposed to be an insult?!"
Kira chuckles thinking she's hit a nerve with the oni.
"Not funny! Phooey! So rude, inconsiderate, and now you've taken to mocking me! I should pull you by your ear!"
"Or you can get outta my head." Kira says flutters her eyes close.
As her vision blackens a colorful display flickers on.
Neural Scan Initiated
Please Wait
A virtual image materializes of a head and neck as a scan travels up before a satisfying ping signals that the scan is complete.
Neural Scan Complete
No Abnormalities Detected
"Oooh..." The voice sounds amazed. "That was beautiful."
Kira shakes her head in confusion. If she's not developing a mental illness, then it must be something more systemic? It's unlikely but still possible.
Systemic Scan Initiated
Please Wait
"What's with all these glittering lights? And what's this about a 'scan'? Could you at least be polite enough to explain this to me?"
"I'm tryna to purge you." Kira bluntly responds.
"You're what?!"
Systemic Scan Complete
No abnormalities detected
"So it's not that... then... guess my lobby got hacked then?"
"Hey!" The voice snaps and after a few seconds of silence it repeats itself. "Hey! Look at me when I'm talking to you, you dunce!"
Kira notices that the voice is no longer coming from inside her head. Using her hearing, she senses the high-pitch complaining originating from her left. She cocks her head in that direction and notices the most bizarre sight she can expect on an MRT overall.
A girl, possibly younger than her, claims the seat next to her. But this girl is dressed in the most exotic attire with a blue dress with golden ornaments and long aqua hair that falls below her waist. Her ears are sharp like an elf from a fantasy world, her eyes match her hair, and her expression is a stern one.
Kira is startled and slightly staggers back by this newcomer.
The girl crosses her arms, haughtily pointing her nose up. "You are definitely most unpleasant. We just met, and you wish to purge me?"
Kira's brows furrow, grimly contemplating the situation inside her head. If its not a physical or mental problem then it has to be something...
"Well can ya blame me? Gotta DND cosplayer in my head who's either some virus or a hacker."
The girl's angry expression twists into a baffled one. "Cause... player...? Dee N Dee... Wh- What?! Stop speaking nonsense and make sense!"
Kira sighs. "Well... nothin' I can do about it now. 'Sides, cyberware can counter anything you can throw at me if you decide to try somethin'. 'Till you do, guess work is still a green light."
"Argh! Forget it! I will get nowhere with you! Hmph!" The girl throws her limbs in the air before crossing them and looking away still having her nose in the air.
Feeling victorious, Kira pumps her fist before extending her limbs out into a stretch and leans back into her seat as she accesses her virtual mind to play her favorite Pop Idol song.
A few minutes with Kira bobbing her head to the song before the smooth beat was abruptly interrupted by an obnoxious digital jingle.
"Ugh! Now what?" Kira lets out an annoyed growl seeing that someone is calling her.
Incoming Caller
The Major ZaneKantou
Seeing who's calling her eases Kira'a nerves. She always appreciates the Major's company.
"Argh! Is your mind ALWAYS this noisy?"
"Only for unwanted onis." Kira quips. "Now shush!"
Kira accepts the call and a vid feed of a young woman with bright white short hair with distinct sharp edges around her temples, carefree copper red eyes, and a cocky smile appears in her center of vision. Kira then manipulates the feed by minimizing it and letting it hang to the top right of her sight.
"And the crowd goes wild as The Major ZaneKantou shows up on the Holo!" Her voice carries a gruff boastful voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, joining yours truly: The one, THE only, Ms. Future Idol KIRA APPAKATTO!"
Kira smiles but is flustered when the Major boastfully reveals her full name.
"C'mon, Boss. You're embarrassin' me. And Imma massage practitioner, 'member?" Kira mumbles.
"Y'know you're moved on from our little band. You don' have to call me Boss or Major, Kira."
"Sure thing... Boss." Kira cheekily acknowledges.
The Major chuckles and shakes her head. "You on your way to work I take it?"
Kira nods. "Had to deal with idiots losing my work shirt, but I quickly made up with lost time, thank the gods."
The Major frowns. "Didn't they give you another work shirt. The one you NEVER wear?
"That's just a thin violet t-shirt with the studio's logo on it! It's unprofessional!" Kira defends. "If I'm gonna work, I'm always going dressin' in my best."
The Major rolls her eyes. "I'm sure your bosses won't mind, Kira."
"Maybe. But my clients might." Kira counters. "Y'know it takes about seven seconds for new clients to make a first impression of ya right? So if I'm workin', I'm lookin' my best, and I'm deliverin' my best."
The Major scoffs. "You're such a Boss Pet!"
"You mean a kiss-ass?" Kira muses.
"Nah, nah, totally different thing. A kiss-ass is mostly someone that's all bark and no bite hoping it'll get 'em the next big promotion. A Boss's Pet is much worse. It means you have both the bark and the bite."
"Annnd that's a bad thing?" Kira asks visibly confused.
The Major lets out a laugh. "Nah, just wanted to mess with ya."
"Well I can see where your mannerisms and... unorthodox speech come from." The cosplayer haughtily mutters.
Kira ignores the girl and begins to speak. "Did'ja call just to annoy me, Boss?"
"As fun as that sounds, nah. Just callin' to let ya know me and the gang just finished up our latest job. Figure I let them have a little holiday."
"Don'tcha mean 'My gang and I'?" Kira points out.
The Major frowns. "I know what I said."
"Pfft... I almost feel bad for Gil." Kira snickers. "Is this your idea of punishing him or something, Boss?"
"Well, no. But now that you mention it... well... I can't say much, client confidentiality and all, but lets just say Gil intentionally got himself in a sticky situation that pissed off our client!" The Major scowls. "We almost lost our merch, and our pay because of him."
"Gig in Hong Kong went sideways?" Kira asks worried.
The Major's scowl flashes to a grin. "Actually, our pay increased ten fold and we managed to score something... pretty vintage. Sooo... maybe I should reward him rather than grill his ass. Still... probably best if we steer clear of Hong Kong for awhile, soo... maybe I'll keep him a leash and force him to eat a bell-pepper a two."
Kira lets out an amused laugh. "You're cruel, Boss."
"The worse."
"You guys figured out your vacay spot?"
The Major nods. "I'll tell ya later. Our cab's here."
Kira's eyes widened. "Well that was quick!"
"Miss you, too! Talk to you later!" The Major eagerly waves her hand.
The image of the white-haired girl blips away and the song resumes where it has left off.
With Kira finally relaxing, she lets her eyes flutter and all she can hear is her favorite pop idol singing her heart out.
All while the strange girl is gazing out the windows at the wondrous view outside.
"The way those towers shimmer... and how... high they are..."
*FE*
Kira steps out of the elevator and enters the serene themed spa studio of the high-class hotel.
"Good afternoon." Kira properly greets the front desk ladies, her speech pattern drastically changing from the gruff thuggish tone to a pure proper and elegant one.
The green braided hair girl barely shakes her head and widens her eyes by this change in Kira's voice but says nothing.
"Hi, Kira." One of the ladies greets warmly with a smile. Her skin pigmented in this shimmering silver coating "Please stare into the lens and give out your ID."
Kira straightens herself out and gazes into the oval shaped object with a small camera embedded in the center.
"Goodness... this place is so... ethereal and natural... Is this where you are employed?"
Kira ignores the voice and speaks loud and clear, "KA/CONF1."
Kira's vision is soon filled with green words that blinked at will.
Identification Verified
Thank you, Kira
"Alright, thank you." Kira professionally says.
"Anytime! Have fun!"
Kira walks past the front desk and into a spacious bright corridor with a beautiful blend of the natural world and the modern. Even the peaceful music has the same fluid mixture.
"Oh wow... this place is... I do not even have words..."
Kira smirks. "Welcome to my domain."
With that, Kira makes her way into the breakroom where it maintains the same graceful beauty. Best of all, the breakroom has a splendid view of the beautiful skyline of Central Area. To Kira, the rain only adds to this serene beauty. Its scarcely occupied with a few casually acquainted coworkers, which Kira politely greeted before logging in and view her bookings.
"Huh... looks like I got all new clients. That's a first."
Kira's Client List
Karen Kiryu /60 Minutes/15:15-16:15
Nina Law/90 Minutes/ 16:45-18:15/ Thai Foot Massage treatment only
Robert Wu /60 Minutes/ 18:30-19:30
Aelfric Dahlman/90 Minutes/ 19:30-21:00
"I'm amazed you are able to make sense of that floating screen and colorful blobs."
Kira expels an irritated sigh. "'M'amazed I've still maintained my sanity with you in my lobby." She dryly mutters before bitterly adding. "Just a friendly reminder: you install a virus in me, I will EMP my mind so hard, you'll feel it from your server!"
A weary sigh draws out. "Again with your foolish wording. It's like talking to a boulder."
"Deal with it." Kira curtly whispers. "Now, do me a favor and shut up. I gotta set my room up."
Kira hears the girl in her server let out a exasperated cry makes gives Kira a satisfying grin across her face.
"I prefer your proper dialect than your thuggish monstrosity."
"Huh..." Kira ignores the girl as she glances over the last client on her list. "Aelfric, huh? Pretty retro name."
With that quick check done, Kira waltzes out of the room, waving to her colleagues before departing the breakroom to set her room. She lets out a quick gasp as she remembers something.
She pops her head back into the break room and calls out. "I've got room 17."
Kira wastes no time setting her room, thoroughly making sure that her sheets are crisp flat and the shimmering golden edge is properly folded atop of the bright violet body. She is also quick to take the initiative adding a refreshing aroma to the room that clears her nostrils and soothes the tension in her head. With that done, Kira places her hand on the vibrant beige wall, her fingers feeling a sleek exterior.
"Aside from the dim atmosphere of this place, this room is remarkably designed and tranquil."
"Oh, really?" Kira smirks.
She presses her fingers into the wall and small aqua circles outline her fingers followed by a squeaky chime.
Identification Verified
Visual Access Granted
Like a drop falling into a still pond, the wall ripples with a soft soothing whirling sound filling the room until a dim view appears of the same city appears like magic.
"Unbelievable..." The girl murmurs with a gape mouth.
Kira chuckles proudly, seeing the girl in awe, like she's a magician unveiling her master craft.
But she is not finished, yet.
"Set ambience to 45% volume." Kira instructs, her head cocked up to the ceiling.
Within a second, the girl can hear music that is absolutely alien to her, but carries a soothing, yet unrecognizable tune. It sends a pleasant chill within her.
"To command a room to play music! All to your own will as well!"
Kira then stands to her feet with a grim look on her face. "Imma be busy throughout the day, so do me a solid and keep quiet while I'm workin'!
*FE*
"Karen?" Kira calls for her first client as she approaches front desk. After eying the room, Kira's jaw drops and she couldn't help but let out an annoyed sigh. "Oh no..."
Unlike her casual clothing of a navy blue tank-top and dark grey sweatpants, Kira is now dressed in this graceful looking sleek violet shirt and a smooth long dark purple skirt. Her unkempt neck-length hair is neatly wrapped into a prim and proper bun that more than suits her uniform.
The green-haired girl is marveled by this Kira's radical transformation from rugged delinquent to ethereal maiden. However, this sharp change could not erase the distinct and unusual features the blue-haired woman has. As slow as she was to notice at first, the girl can see sharp but graceful markings carved into her temples and stop at the low borders of her forehead, and the superior edge of her cheek. But what really causes the girl to squirm is Kira's eyes, as there no color within each iris. No, there are no iris's at all! Two pupils dominate the center of her eyes with a series of thin incomplete rings branching off and encircling the center.
The girl is quick to learn that the features expand beyond Kira's face, as her green eyes glance down to her vibrant porcelain arms and hands with dark silver finger tips. She does not how or why, but the girl is quick to deduct that her arms are not natural. But that means her eyes and those markings are not natural, too!
Who is this girl?
"Right here, Ms. Appakatto!"
Kira watches as 'Karen Kiryu' leaps from the couch and struts over to her with a toothy grin across her face. The other two clients who remain seated, a young woman with adorable dark-haired twin-tales, and a similar aged man with well-combed hair and a gruff looks stubble, warmly wave at Kira.
Kira bites her lip, flashing a strained smile. "Hi... my name is Kira, and I will be serving you this session." She greets professionally, her hands clasped to her waist and offers a curt bow.
"Awesome!" Karen cheers, sounding like a child on the holidays.
Kira extends a hand out into the corridor, warmly stating, "If you are ready we will be on Room 17 to the left."
"You two behave yourselves." The Major playfully warns her colleagues before taking the lead.
Kira watches as Karen takes the lead down the hall strutting with that cocky but smooth gait, and watches the Major ooohs and aaahs her surroundings.
"So this is where ya work, huh? Suh-weet!"
"That is the girl who was in your head, too, earlier today, is it not? She certainly has a child-like wonder to her."
Kira watches as the Major ooohs and aaahs her surroundings until she reaches the designated door.
"Please, go right in." Kira invites.
With permission granted, the Major enters the room with Kira closing it behind her.
"Woooahhh! This view is friggin' awesome! Man! They sure ain't shortsellin' this resort all right!"
"Soo... Karen..." Kira emphasizes on the Major's latest alias. "From what I gather from the intake form, it just says... 'just here to chill out and have fun.' Are there any areas that are bothering you that you want addressed?"
"Can ya address my need for a good conversation?"
"Uh... yes of course." Kira politely responds. "Would you like to have any adjustments before we begin? Table heat, option of a view?"
The Major shakes her head. "Nah, all good! Just stick to what it says on the list."
Kira grits her teeth, struggling to maintain her professionalism. "Of course... well... I will step outside of the room for a few minutes. In the meantime, please dress down to the comfort level and get underneath the sheets lying face up please. When I come back, I'll make needed adjustments to make you comfortable."
"Face up, huh? Alright then... Hmm... so... how ya gonna work on me with everythin' but my head under these sheets? Oh wow... silk sheets 'kay I won't lie these... cozy."
Kira steps out of the dimly lit room shaking her head in annoyance. "So this is what Boss meant by vacation. This her way of punishin' me, too?"
*FE*
Three clear knocks on the door before Kira quietly calls out. "Karen, it's Kira, may I come in?"
"All good!" The Major shouts louder than preferred.
"Oh, boy... it's gonna be a long session..."
"I'll admit, I'm curious what these sessions entail."
Kira flashes a stern glance to the girl, nonverbally reminding her of earlier.
"Calm yourself! I will uphold my promise!" She irritatingly responds.
Kira slips into the room and it doesn't take long to begin the session with the Major's neck.
"Man... feels nice. Didn't know I had knots like that back there!" The Major sighs in relief as she sinks into Kira's hands.
"Well... I'd be surprised if you didn't have knots back here, Boss." Kira states. "Especially with all the bullets flyin' your way and the fist fights you dished out."
"You had your fair share of bullet flying your way, too y'kno- Oh woooooow! I dunno what you're doin' to my neck, but that feels awesome!" The Major moans in pleasure as her neck sinks into Kira's fingers before continuing . "But from what I saw, the poor idiots were sprayin' bullets at you to because they were scared you were gonna tear 'em apart. I almost felt jealous."
Kira chuckles. "You're the legendary merc here, Boss, not me."
"Funny, I was gonna say the same thing about you." The Major says. "I know your choice, and heck, I approve of it... heartily."
Kira slightly frowns but stays silent letting the Major continue.
"Its just... I'm glad you gotta solid plan after merc work."
"From what I heard, you guys have been doin' pretty well since I left." Kira notes. "Like you said: Hong Kong went better than you expected, right?"
"True. Though that one was just messy from the start. And in a lotta cases, literally."
"And are ya gonna tell me, or are ya just gonna leave me in suspense about what happened?" Kira lightheartedly asks.
"Next time when you're off the clock." The Major answers. "Preferably on a day off where we can chill over a nice meal."
The two further delve into other topics, mostly on favorite contracts from tracking down that pop idol stalker, to rescuing all those tuxedo-clad corgis, or even that night in Taipei. Those memories bring a smile to Kira's face.
"So I see you brought Jill and Gil along for the ride." Kira mentions.
"Yeah, y'know they miss you big time, right?" The Major tells her.
Kira responds with a nod even though the Major couldn't see it. "Did they get bookings, too?"
"You insult me!" The Major feigns shock. "And yeah I did. Though I'm worried about Gil."
Kira rolls her eyes. "What did he do THIS time?"
The Major chuckles. "Its more like what he may do. And before you throw me under the bus, the kid volunteered to come here."
Kira is at a loss with what the Major is implying. "Care to clarify, Boss?"
The Major rolls her eyes. "Seriously? 'Member the last time we went to that resort in Phuket an' that housekeeper lady came by?"
"When Jill an' I went out to the pool an' beach, an' you stayed behind with Gil?" Kira smiles remembering that was a good day.
The Major nods. "Well... I forgot my new manga back at the room, soo... I went back an' when I opened the door... well... lets just say the bedroom was messier than it was before she showed up."
Kira gasps silently. "Wait... that's the reason you insisted Jill and I have a 'girls night out'?"
"You're welcome, by the way." The Major mutters before shuddering. "It... was... everywhere..."
"Breakthrough was that big?" Kira asks innocently.
The Major stammers and nervously bites her lip. "Yeeeeaaaaah... definitely a big breakthrough for THAT gig alright..."
"I still don't understand why Jill and I weren't allowed to tag along on that job, though."
"Thought you guys needed a well-deserved vacay after all the work you did." The Major shrugs her shoulders. "'Sides, that job was... somethin' me and Gil could only do. Can't say more than that."
"Think you meant to say, 'somethin' Gil and I could only do'." Kira corrects her.
"Hey, you're a masseuse, not a grammar queen."
"Massage practitioner." Kira corrects her, again.
"Huh?"
"My instructor hates the term masseuse. She prefers 'massage practitioner.' Sounds more professional I believe."
"Meh, fine massage practicioner, sure." The Major dismisses. "Anyways, long as Gil doesn't get the poor girl in trouble."
Kira just snickers and stays silent.
"I'm shocked and rather appalled that you two are conversing so casual about this... repulsive conversation! Change the subject!"
"'I use big words, and I'm such and annoyance.'" Kira mimics the girl's voice out of a cruel joke.
"Uh... the heck was that?" The Major looks up at her confused.
Kira shakes her head. "Nothing. Just dealt with some annoyin' child who uses big words."
An offended gasp rings out through Kira's head followed by a haughty huff.
"Soo... what you were sayin' is that you were talkin' to yourself again?" The Major coolly asks.
Kira can hear a stifled giggle coming from the girl inside her head.
"I now know where you're rude mannerisms come from." The girl mutters resting her hands on her hips.
Kira frowns finding herself encircled by two annoying children.
"It was just some cosplayer pretendin' to be some elven princess. She was quite regal with me, which was fun." Kira dryly says.
"Please tell me you gotta picture of that."
"Sorry." Kira replies.
"Aww man..." The Major whines. "Kira, you're doin' it all wrong. You're s'pposed to get a picture of the cosplayer! That'll get you street cred among the weebs, and then you just tell the kid to scram!"
"Strange logic you have there, Boss." Kira muses.
"Just tryin' to help."
Kira smiles but stays silent and continues her session, fluidly moving through the process of her neck, her arms, and legs. By the time the Major flipped on her side with her head resting on the face cradle, she breaks the silence.
"Kira I..." She pauses, biting her lip.
Kira stops and leans down close to her. "Everythin' okay?"
The Major couldn't help but chuckle.
Even today, she's still a total professional.
"Listen... I don' an easier way to say this so I'm... just gonna wing it. We're here to... catch up with you." She quickly squeezes in. "But we're not here to bring you back on the team."
Kira's brows furrow. "Why're you telling me this?"
"Well... teammate or no, you're family to us. Besides, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't check up on you every now and then."
Kira is silent letting the air growing heavy. After leaving the Major in suspense, she finally speaks. "Well... I'll be blunt here, Boss. When I left, it wasn't just me retiring from merc work, that was just me... getting away from everythin' and everyone, at least for awhile. I came to Singapore for a fresh start, and you guys bein' here, frankly, its just... frustrating that you guys just... showed up! Unannounced, I might add!"
The Major keeps quiet as Kira begins to vent.
"I broke all contact, started my life here just because I wanted a new path! No contracts, no crazy adventures, no... stupid mistakes! It hasn't been easy, heck, sometimes civilian life been overwhelming! But that's why I became a spa practitioner! That's why I'm happy that I'm working full-time here! Every time I come here, I have clear objectives, I'm focused, and I go home mostly exhausted but satisfied, and pass out watching MWJ. Rinse and repeat! This... you comin' here... this just... disrupts my cycle!"
The Major's eyes flutter saddened by what she heard but keeps silent.
"Massage therapy gave me a clear understanding of boundaries, Boss, so lemme explain mine: After this session, I'm gonna finish my shift, maybe do some shopping, go home and relax for the night. And let me emphasize that I'm goin' alone. Understand?"
Kira sees a faint nod from the Major's head. "I hear you, Kira. I'm sorry."
Kira nods. "Thank you."
The rest of the session continued in silence with the air heavy in a solemn atmosphere.
The green haired girl, eager to cast aside that heated exchange, focuses on the rainy view of the city while alien yet serene music hums throughout the room. After a short while, the effect seems to have work too well as the girl lets out a soft yawn before her heavy eyes flutter close, snoring quietly in the background.
Kira feels a sense of relief that she will have peace and quiet while she performs her duties.
*FE*
"Aelfric?" Kira calls out the name of her last client for the night.
Her eyes glance over to a rather anxious looking older man with wavy dark hair, mud brown eyes and a slight tan complexion. He quickly stands to his feet with the pace and behavior of someone who looks like he has seen a ghost, or rather having a bizarre sense of deja vu
Kira makes a guess that this man has never received a massage before.
"You're..."
Kira smiles professionally. "Hi there, my name is Kira, and I will be serving you this session."
He rapidly nods, snapping out of his trance. "Excellent! Umm... thank you. Splendid!"
Kira motions her arm down the hall. "If you're ready, we are going to be in Room 17 on the left."
"A-alright!"
Aelfric nearly trips himself before scuttling down the hall.
As she follows him not far behind, Kira can't help but wonder if he's going to be comfortable with receiving a massage. She casts that thought aside knowing that she'll remind him of that and he's welcome to terminate the session if that is his choice.
*FE*
Out of all the clients Kira received here at this resort, she never received a who 'just wanted to experience this session' alone. After warmly informing Aelfric of how the procedure will commence, and assuring him of his options, he seemed more relaxed.
There was a bit of difficulty getting underneath the sheets, for reasons beyond Kira's comprehension, but Kira, being patient and professional as ever, was able to help him.
Her eyes keep a vigilant visual on Aelfric to detect any signs of discontent or discomfort, but he looks to be in a relaxing state. Kira feels a strong sense of accomplishment brewing in her for allowing a nervous client like Aelfric to enjoy the session so far.
"Please forgive me for my behavior, earlier." Aelfric shamefully offers. "I... mistook you for someone I knew and was lost in thought for a moment."
"Its no trouble." Kira warmly assures him.
"Do you feel these knots right here?" Kira asks softly, careful not to keep her voice to a minimum.
"Goddess, yes!" Aelfric lets out a loud grunt.
Goddess? Huh. That's kinda a first.
"I'm sorry..." Kira quickly offers ceasing her movements. "Did I hurt you?"
"Oh, no..." He mumbles. "Quite the opposite... you relieved the pain and tension I never thought I had."
Kira smiles feeling her pride swell further.
"We don't have these types of... healing techniques from where I hail. I do wish they do, now."
Kira raises a brow somewhat taken aback by the choice of words he used. They sound too way too old fashioned, but it bothers her none.
"Are there any... holistic healing techniques that are used where you're from?"
"Well... we are quite fond of the of massages and saunas, but then again nothing like this. Forgive me, but everything here is just... nothing like I would expect it. I wish to explain but I fear it would take years to describe what I mean."
"Oh... I see..." Kira sounds mildly interested. "So... where your from relies solely on natural and herbal medicines?"
"Not just that," Aelfric continues. "As... strange as it sounds... the technology you wield... the structures the... machines... everything here... its nothing I never seen before, nor have I ever imagine..."
Kira makes a strange face, wondering what this guys was doing in Singapore in the first place.
"I can't help but think coming here was a bit of a culture shock for you to come here." Kira comments.
"Yes... culture shock..." Aelfric sounds off the words as if he's trying to understand what she's referring too. "It's certainly been bizarre to say the least."
"If you don't mind me asking, what brought you to Singapore?" Kira genuinely asks before politely adding. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"Sing-uh-pore." Aelfric repeats as if he's trying to familiarize the name. "Well... I'm... looking for someone."
"Oh. I see." Kira decides not to pry him.
But Aelfric continues. "I've heard of a mercenary with unmatched skill is here. I'm hoping to find her."
Kira freezes and bites her lip. Aelfric got very specific on what he's looking for. Or more specifically who he's looking for.
She chooses her words carefully. "So... you are here looking for a mercenary?"
"I'm hoping to... hire her for a job." Aelfric explains before taking a deep breath. "I'll be more direct then... are you the famed mercenary? Are you Konpeki Katana?"
Kira jerks her hands away and stands to her feet alarmed, but refuses to back away. Although her warm friendly expression is now hostile and suspicious. She tries to find the words to counter what he said, but none are found.
Aelfric curves an elated smile as he rises from the table. "So it's true... it's really you! Agh!" He cries out alarmed as the drapes fall from his bare self and rapidly yanks them up to maintain decency.
"You need to leave. Now." Kira tells him in a forceful tone.
"N-no! Please!" Aelfric stammers closing the distance while still keeping the drapes close to him. "Please! I-I mean you no harm! I have a job! A contract! Please hear me out!"
But Kira shakes her head. "You are asking for the wrong service, then. This is a massage studio and I'm a practitioner." There's a short beat before she continues. "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm going have to ask you to leave. If you're looking for a quick rebook, see the front desk."
Kira marches out of the room without looking back.
"I never expected that man's query to frighten you."
"Stop talking!" Kira snaps.
The girl winces looking hurt but complies and does not say another word as Kira marches back into the breakroom and on the computer to fill out her report.
*FE*
As with most of these situations, Kira is the first to leap across the gap and onto the platform as she arrives back into her residential district. To see the regimental structures with dots of lights dimming from top to bottom is a lukewarm serene sight that leaves her content and that a relaxing night is waiting for her.
And after this particular day at work, she clearly deserves one.
A familiar and obnoxious yawn sounds off and much to Kira's displeasure, she's the only one she can hear it.
"Oh, brilliant... Looks like I need to make a detour after all."
"My... are you done with your job already? Oh... is this a bad time? You look rather... agitated."
"I wonder why..." Kira mutters. "Now I hafta make a detour 'cuz of you!
"Because of me?" The girl hotly repeats. "Phooey! Are you going to blame me every time misfortune rains down upon you?!"
Kira ignores her and makes her way down the stairs into the bustling interior of the platform where people are still rummaging about buying tickets and trying to catch their next ride to their destination.
"Why do you have so much disdain for me?!" The girl insists. "What would I have done to wrong you so?! If anything, you should apologize to me for being so rude and hostile!"
Again Kira does not acknowledge the girl and makes her way outside where a few sleek cabs curbed up to the side waiting for any potential customers.
"LOOK AT ME!"
Kira staggers back when the girl appears in front of her out of thin air and could not maintain her composure. "FRIGGIN' GHOST OFF!"
Now it is the girl's turn to be taken back, and gasps in alarm as she saunters back. Her eyes are initially hostile and offended without reserve. Though after looking into Kira's frightened eyes, her gaze becomes more empathetic.
The girl's expression softens and sighs. "Listen... I..." She gazes outward looking at the rows of apartment complexes before averting her eyes to the street with neon lights illuminating the dark. She finally turns back to Kira. "I understand you are alarmed to have me within you. But do understand I have no idea why I'm here either! And none of this, this world, this environment, it is completely unknown for me and that is unsettling!" She closes the distance between them. "But I promise you this with the utmost certainty: I mean you no harm. If anything, I should be on guard from you after those vague threats about purging me!"
Kira hangs her head to the side contemplating what this girl had told her.
If that's true, then she was implanted in me involuntarily. But scans didn't indicate a virus or signs of hacking. And neural scans detected no abnormalities. So... to summarize, whoever, or whatever she is, her being implanted in me is the only conclusion I can come up with so far...
"And you have no idea what you are? Where you're from? Who made you? Anythin' that can help make sense of this?" Kira decides to press the issue.
The girl contorts her face as she's deep in thought. But when her expression softens, the sad look alone is enough to tell her that there's nothing.
Kira purses her lips. "You gotta name at least?"
The girl pauses before shaking her head. "No... I am afraid I do not even know my own name. And that makes this all the more frustrating."
Kira says nothing and just stares at her with light furrowed brows. Soon after, her gaze lightens and sighs as she walks towards the nearest taxi.
"Looks like I'm gonna have company after all." She mutters quietly as she leans her head against the cold glass surface of the window, feeling a lukewarm sense of peace.
Thunder rumbles softly marking the beginning of a rainstorm and Kira's eyes flutter close for a moment. Her mind fades in and out of the physical realm as ambience music flows throughout the cab.
*FE*
With the turn of the key, Kira opens the door and slips inside the small opening into her apartment.
Kira sighs feeling her energy diminishing now that she's home and free for the night. "Home sweet home."
She flips the lights on without even thinking revealing a modest but clean and fairly comfortable one room living space.
The green haired girl hovers above the ground as she glimpses Kira's home.
"Goodness..." The girl murmurs. "Your quarters is... very minimalistic."
Kira smiles. "Sometimes minimalism is the way to go. Make yourself comfortable, my stomach is callin' out for fine dining."
The girl casts Kira a puzzled glare but says nothing and curiously scans the small room to see what she can find. She then notices something that Kira lacks and after cocking her head across all directions, she calls out to Kira from her tiny kitchen.
"Do you not have anywhere to slumber?"
"Its the black sheeted mat with the pillow! Look on the floor, you can't miss it!"
The girl's eyes widened as she eyes Kira's bed, and just like her room its minimalistic to say the least.
"Your bed cannot be comfortable!"
Kira smirks. "Maybe to a Western Barbarian like you."
The girl blinks. "I'm sorry?"
Kira shakes her head. "Never mind!"
The girl decides to let that go and carries on exploring.
She gracefully sets her feet to the ground and strolls over to flat rectangular object resting on a smooth side table drawer. She can see her reflection through the glass, although she can't help but think this glass is much darker than it should be. The girl's head twirls to the side and hums inquisitively.
Flashes of bright images and voices loud very close to the object make the girl yelp in surprise and flies backs nearly losing her balance.
After a several shallow breaths and resting her hand on her heart she sees that the object is now projecting colorful images along with sound. Truly fascinating.
"That was satisfying." She hears a low giggle coming from behind her.
The girl twirls around to see Kira's amused face and she instinctually furrows her brows thinking that it was anything but funny. "You did that on purpose! Wha- what is this sorcery anyways?!"
"Its a TV, kid." Kira tells her before waving her hand to the side. "Now if you can move, I'd appreciate it."
The girl stares at Kira then at the TV seeing what looks like colored portraits moving in such fluid motion. She approaches the device as if it cast her under its spell.
"What are these... paintings?" She murmurs in amazement daring her hands to rest on the surface but goes no further uncertain on what to make of it.
"Model Warrior Julianne." Kira simply replies. "Could'ja please move? This is the latest episode of the rerun! You're welcome to check out the rest of the place, but PLEASE move!"
"So rude and high-strung, are you?" The girl mutters but complies moving out of the way and continues her exploration.
Kira places her delicious looking meal of what looks liked noodles with mouth watering additions of meat and herbs. She sets her food on the rectangular object and claps her hands together and mutter. "It's time to eat." Before feasting on her meal.
To the girl's dismay, there is little that intrigues her. The only thing that may of any interest her is what is hiding in a sizable black bag with two straps vertically running down front. Looking at Kira and back at the sack, she frowns fearing that she won't be able to physically rummage through the items.
The girls sucks in her lips and turns to face Kira once again. "There is a unusual looking sack in the corner here." She starts softly before picking up the volume. "I... hope that I would... see what is inside."
Kira lowers her bowl and glares at the girl. "Putting aside the fact that you want to snoop around my stuff, I'm surprise that you just didn't go messin' around in there all by yourself."
The girl huffs and sets her arms on her hips. "I asked for permission!" She pouts. "Besides, I do not have a physical body of my own!"
"So you're just hoping that I'll do your work for you just like that?"
The girl's brows furrow. "If you had not notice, I'm incapable of harming you in any way. And even if I did, I still would not do it!"
"And why is that?" Kira asks firmly taking that as a subtle threat.
"Because I'm not some thoughtless brute that brings suffering to those for bad mouthing me!" The girl hotly defends. "But I would give you a slap on the wrist for your rude manners!"
"I appreciate your honesty." Kira says softly. "But no."
The girl groans and falls to the floor, crossing her arms like a child not getting what she wants.
"Come sit here." Kira orders getting to a feet setting her food on the Kotatsu.
"Huh?" The girl lights up. "Why? What are you doing?"
Kira walks past her and rummages through her sack. "Lookin' for somethin'." She cocks her head back to the girl. "And its called a backpack. Don't call it a sack."
"Why not?"
"Because it sounds awkward."
"Huh? How is calling your sack awkward?"
"Just... STOP!" Kira snaps cringing. "And don't EVER say anything like that again. Its a backpack!"
"Hmph!" The girl pouts again but is compliant and takes her seat by the Kotatsu mumbling, "Most unbearable and unreasonable human I ever met..."
Kira sighs before scouring through her backpack.
"Huh, so that's where this thing has been." Kira murmurs collecting a sleek looking pistol tucked within the pockets. "One in the chamber but nothin' else. Even then, I'm still amazed that Changi even allowed me to keep this. Either that or security was sloppy, but security is top-notch there, soo... maybe its the former? Either way, didn't get a visit from the cops, so all good I guess."
After properly storing her pistol in the pocket, she fishes her hand in there again and catches a small picture of a small girl looking prim and proper. With dark blue hair with clean curling tails, black skirt, white polo shirt, and a neutral blue-eyed stare with small smile, Kira sighs mentally slapping herself for taking such a bad picture. At least a The Major brightens the photo with a goofy smile and bunny ears over her hair.
Kira eyes close reminiscing on her first day of school, and how she was more focused on getting excellent grades rather than making friends. She chastised herself for being so reserved but back then she really didn't mind.
Boss always thought my 'blank stare' looks adorable in that photo. But she's just teasin' me about that. Is she?
She places the photo back in the backpack and continues to search for what she desires.
"There you are." She grins collecting a scratched up violin case.
The girl watches as Kira rests on her knees in a poised position and gracefully motions her body over the black case, opening it, and delicately removing a smooth wooden instrument with strings and a strange stick.
"I assume that's... some sort of instrument?" The girl asks.
Kira gives her a strange look. "You REALLY don't know anythin' about any of your surroundings do you?"
The girl looks hurt and crosses her arms not responding.
Kira shakes her head. "This is a violin. Its a... birthday present from a friend. Sometimes I play it out on the balcony, preferably in the evenin' or when its rainin'."
"What a coincidence. It seems that both of those environments are present." The girl quips.
Kira nods. "Would you like to hear? I normally don't have an audience, but... for now I think you're stuck with me."
The girl glances at the TV and furrows her brows. "Certainly. Looking at those bright pictures is making me somewhat woozy."
Kira chuckles. "You'll get used to it." She tells the girl sliding the side door open out into the balcony.
The lukewarm humid air brushes against Kira's skin as her ears clearly register the loud pattering of the rain. As she gazes out to the skyline, she can see the rainfall is intense to the point where its nearly blanketing structures in its aquatic curtain.
Kira positions herself on her knees where a soft pillow provides her comfort and support. She glances up at the girl who takes her seat across from Kira, crisscrossing her legs, and giving the performer her undivided attention.
"Gimme a minute." Kira tells her. "I have to make sure its tuned to my liking."
"There is no rush." The girl assures her. "Though I expect nothing but the best."
Kira smirks quickly playing a few tunes before she's satisfied with the tiny changes. She clears her throat before speaking, "This is The Blossoming Season. Its... from a ancient genre I admire."
A smooth high-pitch tune smoothly fills the air painting an atmosphere that's bittersweet. The girl watches with awe as Kira gazes out to the skyline with the rain and thunder adding to her performance. Her bright green eyes begin to flutter as she lets out a soft yawn and leans to the side.
Kira finishes quicker than the girl expected, but she does not look disappointed as Kira rests the violin on her lap.
"That was... enchanting." The girl murmurs in wonder. "To me... it felt like a story was told within the music."
"Well... there is..." Kira confirms. "The music dedicated to that era has an amazing story behind it."
"Is that so?" The girl curiously says before letting out a more vocal yawn. "Goodness... I think your music has made me weary."
Kira smirks. "You're welcome to get some sleep."
The girl flashes a tired smile. "That is the first gracious thing you ever said to me. I suppose... you are not as..." Her eyes flutter. "Horrible as I thought..." As the girl leans to the side and crawls into the fetal position, Kira hears her murmur these mysterious words. "It is almost... time... to begin..."
Kira raises a brow curious, somewhat alarmed by what she means by that. But she's too worn out to even care right now. Knowing that the girl is not going anywhere anytime soon, Kira quietly rises to her feet and steps back into her apartment.
As she carefully sets her violin back into her backpack, she can feel the faint click of her door closing. Her senses quickly tune to the sound, but as she twirl towards the entrance, a bulky armored figure fires from his pistol producing a twanging noise.
Kira feels a mild sting in her neck, but before she can even react, an overpowering pins and needles feeling wrecks her brain causing her to fall to the side, falling on the Katasu with a loud cracking sound sounding off.
Kira can hear the girl's voice muffled in the background, sounding understandably grumpy, but her voice is too faint to even understand. Kira soon hears the shock and panic in her voice as the same bulky figure crouches down close to her.
Kira has seen these soldiers before, and not because they are allies. Rather the opposite. She groans and furrows her brows as she stares into that bleaky camera eye centered in that compressed helmet of the intruder.
"Yep, target's totally tranqued out." His compressed voice drones out. "Holy shit... Konpeki Katana in the flesh... Man... shame we had to meet like this..."
"Just glad we didn't have to fight her." A disembodied feminine voice calls out. "Anyone picking us up?"
Kira could not hear a response, so either there is another outside of her hearing range, or this woman is communicating with someone on the holo.
Probably a runner...
"Oh, thank fuck." The other woman breathed out a sigh of relief. "'Kay Jamie, bag her and lets delta. Don't wanna stay here longer than we have to."
"Way ahead of ya, chica!" The helmeted man leans down towards Kira. "Sorry about this... nothing personal."
The enemy raises his foot ready to deal a blow to her face, but Kira, unflinching by this advance, watches as her vision shifts to something that represents a dark a shadowy environment.
Soon the darkness intensifies until black is all she sees.
*FE*
Kira gasps in a long deep breath, her squeezing lungs desperate for the air to loosen the painful pressure. Her blue eyes flash open, still taking in breaths of air as she scans her surroundings.
Though to Kira, its accurate to assume that there are no surroundings to observe rather than a black void that feels like its closing in on her.
Kira scowls wondering what just happened. Her mind is quick to recall the intruders and her being incapacitated without so much as intercepting the intruder. The thought that was easily overpowered boils her blood, her ball curling into a fist as the vendetta within her spreading through her.
The anger balances out the anxiety of this void. There is no way that she's dead. There is a possibility that those rounds may have been overdosed, but that's an extremely rare case. She's alive, and quite aware of her surroundings.
So by that logic, Kira may be lucid dreaming. But if that's the case, why can't she bend the will of dreams to her will.
Something odd is transpiring here, and Kira grows more irritated that she's in this incapacitated mess.
"That was FAR too close!" The girl's voice echoes through the void. "Who was... what WAS that thing! I never seen something so... frightening before!"
Kira turns in the direction of where the voice originated and is rather shock to see what appeared. The girl is there looking rather alarmed, but its the faint light illuminating over a majestic stone throne, which the girl is sitting on, is what is catching Kira's attention.
"How...?" Kira could not form a proper sentence.
"Calm yourself." The girl soothes, being surprisingly calm and instructive. "No harm has come to you. This 'oni' or whatever foul name you bestowed on me, was quick to react and stop the flow of time! Thus I saved your life!"
Kira gives the girl a strange glare, completely at a loss of what just happened. "'Stop the flow of time'? Who... what are you?"
The girl's brows furrow and she crosses her arms. "Hmm... I do not hear your gratitude." She says in a somewhat condescending tone. "Perhaps I may as well throw you out right now!"
Kira's jaw tightens as this girl's condescending tone is making her skin crawl.
This kid for real?! If she thinks she's gonna get her way with some 'tude and threats, she's lockin' horns with the wrong chick!
"Or maybe you can stop being a little snot nose punk and explain what is goin' on!" She coldly counters.
The girl's expression darkens. "Maybe I should leave you trapped here for eternity. Should be a proper punishment for your rudeness!"
Kira refuses to back down. "Plenty of time for me to kick you outta my lobby."
"Ugh! The gall you have!" The girl cries out in frustration. "Well... I suppose you deserve and answer, given this precarious situation..."
Kira curves a barely visible smirk feeling a sense of pride that she one this round and watches as the girl leaps from her throne, clapping her hands together as her feet barely float off the ground.
"You may call me Sothis. But I'm also known as 'The Beginning.'"
There is an intense silence between the two, and the girl proclaiming herself as Sothis begins to awkwardly shift with Kira just gazing at her.
"Your name is Sothis?" Kira finally speaks sounding a little skeptical. "Did ya just come up with that name now, or have you been playing dumb with me this whole time?"
Sothis scoffs. "I wasn't able to recall my name until just now!"
"Riiight. And Imma descendant of Zhuge Liang. Managed to just remember that, too."
The green haired girl raised her brows. "Pardon me?"
"So... you're just able to remember your name now? Outta nowhere? I'm findin' that all too hard to believe." Kira looks unimpressed. "I'll ask this again: What are you?"
"I do not know!" Sothis stresses. "I... I know it sounds odd that I am able to recall my own name just now, but its the truth!" Her brows furrow. "And as I stated much earlier, if I wanted harm to befall upon you, I would have allowed it. Specifically, I would have allowed that... metal monster to fatally injure you!"
"But you didn't." Kira registers. "You stopped time. As in... time is frozen."
Sothis smiles and nods. "Now you are beginning to understand. But you should be aware that once I allow the flow of time to resume, the intruder's blow will strike you without warning. Goodness... not only are you terribly ill-mannered, but you are quite troublesome forcing me into a situation like this!"
"Bite me..." Kira whispers underneath her breath.
Kira ponders what strategy to formulate. Sothis is right in saying that she will not be able to react and counter her attacker. That and the fact that she's been heavily drugged. So that rules out assassination. Whoever the intruder is, the job is a snatch and grab. So if Kira is able to nonlethally incapacitate her attacker, its possible to know who is after her.
But then again, its impossible for her to do anything in her state. If what Sothis said is true, then stopping the flow of time is the only reason she's safe and thinking clearly. That will no longer be true once time resumes forward again.
Kira's eyes widen with realization. "Its unlikely, but its my only shot at this point." She mutters before speaking up at Sothis. "If you can manipulate time, could'ja just rewind it like it's nothin'?"
"Rewind?" Sothis looks puzzled. "I... assume you are asking if I can reverse current events before the intruders breached your home?"
Kira nods. "Bingo."
Sothis hums for a second before her face brightens. "You are right! Yes! That will work! I will simply turn back the hands of time! You truly are a clever one, are you?"
Kira staggers back when arrays of glowing golden circles and triangles blended with mythical symbols sprouted in front of Sothis.
"Take heed, though. I will not be able to turn back that far. Once I have done my task, you will not have long to prepare." Sothis grimly adds, "And do not take this power for granted! Invaluable as it may be, this is a power that I have yet to perfect, and will be taxing on myself and you."
"I've made this far without any sort of magic protectin' me. If I'm using this power, it'll be a last resort." Kira promises.
Sothis smiles looking pleased. "Thank you. Are you ready?"
Kira takes in a deep breath before exhaling huge amounts of air from her mouth before saying with a nod. "Yank me."
*FE*
The lukewarm air, the hard fall of rain, and the soft rumbling of thunder. Kira can feel, hear, smell, and see everything clearly.
She sees herself back on the balcony with her violin in her hands. It takes a second for her to realize what transpired earlier, but fearing she just lost that precious second, Kira sprints back into the apartment and towards her backpack.
She drops her violin inside while multitasking on fishing out her weapon.
"One shot. One kill." She breathes as the blade pops from the handle crisply unfolding itself. "Guess I'll have to improvise."
With the blade in her hands, Kira turns to Sothis who looks alarmed and rather confused what Kira is doing.
"You may wanna cover your ears." Kira warns her.
"Uh... why would I need to do that?" Sothis asks sounding unsettled.
"Its about to get loud." Kira responds marching into the kitchen and crouching beneath the counter with two kitchen knives in her possession
Knowing that the attacker is soon to break in, Kira braces for the chance of her door being busted open and her opponent charging in. Instead, her ears pick up a faint click before the soft creaking of her door opening. Just like the first time.
Kira bites her lip. Whoever this person is, she's dealing with a professional.
That's when she sees her intruder: the armored merc that moves surprisingly fluid given how bulky it looks.
"Never seen these guys before, but they act like pros." Kira mutters sounding not at all pleased.
"I only see one intruder, but there were more voices."
Kira nonverbally responds with a shake of her head.
Alert and tactical, the intruder quickly moves into her small living quarters, and Kira can tell by the body language that her intruder seems a little perplexed, probably because Kira is not where she usually is.
Kira decides to take the initiative and decides to listen in.
Hacking Neural Port
Link Connected
"The hell?" The man lowers his guard and slowly steps forward glancing left and right. "Hey, Bee, you sure she's in here?"
"These readings are not lying, Jamie." The same disembodied voice coldly responds
So there is a runner! Dunno if I can fry her, but least she can't pick me up.
"Eh... well this place is empty... and there's not a whole lot you can run off to in here." He waves one of his pistols around her kotatsu. "Foods still warm, so a girl's gotta be here."
"Well, look around then! Bathrooms, closets, anywhere! Cat, get your ass in there and help out! And make it quick!"
"What's up, Bee?" The other female voice grows louder as Kira sees another intruder enter her home.
"Sig on the 1-7 is bouncing. More so than usual."
Does that mean the cavalry is on the way?
The man known as Jamie lets out a forced chuckle. "Whys that? Busy vacay ahead of them?"
"Its nothing crazy but its fixated on one path in your guy's direction. So bag your target and bolt out ASAP! 'Member, tranq her, only! Client wants her alive!"
"Si, si, me accuerdo!"
The female intruder, dressed in a sleek scaly jumpsuit, twists her body towards the kitchen and cautiously approaches with her pistol raised. Kira's hand squeezes down on the edge of the counter ready to pounce
Sothis watches with mild distress in her eyes. "I will keep an eye on our other visitor! He holds two metal devices similar to your own! Be sure you have a plan for this one, though!
Kira nods already having a strategy in mind: Close quarters combat.
And her chance becomes present when one of the intruders enters the kitchen scanning side to side but not up and down. By the time the figure aims his weapon down, Kira strikes without restraint.
Kira performs a quick precise jab with the butt of her gun to the woman's temple, knocking her to the floor
"Prepare yourself!" Sothis calls out from the bathroom.
"FUCK! Jamie, six o'clock! Target's in the kitchen! Hurry!" Bee quickly alerts her colleague
"She fuckin' knew we were comin'!? Jamie cries out as he rushes out of the bathroom.
"Yes! Fucking tranq her, NOW!"
Kira sees the man rush into the living room and gasps when he sees his incapacitated partner lying on the floor.
"Cat! Chingada Madre!"
As the man raises his pistols, Kira is quick to grab ahold of the incapacitated intruder and springs forward using the woman as her personal meat shield. She is quick to lunge the body towards the man making him stagger back and letting her pivot in close.
Kira and the her attacker soon begin a brutal battle of close quarters combat. Kira's aggressive and close style gives her the advantage, but she underestimated the strength and coordination of this giant stocky man. Kira manages to lock onto one of the intruders and launched a cyberattack disabling the camera in his helmet, blinding him. He stumbles and with an alarmed cry, rips off his helmet to reveal his chiseled face and samurai bun style hair.
He strikes first throwing his helmet at Kira and rushing forward, letting out a bloodcurdling road. He socks into Kira, piercing her into the wall causing a steep dent. Kira, recovering from her blow, watches as the man ferally rushes forward and raises something precious into the air.
"No! NO! NOT THE TV!"
Kira's cries fall short as the television smashes onto her back, breaking it in two with sparks and wires exposed.
Kira watches in horror as the sparks spurt from the broken glass surface as she lays their incapable of moving after a devastating strike.
Sothis gasps and rushes towards Kira as she kneels down beside her. "Up! On your feet this instant!" She demands in a curt and commanding voice but blended with genuine fright.
"Guys!" The disembodied voice of Bee rings into Kira's head as she is still hacked into their shared holo. "Talk to me! The fuck happened in there!"
"Carrajo, Bee! Konpeki fuckin' knew we were coming! And Cat's out, right now!" Jamie shouts as he rolls his colleague on her back to see that she is still breathing. "She's still breathing."
"What?!" The pragmatic voice sounds slightly panicked. "Know what this means?! Cops are gonna swarm the place ASAP and the 1-7... oh my god, we're so FUCKED!"
Kira's eyes watch as the man begins making quick and unhinged movements as she steps outside her apartment, possibly expecting the trouble.
"Bee... gotta get us outta here, NOW!" The man says returning to his unconscious friend.
"Gimme a sec!"
"We don't have a sec!"
"Okay! Got something!" Bee says rapidly. "There's an unused elevator... what the... Alice Rabbit... oh FUCK!"
Kira hears the horror in the runner's voice.
"No, nononono, c'mon!" There is a brief pause before she cries out. "I've been made! AAAGGGHH!"
Kira hears the bloodcurdling scream followed by the sound of released sparks and the unsettling noise of static.
"W-what just happened?" Sothis exclaims in terror, trembling from the ordeal.
"BEE!" The man screams before muttering. "You gotta be fucking kiddin' me! C'mon, Cat we gotta get up! Just loss Bee!"
As Sothis watches as the intruder frantically tries to wake his partner, her ears pick up on the heavy breathing that grows more feral with each breath.
"That... was a high-quality... vintage TV..." Kira shakily mutters as her fist curls into a ball. "That was my TV! YOU FRIGGIN' DUMBASS!"
Without warning, Kira pounces onto her attacker, delivering a precise strike to his chest, sending him into the wall, knocking the breath out of him. Kira proceeds to charge in and finish him off, but she is quick to point out that his is still conscious and still holding his two pistols firmly in his grip. Kira glances over to her weapon laying beside the remnants of her TV and slides towards, collecting her pistol and a chopping stick at once.
She cocks her head to see the man has quickly recovered from his blow and is standing on two feet with pistols raised. Her brows narrow as she must hand her next move to instinct.
Time drastically slows as Kira fluidly slides to the side with her weapon raised. Jamie's eyes grow wide with a mixture of many primal emotions shown in those pupils. Both glared at each other with the intent of shooting first, and both look confident that they would land the killing blow.
The question is who would win this duel
Jamie fires first with Kira following suit a millisecond later. Time slows down as Sothis watches two sharp looking projectiles crushing into each other while one flies under the thin wooden stick. As time resumes its normal speed, Kira slides to the edge of the wall with her leg oozing out some blue fluid while Jamie remains standing.
Sothis watches in horror as Kira lays on the floor, but is slightly relieved when she sees her moving and grunting. But when she turns to see Jamie, he is as still as a statue with wide eyes, a gape mouth, and a chop stick in a bleeding eye.
Gravity takes over as Jamie's body mechanics give out and he falls to the floor laying on his side with a small pool of crimson liquid forming from his wound.
Kira grunts in pain as she feels the adrenaline rush leaving her staggering to the side.
"Dammit..." Kira growls. "If they couldn't bag me, they had to try and flatline me... Friggin' amateurs..."
"Focus!" Sothis's voice cries out in a mild panic. "We must tend to your wounds!"
"Cool your braids!" Kira assures her through sharp breathing through her teeth. "Got just the fix for that!"
Kira drags herself across the room and towards her backpack and wastes no time ripping out components in every pocket until she finds what she's looking for.
"Alright..." Kira breathes as she fishes out a strange weapon like device with bright illuminations glowing from the top.
Without another second wasted, Kira jams the device into her wounded leg and pulls the trigger. Six quick beeps are heard before a burst of blue energy surrounds Kira, jolting the girl, jolting the girl before she slowly rises to her feet.
"Much better." She sigh in relief.
Sothis watches in amazement that the wounds leaking blood are no longer there, as if they never existed. Only the blue stains on her threads remain.
"But... How?"
"Medi-gun." Kira answers holding the device in the air. "Design to heal a body like mine. Like magic without the magic."
"That does not make any sense!"
Kira chuckles. "Just roll with it, Candy Cane!"
Sothis cocks her head, looking at lost. "Roll with what?"
Kira shakes her head. "Never mind." She mutters sighing deeply. "All I know is... ouch... until I find whoever ordered that hit, I'm still going to be hunted."
Sothis sits down next to Kira expressing concern. "Then what are you going to do?"
Kira's expression hardened. "Find 'em and flatline 'em. Those barbarians just trashed my high-quality vintage TV and they owe me alotta blood money."
Sothis face contorts into disbelief puzzled why that picture moving box is more valuable to her than her own home, but keeps silent knowing that such comments are inappropriate right now.
Incoming Call
BunnieGurlA
Kira's holo alerts her to the call and a portrait of a pixilated bunny face appeared.
Kira picks up before the second ring could finish. A fairly attractive woman with dirty blonde hair and a sizable bust appeared on screen. Her spectacles threatened to fall from her face but remain steadfast in place.
"Kira?!" The woman frantically starts before she becomes relieved. "Oh thank god you're okay! Are you hurt? You somewhere safe right now?!"
"Hey, Alma..." Kira grunts maintaining a cool expression. "Just... chillin' after kicking some rookie butt!"
"Quit the bullshit, smartass! You had me scared to death! If something were to happen to you, Dana would..."
"Shit! Doors busted! Get in there! NOW!" A familiar feminine voice frantically barks.
"Wait, that voice..." Sothis lights up.
Kira gasps and rises to her feet, staggering in her step. "Boss, stand down!" She calls out her voice slightly trembling. "All clear!"
Kira sees The Major zipping through the broken entrance with fury and primal fear in her eyes but she quickly relaxes when she sees Kira.
"Hey, Imouto." The Major wastes no time advancing to Kira and snaking her arms around the blue haired girl, catching her completely off guard.
"Sister..." Kira whimpers, her eyes watering up.
"She is your sister?!"
Being trapped in the Major's embrace, Kira returns the gesture, softly sobbing into her chest, completely disregarding familiar faces that are frantic looking.
"That's the man and woman from earlier..." Sothis notes.
"Kira..." The woman starts. "What the fuck happened?"
"Jill, don't." The Major scorns the woman and turns to the unconscious intruder. "Both of you: bag that chick an' pump intel outta her. You too, Arasaka!"
"Alma..." Jill correctly mutters but complies by grabbing Cat with Gil's assistance and drag her away.
"Gil, gonna need t'borrow your room."
The man known as Gil nods and tosses The Major a key. "Got it, Chief."
Kira just shakes her head and she sinks her head on her sister's shoulder and her eyes flutter close.
"C'mon..." The Major gently ushers, scooping Kira into her arms. "We're gettin' outta here."
As The Major escorts Kira out of her home, cradling her like a protective big sister she is, Sothis's heart warms at the sight and she gingerly offers her support by resting a hand on Kira's shoulder.
No words are spoken and none are needed at the moment, just the company of a strange oni and a dear sister.
For anyone who's ever played Va-11 Hall-A, you're welcome! Disclaimer, I don't own Va-11 Hall-A OR FE Three Houses!
And in case for those who are curious of what accent Kira has, its a tough punk gal type of dialect (guess you guys can probably think where she got that accent from) very similar to Ryuko Matoi from Kill A Kill. Dunno if I can qualify it as Osaka-ben, but definitely the tough girl punk vibe. The Major also as the very same dialect, too.
Given that this future is Cyberpunk like, there is going to be alotta themes to Cyberpunk 2077 (which I also do not own!) Some themes are gonna be more direct than others. And the prologue is gonna be heavily themed with that sort of atmosphere, but not to worry this is a FE Three Houses story.
And if its not obvious, Kira is Byleth lol! But unlike the Byleth from the games, Kira's definitely more sassy and confrontational.
Cyberpunk 2077 and Dynasty Warriors references were mentioned as well
Thanks again for reading! Hoped you like the chapter and I'm eager to put out more chapters!