A/N Hello everyone. Thank you again for taking the time to read my story. It really encourages me to continue putting my work out there. As always I will be uploading the chapters each week mostly on Wednesdays.
I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Thank you.
Present Day 1885.
Ridgeway Springs, 11:30 a.m
Ren and Morgana rode into the Northern town in a good time. It was more updated than most towns they visited so far. Much larger too. No cobblestone but clearly distinct organization of roads and businesses. It had your typical hotels, food stores, gun shops, and other amenities.
"Look and ask around on the West side of town, I'll take the Eastside okay Morgana," Ren informed the younger Amamiya.
"I understand brother," he acknowledges.
"And no fighting either again. See you in a few hours." He rides off on Arsene.
"Hey! I….I didn't start that fight," Morgana grumbles.
The two-headed off in their respected directions. The Eastside of the town was a bit more rundown than the part they came in at. Excessive trash and dead small animals were left on the "road". For the person they are looking for, a place like this would be there hiding spot. Ren places a hand on his gun belt and the other still steering his horse into a slow trot. He doesn't want to draw his revolver and cause a reaction but its best to be safe.
A commotion was heard to his left as he saw a group of what looked like hired thugs throwing a man out into the streets falling face first in the mud. "We told you to get lost pal, if we see you around here again Boss ain't gonna be afraid to put another bullet in ya!"
Ren sees the thrown man getting up and running to the door only to have it slam in his face. "Fuck you and your boss!" he says as he kicks the door. "Shit that hurts." The stranger looks at Ren glaring as he tries to wipe the mud from his face. He was completely covered from head to toe.
"This may be none of my business, but need any help Stranger?" Ren offers.
"What is it to you!" he yells.
Ren calmly gets off Arsene with his hands raised showing no threat. "I just saw that confrontation and merely wish to help. I have some cash on me if you like I can rent you a place. I'm sure you would not like to be wandering around in that well gunk."
The stranger ponders the offer and lessens his glare. "…I appreciate that. Thanks."
"Great. I saw a hotel a few blocks back." Ren hops on his horse once more. The stranger whistles for his and slowly limps to the horse. Once securely on, he nods to Ren.
They make their way to the hotel where Ren pays for the stranger's room and bath while he also grabs himself a shot of Whiskey. He nurses his drink as the other man returns mud-less now. He can see that the mud no longer cakes his now revealed blond hair and clean-shaven face. His jacket was probably still being scrub but the yellow vest he was wearing look better than normal at least.
The stranger places 2 bullets on the counter and pushes it to the bartender. "Let me pay for his next shot and I'll take one too."
The bartender pours them both some more Whiskey, each taking a shot. "I appreciate you renting me a room Stranger. You must be new around here. Most either just mind there business or are the lowest of low. You appear to be neither."
"I'm just a humble man on a mission is all. My name is Ren," he offers his hand.
The stranger takes it with a firm grip. "I'm Ryuji. Nice to meet you. Now that I'm not smelling like muck, what brings you to this town?"
"I am looking for someone. A man who said to run an underground business in this area. I've been trying to track him down the past few months based off my informants leads. All I have to go off is a code name of sorts; Asmodeus. Does it ring a bell?" Ren inquires.
"Never heard of an Asmodeus, but if you're looking for an unruly bastard in town best bet would be Kamoshida. Heard he's been doing some shady shit even before I got here. He acts like the brothel he runs is all fair and legal but I know he's up to something." Ryuji says slamming his glass down. "Those assholes that threw me out earlier work for him. I've been keeping an eye on that place for the past month or so trying to get back in."
"What's so important in that brothel?" Ren asked. He sees Ryuji's hand clench and unclench as he tries to keep his emotions under control.
"I got a friend there. Two actually. She and her friend got into some trouble awhile back and was working with him to pay it off but that bastard keeps raising her debt specifically. Hell, even I had a debt with him over a matter of 30 bucks. But that wasn't what got me shot," Ryuji explains as he takes the last gulp of his Whiskey. "She's one of his star brothel girls, apparently brings him a lot of money with all these requests. We had spent a night together when he was out of town but one of his hired thugs must've found out and told him."
Ryuji pats his left leg the one Ren saw him limping with earlier. "When I tried to see her again that sunava bitch shot me in my leg, nearly put a damn bullet between my eyes as well if she didn't stop him from pulling the trigger. Now I heard he hardly lets her out," he says as he slams his fist down on the bar. He has been trying for the past few weeks to gather more information about her which resulted in today's incident.
Ren ponders over the information received from this new Stranger he met. That brothel owner could be the person he was looking for. Especially if there were more secrets that could be uncovered from whatever shady business this Kamoshida could also be running. "I'll help you," Ren tells the fiery young man.
"For Real?" Ryuji looks back at him wide-eyed.
"Yeah. We have a mutual interest in this Kamoshida character, and I would also like to help your friends. Do we have a deal?" Outstretching his hand for a confirmation.
Ryuji grabs his with a firm shake, "I believe this is the start of a wonderful friendship."
Later that day
Morgana had taken the West side of town to find any clues of his own but came up empty. He decided to head back to the Eastside when he sees Arsene hitched to a post by the Bar. Ren must be inside he thought. He secures Mercurius as well and walks inside. It's a bigger Saloon than what Boss had, more rooms and baths helped no doubt. He sees his older brother talking to a Stranger with blond hair over by the counter.
"Ren!" the younger Amamiya shouts. The oldest turns his head in his direction and signals him over.
"I have good news. It seems our tide is turning for the better brother. I like you to meet Ryuji. He's going to be helping us out while we are here." Ren introduces the two.
Ryuji offers his hand to shake, "Nice to meet you pipsqueak. I'm Ryuji."
"I'm not a pipsqueak you blonde turd!" Morgana yells at him.
"Who you calling a blond turd!"
"That's enough of that between you two" Ren attempts to step between them. He was starting to wonder if this was a good idea, his brother was already a hot head and from the interaction he saw with Ryuji so was he. "Both of you need to calm down. I rented a room from earlier, we'll discuss things there alright." The two backed away from each other after a few more insults were hurled around. Eventually making there way inside the room where they continue to discuss their plans.
"So this guy who runs a brothel is Asmodeus or so we think?" Morgan inquires as he was caught up to speed.
"It's a strong possibility, we wouldn't know till we get a closer look. My informant was pretty sure this would be the town. I'll check it out my own tonight, if I find anything worth wild then Morgana I'll have you recon tomorrow night," the elder brother states. "Ryuji, since your face would be recognizable to anyone in that building, think you can sketch us a map of what you remember. Anything that was odd?"
"Sure I guess. In terms of anything odd nothing really stood out….but there always one door that was constantly being guarded almost at all hours of the day. Seen the bastard go in there from time to time, might be his own personal room," he ponders. "If you are going in there, there's something I want you to delivery for me."
Nodding his head, Ren accepts the request and waits for after the sun goes down to head over. He heads back to the location he first met Ryuji and walks towards the other side of the building. The strong stench of smoke and perfume invades his senses as he takes a look around.
Various tables were strewn about within one section another lead to a hallway that held the various rooms. He took a seat and eyed the room, looking for a particular target. Ren attempted to stay focus as there was excessive giggling at the next table over. A young brown hair woman sat on a bearded man lap, the man probably hoping to spend the night with her. She was a pretty sight. But young even for him, a bit too young for this sorta place he thought. She had to be around Morgana age and he's only seen 17 years pass by.
Ren eye some more tables when a young woman with black hair tied up in a ponytail plops herself in his lap.
"What are you doing here so lonely Mister. Wanna have a good time?" She drawls out her voice as her hands runs up and down his shirt. He gently grabs her hand to remove them and place them at her side.
"Sorry Miss, I actually have other plans for today. I'm looking for someone from a friend, not sure if you know her. A Miss Shiho?"
The woman on his lap gasp and stood up "Why are you looking for me?" She asked.
Seeing his luck continue right from the start, Ren stands up and places his arms around her. "Don't worry, I won't harm you just play along. I have a few things to discussed and prefer it to be in private."
She slightly nods again his chest and drags him to an available room adding extra sway to her hips for the other patrons. Play along he says.
Once the door was close Shiho leans against the door and lets out a big sigh. She eyes this new customer with messy black hair. "If you're looking for money, I don't have any, I barely have enough to pay my own debts as is."
Shaking his head he goes to correct her, "I'm not here for money. I'm here on my own merit and with a request from a mutual friend of ours." He reaches in his coat pocket and hands her the letter Ryuji requested he deliver.
"It's from Ryuji! He is still okay. Ann and I were so worried when we last saw him, I'm sure that bullet in his leg didn't do him no favors."
"Ann?" Ren ask with an eyebrow raised.
"Oh yes, Ryuji and Ann they are…well…um, I guess it's complicated." She said looking down. If only she can get this letter to Ann so she can read it too.
Ren ponders for a bit and thinks back to the "Her" Ryuji mention. Maybe it was this Ann woman. "Do you know where I can find her here. Ryuji mention she was also working in this establishment to pay off a debt."
"Well…even I hardly see her anymore, at least since the day Ryuji got shot in the leg. Kamoshida the head honcho around here was going to kill him but Ann promised him something cause he didn't pull the trigger for the kill. Since then I've hardly seen her. I'd been trying to get by myself with acts but I still worry about her."
"I see. Stay in this room Miss, I'm going to take look around," Ren tries to reassure her.
"But its dangerous, if they catch you in an area you shouldn't be then."
Ren points to his holster where his revolver resides. "I'm prepared for any surprises. I'll be right back"
He quietly closes the door behind him and wanders back down the hall he came from. The sound of beds creaking and passionate voices could be heard during his journey. "I'm really starting to doubt sending Morgana here tomorrow…"
There are still many patrons out and about enjoying a pint or two and the company of woman. He looks to another corner that's not as populated but had some leftover rooms. Turning down the far corner he sees a man standing in front of a door. Almost like he was guarding it. It must be the door Ryuji mentioned back at the hotel. Only really important things get guarded.
"Time to use Futaba's gift" The elder Amamiya whispers under his breath. Still standing behind the corner, Ren pulls out a small dart and blowgun from his back pocket and one of the vials from his satchel . Dipping some of the dart in the vial provided, he turns quickly surprising the guard and blows it right at their neck. The hired thug attempts to attack Ren but quickly begins to stumble and trip. He catches him so the thump of falling doesn't make too much noise. Ren drags the paralyze guard into one of the nearby rooms and stuffs his mouth with a cloth. Just because he numb the body doesn't mean the mouth couldn't talk.
He goes to open the door that was being watched only to find out it was locked.
"Of course" He checks his satchel for his picking tools and begins to unlock the door in front of him. Once done it opens up into a small seating room, a dead end.
"All this precaution for a desk and bookcase?" He looks around for any clues, finding some financial papers. These could have some further use he thought. He examines the bottom draw when he sees skids mark by the bookcase.
With a closer look he can feel some air coming behind the bookcase. Jarring it a bit allows it to open up more. Ren finds a staircase leading downstairs behind it and a more prominent draft. Taking as quiet steps as he could, he heads down hand on his holster….just in case. There's hardly any light except for a few flickers here and there.
When he makes it down, what he finds horrifies him. A hand full of young women shackled to the wall, some with bruises some looking like they hardly ate in weeks. Age ranging from anywhere between 12 and early 20's.
"That bastard!" Ren goes to check the ones that are hanging on to consciousness. The girl he first encounters aims to scream when he muffles her mouth. "I'm not here to hurt you, I'm a friend. I'll make sure to get you out." He continues to check the others and thankfully they all had pulses; weak but still there. The older Amamiya searches the room counting about 16 girls in all. The last one though catches his eye. Raw cut from the cuffs around her arms and legs stained her smooth skin. She had blond flowing hair that was tied somewhat in twin ponytails. She weakly looks up at him with a small sign of hope.
"Don't be alarm it's going to be okay. My name is Ren, what's yours Miss?" he asked
"Ann. Ann Takamaki"
A/N Update Fixed some errors
