Chapter 47: Hiding From The Ravens

February 17th 2011 1900 Hours

Amami Onsen, Nanten-en, Kawachinagano, Japan

Back in Japan again, and our last stop on this round about trip throughout Asia. Only this time Koko wanted to let us have a much more immersive time into the local culture. Providing that last time we were here we had to clean up her idiot brother's mess and we all got shot at. The sight seeing around Tokyo and the surrounding cities were nice and we had a blast but they did feel a bit touristy at times. So Koko hooked us all up with this country side inn that was as reminiscent of old Japan as it could get. Stone gardens, bonsai trees, koi ponds, eating on the floor, all that fancy shit. I did have a bit of a childish urge to just walk through one of the thin paper and wood sliding doors. A running joke from one of my favorite Simpsons episodes when I was a kid when they went to Japan. But even though I had already had a few drinks in my system I thought better, because my wallet would be a lot lighter in what I would have to pay for damages to the hotel. Only difference was instead of green and blooming flowers was snow and bare trees. Still just as nice too look at as I sat Indian style looking out the window.

"Ich werde den käse fahren…ich werde es unterhalb der staubgrenze halten."

(I'll drive the cheese…I'll keep it below the dust limit.)

Unlike the sight of my very incoherent and barely moving sniper buddy spouting slurred German. The man still wanted to see if he could beat me. But his alcohol tolerance was just as bad. Looks like no matter what he took it didn't improve it.

"And brief moment of isolated silence ruined."

In frustration I downed the remnants of my sake bottle and threw it behind me, the matted floor preventing it from breaking. That's if I could even call it booze since it was number five and I wasn't feeling anything. A blessing and curse from drinking a lot of brown spirits with a high proof. Too bad I couldn't smoke indoors.

We had to enjoy these little moments of peace and fun while we could. Since Koko had briefed us before we headed off for fun tonight that we would be flying back to Europe and then off for a rather important mission next month and we needed time to prep for it and gather intel. On what exactly she didn't tell us yet.

"You two STILL at this little drinking challenge?"

Speak of the devil. She dove into the Japanese culture just as much as Tojo did when we got here. With the hotel's kimono and her hair wrapped up in a towel she must have just got out of one of the hot baths.

"He passed out about ten minutes ago. Damn fool doesn't know when to quit."

She then sat next to me.

"Well aren't you going to get a massage and take a dip in the hot springs? It is what this inn's for. Everyone else is relaxing and having fun."

I then gave her a deadpanned stare. She knew by heart that my ways of relaxing my seem eccentric to some but are therapeutic to me. Give me a firing range, a punching bag, or some heavy weights any day.

"You can't massage a rock. If I want a bath I'll just get a shower. And unless I'm going swimming in the ocean, a river, or a chlorinated pool, why would I sit in a confined space of hot water that has someone else's ASS in it? That's not sanitary."

Maybe my tolerance to this brand of sake wasn't as good as I thought it was because that did come out a bit caustic. But Koko just looked at me normally.

"You know sometimes I can't tell if you're being serious or playing around." She said leaning into her hand.

"Can't it be both?" I said smiling. She just smiled back.

"Get out of this room. Because your going to be busy tomorrow."

"Alright I'll grab anyone who wants to play poker or black jack if I can't get more than two." I looked past Koko. Lutz was still out. "He's no good. You know we're just getting more tech for your science project. Not really that hard."

Her face then straightened out a bit. Despite being a bit inebriated, this was probably something she wanted me to pay attention to.

"I didn't say you were going with us. I need your help."

"You don't need to ask me that. What's up?"

She then pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them.

"We've had an eye on us for a while. She's kept her distance and she hasn't done anything to hinder us but for tomorrow I need you to get her to not be where I'm going to be."

I recomposed myself extending out my legs and letting my arms rest on my own knees. I to brace myself mentally and physically for what I was about to ask. This job is not all about traveling the world, buying and selling things. Doesn't matter if they're guns or not.

"Are you asking me to kill someone?"

Being an officer, you are expected to speak as not only as a leader but also an educated individual. With conversations like this though, you had no choice but to be direct. We both looked at each other for a few seconds, our expressions composed of contemplation. Her probably wondering if she heard me right and me waiting on an answer. With my eyes somewhat wandering into the open spot on her kimono, her silver Celtic shield resting on her breast. It wasn't my fucking fault she was a pretty lady.

"Nothing as extreme as that. And I'm up here you perv." She caught me but then went back to her normal self. "If you did that, then we'll have more attention drawn to us than necessary. Plus I like her and she's helped me out more than once. Just keep her away for the day. Don't kidnap her just use your charm and keep her distracted."

My hunch that someone was following us around proved right. But my thoughts then grimaced when who it might have been.

"Wait a minute. Don't tell me it's that ditzy broad that's workin with Scarecrow."

"Don't judge Schokolade as a typical blonde. How would you like it if I compare you to Johnny Bravo?"

Girl's pretty informed on all types of comedic entertainment.

"I sound nothing like Elvis and I don't skip leg day." I turned to my left, one bottle remained on the table. "And yeah I get it." I grabbed it and handed it to her.

It wasn't rice sake, it was plum sake. Koko noticed the slight difference as she let it swirl in her mouth for a few moments.

"Tomorrow I'll call Mr. Kiseragi's son Hiro that we'll meet at a different spot. Schokolade will be more than likely wanting to get her hands on something to eat. That's why I placed the original spot near a bunch of good restaurants. Just keep her away from us for an hour or so and then meet us back here. I'll text you when we're done."

"Solid."

"PFANNKUCHEN!" Lutz said with an outburst and then passing back out.

(Pancakes!)

"How about we continue this conversation somewhere else? Karl's really souring the atmosphere."

"Sure." She said giggling.

As we both stood up to leave Lutz behind she then leapt on my back. I don't mind when the girl's playing around and as painful as this is to admit, I like her hugs. But I'm not her damn mule.

"You have legs. Use them." I said somewhat strained as she was hanging off of my neck.

"Oh come on, you've never complained about this. Why now?"

"That oversized bath robe your wearing is hiding all the excess fat."

My humor can be childish at times but applying it to a girl that has somewhat of a childish heart will take it personally. She then climbed up on me higher trying to strangle me while, of all the bizarre things, biting on my head. Her thin arms were not doing so well in squeezing my large neck.

"I don't mind you trying out a sleeper hold but take it easy on the hair. The new conditioner I got lets the shine last longer."

"Take back what you said you…muscle bound…baby faced…stupid head!"

I stifled a laugh. "Anyone ever tell you that you suck at insults."

"Am I interrupting anything?"

I got a little too into riling up Koko that Sophia sort of teleported in front of me. Probably out of the baths too with wet skin, sweatpants, tank top, and her look of jealousy burning a hole through me. And once again I was about to be caught in between a hurricane and a volcano unless I could form the perfect shelter and fast.

"Actually I wanted to ask if you've got any money on you, we'd play cards."

"Then why does my Koko look angry?"

Ok no rumble so far. Wait, HER Koko? What am I? Chopped liver?

"Valmet! I'm giving you an order to kill this man!" She said commandingly. "He called me fat!" She then said pathetically.

Sophia then walked toward me with her arms crossed, chin down, and one gold eye looking up at me.

"Is that true?"

"I don't got time for this shit Sophia. Would you like to play black jack with me or not?"

It took a few moments but she then smiled at me. She at least knew by now that I wouldn't betray her trust and she figured out how Koko liked to play around with me just so she'd get riled up. Sophia wouldn't fall for it now that she'd figure out what Koko was trying to do. Even though this was fun to watch at times I'd have to end this little quarrel of theirs soon though. I just had to prepare myself for it.

"How much you got?" She asked.

Catastrophe avoided.

"How much you got?"

"Hey! Wait a minute!" Koko said as she seemed to metaphorically disappear from the conversation.

"Right now about $60 US."

"Shit. I was hoping at least 500. Ah well, I'll get some of the guys and see if we can make a bigger pool."

"Don't you two ignore me!"

But before I continued down the hall with Koko still on me like a magnet. Sophia put her hand on me.

"Hold up. $60 all or nothing. And if you win…" She then swirled her finger around my chest. "You can feel up whatever you want to feel for the rest of the night."

…

"Deal."

The devious look Sophia then gave to Koko that she won this round finally broke the damn. The delirious reaction was followed by the pulling of my long hair on two sides.

"Mutiny! MU-TIN-Y! DAH!"

This continued until we reached Koko's room where Sophia had to pull her off of me.

February 18th 2011 1030 Hours

Hirano-Ku, Osaka, Japan

Not the first time a girl had gotten me to spend money in a way in which I should have known better. Sophia played that shit through the entire game and I lost. But I wasn't too sore about it, I'm not the first guy that got caught up in a woman's charm. Plus it was Sophia, so I don't really care. But reminiscing on last nights fun would have to be set aside for now, I gotta keep this ditz occupied for a while. If anything I would call this a forced type of babysitting. I doubted that she would know how to use a gun or even be armed but I kept only one of my .45's with me just in case.

It was a bit of a cloudy day today but not terribly cold. The run off from the melted snow was sending mud everywhere around the park that was the original meeting place. I then spotted the back of her head immediately. Unless you were blind, anyone would see that blonde hair under a ski cap a mile away.

"Alright there she is, let's hope she doesn't freak."

I then casually walked toward the bench she was sitting at with my hands in my leather jacket pockets the right one had my pistol in it. Once again doing my damnedest not to stand out as an American that was two and a half times the size of everyone around him. To my surprise she dressed discreetly with a grey parka and jeans. I expected bright red or something.

"Brr. Why is it still so cold? Gathering intel on a day like today is SO not worth it."

She sounded like she was bitching. I don't know if it's just my experiences or my former career thinking my thoughts for me but intel gathering don't make exceptions for time, place, or temperature. You get it and that's that.

"But Koko's been acting strange! Follow her every move! Don't get your dumb ass caught! Yeah thanks a crap ton Scarecrow. Why the hell is he always riding my ass!?" She said mocking her partner.

Despite being Kasper Light from the rumors I heard, because this time you probably should have listened to what he had to say.

Speaking of which, I still owe that loser a belt to the jaw.

"Koko and her unit already know what I look like. I can't keep at a distance forever but I can't necessarily shadow her either. But it is my forte. Never been spotted let alone captured."

I was standing not more than forty inches from her behind the bench she was sitting on for a good portion of her monologuing to herself. I was surprised she didn't even hear the wet footsteps. I had mastered the art of turning completely invisible by just standing still. That or she's got a real bad problem with attention to detail. The girl's no soldier like me, but even I can see that she has a long way to go in learning spy craft despite being a techy. She then opened a box out of the plastic bag next to her. The contents steaming in the cold air.

"You won't yell at me will you takoyaki? You provide nothing but crunchy juicy deliciousness!" She inhaled the thing in one bite. "So worth it!"

Alright I can't take it anymore.

While she was munching away I simply reached beside her and grabbed the box. Hopefully that would get her attention. I can't read Japanese but whatever it was, it was fried.

"Mmm! I want….more?"

She then noticed her pastries were gone and then started looking around frantically, finally noticing me holding them in my hand.

"Hey! Those are mine! Give them back!"

STILL not recognizing who I was, I then probably acting a little too immature for the situation lifted them high above my head like the school bully who took the nerds lunch money. The intent was for her to finally look at my face as she then started to jump to get the box.

"Give! Them! Back!" She said with each bounce.

And sidelining me with the fact on how huge those things were, even under a damn parka. I half expected her to give herself a self-inflicted beating. But after refocusing, this was enough.

"Lord Almighty you dumb broad. It's me! Damien!"

It finally clicked. "Oh crap. How long have you been here?" She asked nervously.

"Enough to tell you that you need to stop focusing on food and more on your job. And if your supposed opposition is telling you this, you at a level that is below zero."

She just stood there scared out of her mind. I kept an eye on her hands to make sure she didn't press a panic button or anything. But I had to let her know I wasn't going to hurt her. So I faked interest and tried one of these fried whatever they were.

"Mmph! PFFT!" It didn't go as I planned. "The fuck is this shit? It tastes like greasy fried chewing gum."

A panicked look then formed on Schokolade's face and we were also in the middle of a public place. I couldn't afford to make a scene so I had to take her somewhere, didn't matter where. But warmer would do. I then cast the box of whatever the hell that was aside, took both her hands, and put on my best act.

"Well enough about that how about we go get some real food?" I then led her with both her hands in my one.

"Hey where are you taking…" I then tightened my grip. "Ow!"

"Shut up and come with me." I said through a smiling grit. "Or I'll break your neck like a chickens."

She then gulped visually and started to shake but she did what I said.

1050 Hours

Sumiyoshi Imagawa

Before we came into this restaurant I picked at random to eat I pulled her aside into an alley and took all of her things along with anything that looked suspicious. As I expected she didn't even have anything to defend herself with. Not even a damn pocket knife. Your not really supposed to care when you frisk someone for anything cause they could have an opportunity to either resist, escape, or kill you. But the feeling of another woman's assets, large and soft ones as well, wasn't leaving my head anytime soon. I was used to weird shit at this point and Koko is the only one I even remotely answer to. The bite mark hiding under my hair was proof of that. But even though Schokolade trusted Koko a lot more than me, it was understandable that a member of her crew wouldn't share the same hospitality.

"Wipe that damn nervous look off your face. I told you that Koko just needed her privacy for the day, nothing more. So just enjoy the free food."

The place wasn't too touristy but honest enough that it was authentic Japanese cuisine. I then poured a cup of tea that the waitress had brought to us earlier and pushed it towards the girl. She didn't take it. And was darting her eyes around, probably trying to figure out what to do to get away from me. But I couldn't use my intimidation or fists this time.

"Look chocolate girl, you see me dragging you around at gun point? Put poison in that cup? Or hell even wait till you're under a piano? Relax." I then poured myself a cup. "Just think of this as company party that you don't want to be at. You have better things to do except that you don't have a choice unless you wanna get yelled at later."

My down to earth way of speaking seemed to work that time. She then became a lot less tense and took the cup just as the waitress came back. Taking out my smart phone I punched in a few works that translated English to Japanese on what to order. The shrimp tempura with extra rice for me and I got the sushi platter for her. Maybe see if her appetite is all that Koko claims it is. At least I knew what I was getting this time, it had to better than whatever the hell I had earlier.

"Why didn't Koko just call me and let me know?" She finally broke the silence.

"It's not you that she had an issue with, it was your boss and his overlords. This way she doesn't ruffle any feathers and the CIA will just maintain their distance. Providing you don't tell them that I am distracting you from your task." I then raised both eyebrows for reassurance. "Read me?"

"Yeah." She said looking and sounding disappointed. I kept the conversation going regardless.

"So what did you do with that rock?"

"Huh?"

"The diamond she gave you that was about the size of your eye. Cash it in or anything?"

"Oh! Oh jeez no. I flew back to America and just put it in my safety deposit box. It'll be a while before I can safely get anything from it without raising some red flags by the Agency. But it's good to know that I have a nest egg for a rainy day or if I ever wanna buy a new house."

"Well good on you. You're thinking ahead. Even though the CIA is a license to print money you know that your own is finite. Maybe you're not as clueless as you make yourself out to be."

"Gee thanks." She said sarcastically.

At least she was speaking to me as normal person. Well normal as far as a CIA tech expert and Green Beret turned mercenary were concerned. As we continued to socialize, the food came out faster than I had anticipated. The fried shrimp still sizzling as if they just came out of the fryer. The platter maybe a little bigger than I had seen on the menu, but Schokolade didn't really seem to care.

"Holy crap! Did you get all of this for me?"

"Too much?"

"Heck no! This is everything I love, sushi wise!" She then took her chopsticks and dug in carnivorously.

That turned out better than I thought. Just put food in front of the girl and she forgets that I technically took her against her will. The shrimp wasn't too bad either, rice was a little sticky though. But as I finished the first one, the girls sat phone then started to ring. No doubt it was her boss. I took it out of my jacket pocket looked at it casually.

"Umm…" She said to get my attention. "I need to answer that. Please?"

I hit the cancel button and did my best not to look or sound menacing.

"You were indisposed for the whole day observing Koko and could not risk answering any calls. Do I make myself clear?"

Her hand that was holding her chopsticks was starting to shake. She had never been this close to an actual enemy. The CIA seemed to be just grabbing whatever they could get. Sending disposable people like this poor girl to spy on people like Koko that has people like me in her employment just shows you how cheaply the real holders of power in the CIA value everyone else that is below them. As always when it comes to them, I'm not surprised. Even though she's a quirky ditz, she doesn't deserve to be sent to a predator like me.

I chuckled innocently. "I'm glad to see my authority as an officer in the United States Army hasn't lost its touch. Keep eating, I gotta keep you around for at least another hour."

"Wait. Were you just messing with me?"

"Everything except that I have to keep you occupied. Just make up some bullshit to Scarecrow, I don't care. Isn't he half a retard anyway?"

She smiled, relaxed again, and went back to scarfing down the raw fish and rice wrapped in seaweed.

"He's basically a walking prick. But if you get him to look past his ego you'll find that he's actually quite tenacious in following shady business deals."

"Well if he's taken this long to see if Koko's allegedly involved in anything he thinks she is, he ain't gonna have anything solid." I then dipped my shrimp in the spicy green paste I ordered as extra. "Try the wasabi, it's not as hot as you might think."

"Mmm. That's not bad. It's a good balance of heat and flavor."

It was a simple method but it seemed like it worked. Being normal in such an abnormal world can have it's benefits. She then looked at me confused.

"What's wrong?"

I just stared back for a moment. "I'm not what you expected am I?"

"Well…you didn't make a good first impression."

At least she's talking to me normally.

"Eh. In my experience first impressions mean nothing compared to when a man is actually on the job."

"The feeling is mutual. If I had a dollar for every damn time Scarecrow called me a bimbo I wouldn't need that diamond."

"Well just call him fuck face every time he says that and he'll stop eventually." I paused. "Then again you can get fired for something like that, but it's a start."

She then quietly chuckled to herself.

"So…Koko told me you left the Army on some pretty bad terms. What happened?" She asked innocently.

I stopped chewing my rice. I was glad she didn't tell her everything. Or if I was interpreting her correctly, anything at all. And it wasn't something I just share with anyone.

"I fucked over some people that deserved it. And now I'm paying the consequences." I dug into my next bowl of rice. "Anyway what in the hell was that "Tacky Wacky" you had?"

0200 Hours

London, United Kingdom

Not too long after Kasper Hekmatyar's announcement of HCLI's Global Grid, Scarecrow got another order from Bookman. Find anything of interest in Koko's finances that relates to the Grid. After another failed attempt to let him know that he didn't work for him, Scarecrow was formally briefed on the Grid's in's and out's. Other than technical aspects, he didn't see much difference in the system apart from saving money. But he'd been getting closer and closer to figuring out what Koko was planning. Only problem was it was a centimeter at a time, and this was another in a string of all nighters he had pulled. It also didn't help that Schokolade didn't answer his call but he was too tired to care at that point.

That dumb bimbo. I'm sure she's just wasting time eating instead of working.

He was about ready to call it a night. The other day he had received some extra help from the tech department that he finally saw as useful if not a bit hyperactive. His name was Kyle Murray, and he fit the image of a college computer geek without even trying. Even with going twelve hours of not taking his eyes off of his computer screen and downing can after can of energy drink.

"Murray, I'm about ready to call it a night. Anything else I should know?" Scarecrow said groggily.

"One things for sure this weapons chick is loaded! Most of her assets were in stocks and bonds but two years ago she started liquidating everything. In a very controlled deliberate manner too. Careful not to ruffle the market or get the attention of security and exchange commissions." He said clicking away on his mouse looking through various on two screens.

"Where's it all going?"

"Well while faint she has left a trail that passes though Swiss dummy corporations before being invested in Marchen. Which of course was used to build that factory in South Africa."

"What about any of the other banks that her company invests in?"

"I've gone over all five that HCLI has as well as investments in and there's not a single transaction."

This was the next crumb on the bread trail that Scarecrow had needed. When he first saw it, the amount that Koko had invested had made his jaw drop hard enough that it went through the floor. It made no sense to liquidate everything into a toy factory of all things.

"Means she's keeping all of this Marchen stuff from the home office. You think Kasper and Floyd have caught on?"

"I don't see any sign from here. Maybe there digging in on the side too using outside sources." He then clicked on the window for Marchen. "I just don't get why an arms dealer would start sinking all of her money into a toy factory. Unless it's not one."

Scarecrow knew that this kid who didn't even look past twenty didn't know how espionage or even finding international criminals worked. But he couldn't help but scoff at his own superior knowledge on the subject.

"The cash flow seems to be more in line with a full fledged military establishment. Maybe she wants a monopoly to manage what she distributes. It would be a dream come true for an arms dealer."

Scarecrow then growled. He didn't want to go to bed with this on his mind.

"Every villain's dream and a nightmare for others. Closer we get to Koko the more sneakier she gets. It's like she's always nine steps ahead. I got a bad feeling by the time we nail down her plan's it'll be too late. What's worse is that now I HAVE to rely on that fat asshole back in Langley."

He then checked his watch. He'd call Schokolade back in the morning. Scratching his blond hair he decided to sleep on the couch in the next room.

"Don't spend the rest of the night on that damn computer Murray. Get some rest."

Sniffing out the money trail is what I do and I ain't gonna let some chick that think she's beyond the law push me outta the way. Mess with the Scarecrow, you're gonna get burned!

1130 Hours

Shinsaibashi Hotel, Nishi-Ku, Osaka, Japan

The change for the meeting spot was more beneficial for Hiro Kiseragi, not too far from work and he could pick up lunch for his dad and crew workers. It must have been a quick in and out for her this time since they wanted to meet in a hotel lobby but at least she wanted to let him be comfortable and have a classy atmosphere in the process. Koko had done business with him before and it was one of the reasons why the computer hardware company his father owned had started to boom. Normally every time she did business with him, it was always good. Even though her body guards were always the ones he saw first.

"Good to see you again Mr. Kiseragi." She said with the opening pleasantries. Dressed up in her business attire as usual.

"Oh the pleasures all mine Miss Hekmatyar. What do I owe the honor for this time?" He said with his English that had been improving with a firm handshake.

"Well it might seem like I'm about to kick you and your dad to work harder but I think you'll like what I have to say."

As the two children of business owners went on with their discussion, Koko's squad sniper and her sister stood guard together watching people come and go, families, businessmen, and tourists. But one thing Lutz wished would go away was the screaming hangover he had from his challenge to Damien the night before. He had already taken past the recommended amount of aspirin and it still wasn't working. Valmet though was wishing that Koko didn't send Damien off by himself to keep a certain bird from watching them. Even if it was harmless, they always worked as a team.

"How's the head?" She asked.

"Well I puked out everything I didn't need inside me this morning so I don't feel as bad as I look."

Sometimes when one drinks they start to think about other things that might have been insignificant to them at one point but then treat them as a life or death situation. Normally while their intoxicated they're mundane, useless, and more often than not stupid. But every now and then a truly serious matter occurs and the drink forces it out. Lutz wasn't alone in these thoughts, he shared them with Damien openly but he didn't know if he and Valmet shared them mutually.

"Hey Valmet. Can I ask you something."

She turned her head to him and he kept his eyes forward.

"You notice the little lady getting more…aggressive lately?"

She knew that it didn't have anything to do with her abduction from the MSS last month. It was her trip in general around Asia and their mission in Russia.

"The Dr. Baburin job? Yeah I know you and Damien were sharing second thoughts with each other. But come on, did you really thing we were some type of moral crusaders serving justice and fighting the bad guys? Even Damien would laugh at you for thinking about something so stupid."

Lutz expected that kind of response from her to him. He just did his best not to roll his eyes but he needed a solid answer from her. This is just what she did as establishing herself as one Koko's trinity of Alpha's. The second was obviously Lehm. The third got to see, feel, and experience what he could only dream about and not worry about the risk of getting a knife plunged into his throat. He was his best friend, but he hated his ability to get away with so many antics.

"What we do and what Koko expects from each of us require what some would call drastic. Above all we're not her brothers crew or your run of the mill hired guns. She's never sent us out to deliberately kill other people to make things easier for herself, her business, or us. Our job is to support Koko, not question her. And before you say anything else…Hex was different."

Lutz was going to ask how that was any different anyway. He held his tongue and saw the bigger picture. Hex had been harassing Koko for years but no matter what, she always kept her distance or ran. Damien however must have seen an opportunity to permanently end a threat and he seemed to do it on behalf of both Koko and himself. He didn't tell anyone else but as his friend Lutz saw that there was something personal in that little debacle. And not just because R was killed, it was something more.

"In fact Lutz…" Valmet then turned towards him forming her hand into a claw with a crack of knuckle. Only one person she could have gotten that little trick from.

"Yes?" He said somewhat annoyed but somewhat scared that Damien wasn't here to restrain her if she got angry enough.

"You've got some nerve to question Koko in front of me of all people. You wanna see aggressive?" But she then calmed down. "But I get it. You knew how'd I answer before you even asked. You only wanted your grievances on the table and your right. She has gotten a little aggressive in her actions as of recent and I'll give it more thought. But I believe in Koko."

He had to ask. He told her everything. "Well what about Damien? Has he given any thoughts to this?"

She smiled, genuinely. A rather rare sight that Lutz didn't see often and it was nice.

"He only wanted to know that all of us wouldn't be in danger."

"Hmm. Man doesn't always live in the moment. Makes me almost not want him to feel my throbbing head pain for making me drink so much."

"You brought that on yourself you dumbass."

As the two bodyguards continued to man their posts Koko had begun the conclusion to her meeting with Kiseragi.

"I'd like Kiseragi Photochemical Engineering to issue ten million new shares for me to purchase. That way I'll become your largest shareholder and investor."

Hiro opened his mouth in an overjoyed awe. His companies fiscal year had begun with a tremendous purchase from a rather generous customer.

"I can't even begin to tell you how pleased I am to hear that Miss Hekmatyar. Now our companies work can continue without interruption. Of course though I'd be lying if our other minor investors and creditors took issue with that big of a purchase."

Koko expected that issue would come up. It's a textbook move in the business world where competition reigns supreme.

"Tell them that the stock wouldn't improve for as long as you were in the red. Just accept my payment, continue your project, and reorganize the business end of things. Do that and the other shareholders will approve. If need be I'll hire a professional restructuring consultant for you."

Christmas had just come way earlier this year for Hiro Kiseragi and his father's company. He not only scored a major financial deal but also provided the tools to maintain and manage it but needed assurance as to way Koko Hekmatyar was willing to ensure that he succeeded.

"This is all rather overwhelming if I do say so myself Miss Hekmatyar."

"I see the value in the future you and your father are trying to create. I'd like to make it real." She then opened the product brochure she had brought with her. "Quantum dot photonic crystal nano devices. Spend whatever it takes to get them into production and I'll tell you where I want them delivered."

"Done." He said with confidence.

"And that concludes our business for the day." She said as they both stood up and shook hands.

"Always a pleasure Miss Hekmatyar!" He then hurried off pulling out his phone. Probably telling this father the good news.

She then motioned to crew spread out across the hotel that the meeting was over and they all formed together as they exited the place.

"I take it that he liked what he heard?" Mao was the first to ask.

"I half expected his eyes to start sparkling, he was so thrilled."

"Now that's out of the way. Where to next boss?" The big driver asked as they exited the building.

"Well we still have to pick up Damien, but first I have an announcement to make." She then stood on top of a bench, not caring about the other citizens of Osaka staring at her. That and she had Damien keeping Schokolade away from her.

"Everyone! This concludes HCLI's expedition of Pacific Asia! For now I have nothing else planned until we head back to Europe so you're all free to cut loose!" She then held up her finger just as everyone was about cheer. "BUT! Next month I'm going to require your full cooperation in a matter I know that you all can accomplish. That is for later, now let's have fun!"

"Kaaaay." They all said.

1200 Hours

Hadoken!

Spiral Arrow!

K.O.!

"Goddamnit."

"That's not gonna work Damien! Try something else!"

I had to do something to make the time go by faster and just walking her around town like a dog would have been boring. Video arcades may have been a dying theme back in America but in Japan it was just as booming if not even more. The arcade version of Super Street Fighter 4 just came out a few months ago and I'd figure we'd play this until we ran out of Yen coins. But technically Schokolade was playing, I was getting my ass handed to me. When it comes to beautiful women in any form of competition, I just can't catch a break.

"Ok final round. Do or die."

It all comes down to this! FIGHT!

This time I started to use all the basic moves and use only the specials if I had an opening. We both exchanged some blows and backed off when we weren't getting through ones defense to try again. When I was kid, I only played fighting games at other kids house's. I always played Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong. When I got older I only played games if I got bored and even then I was prepping myself up for West Point and any other form of Army Training so I didn't really have much experience. Far cry from the pretty blonde girl.

Talon Spike!

"Bingo."

Shoryuken!

The uppercut knocked her out of the air and it opened up for a good combination. I managed to push her health bar down to the red. We both came close to each other and then backed off, but the timer was running out. It was time to take a risk with a focused strike. But when I heard the preparatory sound, I knew it was over.

Lock on! Gyrodrive Smasher! Finish!

K.O.!

"Aww crap."

She then peeked her head out from her machine with a proud look on her face.

"You lose."

"The game already said that chocolate girl." I said with a growl.

"Aw come on don't be a sore loser."

It was time to make a point. And make sure I had room to do it.

"Well let me say and show this…HYA!"

Simple standing high kick, holding the position for about five or six seconds. Of course my normal kicks were focused on a height of people that were always shorter than me. That didn't mean I didn't keep myself flexible. The blonde techy, as well as the Japanese patrons, had a hard time looking away either in awe of my pose or me.

"Real fights don't end when your bar is empty. Ahh…lets go do something else I'm bored."

I knew that she was gonna follow me anyway. She can't do anything or go anywhere without her passport and satellite phone. So she then grabbed her super large soda she was sipping on the whole time and hurried behind me. But as we went back outside to the cold afternoon my phone started to buzz. Koko had sent me a text that they were done, which meant so was I. I typed back a text on which street to meet me at.

"Looks like you're on your own instead."

"Huh?"

"Koko's coming to pick me up. You don't have to deal with me anymore."

I then dug into my coat pockets and gave her phone, wallet, watch, and everything else I took from her back. Even though I managed to spend an hour or so having fun and she wasn't terrible company, I was just supposed to keep her distracted. She also worked for the CIA and if she is a nice girl it doesn't matter. I will never associate with an organization that was part of why my life turned out the way it did. But she didn't know any of that, and I intend to keep it that way.

"Wait so that's it? You're letting me go? No goodbye at least?"

"Goodbye chocolate girl." I said plainly.

"Ugh. It's Schokolade! It doesn't mean I'm made out of chocolate!" She shouted as I left her behind.

But before I went two steps I stopped and remembered something. I felt like an idiot for not remembering earlier.

"Thank you buy the way."

"Uhh…you're welcome?" She probably thought for being well behaved.

"No." I turned around. "For helping Sophia track down her unit's killer. If she didn't say it, I thank you for doing what you could for her. It's appreciated."

"Oh, well it wasn't anything really. I just gave her some places to look. Wait, do you mean Valmet?"

"That's not what I call her."

She then looked to me confused but I just stared back. It took a few moments but the surprised look on her face led me to believe she put the pieces together.

"So what do I call you?" I asked.

I couldn't leave this like that. Building bridges always helps.

"I don't think I should tell you that. Can I trust you?" She said unsure.

I just shrugged 'Ok'. I didn't care one way or the other and went on my way. But nine steps later I heard her shout. Not very subtle.

"It's Prudence! Prudence Dietrich!"

I took my hand out of my pocket and waved that I heard her without looking back.

2330 Hours

Amami Onsen

So takoyaki was just octopus wrapped in bread. Well at least I can cross that off the list of things I won't eat unless I'm literally starving to death.

I just laid down facing the ceiling of my room thinking about the remnants of the day until I passed out. I know that since were done out here Koko would want us to focus on what she needed us to do next month. But I had another problem on my hands, another bout of Sophia's jealousy. When I didn't even do anything except keeping the CIA away from Koko. It's not like I can just stop every man that walks by her without taking a second look, any sane man would.

But all she saw was me with a girl. This really had to stop, it was getting old. And it looked like I had a chance to do that when I heard the door slide open. She finished cleaning up, kicked off her sandals, laid down on the futon facing away from me, and swiping away all the blankets. She probably expected me to snatch them back and get me to react but I took the passive approach this time.

"Can I have one of the sheets back? It's a little cold tonight."

No response.

"Fine. I start sneezing, it's on you."

As I shut my eyes I heard her growl and then sit up.

"Don't try and dance around a problem again. I know Koko gave you a task and who you were with didn't matter to me."

Ok. Glad to be proven wrong on that.

"So what's the real problem?" I asked with my eyes still shut.

"It's the matter of you going off and doing things by yourself. Again. Why didn't you at least take one of us with you? I wouldn't have cared."

I decided to switch back to the forward approach. She didn't need to worry about me that much, I can handle myself.

"This issue is already resolved. It had to be just one of us and if we did a bag and tag then Big Brother would have brought the hammer down on Koko and us. Schokolade may be a little too carefree but she wouldn't hesitate to rat us out to Scarecrow or the CIA in general if she felt like her life was in danger."

"Regardless you still took a big risk." She still wanted to make an argument. "You could have at least had me tag along and I would have kept my distance."

I squinted my already shut eyes tighter and made my tone firmer. Now I just wanted to go to bed.

"There's no point in discussing what I could and couldn't have done. This matter is resolved and there's nothing further to talk about. Good night Sophia."

Simultaneously I felt force press against both my shoulders and weight land on my stomach. I thought before I opened my eyes I would see the look of Sophia being mad. But I was wrong again, as it was frustrated annoyance.

"This needs to stop Damien."

"Oh for God's…."

"Shut up and listen to me! I'm not mad on how selfless you're being. I'm mad because you do it a way in which you value your own life as worthless. It's not! But you keep putting yourself on the line and you don't even realize it. I told you that you do have a home now. And you told me that you didn't want to lose me! Well I don't want to lose you either!"

She then planted her face in my chest while digging her fingers into my shoulders so much it started to hurt. But what followed was far more painful to hear.

She was crying.

"I love you." She said with a sob.

There are moments in my life it which I had no response to. This was the one however, I dreaded the most and it was sooner than I would have expected. So much so that I couldn't even move. What can a man like me say or do in a situation like this? It wasn't fear of rejection, commitment, or any of that other crap that any relationship expert will spew out. It's something I can't get rid of even after I've managed to change so much because it kept coming back.

It was myself. I'm a monster. And it is in a monsters nature to do harm.

She then lifted her face up off my chest to look at me with a tear filled but hopeful gold eye for a response. But all I could give was a look of abject terror. No words were needed for this moment. I can't give that answer until I know that monster is dead.

And I don't know how to kill it.