It's time for everyone's favorite... he's certainly my #1, the hottest gravity wilder ever, Chuuya!Warning: graphic content and language ahead...
"Alright boys, et's shear us sum Sheep!"
A series of whoops and haulers howled in agreement, panting like wild hyenas eager for a hunt. This territory would soon belong to the Takadekai mob, they just needed to 'evict' their greatest competition for the turf. Once the rag tag bunch of street urchins who dared call themselves an organization were out of the way Takadekai would begin their ambitious plans of accumulating more real estate and illegal merchandise until eventually gaining enough support to rule Yokohama's underworld; usurping the king of the night.
Fortunately, the illegal merchandise they'd already pilfered would be adequate enough to handle these so called 'Sheep.'
Yokohama's foreign settlement, Suribatchi city was a metaphorical wasteland where only criminals and 'stray dogs' resided. Grimmy trash cans and rusty old storage containers made an endless maze of slums for unfortunate souls born abandoned in the world who had to scrap and fight day after day just to survive. All dreaming of a better life but knowing it would never come. Having instead to rely on their own resolve; some fortunate enough to find kindred lost souls.
Lost souls like the Sheep.
The boss smiled, loading a magazine into his gun. A nod in both directions and his men were off on the hunt whilst he stalked forward, ears peeled for any lost lambs ducking for shelter.
"Stay quiet." A boy in his mid teens whispered to his group of sheep members younger than twelve. All struggled to keep their whimpers at bay from their hiding spot behind a large brick wall. Peering out the other side, the boy gasped when he saw the boss creep by like a lion stalking its prey. His twisted grin and sharp canines only added to the illusion. The dark shadows of the moonless night may have provided good camouflage but it was only a matter of time before they'd be discovered.
"Cum' out, cum' out ittle lambs. Don't make dis big bad wulf hav ta huff and puff and blow all ya's down!"
Another young teen, covered the mouth of a small girl; pulled her flush against a large rock in an attempt to go unnoticed. He was sure his erratic heartbeat alone would give them away. That or the girl's constant sniffling. He needed to run, take the girl and flee back to base. They just had to wait for the right opportunity too--
"Found ya!"
The boy jumped and the girl screamed when the boss popped his head out from the other side of the wall, both stumbling back in terror. The boy shoved the girl behind him in a meager attempt to shield her but knew his weak frame would be little challenge for the hulking thug.
Instinct told them running was their only hope, a hope quickly extinguished by the sounds of their fellow sheep being herded and dragged out in the open. The boss raised his gun with a jerk of his head singling the kids to move. Heads down and hands up, they complied and were horrified to see most of their comrades already on their knees surrounded by dozens of armed men. Too many for most of the group to count.
The boss chuckled. "See fellers, what'd I tells ya? The Sheep ain't nothin' but a bunch of snot nosed brats. Hard ta believe so many er afraid of 'em whens they ain't effin gifted. Hell, mosta em' ain't effin outta dippers!"
Wild laughter filled the air. Several of the older sheep members sneered with resentment, while the rest clung to each other unable to control their sobbs. The thugs continued their hysterics, some doubling over clutching their middles. A boy no more than ten had enough and silenced the insanity by spitting right in the boss's eye.
Several long seconds passed as the shock of what just transpired set in.
"YA BRAT!!!" Red with rage, the boss yanked the boy by his hair and kicked him to the ground. The boy struggled to get up, only for another kick to strike his gut. Sheep members cried and Takadekai members elated at every bone crunching blow their boss delivered to the helpless child.
Flipping the now bloodied boy on his back, the boss aimed his gun directly at his head. "Et's see if tha wool is still good wen it's fulla holes..."
His trigger finger froze... Brows knitted together with confusion spotting the red outline encasing his body, Suddenly his body felt like it weighed a ton and he was throttled to the ground. He fought to breathe. Something was shoving him down, crushing him with unimaginable weight. "W--wat tha?..."
"Boss, you ok?" One of his men called... only for said man to suddenly be lifted off the ground, along with several others. It was unbelievable, all of the men and their weapons were floating in the air. As if something had turned off gravity. The brutes who had been cackling only moments ago were now hollering in alarm.
A second later they were elevated higher, then slammed against the gravel. Their guns remained floating and some unseen force crumpled them up mid air like discarded soda cans.
Grunts and groans filled the air when the phenomenon ceased and the battered men tried standing on shaking legs. All except the boss, who was still pinned.
"The fuck was that?" One man asked another as he was pulled to his feet.
"Don't know, but I think we--"
It came like a missile. Harder than a steam engine. A black blur outlined in red crashing into the thug before he could finish what he was about to say, driving him into a nearby brick wall then leaving his broken corpse to fall in a mangled heap of dust and stone.
The rest had no time to comprehend what had just happened because the flying blur was whirling through the air, bouncing off roofs, walls and... the men themselves. Avoiding the sheep with expert precision.
Dozens of Takasekai men all met the same fate as the first. One right after another being thrown back, kicked, crushed, into twisted sacks of blood and bones. The blur was picking up speed.
One man tried to run despite his broken leg; he managed two steps before the blur crashed into him from behind, snapping his spine like a twig and leaving him for dead.
The boss couldn't see what was happening-- his face was still plastered to the asphalt-- but he could still hear the horrific sounds of his men being slaughtered like animals. Finally when his last subordinate was down, the gravitational force crushing him dissipated and he scrambled to his feet, frantically looking in all directions for any sign of the monster.
His expression turned to horror seeing his comrades mangled corpses. What had been a fully armed gang of nearly thirty burly thugs was now just him. But how?
The sheep members were still huddled together in a circle, just as stunned as the Takasekai boss.
"W...what the fuck? H-ow?... who?...what?" The boss stuttered; circled around in pure panic. He was about to run when the black blur came hurtling towards him out of the darkness, pinning him down on his back. A cough brought blood spurting from his mouth. He was sure several of his ribs were broken under the concentrated weight standing on his chest. Blinking the dust from his blurry vision, he was able to make out the red outline surrounding what could only be a boot perched directly over his heart.
He followed the trail from the boot up a thin leg, small torso, and finally met an angry pair of piercing blue eyes, shrouded by red locks and burning with bloodlust. A chill ran down his spine when their owner spoke.
"Try all you want, but you can't outrun gravity asshole."
Gravity, what?... No, it couldn't be.
"You know what I hate more than assholes, asshole?... Assholes who pick on little kids for fun. That really pisses me off."
The boss screamed as the pressure on his diaphragm increased. Like a boulder slowly crushing his lungs.
"You Takasekai shitheads sure are stupid. Didn't anyone ever tell you 'those who step in the sheep's territory will be met with vicious retaliation?'... Oh well, doesn't matter anyway. You sons of bitches are nothing but bugs lookin' to get squashed. Allow me to grant your wish..."
Struggling to remain conscious, the boss managed another look at his inhuman assailant and his eyes widened. He was a kid-- probably late teens but his short stature and petite frame made him look much younger. He kept his hands tucked into the pockets of his pea coat and the hood of a hoodie pulled over his fire red hair. A crimson aura surrounded his body and moved on to everything he touched, including the boss.
Realization dawned on the mob leader. The red hair, blue eyes, and emince power… Oh shit! He'd really fucked up.
"I… I know you…" He coughed. "...Yur t'at gifted gravity user… Chuuya Nakahara!" He forced a laugh that only made more blood coat his lips. "Nev'r thought ya'd be such a shrimp." Laughing again sealed the boss's fate.
Chuuya seethed, removing his boot from the bastard's chest then kicked his head to the ground. The added gravitational force broke his neck and crushed his skull in one blow. He ran his boot across the gravel to rid it of blood and brain matter. "Bastard." He spit. "You got off easy."
"Shougo!" Chuuya heard a girl cry and came out of his enraged stupor to see his young comrades surrounding the injured boy from early and quickly joined them. One look at Shougo's bruised and bloodied form made Chuuya wish he could crush that Takasekai bastard's head in again a thousand times over.
He had no problem with older punks seeking a good throttle, matter of fact there were few things Chuuya loved more than a good fight to ease his ever constant impulses. But kids, no. Anybody who would willingly hurt a child was the scum of the earth in Chuuya's eyes. Kids were precious and innocent, sure the orphans in Suribatchi had to grow up faster than the privileged hacks in Yokohama's suburbs but still, children shouldn't have to fight grown-up battles.
The younger members of the group all sobbed around their injured friend while others ground their teeth in anger.
Chuuya fully understood their frustration but knew it wasn't the time for it. "Let's get him back to the base." He said, already moving to lift the boy with his ability. Less contact meant less pain, and the poor boy was certainly in a lot of it.
An older boy just shy of Chuuya's age stepped forward, expression grim. "Chuuya I... I mean I--"
"I know." Chuuya cut him off as he turned to leave with Shougo floating beside him groaning in pain. "It wasn't your fault. If you're going to blame someone, blame me."
Though it wouldn't be enough to console them, it was enough for Chuuya seeing as how he already blamed himself. He knew nothing could erase this awful night from his friends minds, but oh how he wished he could.
Embers turned to ash from the long smokey drag of his cigarette. The bitter taste of nicotine coated his tongue as he welcomed the sensation of smoke filling his lungs, holding it in for a few pleasurable seconds before exhaling euphoric relief.
Having successfully delivered Shougo back to the Sheep's hideout, Chuuya left him in the care of Yuan, one of his closest friends-- and sometimes more-- for the comfort of sweet solitude and tobacco. He sat on a tin roof overlooking the massive crater that took up most of Suribatchi's center. A gigantic bowl left behind from a great explosion eleven years ago. An event that changed Chuuya's life.
Mainly because as far as he knew that was when his life started.
But he didn't want to think about that now. Opting instead to turn his focus on the twinkling lights and distant rhythms of Yokohama's nightlife. The so-called 'gifted utopia' was truly a magnificent sight to behold. Be it day or night, the gorgeous architectural port city never ceased to take Chuuya's breath away. He'd lost count of how many times he'd just sit here gazing; wondering what life was like on the other side of the river so to speak.
So close yet so far away.
Since Suribatchi city was technically cut off from Yokohama's mainland the only ways in or out were by boat or air. The latter being Chuuya's option, but most residents in the slums had to find alternative means to reach the harbor's, such as secret tunnels or shallow crossings. Fortunately newer, easier routes appeared due to a failed attempt some years back, to convert the peninsula into a private suburb for the wealthy.
Taking another puff of smoke, Chuuya's thoughts went back to earlier that evening when a rival gang made the stupid mistake of crossing him. Thinking about how bad of shape Shougo was in, unsure if he'd pull through with just the pathetic excuse for a first-aid kit the sheep put together over the years from what mediocre medical supplies they managed to scrounge or steal.
Thinking about the other kid's tears and looks of helplessness only made his blood boil more.
Seething rage bubbled to the surface, clawing for freedom... No! He shook his head, willing the rabid beast inside away. He may be pissed but he could not afford to lose control. That would mean the end of everyone and everything he cared about. The bastard's were dead and that was enough.
Still, his hot temper wouldn't be sated with only one cigarette. Putting out the butt of his first and reaching into the back of his jeans for another, he cursed when his lighter refused to cooperate. Having to flick it more than a few times before finally holding a flame. Damn, he'd have to find a new one soon.
"You should really quit that, ya know?"
Chuuya closed his eyes, ignoring the familiar voice behind him, taking a much needed drag. "Fuck you." He said, exhaling through his nose. "Calling the kettle black, Shirase. We both know you love them as much as I do."
Shirase chuckled, taking a seat next to his best friend. "Hence why I want you to quit. More for me."
That brought a small smile to Chuuya's lips, "You really are a bastard, you know that?"
"Well I never met my parents so, who knows?"
They couldn't help but laugh, until Shirase's mouth formed a thin line. "Akira told me what happened, sorry I wasn't here."
Chuuya looked away. "There wasn't anything you could do. I handled it."
"Yeah but... I know how much you hate having to do that."
So true. Chuuya did what was needed to survive but that didn't mean he took joy in ending lives. Even worthless scum like the Takasekai mob. He loved a good fight but always made a point to go farther when absolutely necessary.
"It's over now, best to move on."
Shirase nodded.
"What I don't understand though is how they got in? You can't find our base without a bracelet. So how?"
Suribatchi was full of mysteries. One of the biggest being a strange phenomenon; an ever changing labyrinth underground. Some say before the explosion, this wonder of science only affected old pipelines and buried settlements lost to time. However, the blast opened a metaphorical doorway below, allowing it to expand within the great crater.
No certain paths were set without a clear focal point of where to go. Without one an individual would be lost in an endless loop. It was these exact reasons the sheep had stationed their base of operations inside it's perimeter, making enemy raids near impossible. To ensure no sheep ever got lost, a mental pathway was created with handmade bracelets every member wore to signify belonging to the organisation.
Therefore, as much as Chuuya abhorred the thought, he knew Takasekai locating them so easily meant one of two things: A sheep had been captured and forced to guide the way, or a sheep had willingly led the way. The latter seemed preposterous to Chuuya and he prayed he was wrong about both scenarios.
He would have pondered the issue more had Shirase not quickly changed the subject, snatching something behind him. "I almost forgot… you look like you could definitely use this."
Chuuya's mouth formed a small grin reading the label on the pilfered red wine bottle. "You know me so well." He said, happy to see his friend already took the liberty in opening it.
"You can thank me later."
Chuuya laughed while taking a huge drink. "Hate to break it to you my friend but I don't swing that way, and even if I did you wouldn't be my type."
"Try saying that later when you're three sheets to the wind."
"I'd have to be, wouldn't I?" They laughed again. Moments passed and Chuuya's eyes darkened once more. "You went across the river again didn't you?" Shirase nodded. "Why, to steal more booze?" His voice took a sharp edge, gesturing to the bottle.
"I went to get information."
"What kind of information?"
"Information about… about them."
Following his friend's line of vision. Chuuya cursed in understanding, tossing his cigarette butt away. "Not again Shirase!"
"What's stopping us, Chuuya?... huh? If those two old timers did it, why can't we?"
It was times like this when Shirase's crazy pipe dreams ran wild, Chuuya's already thin patience ran even thinner and he desperately needed another drink. Usually he'd be down for any kind of insane thrill, but not this.
"Need I remind you those old timers aren't just your average gifted," Not that there was such a thing, "they're Soukoku, Shirase. Protecting the city is kinda their job."
"So what? You think I'm scared of some legend?" Shirase was on his feet now, "They walked right through the front door of the Port Mafia headquarters and took the seats of power for themselves with their abilities right? Well there's no way their powers-- whatever they are, could stand a chance against yours. I mean, you don't even need to go through a door, Chuuya. You could just fly right to the top and kick those geezers out the window. Nobody could challenge you then. And the sheep would finally be outta this hellhole. Don't you want that?
"Of course I do." Chuuya said. "And believe me, I'd gladly do just that if I thought it'd be that easy. Even if I did kick the old farts to the curb, what do we know about running a city? Besides… it's not like they haven't changed things for the better."
"Changed things for the better of Yokohama you mean. Nobody cares about the slums or us strays. Since the Port Mafia was annihilated, there's no place for guys like us, Chuuya. So we gotta make our own."
Chuuya scuffed, he couldn't argue with that. "And I suppose the Gifted Special Operations and Military Police will just sit by and let a bunch of kids start calling the shots? Maybe the GSS will bake us a cake?"
"You've never been one to play by the rules, since when do you care about them?"
"I don't," Chuuya retorted, "but what you're thinking is not only stupid, it puts everyone at risk. That's exactly the kind of shit the Port Mafia pulled before the end and look what happened. This whole town went to hell, not just Suribatchi. At least those Soukoku bastards went and did something about it when they made themselves kings."
Turning his back to his best friend, Shirase tapped his foot with agitation. "And you think we couldn't make things better too? You think the sheep don't have what It takes?"
In truth? No he didn't. Excluding himself, Shirase, Yuan, and a few others in their late teens. The sheep were nothing but children. Not soldiers or politicians. Most of them couldn't even write their own names. What could they do in a corporate setting?
Another discerning factor was that Chuuya was the only gifted within their ranks. While his ability was astronomical-- literally, he couldn't risk losing control by being a one man army twenty-four/seven. He contemplated what to say but Shirase pulled a one-eighty on topic.
"You know the king of the night adopted two amazing gifted's after he took over?"
That made Chuuya piqued. "Everyone knows about the so-called prince and princess Shirase, what of them?"
"I heard a rumor about the prince. Apparently he's insane. Completely ruthless, they say no ability in the world can compete with his… and the worst thing anyone can do is make him their enemy.
Chuuya wanted to laugh. "Translated: he's a privileged prick who can't wipe his own ass." He quipped but Shirase wasn't in the mood for jokes.
"I'm serious Chuuya."
"So am I."
"My point is that psycho's supposed to take over someday. Do you really want someone like that running things? If he's the monster everyone says he is then we're all screwed."
Shaking his head, Chuuya was starting to get annoyed, and the liquor hadn't set in yet. His friend really paid too much stock in grapevine whispers. Most of the time they were complete fabrications. Now he was tired of the whole conversation. "The answer's 'no,'" He left no room for argument, "so just drop it ok."
Shirase clenched his fist hard enough to draw blood, he was so frustrated he could scream. Why couldn't Chuuya see? But there was no point in pestering him further now so he relented, waiting a minute before sitting back down to resume his gazing.
Seconds passed in silence before he recalled something else and plastered on a sly smile glancing back at Chuuya over his shoulder. "You know I heard something about the princess too…" Chuuya rolled his eyes, needing another drink, nothing would stop his friend now. "Apparently she's smoking hot. Her hair is black as night, and her eyes are like wild flowers-- whatever that means... They say she heals people, and is the most beautiful woman in Yokohama."
"And I'll bet she's just waiting for you to play Prince Charming." Chuuya waved sarcastically, fanning injury when his friend faux punched his shoulder.
Another moment passed and Shirase frowned. "Imagine it Chuuya… Living at the top... Rich beyond your wildest dreams, with a princess at your side-- in your bed. Why wouldn't you want all of that?"
Because he needed answers first. At eighteen years old, Chuuya still had no idea who he was or where he came from. Unlike everyone else he wasn't sure if he'd even truly been born. His earliest memory was waking up in the middle of the massive crater, surrounded by floating debris at seven years old with an ID bracelet on his wrist, covering something that only added more questions to his existence.
He'd had to struggle alone for several years before the sheep took him in, and though he felt obligated to them for their kindness and friendship, he never quite felt like he belonged. Yet oddly enough, he did feel a strange pull towards Yokohama. He couldn't tell Shirase that of course or he'd never hear the end of the hypocrisy. But it wasn't that Chuuya didn't want to be in Yokohama, it was that something made him feel at ease knowing it was safe under the king's watch.
Shirase wanted a better life at the top but cared little about the city's wellbeing. He believed Chuuya just wasn't up for the task of responsibility, but what he didn't know was if Chuuya thought for a minute Yokohama and it's people were in jeopardy, nothing would stop him from eviscerating all who stood in his way of taking charge.
Taking a deep breath and fiddling with his bottle, Chuuya fumbled for the right thing to say. "Shirase, I--"
ChUuYa
His ear twitched when he heard the hiss.
ChUU...yA
He looked behind and saw nobody there, Shirase raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"Did you hear that?" Chuuya asked and Shirase looked up as if something had flown by then back at his friend.
"Hear what?"
Chuuya held a finger to his lips while listening carefully. For a while nothing happened and he was about to chalk it up to the wind when…
chhhUu--YA
"That." He said, gesturing over his shoulder, "You don't hear that… whispering?"
"I think you've had a sip too many, buddy…"
"Shut up and listen." Shirase did as told, all senses focused to his ears but they couldn't pick up anything other than distant car horns and ocean waves. Chuuya however, was on his feet now practically in a trance.
Chhh--aaa… cHu-a… cOme cccchuuuya… I'mmm he--rrre
There was a slight stinging sensation on his left wrist. Not the first time it's happened but this time the burn seemed to grow with every lurching hiss of his name.
c...om..EtoMeeCh...ya
I hAAveThEE--aN-s..wERs… yO--seEk
Chhhuuya
chUU--ya
"Chuuya!"
Blinking out of his apparent trance, Chuuya heard Shirase calling him, his voice seeming distant despite standing right next to him. "W-what?... What did you say?"
"I said, we should head back to the base."
Chuuya looked back toward the crater's center, hundreds of shelters, boxes and masses littered for miles within the bowl. Thousands of ways to be lost forever. He decided to follow his friend.
D-On'T trrUstt Himmm
He halted, eyes wide.
He'S gOing to BeetrAy you... tHeY all aRe.
C--oOme tO mee
The stinging sensation was back and Chuuya decided to investigate. Tucking his hands back in his pockets, he looked back at Shirase. "You go ahead. There's something I need to check out." Shirase cocked his head unsure if he should leave.
"You're sure?" Chuuya nodded. "Ok, just don't get lost alright?"
Chuuya scuffed, "As if…" Red aura incoming his body, Chuuya did a backflip off the roof and to a nearby wall then proceeded to pinball off countless other momentum points through the slums, leaving his friend behind.
Shirase watched as he disappeared. Once he was sure Chuuya was out of range he pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket and hit a button before holding it to his ear. "It's me. We're a go… I'll meet you in five minutes."
Kicking an old can out of the way, Chuuya continued down the long dark corridor holding a small flashlight one of the sheep had given him from a successful raid. Too bad the batteries were running on fumes.
After he'd left Shirase behind, Chuuya followed that incessant whispering all the way to the central point of Suribatchi's great crater and down an old pipe that had been covered up by large pieces of stone and brick. Neither of which were a hindrance due to his ability. He'd flown down the pipe-- he didn't know how far below ground-- ending up in what could only be described as an ancient tunnel.
Above was the pipeline but up ahead was a stone pathway leading-- presumably nowhere, but he continued on all the same. His wrist was really irritating him and he wasn't sure if what he'd heard was real. He seemingly got his answer when he reached a dead end. Using his flimsy flashlight to check for any other pathways and turning back when he'd found none.
Arahabaki
Chuuya froze, his eyes wide. That name? How?
yEs… I k-n-ow
Spinning back around, his ability activated on its own.
"Who are you? Answer me, damn it!"
I… KnoWyOUU Cuuu--A.
I knOwWhaaT-- yooo-- aRE
"Shut up! I don't know you!"
YoU… shouLd KilL TheM CHuUya! KiLL thEM!
Now he saw red. He needed no clarification about who 'them' were. His eyes blazed and his fists clenched.
Gooood. UsEyoUR anGER
"What do you want from me?" He ground out.
I--iii waNT frEEDOm frEE me
KI...ll tHEM al--l
"Just shut up ok! I'd never do that!" This thing was provoking him.
DeeP down YoU kNoW Thhey'll bETRay Y...O
T--Ey aLrEADy ha...vE
"No! S-shut up!"
KilL TheM CHuUya! KiLL thEM! kILL THem! KILL THEM!
"I said SHUT UP!" His gravity enhanced fist drove into the wall, taking with it all of his anger. Cracks zigzagged around his fist, pieces of earth crumbling away. Something was behind the surface. Another wall perhaps? He shined his light revealing a medallion-like emblem. Two small ovals were perched on the upper left and right hand sides of one large circle with two smaller ovals inside--eyes? And… was that a grin? Chuuya had trouble determining what the creature was. A mouse? No, a rat. A grinning rat.
Carefully he traced the sharp outline of the logo, wincing when he felt something nick his hand. A few blood drops fell to the ground when he inspected the small cut. Odd? He was about to look further when a wave of dizziness overcame him. That's weird, he rarely gets fatigued. Was he getting sleepy? That made up his mind. Turning back the way he came and spearing one last look over his shoulder before activating his ability and racing down the tunnel and back up the pipe.
The dizziness only got worse once above ground. Chuuya even had to steady himself, his mind was becoming cloudy. He just needed to focus and get home, but that seemed easier said than done right now. Fortunately he wouldn't have to.
"Chuuya?"
Looking up, Chuuya saw Shirase running towards him.
"S--Shirase, what?... how did you?..." He struggled with coherent words but Shirase just grabbed him by the shoulder.
"Easy buddy, easy. I've got you."
"Something's wrong. I-I don't feel so good."
Chuuya was too loopy to notice his friend's amused smile. "Don't worry pal, you're going to be fine… that's just the tranquilizer doing its job."
Chuuya froze. Forcing the fog in his head away long enough to look up. "What did you say?"
"I told you, you had a sip to many." Shirase chuckled and Chuuya's eyes widened in understanding. The wine? Shirase poisoned the wine. Acting fast he shoved himself out of his hold, stumbling when the world started to spin and falling to his knees.
"The hell did you do Shirase?" He growled.
"You should've listened, Chuuya. If you won't get us outta this dump then I had to find someone who would…" Just then, Shirase whistled through his fingers and several spotlights flared to life nearly blinding Chuuya, along with dozens and dozens of armed men in SWAT uniforms and the letters GSS stitched in. A helicopter flew in, kicking up dirt and debris, dropping latter's out on both sides with even more SWAT members surrounding the teens.
Chuuya fixed furious eyes on Shirase. "You're working with them?" He shouted.
Shirase nodded. "The gifted special operations division can be very persuasive. They offered the senior sheep members amnesty in Yokohama, in exchange all they wanted was you."
Realization dawned on Chuuya's face at the word senior… "It was you who led the Takadekai mob to our hideout! You wanted to off the kids!" He was seething.
Shirase shrugged. "Fewer sheep means better options. Oh well… at least I'll still get out of this shithole. Nice know'n you Chuuya." He turned on his heel but paused to say, "Oh, and don't worry. None of the others knew about this. This was all me." He fixed his coat and walked off. Leaving Chuuya to stare daggers.
"Shirase, you bastard!... I'll kill you!"
He leapt to his feet, charging after the man who betrayed him, only for several GSS soldiers to jump in front taking aim. Even in his weakened state they were no challenge for Chuuya's gravity. Instantly encasing them in his crimson aura and crushing them into lifeless piles of meat.
He surged ahead only to feel multiple stings on various parts of his body, a glance at his arm and he saw a tranquilizer dart, no doubt the cause for the other stings.
His body grew heavy-- not due to his ability-- and his vision blurred. He was scarcely aware of being pushed to the ground and his hands forced behind his back. Something cold was placed on his wrist and his ability decimated. The last thing Chuuya saw before his vision went black was his sheep membership bracelet being tossed away. A single tear ran down his cheek, then finally he lost his battle with consciousness.
From his vantage overlooking Suribatchi's massive crater, Oda Sakunosuke watched as the GSO helicopter flew back towards Yokohama. Hands tucked into his coat pockets, he breathed a sigh of relief. That was a close one.
Having witnessed the whole event, he almost felt sorry for the kid. Life was hard enough but now this? Still it was all for the better. As soon as Oda had heard the whispers he'd immediately hastened to the location. The labyrinth phenomenon wasn't an issue since it was his ancestors who'd created it in the first place. An ability used to better protect the demon's prison from outsiders.
He'd been relieved to see the redhead exit tunnel, seemingly ignorant of where he had been, then the GSS SWAT team showed up and Oda had to retreat back to the shadows. Standing by as they carted the kid to the helicopter and loading up their casualties.
The whispers had stopped as soon as the kid was hauled off. Oda almost smirked. Not today rat. Not today.
A silver haired man with crimson eyes, in a dirty old camo shaw came up behind him and spoke. "Sakunosuke, the prison is secure and the voice has stopped."
"I know Gide. Take some of the men and go help the sheep kid who was beaten. I'll handle the little Judas."
André Gide almost shuttered thinking about what awaited the brat. A look of uncertainty piqued his brows. "Are you sure we shouldn't have intervened?... That boy is--"
"I know exactly what that boy is!" Oda cut him off, "Precisely why we weren't going to do a damn thing. The further he is from Suribatchi city the better… you know why."
Gide nodded, looking away. "Even so, he killed those GSS officers, as well as all those mobsters. The government won't hesitate in putting him to death."
"Oh they'll hesitate alright." Oda gruffed. "Once they know what we know. Don't worry so much, fate has a funny way of looking out for his kind. I'd wager the GSO penitentiary is exactly where he needs to be. It'll only be a matter of time before the king's get wind of him."
"If you say so." Gide relented.
Turning his head back to Yokohama, Oda fixed his gaze on the five omnipresent black towers stationed in the city's center. The tallest structures within the great city. The prominent central one standing taller than all others… The home of the king's. Tides were turning and Yokohama was about to birth a new era. It all made Oda so curious. Perhaps he'd finally find a story worth writing?
"Only a diamond can polish another diamond." He whispered.
Gide said nothing, turning away from his superior and off to complete his task.
Within the underground tunnel, the few droplets of Chuuya's blood absorbed into the earth. Bringing a pleased smile to the lips of a long forgotten evil trapped in darkness. Not enough to free him, yet. But enough to kickstart a series of events that would threaten the world.
Yeah, so, be it canon or here, Shirase will always be a right C-word.My inspiration is The Mummy so just go ahead and classify him as a slimmer version of Beni.And before anyone roast me over Gide working with Oda, let me clarify right now I hate Gide too for what he did, but as I stated in my Prologue, Oda is the last of his family and he needed some backup. All will be explained later but let's just say I did this purely for the irony.Stay tuned because next we're having a time jump and heading over to Yokohama where we'll meet our favorite suicidal maniac, chainsaw happy doctor, and beloved boss daddy's... Hehe! ;)
