March 4th, 2012
Osaka, Japan
Ms. Neza's Dessert Shop
Nakamura sat in his upstairs office. Wearing a silk red suit. Eating a piece of peach cheesecake while watching a soap opera. It was only him inside, as the rest of his gang patroled downstairs and around the street. It was almost 10 PM and the shop was getting ready to close.
After licking his fork clean, Nakamura leaned back in his chair to think. News of the downtown choas made headlines, as an unknown foreigner murdered a wanted sex offender and escaped police custody with the aid of two masked accomplices. Seth's face was seen, letting Nakamura know that his temporary help disappeared, and his main enforcer had betrayed him. It was only a matter of time before they came for him. Someone knocked, prompting Nakamura to clutch a snub nose revolver inside his jacket.
"Ohairikudasai. (Come in.)"
Old Ms. Neza saunters in. Carrying a small box with a bow. She places it down on the desk.
"Watashi wa ie ni mukatte imasu. Keki no kuzu to kukki no hahen ga haitta hakodesu. (I'm heading home. Here's a box filled with some cake scraps and cookie bits.)"
"Arigatogozaimashita. (Thank you.)"
"Komatta koto wa arimasu ka? (Something troubling you?)"
Nakamura smiled and stood up. Ms. Neza was in with the Rainbow Gang. Not as a member, more as a safe space for any of Asuka's men.
"Shinpai suru hitsuyo wa arimasen. Ie ni kaette yasunde kudasai. (Nothing for you to be concerned over. Please, get home and rest.)"
The exchanged a hug and Ms. Neza went her way. As she closed the door, something bounced off the office window. Nakamura drew his weapon, crouching over to the window to take a look. It was just his boys playing with a soccer ball. Nakamura opened the window, loudly yelling at his men to do that somewhere else. Things started to get stressful. It was time to leave. He collected his small things, going straight for the door. Across the street on a rooftop, Ruby in full gear, looked on with a small scope.
"Hey guys, Nakamura just had a fit." She said through an earpiece. "He's on his way out. I'm heading in."
When Nakamura's team leaves, Ruby prepares a grappling hook and rope. Since the two buildings were only seperated by an alley, she wouldn't have to throw far. She gets a swing going and hurls it, hooking onto the roof, right above the second floor office window. A quick look around to make sure it was clear. With no one in sight, she swings over, planting her feet on both sides of the window. She presses against the window and pushes up. Thankfully, Nakamura left the window open. Ruby rolls inside, calling Kenny back.
"Rouge to Cleaner, im in."
"Sweet. There's a thick dictionary on a bookshelf. We need it."
Ruby checks the multi layered shelf, seeing multiple books with that description.
"I can't read Japanese. Which one am I taking?"
"Should be bright yellow."
"Yellow...yellow...got it!"
"It should be hollow in the middle. That's where Nakamura keeps a key to a storage unit."
"Got it. You said there also a safe right?"
"In a corner under the potted plant. I couldn't get the code. Can you crack it?"
"No."
She pushes the large plant away, exposing a floor safe. Ruby pulls out a small lump of clay. Rolling it into a small strip and squeezing it between the safe door. She sticks a small string in the clay as an ignition. Lighting it and backing up. A small pop goes off, blowing the door open.
"Rouge, what the hell was that?"
"Homeade C4 babe." She replied, waving smoke away.
"Give a heads up next time. What's in there? "
Ruby's eyes light up seeing a bundle of jewlery and gems.
"Son of a bitch kept all of the loot from our jewlery grab. Wasn't he supposed to hand that to Aska?"
"It's Asuka, and yes he was. Doesn't suprise me at all. You know how much that haul was worth?"
"Yup. I even see some new stuff. He must of been stashing this for a while."
"Well bag it up and get out of there. Me and Seth are going for Nakamura. We'll meet up at our safe space afterwards."
Momo's Bar
Seth and Kenny await on the roof top of the bar in full gear. Seth eyeing the streets as Kenny finishes up with Ruby.
"Cleaner, we got something."
Kenny hops over to Seth and looks down. Nakamura's group were pulling up in a few cars.
"Hey Seth, before we do this, I just want you to know that it's been amazing having you back."
Seth was silent. Not even turning in Kenny's direction. Just completely focused on his target.
"You listening?" Kenny asked, tapping Seth's back.
Seth swatted his former best friends hand away.
"Save the sweet words for someone else. Let's just hurry up and get this finished."
Kenny rolled his eyes as he and Seth prepared a few smoke bombs. Thier gloves were fitted with brass knuckles and steel bracers wrapped around thier knees. Kenny was never one to use guns. Seeing it as a cowards way out of a real right. The three car convoy parked across the street. Nakamura getting out with his face full of ire. As they approach Momo's, Kenny launches the attack.
A large cloud of smoke arises from the multiple bombs. Everyone including nearby civies start screaming in confusion. Seth dives off, landing knees first on one mans chest. Kenny jumps right after, landing on the third car. He hops down, giving a flying knee to the first person he saw. Kenny rolls across the ground, leg sweeping another guy. Seth punches someone from behind, right before throwing him through a car window. Seth is tackled from nowhere against the car. His attacker points a gun in Seth's face. Seth smacks it away, then headbutts his opposition. He searches for Nakamura, who is seen running down the street.
"He's making a break for it!"
Seth and Kenny give chase. Nakamura lets off a couple shots, causing them to momentarily take cover. One bullet takes out a street light. Another bullet bouncing off a nearby building. It continues towards a train station next to a bridge. Nakamura hurries downstairs, taking more shots as the duo appear by the bridge. Not to far behind, Nakamura's gang starts to catch up.
"Shit! Black, go after Nakamura. I'll take care of these clowns."
"You sure? There's at least six of them."
Kenny chuckled as he hugged Seth unexpectedly. A very tight hug at that.
"Did you forget already? I'm the best martial artist in the world! Now get going!"
Seth pauses momentarily, but nods and continues after Nakamura, while Kenny prepares himself on the bridge. Clutching a sword and lighting a few Bumpers, as he was out of smoke bombs. Seven men drew close towards the bridge, packing pistols and Uzi's. Kenny threw four Bumpers towards the group. They all explode, knocking down at least two of them. The others a little disoriented after the massive bang.
Kenny charges in, sword ready. Coming in low and slicing an ankle of one. He pops up, dodging a gunshot. A quick slash leading to a cut throat. Quickly ducking low and spinning around to stab another in the ribs. Two incapacitated. One with a fatal wound and another with a minor one. The other three taking cover behind a mailbox and stone bridge railing.
"COME ON! IS THAT ALL THE RAINBOW GANG HAS TO OFFER!" Kenny screamed while running foward.
The remaining three all take fire from their positions. Kenny runs a zig zag pattern to avoid the shots. One thug that was knocked down from the bumper grabs Kenny's leg, causing him to stumble. More shots go off, with one hitting Kenny's collarbone. Kenny falls back onto the man that grabbed him. The man grips Kenny by the neck, trying to hold him still for a clean hit. Kenny pulls a blade from his boot, stabbing his captors face.
"FUCK OFF!"
Kenny rolls backwards over the body, using it as a shield for incoming Uzi fire. Kenny clutches his wound, as hot lead tears apart the dead body.
"Chikadzuite. (Close in. We got him.)"
As a last act of desperation, Kenny grabs a pistol from his human shield and blind fires. Something to buy Seth a few more seconds of time. His chest was bleeding viciously and there was only one option left. As the men closed in, Kenny pulled off his left boot. Inside was a suprise if a moment like this ever arose. A small capsule of blue liquid. Pure adrenaline. Kenny eats it, instantly feeling a surge of energy. He rises in a flash, taking a bullet to the leg as he leaped forward, plowing his sword the middle one's chest. Kenny takes a few bullets to the back. The drug helps black out the pain, letting him roll over for an uppercut to another guy. On pure instict, Kenny grabs him, using him as a shield as the last man shoots to kill. He ends up killing his partner, giving Kenny the moment to grab the dead man's Uzi and kill the final gang member. He was never one to use guns. However, tonight was an exception.
Kenny lets go of his human shield. He drops to one knee, trying to catch his breath. Blood poured from his wounds.
"Hopefully...that was enough." He thought, breathing heavily as he limped to the side of the bridge.
Not to far off, Seth could be seen chasing Nakamura down the train tracks. Kenny smiled as he collapased. His energy boost was wearing off. Vision was starting to fade. Ruby started calling his name. It was a struggle just to pull an arm to his head, but he managed it.
"Cleaner to Rouge...we're all good here."
"Cleaner what's your status? Kenny? KENNY!"
Nakamura ran for dear life while Seth kept chasing. It continued from the last train stop to an underground tunnel. Both mens chest were on fire. Thier legs were aching. Neither man could afford to stop. They had been running for 3 minutes straight. Nakamura going with no time to reload with Seth so close. A loud horn rung out, signaling an oncoming train. Lights grew bright in Nakamura's eyes. The train was close. With no immediate exit, Nakamura climbs over the railing to the opposite track. Falling over due to exhaustion. Seth hears the train as well. Easily flipping over the railing, thanks to his training.
"Nakamura wa owatta! (It's over Nakamura!)"
Nakamura sits up, fully reloaded at starts shooting. Seth dives behind a metal fixture. Staying put until he hears the clicking of an empty chamber. Nakamura tosses the gun and takes off his jacket.
"Ikagen'ni shite! Kore o koko de owara semashou! (Come on! Lets end this right here!)"
Seth comes from hiding, pulling his mask off. He drew his short sword as Nakamura pulled two large kitchen knives from his back pocket. They inched closer together. Locking eyes with no turning away.
Nakamura charged first, swinging with immense speed. It caught Seth a little off guard, sending him into defense mode. Their steel clanged, ringing out through the hollow area. Nakamura continued his flurry of strikes, backing Seth against the wall. Nakamura takes a step back, throwing one of his knives at Seth's head. Seth ducks and rolls from certain death, with the knife sticking in the wall. Nakamura runs off the wall, grabbing his knife and kicking Seth's jaw. Seth falls but quickly recovers, feeling like he lost a tooth. A train start coming down the tunnel. Both men roll over the railing, continuing to fight.
Seth swings low, slicing Nakamura's leg. He responds by throwing one knife at Seth. Seth once again evades it, which his opponent anticipated. Nakamura leg sweeps Seth, knocking him down. Nakamura kicks away the sword and stomps on Seth's face as the train speeds by. Seth eats mulitple boots, blocking with his hands. Busting his nose and breaking an index finger. Nakamura drives his knife down, stabbing Seth through his right hand.
"AAAHHH YOU BASTARD!"
Seth gives a stiff kick to the crotch, sending Nakamura to his knees. Writhing in pain, he pulled the knife, then hopped on Nakamura's back. Applying a headlock and driving the knife into Nakamura's chest. Nakamura yelled, trying pull the knife. Seth wouldn't let go. He clawed at Seth's face, slowly losing blood and breath.
"Ika sete! Ika sete kudasai, samonakereba, anata wa kanona kagiri osoi hoho de shinudeshou! Anata wa tawagoto no i bubun! (Let me go! Let me go or you'll die in the slowest way possible! You ugly piece of shit!)"
Seth let go. Pushing Nakamura to the gravel and standing up. Nakamura cried in pains, trying to remove the knife. Seth could hear another train coming. He slowly climbed the railing again. Going to tear a piece of Nakamura's jacket to wrap his hand. Nakamura keeps yelling at Seth from the ground. Seth kept his back turned, as the train rolled past and over Nakamura.
"Black to Rouge. Nakamura is done. What's your status? Rouge!"
He could hear a bit of sobbing on her end. His heart sank a little, as he limped down the tunnel.
"Rouge, what's your status?"
"On route to the safe space." She muttered. "...Seth...Kenny."
A single tear fell from Seth's eyes.
"I know. Can you come pick me up? I'm hurt pretty bad."
"Yeah. On my way."
It takes 15 minutes to get Seth. Now they can go to the safe space. Which was the boat Kenny had acquired the other day. The plan was to kill Nakamura and make a run for it by boat. A plan for three, now for two.
As they approach the docks, a delivery truck pulls from a parking lot, seemingly out of nowhere. Ruby hits the brakes, preventing a crash. Another truck pulls behind and suited men exit both trucks. Seth bangs his head on the dashboard and Ruby shakes her head in disgust.
" Kuruma kara. (Out of the car.)"
They get out, being approached by the group. Ruby and Seth get their hands tied and blindfolded with black sacks. Both are stuffed in the car's backseat, while someone else takes the wheel. It felt like hours had passed on the road. Maybe that was just Seth's head in a daze. After stopping, they're pulled from the car and taken in seperate directions.
"SETH?!"
"We're gonna be fine."
"I just want you to know, it's been a fun time."
Seth laughed as he was pushed up a few flights of stairs. The smell of tea and paint invading his senses. He hears a door open and is then seated at a stone coffee table. The sack is yanked off. He now found himself in a lavish condo, with paintings on every wall. Granite stairs and marble shelving. A woman stood by large circular windows, overlooking the city. Wearing overalls covered in paint. Her hair a slurry of colors, with pink and blue. She was finishing up a painting of a castle.
"Bosu. Amerikahito o tsurete kimashita. (Boss. We've brought the American.)"
Upon hearing that, she puts down her brush and walks over to sit on her white couch. A couch already covered in paint stains. She crosses her legs and smiles. Even though this was a first time meet up, he knew who this was.
"Hello, Mr. Rollins."
Seth raised an eyebrow in suprise.
"I didn't realize you spoke english, Lady Asuka."
Asuka wiggles a hand, giving a 'so-so' notion. A maid brings over a tray with two cups of tea. Asuka takes one, the other is offered.
"No thank you."
"Please, drink. You'll feel better."
Seth took the cup as Asuka watched him. Sipping slowly, in case of any funny tricks.
"So, Mr. Rollins-"
"Call me Seth, my Lady."
"Ok, Seth. I've been keeping eyes on you for a while. You work for Shinsuke, right?"
"Yes ma'am."
"With Kenny and the girl?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Good. I know about your plan. You killed my general. For using you."
Seth took a huge swallow. Still in pain. Physically and mentally. Although he did feel a bit better after sipping tea.
"Yes ma'am."
"Then you just leave. Just like that. No, no. That's no good."
"With all due respect. I did what I had to. Just leave the girl out of it. It was all me."
"Very noble. I don't care. You owe me. You left me without someone to run my east town business. That's bad."
"If you're going to ask me to run your business, just shoot me now. I'm NOT intrested."
Asuka started laughing hysterically. Her men soon join her. Seth looked around, feeling like he was left out of a joke.
"Silly boy." She she said, wiping tear from her eye. "You know nothing of my business. Why would I ask you?"
Seth had no answer.
"I know about Kenneth. He is no more. So I need a new enforcer. You're a great fighter and you have connections."
"Again, not intrested."
Asuka points to Seth. Two men grab him, pushing and slamming his head against the table. One grabs Seth's wounded hand, placing it on the table. Asuka pulls off the mock bandage and pours the rest off her hot tea on the wound. Seth screams as the hot liquid seeps through his hand. Asuka kneels down, placing her head on the table next to Seth. Her face was emotionless, contrary to Seth's twisted one.
"Watashi wa tazunete imasendeshita. Anata wa watashi o karite ori, sono shakkin wa hensai sa remasu. Anata wa watashi ga iu koto o surudeshou. Matawa, watashi wa anata ga aisuru subete no hito o hakai shimasu. Wakaru? (I wasn't asking. You owe me, and that debt will be repaid. You will do what I say. Or I will have everyone you love, destroyed. Understand?)"
"Hai! (Yes!)"
They let go and Seth clutches his hand. He was right back to where he started. Curled up on the floor, he rolls over to a bowing position.
"Asuka-sama. Watashi wa anata ga nozomu mono wa nani demo shimasu. Shikashi, on'nanoko o soko kara hazushite kudasai. Onegaidesu. (Lady Asuka. I'll do whatever you wish. But please leave the girl out of it. I beg you.)
Asuka sat back on the couch, pondering. Licking her lips as Seth pleaded for mercy.
"I yo tonikaku kanojo wa watashiniha yakunitatanai. Shikashi, kanojo wa kesshite watashi no machi ni modotte wa ikemasen. (Fine. She's no use to me anyway. But she must never return to my city.)"
Seth sat up in slight relief. Asuks held out her hand. Seth leaned over and kissed it. The ultimate show of respect.
"Arigatogozaimashita. Asuka-sama. (Thank you. Lady Asuka.)"