Prologue: Special Support Section (Part 4)
After confirming the next step, they went to search for the gathering point of [Sabel Viper] and [Testaments].
It wasn't difficult to find it though. [Testaments] was right on left at an underground bar called [Trinity], while [Sabel Viper] was on right side inside an abandoned warehouse. Lloyd decided to visit [Testaments] first.
Opening the door to the bar, they found a billiard table next to the door. On the other side, it was a casual sit with few sofas for the guests. Further in, it was the bar. The bald man and Łazy were there.
"This is more like a billiard bar than a normal bar." Randy said after observing the surrounding.
"…Anyway, [Trinity] is a licensed shop."
"So, this is the gathering point of [Testaments], huh?"
"What do you want?" The bald man noticed the four of them and came closer. Aside of the member of [Testaments], there wasn't much outsider here.
"You're the guys just now…What are you doing here?" The hoodie men dropped their faces realizing it was SSS who interrupted them a moment ago.
"It is opened for business, right?" Lloyd said.
"You idiot…What do you want!? Do not think you can leave without telling your intention!"
"Wait." The bald man stopped the men behind him, and turned to Łazy."… Łazy, your command."
With a lazy tone, Łazy drank the alcohol without looking back.
"…Abbas, take them to me." The bald man - Abbas followed the instruction and brought the team to the front of Łazy, and then stood beside Łazy. "We don't welcome you guys at all…I thought I told you before."
"Yes, I know. But we need to talk to you. I hope you can spare some times to help on the investigation."
"…Investigation, huh? Well, I have no intention to stop the fight with [Sabel Viper]. Although it will trouble the residents here, but I've got no choice."
"It doesn't matter. We're not here to stop the fight." Lloyd's words made Łazy raising his brows. "We're here to find out the reason of the fight."
"Oh…?"
Łazy was very calm. Abbas stopped his men when they're about to tell something.
"…It seems there is something. Would you mind telling me?"
Łazy put down the glass on hand and stood up from the chair elegantly. Then, he walked closer to Lloyd.
"What can you do if you know the reason? What a police can do with the annoying guys in this Downtown like us?"
He sounded provocation. Though he was smiling, but his eyes weren't. They were murderous.
However, Lloyd wasn't afraid at all. What Łazy said was true. The police couldn't do anything. He understood the reason they choose not to believe in police.
"I admit that the police should take more measures. We may not be able to help even we know the reason, that's because we police are different with Bracer who is always putting people in their priority."
"Hey hey…" Hearing that from Lloyd, Randy furrowed his brows. Elie shocked as well.
"Lloyd…"
Łazy slightly laughed.
"What's this? Are you going to get information from us without any return?"
"Of course not. The job of investigator is to uncover the buried truth and show to the people…at least this is how I was educated. If you have doubt in this case, I think I can solve for you. This is the return I can do for you."
In the other words, they could uncover the truth behind the case. And this was the only thing Lloyd could do in this moment.
After a moment of silence, Łazy suddenly burst into laugh.
"Great! This is great! This is really interesting!" He patted on Lloyd's shoulder. "You're Lloyd, right? I like you!"
"…It's not like I said those just to gain your trust, you know." Lloyd sighed. "Alright, are you willing to tell me the reason now?"
Łazy once again sat down on the chair, crossing his hands.
"…Well, since you said so, it will be stingy if we don't return your favor. Abbas, go ahead and tell them."
"…Understood." Abbas looked at Lloyd. "I'm yet introduced myself. My name is Abbas, member of [Testaments]."
"Ah…nice to meet you." His tall figure strangely made Lloyd felt pressured.
"Everything started since five days ago. One of our members was attacked by [Sabel Viper]."
"…Is it a sneak attack?"
"…It wasn't a normal fight?"
"How is it possible to be a normal fighting? How can a normal fighting ended up to be attacked on the head and beat after falling down!?" The hoodie men behind said furiously.
"I-It was a sneak attack…the guy is h-hospitalized…"
Randy shook his head. "This is really vicious…"
"How's the guy now?"
"According to hospital, he is yet regaining consciousness. We're still waiting for the hospital." Abbas answered.
Now they got it. Thing was serious than they thought. No wonder they wanted to start a bloody fight.
"…You didn't report to the police?" Elie asked.
"We don't think the police will actually set out for us. Since we already know the culprit, we're not going to allow anyone to get into our way."
Hearing the answer from Abbas, Elie lowered her head.
"…Wait a moment." Tio broke into conversation. "How do you know it was done by [Sabel Viper] when the guy is still unconscious?"
"Of course, we're not blaming them without proof." The one answered was Łazy. "The reason we determine them as the culprit…Lloyd, since you're an investigator, you should know the reason."
Łazy kicked the ball to Lloyd to test his ability, Lloyd knew it. He was not afraid, and decided to take the challenge directly.
The only way to determine [Sabel Viper] as the culprit was… Lloyd immediately knew it as he had fought the gangs before.
"…From the wounds, right?"
"Exactly."
"…Most of the scars were caused by hit, but there are few lacerations…looks like being cut by something sharp."
"…By something sharp…don't tell me…" Elie was quick to come to understand.
"I see. The spike club, right?" Randy immediately thought of the weapon [Sabel Viper].
"It is really decisive to determine the culprit." Tio nodded her head.
"…Fine, I understand now. Thank you."
"Oh? Is this information enough for you? I thought you're going to advise me to give up on revenging." Łazy raised his brows, feeling surprised.
"Personally, I would like to. Anyway, I would like to get more information, so I will talk to [Sabel Viper] regarding this matter. If I find out anything, I will contact you."
"I see…so you're insisting on investigation, huh? Fine, I look forward on it." Łazy let out a charming smile. "Anyway, if you find nothing, the fight with [Sabel Viper] is unavoidable."
"…I know that." Lloyd sighed.
After leaving [Trinity], the team went to the gathering point of [Sabel Viper]. Unlike [Trinity], this place was spacious, and the door was pretty solid. There was someone guarding out here, too.
"Y-You're…!"
"Live House [Ignis]…it's originally from an abandoned warehouse. Since it never pays any taxes, so the detail is unknown." Tio said.
"Hey, what do want you want! A-Although I am new here, but don't look down on me!" The young guy who dyed his hair to light blue colour shouted as hard as he could to show he was not afraid. But everyone could see he was pretty nervous.
"I need to see your leader. Mind if you can let us go in?"
"W-Who do you think you are! I won't let you go in! No way!"
This was troublesome…Lloyd thought.
Elie took a glance at Lloyd, and then to the young guy. She thought that she had to do something.
"…What is your name?" She said.
"M-Me? Hmm…Dino, my name is Dino."
"Hello, Dino. You're the guard here, guarding anyone to go inside, right?"
"Y-Yes! Big brother Wald told me to guard here, avoid anyone from [Testaments] to break in! I-I take this responsibility by my own!"
"This is really great. But we're not member of [Testaments], so it wouldn't hurt to let us go in."
"T-That's…" Dino stalled. "But you guys were fighting with our members a moment ago…I'm afraid…"
"Indeed we fought them before, but I think it is merely kind of greeting to your people, right? And your leader doesn't matter at all." Elie gently smiled, making Dino blushed hardly.
"T-That's…" Dino didn't dare to look at Elie, but sounded softer than before.
"…If you still don't believe in me…" Elie sighed. She took a step forward, and brought out the pistol.
"What…!"
"E-Elie!" Lloyd was shocked by her as well, and intended to stop her.
But then, she put down the pistol to Dino's hand.
"I give you my pistol. But this is very important to me, so I hope you will give it back to me later."
They didn't know if Dino understood the meaning behind Elie's action, but he was clearly mad and embarrassed.
"…Y-You don't need to do this! I-I will inform big brother about your coming. Are you satisfied now!?" And then, he went into the abandoned warehouse furiously.
"Milady, I didn't know you're so bold." Randy chuckled lightly.
"…I was shocked…" Tio clearly relieved.
"You're great, Elie." Lloyd said with a hint of shock. "I'm completely unable to do this kind of negotiation."
"Then, you can leave it to me. I'm used to it. Anyway, I don't think this kind of trick will work on Wald, so the rest is up to you, Lloyd."
"Alright, I'll take charge, then."
Later, Dino came out.
"Big brother Wald is calling you guys. You're allowed to go in, but don't you dare to do anything weird, g-got it?"
"Sure, thank you."
Once getting inside [Ignis], they loud music immediately made the four of them to cover their ears. It seemed the abandoned warehouse got good sound insulation. It's incredible they didn't hear such a loud voice at outside. The converted warehouse had a large platform at the centre. Wald and a large sound system were on the platform, while the remaining members were sitting on the seats at the surrounding of the platform.
How could they stand such a loud noise?
"This is…"
"It looks nice, though it is too noisy." The team slowly used to the loud noise.
"Hey, I've been waiting for you." Wald looked at them from the platform.
"Are you ready to be punched now?" His members said.
"It seems you have learned the things from the blue kids…so what do you want from me? Do you want to arrest me?"
"No, we came because we need you to assist in investigation." Just as Elie said, Lloyd took full charge on dealing with Wald from now on. "We would like to know your reason to start a fight with [Testaments]."
"Wait…why are we asking them the same question?" Randy asked.
"Didn't we know the reason from [Testaments]?" Tio too, was asking.
"Truth will be rendered according to different point of views. We need to refer from different testimonies, so we can finally find out the real truth. This is also part of our job." Lloyd explained to them.
"Meaning that we need to do analysis from multiple perspectives, is that so?"
Hearing the explanation of Lloyd, Wald smirked.
"You're weird…Why not treating us the villains? This should solve everything."
"… …"
"Even though we have the information you want to know…but what can you return us?"
Lloyd felt a hint of strangeness from his word. He didn't sure of that, and so he did double confirmation.
"…Do you mean, knowing the truth is not enough for you?"
"Hah…you got me. My intention is just to make a scene. As long as it can make me feel excited, I care nothing!" And then, he took out his exclusive spike club. The other members did the same in the same time.
"What…"
"If you can beat all of us, I will tell you everything! Sounds a good deal, right?"
"This guy is crazy." Randy cursed.
"…Sorry but we are not allow to fight without permission! We can't do that."
"Don't be so naïve! If you don't want to fight, then leave the girls!"
Tio and Elie immediately dropped their faces.
"W-Wait, is that true, leader!?"
"I-I don't think this is a g-good idea…"
"Shut up, don't think the wrong way. I will just leave them at some place for two hours, that's it. How is it? I will tell you everything you want to know."
It seemed he didn't plan on something evil…nevertheless, there's no way he would agree with it. Lloyd would never want to get information in such a way.
"…I have a good idea, too." Lloyd took a step forward and pulled out his tonfa. "How about one-on-one challenge…in the name of practice? If I win, you'll have to tell me everything you know."
"L-Lloyd!"
"You…are you dumb? Do you ever consider from our physical appearance?"
"I am an investigator. I have received some training as well. I don't think I'll lose to some thugs."
"Hmph…Hahahaha! You're interesting…I never thought aside from him, there's another fool who dare to challenge me. Alright, COME ON!"
Everyone automatically made way for the both to fight. Wald ruthlessly swung his spike club on Lloyd, while Lloyd quickly defended using the tonfa. Wald expected he would block the first wave of attack, and immediately he struck using combo attack. His attack constantly suppressed Lloyd and forced him back.
Under such a fierce attack, Lloyd temporary had no choice but did the best on defending. Wald's strength was scary, and he was at disadvantage on physical appearance. His hands started to feel numb on defending, and so he let out a pain groan.
"…If this continue, Lloyd will…" Watching Lloyd, Elie couldn't help but worried about him.
"Don't worry, milady. Since he came up with the idea, I don't think he will lose." Although it seemed quite worrying, but Randy still feel optimistic about Lloyd.
"…Is it really fine?" Tio also worried about Lloyd.
"It is true that Lloyd is at disadvantages on physical appearance, but the victorious is not depending on strength or physique." Randy crossed his arms. "Look, Lloyd is yet to give up."
It had been a while bearing the attack. He must make a way out from this. To defeat Wald, he must dodge every attack from Wald.
And so, Lloyd started to do counter-attack.
He aimed for the right time to dodge the attack from Wald, and attacked Wald from side. Wald was quick to avoid from being hit. But Lloyd finally broke from the defensive state, of course he would not miss the opportunity. Although tonfa was a defensive weapon, but it didn't mean it couldn't do damage to the opponent. As long as Lloyd wanted, it would become a powerful weapon.
And then, he used the combat skill [Accelerated Strike], attacked Wald with three rotating blows.
With a knock on chin and head, Wald lost focus and fell down.
"L-Leader!" The red coat men couldn't' believe Wald was lost. They quickly went to check on Wald.
"…Damn…"
Although Lloyd won, it was merely a narrow victorious. And he was kind of sure that Wald wasn't going full strength. Thinking about this, he couldn't help but shiver.
"Lloyd!"
"Are you alright?" The other three also came to check his condition.
"Yes…I'm fine."Lloyd let out a sigh. "Wald, I won."
"Hmph…you're pretty good."
"You little…how dare you…!"
"Shut up. I just slipped, that's it." Wald stood up, without scratches.
"…He is a monster…" Randy sweat dropped.
"To tell you the truth, I really wanted to go full strength and enjoy the battle. But the decisive battle with that guy is getting nearer, so I'll just let it be." In other words, if Wald was serious, Lloyd sure couldn't fight against him.
"…Anyway, thank you. Then, would you please tell me now?"
"Fine." Wald sat down on the chair prepared by his men. "It happened five days ago during evening. One of our members was attacked by [Testaments]…just out here."
They didn't think the same thing would actually be told.
"What…!?"
"Looks like they told you the same story, huh?" Looking at their expression, Wald already knew what Łazy had told them."It sounds like an excuse, right? But think it, we are famous for fighting, how the hell we will do such despicable thing?"
Lloyd agreed to Wald. It didn't sound reasonable, but he couldn't judge upon his words.
"May I know what the situation of the injury is?"
"Fractures due to hitting. It seems he needs to hospitalize for one whole month. Unlike the blue kid who is still unconscious, but judging from the damages received, my man is far more serious than the blue kid."
"I see…"
"Hey, wait a moment. Are you sure it was done by [Testaments]? Since the injury regained consciousness, he should have known who he culprit is, right?" Randy questioned.
However, no one was able to answer him.
Having idea in mind, at last, Lloyd asked with uncertain.
"Don't tell me…he didn't know who attacked him?"
"Yeah. But we're certain it's them. I heard that there was a stone hitting him from far place."
"Stone…you mean the slingshot used by [Testaments]?"
"That's right. After hitting by the stone, my man immediately got beaten hard and lost consciousness…doesn't it clear?"
Wald certain the culprit was [Testaments], while [Testaments] certain it was done by [Sabel Viper]. So this was the fuse of the fight. It seemed like this case was difficult.
"…I have told you everything. Just as I said, I don't care at all, as long as I get to fight that damn kid. If you guys dare to get into our business, I will beat all of you at once!" Wald smiled viciously.
"Stop this kind of provocation. Anyway, thank you for the cooperation. We've got a lot of good references. I will contact you again if there's any conclusion."
"…Do as you want."
Leaving the gathering point of [Sabel Viper], Elie furrowed her brows.
"…What's happening now?"
"…They didn't seem to be lying at all." Tio said.
Instead, Lloyd just kept remaining quiet, looked thoughtful.
"What is it, Lloyd?"
"Hey, are you hurt?" Randy also felt uneasy with his sudden silence.
"…No, I'm fine. Wald didn't go full strength as well, so I'm all fine. I'm just thinking…this whole thing is weird."
"Yes…I agree."
"Both got attacked on five days ago at different locations…we assume both sides were planning on attacking each other by chance, but how could they not notice each other when so many people came to action?" Lloyd added.
"Yeah…as long as they're not professional combat team, this is unlikely." Randy said.
"…What if one side were getting attacked, and then they tried to revenge?" Tio commented, but was refuted by Elie.
"I don't think that is the situation. The first party theoretically should have done prevention to avoid their opponent's revenge. However, it turned out that both sides are liable to be attacked…am I right, Lloyd?"
"Yes, you're right. That's why I feel weird. It seems we are insufficient on information to solve this puzzled…"
They owed the last piece of the puzzle.
"Hey, you guys seem in trouble!"
Out of the blue, someone suddenly came from behind. The voice was familiar.
"Hmm…it's you, huh?"
The one coming was Grace. She walked to them with a bright smile.
"We meet again…oh, this is good!" Then she took out the camera, and kept taking photos of the SSS team.
"…This is illegal." Tio shot her a glare, and immediately Grace stopped the work on hand.
"Ahaha…sorry, this is professional practice. I use to take photos when I get a nice view of picture. But then again…these photos could have used on reports later." Grace raised a tricky smile. "I hope you don't mind."
Speaking of the report, they were being scolded because of yesterday's report. Although this was her duty, Lloyd still found it difficult to accept.
"You seem to have written some interesting reports…Don't tell me you're going to write that kind of report and turned us into some clowns?" Elie spoke before Lloyd said anything. She seemed unsatisfied.
"Thanks to you guys, that report was very popular…while comparing to this, looks like you guys have some relationship with the gossip this time. Can you assist me in an interview?" Grace didn't mind Elie's words at all. "As to show my appreciation of last report, let me treat you guys a lunch!"
"I'm sorry. We cannot leak any information while the case is under investigation, let alone the member of media." Lloyd refused the offer immediately.
"Oh, you're so cold. For once, I would like to treat you the delicious Oriental cuisine…and give you the [insufficient information] as my sign of appreciation."
This was such an explosive comment. The four of them froze.
"What…"
"I see...so this is information exchanging, huh?" This time, Randy was the first to get Grace.
"Alright, then. If you're interested, please come to [Dragon Restaurant] at East Street. I'm heading there first." Grace was about to leave. But then, she suddenly turned back to them. "Oh yeah, it seems I haven't introduced myself. My name is Grace Lynn, the reporter of [Crossbell Times Magazine]. See you guys then~"
"Grace Lynn, huh? She is elusive."
"She is suspicious, but she seems to have a lot of information. I think you should attend the appointment."
"…Alright, let alone the lunch, we really should."
The team set out went to [Dragon Restaurant]. Grace was sitting on the seat near the entrance, so it was really easy to spot her.
"So, you really come. Come on, take your seat."
"It's okay." Lloyd refused her offer. "We're here to listen to what you are going to say, that's it."
"What is this? Come on, just have a lunch, don't be too serious. Or do you think because you're a police, you think this is kind of bribes?" Grace let out a giggle, mixing with a hint of irony.
However, before Lloyd could say anything, Randy was the first to take the seat.
"I don't mind. It feels great to have a beautiful girl to treat me lunch."
"…I don't mind too…as long as it's free." Following by Tio.
"Yes, if it's reasonable." And then, Elie sat down too. So it left only Lloyd alone.
"Er…" This made Lloyd felt awkward.
"So…how about you, Lloyd? A stubborn guy cannot become a top investigator, you know?"
"…Alright." This couldn't be helped, he thought. "But no alcohol! You got me?"
Grace ordered a lot of signature cuisine of the restaurant, and that made the team felt satisfied. She ordered alcohol-free beverage as they're promised, too.
"It's delicious." Elie gently put down the chopstick. "It seems the chef here is really good."
"…Yes, it is delicious…" Tio said while chewing the food inside her mouth.
"However, such good dishes without any alcohol…" Randy grumbled. "Hey Lloyd, just take some wine."
"…No, we're still working."
"Yeah yeah, our leader is too stubborn." His words made Lloyd glared at him secretly.
"…Obviously you're too glib, Randy."
"Yes, I cannot agree to drink alcohol during work." This time, Elie and Tio were stood by Lloyd and blamed Randy.
"…You guys are truly interesting." Grace smiled a little. "Although all of you have different characters, but seems like you are linked by something. Looks quite a good team."
"It's useless to praise us. Let's move to the topic - as spoken before, the information of the Downtown."
"…What if I say no?"
"Then, we will not believe in you, and this will be our last conversation from now on."
"Oops, it's just a joke, a joke! But you determined attitude is pretty good. It makes you look attractive~"
It was just her temptation. She was not going to miss the opportunity to get the good news. However, being a reporter, she has seen all sorts of people. She knew some people with good responsibilities as a police, but not as much as she has seen from Lloyd. Just as she said, this was an interesting team, and sure they would make great changes to Crossbell.
"…Everyone, we have to return to our work now."
"Yes."
"…Thanks for the lunch."
Watching they're about to leave, Grace suddenly felt panic.
"W-wait a moment, I'll tell you now!"
Did she think she could control them? He hated doing so, but this was necessary.
"First of all, do you know [Revache & Co.]?"
Hearing the name, Lloyd and Elie were shocked.
"…The name…"
Of course Randy and Tio they wouldn't know since they're not from local. They looked at Lloyd and Elie with wonder.
"What's wrong with the name?"
"…[Revache & Co.], a legal entity recognized by Crossbell City."
"Well, it is recognized by the government, but in truth, they are mafia who had dominated Crossbell for a long time." Grace said.
"Mafia…you mean a criminal organization?" Tio asked with disbelief.
"I've heard about it." Randy looked at Lloyd and Elie. "You guys seem knowing about this."
"Yes…Everyone else in Crossbell knows this name."
"It seems to have relationship with government, so even police cannot intervene."
"Looks like all the mafia are the same, huh?"
"Then, what's with this [Revache & Co.]?" Tio asked.
"Listen carefully. Recently, I heard that members of [Revache & Co.] are acting strange, so I did some investigation. They seemed to be plotting something. According to the information, Mafia members wandered around Downtown few weeks ago, and tried to deceive the public…what do you think about it?"
"Sure it's not something good…"
"This is really suspicious."
"I can't believe there is third suspect…" Elie sighed.
"…We assume the Mafia attacked [Sabel Viper] and [Testaments], but for what they did that?" Tio doubted.
"Yeah…I wonder if they have any conflict before…"
Not before Lloyd could finish his sentence, Grace immediately interrupted him.
"According to my memories, nothing has happened between these three parties. Although they are some violent groups, Mafia is professional, unlike the rogue group. If it doesn't involve any interest, conflict would not happen."
"Then, what if one of the group joined up with Mafia to destroy their opponent? Then the sneak attack is just a camouflage…" Randy proposed his opinion.
"Hmm…it is really had to do this?" Elie shook her head, couldn't agree to him.
"Yes…at least I don't think Łazy and Wald are so sinister. How I should put it…I feel they are amazed by each other…"
"Well, you're quite sharp." Grace smiled. "From what I know, Wald and Łazy think each other is good opponent. Originally, they was [Sabel Viper] at first. Around two years ago, Łazy suddenly showed up and formed [Testaments]. Of course Wald couldn't stand it and went to Łazy…"
"So they got fought back by Łazy?"
"Yes, exactly! Łazy seems to be proficient in the martial art! With dazzling speed and kicking skills, he beat that Wald!"
"…That's quite surprising…"
"So he is such a skilful guy, huh?" Randy was admired by that, too.
"Yes…I thought Wald is pretty strong. Just never thought that Łazy is…"
"Wald was underestimated him for the first time. But then again, they fought for few times, you can say the results were all square. I think that's the reason they admit each other as their good opponent."
"So, there's no way they will join the Mafia just to destroy their opponent."
"Yes, they both of them have high prestige. I don't think their men will act without command. If so…"
Suddenly, Grace stood up while taking her belongings.
"To me, this is a great gift. I still have other job, so I need to go now. I'm looking forward to write a good article, so do your best! Bye!" And then, she left [Dragon Restaurant] with a smirk.
Looks like she got what she wanted. It's a mistake they revealed too much in the conversation, but…fine, they could leave it.
"Thanks to her, we've got a lot of useful information."
"Yes, it is enough just to get the information of the Mafia." Though they revealed a lot to Grace, too. "The question is, why Mafia will intervene with the things of two gangs?"
"I couldn't get any useful information about this in the database…it seems to be in high security place." Tio said.
"Means that's the confidential information, huh?"
"What should we do, Lloyd?"
No matter how Lloyd pondered on this case, he couldn't find the reason of the intervention in two gangs. Then…
"…Let's get back. We should report to Chief about this matter. Although I hope we could settle by our own…but it seems impossible for now."
"I agree to you. Let's go back."
Well, the next chapter should the end of the prologue. Phew...this is long than I expected. See you guys then!