A little later Hitoshi and Heishi pull into the garage of the Westview. Hitoshi looks around. "Hmm.. any reason the Shadow Field is gone?" He asks as they walk inside the building proper.
Heishi frowns. "Perhaps without realizing it, you released Kimura-san from his obligation. He lives because of your decision, but the Westview is not shielded from the outside world. And now that you have returned from Yomi,the underworld, the barrier is unnecessary."
"Huh. Interesting. Okay, well much as I liked the shield, I do think you and the members of the hand are far useful to me alive." Hitoshi says clapping Heishi on the shoulder.
"Anyways, let's get inside and see what the others are doing."
The casino is starting to buzz with activity, though it's still short of 'normal.' The gaming floor is operating at the slower, mid-day level. Despite seeking solace in games and other distractions, many of the patrons have an edgy, unsettled look about them. The notion of the end of the world, in anyone's book, let alone that of ancient Norse gods, is unnerving.
You find your mother on the balcony overlooking the concourse/game floor. It is an entirely ... human moment, as she is availing herself of some coffee and a sandwich.
"There will be daily meetings with hospitality and security until we find an operational balance," she said. "I'll spare you the usual speech about you-should-attend. Oh, and Doug Maxwell is wandering about somewhere. I hadn't realized he was on the premises."
"Actually I plan to attend a few of the meeting when I'm not out trying to save the world, mother. Hitoshi replies right before hearing about Mason. He raises an eyebrow. "Neither did I, This bears investigating."
He turns to Heishi. "Heishi, have someone find Doug Maxwell and kindly escort him to my office. We need to have a chat."
He turns back to his mother. "Mother, I think you should be there. By the way, where are the others?"
"Hai, Ryder-san," Heishi says. He bows, and absents himself. You aren't sure if he will be speaking to security, or if he will be tracking Maxwell down in person.
"I think they've adjourned to your penthouse, though it's hard to tell," Karen says. "Lya was flitting about here and there. I think she was the one who brought a paramedic and doctor here." Her serious expression gives way to a wistful smile. "Saving the world. I seem to recall lecturing a young man on what I saw as futile efforts to do so," she says. "Well. I won't tell you your business, but I will tell you to get some rest so you can do it justice."
You're a bit thrown by the kinder, gentler version of your mother, but then you realize she's entirely in her element - efficient operation in the midst of the world going to hell. You wonder if that's what attracted Hachiman to the young Karen Ryder, or if he was just sowing his seed.
Hitoshi smiles a rare smile. "Yea, but did you ever think your kid would end up being the Son of a God. I know Dad acted like it, but I had no clue he really was one until..." He breaks off, looking out across the casino.
"Anyways, it doesn't matter. What matters is I have the power to effect real changes and protect people." He leans on his cane and smiles wistfully.
"You are very much like him," Karen tells you. "I always thought he had too many irons in the fire, as well. I could never see the threads that bound everything together. I am used to order and structure in life; relying on that kept me from being another single mother who spent her life waiting tables or worse."
Hitoshi puts an arm around his mother and hugs her. "You have done just fine mother, and while you might have thought I wasn't listening, I took to heart a lot of things you told me. I have appreciated everything you have done."
He lets her go and waves his arms about. "I may own this, mother, but its actually due to you, that I do."
He gives her a quick peck on the cheek. "No, I have to go deal with Maxwell . You may join me if you wish, but I warn you that things might go south at some point. I will however do what I must to keep everyone safe."
He starts walking towards the elevators to head up to his office.
Ding
The express elevator chimes upon arrival. While it has access to all floors of the resort, it is on a separate circuit, arriving only when called via an executive's keycard. You enter and press the button for your office.
You are somewhat surprised, however, when the elevator slows and stops at one of the guest floors.
"No. We didn't get it, damn it. And, no, Jason, I don't know what caused it. You can rule out Alex North, yes?" Doug Maxwell is saying as he enters the elevator and almost bumps into you. "Oh, shit."
He begins to back up, but the executive elevator isn't set for the same kind of delay as general access cars, and the doors are already closing ...
Hitoshi's hand shoots out, catching the door and causing it to withdraw into the fram as is sensed an object preventing closure. He steps out into the hallway and cracks his neck before straightening his suit.
"Is that Jason Lymann on the other end of that phone? GIVE." He directs his full force of will at Douglas Maxwell. The man drops the phone into Hitoshi's hand.
"Hey there Lymann, you know who this is. Just want you to know that I plan on doing everything I can to fuck up your shit. Eventually I WILL kill you even if I die as well. Okay fucktard, you have a nice day. Your minion and I are going to have a small chat."
He turns the phone off and smashes it against the wall. "Now, Douglas, you and I are going to talk." He growls, his eyes flashing.
"Sure. What would you like to talk about?" Maxwell says, raising his hand and extending a forefinger as if lecturing. "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth."
A Bible-quoting Scion isn't quite what you had expected. The lecturing finger lancing out towards you, however, was entirely predictable. Maxwell might as well be moving in slow motion. You're not sure what he intended, but you're sure it wasn't pleasant.
But as you sidestep the touch, he presses forward instead of retreating, moving into the hall to confront you. The executive elevator's doors close.
Maxwell's reasoning becomes clear, however, when someone from housekeeping comes into the hall, pushing a cart laden with blankets and pillows for the people downstairs.
"Disculpe, Seniorita," he says, whipping the woman around and pinning her in front of him like a human shield. He brings his fingertip near her forehead.
"Call the elevator, Hitoshi," he says. "Or I assure you, she will die a particularly painful death."
Hitoshi frowns, anger in his eyes as he recognized the cleaning lady. Upon ascending to the position of CEO, he had made it his business to keep a database of pictures of the faces of every employee so he could match names to faces, and so, when he speaks, his voice is low. "Really Maxwell?" He moves. In two seconds he covers the 7 yards, his left hand closing around Maxwell's hand that pointing at the woman's forehead. With a snap, he breaks Maxwell's wrist as he pulls the woman out of the man's grasp. "Run Miriam!"
The pain his him as whatever power Maxwell had travels into him. He fights through it even though it feels like every nerve in his hand is on fire.
"You threaten my Employees?!" His Growl gets louder, and he used the anger to cover up the pain. He punches the man in the Stomach, and steps back.
"What are Lymann's plans, and how do you fit into them? Tell me, and I will let you live. Don't tell me and..." He unsheathes Honjo Masamune, and the searing pain in his left hand causes him to drop the scabbard as his hand spasms.
"Fucking asshole"
"Aaaaaaaah!" exclaims Maxwell as you snap his wrist.
He delivers a glancing blow as a result, but it still hurts. The searing pain would have reduced lesser men to gibbering tears. The skin on your hand is inflamed and red, as if you'd been stung by fire ants.
You have a moment to marvel at your healing ability, which you've never seen tested - at least, not to the extent that Alex has played catch-the-bullet. The weals surge, then subside, leaving only the residual pain and spasming.
Your return punch drops Maxwell to his knees, and he flails somewhat, having only one hand to catch himself with.
"Armand saw me empowered when my father - my divine father - ignored me," Maxwell hissed. "Are you sure you're not Aesir? They're a bloodthirsty lot. Everyone dies. Me, I'd be happy with humans knowing their place."
"And it should be obvious what he's doing. He can't amass an army in Asgard, or Niflheim - he did it under Heimdall's very nose, by holding the ritual under Alex North's house. I was going to masquerade as Colonel Ellison to borrow a tactical nuke or two from Nellis. Let Odin fend off that."
He laughs. He grimaces as he sets his wrist, and runs his other hand over it.
"There. All fixed," he says. "Now, you have your answer. You can let me go, or, if you're going to kill me, better do a good job. I'll heal anything less than a mortal wound. And then I'll pay a visit to mommy. Or maybe turn Sokatsu into a diseased lump just to hear him beg for mercy."
Hitoshi's eyes narrow, and his kick catches the man across the jaw, snapping his neck to the side and making him stagger. He kicks the man again in the head then rams his knee into the man's face, and watches as Maxwell crumbles to the floor unconscious.
Pulling out his phone he dials a number. "Heishi, I need you to meet me outside my office."
He says as he pushes the elevator button and drags the unconscious form of Douglas Maxwell into the elevator.
Maxwell wakes up once, but a quick slam of his head into the gleaming stainless steel of the elevator puts him out again, as well as leaving a sizable dent in the metal.
The elevator dings as it reaches the top floor and Hitoshi nods to Heishi. The man helps him drag Maxwell to the balcony. On the way, Hitoshi grabs a bottle of water off a side table.
Even with two men handling the task, dragging an unconscious victim down the hall is not an easy task. At the very least not a graceful one.
As you pass Mika's office, she looks up. She appears to be less distraught than earlier, and comes to the door of her office.
"Is that ... Doug Maxwell?" she asks.
"Hai," says Heishi. "He has betrayed Ryder-sama. He must be made an example of."
"Uragiri?" she asks, and Heishi nods.
"Then I do not see that you have many options," she says. "I do have something to speak to you about, Hitoshi, but it can wait."
Hitoshi nods at Mika. "I will be with you in a moment Mika..." He pauses. "I am sorry that you had to be party to this. I promise I will explain in a bit."
With those words said, he and Heishi finish dragging Maxwell out on the balcony, and Hitoshi dumps the bottle over the man's head and slaps him awake.
"Maxwell, I really did like you. I liked you better than that asshole Mason. Do one list good deed before you die, and tell me who else on the board was like me and you. Tell me who was working for Lymann, and I give you my word that your death will be quick and painless. I wish I could trust you to come to our side, but I know I can't so letting you live is not an option. Come on, do the right thing."
"If you don't know, you haven't been paying attention," Maxwell smiles. "I rather thought it would be Armand who stabbed me in the back, though."
He shivers. It's cold, and the splash of water is turning to frosty rime on his face.
"You know there's a chance I'll survive the fall," he tells you. "Gregory really is an asshole, by the way. You should consider tossing him over the railing. I have to hand it to you, I didn't see your power play coming."
His knees begin to knock.
"Let's get this over with," he says. "Fucking Aesir had to have their End-of-Days be cold, didn't they."
"Stand him up Heishi." Hitoshi says coldly.
"Maxwell, I'm not the kind of coward to stab you in the back, and if Mason turns out to be more than just a normal human asshole executive, he will be up here at some point too. I won't let anyone harm may family, or my friends." He says as Heishi stands the man up.
Hitoshi places a hand on Maxwells shoulder and with one violent thrust, stabs the man through the stomach. He feels the blade slide through flesh. Feeling the blade stop at the man's spine he shoves forward again feeling the blade sever the spinal cord. Maxwell starts to droop,a nd Hitoshi keeps his hold on his, leaning in to whisper in the man's ear.
"Don't worry Mawell, Lymann will soon join you, and at some point, so will I." He says softly as the man's eyes go wide.
Slowly Douglas Maxwell slide off the blade on Honjo Masamune falls backwards off the balcony as Hitoshi lets go of his jacket and watches him fall.
Maxwell's body hits a legs on one of the lower levels and spins, spraying blood into the air before smashing into the snow covered concrete below.
"Heishi, go check on him. If he somehow survived, put him out of his misery. I'm not a complete asshole." He says stepping back inside.
Heishi looks down at the spreading blossom of red upon the white ground.
"I will take care of the ... loose ends," he says, excusing himself.
You return to your office, and let Mika know you are available. She arrives shortly, and says nothing about the fate of Douglas Maxwell.
"I apologize for being somewhat distraught earlier," she says. "I was concerned about my family, even if I am not on good terms with my father. I was able to reach my mother and speak to her through a mutual friend."
"However, if Douglas Maxwell was involved in this affair of the gods, his presence on the board of the Westview Group cannot be coincidence. Either they were hoping to strike at you through Karen, or they were exploiting the Westview Group's resources to an unknown end."
Hitoshi sits in his chair quietly for a moment before speaking. "No need to apologize to me Mika, family is important."
He reaches into his desk and pulls out a bottle of whiskey and two glasses. His hands shakes as he pours an extremely generous amount into both and slides one over to her.
"No, not at first. I.. I think they were planning to acquire the Westview for Lymann though I am not sure what for. My acquisition of it interrupted their plans somehow." His hands shake more as his picks up his glass and guzzles it down, not caring about the burn. He lets the glass drop to the floor as the events of what he just did to Maxwell catch up to him, and tears pour down his face as he drops his head to his arms.
Mika retrieves the glass and sets it in the sink of the small wet bar. She returns with a clean glass and quietly sets it next to the bottle of scotch. Then, understanding you need to be alone with your thoughts, she absents herself from your office.
Hitoshi composes himself a few moments later and puts the glass away in the desk, dumping the other one that Mika did not drink, down the drain. He walks over to her office and knocks on the door.
She glances up from her computer and sees you through the glass partition, nodding to show that you should come in.
Hitoshi steps inside and Bows deeply. "Domo Arigato. I had a momentary laps in composure, and a moment of weakness. You should not have had to see that Mika. I apologize. I owe you much."
With those words said, he turns to leave. "There is a housekeeper Named Mirriam. Find her please and make sure she is okay. Maxwell threatened her and I was forced to stop him, and I told her to run. I need to meet with the others to figure out what to do next."
"Of course," Mika says. "Do not apologize, Hitoshi. This may be an affair of gods, but they are depending on their children to make the difference. Children who come from the human world, who feel as well as act. Remembering who you are will ensure who you become is someone of merit."
Hitoshi leans against the door frame. "I didn't ask for this at all. All I wanted to do was live my life, but it seems that destiny has other plans for me, and of course Lya, Evie, and Alex."
He sighs. "So, have you made your decision? Should I warm up the Corporate Jet and send you home, or are you still willing to me my right hand at the Casino during all this? I need someone to help me keep my sanity during all this, and the others are going to be too busy being in all of it to do so."
"Now that I've learned my family is safe, I am free to remain here," she tells you. "Though I predict we may be hearing from my father in one form or another, as the 'end of the world' will encourage aggression on many fronts as people and governments look for an advantage."
Hitoshi nods. "I won't Lie to you Mika, I am basically the head of the Invisible hand as of right now though there has not been any ceremony for transfer of power. The Shsadowfield was powered by Kimura was powering it through his own life force, and it was killing him. I ordered him to stop and it appears he did so because we don't have the field anymore. Now all we have is Myself and the Invisible Hand to guard everyone. I prefer that to needless deaths of people who can do so much more."
He pauses and looks at her. "Your father may attack us. If he does, well I'll do what I must to protect everyone here, including you. I hope you understand."
"My father will exploit any perceived weakness. If you have become the Oyabun of the Invisible Hand, then he will find a way to test you," Mika says. "Do not think him less of a threat because he is in Japan, and we are here."
Hitoshi nods. "we shall deal with that when it happens then. For now, the main enemy is Jason Lymann and those that side with him."
He scratches his chin.
"Can you tell me who on the board Doug Maxwell hung out with the most? They may need to be watched."
"I only met the Board members the afternoon you revealed yourself as the new majority shareholder," Mika says. "While Gregory Mason will doubtless remain a concern, he will be motivated by his dislike of you. As I pointed out after our trip to Japan, Selene Chase may be more than she seems, as she is fluent in Japanese despite claiming otherwise. If Pacific Rim searched our rooms, you should inquire as to what they found."
"Let me check on Miriam, and then we can discuss any potential problems with the board," she says.