Following the huge announcement that AAW needs to change their name, or face dissolvement, The Gang relocates to a brand new headquarters, being they are now Freelance Agents. By order of the leader of the World Government, Venus Otomegawa, they were relocated to the outskirts of New York, and its new destination.

"934 Saint Venus Street." Steven remarked, as the BattleVan arrived. The Gang, Miki, & January were on board, as they were traveling to their new location.

Miki whispered, "Whoa… It's huge."

It was a huge white building, with a blue O on the gate, labeled as the insignia to The Otomegawa Conglomerate, the world-renowned organization, more financially successful than other organizations, combined.

They stepped out, as a maid in black hair and a black and white dress was waiting for them, "Welcome. Miss Otomegawa has set up your new quarters. Room for, uh, nine, I believe?"

Farra replied, "They're with us, for moral support."

Steven stated, "I believe Miss Otomegawa gave us our rooms?"

"Certainly." Mei said, "My name is Mei, and I will be your landlord and proprietor. There's no need to be yourselves, as long as you don't destroy anything too valuable."

Steven said, "Swell. Anyways, thanks for the hospitality."

Mei showed the others inside. A figure in black was watching onwards. He was in a tuxedo and a mask. "So, The Gang is located here, as we speak. And they expanded." It was Tuxedo Mask, one of the allies to the Sailor Guardians, The Gang's long-time rivals.

"Usako should be pleased to hear that they are still around, since years ago." He said, "But still, with the nine of them… I am not sure how they fare… Perhaps it's time to settle an age-old grudge. So be it, will you, Man of Hokuto? Man of Heart Scar? The same scar Usako gave you…"

He disappeared, after that, as The Gang relaxed in their new home.

Episode 5 - Chapter 1: Saint Venus Street!
Freelance Rock Band!

They were amazed, as it was clean and sterile, their new office quarters, with wooden paneling and soft blue carpeting. It was like a police station, only more pristine.

Asahi said, "Oh, they even got our names on each desk spot."

Mundy nodded, "Interesting. Only the seven of us, I see."

Meido said, "Of course. But these two, I'm not so sure. May I ask who you are?"

Miki nodded, "Oh! Uh… My name's Miki Naoki. I was one of the Gaoka Clan, whom these guys defeated… but I chose to work for The Gang, for the time being."

Meido said, "Welcome to the team, Miss Naoki. And you, the android?"

January added, "Yes. Combat android, to be precise. And I used to be in the Criminal Guild, before I met them. I'm January, and I'm a member of Earth's Strike Force."

"Ah, yes. You have a lovely maid outfit, in all-black." Meido asked, "Are you Goth-Loli Maid?"

"Oh, no. This is how I dress, always." January giggled. She offered, "Did Master Neilsen and Father give you my credentials?"

"Not yet, Miss. But I would like for all of you to send me your credentials, right away."

They each handed a folder of their time with AAW, including their past accomplishments. Meido replied, "Thank you. You won't be needing these, anymore. Think of it as a clean start. But History will remember your many great deeds… or lack thereof."

Peter walked off, "Gimme a break…" Steven asked, "So, does this place also have living accommodations?"

Meido nodded, "Yes. You will be living next door to the building, in your own apartment. The office is only for work hours, so you cannot make yourselves at home. As for your rooms, I have already sorted each apartment for each of you, upon request."

They followed her, showing her to their new home.

XXXXX

They were at the apartment building, with each of their rooms located on the 5th floor. Miki said, "Amazing… I have never been this high, in a long time."

"Isn't it?" Cassandra smiled, "It's like we're living in a new place, high from the world."

They arrived at the fifth floor. Meido said, "Each of you will get your own apartment, 501 to 505. I have personally assigned an apartment for you. Agents Cooke & Stevens will have 501, Agents Giese and Takase will have 502, Agent Gooden and January will have 503, Miss Sakurai will have 504, and Miss Martinez and Miss Naoki will be in 505. Oh, one more thing… No pets allowed in the apartment."

"Que?!" Yoko Dos popped up and meowed. Miki cried, "What the hell? How did she get here?"

Farra said, "Cassie, NO pets! You heard Meido!"

Cassandra sobbed, "Aww… Yoko Dos needs some living quarters."

Miki said, "That's okay. Once we get to know our surroundings, you can bring Yoko Dos to your brother."

Cassandra smiled, "Thanks. I'm sorry, Miss Meido, but… My cat was looking forward to living with me."

Meido said to her, "I understand. However, you're not allowed pets in the apartment."

"Why is that?"

"Complaints. Luckily, you can make all the noise you want, as the floors are soundproof."

Steven replied, "But what of the neighbors?"

"What neighbors? You only procure the fifth floor. Other tenants may complain, but…"

Mundy nodded, "Gah, it's alright."

Cassandra gave her cat to Meido and said that she goes to Casa de Munecas, and in care of Luther Martinez, her brother. Meido nodded, "I will deliver her to your place, at once."

Cassandra was sad, as Asahi whispered, "It's alright, friend."

Meido said, "With that said, each of you will get a key." She passed out the keys, with Farra snatching hers from Steven, Peter took his key, Asahi took hers, Mundy took his, and Miki took hers. Meido departed, as Steven said, "Well, Gang…"

Asahi smiled, "I believe we deserve a little rest."

Mizuki asked, "Hold on, why do you get a room for yourself?"

Asahi shook her head, "Well, It's an odd number of people here. And I need to study by myself."

Peter replied, "Well said. Anything to report, let us know."

"Thanks."

They went inside, except for Mundy and January. January said, "So… I'm sorry about Sc-."

"Don't!" He barked. "Just… don't." he stepped inside.

January was uneasy, as Miki said, "You should really leave him alone."

Cassandra said, "Let him. January, it's fine. Mundy's gone through an ordeal, now that we're Freelancers, instead of blacklisted."

Miki responded, "But Miss Martinez, January and I are not agents in the World Government."

"No, you're not. I'm a part of Strike Force." January stated, "Besides… I owe this guy, a lot…" She smirked, and went inside.

Miki asked, "I don't get it…" She and Cassandra went inside.

XXXXX

Farra flopped onto the bed and laughed, "Ahhhhhhh, soft bed." She giggled, as Steven said, "You're awfully cheerful."

Farra smiled, "Oh, yes. This is like living in a lap of luxury. Despite the fact that we're now Freelancers, this is paradise. Venus Otomegawa is a saint!"

"You think so? I am not buying it. She shuns out our appeals, and grants us 90 days? It's off, if you ask me."

"Oh, stop acting like you're your master. We have time until a mission has arrived. Freelancers don't usually have time on their hands. Just look at Yagi & Iizuka."

"I know. From AAW, to Freelance Police, to The White House."

"Yeah… And especially during COVID, which seems never-ending."

"We'll be fine. Venus did give us room."

Farra was unsure. She responded, "But I am curious how Cassie and Miki will get along. I mean, she was our enemy. And she chose to stay with us, until she has her friends back."

"Maybe so, but it can't be forever."

"You don't know Miss Polly Anne's magic. I do. If you're a mannequin, you're one, forever. But she has ways of making mannequins come to life, outside of work."

"You?"

"I'm a former mannequin. My bonds with Miss Polly Anne have severed. Now I listen to Cassie, yet she doesn't have that evil magic."

"Yeah, but you can still pose…" He stated, "But even so… Cassandra may inherit your mentor's mannequin powers. Remember Michelle and Mizuki? Their powers were dormant, until they were unleashed; Michelle's psychic powers and Mizuki's Stand."

"Maybe so. But I doubt it." Farra sighed. "Cassie's got a good heart. She'd never resort to her mother's evil."

XXXXX

Cassandra was brushing her hair, as Miki marked down the supplies for apartments. "We'll need food and supplies, since there's no open bar. It's amazing that we have accommodations, but not enough space."

Cassandra said, "I'm sure Meido will offer us supplies, while we live here. But I'm not so sure if we can live here forever. Venus did say we have ninety days."

"Yeah, but it's best to plan as much time as you can. I mean, you guys did everything as your records tell: Jewel Women from Mount Fuji, vampires and Stand Users, deities of Despair, aliens and monsters…"

"That's true." Cassandra smiled, "But, we're lucky that you're on our side now."

Miki sighed, "I… Well, I only joined because I helped with Shion Sonozaki. Now that she's dead, I have nothing left. I only stayed to bring back my friends."

Cassandra said to her, "It's alright, Miki. I promise when the time comes… They'll return. Besides…" She approached her and hugged her, placing her head onto her huge breasts, "You're not alone. And I know you are a pure-hearted person."

Miki blushed, as she was stunned, "I see…"

XXXXX

January was nuzzling at Mundy, as she blushed, "Oscar… Oscar… Oscar…"

He pushed her off and huffed, "Piss off!"

She stated, "Come on, sweetie. You know you want me."

"I'm engaged, you know." Mundy scoffed.

"I know. But you needed comfort, now that your fiancé has left."

"Who told you that?"

"Cassie. She was, however, hostile over Scarlet's attitude. What did she say to her?"

Mundy sighed, "It's nothing. Scarlet didn't trust the android, that's all. But we know she's a friend. She didn't know."

"Oh… I am sorry. No wonder Cassandra was sad." January said, "It's cruel over what she said to her. If it were April or anyone towards me, I'd tell them off."

"I know. But now what? Even if Scarlet comes back, she and Cassandra won't talk to each other. She even told me so, before she left."

After The Gang left Venus's office, Scarlet was in her car, after Mundy asked her to forgive Cassandra. She huffed, "I am not speaking to her… Not yet."

"Can't you apologize to her? She's a friend."

"Maybe… But I'm not ready… You know how it is." She barked, "But if ANYONE is to apologize, it's HER! Not me!" She then said, holding the wheel, "Osky, I'm sorry. I'll come back, once it's done."

She drove away, as Mundy was worried.

He said, "And when she disappeared, she stated that she will never forgive Cassandra. She thinks of her as a stronger individual than her. Except she has godlike powers."

"Who gave her the power?"

"Matt Hardy. Scarlet never told me what happened, while she was away, during our battle with the Gaoka Clan. I bet she wasn't finished with him."

"That's true. I mean, we were all there in North Carolina, and that's where The Hardy Boys were located."

"Boyz, with a Z."

"I know what I meant."

January sighed and sat down. He replied, "Look, I know you're trying to flirt with me, love, but I am not on the market."

She said, "I saved your life, twice already, and I am forever indebted to you." She paused and pouted, "Plus…" She moaned, holding herself, "I used to feel love…"

"You mean September?"

"No…" She said, as she was unhappy, "I used to be on a date with my boyfriend. I had a boyfriend… but lately, we never talked. I have forgotten who he was… but still, I was heartbroken. I was a cold and callous machine. How could you love a machine that kills?"

January continued, as Mundy sat next to her, "I have forgotten about him, since…" She bowed her head and sniffled, "After Mister returned, it felt like I wanna go back to my former self."

Mundy said, "I never knew that. I wish I could ask who he was… But still…" He hugged her and said, "It's alright. You're not happy at all… first, September, then, your ex-boyfriend. Now this. Some things aren't just meant to be."

She blushed, and sniffled.

Meanwhile, in Room 502, Peter & Mizuki were making out on the bed, taking off their clothes, moaning and heaving.

Back to Room 504, January said, "Oscar… I know you are engaged, but I can never be happy. I'm doomed to be single… and alone… without some comfort."

She paused and said, "It's not that I wanted to reform… I just didn't cut out to be a part of evil. That was before I met you guys… and even you…" She approached him, face-to-face, and whispered, "I love you… But I cannot be conflicted against your lover. But I cannot bear it. I have admired you, since day one… since we met… But still, you wouldn't believe me. Maybe it is because…"

She rested her head onto his chest and sighed in distress. He said, "So, I mean, do you really want me as your boyfriend?"

January gasped, "N-NO! I…" She paused and smiled, "Maybe… I want it, but… If anything happens to her, you need it. I feel like… You were lonely without Scarlet… and like I am alone without September." She said to him, "Oscar… Promise me, whatever happens, I want to be with you, forever… Always…"

He huffed, and she was shoved down, "Gah, bloody ridiculous." He sat up and grumbled, "Talking to a lovelorn Loli-bot. If I were you, you'd work as a mannequin on display."

She grinned, "Heh! He wants me!" She smirked, as he corrected, "And for the record, if you saved my life, I owe you one. That's not how it works, January! You are indebted to me, after you saved my life. I'm supposed to be indebted to you!" He paused and whispered, "But still… The moment I saw you broken, at Fort Rawls, in pieces… and again with Yuki Takeya… I could never forgive myself."

January nodded, as she whispered, "I know… That's why I am the one who is indebted to you, and not you to me. Because I wanted to help you. I still love you."

He barked, "And I said PISS OFF! I'm an engaged man, you bloody robo-blonde!" He marched to his room, as she grinned, "Like I said, he wants me." He stopped and said to her, "Listen… I know you were lonely, but… I'm glad you're on our side. Besides, I'm only accepting you, because you know Farra and Cassie. But that does not mean we're hitched. Just because you're a combat android, that doesn't mean you're a sex robot to me. Now, shut the hell up and let me have my peace. I may be indebted to you, but I will never – repeat – NEVER be your boyfriend! Not even to have sex with you, cuddle you, coddle you, shag you, fondle you, or romp you! I will never love you, romantically! I am your friend, after all. THAT'S ALL!"

He marched away, as January smiled, knowing that Mundy's words were hurtful… but she didn't care.

"You will, eventually." She winked, and then thought, "I should leave him alone, until a mission comes on."

She lied in bed and went to sleep.

XXXXX

In Room 501, Steven was annoyed in his chair, hearing next door. Peter & Mizuki are having sex in their room.

"Married spouses…" he huffed, "At least it's two at a time."

Farra put the beds together and smiled, "Well, at least it's less livelier than back in 1313 Straight Street. And the floors and ceilings are soundproof. Just not the walls."

He asked, "What are you doing?"

"Putting the beds together, in case–."

"Put it back."

"But Steven–."

"Steven Cooke believes in peace and tranquility, but as a loner."

Farra huffed, "Tough, because I'm leaving it. You'll just have to stay at the edge of the bed. Only I get most of it."

Steven stated, "Whatever. Besides, a man who saves people from suffering never sleeps."

"You can drop the tude, Steven!" She barked, "Just be yourself!"

He said, "I know… But I have to remain vigilant. Now that I am without an organization, I'm free to hunt down anyone that creates suffering and despair."

"Amen, bro. But we're still on the clock. This isn't AAW or (BEEP) anymore."

NOTE: Archer's former agency ISIS, which is censored due to a real-life Terrorist Group of the same name.

He sighed and said, "How long has it been? Five years? Seven? Ten?"

"It's about what happened with Kanade Jinguji, wasn't it?"

"About everything."

"What do you mean?"

"Steven Cooke was met with abuse and hate, before I met you… and when I did, Steven Cooke suffered heartache… First, a cyborg that is a dangerous weapon, then a cyborg that we befriended, who reveals she's truthfully evil, then, a woman we know was an Ero-terrorist, and a bullet ended her, just as we were being friends. Asahi and I are losing a lot…"

She said, "It's never easy to recover. I mean, look at us, and who we fought: Jewel Women, Vampires, Aliens, giant robots, monsters from Hell, ghosts, elder gods, and even when we're not around, the mafia, Stand Users, and students of despair! It's hell, you know what I mean."

"Mafia?"

"June had a run-in with a mafia called Alternativa. Emily told me everything about it, from Tsukasa. And apparently, June is living in Italy now, as the new boss."

"I see… At least we're bringing justice to the world."

"That was June's goal. Tsukasa said she wanted to reach that Golden Dream. And June did all that to stop the former mob boss."

"I think I remember. Yamabuki was in Italy, while we were at Japan, during Otome Saotome's reign of terror. Junebug's alright now, and I'm glad she's safe." He stated, "But even so, Tanukichi Okuma is our New York Mayor. Shame he lost to Eric Adams in the primaries. But he said he'd never give up."

"Iizuka said that he may have an opening for a former outcast… as one of the Senate members."

"Imagine… Senator Tanukichi Okuma (Democrat Party – New York). He never told us about his adventures, after moving on from Kajou."

"Eh, no biggie. I'm just glad there wasn't any real trouble for him…" she lied down and relaxed.

"Except there was now." He stated, "Now we have a bigger worry to behold. Aside from the new rooms, we can think of a name for The Gang's organization."

"Asa's got it. Surprisingly, she's been MVP, since we had run-ins with, including the likes of Anna Nishikinomiya, Akame and NR9, MIO, Junko Enoshima, and many others."

"Yeah."

Asahi was in her room, as she was pondering. She whispered, "I don't know… As much as I want to, the name change will have to wait. Being Freelancers set us up as a new start, but something seems odd." She held up a dossier and said, "Still, the Girls' Night Out wasn't all fun and games. While they fought Ri Wakasa, I had a theory of some sort of mysterious drug that's hounding the area."

She narrated, as she was reading the files. "The Speedwagon Foundation learned of a new drug, related to this new product that gives complete bliss and happiness – Euphoria. This miracle drug was introduced, around the time we headed to Fort Rawls, during the jailbreak mission. Since then, there has been NO COVID pandemic. It was a rave for Euphoria. Not just any rave that involves pure happiness, but it is another drug deal. Once you're hooked on Euphoria, you just can't get enough. It's an addicting drug. My only wish is to solve this Sphinx of a drug." She held a label of Euphoria on a sheet of paper, laminated, and then read the ingredients. "Still… It's all the same ingredients as an herbal supplement. But what is it? A secret ingredient that gives off the side effects. But what?"

She continued, "On November 30th, 2012, there was an Israeli teen drama called "Euphoria", and it's about students dealing with sex, love, trauma, friendship, and even drugs. Some episodes learn about addiction, especially towards teenagers. Seven years later, after 10 episodes were produced, America adapted Euphoria, complete with real-life drama." She held up the label and said, "And this Euphoria can be related to underage drug use, and the dark themes related to the show. Italy had that issue, back in 2001 and again in 2019. Both were thwarted. But still, why did they send a drug to America, and sell it as a special supplement?"

She placed down the items and remarked, "Euphoria can also mean pure bliss and happiness… and that's completely off. And since they named the drug after Euphoria, it gets worse. What could be the cause of this, and to whom? I would never try Euphoria… and even so, how bad could it be?"

She got up and lied down, "Well, no use studying it, all night. How bad can it be?" She passed out, as she was sleeping.

The next day, in their new office, Asahi stepped in. Mizuki called Yamabuki, on the phone, "That's right. You made two spares? Well, bring them over. We have relocated to a new area. I'm sure I can help test the bugs out. Okay. Bye."

"Was that Yamabuki?" Asahi asked.

"Yes. She said that she's made another clone duo for Yozuki & Iori. And we're thinking of repairing and patching up the clones. Last time they were dispatched, they went rogue and beat us up."

"Yeah, until you stopped them with your Stand."

"I only helped… Yuki Takeya was a handful…"

"I know…" Asahi said. She then responded, "Say, you got a minute? I want you to study this drug that's been selling…"

"Drug? Oh, you mean Euphoria."

"Yes. How did you–?"

"The commercials on TV. Besides, it's weird to sell drugs that give off pure happiness."

"Any reason why it causes side-effects?"

"Unsure. But as soon as I finish with the clones of Yamabuki's partners, I'll study this Euphoria."

"Thank you."

Asahi left, as Mizuki asked, "Wait! Why are you curious about this Euphoria? This isn't like you…"

Asahi said, as she was by the doorway, "Well… To be honest, I'm a little shaken up over what happened a while back. Even before our jailbreak mission… It's like, this job is too easy for me, but it gets harder and harder by the second."

"Oh, don't worry about it, Asahi. You have so much to work for, since you're leadership material. Just don't tell Peter or Farra about it."

Asahi giggled, and returned to her room. Mizuki sighed and huffed, "Euphoria… Hmph!"

XXXXX

At Casa de Munecas, a shadowy figure watched on, as Cassandra & Miki were closing shop. Miki gasped, "Odd… Someone was watching us…"

Cassandra asked, "Que? What do you mean?"

Miki spotted her, as she was running, "AGH! Over there!"

Cassandra called, "Stay here!" She ran off, as Miki whispered, "Okay…"

Cassandra chased after the girl, and she cried, "HEY! GET BACK HERE!" They stopped at a dead end, near a barbed wire fence. Cassandra called, "You there! Who are you? I do not wish to hurt you, but only why did you show up at my store? Are you snooping?"

The girl surrendered, as she was with long dark blue hair, done in pigtails. She responded, "No, it's alright… I wasn't…"

"What were you doing, out there?"

"I… I don't remember…"

She held her head and moaned, "Ugh… my head… It hurts…"

Cassandra asked, "Eh? Miss, you feel alright?"

The girl pleaded, "Mmmgh… I'm sorry… but it's… the Europhia… Inside…"

"Euphoria?! What are you talking about?"

The girl gasped for air, and she suddenly collapsed. Cassandra felt her pulse. She whispered, "She must be in so much pain. Poor girl. Hang on. We'll find out what you are talking about."

She carried her away, as she headed back to Miki.

XXXXX

The girl was in a hospital bed, and Mizuki scanned her. "The victim's name is Iroha Yabu, age: 20. She passed out from exhaustion."

Asahi asked, "Any abrasions or anything?"

"No… Tired out, lack of strength, she was simply fasting herself. Cassie said that she mentioned something about Euphoria, and even suffered headaches."

"Euphoria? Strange…" Asahi said, as she pondered, "What could she know about this Euphoria?"

"You think we should tell the others?"

"Not yet. But if what I hear about this Euphoria is true, the others cannot know."

"WHY? We have been known to solve these mysteries!"

"Yes, but… This is critical. Euphoria, something happened to her, this drug."

Mizuki stated, "Asahi, I'm going to keep a watch on her, but under NO circumstances we keep this under wraps. The rest of The Gang must know. Besides, this'll be a little start-up for our first mission as Freelance Agents."

Asahi moaned, "You're right, but I don't know. This is weird, but also annoying. Who would try to sell Euphoria, and have someone get a headache over it?"

Iroha suddenly woke up and moaned, "Where am I?"

Asahi asked, "Are you Iroha Yabu?"

Iroha said, "Yes…"

Asahi said, "I'm Asahi Sakurai, and this is Mizuki Takase. We're agents for the World Government, and we came to–."

"HUH?" Iroha asked, "Agents? Are you–? Do you know of–?" She held her head and winced.

Mizuki asked, "What happened to you?"

"I… don't remember…"

Asahi said, "What do you know about this Euphoria?"

Iroha moaned, "I… don't know… but it's… dangerous…" She lied down and passed out.

Mizuki felt her pulse, "She's okay. She just passed out. So far, we're at a dead end. She doesn't know anything."

Asahi corrected, "No, I believe she knows something we don't. Any Euphoria inside her?"

"I scanned her, and NO… I smell a fix on this one."

"You watch over her. I'm going to find clues on this Euphoria." Asahi replied, "And whatever you do, DO NOT let the others know."

She raced off, as Mizuki cried, "ASAHI! WAIT!" She sighed, "She's gone. Asahi's been serious, lately. I wonder why…"

Asahi was outside, racing down the street, looking to find any sources behind Iroha's accident. Suddenly, she stopped, as she saw a figure from the distance. Asahi prepared, as the figure approached her. It was a young woman in pink hair, glowing from her blue eyes, and smiling in ecstasy.

"Huh?" Asahi asked, "A fembot from Targus City?"

"Hello… This is Euphoria…" The robot approached her, but Asahi was scared, "No, I cannot harm her. But still, what the hell is this?"

ZING! THWACK!
A rose appeared from between the two, as Tuxedo Mask appeared. He said, "So, I was right. Something is odd about this drug."

Asahi asked, "Huh? It's you!"

He said, "It has been a while, Asahi Sakurai. Allow me to assist you."

The girl hollered, "JOIN US!" She dashed at Asahi, and a female figure appeared in front of her.
"Moon Healing Escalation!" She waved her Moon Stick around and coated the female robot with sparkles and hearts.

The girl cried, as she was spewing out dark smoke, "REFRESH!" She collapsed, and Asahi gasped, "She stopped… I know that move!"

Sailor Moon appeared, as she nodded, "It's me, Asahi. It's been a while, but I guess I came later than I thought."

"No, you came right on time. Thanks for the save, Usagi."

They shook hands, as Sailor Moon smiled, "Think nothing of it. But still, Mamo and I saw something strange about this drug."

"Oh?"

Tuxedo Mask said, "Usako, perhaps we can locate The Gang and explain the situation."

Asahi said, "That's fine… But why are you offering to assist me?"

He said to her, "Because the Sailor Guardians want to help The Gang, but on one condition…"

They explained to her that The Gang and the Guardians must coexist to stop this evil Euphoria. But what was the favor from them? All we know is that this begins The Gang's first mission, as Freelancers.

And they have less than 90 days left… or they must disband.

To be continued…