"It got heated, and that's the problem."
"Like I'm supposed to take an excuse from a tourist over a card game?"
"Yeah, it's just words. You've got his money. Besides, it's not like he can go to the cops and tell them he lost his titty bar money in a street card game."
"I got to collect the monies owed, see you in a bit."
"…"
"What the-!?"
The man found himself forcefully on his knees. A giant, dark long blade was pressed to his neck, and the left wrist grabbed by a robotic-like hand.
Liu partially deployed Alastor. "I know you work for Three Dragons, tell me what she is up to."
"The boss has been keeping the underworld fight on ice, I know where it is!"
"Don't skip town, you will be in touch."
Liu knocked out the informant, tying him up, and hid his unconscious body in a shed. Three Dragons makes bank with rigged slot machines around the entertainment district. Liu must destroy them so she can't make another yen from the crooked slots. Liu was against attacking periodically because he does not want heavy resistance if they pick up his attack patterns. Better to go all in before they can react. Liu convinced some law-abiding citizens to destroy some slot machines. For a little cash, they gave him the full layout. For a sweetener, they will inform Liu of the amount of damage required to draw out the racket boss.
"We will be strangers once this is done."
"Let's go."
Opening song: Leo Imai – Bite
(Camera pans downwards at the highway at excess speeds before it slowly moves up towards the dark)
ID wa mottenai wasureru kanrakugai (A closeup of Liu's shoulders and black tousle hair)
Kouya wo mezashite dorojiai (Liu does a pose to show off his muscular body at downtown streets)
Watashi wa houkai ashita wa mou nai (Liu walks on the sidewalk, admiring the lights shining from the signs above him)
Ikitemo shindemo kamawanai (Various IS blueprints and tattoos fall in slow motion)
Yukisaki mo nai yume nante kanchigai (From right to left, Three Dragons' weapons are on the table as Liu's clothes hang on the racks, flowing from the wind)
Guuguu naru hara no soko shika nai (Three Dragons walks with her arms in her pocket, being stoic)
Eriito no kaoiro touttara niramiai (Three Dragons and Liu's IS are covered in shadows)
Taimatsu no hi wo tada nomihoshitai (Liu stares in the night as it zooms closer to his face)
Kamitsukasero kamitsukasero! (A closeup of a speeding silver Porsche 911 on an empty road and IS flying in the sky that switches back-to-back every second)
Ishi wo kuichigiru (The IS booster ignites fuel before it bursts)
Kamitsukasero kamitsukasero! (Front closeup of a 911 traveling excess speed and IS expanding its wings)
Suna to tsuba wo haku (Scrap metal and blood littered the concrete)
Doa wo akero doa wo akero! (The IS dives down as the car drifts on a sharp right turn)
Gomi wa moyashi tsudzuketeru (A junkyard filled with worn out metal as Three Dragons' back is turned, showing off her tattoos)
Kamitsukasero kamitsukasero! (From the IS pilot's point of view, it's diving towards the light)
Makeinu wo kuruwashita wirusu (The driver gets out of the car, revealing to be Liu before he smirks)
Chifuyu talked to some concerned citizens that were sick of gambling infesting their district, and they were willing to assist her. The posse named names to no end. Liu's impromptu gang destroyed slot machines. Some had ingenuity like increasing the odds of winning by hacking. On the other side, Liu busted up street games occupied by gambling addicts, fighting racket enforcers that kept their respective operations on deck. Liu took pictures of high-stake card games at sleazy shacks and back alleys. He knew that cops love to nab them to bolster their public image.
Liu sends Chifuyu solid evidence needed to rally the cops to issue arrest warrants. Once everything sinks in, cops came in like a battering ram. Facing prison sentences, the enforcers turned into informants to save their own skins. Chifuyu made quick work of the scums to send a message to Three Dragons.
"How's your progress, Liu?"
"Got them running with their tails tucked behind their legs." Liu gave her a little smile.
"Three Dragons' goons sang like a bird. I didn't have to raise a finger to make them squeal."
"I'll check out the illegal fight club."
Chifuyu closed her eyes. "For the love of it, don't get killed."
Liu entered the fight club. Of all gyms, this one was brazened because it belonged to one of the famous franchises. The requirement was laughable as all it asked for was to be able to fight. The fighters are guaranteed 100,000 yen for each minute they survive. Liu glanced at the bookie placing names and bets on the fighters.
The main headline was queen of the underworld. There were six undercards, Liu chose undercard four, Tempest. He did not dare to go against the strongest when he did not have fighting experience in an IS.
Liu noticed that the queen was not present. Liu overheard the conversation between two ladies about the queen, money, and fixed matches. Liu relayed it to Chifuyu on his channel.
"I hear that the fight club imprisoned a Mondo Grosso pilot, the number one underworld fighter."
"What's her name?" Chifuyu asked.
"She goes by Karakuri."
"How did she get caught up with mobsters?"
"They wanted her to go down in four minutes. She refused, and they busted her brother's arm in three pieces. Her career will be exposed if she doesn't play ball. Or worse, her life goes flatline."
"Goddamn it! I always tell pilots to not get in bed with them!" Chifuyu shouted. "Liu, focus on your fight, I'll rescue her."
"Kawakuri is held at a blue building behind the gym."
Before Liu hung up, Chifuyu gave him another piece of advice. "Win or lose, it won't matter. Don't get too caught up."
The advice was sound, but Liu does not like losing.
Turns out Kawakuri has a habit of participating in off-the-book fights for extra money. Kawakuri kept it a secret. The mobsters exploited her problem to their advantage to rig the match for a bigger payout. To flop would have been a better choice, but she was too prideful to lose. Instead of taking the bribe, she skipped the match, got kidnapped and held at a makeshift cell.
Liu stared at the green-haired woman nicknamed Tempest indifferent to him. Tempest was known as Divine Cyclone. Tempest deployed her IS with matching colors of lime green and yellow.
"I want to fight Tempest."
Liu summoned Alastor to make his point. The audience was moderately surprised at the third boy pilot. Although they had doubts about Liu's skills, believing that he was a poser.
"Who's this guy?"
"That's Liu from Righteousness Union, third boy pilot."
"What the hell is Liu? Looks tough, but he can't walk the walk."
"He's going to be major, even though he has never used an IS."
"This guy looks stupid."
The crowd was less than positive with Liu because they thought Alastor was nothing but showing off with no substance. Liu ignored the trash talk to face his opponent.
Tempest turned to Liu. "You like to win, right? This is no different than that. This is my win."
"Today's the day you'll lose," Liu replied. "Says you're one of the top pilots, don't disappoint me."
Tempest and Liu stared down to size each other up, waiting for the countdown to throw down. The crowd threw their bets on the combatants.
"Get that guy out of here."
"5000 to Tempest."
"1500 to the pretty boy!"
"New guy looks tough, but I'm choosing Tempest."
"I bet that Liu won't last a minute."
The odds were 80:20 with Tempest showing overwhelming odds against Liu. No one bothered to pay attention to Liu. The world already knew two boy pilots stronger than Liu. He felt insulted. Liu wanted to prove them wrong.
Liu and Tempest faced off on the cement arena with pillars and protective barriers. Their thrusters burst, exerting the maximum output. Liu launched forward, drawing Heavenly Emperor over his head and snapped it down toward Tempest. Tempest raised her nagamaki, revolving around sideways, and the blade sloped down and to the left, providing a roof above her. Liu's blow bounced off this roof, and then Tempest snapped the nagamaki down toward his face. The blade cuts behind and to the side of Liu, hurling him down, and met face full of cement.
"Make him bleed!"
"Kick the piss out of him!"
"Show them why you're called Divine Cyclone for nothing!"
"See? I told you he is no match for Tempest."
The crowd cheered Tempest for showing who's boss. His stomach churned as Liu struggled off the ground, wiping his cheek with the back of one arm. Liu thought his arduous training should have kept him durable. Instead, Liu was thrown like a chewed-up toy. Liu's face was warped with rage. Liu materialized Venom Slug, aimed, and squeezed the trigger. Tempest weaved left, firing her submachine gun, and then closed the gap between them with a sequence of slashes.
Liu's Heavenly Emperor scythed around in a giant roundhouse. Tempest sliced at it, Liu snapped it back and then again. Steel met steel with an ear-splitting clang. The long blade slid off Tempest's chest, slicing against the airframe and leaving a light scratch on the armor. Tempest dodged another slice and swooped him up, hurtling him across the ground into the concrete barriers, where he slumped. His Absolute Defense worked around the clock to protect his life, but the pain did not disappear. Liu flew backwards to shoot. It was hopeless fighting up close with Tempest being superior. Bullets staggered Tempest, denting her paintjob, but not enough to slow her down.
Tempest deflected his whip and caught Liu with four long swings, launching him against the barrier again. Liu tried to rise. The blows took a toll on him. The crowd hollered Tempest to knock out the newbie. Tempest lunged for the finishing blow. Liu can't lose to her until he saw Tempest's exposed stomach. His right hand shot up and fired his plasma cannon-Bluster. A flash and a boom that sounded like rumble of thunder. Sparks burst below her chest. Tempest's body slammed into the ground with a shower of spark and metal fragments.
"Don't you run away from me!" shouted Liu.
Liu's rifle bursts, making her shuffle awkwardly. Liu altered Tempest's trajectory, sending her crashing to the pillar. She flew upward-a stupid move, seeing Bluster pointing at her. The plasma cannon went off-two shots of napalm laced plasma scorched her airframe. It did not sound like a bullet, but more thundercrack. Tempest lost her stoic-faced charade, slicing her nagamaki frantically.
Liu whipped his nodachi, sending her crashing into the corner. He heard something crack. Her shoulder blade, maybe. Or the airframe losing pieces. Most likely her IS. Liu delivered blow after blow, piercing through her armor, spreading tremendous damage to Tempest. Liu stomped her legs viciously, making the audience winced at the downed opponent. Not like anyone would care since there's no rules. Yet, they can't help but feel mad at some nobody turning the tables.
Tempest shot the thrusters on her wings backwards, blind firing from behind the pillar. Venom Slug barked in front of her. Chunks of cement scattered across. A short volley of nine bullets-all on the mark. Tempest was blown open like a metal can ruptured by a firecracker. Her cover was useless, she retreated.
"Get back here!" said Liu.
Liu flew up on her, deflecting her feeble thrust. He headbutted her brutally, making her vision blurred. Tempest was out of fightback with blood oozing from her broken nose. Warning signs flashed all over her. Tempest was unable to shut them off. Liu shot her chest until his rifle ran dry. Tempest was down for the count. Liu won the fight. He got jeers and boos from the crowd because Tempest lost. Liu's reception was mixed at best.
"You rigged the match!"
"I'm not accepting your win, kid."
"I want a rematch!"
Liu declared triumphantly. "You assholes can eat a pile of shit!"
Liu got his payment as promised. For surviving two minutes, Liu earned 200,000 yen. Not bad for his first victory. The ringleader will be the first to go down, followed by his mooks. Chifuyu watched Liu's POV footage, showing his rough fighting style.
"I should not praise you for fighting unrefined, but your victory says it all," Chifuyu said. "You're a natural taking blows."
"I got long ways to go."
"Head back to your apartment. You've done enough to wrap up Three Dragons' racket."
Kawakuri was against the wall with henchmen threatening her to rethink her choice. Chifuyu raided the shack, knocking out the sluggish goons. Chifuyu freed the Mondo Grosso pilot, overlooking her illegal fights to save face.
"Are you okay?" Chifuyu asked her.
"I'm fine, thanks for saving me."
"Wise up next time, stop going to illegal fight clubs. You will live longer."
Kawakuri promised to stay clean to not cause an uproar.
"Gordon-6, status update."
"Gordon-6, awaiting orders."
"Code 12. Sending coordinates. Nearby units respond."
"Gordon-6, on the way."
A squadron of police cars surrounded the gym, arresting the parasites that ran the fight club. The breaking news of operating an illegal gambling town was a sensational hit. Nabbing the racket boss was even easier because when he returned to keep his business alive, he was greeted by handcuffs and a list of charges.
A young man accidentally bumped Chifuyu, dropping his briefcase.
"Sorry about that," Chifuyu said.
"It's okay. Wait a minute, you're Chifuyu the Mondo Grosso champion."
"Yes, why you ask?"
The man hopped happily. "Oh wow, I knew it! I'm a fan of you!"
"I thought I was not that popular."
"You disappeared on the second tournament to save your kid brother kidnapped by Phantom Task. Even though you lost by default, people still look up to you as Brunhilde!"
Chifuyu grabbed his shoulders. "Slow down! Who told you that Phantom Task was behind it?"
"I was at a bar until a woman calling herself Autumn went on a loud rant about the kidnapping and her affiliation. She does not know how to keep her voice down."
"Fucksicle…"
"Don't worry, there was no one at the bar besides me and Autumn."
A beautiful, well-endowed woman appeared out of the blue. "The Brunhilde…you're the one that dismantled Three Dragons' gambling racket? Color me impressed."
"Natasha Fairs…"
Natasha brushed her wavy blonde hair. "Sir, I advise you choose your role models more carefully. You'll go a lot further here if you learn from somebody with high profile, right?"
The young man kept his mouth shut to make his departure.
"Natasha, aren't you supposed to be recovering at the hospital from Silver Gospel?" Chifuyu asked. "Why are you here?"
"My injuries were not severe, so I checked out early." Natasha smiled. "More importantly, I must tell you that Phantom Task is making their next move. Phantom Task has their eyes set on Kuromochi Machinery Development. Your friend, Hikaruno Kagaribi is in danger."
"Former classmate, not friends," Chifuyu corrected her. "Natasha, you put that many holes in people in Sarashiki family? That sounds like a bad joke."
"You make me look like a monster. After all, it's been months…"
"Yeah, well, I still remember it like it was yesterday."
"I suspect some foreign mafia influence. A Chinese or Italian group may be involved bribing IS companies and pilots to undermine Alaska Treaty."
"Drugs and arms smuggling related to IS?"
"It confirmed my suspicions. I expected something big to go down."
Natasha sighed. "Anyways, people are too scared to place bets since you let loose on Three Dragons."
Chifuyu cracked a smile hearing the good news.
"Three Dragons stopped by at her district. Between getting Kawakuri free and the storm you brewed, she is pissed off. Adding insult to injury, her racket boss told the cops everything in exchange for a lighter sentence."
"Good, keep going."
"Got into it with one of the fighters," Natasha explained. "Pulled her revolver, shot it around. Heard her and Miyako had a falling out, accusing Miyako of sabotage."
"Appreciate the help."
"It's good you got Kawakuri free. She did not need the mob money to be around with her."
"Where's Miyako?"
"Miyako is at a penthouse. I intercepted a phone call between them. The first voice you will hear is Miyako's."
Natasha pressed a button on the recorder. "You can't scare me with any of your disciplinary actions. I've dealt worse than you."
"Are you aware of the consequences, Miyako? Someone smashed my gambling racket to pieces. I believe you were behind the mess you made."
"Three Dragons, are you threatening me? You need to try harder than that. I assure you, you'll never take away my dignity or self-respect."
"Dignity? Self-respect? Get that out of here. You're nothing but a backstabbing cheater. A cancer on my team. You're offering me respect, are you?"
"I'm not respecting you at all."
"Hmph, so that's what this is about? You think you're better than me? Think again, Miyako."
"Do your worst."
"Allow me to open your eyes. You are a coward, and you will die one thousand times for as a coward."
"That's where you're wrong."
"Your sorry ass is mine. Eventually, you'll beg for forgiveness before this is over. Frankly, I can't wait to see you on your knees."
"I'm afraid you'll be waiting a while, then."
"We'll see about that."
"I'll find Miyako first before Three Dragons does." Chifuyu tightened her fist.
"I'm sure Miyako will appreciate your thoroughness."
Ichika remembered his birthday, unlike last time. Ichika had no idea what to do, nor did the girls pull another surprise. Truth be told, Ichika would keep it simple by having dinner with his older sister. Cecilia found a note lying on the bench. The name was not written, but Cecilia was curious. The cadet representative went to Ichika, handing him the paper.
On the paper, there was bizarre advice written at elementary school level.
Write W, Afterlife.
"…What?" Ichika frowned.
"Is it a secret code?"
"Sounds like it, I'll find someone else to decipher it."
At a park, Ichika encountered Liu.
"What's up?" Liu said. "You look like you're lost. Do you need something from me?"
"I found this note," Ichika replied. "Do you know the meaning of this message?"
Ichika handed Liu the note. He nodded his head, returning it back to Ichika.
"What's Afterlife?" Ichika asked Liu.
"Afterlife is Omega's strip club."
"-!" For a moment, Ichika's cheeks went red.
Liu burst into laughter. With how flustered Ichika looked hearing strip club, he unintentionally groped Yamada sensei's boobs from her accident. "No need to be embarrassed. It's your birthday, am I right?"
"At least I did not forget it." Ichika huffed. "What is Omega?"
"Omega is Osaka's underworld city ruled by Aria Ikeuchi, Queen of Omega. Whatever titles people call her, it does not matter. The only rule must not be broken."
Ichika became more curious about the hidden city.
"Don't fuck with Omega, but it can be interpreted in many ways. Try anything funny, or you'll be wiped from existence."
"Omega is where the rats dwell," Liu went on. "Be careful where you go. Everyone carries weapons, and it's legal."
Ichika's eyes went wide. "I thought Japan is one of the places people can't carry guns."
"Omega is wild west well hidden from the surface. I don't know the history of how it was created."
Liu continued. "To get to Omega, you write the message on a wall, and a taxi will get you there. When the cab arrives, make sure you erase it."
"You must be a frequent traveler to Omega."
"Here and there, but mostly for fun."
"Do you have some advice?"
"For a tourist tip, don't carry too much cash, and don't pick fights. Oh, and happy birthday, Ichika. You'll enjoy Afterlife."
"You're welcome," Ichika replied with a smile. "Want to join with me?"
"Sorry, but I'm caught up with personal matters. Next time."
Chifuyu will not be at home because she will have a meeting regarding Infinite Stratos for the weekend. Ichika's plan to have dinner with his older sister went up in flames. So much for having a quiet birthday. Curious and adventurous, Ichika wanted to check out Afterlife and invited the girls. Liu's description of Omega made him hesitate, but his advice alleviated it. Given it's his birthday without timed restrictions like last time, they accepted.
The girls researched Afterlife, but nothing came up. Houki wanted to spend some time with Raiden, but he was busy helping Yamada sensei, much to her annoyance. Rin tried to invite Liu, but much to her disappointment, he could not make it. Following the note, Ichika drew a black 'W' on the wall, writing 'Afterlife' to hail a specialized taxi.
The white Mercedes cab wove its way through traffic. Rin pondered if they made the right choice to venture into a wild west city most people don't know.
"We have arrived at your destination." The female AI's graceful Yorkshire accent woke them up. "As requested, the record of today's ride has been expunged. Thank you for choosing Watson. We wish you a wonderful day."
They got out into the cool night. The glamour of Omega could make anyone excited. Rows of skyscrapers, radiant windows by the hundreds, holo-boards the size of basketball courts. Underneath, a tangled of rainbow LED signs, brightly shine stores and expensive cars. At the center of it all-the ocean blue building was Afterlife, Omega's beating heart, where every dream of fornicating and drinking comes to life.
Although there was no police or corporate influence, Aria ran a tight grip on her city. They went inside and were surrounded by tough looking characters in all shapes and beautiful strippers making some cha-ching. The hall was lit by numerous lights. The bass thumped through the ceiling.
"It looks like we entered the belly of the beast," Laura said.
A midlife crisis meathead gave Laura the stink eye. "What the hell is your problem?"
Laura glared back, drawing her knife to his throat. "The man whose day I'm about to ruin."
"Woah! Cool it, I'm not looking for trouble."
"I will if you don't get back to your corner."
The thug raised his hands to surrender. "Crystal clear…"
Ichika has seen Laura's tough side, but never this harsh before. To their right, a drunk woman hurled an empty glass at the dancer for allegedly fraud, shouting obscenities. The dancer dodged without looking back. The disgruntled woman was met by bone shattering baton blows to the chest by another woman in a suit. The troublemaker begged her to stop.
"You need to lay off the booze and hit the drunk tank," the guard berated. "Do it again, and you're liable of losing your hands."
The bruised woman walked away in shame. Charlotte wanted to help her, but Laura shook her head.
"Everyone around is not to be trusted. Being too nice will take you advantaged of in a heartbeat."
"Are people like this? This can't be possible."
The gang sat down with some cold hard yen. The slim Japanese woman, going by the stage name Galaxy, bright-white patterns pulsating underneath her lingerie walked elegantly, her dark, wavy hair whipping the air. Galaxy's stage song was Nudes by A$AP Ant. The gang did not like the lyrics seemingly describing her and Afterlife, but not much they could do. Ichika was in awe of the stripper's finesse of making customers tipping her. Following suit, the gang tip Galaxy.
I really wanna fuck three bitches together
I feel like Elon Musk, been drivin' the Tesla
Gelato in the grabba, I'm smokin' the pressure
Sippin' the lean, check my etiquette, gesture
Stackin' my money, look for investors
The center stage dimmed into a thick blue haze. The beat was all-ambient, laminated with money slapped on the stage and clinking glasses. The music's blueprint was self-producing, constantly adjusting to the stripper's movements and momentaneous in style, amplifying the atmosphere. A small crowd was an understatement. The later it got, the more watched. Hungry customers tipped her in the hope of getting a grasp of her luscious body.
Car hot, new, uh
Pocket color blue, uh
Mob deep crew, uh
Bad bitch too, uh
Girl, show your nudes, uh
Baby, rub your boobs
Girl, show your nudes, uh
Whenever the rhythm shifted, she removed her translucent clothes. Dancing and getting naked in front of a stoic crowd. Few could hardly control their horny expressions. Her left hand gripped the metallic pole as she jumped off her feet, flipped once in the air before feeling the cool metal between thigh and calf. She blew an air kiss, and gave in to instinct, rippling her torso like a gentle wave, her body perfectly entwined with the pole. Her legs revolved smoothly downward, hair falling to the ground. She gripped the pole tightly, pushed off her right leg and started to spin, increasing speed. Her feet landed on the stage gently as if she scored a 10 at an Olympic gymnastics contest.
Galaxy stared at Ichika like a piece of meat. Cecilia was nervous not just Ichika, but the stripper. Houki tried to keep her cool. Rin did not know what to do. Charlotte was stiff as a mannequin. Laura anticipated Galaxy's next move. Ichika tipped her sheepishly, clearly nervous at the entertainer. Her smile was enigmatic as she sat on top of him, grabbed his hands to her breasts in front of the girls. If anything, Galaxy was like Tatenashi, only more mature and sexier.
"~~~~!" Houki let out a soundless scream.
She tried to shout at the top of her lungs that it did not make sense. Houki could not get the words out. It stung. It hurt, and she didn't know what to do about it.
As she searched for what she wanted to say-
"You're a cute boy, Ichika."
-she heard satisfaction in the stripper's voice.
"You touched tits before, I like the way you groped mine."
Ichika blushed. "Sure, you could say that."
How did Galaxy know his name? Galaxy wrapped her legs around his waist, pleased with Ichika's cute reaction. Ichika can't stop groping her breasts, earning a glare from Tatenashi. Laura was on the verge of decapitating his 'husband' for doing indecent act. Yet, it was the stripper forcing him to do it. The music dropped low; the reflectors stopped glaring. The stage was red. The applause lasted a few moments before the typical background music and noise faded in.
As the music stopped, Galaxy collected her pieces of clothing. The guard grabbed the tips into the bucket. Galaxy swayed her hips, grasping his slim neck, angering the girls. Galaxy did not care much about them, only for Ichika. He noticed her subtle, heady smell.
"We can get to know each other up close. Care to join me to VIP room?"
Galaxy went for his crotch, not giving Ichika a chance to say a word. Tatenashi grabbed her wrist.
"I find your seduction quite lacking. You could never satisfy Ichika."
Instead of being offended, Galaxy cocked her head at Tatenashi protecting Ichika.
"Oh my, is that your boyfriend?"
"Say, Galaxy, would you mind backing off to let Ichika think for himself? He does not like people making decisions for him."
"Are you sure about that?" Galaxy cheerfully asked. "I would hate to see this cutie pie get caught in the crossfire between you and Phantom Task."
"Don't worry about Ichika, he can hold on to his feet just fine. I can't say the same for you."
Galaxy licked her lips. "Yeah, that's no problem. I'll let him know to reach out to me if he's bored with you."
Naturally, Tatenashi already knew what Galaxy was implying with her question. Tatenashi won't let Galaxy insult her family and Ichika, putting her pride to the test.
"Well, you certainly got a little too much into your job." Tatenashi smiled. "It's not much worth bragging selling yourself to some zombies hooked in for drinking and sex."
"Oh, is that right? Tell me, have you ever fallen in love? From the looks of it you're only good at teasing."
Tatenashi crossed her arms. "Don't believe in rumors, your lifespan will be shortened."
"Ichika has a lot on his shoulders to live up to Chifuyu's legacy. Up until the Silver Gospel incident, the world wants to know if he's the real deal or a one-hit wonder."
Galaxy leaned backwards, facing the ceiling, "looking down" on Tatenashi. "You better hurry up. I can't control my urges of taking your boyfriend away unless you do something."
"There's this phrase called 'misdirected anger.' Ever heard of it?"
Galaxy feinted surprise. "Dear, do you mean jealousy? The way you talk, you are clearly jealous because I'm the better you. Admit it, and I'll let you walk away with some dignity."
Tatenashi waved her hand in disagreement. "I have enough dignity to not bow down to you."
"Oh? And why's that?"
"You can try to make it sound smart as you like, but I know you're just looking an easy way to milk Ichika out of his money."
"Ara? You're saying that in Slut Planet, laying out the facts counts as 'trying to make it sound smart'?"
"Oh my, your comeback is off short."
Angry sparks flying between Galaxy and Tatenashi grew intense. Their smiles were packed with determination even as the pair of them seethed with annoyance.
Tatneashi gave Galaxy a pointed look. "Get your hands off Ichika. You make me sick."
"Have it your way, blue cat. Enjoy your boyfriend to commit your love. That is, if you have what it takes."
Tatenashi blushed doing this for the sake of Ichika's safety. Who knows what Galaxy would do if he was with her. The thoughts of it made Tatenashi sick to the stomach. It's do or die. Tatenashi grabbed his wrist to VIP room. Galaxy smirked at the couple before she made her way to her boss.
An hour later, Tatenashi walked in stride with Ichika in bliss, having completed the deed.
A Korean Japanese woman named Aria Ikeuchi sat on her navy-blue couch. Long brown hair, high heels, immaculate khaki suit. The definition of 'I'm richer than you.' Aria eyeballed the gang, smoking her cigar dipped tequila. Aria ran her city dictator style. Galaxy whispered to her ear. Aria acknowledged Galaxy before she turned to her henchman.
"What the hell did you do?"
Aria berated her henchman for leaving his note, breaking her only rule. The doofus pleaded for another chance. Instead, Aria pressed a button that opened a trap door beneath his feet, and he was dragged down. His fate was eaten by two great white sharks. Cecilia met Aria's gaze, freezing the Brit.
"What's wrong, Cecilia?" Rin asked.
"I found the queen," Cecilia whispered. "She wants all of us to meet her."
Aria did not move or issue an order. One gaze said it all with magic touch. They went upstairs to meet Aria face to face. She had henchmen and women by her sides. Three naked strippers danced on the corner of the couch. Some wore casual while others had suits.
Ichika walked to Aria for some answers, only to be met by pistols trained around the gang.
"Take three steps back," Aria said.
The gang do so dutifully, sensing Aria's authoritative aura like fire torching them alive.
Aria smoked her cigar. "Omega is supposed to be hidden from nosy people like you lots. I can't put my finger to this."
Aria notion her armed subordinates to scan them for weapons, no exceptions. The gang did not dare to use their exoskeletons. They were here for curiosity, not starting a war.
"Easy with that thing!" Rin protested.
"Save it for the last, dipshit," woman #5 replied. "You nearly broke the rule."
"What rule?"
She did not answer Rin before she gave Aria the clear.
"I should be amused at Academy students finding my city, but I'm not in the slightest. Entertain me of why I should keep you guys alive."
Ichika fished the note from his pocket to Aria. She skimmed it, not changing her stoic expression.
"So, this is how you found Omega from my idiot. Welcome to my world, Ichika. How may I be of service?"
Ichika was not scared of Aria. "I was not expecting any less from you."
"Nor did you guys get your heads blown off for picking a bone."
"I need information on Phantom Task," Ichika suggested.
"Hardly surprises me. You pride yourself being Chifuyu's little brother to live up her legacy. Tell me, can you handle the heat?"
Ichika nodded his head. "I'm doing this for Tatenashi's sake and her family. Also, my sister's Academy that holds dear to her."
"You're the one to jump into the fire to save an insignificant life, even when you know you're going to be burned." Aria took a sip of cognac. "Just that type."
"That's what the world lacks," Ichika said. Confidence crossed his face. "A hope for a hero to save lives from evildoers."
Aria chuckled. "Inspiring, but not for me and my people."
Aria's tone went serious. "Phantom Task is on a hunting season to steal IS cores and recruiting pilots to their cause. You'll need raw firepower to keep up with Squall and Autumn. Safe to assume that you fought her."
"Autumn was a handful. Phantom Task must be a thorn on your side."
"I don't have time to fight them. I have better things to do like keeping my fingertips on my city above all else. I like to see them fight amongst themselves or surrender to Sarashiki family."
As Aria scoffed arrogantly, Ichika spoke up. "Are you the founder of Omega?"
Aria stubbed her cigar on the ash tray. "Pay me 100 million yen, then I'll answer. Until then, all of you are not kin to me. I suggest changing the topic."
For a moment, Ichika thought he saw a flash of irritation flit across Aria's face.
"Aria, as a ruler, do you like to be loved or feared?"
"Good question, Ichika. Being both is ideal, but it's not possible. But if I had my choice, I would rather be feared. Fear lasts longer than love. It's fear that keeps people in line."
"A stereotype of a dictator."
"I treat my people good, but not too good, or else I'm not needed. I give just enough so that they need me, but they don't hate me."
"You know everything going on Omega."
"That's worth knowing. I'm not the one to give handouts freely. Words are powerful to change boring days. Get some drinks, chat with my entertainers. They'll give you a great tour."
"So that's that. Your people are concerned about me."
"The moment you pilot Byakushiki, you are the center of the Earth." Aria downed the rest of the cognac and signaled for another. "I, however, don't care much about you being the first boy pilot."
"We'll take your advice to not waste your time."
Aria nodded her head. "Smart man."
The gang went down for drinks and tipping entertainers. They did not regret their decision because Chifuyu and Yamada sensei weren't there to remind their curfew. For one night, they party to their fullest.
Tatenashi leaned on Ichika. "We got laid, didn't we?"
"…"
"We did."
"Three Dragons says fuck around time is over that we send a message to Miyako."
The thin, pale man instructed his cohorts. "Miyako has a brother, where he will be used to draw her out. You are to find him, and report to Three Dragons. Do not touch him. Stupid fuck already knew that she betrayed Three Dragons. Time, she learns about her favorite part of the bargain."
Three Dragons thought that Miyako would not resist after she threatened her. Activating her IS, Belial, Three Dragons went to deal with the rat. Her men spotted Miyako's brother and gave her the coordinates. Three Dragons nabbed Miyako's brother with no one around. Three Dragons made quick work using Buzzsaw to cut his hand and left him bleeding out. The next day, Miyako saw a hand dropped at her doormat.
A message was taped to the hand. "Resubmit your loyalty to me, or it'll be his leg."
"Goddamn Three Dragons," Miyako snarled. "This is all your fault. You had to kill my friends and boss. Got her head so far up her own ass."
"Miyako, you can't talk to your boss like that."
"Listen, I did not join her for money. Three Dragons took everything I had because I did not play ball. I will not roll over like a dog."
"How are we going to get out of this mess?"
"Let me deal with her. Worry on protecting me."
Fearing for her own life, Miyako increased security at the hotel. Miyako was in the penthouse, monitoring her CCTV for Three Dragons. She was overly cautious, but she was not going to take any chances. Paranoid and vindictive, Miyako checked her cameras constantly, looking down at her hands holding the tablet containing Three Dragons' dirty deeds. Miyako looked up. The door was closed. Someone else was here. No, it was impossible. She had her men guarding the entire hotel from top to bottom. Barely visible shadows crept menacingly along the walls.
The sound of the doors blown from the hinges reached her through across. A body was violently thrown. Out of the light appeared brown eyes. The floor next to her teemed with menacing, sharp blades that kept getting bigger on her metallic forearms. She felt something fall to the ground beyond her sight. The mecha-like woman emerged from the dizzy vortex and stood directly in front of Miyako, her eyes blazing.
"You Judas!" a booming voice shouted.
Instantaneously a blade extended through her left shoulder, sopping with blood. Miyako looked down, bewildered. Three Dragons grabbed Miyako's lab coat, pulling her toward her. Just as she confirmed by the looks of her face-the engineer ratted her out. She flailed, trying to land a kick or punch. Too pathetic. Three Dragons hurled her onto the desk, scattering paper. Slamming her against the penthouse window was even easier. Her whimpering of pain went louder as Three Dragons towered over her. Miyako sat awkwardly against the floor.
"Impossible! You could have not blazed through the hotel, getting past my men," Miyako declared, looking at the CCTV. "Why did my surveillance not pick you up?"
"I ought to off your head right now," Three Dragons began. "But I might let you live if you declare your loyalty to me. I want to know why you did this. Bold or stupid-which are you?"
Three Dragons kicked her bloodied shoulder. Miyako shouted in pain. The vibro-blade unsheathed itself from her forearm and she ran its tip along Miyako's nose. Miyako frantically drew back, pressing herself against the penthouse window.
"Do you have any idea what you've cost me? You made a mistake fucking with me the moment we met."
"Stupid it is." Three Dragons stood and raised her head at Miyako paralyzed. "The tablet you have in your hand, give it to me."
"I'm not telling you a thing." Miyako spat, clutching her wounded shoulder. The tablet slipped out of her hand and fell onto the floor. Three Dragons picked it up.
"Last chance. Are you loyal to me?"
Miyako continued her resistance, refusing to submit to Three Dragons. "Over my dead body."
Three Dragons shook her head. "Miyako, you blew it. You were leaking my activities not just to Chifuyu, but to my rivals and cops. You think you're slick with my back turned? Taking me for a fool?"
"You're just as bad as Phantom Task and other lowlifes wanting a slice of the pie on Infinite Stratos."
Miyako's pained laughter filled the entire room.
"You're too proud of not admitting your mistakes. There will be an accounting for what you done."
Three Dragons lorded over Miyako continuing her hubris.
"Idiot…! You think you know how this is going to play out? Having your IS does not make you strong. You're still a child in a power suit made by Tabane wanting a fix for carrots."
Three Dragons stared at the surveillance cameras, seemingly unaffected by Miyako's empty threats. Nor did she care about the mess.
"Killing me won't make a difference. Mark my words, Three Dragons. This will be your downfall."
"I built this creation with my two hands!" Three Dragons shouted, her nostrils flaring. "I use them to break you assholes in half, you rat-fucking traitor!"
Miyako glared at Three Dragons. Not even in her IS made her afraid until she was thrown out of the penthouse window. Realization hits her, and she was scared shitless as she fell, screaming one last time, landing on a parked police car in front of startled onlookers and police officers alike.
Miyako. Wrapped in bloody scraps of crushed metal and glass, almost unrecognizable from her last appearance at the penthouse. The onlookers were terrified, unable to move as if a curse laid upon them.
"Call 110! There's a dead woman!"
…
"Everyone step back at once!"
"War on the streets of our city as an unknown killer stormed the hotel, killing an untold number of men."
"I heard a loud crash like a bomb had gone off. I looked up, there was a woman falling from the top of the hotel."
"The hotel will be closed until investigation is complete."
Three Dragons was not captivated by her artwork. Three Dragons took one last look at Miyako's corpse. She tried to put a defiant face-all evaporated falling to her death like anyone would. Three Dragons wiped out the surveillance cameras. The sound of sirens drew closer. Three Dragons took off, leaving a bloody trail of dead bodies in her wake. Chifuyu was too late by the time she arrived.
"They say you threw her off the roof of the hotel!"
"More like through the penthouse window."
"You always have a flare for dramatic."
"Three Dragons, Miyako was partially responsible for the gambling racket. My boys told me that there was another person."
"Who was it?"
"Chifuyu."
"Is that all?"
"Liu."
I felt that the Academy birthday was restricted with time limit and not enough flesh, so I changed it up to Omega. Yes, Tatenashi and Ichika did it. Liu finally makes his debut as a pilot, and nearly lost. Only to turn the tables to secure his first victory. At the same time, Liu and Chifuyu brewed a storm at Three Dragons' operations, damaging her source of income. That ought to make her come out of her hiding hole. Phantom Task is not the only one causing trouble. Criminal syndicates want a piece of the action one way or the other. Drugs, illegal weapon modifications, blackmail, bribery, you name it. How long will Alaska Treaty crumble?
Until next time. Peace!
Omega, Afterlife, and Aria Ikeuchi belong to TalonAlpha.