~~000~~
Tales of the Multiverse Bit 248
"What is wrong with you, Sora?"
Sharpshooter Jane and Soaphie Lapislazuli confronted Sora Aozora for her behavior towards Owen Brannons whom is still crying while Crusher the Highlands Goat, Kouta Fujiki and Marcus Reservoir comforts him.
~~000~~
One dawn in the bustling metropolis of Mega-Tokyo, we head towards a nondescript building. Inside, a dramatic scene unfolded: Miyako Kougami and Airi Kagari apprehended a Bite Gang member, the culprit of a recent kidnapping of Kyouko Tachibana.
"You're coming with us, you brute." Airi announced while guiding the apprehended man out of the room.
The defeated kidnapper grunted, "I was so close." he muttered under his breath.
Miyako comforted the trembling Kyouko, who sat on a disheveled bed, "You're safe now." the brunette reassured.
Kyouko offered a relieved smile, "Thank you for saving me." she expressed in gratitude, "I was terrified." she remarked.
Miyako's expression softened, "It's our duty." she replied, "Help is on the way." she added.
Chitose Suzuya, a fellow officer, entered the room to update them, "Miyako, we've secured the area." she declared, "Five kidnappers, two rapists and a drug user are in custody." she listed off.
Miyako nodded in response, "Good job, Chitose." she complimented.
"Oh, and you have a call from headquarters." Chitose informed her.
Miyako's curiosity piqued, "Who is it?" she questioned.
bzzzttt...
Later that day, Miyako returned to her office in the Mega-Tokyo Police Department to find a familiar face awaiting her.
"Good afternoon, Miyako." the woman greeted while hinting at their past.
"Detective Carmella." Miyako greeted back upon recognizing her old college friend, "It has indeed been some time." she added while reminiscing about their last meeting at the reunion.
Detective and Agent
Carmella Gibson
Carmella is a young woman with a tall stature, she had a slender frame and a fair complexion, she had a short bobcut-like brown hair and she had green-colored eyes. She wears a black turtlenecked shirt underneath a brown cropped jacket, brown high-waist pencil skirt, brown thigh-high socks and a pair of black heel shoes.
"Indeed." Carmella uttered in agreement.
"Did you arrive concerning the case?" Miyako inquired.
Carmella nodded in response, "Unfortunately, yes." she concurred, "The organization keeps all police departments on high alert, so I've come to assist." she stated.
The duo then delved into their respective files in pursuit of additional clues.
Miyako presented her data, "These are potential hideouts for them." she announced while displaying her laptop.
"I've brought some information too." Carmella said while holding up a flash drive, "This contains my findings." she shared before connecting it to the computer.
Miyako scrutinized the new files, "This location seems familiar." she indicated.
"How so?" Carmella questioned.
"It matches one in my records." Miyako replied.
"Could they be connected?" Carmella pondered.
Miyako was about to elaborate when another voice interjected, "Perhaps we should divide and conquer, checking both locations?" the voice suggested.
Carmella and Miyako then turned to find a person lounging on a nearby sofa.
"Angela?!" Carmella exclaimed in surprise.
Detective & Agent
Angela Rosal
Angela is a young woman with a tall stature, she had a slender frame and a fair complexion, she had a waist-length black hair held by a pair of black ribbons and had a single yellow strand, and she had red-colored eyes. She wears a black frilly choker with a black ribbon wrapped around her neck, she wears a red tube dress with a frill skirt, she wears a black thigh-high socks, a pair of black heel shoes, a pair of black detached sleeves and a pair of black latex gloves.
"So, are you up for checking out that spot?" Angela inquired with a sly smile.
"But how did you even enter here?" Miyako questioned while visibly astonished.
"Someone lent a hand." Angela replied while nodding towards the doorway.
Miyako swiveled to see Akaza Aru standing there, "Hi, Miyako." the junior detective greeted.
"Akaza!" Miyako exclaimed in surprise, "I told you to stay put in the house!" she scolded.
"I was bored, can I come along?" Akaza asked eagerly.
"No, I told you to wait for me." Miyako replied firmly.
Ignoring Akaza's protests, Miyako strode past her with Carmella in tow, "Do as you like, just don't stir up any trouble." Carmella suggested to Angela.
Angela smirked again, "Looks like I'm going to have some fun while working." she mused. As Akaza tried to speak but Angela interrupted her, "You stay here." the tall woman beckoned, "I've got my own gig." she said.
And with that, the trio of detectives exited the room, leaving Akaza by herself.
bzzzttt...
That evening, Miyako and Carmella reached the Bite Gang's secret lair. and the duo had just dealt with a bunch of troublemakers.
"You good?" Miyako inquired while having floored a man with a punch.
Carmella took out the last one with a swift kick, "Piece of cake, if they're not packing heat." she replied.
"On to the documents." Miyako beckoned.
Miyako and Carmella then rummaged through a cluttered desk while searching for intel.
"Hmm..." Miyako hummed out loud.
"What's up?" Carmella wondered.
"Found something..." Miyako trailed while holding up some files.
"Whoa." Carmella gasped in awe while peering over.
"They're into genetics and cloning." Miyako revealed.
"Those guys we fought..." Carmella began.
"Not them, but..." Miyako's voice trailed off.
Before they could ponder, more Bite Gang members burst in, guns blazing, even a bazooka was aimed at them.
"Freeze!" the leader shouted, "Hands up!" he barked.
Surprised by the sudden turn, the pair of detectives complied.
bzzzttt...
In the shadowy depths of an alley, an unsuspecting Bite Gang member strolls by as Angela emerges, casting a seductive gaze in his direction.
"Hey, handsome." Angela whispers alluringly.
The man, caught off guard, stammers, "Me?" he asked.
"Yes, you." Angela confirms with a playful giggle while striking a tantalizing pose, "How about some 'fun' together?" she suggested.
His eyes light up at the prospect, "Do I ever!" he exclaimed in excitement.
Unseen by the duo, Akaza watches from afar, curiosity piqued by Angela's unorthodox approach. She had been instructed to keep her distance but found herself drawn to the scene.
"What's her plan?" Akaza wonders internally.
As the man moves in for a bold advance, aiming to grope Angela's left breast, she deftly blocks him with a coy smile, "Now, now." she mused, "Business before pleasure." she teased.
Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by the appearance of another gang member, who has snuck up behind Akaza. He grabs her, taking her by surprise, and uses her as a human shield.
"Looks like you know this one." the newcomer sneered while holding Akaza firmly in his grasp.
"Let her go." Angela demanded but the glint in her eye suggests she's calculating her next move.
The situation escalates as the first man seizes the opportunity to pin Angela against the wall and his intentions are less than honorable.
"We've hit the jackpot, brother." the newcomer mused, "The boss will be thrilled." he remarked.
Angela's expression hardens, a mix of anger and determination, and it's clear that she's not one to be underestimated.
bzzzttt...
Back at the secondary hideout, Miyako and Carmella found themselves in a dire situation. Bound with their hands and feet secured tightly, they lay on the cold, hard floor. The sound of a phone conversation pierced the tense silence, as one of the gang members communicated with an unknown individual.
"Affirmative, affirmative." the man spoke into the receiver, "They are in our custody." he shared, "What are your instructions?" he inquired before nodding, "Understood." he acknowledged, "If that is the will of the leader, we shall comply." he declared, "I will make my way there posthaste." he concluded before hunging up the phone with his expression unreadable.
"Was that your boss?" Carmella inquired with a hint of defiance in her voice.
"Your futile resistance won't change anything." Miyako added with her voice echoing determination, "Even if you kill us right now, the others will come for you, and they will bring your whole operation down." she declared.
The gang member sneered in response, "Your concern for your lives is touching but unnecessary." he replied, "The boss has no intention of killing you." he said, "Our objective is solely to retrieve the files." he shared, "You are merely a means to an end." he added.
"What is the purpose behind this kidnapping?" Carmella pressed on with her curiosity unyielding despite the circumstances.
"Such information is beyond my pay grade, and even if it weren't, I wouldn't be sharing it with the likes of you." the man retorted while dismissing their questions with a wave of his hand.
The room was thick with anticipation as they awaited their fate, bound by the threads of a much larger and more ominous plan.
"Your boss must be concerned about these files." Miyako questioned him with her voice filled with intrigue, "Given that you've thwarted your kidnapping scheme, why don't you divulge his next move?" she beckoned.
The man, unfazed by their predicament, replied with a hint of arrogance, "Our leader does indeed have other plans in motion." he replied, "Despite your interference, I've been instructed to leave you here." he shared.
"This is absurd!" Carmella's voice resonated with disbelief.
With a swift and decisive action, the man pulled out a roll of duct tape, "No more talking." he ordered firmly while moving to cover Carmella's mouth.
"MMPH!" Carmella's protest was muffled.
Miyako watched with her curiosity piqued, "Why the need for gags?" she questioned, "It's not as if we'd draw attention here." she reasoned.
"I'd love to stay and banter but I have my orders." the man stated with his tone light despite the gravity of the situation. He then secured the tape around Miyako's mouth, effectively silencing her protests as well.
"Mmph!" Miyako's eyes widened in frustration.
"Take care, ladies." he mused with a twisted smile playing on his lips before disappearing into the shadows, leaving them bound and gagged in the secluded location.
The tension in the room dissipated with the retreating footsteps of their captor. The two detectives found themselves in a precarious situation, bound and struggling against their restraints. Their eyes met, and they both knew what had to be done. With a silent nod, they began to work together, wriggling and tugging at the ropes that held them captive. However, their efforts were halted by an unexpected sound—a loud thud that echoed through the corridor outside their makeshift prison.
The door to the room creaked open and a figure emerged from the shadows. Dressed in a suit that seemed almost comical against his rugged demeanor, King Forest stepped into the light.
"Jesus, they weren't kidding that those gang members are nothing but a bunch of morons." King quipped while surveying the scene.
Carmella and Miyako's thoughts raced as they recognized the man before them, "King Forest!" they murmured internally with their eyes widening in shock and the detectives couldn't help but gasp inwardly at the sight of their friend and ally.
King's gaze fell upon them and his expression changed to one of surprise, "Ah!" he yelped, "Carmella, Mama Miyako!" he exclaimed with the latter name earning a silent blush from Miyako.
"I told you to stop calling me that!" Miyako exclaimed in her thoughts with her cheeks flaming with embarrassment.
With swift and practiced movements, King approached and began to untie their bonds, "Thank you for saving us, King." Carmella managed to say once she was free.
"No prob." King replied casually.
"But how did you know we were here?" Miyako questioned with curiosity getting the better of her.
King leaned against the wall while crossing his arms over his broad chest, "Well, it's a funny story, really." he begun, "I was on my way to the donut shop when two young lads came up to me and spilled the beans about this whole gang operation." he explained, "Being the heroic type, I couldn't resist lending a hand." he admitted, "They sent me here while they checked out another location." he added, "Imagine my surprise when I found you two here." he mused.
"I see." Carmella uttered out loud.
Miyako, ever the strategist, spoke up, "We should return to the office before we proceed to the other hideout." she beckoned.
"Sounds like a plan." King uttered in agreement.
bzzzttt...
The narrative shifts to a new setting, an adjacent building, where a tense situation unfolds within the confines of a solitary room. Inside, Akaza and Angela are found, both secured and silenced with a gag. The atmosphere is thick with tension as we delve into their plight.
"You two are quite the catch for our boss." one of their captors commented with a sinister undertone.
"Yeah, but I'm getting restless." the second man complained.
The first man's gaze darkens with a twisted smile, "Let's entertain ourselves then." he suggested with his eyes lingering on Angela, "How about her?" he beckoned.
With a grin, the second man pulls Angela to her feet, "Look at her, what a beauty!" he commented with his hands roughly grasp her, eliciting a muffled protest from her gag.
As the two men drag Angela into another chamber, Akaza strains against her bonds, thoughts racing to formulate an escape plan, "Must break free!" she exclaimed, "Have to save Angela-san!" she thinks to herself.
Moments later, the air is pierced by two blood-curdling screams from the room, unmistakably belonging to their captors and the sound sends a chill down Akaza's spine.
A minute later, Angela emerges from the other room, her skin marred by crimson smudges. She looks visibly shaken but not defeated, "Okay, hold on." she murmured to Akaza, "Let me get those off you." she beckoned as she moves to untie her.
Once free, Akaza's eyes are wide with fear, "Angela-san, what happened in there?" she questioned, "Did you killed them?" she accused.
Angela shakes her head, "No, I didn't." she reassured before her gaze shifting to the doorway where two figures are now visible, "They did." she revealed.
Akaza whipped around, her eyes going wide with astonishment as she laid eyes on two figures she had believed to be lost to her forever, Creeper Ushida and Kiyoshi Kageyama.
Both individuals she knew to have met their untimely ends at the hands of Miyako, "Kageyama-san, Ushida-san..." Akaza murmured with her voice trembling with disbelief.
"You're acquainted with these two?" Angela inquired and is equally taken aback.
Akaza nodded solemnly, "Yes, they were my friends." she revealed, "But Miyako-san was the one who..." her words trailed off as she tried to make sense of the scene unfolding before her.
"Miyako?" Angela's voice was thick with shock, "She killed them?!" she exclaimed in shock, "But if that's the case, then how..." she trailed but the two young men shrugged nonchalantly in response to Angela's question, leaving her more confused than ever.
Akaza cautiously approached her resurrected comrades, "Why are you here?" she asked, "Why are you helping us?" she added with her voice a delicate balance between hope and bewilderment, "Miyako-san is the one who..." she trailed.
Ushida flashed her a knowing smile and gave a firm thumbs-up, silently communicating his understanding and acceptance of the situation. A spark of realization dawned in Akaza's eyes.
"You've forgiven her?" Akaza asked with her voice a mix of incredulity and admiration.
The two of them nodded in unison and Akaza couldn't help but smile back, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. It was a gesture that transcended the confines of their peculiar encounter, a silent pact of camaraderie and compassion.
Kiyoshi's gaze then shifted towards Angela with his index finger aimed at the ceiling, "You're suggesting we might discover something of value up there?" she inferred with her eyes widening in curiosity and he affirmed her suspicion with a solemn nod.
"They were part of the Bite Gang prior to their untimely demise." Akaza revealed while providing context to their search.
"Understood." Angela acknowledged, "Let's proceed upstairs and investigate." beckoned with determination at the potential hidden within the higher level.
As Kiyoshi and Ushida started to withdraw from the room, Akaza's voice stopped them in their tracks, "Wait!" she called out, "You're not planning to leave us, are you?" she asked with her eyes searched their faces for reassurance and they nodded in unison to which Akaza inquired, "Can we expect to cross paths again?" she asked.
Kiyoshi offered a nod while gesturing towards their attire as a silent explanation, "Ah, so you're on official business." Akaza murmured with a smile playing upon her lips as she watched the two depart the building.
The duo of females then ascended the stairs, their footsteps echoing through the silent corridor. Upon reaching the office, they delved into the dusty files scattered across the desks, seeking clues that might shed light on the Bite Gang's secrets.
"That seems to be everything." Angela proposed while gesturing towards the pile of items they had gathered, "We should probably return to Carmella and the group." she beckoned.
As if on cue, a familiar voice echoed through the room. The duo spun around to find Miyako, Carmella, King, Chitose and Airi emerging from the doors, "You don't have to go anywhere." Carmella announced with a knowing smile.
"Miyako-san!" Akaza exclaimed with her eyes lit up in excitement.
"Akaza!" Miyako squawked in response and her own surprise was palpable, "What brings you here?" she inquired while raising an eyebrow.
The young girl blushed and scratched the back of her head nervously, "I-I trailed after Angela-san, I'm sorry," she mumbled with her eyes darting to the floor.
Carmella turned her gaze to Angela, "Troublesome encounters?" the brunette asked with a hint of concern in her voice
"Somewhat." Angela conceded with a wry smile, "But we were fortunate to be assisted by a pair of peculiar young men." she shared.
King's curiosity was piqued, "The ones I bumped into earlier, perhaps?" he assumed.
"Indeed." Angela affirmed.
"Where did they go?" King wondered aloud.
"They just departed from here a brief moment ago." Angela informed them with her voice carrying the weight of recent events.
"It was Kageyama-san and Ushida-san!" Akaza exclaimed with a mix of surprise and relief.
Miyako's gaze grew wide as saucers and Chitose's legs buckled beneath her, dropping her to the ground, "Could it truly be...?" Miyako managed to ask with her voice trembling with emotion.
A solemn nod from Akaza confirmed their identities, "Indeed, and they have saved us." she confirmed with her words resonating with the gravity of the situation. She then proceeded to recount the harrowing tale of their encounter, revealing that the two boys had somehow found it in their hearts to forgive Miyako, despite the grim fate she had dealt them.
Overwhelmed by the revelation, Miyako succumbed to her emotions, sobbing uncontrollably. Akaza, ever the comforting presence, wrapped her arms around her mother, providing solace amidst the storm of feelings.
The others in the group looked on with gentle smiles, understanding the depth of the moment shared between the two. The air was thick with a mix of relief and joy, as the weight of their earlier conflict began to lift from their shoulders.
bzzzttt...
The following day, Miyako, Carmella and King gathered around a cozy table in the corner of a bustling restaurant, the scent of freshly prepared meals wafting through the air.
The attentive waitress, Kagari Toudou, jotted down their selections with a nod of understanding, "Your meals will be served shortly." she assured them with a courteous smile before retreating to the kitchen.
"Thank you." Carmella expressed in gratitude with her eyes twinkling in appreciation as Kagari disappeared from view.
Miyako took a sip of her drink with her gaze drifting to the secure locations they had discussed earlier, "It seems we've managed to fortify our positions, at least for now." she commented.
Carmella nodded thoughtfully with her eyes lingering on the digital screens displaying the encrypted files they had recently acquired, "Those documents certainly hold some fascinating secrets." she conceded.
King leaned back in his chair, "Those fools never learn." he commented with his expression a mix of annoyance and amusement, "They're as persistent as they are clueless." he added.
Carmella then shifted the conversation's focus to her personal life, "I've decided to stay here with Angela and the others." she announced with her voice filled with determination, "Our new home will be here, and I'm eager to collaborate with you all." she expressed in delight.
Miyako's smile grew wider, "We're thrilled to have you with us." she said genuinely.
Turning to King, Carmella inquired, "Speaking of family, how is my brother faring in your ranks?" she asked.
King's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "You have a sibling in the organization I'm part of?" he questioned.
"His name is Denton." Carmella revealed.
"Ah, the one who goes by 'Sixteen years old'." King exclaimed upon recognizing the name, "Indeed, he's been quite active on the mission front these days." he recalled, "Also, Mandy, Angela's little sister, she's part of the same team as your sibling." he shared the information with a knowing nod.
Miyako couldn't hide her astonishment, "Well, well, what do we have here?" she mused.
"Speaking of relationships." Carmella mused with a mischievous grin, "King, have you found a special someone yet, or are you still flying solo?" she asked.
The room was suddenly filled with King's boisterous laughter but just as quickly, it transformed into a wail of despair, "Wahahahaha!" he bawled out loud, "What a pathetic existence!" he insulted himself, "In my thirties and still a bachelor!" he lamented, "Wahahahaha!" he cried even louder while pounding the table with his fist, his head thumping against it in dramatic fashion.
Miyako shot Carmella a sharp look, "Thanks a lot." she murmured and is clearly not amused.
Carmella shrugged sheepishly while rubbing the back of her neck, "I was just curious." she offered in defense.
A/N: Inspired from someonestupED, damnlastwords, Jamesdean5842, Hope the Victor and Ace Neptune. All OCs and concepts not created by moi were given permission for me to use by it's respected creators.