It was supposed to be a chill day.
We already had done our commissions. Hell I was busy helping out Belebog industries in their commission and Bunny was out getting supplies. Spot was finishing up stocking inventory before his ears perked up. Huh...?
FAIRY suddenly spoke up, "I detect certain individuals approaching the store with ill intentions. I recommend hiding in a secure location."
"How do you even detect intentions...? Either way who is it...? It's not public security right?" Spot asked.
"Negative. Based on my research, it's one of the few individuals that are banned from this store from your store files," FAIRY stated.
"Isn't that an invasion of privacy...? ...wait. We only have a few banned people. Usually vagrants and obviously Asil but..." Spot's eyes widen realizing who else it could be, "...Him. Dammit...! The girls are still out there! I'll lock up the area and inform them immediately not to come here! If anything happens...leave a message."
"Understood though I highly don't recommend," FAIRY said.
Spot knows the AI was right. He wasn't a fighter. But he can't allow me or Bunny to get involved. So he'll try to keep us away and handle it himself. He locks the doors and grabs his wrench. No matter what these guy's intentions are with him, he's not gonna go down without a fight.
The lights suddenly flickered out...
"Sorry little doggy. But I have something important to use you for. You'll be perfect bait~"
"Woah what happened here...?" Nicole asked as she walked into the book shop.
Billy shuddered, "Dunno...But I'm getting the creeps..."
"Nicole received a call from Bunny only a few minutes ago. And before that we received an S.O.S from their computer. There's ether activity faintly around here...and a struggle," Anby noted, "With Lisa on a commission, only one can presume something happened to Spot."
"The doggy Thiren?! Awwww but who'd wanna hurt that lil guy?! He's harmless!" Billy said.
"THATS WHAT I WANNA KNOW-!!!" Bunny kicked the door open making them jump, "That's why I'm hiring you three to find him! Because FAIRY is locating his location right now! I'll lead you with my Bunboo! I...I just...I don't know where else to go..." Her ears lowered. "I hope he's not hurt...I haven't even told Lisa yet."
Nicole put her hand on her shoulder, "Hey. Chin up. You know you can count on us..." Bunny looked surprised that she looked so genuine. Was Nicole really this sweet...? "But of course my fee will have to go up if it's that dangerous~"
"Get your hand off me before I kick your stomach so hard, your tits fly off," Bunny meant that. Nicole backed away nervously.
"But that's not physically possible unless you create a hard enough force-" Anby tryna imagine the possibility now.
"Ooook let's not get carried away! Uh Boss? Your call!" Billy quickly cut that short, not wanting to imagine it.
Neither did Nicole. So she cleared her throat, "Well I guess we're doing it!"
"Location of Spot located. The target is moving through deep inside the companion hollow. I recommend leading the target to a dead end. But be wary of a possible hostage situation," FAIRY said.
"...Oh god is that the same Hollow Lisa is in?" Bunny gulped.
Billy perked up, "Really?! Maybe she can help us!" He pressed the call button on the H.D.D panel. "Hellooooo~!"
"YOU IDIOT DONT JUST-" Bunny squeaked.
"Hello? Billy? Heeeeey what's up?! Uh...wait why are you calling from there?" I noticed the contact was the H.D.D, "Is everything ok?"
"Yeah! Well except your bro Spot was kidnapped by an unknown affiliation...? But uh he should be in that hollow you're in so maybe you can help catch the guy!" Billy said cheerily.
...I put him on hold.
"Hey guys? If I were to do a crime, would you turn the other cheek and pretend you saw nothing?" I asked Koleda's group.
"Uh- i would prefer if you didn't..." Ben said with a little concern.
"Well what is the crime?" Grace asked.
"Aggravated assault. Possible murder. Depends if I miss-" I say bluntly "Oh but to go save a friend of mine that's like family-"
"Oh really? Well i didn't see anything~" Grace said casually.
"Anything for the bros since you're helping us anyway! But uh that also depends on the boss," Anton added.
Koleda sighed, "Jeez finally, you guys were already answering even though it's MY final decision! ...But go ahead. I honestly can't blame you. Besides I kinda owe you. Just make sure you help us find the prototype..."
"Thank you~! I'll do you one better!" I took them off hold, "Tell that bitch to pull up. Lead him to the old central square." They hear a gun cock, "Imma commit a felony-" I hung up with that.
"...I believe Bunny was trying to warn us that Lisa is much more reckless when angry-" Anby finally said.
Bunny slammed her head against the desk, "Just...go make sure she or Spot doesn't fucking die-"
Nicole sighs, "On our way...who's the guy we gotta go after anyway?"
"...Her ex boyfriend. I just looked at the camera footage-" Bunny said.
"...HER WHAT-"
"Ack-! I don't know WHY you're doing this but you're just as psychotic as before Disappear...!" Spot snarled.
Disappear chuckled with a smug grin, "Oh please, you know I'm not gonna stay in the shadows forever...either way I'm not here to serenade for my lovely dragon princess today! Unfortunately I have a commission especially for her. So I needed you as the bait! You know she NEVER would let YOU guys down..." he rolled his eyes.
"Hey-! She only broke up with you because you used her and controlled her...! We respected her choice but you made her feel awful about herself every single day...!" Spot said, "You used her...!"
"Ha! And look at you now! As helpless as you were before!" Disappear mocked, "It's pathetic really. You have the nerve to scold me when you can't even protect YOURSELF let alone them? You really are the weakest in the group~ standing in the background while you watch them suffer and you simply whining about your own weakness~"
Spot felt guilty. He knows he shouldn't listen to him. But look at him. Trapped in a hollow with this psycho knowing we'd come. Will I get hurt again? Will it be his fault? He...He doesn't want the people he loved get hurt again! Ah-! A gunshot-?!
"Ow-!!! What the hell you psycho you fucking shot-" Disappear went pale, " O-Oh! Hiiii my sweet little angel~! I'm so glad you're here!"
"I said I'd shoot your dick off if you tried anything stupid to me or my family did I not...?" I cock my gun quickly with my fangs and get both gun and crowbar ready, "TIME TO FILL OUT THAT PROMISE DIPSHIT-!!!"
"EEEEEK-!!! NOT MY PRIDE AND JOY-!" Disappear tried running but Spot managed to trip him up with his leg. When he looked up, the whole cunning hares were there too. "...mercy?"
"Hmph. Guys? Jump him," Nicole said coldly. Disappear shrieked as me, Billy, and Anby started stomping him down and even dropped down to elbow him. "Jeez that guy was pathetic..." She helped untie Spot, "You ok...?"
"...I...Im so...useless," Spot closed his eyes, "I wanted to protect them! To keep that jerk away! But I just created more problems! I'm sorry you had to waste your time coming here-" He got bonked, "OW-?! Hey-!"
"Idiot! We- er- Bunny and Lisa were worried about you! You're like their big brother! And you're sulking because you think you're useless?! You're the smartest, quickest in thinking, you do gadgets and you will put everything on the line to protect them! So don't you dare let that pathetic person get you down just from a few words when you've shown everyone just how great you are-!" Nicole scolded.
Spot's tail wags before he smiles sweetly, "...thank you Nicole. Heh...you always are the sweetest."
Nicole blushes, "S-Stop with the puppy eyes! I thought you hated doing that...!" After beating Disappear's ass, we chuckled at the scene.
"Man I'm glad that's over! I'm surprised...you actually used the gun i gave you too!" Billy said.
"Hell yeah- never not using the Glock man. I really need to use it more...can't let your lessons go to waste!" I giggled.
"I suppose this is what a happy ending is like...? Where are the credits...?" Anby thought for a minute, "Oh. This might be a false ending and the real final boss is appearing soon-"
On fucking cue the strange ethereal popped out once the Belebog industries pulled out the prototype.
I take a breath, "...OH COME THE FUCK ON-"
Several weeks had passed by since that incident. Public security had to get involved and we dipped before we were seen. Still...I swore I saw someone familiar that day too. But maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me?
"Ugh what a headache..." I sigh as I walked around Lumina square, "We go from something as simple as a retrieval job to fighting an unknown ethereal and getting my creepy ex arrested. Now I have to investigate who hired him...while I'm being watched over a kitty-"
"Hey! You owe me mackerel for leaving me out that last mission!" Nekomata hissed, "Besides Bunny wanted you to relax today, not focus on work! Jeez for someone who loves goofing around, you get so serious when it comes down to it..."
I chuckled, "Eh...yeah actually. I just take my...other work seriously! It's like being a detective!"
"So you like detective stuff...? Huh. Shocking coming from you..." Nekomata nommed on her fish.
"Heh. I'm just awesome is all~" I sip on my coffee and almost choke on it, coughing a bit, "Fuck hide me-"
"Huh??? What's wrong? Did you see something meow?" Nekomata looked confused as I hid my face, "Yknow that doesn't work right-?"
"Um...excuse me? Can I speak with you?" A woman suddenly walked up to us. She had a pretty scary look on his face. Wait is that a badge?! Is she Public Security?!
"Meee-ACK-! Y-Yes...?!" Nekomata was freaked out.
The woman's face softens up, "Oh I'm sorry! I scared you didn't I? I know my colleagues remind me to ease up but i didn't know it was that bad..." She clears his throat, "I'm Detective H. But please call me Hero. I was actually trying to talk to your friend...I believe I know her..."
Nekomata looked surprised, "Nya? Lisa? You know her...?"
I finally put my hand down and awkwardly smile, "Uh yeah actually...This is an old acquaintance of mine..." This girl...She was the one I saw at the Ethereal incident site.
"Ah so I was right! It's been ages Lisa!" Hero smiles broadly, "How have you been?"
"I'm doing alright...Heh. I see you accomplished being a detective just like you wished. Congratulations..." I had a more solemn tone.
"Thank you! Though...im still surprised you haven't. I mean when they told me you quit the academy, I couldn't believe it...You were the most determined person there," Hero frowned a bit, "I was worried about you..."
I look off to the side, a little frustrated he brought that up, "Well there's no need for that. I have a business now. And with people who help me that I work well with. So that's good enough."
Hero sighs, knowing I'd get a little defensive, "I will never judge your decision. So please don't beat yourself over about it. Besides...I'm actually very proud of you. Seeing you happy with friends and working as hard as ever? I'm glad you haven't changed..."
I looked at her surprised before chuckling softly, "...You never change either."
Hero smiles a bit but her phone rings, "Ack- sorry. Duty calls! But if you're ever around Lumina Square again, let's go out for some coffee!" She left and immediately went to answer her phone.
"...soooooo when were you gonna tell us you were going to be a Public Security Officer before-?" Nekomata asked.
I sighed, "That was when I was younger. I...wanted to help people. Because my mom taught me that. But I simply couldn't handle the pressure. Especially when that jackass was around..." My face grew dark but I shook it off, "It's in the past now though. And either way, I wasn't lying. I'm happy where I am now...because I am still doing what I love. Even if it's not what i originally was aiming for" I smile genuinely.
Nekomata smiles too, "Now I see why Nicole trusts you guys so much~! Still just remember you don't need to work hard to prove yourself to anyone! Personally I think you're doing great!"
"I feel like you're only saying that because I gave you fish," I joked.
"Heeeey! I'm not heartless either Y'know!" Nekomata huffs.
I laugh a bit and eventually we parted ways because she wanted to help Nicole out with the upcoming trial with Vision corporation. I really hope they do well. Mmm...I wonder if Billy is doing alright. Ah- My phone is ringing. Head out of the clouds, Lisa! I pick it up and hear Rubin.
"Oh-! Heeeeey Dragon cutie~! I have a liiiittle commission for you! And I need it REALLY quickly ok?" She sounds nervous.
I sigh, "Did the "Red Eyed Magician" get caught up in a heist? Why are you calling me for? You never need my help to escape...hell that's the point of the nickname-"
"Yes yes I'm incredible and infamous for escaping Officers after my WONDERFUL heists with incredible speed and intelligence~ Buuuut I just got deets on who they're sending after me and i know escaping him is gonna be...tricky. Soooo I ran into a hollow and need help-" Rubin chuckles nervously.
"...and yall call me stupid- without no carrot?! No nothing?! Who are you escaping, THE TERMINATOR?!" I shouted at my phone.
"MIGHT AS WELL BE-" Rubin shouted back, "You wouldn't leave your beautiful information broker would you~?"
I pretend to think for a moment, "...Maaaaybe-"
Rubin panicked, "I-I'll pay extra and let you play with my ears-!"
"Say less. On my way," Am Determined now but I asked, "Who are you running from that's gonna be worrisome anyway...?"
Rubin audibly gulped, "...Weeeeell..."
Zhu yuan looked around, her gun pointed, "I'm not seeing anyone. But these ethereals are a lot..."
Qingyi nodded, "Mmm. A dangerous hollow. But a clever way to avoid us. As expected from the Kitsune thief."
"Detective. The area is clear. Should we investigate?" Zhu Yuan turned to the person...who turned out to be Hero.
She adjusted his gloves, "Of course. Scout out the area. We need a concrete idea of which way she went. She couldn't have gotten far without a carrot on hand. We'll apprehend her on sight!"
"Yes detective!" Zhu Yuan said.
Qingyi nods but looks around, "...I still sense that we are constantly being watched..."
Hero took note of that. Qingyi's detection is never wrong. She looks around too but doesn't see anything yet. Little did they know, I was operating my Dragoboo, hiding with said thief-
"Are you fucking kidding me?! Hero of all people?! You KNOW she's harsh on criminals!" I whisper shouted at Rubin.
"Hey at least I warned you! If she saw you in person, you and your business would be at stake! Hell you'd be arrested on sight!" Rubin whispered back, "She's a good person...but she really takes her job too seriously."
"YAH THINK-?! If she takes my Dragoboo, he could trace it back to my H.D.D! Hero is literally the best detective around! Ugh why did they transfer her here...?" I groaned, "We need to get you extracted NOW!"
We tiptoe away from the area but when we tried to, we noticed the trio suddenly get surrounded by some bandits. I hesitated for a moment. They...probably are gonna take them as hostages. And knowing Hero she would let the girls run while she stays and tries to fight them alone...dammit...
"Lisa...!" Rubin notices my struggle, "...ugh. You both are so stubborn sometimes. We'll help them. But then we are LEAVING."
"...thank you Rubin." I said quietly.
The bandit leader laughs at Hero, "Awww what a knight in shining armor! Sorry pal but the more cops, the more rewards we could get!"
"Tch. You criminals make me sick..." Hero sighs as she pulls out her skillet, "Then prepare yourself..."
They all blinked at her weapon choice before laughing. Hero simply gets irked and used that negativity to create a blade that shoots out, making the skillet into a great sword. They immediately had to dodge as this starts a whole fight up. Zhu Yuan and Qingyi immediately supporting her from the sides. Secretly Rubin used her extreme speed to kick at the bandits, tripping them up with traps and causing a bigger chaos. With their teamwork and Rubin's assistance, they managed to take them down. I was relieved as Rubin managed to get out of there too! But I gasped when my Dragoboo almost got hit. I looked up to see Hero.
"Got you..." she looked pissed, "Why are you watching us? Are you...aware of why we're here? Are you assisting the criminal we are after...? You have a minute to explain yourself...!"
Shit.
How was i supposed to help Rubin like this?! Dammit I...I don't know how to fix this! Dammit why didn't I just help Rubin get out first?! I'm so sorry I messed up! I...huh? Wait. Isn't that...? Bunboo! I look to my side to see Bunny by my side.
"What? I saw you needed help! You really need to remember to tell us if you need help silly- though I should kick your butt for being this reckless," Bunny huffed.
Spot joined us, "Just leave the extraction up to Bunny. I'll help you with this guy and make sure he doesn't trace us...alright?"
I hesitate but I nodded, "Thank you. I trust you guys enough to let you handle that. Just leave Hero to me!"
"Roger that!" They both said.
I nodded before unmuting my Dragoboo, "I'm the latest Proxy Ma'am. I was actually doing a commission but I say you guys struggling and decided to help! I might be a proxy but I'm not heartless!"
Qingyi joined in perking up at my words, "Latest Proxy...? Then you must be the upcoming Proxy...Gardenia. Right?"
"Gardenia? Huh. I heard she works with multiple people, going in person into a hollow while working with others from the outside..." Zhu Yuan added.
"And I'm here now! Not in the flesh though. I got lazy today~" I tilt my Dragoboo's head, "If you need help out of the hollow, I can lead you out! Just uh...no arrests? Please...?"
Zhu Yuan thinks, "Let you go...? I mean if you help us...But I dunno..."
"Deal" Hero said simply.
Zhu Yuan looked surprised, "Huh...? But are you sure ma'am...?"
"Very much so. As long as she cooperates...I have no complaints." Hero said casually.
I was...suspicious of that. But thankfully I led them a separate direction so Rubin and Bunboo was not spotted as they head to their exit and I lead them to a different one. A mission success!!! I ended up disappearing before they could try anything. But still why did Hero let me go...? We all logged out and ended up celebrating a bit with the money Rubin gave us. I heard a knock on the door. I tilted my head and opened it. Ah- I almost freaked out but Hero was here.
"Oh hey! How'd you know my shop was here? Did some detective-ing?" I joked.
"More or less," She chuckled at that.
"Do you wanna come in? We got some pizza and drinks!" I say cheerfully.
"...no. I just wanted to drop this off. Consider it a gift. I'm...really glad I got to see you again," Hero said, "I believe we'll get to see each other more often"
"Hm? Awww Hero you didn't need to...get me..." My face went pale. It was...a bouquet of Gardenias. I peek up at her. She wasn't smiling anymore.
"Your favorite flowers. Isn't it?" She said in a mockingly nice tone.
"...WELP- that's enough time I have tonight- have a good day-" I squeak when he stopped me from closing the door.
She leaned in close, "If I find ANY evidence that you really are the proxy...you will be the first one I go to. Keep that in mind...Lisa."
I gulp but got serious too to hide my nerves, "Do you mind? We're closed. And any further, I'll have to talk to your supervisor about harassment."
...She scoffed with a small smile but backed off.
"You really never change...but it's annoying how much I respect that." Hero glances at me before heading off, "Have a good night Lisa."
"...You too Hero." I close the door.
...
...
...
I think I just made a new enemy today.