DISCLAIMER: The Taimanin series belongs to Black Lilith.
Chapter 1: Tonitruum Lupus
It's the inside of an unknown room, one among countless identical spaces in a nondescript building. The air is thick with fear and desperation. A young girl, no more than ten years old, cries out in anguish, her voice echoing off the bare walls.
"Ahhhh... Someone, anyone, please help me... I don't like this..." Her pleas are heart-wrenching, filled with terror and confusion.
But there's no one to answer her cries. No one, except for the monstrous figures looming around her. More than ten shadows surround the girl, each bearing an unsettling resemblance to her in height and facial features, yet grotesquely deformed. These are demons, creatures from a realm beyond human understanding, here for nefarious purposes.
One of the demons, his voice a grating mockery of comfort, leans in close. "Hehehe, why don't you stop crying? Just a little bit more and I'll let you go." His words drip with false sincerity, a cruel promise that only intensifies the girl's fear.
Another demon chimes in, his tone equally menacing. "Yes, yes, as long as your parents keep their word and let us conduct our business quietly." The implications hang heavy in the air – this child is nothing more than a pawn in their twisted game.
The girl's cries grow even louder, more desperate. "Heeee... aaaanggggg... papa, mama..." She calls out for her parents, unaware of the impossible position they've been placed in.
The truth of the situation is grim. The girl's parents are politicians, influential figures caught in a web of corruption and blackmail. The demons are using their daughter as leverage, a brutal tactic to ensure the politicians turn a blind eye to their illegal activities. It's a cruel game of power, with an innocent child caught in the middle.
The lead demon, his eyes glowing with malicious intent, continues his threats. "If your mom and dad report us to the authorities or to the Taimanins, you know what will happen... right?" The words hang in the air, heavy with implied violence.
His accomplice, more unhinged and eager for bloodshed, replies with a manic glee, "Kill! Kill Kiiiillllll!" The outburst sends a fresh wave of terror through the young hostage.
In truth, if the transaction ends safely – if the politicians comply fully with their demands – a call is supposed to come from their fellow demons. The lead demon intends to release the girl safely as originally promised. But intentions mean little in this world of shadows and deceit.
The girl, of course, understands none of this. To her young mind, this is a nightmare made real. She can only cower in fear, her small body shaking with each sob, praying for a rescue that seems impossibly far away.
Meanwhile, outside the building, a different scene unfolds. In a parking area adjacent to one of the two buildings where the hostage situation is taking place, a black van sits inconspicuously among other vehicles. Inside, two men monitor the unfolding drama with intense focus.
The first is Kotaro Fuuma, a young male Taimanin and the commanding officer of the Taimanin Task Force. His presence exudes a quiet authority, his eyes sharp as he assesses the situation. The Task Force is responsible for protecting civilians from criminals – both human and demon – who misuse technology from the demon realm and engage in all manner of illegal activities.
Beside him sits an imposing figure – Rood Kaiser van Wolfgang. The Dutchman cuts a striking figure, his muscular frame barely contained by his black leather jacket and v-neck shirt. A legendary MMA fighter and ruthless bounty hunter, Wolfgang's reputation precedes him. His recent induction into the Task Force came after surviving the Ceremonial Atonement, a grueling ritual that acknowledged him as a Royal Knight of the Dutch royal family.
Wolfgang breaks the silence, his deep voice tinged with concern. "So, where's the rest of the crew? I guess this is a real cause for alarm considering that the politicians' daughter is used as a bargaining chip."
Fuuma nods, his reply measured. "We have Rinko-senpai and Yukikaze rescue the couple. While Shizuru-sensei will go and find the girl."
"Fair game," Wolfgang acknowledges, but his furrowed brow betrays his doubts. "These guys aren't as stupid as they come. We'll need a diversion to give those ladies a breathing room."
As they discuss, the plan takes shape. Two skilled Taimanins – Rinko Akiyama and Yukikaze Mizuki – will handle the rescue of the politician couple. Meanwhile, Shizuru Kousaka, known for her tactical infiltration specialty, is tasked with safely extracting the daughter.
Wolfgang and Kotaro, recognizing the need for a distraction, prepare to create chaos at the heavily guarded entrance. Their role is crucial – to draw attention away from the rescue operations and give their teammates the best chance of success.
Before they move out, Wolfgang does something unexpected. He turns slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper that Fuuma barely catches. It's as if he's addressing an unseen audience.
"Hello there, lads. Rood Kaiser van Wolfgang here. Seven-time MMA world champion, bounty hunter, and honorary Royal Knight. Before moving on with this side story, go read the first two volumes of Beauty and the Beast Chronicles and Denki no Taimanin Gaiden: The Wolf and The Hermit before this one. As there's a lot of spoilers ahead. Proceed with this story at your own discretion."
He pauses, then continues his explanation to this invisible listener. "I'll break down this mission for you guys. We got a pair of politicians and their daughter being held hostage. Some assholes threatened to kill their kid since their illegal business draw attention by the authorities. Two Taimanins will rescue the politicians and one will rescue the kid. Fuuma-chin and I will create a diversion on the front door."
As Wolfgang observed, the entrance was indeed heavily guarded. A dozen or so burly men, their eyes scanning the area with predatory intensity, stood at attention. Some were visibly armed, while others exuded an aura of supernatural menace that only Wolfgang's keen senses could detect. But this formidable defense was the least of his worries.
"Hey mate, once we start this shit, it's really going to get messy," said Wolfgang, his gaze meeting Fuuma's. The centuries-old hybrid's eyes held a glint of excitement mixed with grim determination. "We'll be clearing a path so our VIPs can get out safely. But as soon as we brawl with these clowns, expect a bloody trail along the way."
Fuuma nodded, his young face set with resolve. "Okay. So long as we secure the hostages. That's the mission." Though he hadn't yet awakened his ninja art, Fuuma's hand rested confidently on the hilt of his katana. Close-range combat was still very much in his wheelhouse.
Wolfgang, however, was a walking arsenal. Two beam sabers, Rahu and Ketu, hung at his waist, their hilts gleaming with latent energy. On his wrist, a high-tech smartwatch housed an app that could summon copies of weapons from demons he'd encountered in the past. The Dutchman's lips curved into a small, anticipatory smile.
[Soundtrack: "Take on Me" by a1]
Wolfgang suddenly turned, addressing an unseen presence. "Before we start this shit, I wonder if I can recreate that scene from Deadpool and Wolverine?" His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "I know that NSYNC song was already used for that movie, and Deadpool 2 had an acoustic version of a-ha's 'Take on Me'. How about we use A1's version for this chapter? Trust me, it's going to be a killer. I'm a fan of A1 though. Okay, hit the music!"
Fuuma raised an eyebrow but said nothing, used to Wolfgang's occasional fourth-wall-breaking moments.
"One, two, three, go!" Wolfgang counted, his body tensing like a coiled spring.
In a blur of motion, both Wolfgang and Fuuma charged at the guards. Wolfgang took the lead with a spectacular flying kick, his boot connecting with the first guard's face with a sickening crunch. The impact was devastating, the guard's skull giving way under the force of the blow.
As the upbeat pop song filled the air, the scene transformed into a surreal mix of violence and dance.
("Talking away, I don't know what I'm to say I'll say it anyway")
("Today's another day to find you")
Wolfgang and Fuuma exchanged a quick glance, a silent communication passing between them. Then they dove into the fray. Wolfgang's body became a whirlwind of destruction, his legs lashing out in devastating tornado kicks that took down two enemies at once. Without missing a beat, he followed up with a superman punch that sent another guard flying.
Fuuma, meanwhile, was a study in precision and grace. His katana flashed in the dim light, parrying knife attacks with ease. In between sword strikes, he lashed out with quick, powerful kicks, pushing back the stragglers who tried to overwhelm him.
The scene shifted, alternating between the brutal fight and surreal moments of Wolfgang dancing to the peppy A1 tune, his movements a stark contrast to the violence surrounding him.
("Shying away, I'll be coming for your love, okay")
Inside the building where the politicians' daughter was being held, chaos erupted. A demon underling burst into the room, his eyes wide with panic. "Boss, our security's been breached!"
("Take on me (Take on me), Take me on (Take on me)")
The boss demon, still holding the terrified girl hostage, whirled around. "By who?!" he demanded, his grip on the child tightening unconsciously.
("I'll be gone... in a day or two")
The underling hesitated, fear evident in his voice. "A Taimanin and..."
Before he could finish, a change came over the boss demon. His smug expression melted away, replaced by a look of dawning horror. He'd felt it - a presence he'd hoped never to encounter again. His voice, when he spoke, was barely above a whisper, filled with dread and a hint of awe.
"No, it can't be him..."
The girl, momentarily forgotten in the demon's shock, whimpered softly. Outside, the sounds of battle grew louder, punctuated by the incongruous pop song. The nightmare was far from over, but for the first time since her capture, a spark of hope flickered in the young hostage's heart.
("So needless to say, odds and ends")
("But I'll be stumbling away")
("Slowly learning that life is okay")
The scene shifted back to Wolfgang and Fuuma as they continued to clear their path, facing an ever-increasing number of enemies. Wolfgang, in a display of both skill and showmanship, seamlessly blended his dance moves with his fighting style. His movements were fluid and unpredictable, catching his opponents off guard as he transitioned from a spin to a devastating roundhouse kick.
The corridor they fought through was a testament to Wolfgang's brutal efficiency. Bodies lay strewn about, some groaning in pain, others unnervingly still. Blood spattered the walls and floor, creating a macabre abstract painting. Fuuma, while equally effective, fought with a more controlled style, his katana flashing in precise arcs that left clean cuts on his opponents.
("Say after me, it's no better to be safe than sorry.")
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the building, Rinko and Yukikaze were making steady progress towards the VIP. Yukikaze's pistols crackled with energy as she fired, each shot releasing a bolt of green lightning that struck her targets with unerring accuracy. The air around her hummed with electrical charge, her hair lifting slightly in the static-filled atmosphere.
Rinko moved like a dancer, her katana an extension of her arm. With each quick draw, another enemy fell. Her movements were economical yet graceful, not a single motion wasted as she cut through the opposition. The two women worked in perfect sync, covering each other's blind spots and creating openings for devastating combination attacks.
As they paused to catch their breath, their earpieces vibrated. Rinko tapped hers, answering Fuuma's call.
"Rinko-senpai, what's your status?"
Rinko's voice was calm despite the chaos around her. "We're almost to the VIP. How did the diversion go?"
Fuuma's reply came with a hint of dry humor. "Okay. I'd say it went horribly right. Wolfgang's strikes are far more lethal than your average MMA fighter. His effectiveness is certainly clearing a path for extraction."
Yukikaze, curiosity getting the better of her, chimed in. "I know he's a Royal Knight and all. Why isn't he suiting up into his armor?"
There was a momentary pause before Wolfgang's gruff voice came through the comm. "That's because every Royal Knight has a vow to never misuse their sword to be judge, jury, and executioner. I'll suit up if we run into top-tier demons like Astaroth or even my shitty old man. Besides, I'm already overpowered as hell even in beast mode. If that answer is enough for you, I ask you to focus on the mission. Save the chatter for later."
("Take on me (Take on me), Take me on (Take on me)")
The scene shifted back to Wolfgang and Fuuma. The MMA legend began his transformation. His limbs elongated, muscles swelling beneath his skin. Blue fur sprouted across his body, a striking yellow patch appearing on his chest and abdomen. His face morphed from human to lupine, eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. At the center of his chest, the Lunar Stone materialized, pulsing with a soft blue radiance.
The transformation, coupled with the darkness of night, turned Wolfgang into a truly terrifying sight. Moonlight streamed through the windows, seeming to empower him further. His movements became even faster, more fluid, as if the beast form had unlocked a new level of strength and agility.
("I'll be gone, in a day or two")
The battle intensified as Wolfgang dropped to all fours, becoming a blur of motion. His claws left deep gashes in his enemies, while his powerful kicks sent opponents flying into walls with bone-crushing force. When he drew his beam sabers, the corridor lit up with their eerie glow. The blades cleaved through multiple enemies at once, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Fuuma, not to be outdone, kept pace with his partner. His katana sang as it cut through the air, each strike precise and deadly. Together, they formed an unstoppable duo, pushing forward relentlessly, even if they're the only two men in this mission.
Their progress came to an abrupt halt as they rounded a corner. Blocking their path was a Tempest drone, its metallic body gleaming menacingly in the dim light. It was roughly the size of a car, its weaponry clearly visible and primed for action. Flanking it were several smaller spider drones, their multiple legs skittering across the floor as they moved into attack positions.
"This is where the real fun begins," Wolfgang said with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
As the upbeat pop song continued to play in the background, Wolfgang's body began to glow with an otherworldly energy. His movements became fluid and precise, reminiscent of a practiced dancer preparing for a grand performance.
("All the things that you say, yeah")
("Is it life or just to play my worries away?")
("You're all the things I've got to remember")
With a grace that belied his muscular frame, Wolfgang started a series of intricate arm movements. He positioned both arms at a 2:10 angle, then began rotating his right arm in a circular motion. As he did so, a trail of bluish-white energy traced from his hands, creating an ethereal pattern in the air.
Fuuma watched in fascination as Wolfgang raised his left arm upwards, connecting both hands at the 12 o'clock position. The energy surrounding Wolfgang intensified, creating a palpable tension in the air.
Crouching down, Wolfgang clenched his fists tightly, his muscles visibly tensing as he concentrated. The air around him seemed to crackle with power. In a swift motion, he connected his right hand under his left elbow, and a powerful energy beam erupted from his forearm.
("You're shyin' away, I'll be coming for you anyway...")
"Lunarnium Beam!" Wolfgang shouted, his voice carrying over the music and the chaos of battle.
The beam of energy, brilliant and blinding, cut through the air with incredible speed. It struck the robotic spider drones first, obliterating them in a spectacular display of light and heat. Wolfgang, showing remarkable control, adjusted the trajectory of the beam mid-flight.
The Tempest drone, which had seemed so formidable moments ago, stood no chance against the raw power of the Lunarnium Beam. The energy pierced its armor like it was made of paper, and within seconds, the massive machine exploded in a shower of sparks and twisted metal.
("Take on me (Take on me), Take me on (Take on me)")
As the dust settled, Fuuma stood slack-jawed, his usual composure momentarily shattered. He had known Wolfgang was powerful, but this... this was something else entirely.
"Wolfgang," Fuuma managed to say, his voice a mix of awe and confusion, "since when could you do that?"
Wolfgang turned to his partner, a mischievous grin on his face. "A wolf's got to have some secrets, right? Come on, we've got more paths to clear."
Shaking off his surprise, Fuuma nodded and fell in step beside Wolfgang as they pressed forward.
("I'll be gone, in a day or two")
As they rounded the next corner, they were met with a new challenge. A group of enemies stood before them, each clad in powered exoskeletons that hummed with barely contained energy.
Wolfgang's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. "Just as expected," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "I have a feeling these pricks are smuggling Nomad hardware. These are UFS weapons, no doubt about it." He turned to Fuuma, his expression grim. "In that case... Chou Henshin!"
[BGM: "Grief Abyss" from Digimon World 4]
The air around Wolfgang began to shimmer and distort. He crossed his arms over his chest, and a blinding light engulfed him. When it faded, Wolfgang had undergone a dramatic transformation.
His blue fur had shifted to a vibrant yellow, while the fur on his abdomen had inverted from yellow to blue. His lupine features had become more pronounced, with streaks of electricity crackling along his fur. The air around him hummed with power, and small arcs of lightning danced between his fingertips.
Fuuma stared in amazement. "What... what is this form?"
Wolfgang's voice resonated with newfound power as he answered, "Tonitruum Lupus, the Thunder Wolf."
Without warning, Wolfgang charged himself with electricity, his entire body glowing with a brilliant golden light. "Denki: Raijuuseiken!" he roared, the electricity around him intensifying.
As if addressing an unseen audience, Wolfgang added with a grin, "Now to pull some Mishima style moves. And mind you, I'm not going to sugarcoat it!"
With lightning speed, Wolfgang launched himself at the enemies. His fists, crackling with electricity, connected with the first exoskeleton-clad foe. The impact was devastating, sending shockwaves through the air and causing the exoskeleton to short-circuit in a shower of sparks.
Not missing a beat, Wolfgang flowed into a series of electrified punches and kicks that would have made the Mishima clan proud. Each strike was precise and powerful, the added element of electricity making them doubly effective against the mechanized enemies.
As Wolfgang tore through the opposition, Fuuma provided support, his katana flashing as he dealt with any stragglers that managed to evade Wolfgang's onslaught.
The corridor echoed with the sound of metal crunching and electricity crackling as Wolfgang's Electric Wind God Fists found their marks repeatedly. The enemies, despite their advanced tech, were no match for the raw power and skill of the Thunder Wolf.
As the last enemy fell, sparking and twitching from the electrical overload, Wolfgang stood tall, his fur still crackling with residual energy. He turned to Fuuma, a satisfied grin on his face.
Meanwhile, as Wolfgang and Fuuma continued their destructive path through the enemy's forces, their diversionary tactics had paid off. In a different part of the building, the crooks holding the VIP's daughter found themselves unexpectedly confronted by a woman in a striking red battle suit.
"Oh my God, you're so harsh with people!" the woman exclaimed, her voice carrying a mix of exasperation and amusement. She was blonde, busty, and wore a pair of stylish glasses that gave her an air of intelligence. Quickly assessing the situation, she whispered into her communicator, presumably reporting to Fuuma, "I found the target. No injuries as far as I can see. Fortunately, she's not restrained."
The woman's eyes darted around the room, taking in every detail with practiced efficiency. The hostage, a young girl, was crying but appeared physically unharmed. As the woman confirmed this, she simultaneously scanned the positions of the demons disguised as girls surrounding her.
One of the demons, its eyes widening in recognition, exclaimed, "A blonde in a red suit... It's a Taimanin!?"
"Perhaps, could this one be 'Shizuru of Flowers'...?!" another demon chimed in, its voice trembling with a mix of awe and fear.
The woman's lips curled into a small smile. "Oh my, my name is well known even among these stupid demons. Not to mention, there happens to be a certain Dutchman joining with us. He's probably the only one you need to worry about."
One demon, apparently unfazed by the woman's presence, sneered, "This one... is too full of herself...!"
Little did they know, they were face to face with Shizuru Kousaka, a skilled Taimanin renowned for her dangerous solo infiltration missions. Shizuru was a woman of many talents - fluent in six languages, holder of two PhDs, and an expert in dozens of fields. Her advanced covert skills allowed her to blend in seamlessly with any background, making her a master of disguise and infiltration.
Shizuru's abilities stood in stark contrast to those of Wolfgang - the seven-time world champion, expert alchemist, and bounty hunter specializing in contract killing and clandestine operations. Where Wolfgang was a force of nature, Shizuru was a subtle breeze, equally deadly but in entirely different ways.
Her epithet, 'Shizuru of Flowers', came from her mastery of Wood Art. Unlike many Taimanin who relied on specific weapons, Shizuru's primary tool in battle was a powerful rose whip that she could materialize from her palm at will. Her cheerful demeanor and stylish appearance belied her deadly skills, a fact that often caught her opponents off guard.
The boss demon, still underestimating the threat before him, gloated, "And we were expecting that psychopathic bounty hunter Wolfgang. What the hell is the infamous 'Shizuru of Flowers' doing here of all places? She's alone and we are many. What should we be afraid of?"
A grunt demon, emboldened by his boss's words, added, "More than that... That politician and his wife, they're the ones who brought the Taimanins and that bounty hunter here, right?!"
Shizuru's expression remained pleasant, but her eyes hardened slightly. "It's for the best Mr. Wolfgang won't be here. He has dealt with some of your accomplices. And they all probably died in brutal and grisly deaths by now." As she spoke, she carefully assessed the positions of the demons, herself, and the hostage girl. She let out a small sigh, as if the whole situation was merely an inconvenience.
Knowing the demons were cornered by the Taimanins and Wolfgang, they found themselves blinded by rage. With snarls and growls, they charged at Shizuru, their claws extended and fangs bared.
Shizuru's expression remained calm, almost bored. In a fluid motion, she raised her hand, palm outstretched. A shimmer of green energy swirled around her fingers, coalescing into a long, thorny whip made entirely of roses. The petals were a deep crimson, each thorn gleaming wickedly in the dim light.
With a graceful flick of her wrist, Shizuru sent the whip snaking through the air. It cracked like thunder, the thorns leaving trails of green energy as it moved. In one magnificent swing, she dispatched five demons. Their bodies dissolved into ash, scattering in the wind created by the whip's momentum.
One of the grunts, his eyes wide with panic, shouted to his comrades, "Don't worry about the ones knocked down. We've got more heads than her, so let's attack in waves!"
Just as the demons were about to launch their next assault, a familiar Dutch accent cut through the chaos. "Nice try, asshole!"
In a flash of yellow fur and crackling electricity, Tonitruum Lupus Wolfgang appeared beside Shizuru. The young hostage girl, who had been in the demons' clutches moments ago, was now safely tucked under his arm. The demons blinked in confusion, unable to comprehend how their prisoner had vanished from their watch.
Wolfgang gently set the girl down, his electric blue eyes softening as he addressed her. "It's okay, kid. We're here to save ya." His voice, usually gruff, held a gentleness that seemed at odds with his fearsome appearance.
One of the grunt demons, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and disgust, exclaimed, "It's him! How did that monster sided with the Taimanins?!" The word 'monster' dripped with revulsion, making it clear that Wolfgang's reputation preceded him.
The boss demon, his face contorted with rage, barked out an order to his remaining forces. "Don't just stand there, you fools! Charge at them both!"
Wolfgang's expression hardened as he turned to face the oncoming horde. He glanced at the girl, then at Shizuru. "You might want to look away, kid. This is going to get messy." He paused, addressing the Taimanin next to him. "Umm, Miss Shizuru. May I ask to take her to safety?"
Shizuru nodded, her rose whip dissolving as she reached for the girl's hand. "Sure, Mr. Wolfgang." She led the child away swiftly, understanding that Wolfgang had something particularly brutal in mind.
As Shizuru and the girl disappeared around a corner, Wolfgang turned his full attention to the charging demons. His yellow fur bristled with electricity, small arcs jumping between his fingertips. His eyes began to glow, the irises shifting from their usual electric blue to a brilliant, pulsing yellow.
A wicked grin spread across Wolfgang's muzzle, revealing sharp canines. "Eat your heart out, Homelander!" he growled, referencing a certain infamous Superman copycat known for his brutality.
The air crackled with energy as concentrated beams of lightning shot from Wolfgang's eyes. The lasers cut through the demons like a hot knife through butter, cleaving them in half and leaving behind a grisly, smoldering mess. The boss demon's eyes widened in horror as he watched his underlings fall, but he had no time to react before the beam reached him.
In a matter of seconds, the room was filled with the acrid smell of ozone and burning flesh. Where once stood a horde of demons, now lay only smoking remains. Wolfgang's eyes dimmed back to their normal color, and he let out a satisfied huff.
"Well, that's one way to clean house," he muttered to himself, surveying the carnage. He turned towards the direction Shizuru had gone, his ears perking up as he listened for any signs of trouble. "Better go check on the others. Hope the kid didn't see too much of that mess."
As the last demon fell, Wolfgang stood amidst the carnage, his yellow fur crackling with residual electricity. The air was thick with the acrid smell of ozone and charred flesh. He took a deep breath, feeling the rush of battle slowly ebb away.
Suddenly, his fur began to shift. The brilliant yellow faded, replaced by a deep blue that covered most of his body, while his chest and abdomen turned a contrasting yellow.
But Wolfgang wasn't done transforming. With a grunt of effort, he began to shrink, his fur receding into his skin. In moments, where the fearsome werewolf had stood, there was now a man. Tall and muscular, with a shock of unruly hair, Wolfgang's human form was still imposing, not helped by his resemblance to Edwin Black, the boss of Nomad and his biological father, but in a more conventional way.
His clothes and face were splattered with blood and gore, evidence of the brutal fight he'd just been through. Wolfgang grimaced, looking down at himself. "Aye yi yi yi yi... Well, this won't do," he muttered.
His eyes fell on a single rose petal lying on the ground, a remnant of Shizuru's Wood Art. An idea struck him. He bent down and picked up the petal, cupping it in both hands. Closing his eyes in concentration, he focused on the petal's structure, its essence. In his mind's eye, he saw it expand, its fibers multiplying and intertwining.
When he opened his hands, where there had been a single petal, there was now a full-sized bath towel. He grinned at his handiwork. "Transmutation comes in handy sometimes," he said to himself, beginning to wipe the blood from his face and arms.
As he cleaned himself up, his gaze fell on the scattered remains of the demons he had dispatched. Another idea formed in his mind. He reached down and picked up a piece of charred demon flesh, ignoring the gruesome nature of what he was doing.
Once again, he closed his eyes and concentrated. The flesh in his hands began to change, its very molecular structure shifting and reforming. When he opened his eyes, he was holding a small, adorable plush doll. It was shaped like a miniature version of his werewolf form, complete with fuzzy blue and yellow fur.
Meanwhile, in a nearby room, Shizuru was comforting the young hostage. The girl was still trembling, tears streaming down her face.
"That's okay, you're safe now," Shizuru said softly, her voice gentle and reassuring. She knelt down to the girl's level, meeting her eyes. "That was scary, wasn't it? But don't worry, we'll get you home soon."
The girl looked up at Shizuru, hope battling with fear in her eyes. "R-really?" she asked, her voice small and quavering. "Can I really go back?"
Just then, Wolfgang emerged from the other room. The bloodstained towel he had transmuted from Shizuru's rose petal was draped around his shoulders. Despite his attempts to clean up, there were still traces of the battle visible on his clothes and in his disheveled appearance.
"Yeah," he said, his gruff voice softening as he addressed the girl. "Your mum and dad are safe. You can go home with them." He approached slowly, not wanting to frighten the child further.
Kneeling down beside Shizuru, he held out the plush doll he had created. "The wolf man left this," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "He asked me to give it to you. He's a friend of the Taimanins, you know. As long as there's evil, he's always there to fight."
The girl's eyes widened as she looked at the cute plush doll. Hesitantly, she reached out and took it, hugging it close to her chest. A small smile, the first since her ordeal began, appeared on her face.
Wolfgang and Shizuru exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them. They had completed their mission, saved the hostage, and even managed to bring a bit of comfort to a frightened child. It was moments like these that made all the danger and violence worth it.
Both Wolfgang and Shizuru activated their communication devices, the former taking the initiative to inform Kotaro about the successful rescue of the hostage.
"All stations. Jackpot! We got the girl," Wolfgang announced, his gruff voice tinged with satisfaction.
Fuuma's voice crackled through Wolfgang's comm, "Great. Rinko-senpai and Yukikaze have secured the VIP."
"Lovely. See you at the exit for debrief," Wolfgang replied, his tone businesslike but with a hint of relief.
Meanwhile, Shizuru contacted Rinko and Yukikaze on a separate channel. "This is Shizuru. The hostage girl is safe and unharmed."
Yukikaze's cheerful voice came through Shizuru's communicator, "This is Yukikaze from the task force."
Rinko's more serious tone followed, "This is Rinko Akiyama. The transaction site was successfully suppressed."
Yukikaze added, "And of course, the politician and his wife who were forced to help with the deal are safe and sound."
Shizuru's lips curved into a smile as she replied, "Yes, I understand. Huhu... Both of you are great. I'm proud to be your senior. And so is Mr. Wolfgang, he went through the trouble of causing a tactical diversion."
"Ehehe, you're making us blush..." Yukikaze's voice trailed off, a hint of embarrassment in her tone.
Shizuru's expression suddenly turned mischievous as she decided to probe further, "By the way. You didn't destroy the facility or anything like that, did you?"
Wolfgang, overhearing this, shook his head in disbelief. "What in Heihachi Mishima's name just happened...?!" he tried to ask Shizuru, but she was too focused on her conversation to respond.
A pregnant pause followed Shizuru's question. She could almost feel Yukikaze's breathing stop over the communicator. A bad feeling crept up on her, and Shizuru furrowed her shapely eyebrows. As an experienced Taimanin, she knew the implications of collateral damage all too well.
Rinko's voice came through, barely audible, "Hmm... about that... a part of the facility has been severely damaged. The enemy said something ridiculous about her chest, and Yukikaze hit him with the Thor Hammer..."
Yukikaze's voice rose in indignation, "Oh, that was his heaven-sent punishment! You just don't say something like that upon seeing someone's breasts!"
Rinko sighed audibly, "No, but you know what? I don't think that's a reasonable reaction, even if someone calls you 'flat tits'..."
"Rinko-senpai was also very angry after hearing all those things from the enemy!" Yukikaze countered, her voice rising in pitch.
Rinko's voice took on a defensive tone, "What... well no matter how you look at it, they were very bad..."
Shizuru pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming on. "Ha... What the hell are you guys doing..." she muttered, recalling a similar incident involving an airport terminal.
After a moment of contemplation, Shizuru continued, "Well, that's fine. I mean, not all okay. But it's not my job to clean up. Even if the facility is destroyed, he will do something about it."
"I know, I know. We're frontline combatants, and our backup will take care of that for us," Yukikaze replied, her voice a mixture of relief and lingering defensiveness.
Rinko added, her voice laced with concern, "Hmmm... but... I don't think we should always rely on him... much less that bounty hunter too."
Suddenly, Wolfgang's deep voice cut through the conversation, "Then don't go overboard next time, ladies. I've been through all sorts of collateral damage, yet I managed to get away with it. But, as Taimanins, there would be a lot of red flags raised. Let that sink in for a moment."
Shizuru ended the communication after Wolfgang's stern lecture. Despite his unorthodox methods, she had to admit that his words carried weight.
As they made their way to the exit, Wolfgang gave the rescued girl a piggyback ride. The child, still shaken but feeling safer now, clung to his broad shoulders, her small hands gripping his shirt tightly.
Once outside, the girl's parents rushed forward, tears streaming down their faces. The family reunion was emotional, with the girl practically leaping from Wolfgang's back into her mother's arms. The bounty hunter stepped back, allowing them their moment of relief and joy.
Wolfgang then made his way over to Kotaro, his expression a mix of satisfaction and concern. "Whew. That went well! Doing jobs with the task force was worth the time, money, and effort. Our flowery spymaster made things more interesting. Except for..." he trailed off, his brow furrowing.
Fuuma tilted his head, sensing the bounty hunter's unease. "What? What's wrong?"
Wolfgang leaned in closer, lowering his voice, "Your tanned, tit-less friend just went ballistic and blew up the fucking facility!"
"YUKIKAZE DID WHAT?!" Fuuma's eyes widened in shock, his voice rising in alarm.
"Shhhh... Easy, sunshine," Wolfgang quickly placed a hand on Fuuma's shoulder, urging him to keep his voice down. "How are you guys supposed to cover this shit up? This could cause a nationwide panic if Gosha's Taimanins don't act quickly."
Fuuma took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "Don't worry, we sent some people to clean up any mess left behind during battles between Taimanins and demons," he explained, though his sigh of resignation betrayed his frustration. "Dammit, Yukikaze..."
Wolfgang's expression softened slightly, recognizing the weight of responsibility on the young captain's shoulders. "You're supposed to be the captain of the task force. Don't be too lenient on your teammates, lad. Straighten them up if you have to," he advised, his tone a mix of gruffness and unexpected wisdom.
As he prepared to take his leave, Wolfgang gave Fuuma a final nod. "My work here is done. I'll see your ass later, mate."
The next day, sunlight streamed through the windows of Gosha Academy's Headmistress's Office. Wolfgang, his muscular frame filling the doorway, stepped inside with a manila folder tucked under his arm. He was here to submit the progress report on yesterday's hostage rescue, a task assigned to him by Kotaro.
As he entered, he noticed that Asagi wasn't present. Instead, Shiranui Mizuki, the deputy headmistress, sat behind the large oak desk. Her long, brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, ribbon shaped like bunny ears, and her sharp eyes met Wolfgang's as he approached.
"Asagi's on a mission," Shiranui explained, gesturing for Wolfgang to take a seat. "I'm filling in for her today."
Wolfgang nodded, settling into the chair across from her. He placed the folder on the desk and leaned back, his face serious. "About yesterday's operation," he began, his voice low and gravelly. "I wanted to clarify something about how Taimanins handle... certain situations."
Shiranui raised an eyebrow, sensing the weight in his words. "You're referring to the incident with Yukikaze, I assume?"
Wolfgang nodded, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Yeah. Your daughter's got quite a temper when it comes to certain... anatomical comments."
Shiranui sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Yes, she's always been sensitive about that. I suppose it doesn't help that I'm rather... well-endowed in comparison."
Wolfgang chuckled, then his face grew serious again. "So, how do you guys handle deaths and collateral damage? I mean, blowing up an entire facility isn't exactly low-profile."
"Section 3 has us covered," Shiranui explained. "Almost all Taimanins in Japan are protected by the government in secrecy. There's even a law that exonerates Taimanins from loss of life and damage to property due to obstruction of enforcement."
Wolfgang leaned forward, his interest piqued. "So, Section 3 has you guys covered?"
Shiranui nodded, her expression solemn. "That's right, Mr. Wolfgang. I assume with your clandestine operations as a bounty hunter and contract killer, you know how to cover your tracks well. Except for that one incident in Davao City in the Philippines where you assassinated that pedophilic preacher."
Wolfgang's face darkened at the mention of that particular mission. "And yeah, it went horribly right and left the entire world with unanswered questions," he elaborated, his voice tinged with regret. "I've got a lot of blood on my hands. Sometimes, you have to get your hands dirty to keep the world safe, no matter how much discomfort it gives you."
He paused, lost in thought for a moment. "I've had my fair share of remorse for killing, but I had to do what's necessary even if it meant gazing into the abyss. Ever since the Ceremonial Atonement, I've learned to accept my past and count my own sins. Only people like Rin really understand the complexity of my personality."
Shiranui listened intently, her expression softening slightly. After a moment, she changed the subject, her tone becoming more businesslike. "Now, Mr. Wolfgang, since you're an official member of the Taimanin task force, thanks to foreign assets like Emily Simmons and Su Jinglei from the UFS and Chinese Union respectively, we've decided to assign you to a squad within the task force."
Wolfgang's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A squad? Who's leading this mini-squad?"
"It's Uehara-sensei," Shiranui revealed, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Rin?" Wolfgang's voice betrayed a mix of surprise and something else... perhaps excitement?
"That's not all," Shiranui continued. Just then, a knock sounded at the door. "Come in," she called.
The door opened, revealing Shizuru in her teacher's outfit. Her long, flowing hair and graceful movements contrasted sharply with Wolfgang's rugged appearance.
"Well, if it ain't Shizuru of Flowers," Wolfgang said, a grin spreading across his face.
"I remember you assisted Miss Shizuru in the rescue last night," Shiranui noted, looking between the two of them.
Wolfgang chuckled, taking in the situation. A substitute teacher, an English teacher, and an alchemist. Two Taimanins and a Dutch Royal Knight. "Hehe. Fair game," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement and anticipation for what this new assignment might bring.
Footnotes & Trivia:
- "Tonitruum Lupus" means 'thunderbolt wolf'.