(A New fate and destinies begin to mix and intertwine with each other. Let us see where fate leads those it has chosen)
Bold = English Conversations
Bold + Italics = Japanese Conversations
Fate 25
Bullet couldn't help but stare at the outside view she was getting. The vehicle she was riding upon was one of the smoother rides she had in her entire life, having lived mostly on bumpy rough roads. The seat she sat on was much more comfortable over the rough truck bed she would normally sit on but at the end of the day she couldn't shake off the discomfort she felt throughout as she felt like she did not belong with her outfit sitting on the leather seats that were immaculately cleaned every single day she felt.
"We're here." Tetsu said as Bullet simply nodded her head. Her passengers in this vehicle with her were the leader of the Yakuza Tetsu, Sofia, the head of the mafia and Makoto as she looked at Bullet and saw the stress that was on her face. "Come on Bullet, you got to stop being so tense all the time." Makoto questioned as Bullet couldn't help but wonder why Makoto was in front of her face at that moment.
"I must ask why you decide to ride with me instead of riding with Sora? Aren't you two supposed to be inseparable?" Bullet questioned as Makoto couldn't help but wonder what Bullet was trying to imply with her choice of words. "I should but Sora noticed that you looked a bit tense and didn't want to leave you to ride by yourself. He knows you are capable of handling yourself but I can understand why he would ask me to do so." Makoto said as Bullet couldn't help but look at her, wondering if Sora really did say the words she had said he did.
"That...and I would like to get to know you more as well." Makoto said as Bullet was surprised to hear that statement. "And why would you want to know more about me? I am just a lone mercenary. That is all the story you need to know about me." Bullet explained as Makoto sighed and shook her head. "And you must have hobbies out of it. Knowing my time with Sora, even being in a mercenary group means downtime and downtime is something you got to fill. Are you going to tell me that you spent that time just training?" Makoto wondered as Bullet sighed and shook her head.
"Of course not. I like doing embroidery on my spare time." The moment Bullet said that she does embroidery as a hobby, Makoto couldn't help but raise an eyebrow wide at that. "That's….surprisingly a girly hobby to have." Makoto said as Bullet couldn't help but feel like she was getting judged at that moment. "I am not judging you or anything like that! I was just genuinely caught off guard by your response. I had figured your hobby would be something like boxing or cooking barbecue." Makoto explained as Bullet slowly nodded her head before realizing what Makoto had said.
"Wait what is this about Barbecue all of a sudden? Are you hungry right now?!" Bullet questioned as Tetsu and Sofia continued to watch the scene in front of them unfold. "Aren't you going to try and stop those two before they get worse?" Sofia complained as Tetsu looked at her puzzled. "Shouldn't you be the one to do such a thing?" Tetsu said as Sofia rubbed her forehead. "Trust me when I say this, girls like those two over there are the worst types for me to talk two. All muscle and not enough girly stuff."
As soon as both Makoto and Bullet heard Sofia said what she said, their gazes were immediately focused on her. "What did you just say about us?" Both Bullet and Makoto said as Tetsu simply sighed, realizing what was going to happen next. "I said. The way you guys behave is the least girly way you girls can be." Sofia said as Bullet was about to say something when Bullet stopped her. "Oh? And you have girly hobbies and tastes Miss Mafia?" Makoto teased as Sofia couldn't help but feel defensive and look at Tetsu.
"Don't look at me. You brought this upon yourself." Tetsu said as Sofia wanted to complained but sighed, realizing he was right. "Have you ever watched the Papa Panda show?" Sofia said as Makoto's eyes couldn't help but widen as big as they could have as Bullet looked at Sofia confused. "Papa Panda? You mean that mascot character?" "PAPA PANDA IS A REAL PERSON AND NOT A PERSON WEARING A PANDA SUIT!" Sofia immediately shouted as Makoto couldn't help but raise her arms high up in the air almost defensively as she did not expect that kind of reaction from a hardened mafia boss.
"… Sorry. A lot of my boys who try to watch the Papa Panda show always keep getting it wrong to the point it has developed into a reflex at this point." Sofia explained as Makoto couldn't help but nod her head upon hearing that. "That's actually relatable to an extent. I would be mad as well if people keep getting the wrong impression of the main character of a show I like." Makoto said as Sofia rubbed her forehead. "The point is, I told you something girly I like, now leave me alone." Sofia demanded.
"In that case, you should be able to name some of Papa Panda's friends?" Makoto teased as Sofia couldn't help but scoff upon hearing that statement. "Of course I do! There's Pattie Panda, Richard Rooster, Carrie Chicken and Gary the Giraffe." Sofia said as Makoto nodded her head upon hearing Sofia say what she had said. "Yup, those are the characters Noellie told me about. You really are a die hard follower of the Pandaverse huh." Makoto said as Bullet couldn't help but wonder why these characters were named the way they were.
Sofia: Noellie?
Makoto: Ahh. Noel Vermillion. She's one of my best friends
Sofia: Ahhh… the girl that came to find you no?
Makoto: Yup! She's a big fan of pandas and shortly after at the academy, she saw Papa Panda on tv for the first time. She has been hooked since. I would say she's an addict.
Sofia:… are you trying to imply that I am the same as her?
Makoto: I mean… do you want me to?
"I would rather not at all." Sofia said as Makoto couldn't help but giggle upon hearing that statement. "Does this really matter at the end of the day if you have girly hobbies or not? You are the head of a criminal empire aren't you not?" Bullet questioned as Sofia sighed and shook her head. "Look I may have all the power in the world, but father taught me that when one works hard, they must also play hard as well." Sofia said as Bullet looked at her confused.
"That means that as the head of a criminal organization and one of the heads of a criminal state, I need to play hard with my hobbies as well. Which is why one of my dreams is to establish a Papa Pandaland in Otsu." Sofia said, a smile present on her face as this intrigued Makoto while Bullet couldn't help but be confused by this choice. "Papa Pandaland? Why would you want something like that to be in your city? Wouldn't that be considered a waste of resources?" Bullet questioned.
"And that is what I have been telling her as well. But she insists and at this point I have given up on otherwise." Tetsu explained as Sofia smiled upon hearing that before slapping his back. "And I am still determined to have Papa Pandaland be a reality! Otsu's Papa Pandaland will be a paradise for all criminals and people who dare to venture in! It will be the biggest Papa Pandaland the world has ever seen! In order to make all of this a reality, we have got to make the NOL recognize our independence and leave us the fuck alone." Sofia expressed.
As Sofia expressed her desires, Makoto couldn't help but feel like that what she said was key to something. "What about you Tetsu? What's your goal for Otsu?" Makoto questioned as Tetsu looked at her a bit puzzled as Makoto tried her best to give him the puppy eyes look. "Oh come on Tetsu, I spilled my guts about my ambitions for Otsu, the least you can do is let us know what you want to do with your slice of Otsu." Sofia said, jabbing at his stomach with her elbow before stopping as she noticed the seatbelt next to her slowly rise, tempting to wrap around her.
"...A place for all Ikarugans." Tetsu muttered as everyone looked at him at that moment, their glares making him sweat before he sighed even harder. "You know of Bang Shishigami? That ninja in Kagutsuchi?" Tetsu said as Makoto immediately remembered who that man was. "Oh you mean the scruffy ninja guy who originally came from Ikaruga." Makoto said as Tetsu couldn't help but smirk a bit upon hearing that statement before quickly recomposing himself to a more neutral face.
"That man has a dream of building Ikaruga back to it's glory but while that is a noble goal, not everyone can live the way he does. It's too bright honestly." Tetsu explained as Makoto couldn't help but nod her head upon hearing that statement. "So my wish is simply to create a place where the darker side of Ikaruga can rest. A respite from that man's bright future." Tetsu explained as Bullet was confused by this.
"I don't understand. What do you mean by that last sentence?" Bullet questioned as Makoto was quick to realize what Tetsu meant but decided that it was better for Tetsu to explain. "Not every Ikarugan wishes to remake Ikaruga. Some are just happy to find a place near Ikaruga to call their own. Others were former war criminals in Ikaruga's criminal system and when the NOL came in they were able to escape. They would never be able to fit into any kind of Ikarugan society, especially one with Tenjo's disciple as the base." Tetsu said as Bullet nodded her head at that.
"It's not like I hate the man. I respect him truthfully but at the same time I understand that someone like him rubs a lot of people the wrong way as much as it's infectious for others." Tetsu said as Bullet was beginning to understand more of Tetsu's vision. "So your goal for Otsu is to make it possible for these people to live in Otsu? Even if they are not part of your gang?" Bullet questioned as Tetsu nodded his head at that. "Then what about those that commit crimes you cannot forgive?" Bullet wondered, curious to see if criminals have any kind of moral compass they were following.
"That's not up for me or Sofia or even Vlad to decide. We have left it up to Zhang Pi." Tetsu explained as Bullet couldn't help but be curious about that as Makoto was beginning to see a connection between those who are chosen and what would drive them to want such a thing. "Zhang Pi? Why her of all people?" Bullet questioned as Makoto couldn't help but wonder about that as well, realizing that there was only one person that could possibly ask that now.
… As she at least had a working theory in her head…
"A hunting ground?" Sora said as he was in a separate vehicle, riding with Zhang Pi and Vlad. "My original profession was that of a vigilantee but it was pretty restrictive. Forming my gang of triads was a step but at the same time, I still want to do some good old justice here and there." Zhang Pi explained as Sora nodded his head upon hearing what she had said. "So you want to make your part of Otsu a place where you can freely hunt criminals without any kind of restriction? Aren't you interested in the monetary reward that comes from handing them in?" Sora wondered as Zhang Pi shook her head.
"And let those who suffer under them go unable to punish them? Scum are nothing but human trash, the least they can do is put up a good show before their life is extinguished before their eyes. Their victims taking pleasure in their suffering and torture." Zhang Pi explained as Sora scratched his head a bit. "And you think this will bring them the closure that they desire at the end of the day?" Sora wondered as Zhang Pi nodded her head.
"Personally it's a bonkers idea but at the same time we agreed that our lands in Otsu will be whatever we want them to be. The only problems we have faced is trying to get sufficient power into our city and the space to do all of our ambitions." Vlad explained as Sora nodded his head upon hearing that statement. "So that's why Sofia wanted the portion of land near the airport, Tetsu the center district and Zhang Pi the near outskirts. But what about you in all of this Vlad?" Sora questioned as his gaze was focused on the old mercenary.
"Why give up your life as a mercenary and instead become a crime boss? Surely you would have made money if you continued with the work even with the damage the Black Lotus did to every merc's reputation." Sora questioned as Vlad sighed. "As much as I would love to agree with you Comrade Sora, the Black Lotus really did a shit ton of damage. The amount of shit they covered up and the stunt they did on Torifune, all but completely changed the NOL's view on us mercenaries… No offense." Vlad said as Sora shook his head.
"None taken. My only regret was being too slow to stop them before they got out of hand. That's something that still lingers on my mind to this day in fact…" Sora said as Vlad scratched his head. "I'm not saying all of the Black Lotus was bad, I still remember the Code Zero Squadron and what you guys did back in the day." the moment Sora heard that familiar name, he couldn't help but widen his eyes upon hearing that.
"So...you must know…" "Shen...Monika...Reiko. Those three were real go getters back in the day. I also know about Marcus and Chikacho too." Vlad explained as Sora was quick to realize something. "So that's why you vouched for me that day…" Sora said as Vlad smiled. "Shen and Monika never trained up a bad mercenary. A shame what happened to them but that stupid leader of the Black Lotus got too big for his head and wasted everything we worked hard to build up." Vlad said as Sora nodded his head.
"But that's why I want to change that again… I want to form a place where all mercenaries can establish their home base in. nothing like what that man was thinking with taking over the world. Just a small piece of land for them to call home." Vlad said as Sora leaned back on his seat, pondering what he had just heard. "This home for mercenaries… will anyone be able to make a start here?" Sora questioned as Vlad gave Sora his iconic smile.
"Of course! I want to make my part of Otsu for anybody who wishes to live the life of a mercenary or any old bones that wish to rest their weary bones." Vlad explained as Sora smiled upon hearing that statement. "That's quite the ambition you have right there. How can you say something like that when you have three other heads who have their own dreams for their plot of land?" Sora questioned as Zhang Pi and Vlad both grinned towards each other upon hearing that statement.
"it's because we all believe we can make Otsu a better hierarchical city over any of the NOL created ones. That's why we call ourselves the 1st free city of Otsu. We want to show hierarchical cities that there is a life where the NOL doesn't have to rule every aspect of your city." Vlad said as Zhang Pi nodded her head. "And that's why we four work together with each other. Alone we would be easily ganged up upon and ripped apart but together we can back each other up equally. Tetsu's going to have his haven for his fellow countrymen, Zhang Pi's her private hunting grounds, me my mercenary retirement home and Sofia her Papa Pandaland." Vlad said as Sora smiled upon hearing those wishes.
'...I wonder if what they told me is the condition that one needs to fulfill in order to become a chosen…' Sora thought as he smiled at the dreams the heads had… and a bit angry that their very same dreams were what was being made for them to fight in. "Which is why we have decided that whatever this chosen business is, we are not interested in it." Vlad said as Sora was surprised to hear that come out of Vlad's mouth."
"A-Are you sure? Isn't the chance to get what you want something you guys have been dreaming of?" Sora questioned as Zhang Pi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Trust me when I say this. As much as a genie granting our wishes would be nice, it wouldn't be very Otsunian of us to accept such deals without knowing what's the price. We have lived our criminal lives long enough to know such bargains have a price." Zhang Pi explained as Sora took a deep breath upon hearing what they had just said.
"Also, after seeing you again and regaining our memories of you, it seems like whatever this wish granting power is, it's way beyond our pay grade for us to safely consider." Vlad said as Zhang Pi and Vlad looked at each other and nodded their heads. "Which is why we have decided instead to give you as much help we can give you. Starting by making sure you all got fake passports to get into any hierarchical city without any trouble." Zhang Pi said, helping reassure Sora that his faith in them was not in vain.
"After that, anything else you need from us, we are just a phone call away Comrade." Vlad said as Sora smiled at that. "Thanks you two. I promise that whatever I need I will get from you guys." Sora said as Vlad patted him on the back as soon the vehicle came to a stop. "Now get going, this is where we part ways for the time being." Zhang Pi said as Sora nodded his head before realizing he had forgotten something.
"Before I go. I should give you guys the communication ars that Caroline gave me and Makoto. Should be more secure and faster for us to talk with over the phone." Sora explained as Vlad and Zhang Pi smiled at that. "In that case, me and Comrade Zhang will be happy to accept it." Vlad explained as he did a quick cast and check of the spell before nodding his head in satisfaction. "In any other case, it's time for us to get going before the NOL finds out where we are." Zhang Pi said as Sora nodded his head, exitting out of the vehicle as he saw Makoto and Bullet do the same thing before the vehicles took off, leaving them stranded in the middle of the 7th hierarchical city of Kazamotsu.
"How was your guys' ride? A comfortable one?" Sora questioned as Makoto and Bullet looked at each other before scratching their heads. "Well… it was as comfy as a ride with the two of the big heads of a state can be." Bullet said as Makoto shook her head at that. "Come on Bullet. They are not that big." Makoto replied. "You do realize you can say that because you personally know them right?" Bullet said as Makoto couldn't help but shrug at that as everyone realized they were just standing around the middle of the city without any kind of direction.
"So… We are in the hierarchical city that we wanted to get in but it's getting dark. What do we do now?" Makoto questioned as Sora began to think about what to do next as Bullet took a deep breath, realizing now was her best chance to speak. "I think that you guys should focus on finding Ragna The Bloodedge. I need to focus on finding my captain again." Bullet said as Sora and Makoto looked at each other before nodding their heads.
"Would you like to stay with us while you search? Or are you going on your own for now?" Sora questioned as Bullet was surprised to hear Sora say the words he did. "A-Are you sure you want me to hang around you guys? Wouldn't I just hold you guys back?" Bullet questioned as Makoto sighed deeply. "Bullet. You are not going to hold us back at any point. In fact I think your help is going to be sorely needed. Also what are you going to do while you try and find your captain? Search every hierarchical city for him?" Makoto questioned as Bullet's silence and shrug made Makoto sigh even harder.
"Look, by hanging around with us, there is a big chance you will get to meet with your captain again. We don't plan to stay in this one hierarchical city forever but check as many of them as we can." Makoto explained as Bullet could see the logic in her words. "I see… but regardless, what if you accomplish what you want to do?" Bullet questioned as Sora placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head. "Even after finding Ragna the Bloodedge, we need to find our other friends and make sure they are alright. There's this business about the "Qualified" that we need to check out as well." Sora explained as Sora made her look at him right at his face.
"All I am saying is that no matter what, we can use your help and company every step of the way. If we do find him, you can decide afterwards what you want to do but for now, better to be in company rather than go off on your own." Sora said as Bullet couldn't help but blush out of instinct as Makoto was quick to notice such a response. Bullet looked away for a bit as Sora was confused by this reaction,
"...If...If that's the case… It will be a pleasure to continue working with you...Sora and Makoto." Bullet said, suddenly getting formal on the two, confusing Sora even further. "There's no need for that really." Sora said as Makoto couldn't help but become even more suspicious about the woman. She trusted that Bullet was a trustworthy woman. It was her feelings about her man that make her wonder if Bullet's desire to follow them was truly all that.
"In any case… let's just go and get some dinner for now and then we can begin our search the first thing in the morning." Sora said as Bullet nodded her head at that. "What about that Chinese place we had while we were here?" Bullet questioned as Sora placed a finger on his chin upon hearing that. "I mean I have been having a lot of Chinese food lately so I have been hoping to mix things up… What's famous around here in Kazamotsu again?" Sora wondered as Makoto immediately had an idea.
"I have heard talk about a place that served great italian food! It's one of the few places that actually got the French man seal of approval!" Makoto said as Bullet became interested upon hearing something strange. "French Man? What on earth is a French man?" Bullet questioned as Makoto grinned. "Why one of the best gourmets ever to grace the Earth! Restaurants have crumbled by him simply running away from the restaurant! Restaurants that are well known French man restaurants are simply rated divine!" Makoto raved as Sora couldn't help but begin to chuckle upon hearing that.
"What? What's so funny hmmm?" Makoto questioned as Sora couldn't help but simply shake his head at that moment. "Oh it's nothing. Why don't you escort us to that restaurant and let us taste how good it is." Sora replied, deciding that he would tell her the truth about the french man after they had a good dinner or maybe get the old french man senses working again as he wondered which restaurant he liked here in Kazamotsu.
...As the time for down time has arrived for the trio after the craziness of today…
GREETINGS LOST SHEEP OF FANFICTION!? HOW ARE YOU ALL DOING ON THIS FINE DAY!? As for me I am doing fine. A little update on the chapters for next month, it looks like I am still going to be a bit busy during next month. I know that I will be able to at least release 1 chapter for you guys during May but I may have to make May a 1 chapter month. If that comes to it I will make sure to update you all about it. I promise that you guys will not go without any news during May so stay tuned to listen in on whether or not to expect a 1 chapter or 2 chapter month.
SO WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THIS DOWNTIME!? WILL SORA, MAKOTO AND BULLET TRULY FIND SOME PEACE AND QUIET THAT THEY ARE YEARNING FOR OR WILL SOMETHING FORCE THEM BACK OUT IN THE OPEN!? AND WHAT ABOUT THEIR SEARCH FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE PEOPLE!? WILL THEY BE SUCESSFUL OR WILL THE WHIMS OF FATE FORCE THEM OFF THE BEATEN PATH!? ALL THIS AND MORE WHEN FATE RETURNS!