DISCLAIMER: The Taimanin series belongs to Black Lilith.
Chapter 4: Pandora's Box
The next day, Wolfgang, Fuuma, and Asagi gathered in the mission briefing room hidden beneath Gosha Academy. The room, serving as the Task Force's main headquarters, was a stark contrast to the school above – all sleek technology and tactical maps.
Asagi, her face grave, turned to Wolfgang. "I apologize for involving you on such short notice, Mr. Wolfgang, but we have an urgent situation." She gestured to a large screen displaying drone footage. "Our recon spotted a large cargo ship at Pier 33 in Omori. The Nichts Syndicate is guarding it heavily, both inside and out."
Wolfgang's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing as he studied the footage. "Pier 33? That's supposed to be for ferries only. Whatever they're guarding must be serious."
As the words left his mouth, memories flooded back. The Nichts Syndicate – a name that sent chills down his spine. Their previous encounter in Tokyo Kingdom wasn't his first run-in with the neo-Nazi terrorist organization. Their goal of total demon extermination made them far more extreme than even Toyo Momochi's Rogue Taimanins.
Wolfgang's mind drifted to his past, a century of life flashing before his eyes. He remembered his Jewish adoptive parents in Weimar Germany, the rise of Hitler that shattered his youth, and their desperate escape to Poland. The Warsaw Uprising, fighting alongside the Polish resistance, only to be captured. The gas chambers that claimed his family, the torture at the hands of SS officers that awakened his demonic powers. Each memory was a scar, a reminder of why he fought.
Kotaro's voice snapped Wolfgang back to the present. "We can't ignore whatever the Nichts are guarding on that ship. We need to see it for ourselves."
Wolfgang met Fuuma's gaze, his expression grim. "Agreed, but we need to keep this quiet. No attention from right-wingers or the public." He turned to Asagi, his voice low and determined. "What's the game plan?"
Asagi laid out the mission details – infiltration, intelligence gathering, and ultimately sinking the ship to erase all evidence. "Find out whatever's inside of the ship, be it weapons cache, illegal demon realm technology, and any potential bioweapon they'll use to threaten humans and demons you can find. Sink down the ship to tie up all loose ends. This is a black operation," she emphasized.
Wolfgang nodded, understanding the implications. "So, Grandpa Yamamoto's being kept in the dark? Smart move, considering how right-wingers still had the gall to scrutinize him."
"Exactly," Asagi confirmed. "We're going to prove the critics wrong about the Taimanins' effectiveness considering your contribution to the task force being invaluable to us."
"So, who am I going with besides the Cap?"
As Wolfgang inquired about his team, the door slid open. Rin, Shizuru, and Georgina entered, each radiating a mix of determination and professionalism.
Asagi quickly outlined their roles – Rin as the raid specialist, Shizuru handling security systems, and Georgina providing sniper support. Wolfgang felt a mix of pride and concern seeing Rin and Shizuru, their earlier intimacy now pushed aside for the mission at hand.
"When do we start?" Wolfgang asked, already mentally preparing himself.
"Six hours before nightfall," Asagi replied. "You have time to prepare."
Wolfgang nodded, his mind racing with plans and strategies. "Fair game," he said, his voice a mix of determination and barely concealed excitement.
Three hours before the mission, Wolfgang retreated to his private quarters to prepare his loadout. The room was spartan, save for a large workbench cluttered with tools and half-finished projects. He approached a sleek black case, running his hand over its surface with a hint of pride.
"Time to see what this bad boy can do," he muttered, opening the case to reveal his latest creation.
Thanks to the success of the Brahmastra, the transformable briefcase railgun he had developed for Gosha's Equipment Division, Wolfgang had been inspired to create something for his personal use. This new weapon was a marvel of engineering - a sniper rifle that could collapse into an innocuous briefcase. It fired caseless ammunition, making it lighter and more efficient than traditional firearms. The built-in suppressor nestled within the barrel ensured silent operation, perfect for covert missions like the one ahead.
Wolfgang hefted the weapon, feeling its familiar weight. He had spent countless hours perfecting its balance and functionality. Now, it was time to put it to the test.
Next, he turned his attention to his sidearm - an unassuming smartphone that concealed deadly potential. Wolfgang had upgraded the device himself, transforming it into a formidable weapon he dubbed the CPX105. A retractable handle was hidden behind the phone's body, allowing for a steady grip when needed.
"Let's hope I don't have to use you tonight," he said, examining the device.
The CPX105 was capable of firing a concentrated laser beam from a barrel at the top of the phone. The beam was virtually silent, mimicking the effect of a suppressed firearm. But its true power lay in its ability to penetrate targets with ease, capable of lobotomizing an enemy's brain more effectively than any bullet.
For his battle gear, Wolfgang opted for practicality over flash. He donned a pair of black cargo pants, their numerous pockets perfect for storing extra ammunition and tools. Over a form-fitting muscle shirt that highlighted his powerful physique, he strapped on a bulletproof vest. As an extra precaution, he packed a set of carbon fiber plates - lightweight but capable of providing additional protection if his body armor was compromised.
As he geared up, Wolfgang's mind wandered to Rin and Shizuru. The memory of their intimate night together flashed through his thoughts, but he pushed it aside. Now was not the time for distractions. They were professionals, and the mission ahead demanded their full focus.
The hours ticked by, and as the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the city, the team moved into position. Georgina, the team's sniper, arrived at her designated vantage point - an underpass with a clear view of Pier 33. She unpacked her own briefcase rifle, a twin to Wolfgang's creation, and began methodically scanning for targets.
Through her scope, Georgina observed the pier. Nichts Syndicate guards patrolled in regular patterns, their neo-Nazi insignias barely visible in the fading light. The cargo ship loomed large, its contents a mystery that could spell disaster if left unchecked.
"Overwatch in position," Georgina's voice crackled over the comms. "I count twelve visible hostiles on the perimeter. No signs of civilian presence."
Wolfgang's voice responded, low and determined. "Copy that. We're moving in. Keep us covered, G. Our Cap is going to call the shots this time."
"Wilco," Georgina confirmed, her voice steady and professional over the comms. She settled into position, her breathing slow and controlled as she peered through her scope.
The pier sprawled before her, a maze of shipping containers and industrial equipment. Georgina's keen eye scanned the area, picking out targets with practiced ease. The wind whispered across the water, a gentle breeze that most would ignore. But for Georgina, it was crucial information.
She made minute adjustments to her aim, accounting for wind speed and direction. The crosshairs settled on a Nichts guard patrolling the perimeter. Georgina exhaled slowly, then squeezed the trigger. The rifle barely made a sound, but the effect was immediate. The guard dropped, a clean headshot that left no room for error.
One by one, Georgina picked off the exposed guards. Five, six, seven, eight - each shot precise and lethal. The pier grew quieter with each fallen enemy, creating a false sense of security that Georgina knew could be dangerous.
Meanwhile, at the pier's entrance, Wolfgang moved with silent efficiency. A Nichts soldier stood guard at the gate's outpost, unaware of the danger approaching. Wolfgang crept up behind him, a plastic bag clutched in his hand.
In one swift motion, Wolfgang pulled the bag over the guard's head. The soldier gasped and struggled, his hands clawing at the plastic. Wolfgang held firm, his grip unyielding as the guard's movements grew weaker. After a tense minute, the soldier went limp, his life extinguished.
Wolfgang lowered the body to the ground, a grim expression on his face. He couldn't help but draw a parallel to recent events in the world of professional wrestling. "The way Jon Moxley pulled this kind of stunt on Bryan Danielson is disturbing in and of itself," he muttered. "AEW nowadays has wrestlers attempting to murder one another."
Shaking off the thought, Wolfgang activated his comms. "Okay, gate's clear," he reported, his voice low but clear.
Kotaro appeared beside him, clad in his Taimanin gear. The ninja moved with fluid grace, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.
"Shizuru-sensei will shut down all security and surveillance systems on the pier first before going into the ship," Fuuma informed them, his voice calm and focused.
Wolfgang nodded, checking his weapons. "And we're just in Phase 2 of the mission," he added, a hint of tension in his voice.
"Takayama-sensei has cleared us a path on the way to the freighter," Kotaro continued, gesturing towards the looming ship.
Wolfgang's expression darkened as he replied, "But that doesn't mean we're home free. More of these skinheads will show up if we don't move our asses."
The team moved forward, their steps careful and measured. The pier was eerily quiet, the only sounds the gentle lapping of waves against the shore and the distant hum of city life. Wolfgang couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into a trap, but he pushed the thought aside. They had a job to do, and failure wasn't an option.
As they approached the freighter, Wolfgang's mind raced with possibilities. What were the Nichts Syndicate guarding so fiercely? Weapons? Technology? Or something even more sinister?
Just as Wolfgang had predicted, there were still a few patrols ahead of them. With practiced ease, he pulled out his briefcase weapon, watching as it smoothly transformed into a sleek sniper rifle. The night air was thick with tension as Wolfgang and Kotaro crouched in the shadows, their eyes scanning the area.
Wolfgang took a deep breath, steadying his aim. Through his scope, he could see the guards moving in predictable patterns, unaware of the danger lurking in the darkness. He squeezed the trigger, the rifle's suppressor muffling the sound to little more than a whisper. One by one, the remaining patrols fell, their bodies crumpling silently to the ground.
"Clear," Wolfgang muttered, his voice low and gravelly. Kotaro nodded, his eyes sharp and alert as they moved forward towards the ship.
Meanwhile, Rin had begun her own mission, clearing the ship from below. She moved like a shadow through the cargo hold, her steps silent and her movements fluid. The UFS battle armor-clad troops never saw her coming, falling to her swift and precise attacks. Even the spider drones, with their advanced sensors, were no match for Rin's stealth techniques.
As she moved, Rin's keen eyes surveyed the containers around her. Each one she managed to peek into revealed more UFS hardware - advanced weaponry and equipment that shouldn't have been in the hands of these criminals. Her heart raced as she realized the scale of what they were dealing with.
"Rin here," she whispered into her comm, her voice tight with tension. "Cargo hold is clear. They've been smuggling UFS weapons and equipment. Have you found anything?"
Wolfgang's voice crackled back, "Negative. We're still surveying the main deck. There's a lot of containers around here."
"Okay. No more enemies around here for now. We better start inspecting the containers," Rin replied, her fingers already working on the lock of the nearest crate.
"Working on it, out," Wolfgang confirmed.
Up on the main deck, Wolfgang pulled out a chain cutter, its blades glinting in the dim light. With practiced efficiency, he began cutting through the locks, Kotaro standing guard beside him. As each container opened, their suspicions were confirmed - drones, battle armor, and weapons of various types filled the space.
But it was the contents of one particular crate that made Wolfgang's blood run cold. Inside, neatly packed and ominously silent, were several Davy Crockett launchers alongside small nuclear warheads.
"What are those?" Kotaro asked, his usually calm voice tinged with alarm.
Wolfgang's face hardened, his jaw clenching as he recognized the weapons. "Davy Crockett launchers," he growled, his voice barely above a whisper. "Don't tell me those skinheads are planning to nuke Tokyo Kingdom and Yomihara with this shit?!"
His hand flew to his comm, urgency clear in every movement. "Rin, you're not going to believe what we just saw..."
Minutes later, Rin and Shizuru had joined them, their faces pale as they took in the sight of the nuclear weapons.
Shizuru's voice shook slightly as she asked, "How on Earth did they get their hands on those nuclear weapons?"
Fuuma's reply was grim, his eyes never leaving the crate. "That we might never know. Imagine the mounting casualties if those Nazis plan to use these nukes on Tokyo Kingdom, Yomihara, and even Kotrara..."
Wolfgang's voice was low and dangerous as he added, "Which could lead to something far worse than Hiroshima and Nagasaki."
The team stood in stunned silence, the weight of their discovery pressing down on them. The gentle lapping of waves against the ship's hull seemed to mock the gravity of the situation. In that moment, they all understood that their mission had just become far more critical than they could have imagined.
"Looks like we've opened Pandora's box," Kotaro said, his voice heavy with concern. He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes never leaving the ominous crates before them. "Worse of all, we can't just destroy the ship with these nukes around, knowing they could fall into the wrong hands. And we can't confiscate them either. It could implicate the Japanese government of smuggling nukes from the UFS, which jeopardizes diplomatic relationships."
Rin's shoulders slumped, her usual confidence faltering in the face of this impossible situation. "It's a lose-lose situation. We can't do anything about it," she lamented, her voice barely above a whisper.
The team stood in tense silence, the weight of their discovery pressing down on them. The gentle lapping of waves against the ship's hull seemed to mock the gravity of the situation. Wolfgang's eyes darted between his teammates, noting their defeated expressions. His jaw clenched, determination flashing in his eyes.
"Not yet," Wolfgang growled, his voice low and fierce. "We're not out of options."
His teammates looked at him, a mixture of confusion and hope on their faces. Wolfgang's hand moved to his smartwatch, his fingers dancing across the screen with practiced ease. He pressed on what appeared to be a dragon icon, the symbol glowing faintly in the dim light of the ship's deck.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a low rumble filled the air, growing in intensity until it seemed to shake the very deck beneath their feet. The team looked up, their eyes widening as a shimmering portal tore open in the night sky above them.
From the swirling vortex emerged a creature that defied description. It was massive, easily the size of a small aircraft, with a body that resembled a prehistoric pterosaur. But where wings should have been, four enormous appendages spread out, forming an 'X' shape that seemed to slice through the very air itself.
The creature descended, its movements surprisingly graceful for its size. It landed on the deck with a soft thud, its intelligent eyes scanning the humans before it. The team stood frozen, a mixture of awe and apprehension on their faces.
"Whoa! What is that monster?!" Kotaro exclaimed, his hand instinctively moving to his weapon.
Wolfgang stepped forward, a small smile playing on his lips. "Easy, sunshine. He's a friend." He turned to the creature, giving it a respectful nod. "This is an ancient dragon from the demon realm, with features of a pterosaur and wings of an X-Wing Starfighter. His name is Pteranodeus."
As if on cue, the Pteranodeus let out a low, rumbling sound that seemed to reverberate through their very bones. Wolfgang continued, his voice taking on a tone of admiration, "The Pteranodeus are a subspecies of ancient dragons in the demon world, known for their pterosaur-like features and having four wings shaped like an 'X' on both sides. This one," he gestured to the magnificent creature before them, "is a rare breed - a Platinum Pteranodeus."
Rin and Shizuru exchanged glances, their earlier despair giving way to cautious hope. Shizuru stepped forward, her voice steady despite the otherworldly presence before her. "How can this... Pteranodeus help us, Wolfgang?"
Wolfgang's smile widened, a glint of triumph in his eyes. "The big guy here can help us dispose of the nukes. He can basically gobble up the warheads." He paused, letting the information sink in. "Hell, they can eat almost everything, including nuclear waste!"
The team's eyes widened in realization. Kotaro was the first to speak, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and hope. "Are you saying this creature can safely consume and neutralize the nuclear weapons?"
Wolfgang nodded, his hand reaching out to pat the Pteranodeus's flank. The creature let out a soft rumble, almost like a purr. "Exactly. These dragons have been used in the demon realm for centuries to clean up magical and physical waste. Their bodies are capable of breaking down and neutralizing even the most dangerous substances."
Rin stepped closer, her eyes fixed on the magnificent creature. "It's... incredible. But how did you come to have such a being at your disposal, Wolfgang?"
Wolfgang's expression turned enigmatic, a reminder of the many mysteries that still surrounded him. "Let's just say I've made some interesting alliances over the years. This big guy is the very dragon that serves as the guardian of Castle Cromwell in the Vlad Kingdom."
Shizuru, ever the tactician, was already thinking ahead. "If we use the Pteranodeus to dispose of the nukes, we solve our immediate problem without leaving any evidence that could implicate Japan or the UFS. It's... brilliant."
Kotaro nodded, his earlier concern giving way to determination. "Alright, let's do this. Wolfgang, can you guide your... friend here to consume the warheads? Rin-sensei, Shizuru-sensei, help me secure the perimeter. We can't risk any interruptions."
As the team sprang into action, Wolfgang turned to the Pteranodeus, speaking in a language none of the others understood. The creature responded with a low rumble, its massive head lowering towards the crates containing the nuclear warheads.
With careful precision, Wolfgang began to guide the Pteranodeus through the process of consuming the dangerous weapons. The team watched in awe as the creature's jaws opened wide, revealing rows of gleaming teeth. One by one, the warheads disappeared into the dragon's maw, consumed without a trace.
As they worked, Wolfgang couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Not just in his ability to solve this seemingly impossible situation, but in the trust his teammates had placed in him. He glanced at Rin and Shizuru, catching their eyes for a moment. The connection between them, forged in intimate moments and strengthened in the heat of battle, felt stronger than ever.
The night wore on, the team working tirelessly to dispose of the dangerous cargo. As the last warhead disappeared into the Pteranodeus's jaws, a collective sigh of relief echoed across the deck. They had done it. The immediate threat was neutralized, and they had left no trace that could lead back to them or implicate any governments.
As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky, the team gathered once more. The Pteranodeus, its job done, spread its magnificent wings, preparing to return to the demon realm. Wolfgang reached out, patting the creature's flank one last time.
"Thanks, big guy," he murmured, genuine gratitude in his voice.
The Pteranodeus let out one final rumble before launching itself into the air. In a flash of light, it disappeared through the same portal from which it had arrived, leaving behind a team of exhausted but triumphant Taimanin.
Fuuma and Rin's squad exited the ship, their mission accomplished but the weight of their discovery still heavy on their shoulders. As they made their way across the deck, Shizuru pulled Wolfgang aside, her voice low and urgent.
"Wolfgang, Rin and I placed explosives around the ship while you were dealing with the nukes," she whispered, her eyes darting around to ensure they weren't overheard. "Now that we have one less nuclear threat to worry about, you can detonate the bombs. Use your smartwatch to trigger the detonation."
Wolfgang nodded, a grim smile playing on his lips. "Lovely. Always thinking ahead, aren't you?"
He raised his wrist, tapping the screen of his smartwatch with practiced ease. His finger hovered over the bomb icon for a moment, the weight of what they were about to do settling over him. With a deep breath, he pressed the icon.
The effect was immediate and devastating. A series of explosions rocked the ship, the sound of metal tearing and water rushing in filling the air. The team watched from a safe distance as the vessel began to sink, taking with it the remaining inventory of the Nichts Syndicate.
As the ship disappeared beneath the waves, a collective sigh of relief passed through the group. They had successfully foiled the Nichts Syndicate's attempt to terrorize both humanity and demonkind. However, the fact that neo-Nazi terrorists had managed to get their hands on nuclear weapons, even if they were small-scale, was deeply troubling.
Rin voiced what they were all thinking. "This is beyond what we've dealt with before. Nuclear weapons... it's not something we're prepared for."
Kotaro nodded grimly. "In this era, where evil and corruption lurk around every corner, nukes are the last thing we need in the mix."
Wolfgang remained silent, his mind already racing ahead to the potential consequences and future threats they might face. If not for his resourcefulness and connections, the mission could have ended in absolute failure, potentially putting Gosha under intense scrutiny.
The next day, Wolfgang and Fuuma found themselves in the Headmistress's Office at Gosha Academy. Asagi Igawa, the headmistress, listened intently as they recounted the events of the previous night.
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Fuuma-kun, Mr. Wolfgang," Asagi said, her brow furrowed with concern. "I never expected those Nazis would get their hands on nuclear weapons, much less on a smaller scale."
Fuuma leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly. "Even though we sank the ship, there's still a risk. The nukes could potentially fall into the wrong hands if someone manages to salvage them."
"No doubt about that," Wolfgang added, his voice tight with barely suppressed anger. "Hell, even Nomad would never stoop this low. Considering how my father operates..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "These guys are serious about nuking Tokyo Kingdom and Yomihara. I overheard one of the guards on the freighter. They're essentially attempting their own version of the final solution."
Asagi's face paled at his words. "That's terrible," she whispered, her mind no doubt going to Japan's painful history with nuclear weapons. It was a wound that had taken generations to heal, a stark reminder that those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. "I'm grateful that you and Fuuma-kun coordinated so well on this mission. Your role as a benefactor to the task force has always been invaluable, Wolfgang."
Wolfgang nodded, his expression somber. "As much as seeing Taimanins getting captured and deflowered during the line of duty disturbs me, the thing that still horrifies me the most is seeing innocent people die. I don't want to see unnecessary sacrifices under the guise of righteous indignation."
The room fell silent for a moment, each of them contemplating the gravity of the situation. Finally, Asagi spoke, her voice filled with determination.
"We need to be prepared for the possibility that this isn't an isolated incident. If the Nichts has access to nuclear weapons, who knows what other groups might be developing?"
She turned to Fuuma. "I want you to increase training for all Taimanin squads. Focus on detection and containment of nuclear threats."
Fuuma nodded, already mentally planning out new training regimens. "Understood, Headmistress. We need coordination from the other instructors."
Asagi then turned to Wolfgang. "Mr. Wolfgang, your connections and resources have proven invaluable once again. I hate to ask more of you, but..."
Wolfgang held up a hand, cutting her off. "Say no more. I'll reach out to my contacts, see if we can get some more intel on any potential nuclear threats. And I'll see about getting some specialized equipment for dealing with these kinds of situations."
Asagi smiled gratefully. "Thank you. Both of you. We're facing a new level of threat, but I'm confident that with your skills and dedication, we can rise to meet it."
As they left the office, Wolfgang and Fuuma exchanged a look. They both knew that their work was far from over. The Nichts Syndicate might have been thwarted for now, but the specter of nuclear terrorism loomed large. It would take all of their skill, resources, and determination to keep the world safe from this new threat.
Later that day, Wolfgang found himself in the Gosha Academy gym, helping train Fuuma in hand-to-hand combat alongside Georgina. Despite being only a substitute teacher like Rin and the deputy head of Gosha's Research and Development team, Wolfgang had become the closest thing the academy had to a martial arts instructor, second only to Georgina herself.
The gym echoed with the sound of fists hitting punching mitts as Wolfgang held them up for Fuuma. Sweat glistened on both men's brows, a testament to the intensity of their training session.
"Come on, man. Work on the speed of those jabs, mate," Wolfgang urged, feeling Fuuma's punches slowing down. "Pick up some pace!"
Fuuma gritted his teeth, pushing himself harder. Wolfgang's training regimen was notoriously demanding, even more so than Saika and Tokiko's usual routines. Fuuma found it challenging to keep up with the MMA legend's Spartan-like expectations.
After several more grueling minutes, Wolfgang finally called for a break. He tossed Fuuma a bottle of sports drink, which the younger man gratefully accepted. As Fuuma caught his breath, Wolfgang leaned against the ropes of the boxing ring, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by a more serious expression.
"You know, mate," Wolfgang began, his voice low and thoughtful, "there are two kinds of people that exist on the side of good."
Fuuma looked up, intrigued by the sudden shift in conversation. He took a long swig from the bottle, waiting for Wolfgang to continue.
"The first," Wolfgang went on, "are those who willingly lay down their lives for those who can't protect themselves. They don't need to be rewarded for their heroism because they know how to do what's right."
He paused, his eyes distant as if recalling something from his past. "The second are those who claim themselves to be just, believing themselves to be righteous even in their heinous actions. Those who abuse their power to oppress the weak breed injustice."
Fuuma nodded, understanding dawning on his face. "Like Momochi and the Nichts Syndicate," he offered.
Wolfgang's face darkened at the mention of the neo-Nazi group they had recently encountered. "Those Nazi bastards are completely off their rocker compared to that ninja Darth Vader," he spat, his usual colorful language returning for a moment.
"But you're right," he continued, his tone softening. "Taimanins like you understand the fine line between good and evil. And you have your own moments of doing terrible things. Sometimes, you have to do bad things to bad people, even if it leaves a bad taste in your mouth."
Fuuma listened intently, sensing that Wolfgang was sharing something deeply personal. The older man's usual facade of eccentricity and fourth-wall-breaking antics had completely fallen away, revealing the depth of experience that lay beneath.
"My own story is a shining example of how tragedy can mold a person," Wolfgang said, his voice barely above a whisper. "My career as a cagefighter, my success in the big leagues... and then my life as a bounty hunter. That was my metaphorical fall from grace. I started killing people for a living while praying for my own death."
Fuuma's eyes widened, this is not the first time he has heard of Wolfgang having a complicated past, but hearing it again and again laid bare like this was sobering.
"But then," Wolfgang continued, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "I found solace with your Rin-sensei. Gaining closure with her mother's passing... it helped me find redemption. I faced my past and understood that my life was worth living and fighting for."
The gym fell silent as Wolfgang's words hung in the air. Fuuma found himself reflecting on his own journey as a Taimanin, the choices he had made, and the path that lay ahead.
Fuuma was thankful for Wolfgang's intervention, knowing that he had found himself in situations that even seasoned Taimanins like himself were unprepared for. To Fuuma, this was just the beginning of what was to come, be it facing enemies like Nomad, Momochi, or the Nichts Syndicate.
As he caught his breath, Kotaro began to speak, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and determination. "The incident in Kotrara was something far beyond our control," he said, shaking his head. "But it left me with many lessons to learn. The nukes on the cargo ship... that was something I wasn't prepared for. If it wasn't for you, Wolfgang, we might have nearly repeated the mistake from Kotrara."
Wolfgang nodded, his expression serious as he leaned against the ropes of the boxing ring. "There's always a first time for everything, lad," he replied, his Dutch accent more pronounced in his earnestness. "And they always come in unexpected ways. Failure is an important part of life, you know. Along the way, you'll face many setbacks and shortcomings, and you must do everything to overcome them."
He paused, his eyes distant for a moment before continuing. "Don't look back. Keep pushing forward. And remember, despite my own fair share of success, I'm anything but infallible."
Wolfgang's voice took on a more personal tone as he continued. "Even in my career, despite my... hybrid physiology, I'm not immune to injuries that could potentially end careers. I've torn my ACL and Achilles tendon at some point during my championship reigns. Hell, I've even had a concussion, dislocated one of my toes, sustained a fractured ribcage, and broken my own nose!"
Without warning, Wolfgang reached for the hem of his sweat-soaked muscle shirt and pulled it over his head. Fuuma's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Wolfgang's torso, crisscrossed with scars of various sizes and shapes. Some were faded and white with age, while others looked more recent, still pink and raised against his tanned skin.
"This isn't just to show off, lad," Wolfgang said with a wry smile, noticing Fuuma's shocked expression. "It's a testament to how far I've pushed myself, how much punishment I've endured in the ring and beyond. Each scar tells a story, a lesson learned."
Fuuma nodded, a new respect dawning in his eyes as he realized the depth of Wolfgang's experiences.
The Dutchman's voice grew softer, more introspective. "And remember this: never place your passion before your principles. Because even if you succeed at something, it's not worth it anymore the second you compromise who you are. Stand by your values and what you think is right. Don't give in to your emotions, especially in the heat of battle."
Wolfgang stepped closer to Fuuma, placing a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "There will be times when you're placed in a tight spot, just like in our last mission. Don't be afraid to look for a third option when all hope seems lost. If you're on a mission with different teammates and I'm not around, don't make rash decisions. Stop and think if you need to. Sometimes, the best action is inaction, giving yourself a moment to assess the situation."
Fuuma absorbed Wolfgang's words, feeling the weight of the older man's experience. He realized that there was much more to learn from Wolfgang than just fighting techniques. The Dutchman's wisdom, born from years of triumph and tragedy, was a valuable resource that Fuuma was only beginning to tap into.
"I understand," Fuuma said finally, his voice filled with determination. "Thank you, Wolfgang. For everything."
Wolfgang grinned, some of his usual jovial demeanor returning. "Don't mention it, lad. Now, how about we get back to that training? Those jabs aren't going to improve themselves!"
Before the two men could continue their training, the gym door swung open, revealing Shizuru accompanied by a flamboyant man with a violet pompadour. His muscular frame was hidden behind a flowery longcoat, and his face was adorned with tasteful makeup.
"Gentlemen, sorry to interrupt your session," Shizuru said, her eyes darting to Wolfgang. "Your friend is here, Wolfgang."
Wolfgang's face lit up with recognition as he approached the newcomer. It was Ambrose, his Incubus friend. In public, Ambrose kept his horns and wings hidden, only revealing them when using his powers or in battle.
"Wolffy, mi hermano! " Ambrose exclaimed, his voice rich with enthusiasm. "How is life in Gosha keeping you?"
Wolfgang grinned, clasping his friend's hand. "Better than ever, amigo. I got to train the younger generations and help the task force with their job. It's been quite the adventure."
Fuuma's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Ambrose. "So this Incubus is your friend?" he asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
Wolfgang nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah. This is Ambrose. We go a long way back in the demon realm. He's been the only person I could turn to because of my past as an outcast among vampires and werewolves. Those two groups get along like oil and water, and I was caught in the middle."
He paused, his eyes distant for a moment. "Unlike the rest of the succubi and incubi, Ambrose is all about beauty in its purest form, both physical and innate qualities. Back in the day, he taught me how to appreciate the beauty of life. It's one of the reasons why I still believe life is worth fighting for."
Turning to Ambrose, Wolfgang gestured towards Fuuma. "Mate, this is the task force's captain, Kotaro Fuuma. He's kind of a standout among the Taimanins, and let's leave it at that."
Ambrose's face broke into a warm smile. "Any friend of Wolffy's is also my friend," he said, extending a hand to Fuuma. "It's an honor to meet you, Kotaro-cchi."
Fuuma shook Ambrose's hand, still processing the unexpected introduction. Wolfgang, sensing the tension, decided to cut to the chase. "What brings you here, mate?" he asked Ambrose.
Ambrose's expression turned serious. "Wolffy, did you run into a little girl with pink hair in a white dress?" The mere description had Wolfgang and Fuuma exchanging worried glances.
"Felicia?" Wolfgang asked, his voice tinged with concern. "Did you run into her?"
Ambrose nodded grimly. "Partly. She was knocking at our door in our residence in Maesaki, asking for you. When I told her you weren't there, she started harassing me, Liscia, and Alv by bringing in Nomad demons into our household. Good thing Georgie arrived and held them off."
"Jesus Christ... fucking Felicia," Wolfgang muttered, his hand grasping his forehead in utter dismay. The tension in the room was palpable as the implications of this news sank in.
Fuuma, piecing together the information, ventured a question. "Since you're Edwin Black's estranged son, this means Felicia is your-"
"Half-sister," Wolfgang cut him off, his tone bitter. "And don't remind me of that. The same can be said for your childhood friend Kurenai."
Even Shizuru, who had been quietly observing, couldn't hide her surprise at this revelation. Kurenai Shinganji, a Taimanin who had left Gosha, was also a blood relative of Wolfgang, both sharing Edwin Black's DNA.
Wolfgang sighed, realizing he owed them an explanation. "Kurenai and Felicia were conceived from one of my old man's concubines. The woman in question is Kaede Shinganji. The old man viewed women from the Shinganji clan as ideal for interbreeding with powerful demons."
"How did you know all of this?" Kotaro asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Wolfgang's eyes grew distant, as if looking into the past. "I had my own history with Kurenai too. I'm basically Char Aznable to her Sayla Mass."
He continued, "I also played a part in training Kurenai to awaken her Mind's Eye, a technique passed on to her clansmen. While I was on the hunt for a turncoat working behind Grandpa Yamamoto's back, Felicia showed up out of nowhere and beheaded Kurenai's target, Kazuma Tendo. And then the old man showed up, revealing that he had set the whole thing up just to awaken Kurenai's vampire powers."
Wolfgang's voice grew bitter as he continued, "One of the things I hate about my old man is that he's a terrible parent. Kurenai and I were lucky that we maintained the human part of ourselves. Felicia, on the other hand, is the definition of psychotic after becoming a full-blooded vampire. She treats murdering people as a game and will easily get bored if you don't entertain her. She'll resort to harmless pranks to completely causing chaos and putting innocent people in danger."
The gym fell silent around Wolfgang as his words hung in the air. Fuuma and Shizuru exchanged worried glances, realizing the complexity of Wolfgang's family history and the potential threat that Felicia posed.
Suddenly, Wolfgang's phone began ringing, the sharp tone cutting through the tense atmosphere of the gym. He reached for it, his brow furrowing at the unknown number flashing on the screen.
"Speak," he answered, his voice gruff and cautious.
A girl's voice, sickeningly sweet and all too familiar, filled his ear. "Hi, onii-sama. Can you pass the phone to Fuuma?"
Wolfgang's breath caught in his throat, his grip on the phone tightening. "You..." he whispered, immediately recognizing Felicia's voice. A mixture of anger and concern flashed across his face.
Despite his better judgment, Wolfgang handed the phone to Kotaro, who looked puzzled but took it anyway.
"Hello? Who? Okay..." Kotaro answered, completely unaware of the trap he was walking into. He turned to the others in the gym, his face a picture of innocent confusion. "Hey, is there a guy named E. Rex Sean?"
As Kotaro repeated the name louder, the gym erupted into laughter. Women nearby giggled and called him a pervert, while even Shizuru couldn't contain her amusement, understanding the crude joke immediately.
Wolfgang's face darkened as he snatched the phone back from a bewildered Kotaro. Felicia's gleeful laughter rang out from the speaker, grating on Wolfgang's nerves.
"Hey," he growled into the phone, his voice low and dangerous. "What you did to my friend and his sisters is uncalled for. The next time I see your face, you'd better be ready for an ass-whooping!"
Without waiting for a response, Wolfgang ended the call, his thumb jabbing the screen with more force than necessary. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the anger bubbling inside him.
For a brief moment, Wolfgang addressed an unseen presence, his voice taking on a wry, almost sardonic tone. "I've said many times that my vampire family is no better than the whole Mishima family drama. Good thing Kurenai-kun and I are the closest thing to being equivalents to Jin Kazama, and let's leave it that way." He paused, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice despite the gravity of the situation. "And guess which Tekken character Felicia has in common?"
As he spoke, the air around him seemed to shimmer, as if reality itself was bending to his will. Within moments, a cloud of imagination materialized above Wolfgang's head, like a thought bubble come to life. The image within was crystal clear: Felicia, her pink hair and white dress unmistakable, but now reimagined in a black and purple parka outfit.
Fuuma, who had been watching this display with a mixture of confusion and fascination, finally spoke up. "I... I don't understand. What does this mean?"
Wolfgang continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "It's just a reference to a fighting game. And if you're interested in Tekken 8, here's a spoiler: the girl I'm talking about is Heihachi's adoptive daughter, Reina."
As he spoke, the thought bubble above his head began to shimmer and fade. With a casual wave of his hand, Wolfgang dismissed the imaginary construct, causing it to pop with a soft 'poof' sound.
Fuuma blinked, still trying to process the information. "I see," he said slowly, though his furrowed brow suggested he was still somewhat confused. "But what does this have to do with Felicia?"
Wolfgang sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's a comparison, lad. Felicia is to our family what Reina is to the Mishimas in the game. Besides fourth-wall breaks and pop culture references are kind of my thing."
Shizuru, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. "Wolfgang," she said gently, "I think we're getting a bit off track here. Shouldn't we be more concerned about Felicia's recent actions?"
Her words seemed to snap Wolfgang back to reality. He nodded, his expression growing serious once more. "You're right, Shizuru. We need to focus on the real issue at hand."
Footnotes & Trivia:
- The cargo ship part of the chapter is a reference to the mission The Merryweather Heist from Grand Theft Auto V, specifically the Freighter part of that mission. Since this involves the protagonists accidentally stumbling at a supposed nuclear weapon; Trevor attempted to sell the weapon but is dissuaded by Lester out of the implications of making him, Michael, and Franklin becoming wanted men had Trevor sold the device; and was forced to dispose the nuke under the sea. Here, the task force discovered small-scale nuclear warheads that the Nichts Syndicate are planning to use by nuking Tokyo Kingdom and Yomihara. But Wolfgang had brought in Pteranodeus to devour the warheads before they could be used.