----Midnight----

Yuko awoke a few hours later in a daze. She winced as she sat up from the plush seat she had been sprawled out on; she had a splitting headache. The steady hum of jet engines caused her alarm. Gazing out the window her fears were confirmed as she saw the light of the moon reflecting off the wings of the plane. The clouds passed by at a steady pace as she was carried through the night sky.

“Where...where am I? Haru! Where's Haru?” She frantically called out, looking for her friend around the cabin.

“Nice of you to join us again,” Satoru remarked. “Your friend is fine, but sadly she did not have a reservation for this flight. And to answer your other question, you’re on our private jet! Nice, isn't it!?” He boasted.

Yuko hated to admit it, but it was nice. Soft was nowhere near enough to describe the comfort or feeling of the seats. The cabin was very spacious and open with nice carpeting and soft lighting. Satoru sat in a recliner watching the flat screen television while Shelty eyed Yuko from the opposite seat. Yuko winced as she took sips of water from a glass. When she tried to sit up, a sharp pain jolted through her ribs and head. She felt her ribs to find them wrapped in bandages. Her cuts seemed to be treated with salve as most of them were already beginning to close.

“You treated me.” Yuko marvelled, managing to sit upright.

“We couldn’t have you bleeding all over the leather,” Shelty replied, continuing to glare at the girl with cold scrutiny.

“So, what am I your prisoner now? You sure are lax security wise. You haven’t even bothered to tie me up.” Yuko mentioned, noticing her lack of restraints or the fact. Also, the fact that she wasn’t isolated somewhere in a confined space was telling.

“We’re 35,000 feet in the air travelling at subsonic speeds, where the hell are you going to go?” Satoru answered, dashing out any hopes she might have of escape.

“Besides, I’m sure by now you know you have no hope of overpowering us, so just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.” He turned his seat back around to continue watching his program.

“Well, can you at least tell me where we are going?” She inquired, curious about the destination.

“We’re taking you to our compound. It’s in the Xai Mountains so we’ve still got some ways to go.” Satoru responded.

The Xai Mountains was a perilous mountain range located to the far east of Oshan. Known as The Dragon’s Teeth, it spanned a few hundred miles and was home to a lush rainforest whose beauty belied the dangerous wildlife that inhabited it. Who would be crazy enough to make a home there? Yuko pondered. Her curiosity fed her fear as her mind began to produce machinations of who or what could be awaiting her at their destination.

“Who are you, people? Really?” She asked.

“None of your business,” Shelty voiced rudely. Satoru gave her a reproachful glance before whirling his seat around to face Yuko once again.

“We are whatever we need to be. Assassins, mercenaries, bodyguards, we will do whatever as long as the price is right.” He stated casually.

“I figured as much.” She retorted. “But why are you doing this? You’re still young, yet you killed Mr Skagg and all those men like…like they were nothing as if it was easy for you.” Yuko’s mind recalled the gruesome scene from earlier that day: the screams of the guards as they were eviscerated in the dark, the metallic smell of blood as it stained the rooms, walls, and carpets. The memory of Skaggs’ freshly liberated head nearly rolling into her lap with the fearful expression still on its face made her nauseous.

Satoru swung his chair around once again, an indignant expression on his handsome features.“You’re right. I did,” Satoru professed proudly. “That’s because men like that, they are nothing. They are cowards that compensate by hiding behind their thugs. They show the world how much money they can spend, and prey on the weak and the common. Something you yourself have already experienced.”

Yuko’s body quivered as she remembered how Skagg attempted to force himself on her, and how close he came to succeeding.

“They are the worst version of humanity, and I enjoy reminding them of who they truly are. It feels good to watch them beg, to fight, to cling to their miserable existence in futility as I wrench the hope from their hearts.” As Satoru continued his rant, Yuko felt strangely cold. The hairs on her arms were beginning to stand on end and the air began to grow dangerously thin as she felt some sort of energy pulsing from the seated boy. The cabin began to quake, throwing Shelty and Yuko from their seats. Turbulence! Could we have hit a storm? Yuko thought. But as she looked outside, the skies were as calm and peaceful as ever.

“I enjoy it. I bask in it. The only thing that makes me feel better than the deed is that I get paid to do it!” Satoru finished his tirade, unfazed by the turbulent rumblings of the aircraft's interior.

“Satoru! Stop! You’re going to kill us all if you don’t calm down!” Shelty yelled, anchoring herself as to not get tossed around the cabin. Satoru’s features, which had been clouded with malice, instantly softened. The cold energy Yuko felt emanating from him ceased. The violent shaking stopped as the plane stabilized. The ground was littered with broken glass from cups and other beverages that had fallen to the floor, and the lounge tables in the area had been overturned. Yuko gasped as the air returned to normal, taking in precious gulps of renewed oxygen. He took a few long deep breaths to collect himself before taking a look around to survey the ruined cabin.

“Whoops,” he innocently voiced. “Seems I got too carried away again. Gotta control these passions of mine, eh?” He chuckled as he got up from his seat to check on Shelty, whose knuckles had gone white from bracing the armrests on her seat for dear life. He put a comforting hand on her shoulder as he softly uttered, “Sorry, you ok?” to the frazzled young woman. She nodded, relaxing at his reassuring touch.

“I’m fine,” she replied, turning her head to hide her face as a blush crept upon her fair skin. He gave her shoulder a final squeeze. He went to help Yuko, who had just managed to stabilize her breathing, to her seat.

“What…what was that?!” she managed as she began to regain her composure. “I felt so cold, it felt like I was trapped in a freezing lake. It became so hard to breathe.”

At Yuko’s recollection, Satoru nodded in understanding, mentally cursing himself for being so careless and inconsiderate of the other passengers. On top of that, he had frightened Shelty, nearly crashed the plane and wrecked the interior.

“You’ll have to forgive me. It must have been painful for you,” He expressed solemnly. As the gravity of his misdeeds began to set in, dread crept into his mind. He was dominated by one thought: his mother was going to kill him. He gave Yuko a quick apology and returned to his seat, remaining silent. Exhausted with the events of the day, Yuko decided to get some well-needed rest. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

--

“Up. Now,” Shelty ordered as she jarred Yuko awake with a swift kick to her seat. The tired girl stretched herself as she awoke from her slumber, rubbing her neck to relieve the crick that had formed from her sleeping arrangement. “What’s going on?” The girl mumbled tiredly.

“We are on a final approach to the compound. We will be landing momentarily,” Shelty said as the blonde tossed Yuko her suit jacket.

“At least cover yourself up a bit,” Shelty said, reminding the kidnapped intern of her torn and dishevelled appearance. A surprisingly thoughtful gesture considering how short she had been to Yuko so far. Yuko draped the jacket around her shoulders, as the ‘final approach’ notice went off in the cabin. Yuko looked out the window to see where they were going and what she saw was a sight that nearly took her breath away. Mighty waterfalls churned up a thick permanent cloud of mist covering the lush rainforest in the valleys below feeding into the flowing rivers that splintered off into the horizon. The surrounding mountain peaks pierced through the mist and touched the heavens in majestic prominence. The aircraft began to descend towards a waterfall cascading off of a sheer cliff face.

“Wait, so is there a runway? A landing pad? Something?” Yuko began to ask nervously. Shelty scowled, preparing to chide the girl on her bewilderment but decided to keep quiet as she believed what came next to be far too amusing. As the waterfall came closer, Yuko tensed herself. She screamed as they swooped into the waterfall…only to hit nothing as they harmlessly passed through the curtain of water into a long tunnel hidden behind it. The jet landed in a spacious hangar. Shelty grabbed Yuko and escorted her to the door of the aircraft, giving a light smack to the back of Satoru’s head to wake him as they passed by.

“Oh, we’re here,” He said, wiping his eyes and slowly getting out of his seat. The cabin doors hissed open and the disembarking ramp extended as the trio exited the aircraft. Yuko got a full look around the spacious hangar. It was well lit, with bright lights placed overhead in the cavern wall to illuminate the large space, as well as other coloured light to mark specific landing areas for the different aircraft. Yuko saw that the aircraft that had delivered her here was a plane capable of vertical takeoffs and landing, which made sense as it added versatility for landing and pickup options and saved costs from having to build a runway. The aircraft had set down next to 4 others of its exact design, medium-sized private models that housed luxuries and speeds that only the rich and powerful could afford. There was also a massive aircraft, which looked like it was used to transport cargo or other heavy freight to and from the area. A team of technicians buzzed around the massive room servicing and upgrading the planes and other vehicles in the areas, which Yuko saw also included an impressive collection of sports and luxury cars.

Why do I get the feeling I already know who those belong to? She thought to herself, as she gave a quick glance to Satoru, who was finishing unloading his belongings. Shelty gave her a quick push, bringing her back to reality. “Keep moving, princess,” She ordered as she shoved her along.

As the trio moved to the opposite end of the cavern, a pair of massive bulkhead doors opened and two people emerged from the threshold, a dependable and neat looking woman, and a muscular, gruff man. The woman had a dignified air, with a mature, elegant face draped by short neck-length back hair. Her eyes were a light brownish orange, like the colour of the sky during the setting sun. She was wearing a suit similar to Shelty’s, but had forgone the jacket and instead had a dress shirt with a frilled collar. It accented her feminine and delicate body yet, the girl could tell she was not to be trifled with as her golden eyes, held an emotionless, yet commanding gaze. The man dwarfed the woman flanking him by several feet, and he sported a muscular physique that looked like his body was made of iron. His intense presence matched his eyes, which burned a bright orange. His balding head reflected the lights from the ceiling. He had a dark black beard that hung well past his chin, and he seemed to be wearing more casual attire than the female. He sported a tattered martial arts gi and his knuckles and feet were tightly wrapped with tape. The glistening sweat on his skin indicated that he had just come from some sort of intense training.

“Welcome home, young master,” The two announced in near unison bowing deeply as the trio reached the door. Satoru quickly waved off the formal greeting.

“C’mon, you two, I’ve said plenty of times you don’t have to call me that,” He was both flattered and embarrassed by the formality of the two. As the woman raised her head, her eyes quickly fixated on Yuko, giving her a brief once overtaking in her dishevelled appearance.

“So, you are her. Yuko, was it?” The woman recalled, still scrutinizing the girl.

“I…yes, I am,” Yuko responded, she began to ask how the woman knew her name but remembered the type of people she was dealing with. She hugged the coat around her shoulders a bit tighter, feeling a tad self-conscious in the presence of more people. Noticing this, the woman quickly approached her and reached out to remove the jacket exposing the tattered state of Yuko’s clothing.

Her eyes softened a tad but returned to their penetrating focus a moment later.

“I am sorry you had to go through what you did, I am sure the last few hours have been quite the ordeal for you.” She responded apologetically. Yuko eased a bit at the sympathy in the woman’s voice.

“That would be the understatement of the century,” Yuko said, perhaps a bit too comfortably because Shelty gave her a swift, discrete pinch on the arm.

“Yes…” The woman trailed off at the girls’ outburst before continuing. “It must have been. Well, allow me to dispense introductions. My name is Maya, and my associate here is Zed. I assume you are already acquainted with Shelty and Master Satoru already.”

“Yes, we are best buds!” Satoru remarked a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “We’ve been through so much together already, jumping from a building, a car chase, kidnapping. Soon we will be finishing each other’s sentences!” he finished, a smirk on his face. Maya gave smiled at the boy’s sarcasm.

“Speaking of which, your mother and I need to discuss said activities in great detail. She is waiting in her chambers for your prompt arrival,” The smile turned poison as Satoru’s face fell. The woman grabbed him by the collar and practically drug him deeper into the compound. Satoru clawing and screaming in protest, disappeared from sight, leaving Shelty and Yuko alone with Zed.

“We have been expecting you, girl. You were brought here has caused quite a fuss, as we don’t get…visitors often,” He uttered gruffly. “The family is very excited to meet you. I hope you will be able to provide some entertainment for us,” He lips curled into a slight smirk, once again sending shivers down Yuko’s bones. His eyes darted to the blonde still at her side. “Shelty, take her inside and get her cleaned up. Lady Hisayo is also waiting for her in her chambers, bring her there when you are finished,” Zed ordered. Shelty bowed slightly before ushering Yuko inside. “C’mon, princess, we’re going right to the shower. You’re starting to smell like the nutsack of a mountain ape,” She commented, pushing the girl deeper into the halls of the compound.

A sigh of pleasure escaped Yuko’s lips as she lowered her tired body into the warm water of the spacious bath. She expected the cramped, closed shower spaces she was accustomed to at her apartment. Instead, she found a lavish space with shining marble floors and fountains continuously filling the bathtub with fresh water from the surrounding rivers. The water was heated to a comfortable, steamy temperature by electrical means and circulated throughout the compound for use in the other bathing facilities. It reminded her of the expensive sento baths that the Oshan resorts offered for their guests. She leaned back submerging all but her head letting her thoughts wander. She had lost track of time and her head was still reeling trying to process the last twenty-four hours. She ran a hand over her injured ribs, the pain from which had already ceased and the rest of her cuts or scrapes were soothed by the mineral enriched water.

“The worst of your injuries seem to have healed,” Yuko was jolted out of her thoughts as Shelty entered the baths. Her hair was down and a towel was wrapped tightly around her naked body. She sat down in front of one the sinks after removing the towel and filled a bucket with warm water, which she used to rinse herself after she washed her hair and body. Yuko snuck a peek at the girls’ nude form. Her lithe, athletic form belied the herculean strength she had displayed earlier. She was covered with various patterns of mysterious markings and symbols as she wiped down her body, and when she began lifting her hair to wash it, Yuko saw the number ‘4’ tattooed on the back of her neck. Sensing the girl staring, Shelty rinsed herself off and shot the girl a reproachful glare.

“And just what are you staring at?” She asked angrily, folding her arms tightly across her chest, continuing to glare at Yuko.

“Ah...well…sorry,” Yuko apologized meekly, hoping not to upset the girl. Shelty stared at the girl for a bit longer, before huffing in annoyance and wrapping her hair up. She joined Yuko in the spacious bath. The two girls sat in silence for a while, and Yuko began to feel awkward, her eyes darting back and forth between the water and the blonde girl resting in the hot water opposite her. She was intrigued by the markings she saw earlier on the girls back and that mysterious number.

“May I…Ask you something…Shelly? Right?” Yuko began meekly, wanting to break the silence and gain some insight on the young woman at the same time.

“It’s Shelty!” The blonde corrected at Yukos mispronunciation. “And, what is it?” Yuko was a bit surprised that she was being indulged at all, but it seemed that the soothing power of a hot bath could melt even a hardass like Shelty.

“Those markings,” She started, hoping she wouldn’t end up with her throat ripped out for prodding at what could be a touchy subject. “What are they? How did you get them? Are they like tattoos?” Yuko cursed herself immediately. Her questions had flowed out and based on the other girl's expression, seemed to be a sensitive topic. Shelty, who had closed her eyes to relax, sat up once again, her eyes darkening a bit and a mild, sullen expression on her face.

“Everyone isn’t born with a silver spoon in their mouth, princess,” she finally said. Silence settled between them before Shelty sighing deeply, continued.

“I don't know they've always been a part of me, ever since I was born. I guess its a part of the reason no one really wanted me,” She revealed. Sympathy panged in Yuko’s heart. “You were an orphan? I thought you were a part of this family?” She asked. Shelty gave her an amused smirk.

“How many natural blondes do you see walking around this part of the world?” Shelty quipped before continuing. “But yes, I was. I have no memories of my parents or any other biological family members. Sometimes I wonder if I even had any. They found me and took me in, raised me as one of their own. As far I’m concerned they are my family.” Having felt like she revealed more than she was comfortable with, Shelty rose from the water and went to retrieve her towel.

“What about your tattoo? Where is it from?” Yuko quickly inquired. Shelty froze as she was drying off, running a hand over the marking on the back of her neck.

“None of your business. Now, get out and get dressed. Lady Hisayo is waiting.” With that, she wrapped herself in the towel and stormed out of the bathroom, leaving Yuko alone.

What is her deal? Yuko thought to herself as she dunked her head one last time under the steaming waters.

Yuko was marched through the compound once again, flanked by Zed, whom she recognized from the hangar earlier and Shelty, whom she assumed was tasked with babysitting her. This was a task the blonde girl seemed to loathe. She fidgeted at the clothing she was provided upon exiting the bath. It was a simple white cotton tunic and a pair of black sweatpants that were a bit roomy for Yuko’s tastes. The house slippers she was given made walking on the slick surface of the floor difficult. She stumbled every once in a while as she was escorted through the halls towards her impending meeting. Lady Hisayo seemed to be the head honcho of this whole operation. Sweat began to form on her brow as the anticipation of the meeting began working her nerves. When Yuko Hiragi got nervous, she talked. “So…what’s this Lady Hisayo like?” She anxiously queried to her escorts.

“You will find out soon enough,” Zed responded. “We are here.” They stopped in front of a pair of sliding doors. Yuko could feel a strong presence from behind it, like an overwhelming wave of heat emanating from inside. She began to fan herself, desperately trying to cool herself from the imaginary heat wave.

“Why is it so hot in here?” She commented. Her two escorts paid her no mind as the doors slid open and led Yuko into the dark room. The bedroom was large with a long carpet that led up to the bed which was elevated by a few steps in the center of the room. Yuko could see a woman sitting at the foot of the bed on a large sofa, draped with animal skin. By her side rested a large mountain tiger several heads taller than its owner. The woman’s eyes were a golden-orange, piercing through the darkness of the room like smouldering embers. The trio stopped short several yards away from where the woman was seated and kneeled.

“We have brought the girl as requested,” Zed said, still kneeling in front of his charge. The woman crossed her legs, resting her chin in her hand as she leaned into the armrest of her seat.

“Very good. You may leave us.” She commanded, her voice brimming with authority. Shelty and Zed bowed before leaving Yuko alone. The girl shrank under the woman’s commanding presence as her golden eyes bore into Yuko once more.

“Your body trembles,” she stated. “You are scared.” Yuko fidgeted, trying to count the fabrics in the carpet under her feet. She continued to avert her eyes from the woman’s gaze.

“Y-yes I am, ma’am,” Yuko responded trying her best to be formal and polite while suppressing an impending ‘freak out’.

“Come closer, child,” The woman said, beckoning her. Yuko shuffled forward to get a good look at the woman’s face. She had a refined beauty about her. Her hair was shoulder length and as black as smoke, perfectly draping her symmetrical face. Her eyes rested perfectly atop her high cheekbones. Her skin was fair and smooth, and her hands were dressed in elbow-length fingerless gloves that showed off her clean and manicured digits. She wore a form-fitting, black sleeveless tunic with matching black pants. It was held together by a waist cincher and a red silk sash. A fur shoal made from the pelt of jungle predator draped her bare shoulders. The giant tiger that had been quietly resting to the side opened one eye to peer at the girl as she approached its master, preparing itself in case she was up to no good. Yuko, not wanting to get any closer to the beast, stopped short of the steps.

“My name is Hisayo Hattori, daughter of Genbu Hattori and the current acting head of the Hattori family. Welcome to our home, child.” Hisayo announced, welcoming the girl with cold indifference.

“I-I’m Yuk-“

“I already know who you are,” Hisayo cut the girl off with a dismissive wave of her hand.

“I’ve heard all about you for the last several hours. Quite frankly, I’m tired of it.” She leaned forward in her seat intensifying her gaze on Yuko. A lump grew in the girl's throat. The tiger was fully awake now, disturbed by its master’s rising agitation.

“What I do want to know is why you were at JenSys yesterday afternoon?” The woman questioned as Yuko shook her head wonderingly.

“I was only there for an interview, he attacked me, and that’s when Satoru showed up.” She replied, stating the events as they happened with minute detail. The air once again grew stuffy and warm as Hisayo spoke.

“As I stated before, I already know this.” She paused a beat to rephrase her question.

“Tell me, girl, what do you know of Project APEX?” She inquired. Yuko again looked confused.

“Project what?” she responded.

“Project APEX. JenSys’ latest research in human experimentation. What do you know of it?” Hisayo pressed, narrowing her eyes, watching for any signs of deviance. Yuko shook her head in denial.

“I’m sorry I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve never heard of something like that before.” As sincere as Yuko believed she was being, it didn’t seem Hisayo was convinced. She could tell the woman’s patience was beginning to run thin.

“Jensen Skagg was many things, but he was no fool. Dozens of attempts on his life had already been made, and many have tried to infiltrate the corporation through various means to steal or gain information on the research he was conducting towards APEX. The man was cautious. His security force was efficient and well trained. He had stopped taking requests for interviews from the press for a while, due to the espionage attempts. He was untouchable, to an extent. So much so that people were willing to pay fortunes to get to him, by any means. Untouchable...until you came along. The man could have procured any woman, prostitute, or anything in between, at his leisure. So, forgive me If I am having trouble believing the man would risk his research, his reputation, AND his personal security just for the chance to fuck some…. bimbo intern during an interview!”

Yuko grew defensive at the insult. Yuko Hiragi has been called many things, but she would not be called a bimbo by some stranger.

“I am NOT a bimbo!” She countered, raising her voice at the woman. “Yes, I may have baited myself for his perversions a bit. But I only did it to get in the door! I was only there to interview him, and I didn’t know anything about any research! I’ve said this to everyone a million times, so please just let me go!”

Because of her brief tirade, Yuko wasn’t able to notice the woman had disappeared from her seat and had appeared next to her, draping an arm around her shoulders. The girl froze as Hisayo ran her hand along Yuko’s face, caressing her chin and running her hands gently through her auburn hair as the tiger elicited a low rumbling growl, displeased with the girl’s impudence.

She circled Yuko like a tiger, sizing up its prey. Eyes open to all her flaws and weaknesses, preparing to pounce at a moments notice. “Round face with puffy adorable cheeks. Eyes bright with ambition and naiveté, with a headstrong personality to match. Lips full and inviting, you’re definitely his type.” Hisayo commented. She pulled away from Yuko, gazing down at her with an unreadable expression. "I can see why the man forced himself upon you." Anger surged through Yuko at the insensitive comment, eliciting a smirk from the matriarch.

“Project APEX is something that can alter the course of the world. As I stated, many people want to get their hands on it for various reasons, including us. However, it seems you are telling the truth. If you truly don’t know anything about it then we have no further use for you.”

At the snap of her fingers, a blazing inferno enveloped Yuko. The intense heat began to suck the oxygen out of the air creating a vacuum that burned Yuko’s lungs as she began to gasp for breath. The white-hot flames licked at her feet as the inferno began to intensify as it closed in.

“I’m sure you were told things like ‘We cannot kill you’, or ‘You will only have your memory erased’. But ultimately those decisions come down to me. You are too much of a liability to be left alive despite what you may or may not know, and I will NOT risk the safety of this family over a possibility.” The flames crept closer threatening to consume the girl, her vision began to darken due to the lack of oxygen, the heat making her light-headed and dizzy as her clothes began to become singed by the encroaching flames and her lips began to crack and split from the moisture being dried right out of her being.

“Therefore, I will incinerate you here. All traces of worry you could possibly become will be turned into ash.” Hisayo declared coldly. Her voice was still commanding and clear through the roaring pyroclastic display. She watched as the fire raged, showing no sympathy for the soon to be roasted girl. It would be over soon.

“..ait…please..wait.” She heard the girls hoarse voice coming from inside the blaze. Curious, Hisayo was sure she would have been unconscious by now.

“I can…help.”

Hisayo walked towards the fire, which parted for her as she approached. Sure enough, Yuko was barely conscious, her clothes were nearly burned to ashes, and she was dry and cracked as the layers of skin began to burn from the intense heat. Her eyes were dull and fading, but still held a sliver of life within them.

“Speak up, girl” Hisayo spoke. “If you have any last words state them clearly.” Yuko managed to look into Hisayo’s’ eyes, meeting her gaze for the first time. Her body may have been dying, but the resolve in her eyes was stronger than ever.

“I can...help you...with Project APEX.” She uttered weakly before the familiar embrace of darkness took her once again.