---Oshan University Apartments 2:30 pm---

Haru trudged back to the apartment after a long day of class. She was tired, hungry and frustrated at all facets of life. Sleep had evaded her lately as she still tried to find new avenues to search for her friend. She hadn’t been studying and nearly bombed a test, her work was getting sloppy in the production department. She couldn’t find any motivation to practice with her band nor bother to cook.

“That pizza better be here in thirty goddamn minutes or less,” She griped. She threw herself on the couch and propped her feet on the table, shoving aside empty beer bottles that were cluttering it. Haru grabbed a bottle that still contained some liquid and downed the contents in a swift gulp. She checked her phone finding a plethora of missed calls and texts, most of them from Yuko’s mother or as she was listed in her contacts “Mama Hiragi.”

“Ugh, I just can’t deal with this shit right now!” Haru shouted, her voice echoing through the empty apartment. She flipped on the television in an attempt to find some mindless drivel to occupy her thoughts only to be met with the news channel talking about the murder once again. Just as her frustration began to boil over and she prepared to hurl the remote, there was a knock at the door.

“No way,” she said as she stomped towards the door. “You’re 3 minutes late, I’m not paying for this shit ass-”

As she opened the door, hoping to take out her anger on a poor unsuspecting delivery guy on the other side, she saw it was actually someone she never expected to see. Standing there with two other women Haru did not recognize, was Yuko Hiragi.

“I hope you were planning to leave a generous tip,” Yuko said smiling to her friend.

Haru took her friend in a long, heartfelt embrace. “You…” she started, voice shaking as she resisted the urge to cry. “Had better start explaining,” Haru finished.

Yuko looked past her friend through the open door to their apartment and gestured towards the empty bottles scattering the living area. “Trust me, I will,” Yuko said pulling back from the embrace.

Haru suspiciously eyed the two women who Yuko had arrived with. “Who are your new friends?” she asked, continuing to stare down the strangers.

“Well, I wouldn’t call them that,” Yuko muttered walking into the home she had desperately missed.

The reporter on television began to speak of the investigation. “The investigation into the late Jensen Skagg’s murder has come to an unfortunate close,” The anchor said. “Local authorities spoke of the abrupt ending to the investigation, saying that despite it being a clear murder scene no ties or leads to any possible suspects could be made.”

Maya approached Haru, dressed down in jeans and her dress shirt and vest, and politely greeted the young woman. “Allow me to introduce myself,” she said, giving a shallow bow. “I am Maya; it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

She gestured to Akane who also was dressed casually in a simple tank top and jeans. “This is Akane, she is also pleased to meet you.” Akane, who had been staring off into the distance, returned Haru’s gaze. Her eyes scanning every inch of the girl’s body. Haru felt a few chills creep up her spine under Akane’s scrutiny.

“Do you two come with last names at all? Or what?” Haru snidely asked.

Maya’s briefly lost her mask of politeness in the face of the young woman’s curt behavior. Sensing the rising tension, Yuko came back outside to usher Maya and Akane into the living room. “Let’s get out of this heat, shall we?” She said.

Haru lingered outside the door for a bit and unreadable expression on her face. “I forgot something in the car. I’ll be right back,” She called to Yuko. Haru trotted downstairs and quickly rounded a corner at the bottom of the stairwell. She pulled out her cellphone and pulled up the contact “Sugar Daddy Doctor” and dialed it. Dr. William Duncan promptly answered on the other line.

“Well hello, Ms. Shimomura,” he greeted. “How can I help you today? I trust the new vehicle is to your liking.”

“Yes, it’s fine, thank you, but it’s not why I’m calling.” She said. She steeled herself before continuing. “I...Yuko is here. With some...strange people I’ve never seen. They’re giving me a weird vibe so...I just felt like I should call and tell you is all.”

On the other end of the line, a beat passed before Duncan spoke once again. “That is wonderful news, Ms. Shimomura. I am glad to hear that your friend is safe and sound. Thank you for reporting the information.” Another pause. “You are doing the right thing, Ms. Shimomura. Always remember that.” The line disconnected.

Haru slipped the device back into her pocket. Of course, he would say that, she thought. She started back up the stairs to her apartment, hiding the guilt of her decisions behind a mask of relief of being reunited with her friend.

--- Meanwhile---

Ella Douglas peered at apartment 305 from atop a nearby rooftop. She peered through the scope of her custom 37C-A sniper rifle at the heartfelt reunion. The sweetness of the moment made her sick. I feel like I’m going to get diabetes watching this. Yes, this tender moment was none of her concern.

She trained her sights on the young, beautiful, green-eyed woman standing off to the side. It was her. Akane Hattori. Her heart began to race as adrenaline flooded through her body, her excitement upon seeing her beloved target leaked into the air. A flock of nesting birds grew agitated from the atmosphere and took off in flight.

She watched as the girl grew alert to something and stared in her direction. Yes, sweetie. I’m here. It’s me. You’ve grown so much. She looked over the girls developed body, taking note of her more ‘defined assets.’ Ella noticed the girl’s freckles. Those are new, must be the sun. Her breathing picked up as the mile-long stare down continued between her and her quarry. Then, she saw Akane shift her attention to the tattooed girl and eventually disappear inside the apartment.

The sniper’s heart sank. She lit a cigarette to calm herself, letting the breeze carry the smoke through the air. Her phone buzzed. It was Duncan. “Ms. Douglas, I trust you are in position. Can you verify the arrival of your targets?”

Ella took a long drag, exhaling deeply, letting her emotions and racing heart stabilize. “They are here. Only two of them though. None of the matriarchs but I believe we have something just as valuable. Their heir,” Ella announced to the man.

“I see,” he answered. “Continue to watch them for now, make sure they arrive at the designated location tonight.” Ella disconnected the phone and continued to smoke. Soon, she thought, the image of Akane Hattori running through her mind. I’m going to enjoy you once again my dear.

Haru walked back into her apartment to find that Yuko and her new friends had made themselves completely at home. Yuko seemed all too eager to get into Haru’s alcohol stash as she quickly downed a shot of her good vodka.

“God, I needed that,” Yuko said.

Maya stood in the corner, a perturbed look on her face and hands twitching as she took in the addled mess that was the apartment. Empty bottles were scattered all over the place. Unwashed dishes were piled in the sink. Crumbs and other unidentified detritus littered the floors and carpets. Her stomach began to turn as she felt herself being tainted by the filth.

Yuko offered the bottle to Maya, “No, thank you,” The older woman politely declined. She was doing everything she could to keep herself from taking a blow torch to incinerate the cesspool from existence.

Akane fiddled with Haru’s electric guitar in the corner of the room, poking at the strings inquisitively as it thrummed out of tune with each prod.

“Hey! Don’t Touch that!” Haru shouted, rushing across the room to take the instrument away from Akane’s curious hands.

“Yuko, could you quell your alcoholism for one moment and tell me where the hell you’ve been?” Haru shouted again.

Yuko downed one more shot as she mustered up some courage to face the conversation. She looked Haru in the eyes, her face collected despite the shots. “Haru, what I’m about to tell you may sound crazy, but trust me It’s all true,” Yuko cautioned. Haru raised an eyebrow to her words. How bad could it be? She thought.

--A few moments later—

“Stay back you freaks!” Haru shouted violently as she stood in front of Yuko, brandishing a kitchen knife at Maya and Akane.

“Haru! Please calm down!” Yuko urged. “You’re overreacting!” Haru whirled on her friend.

“OVERREACTING!” she exploded. “I’M the one overreacting! These people nearly kill us, kidnap you, nearly kill you AGAIN, and now you're acting all hunky-dory helping them on some quest to stop some evil research? Out of all the stupid, idiotic, bullshit decisions you have made in your life, THIS one has to take the cake!” Haru regretted the words the instant they escaped her lips.

Yuko sat speechless at her friend’s outburst. Haru had vented over seventy-two hours’ worth of pent-up frustration on the one person that did not deserve her wrath. Her anger subsided and she lowered the knife. “Yuko, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

With her guard lowered, Maya seized the opportunity to rush in and disarm the girl. “Calm yourself, Miss,” Maya said coolly. She took the knife in her gloved hands and tossed it over her shoulder to perfectly land in the knife rack in the kitchen.

“What Ms. Hiragi speaks is true. In fact, it was I who ordered her to be abducted in the first place. So, if there is anyone you would direct your ire at, it is me.” Maya took a few commanding steps forward, backing Haru down onto the couch next to Yuko. She placed her hands on either side of the girl and leaned close, her amber eyes burning holes into Haru’s soul. “I will accept your dissatisfaction another time however as there are more pressing matters to attend to.”

Despite Maya’s calm and even tone, Yuko could tell that her friend was being intimidated. This was essentially the suburban version of a back-alley shakedown. “Ms. Haru, we would appreciate your cooperation on these matters and are prepared to compensate you handsomely for your efforts. However, the fact remains that this research is a threat to us. And if it is a threat to us then I’m sure I don’t need to remind you what that could mean for... you common folk,” Maya finished her speech. She still kept her face close to Haru’s, who attempted to sink deeper into the couch to create space between them. “So I will ask on behalf of my family. Can we count on your assistance, madam?”

Akane glanced over at Haru, while Maya continued to literally put the pressure on her. Haru shrank under the gazes of the two assassins. She looked at Yuko who looked back with expectancy. All of her instincts screamed danger. She believed that Yuko was merely being manipulated. Yuko was being given hospitality and gifts just to keep her a loyal, ignorant tool.

But then again, so was she. Haru realized now how she was being handled herself. Her medical expenses were completely paid off, along with a brand new car, and six months prorated rent. This was all to keep her blind and content to the larger game going on. She nearly chuckled at the irony. I had no right to judge you at all, did I? She did not like it. She did not trust them. She was tired of being a pawn in these games.

“I do not trust you, and I do not want your money. If you want to offer me something of value, then offer me this: if I help you do whatever it is you need to do, I want out. For us both,” Haru gestured between Yuko and herself. “I mean it. I want you out of our lives. Forever.” Maya continued to stare at the girl before relenting.

“Your terms are acceptable. However, we have a previous engagement with Ms. Hiragi. You might want to consider that before you speak for her.” She turned to Yuko. “We are going to raid a suspected storage facility tonight. Akane and I need to prepare, you will both join us. I hope you two have worked out your differences by then.” Maya’s motherly authority had allowed her to effectively alleviate Haru’s negative energy and Yuko’s nervous tension in a few moments as expected as the head caretaker of the Hattori’s.

“May we use your room to change, Ms. Hiragi?” Maya politely asked.

“Oh, sure, I guess,” Yuko responded, “It’s that door on the left there.”

Maya bowed politely and made her way to the room to change. Akane approached Haru on her way to the room. “That guitar of yours is very nice,” She said.

“Well…thanks. Do you play?” Haru asked.

Akane shook her head. “I can only play the Erhu and Shamisen. I… have always wanted to learn to play the guitar.”

“You play the Erhu? Shut up! No way!” Haru lit up. “I’ve been dying to get my hands on one and learn!” she said.

Akane blushed a bit at the excitement Haru showed in her hobby. “I understand you're wanting to be rid of us. But If you wouldn’t mind teaching me, perhaps we can work something out in the future?” Akane grabbed Haru’s hands, rubbing her thumbs tenderly across her fingers. “I’m sure I could teach you some things as well.”

“Um…sure?” Haru said, hypnotized by the deep forest green eyes looking back at her. Maya cleared her throat breaking Haru out of her trance.

“Mistress, are you coming?” She asked. Akane let go of Haru’s hands to follow the woman in the room.

“We shall discuss this later,” she called behind her.

Haru looked at Yuko, a little confused. “Wait, was she hitting on me?” Haru asked. Yuko chuckled and took her into another hug.

“God, I've missed you,”

--JenSys Storage facility, 9:00 pm—

Maya and Akane carefully surveyed the JenSys storage facility. “There are many guards here, more than there should be.” Akane pointed out. “They have about double what it would normally take to cover a pace of this size. Either something is there, or they knew we would be coming.”

Maya brought a hand to her chin. “Perhaps the one who has been watching us for the better part of the day, tipped them off?” She asked. “Whoever it was, they did not seem concerned with hiding their presence.”

Yuko and Haru stood a few feet behind the assassins, the air round them changed completely from earlier. The intense focus they had reminded Yuko of lions stalking their prey: calm, cold, and calculating.

Both the assassins had changed into tactical black bodysuits made of Kevlar, giving the suits bullet proof properties. Akane sported an eastern broadsword that was sheathed at her waist. A handmade navy shoal draped her shoulders, hanging down to the middle of her back. Maya had an assortment of tactical knives holstered around her thighs, small and perfect for throwing.

Yuko’s adrenaline pumped as she waited with Haru. “Isn’t this exciting?” She exclaimed. “I feel like I’m in a secret agent movie!”

Haru stood silently, merely offering a grunt in response. Yuko looked concerned. Haru had grown quieter as the day went on, now completely refusing to engage in conversation. Something was up.

“Haru. What’s wrong?” Yuko asked.

Haru’s eyes trembled with worry. “Yuko...I think I messed up.” Haru replied.

Before she could elaborate, Maya approached the girls, interrupting their conversation.

“We are ready to commence our assault. You two are to observe and record everything you see here tonight. But make sure you both stay near me at all times. Is that clear?” The woman said. The girl’s nodded in unison. With their confirmation, Maya signaled to Akane, who began to casually approach the facility.

A few guards at the fence stood on alert when they saw the encroaching assassin. “This is a restricted area, ma'am. Authorized personnel only,” One of the guards said, stepping forward to block her path. No response. The guards raised their weapons at Akane, who continued to casually walk towards the gate.

“I said authorized personnel only, ma'am. We are authorized to use force if you do not comply.” Akane was only a few meters from them now, no intent to stop. “Parker! Remove her from the premises,” one of the guards ordered.

A man slowly approached her. His weapon trained on the young woman as he did so, intending to restrain the woman when he got close. A mistake. Once he got within arm’s length, Akane struck with the quickness of a viper, delivering a blinding fast strike to his head.

The force of the blow shattered his skull and liquefied the brain behind it. Blood oozed from his nose, eyes, and mouth as he fell motionless on the ground. She moved forward and took hold of the other guard’s head, using her grip strength and the momentum of her ultra-fast movement to cleanly snatch the man’s head from his body. Two seconds, two deaths.

To Yuko, she had barely seen her move. A blur of her arm and then she seemed to almost teleport forward several meters, and then she went through the gate with two dead bodies in her wake. A pulse of energy emanated from Akane, encompassing the local area, causing all the lights and electronics to fail.

The security cameras and searchlights cut off in the staging area. which caused the patrolling guards to panic, frantically attempting to restore power. Using this confusion, she pushed open the heavy gate and entered the staging area amidst the scrambling guards. The assassin quickly navigated the shadows, dashing between the gaps of darkness to avoid the flashlight beams that swept through the area. She made it to the entrance door undetected.

Maya, who remained back with the girls, ushered them towards the gate. “Lady Akane will draw the guard’s attention to her and eliminate them. We will join her at the entrance when she is finished,” Maya directed.

“She’s already made it to the door, why is she going to make a scene now?” Yuko asked.

Maya grinned playfully as she focused her attention back at her mistress. “Don’t predators have a right to play with their food?” She remarked devilishly.

Akane grabbed a power line near the door and sent a surge of electricity through it. The lights in the staging area ignited, covering the area in a bright light. She rested a hand on the hilt of her sword as she stood to wait for the forces to regroup and notice her. As the lights found her frame, the local alert system blared. The spotlights all focused on her, and guards poured from every direction surrounding her and leveling their weapons on the young woman.

“There’s so many!” Yuko pointed out. “Even she can’t handle that many.”

Maya’s face remained unchanged. “Observe, Ms. Hiragi,” she said.

Akane rushed at the mob of guards who opened fire immediately. She dashed past the first wave, severing a dozen heads with a swipe of her hand. She grabbed the body of one of her victims and hurled it into another group. A sickening snap echoed throughout the area, as the bones of the dead body and the men it crashed into shattered like glass from the force. She scooped up one of the discarded assault rifles and fired at the search towers lining the staging area. One shot to destroy the lights, another that passed through the head of the men manning the towers.

Only about half of the enemy remained. After witnessing the slaughter of their comrades, they began to back away from the lone monster that had invaded their area. She placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, slowly drawing the blade from its sheath. The remaining security never had a chance to react. A few swipes, a few flashes of steel, and all of the assailants fell dead on the ground, large gashes carved into their bodies.

Akane flipped the blood from her weapon and returned the blade to its sheath. She exhaled and let the adrenaline rush subside. “Targets neutralized,” she said to herself. Akane checked the watch that she wore on her wrist. 15 seconds for fifty men, terrible. Even though she had handicapped herself by using only her physical abilities, she must have been too casual in her movements. She chided herself for her mistakes. She had gotten slow.

“It seems we are clear,” Maya said as she led Haru and Yuko toward the entrance of the facility. Yuko tried not to fall as she tiptoed over bodies and limbs that had been scattered across the ground. I think I’m going to be sick, she thought. Haru bean to retch at the gruesome sight before her, dropping to her knees.

“Haru! Are you alright?” Yuko asked as she placed a hand on Haru’s back, rubbing it gently. An action both of them were accustomed too after a night of hard drinking.

“This…” Haru haggardly started. “I. Can’t. This is...too much.”

“There are more guards inside, get them in here quickly!” Akane ordered as she disappeared into the building.

Maya carefully, yet firmly helped the girl to her feet. “There is no time to linger, Ms. Shimomura, we must go.”

They managed to get inside the darkened building as Haru braced herself against a wall. The sound of gunfire echoed through the building as Akane ran ahead to clear the halls of enemies. Maya grew anxious with each passing moment. She grit her teeth. Why must they move so slow, she thought.

Yuko noticed her agitation, “It’s ok, I will take care of Haru and catch up.” Maya shook her head. “That is impossible, I ordered you to stay near me. You are defenseless on your own.” She said.

“Your family is your highest priority, right? I’m sure we are slowing you down anyway. I promise we will catch up. Just give us a few moments,” Yuko said.

Maya hesitated before she conceded. “I will scout the immediate vicinity for any stragglers. I expect to rendezvous with you on Akane’s path.”

After Maya disappeared, Yuko went to help Haru who was attempting to gather herself in a nearby corner. “You heard her, we have to get going. It’s not safe here.” She said. Haru looked a wreck, he skin was pale and she was shaking, “I can’t…I can’t do this” Haru uttered shakily. Yuko raised a brow in confusion.

“What do you mean? The violence screws with me too, but I just close my eyes an-“

“NO! Yuko!” Haru interjected. “I fucked up…bad. These people are monsters…they’ll… they’ll kill me!” Haru had always been Yuko’s pillar of strength and the more level-headed of the two. Seeing her friend so shaken up was as terrifying for Yuko as whatever was bugging her friend.

“Haru. Tell me. What did you do?”

Akane had made her way deeper into the facility, guided through the dark maze of hallways by the directional signs on the walls. Her trek brought her to the doors, the sign labeled ‘Specimen Containment Bay.’ There must be something in here, she thought. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as her instincts kicked into high alert. Something was off.

--A block away, Outskirts of Oshan—

Ella aimed her scope at the location she assumed Akane had settled in the building. The earpiece in her ear chimed, signifying an incoming call. It was Duncan.

“Please tell me what I want to hear,” she said, ready to let loose after holding in her feelings for the entire day.

“Everything is ready Ms. Douglas; you may proceed with the next phase,” Ella did not even bother to hang up before she fired, letting loose a powerful round that cut through the wind perfectly, easily penetrating the stone walls of the building.

--Back inside—

Akane entered the room, where a large tank containing a floating amorphous being was set in the center of the room. A faint blue glow emanating from the tank. What…is this? Akane thought. She cautiously walked deeper in the room, hand on the holt of her sword. Whatever was in that tank, looked…human. It resembled a young man, but it’s body was made up of an amorphous, gelatin-like substance. It slept suspended in nurturing fluid. Various tubes and monitoring devices were connected to its body. The casing over its head read: Beta One.

Could it be? Her senses flared again as she felt something approaching her fast. She barely had time to react as she drew her blade to defect a high-powered sniper round that came tearing through the walls. The round ricocheted off the sword striking the tank, causing it to shatter. Beta and its nurturing fluid spilled on the floor. As soon as Beta’s skin was exposed to oxygen, the body broke out into a violent fit of convulsions. Its skin changed colors before staying a deep purple hue. The shaking stopped and long tendrils formed from its back, propping it up on its feet. It began to illicit a growling noise as its glowing red eyes focused on Akane.

“I. Kill!” Beta grunted. It rushed at Akane with blinding speed.

Back near the entrance, Yuko was stunned at what Haru had just told her. “Haru…you didn’t,” She said.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do! You were gone! And no one would help! No one would do anything!” Haru broke down in tears before she could finish. “They’re going to kill me Yuko, they are going to find out!”

“My, my. You two have more drama than those trashy soap operas,” An unfamiliar voice came from behind them. A blonde woman approached them, aiming a pistol at the two girls. Ella flipped her hair, a chilling smile across her lips. “It seems my night just keeps getting better and better.”