Chapter 51

“Epilogue”

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Subject: Meeting in seven (7) days

You know where to meet.

11pm.

I’ll tell you everything.

P.S: Use public transport. No cars. Unless you want 5-0 on your asses.

Attend if you care,

-Val

[Friday] - The morning after.

-Last night the public roads of the metro were attacked by illicit street racers who set out to the streets only to wreak havoc on innocent bystanders and motorists who were on their way home in the late evening. This horrific incident had resulted in thousands of dollars in property damage all across the northern districts of the city as well as leaving numerous innocent motorists injured from the many accidents that took place last night.

Luckily no one of these innocent bystanders have been reported to be in serious conditions but for a more detailed report on the incident which many are dubbing as part of the “Raids” that happened a few months prior, Here’s Sentro Castor on the field. Sentro…

Denzo looks at the screen with tried and dreary eyes as he sips on his mug full of instant coffee in an attempt to wake himself up from a sleepless night in his room. After barely escaping the charred remains of what used to be the Jack and Barry’s arcade, Denzo, with the help of Yukino, had slipped out the scene of the fire to avoid any contact with the authorities that were questioning the survivors of the incident.

The reason for this refusal to cooperate was to mask the fact that he was there in that troublesome scene, which since he himself suspects he was being monitored by the police “and” his mother, another bout of being in trouble could spell disastrous for his “freedoms”.

Thankfully there have been no phone calls being received on his mother’s end for now, and he hopes that that fact continues to be the case for the rest of his week, as he wouldn’t want to be further restricted since that would ultimately mean social suicide at an early stage of his youth, another something that he was now learning to preserve, since he had more than one reason to keep his freedom with all of the relationships he had built “unknowingly” this time around with his new school.

A possibility he had never expected to achieve.

He was still fighting the heavy weight of his eyelids when a cozy warm plate of ham and eggs appeared in front of him.

‘Eat up… I don’t want you slacking off just because it’s the weekend.’ His mother said as she hurried off to the living room to get some things. Denzo can’t help but notice that her hair was wet this early in the morning whilst rushing around the house looking like she was about to go out today as well.

‘What’s with the rush?’ Denzo asked as he took a bite out of the ham.

‘I’m driving you to school today.’

Denzo almost choked on the ham after hearing such foolishness from his mother’s mouth. ‘What?!’ He protested.

‘It’s dangerous out there with all these terrorists running around the city and whatnot.’ She replied as she passed by the kitchen with a bundle of clothes in hand. ‘I don’t want you commuting out there, knowing that there are people actively putting innocent people in danger.’

Denzo chuckles internally as he thought: ‘Paranoid as usual…’ Towards his mother’s concerns. Nonetheless he tunes back to the television screen waiting for any news about the Jack and Barry’s incident as he devour’s the delightful ham and eggs breakfast that she had served him. Strange enough, no news about such an incident popped up on the early morning news show.

The only thing covered throughout the program were the various perspectives around the illicit street racing that occurred the night before and nothing else much beside it. Curiously he recalls J2 frantically calling Val just as they escaped the inferno, with him having a difficult time contacting her during the fire. Usually Val would pick up immediately especially anything related to business but considering the timing of the fire and the street racing that went on the night before, Denzo had reason to suspect Val was somehow involved with the race.

‘Well if the streets are so dangerous to travel on today, why not I stay and skip school for today? I'm pretty sure they’d understand considering the fact that there’s rampant terrorisms happening outside?’ Denzo wittingly responds.

‘I didn’t hear anything from your school yet…’ She coldly replies.

‘But… aren’t you--’

‘Don’t! Don’t use your flawed logic on me child. That’s why I’m driving you there…

I’ll ensure your safety.’ She declared as Denzo stared at her blankly thinking that the only thing in this person’s mind was school, grades, good college, and job. Nothing more. A basic parental mindset with no regards of thinking outside the box or even considering the person’s preference on school and other activities.

The only thing he could do was shrug and ask himself why he even tried reasoning with someone unreasonable.

‘It’s always school or nothing with you, you useless woman…’ He muttered in his thoughts as he finished his breakfast.

‘If you're done then come meet me by the driveway… And don’t forget to put your dishes in the sink.’ His mother said before stepping out of the house. Denzo stood up from the kitchen counter and paused to look at his plate before returning the chair under the counter smirking as he left the kitchen. He then gathers his backpack that he left near the door and walks out of the house, leaving the very thing his mother had reminded him to put away, stranded on the kitchen counter.

…

…

‘D’you have any news on him yet? Keeno?’ Pete asked the President of the student council as she fidgets around her food with her fork, unable to come up with an answer.

By this time the sun was already high as it was already time for lunch as the morning had passed by them uneventfully. Which was a complete contrast to the day they had before, a day that ended sadly on a somber note. The student council members who were present inside Little Edgar’s fell into silence as they all had the same question in mind, hoping that Yukino, the President herself, would give them a slither of news regarding the current vice president of the high school student body: Neilsen Paras.

As the sound of crickets fill the room with the president’s uncanny silence, the door opens behind them. Emerging from it were Aida and Nica who had just gone down from their class to spend their lunch time inside the cool confines of the office.

‘Hey! Whatcha got for grub?’ Yukino suddenly asked, shifting the focus of the room off of her.

‘Oooh they’re serving ramen today in the teacher’s cafeteria.’ Aida answered gladly. ‘It’s a bit expensive but from the looks of it, it might be worth it.’ She adds as they both unravel the contents of their plastic bags onto the table where the rest were sitting, as Aida takes a quick gander around her, swiftly realizing the air inside the room.

‘Umm… what’s up guys?..’ She hesitantly asked.

Tisha, who was busy eating on the far end of the table, quickly slammed her fist on the desk, looking annoyed at Aida’s demeanor.

‘You were there Aida! Stop acting like nothing happened yesterday!’ She shouts.

Aida quickly glances at Nica who seemed to subtly cower back behind her looking troubled at Tisha’s response.

‘The fuck Tisha?!’ She spat back, nudging her head towards Nica who stood behind her.

‘Still!’

‘Tisha…’ Yukino interjects with a sharp glare towards her as Tisha pouts her lips in frustration.

‘Listen guys… I…’ Nica tries to speak but for some reason the words were struggling to get out from her lips.

‘Nica… It’s okay… you don’t have to…’ Yukino reassures her as she sighs looking back at Pete thinking whether or not to answer his question.

‘Anywho… I know you don’t know the details, Pete, but since Nica’s here I think now’s a good chance to get some transparency to everyone in this room… I take that I have your consent?’ Yukino shoots a glance back at Nica as she asks the question. ‘I believe Aida has told you the reason why we need you here?’ She continued as Nica nodded in response to both.

‘Okay… Pete we have news about him but sadly it’s not what you’re hoping for.’

‘God dammit…’ He muttered, as he hoped the President might have a clue to his whereabouts.

‘Pete… you do realize I know you want the Omega Epsilon boys to pummel him?’ She responds as Pete looks back at her in surprise, not knowing how she’d find out about his intentions.

Yukino sighs once more before resuming her report.

‘This morning Nica sent me an SMS from Neil… It reads:

[Remember last night?]

[It’s all your fault]

[If you had just let it happen there would be none of this]

[Now in exchange for the body you hid from me]

[I’ll extinguish a couple of lives]

[Sadly it failed this attempt]

[But it's not the end…]

[You know what you need to pay for this to stop]

Everyone fell silent after hearing what Neil had sent to Nica.

A cold chill followed by disgust and an ominous threatening cloud looming over their heads as Tisha broke the silence.

‘Who… the fuck does he think he is?’

She muttered as her appetite dwindles the more the words sank in through her skin.

‘Well Tish whatever he thinks he is, he’s still out there plotting something…’ Yukino responds as she turns her gaze towards Nica.

‘Nica… I don't think we can keep these details from your parents--’

‘NO!’

‘Nica…’

‘No! Just No!’

‘Nica you have to understand your safety is our number one priority here---’

‘NO! FUCK NO! HELL NO!’

Nica shouts at the top of her lungs as everyone darts their eyes at her in shock. The usually meek and calm demeanor had been washed away and an angry red faced demon had taken place in her usual stead.

‘Nica.. why?’

‘What do you mean WHY?!’

She shouted once more.

‘Nica were just concerned about you and since Neil is still out there it would be better if we get proper authorities to take over…’ Aida replies and tries to console her, reaching out her hand.

But Nica swats it away.

‘So that’s it?! REALLY?! Haven’t I told you people what’s gonna happen when you tell this to my parents?!!

I’m GONE!

I’ll go away again! And to make it worse… This might be the last straw! It’s not gonna be another city or another town! It’s gonna be either Texas or Washington for me… far from everyone I’ve ever known!

Might as well say we're not friends anymore if you’re pushing for that excuse…’

Another bout of silence breaks through as Yukino breaks the stalemate with a loud uncompromising sigh.

‘What’s so bad about that?’ The President sternly replied. ‘What's it here in this country that makes you want to stay here that bad?’ She continues as Nica was visibly taken aback with Yukino’s words.

‘Keeno!’ Aida tries to interject but Yukino overpowers her voice.

‘What?! Listen here if your excuse is that you’ve been moving so much that you’re tired of making friends then that’s not enough of an excuse to put yourself or us in jeopardy!’

Yukino swiftly remarked as Nica’s eyes started to redden.

‘You talk about friendship and all that crap but you don’t realize the stress that all of this is gonna put on all of us! Not just you! Consider that first Nica…’

Nica just stares in disdain as her eyes well up in tears whilst everyone not involved in the conversation struggles to say something to defuse the situation.

‘Do what you want…’ Nica muttered in tears as she turned and left the room.

‘Nica wait…’ Aida tried to follow.

‘FUCK OFF!’ She shouts, leaving Aida dumbfounded and speechless as she watches her best friend walk away from her sight.

‘Leave her be, Aida… She just needs time to think it through…’

‘Oh shut up…’ Aida replied in contempt. ‘Did you forget how Neil looked at us before he burnt the place down?

THIS is what HE wants!

If he can’t be friends with us anymore then might as well destroy the group so that NOBODY has friends.

All in the name of fairness from HIS point of view.

And you know what? He’s winning…’

Aida’s words pierced them like a knife. They all knew how Neil’s sense of justice only revolves around those immediately around him and they fear that this may as well be part of why he had sent such a text to Nica.

He knew what the consequences were for Nica.

He knew how Yukino would react.

And He knew Aida would eventually side with Nica over this incident.

Taking into account that Tisha and Pete were distant enough in their own world to contribute to this altercation.

It was a landslide win for Neil.

And as Yukino looks at the remaining people in the room looking lost and shocked from the exchange that had happened. She couldn’t help but feel the keen sting of Aida’s knife thrust deeper into her chest. As the pillar of strength for the whole group, starts to silently crumble.

Breaking down in quiet tears as her two remaining friends try their best to console her.

[Saturday] - Lunch

‘Can’t believe it got burnt down…’ Casper menitions as he kept his attention on the game he was playing on his phone.

‘Yeah… At first I thought it was a joke but after seeing the place this morning I was starting to hope I was dreaming.’ Julian replied, also busy playing the same mobile game.

‘What’s more unbelievable was that there were no casualties… At least that’s what Denzo told me…’ Pai also chimes in as he played the same game as the other two.

‘What?!’ Denzo swiftly spat back after hearing his name being mentioned.

‘Uh… oh nothing we’re just talking about the fire in Jack and Barry’s…’ Said Pai.

‘Why? You doubt me?’

‘Wha? N-no… no I’m just hoping they don;t find any other casualty in the fire, since it looked bad when we saw it this morning…’ Pai stuttered, feeling nervous enough to lift his head up from the screen to get a read on Denzo’s mood. Seeing him looking far into the distance with an air of frustration floating around him, like a black veil of negativity swirling around his body.

Yesterday was about as mundane as any other day compared to the day he had before but the mediocrity didn’t do anything to lighten his spirits as everyone within the student body kept whispering and gossiping about what happened at the J&B and who was the culprit that had burnt the place down. And though the Student Council President had done a wonderful job of keeping the details of the incident under wraps. He couldn’t help but feel annoyed everytime he hears anything about the incident, forcing him to remember how Neil successfully destroyed the place where he found solace in the games and company it provided him.

And now that it was all burnt to ashes, he found himself feeling lost and empty.

But most of all, he wanted to punch the living daylights out of that smug smile Neil had before the lights went off.

Another thing that irritated him were the words Yukino had said to him before Neil showed up. How she had friends within the walls of the school and how she mentioned that he had “similarities” with Pai as with her and Neil.

That her feelings in sympathizing and fixing that deranged boy was the same with his case with Pai.

Because they were the same.

And he could empathize.

In his mind all he could think off was how much of a lie he wished she was spouting.

But it was true.

And his fears were somehow slowly materializing in front of him making him feel the need to escape from its source.

Conveniently, Casper’s curiosity had cornered him just before he made his commute home. Casually asking him if the incident at the J&B was true. Of course he probed him on how much he knew about the rumor before telling him what was up.

As much as he hated to admit, Yukino did a great job to mask the people who were in the building after hearing how basic the information Casper had on the fire that happened. As far as everyone knew, it was just an accident, a speculated electrical issue that sparked the flames.

Nothing more nothing less.

And so, feeling comfortable that Casper was mostly unaware, he acted dumb and suggested they go to mall themselves the next morning. Which led to where he currently was.

The trio of Pai, Casper and Julian had gotten dizzy from inhaling the fumes from the fire that they all agreed to hang out somewhere nearby, picking the nearby park a few blocks away to kill time.

Julian, sensing some hostility from Denzo’s tone, finally looks up from his phone and gives him a sinister glance. ‘Pai… Why is this guy suddenly hanging out with us?’

‘Oh that would be my fault.’ Casper bolted. ‘I asked him since he looked like he knew.’ He added, his eyes still glued to the screen.

‘Oh really? Fault you say? You make it sound like it was a mistake talking to me.’ Denzo shoots back at a nonchalant looking Casper.

‘Well it’s starting to look like it, Denzo… You’re kinda fuckin’ up the vibe here.’

For a moment Denzo’s temper shot up to planet busting levels of anger but he quickly managed to calm himself for the sake of avoiding a useless fight. Reducing his actions to just clicking his tongue and curling his fists into a ball.

But for some reason the anger deep inside was trying to escape. It was violently punching and gnawing at the insides of his mind, screaming and cursing at him for trapping them after they’ve been ignited, and scarily, Denzo was starting to feel that he was losing control.

‘Fuck this shit… You got your tour, I’m heading someplace else…’ He said, sounding irate and distraught as he stormed off from their spot in the park. Pai looked on, a bit concerned about his actions lately.

Despite Pai’s preference to hang out with Denzo often, they hadn’t been seeing each other eye to eye that frequently. Which is something that saddened Pai quite a bit since he expected them to be good friends after he saved him from those bullies who had cornered him that fateful day during the first weeks of school.

Pai sometimes questions himself if he dwelled too much on wishful thinking and daydreaming expectations that he’s blinding himself on the blessings he had gained along the way. But then again he also finds it quite ironic that he had gained all of the friendships of all these people because Denzo had been there to save him and yet the only person he hadn’t befriended, at least to his standards of friendship, was Denzo.

Sometimes he thought that maybe for Denzo, just seeing him existing in the world was enough proof to be friends for him. After all, he was invited by him to come with Aida before Champworld became a thing that everyone knew. But then again it was Yukino that tipped them about this existence.

There had always been this nagging voice deep inside of Pai that never fails to make him feel guilty. Guilt in a way that made him feel such an ingrate to the person who had single handedly saved him from receding back into his shell. And at this point sensing that this was one of those rare days where he has a chance to talk to him, the voice finally took hold, as he put down his phone, stood up, and followed him whichever way he went.

‘Hey Pai we’re still in the middle of a match--’

‘I'll cover for him… no worries, just leave him be Julian.’ Casper interjects as Julian shakes his head and resumes his focus on their game. Casper, on the other hand, was smiling for some reason, taking one last glance at him before he disappeared from his vision.

…

…

‘Hey…’ Pai awkwardly said, as he attempted to get Denzo’s attention in front of him. Denzo looks back and gives him a glance before looking back ahead, only responding with a single mundane: Oh.

Pai, hearing the disdain in his voice, tries to find some way to win him over even if he had no idea how he was going to accomplish it. All he knew was he had this desperate feeling to connect to him no matter how dorky he’d look by doing so.

‘Look… Denzo… I wasn’t trying to… y’know… doubt you or anything--’

‘Pai…’ He cut him off with a sigh. ‘Listen, I know what I did, but I only did it because at the time… It was the right thing to do.’

He said as he stopped his tracks just by the exit of the park. Turning his body around to face Pai as he felt a strange emptiness in his presence. A desolate melancholy that made him feel like all the colors were being drained away from his sight.

‘Pai… Don’t get this wrong… that time, when I lent a hand in getting to safety… I only did it for myself… and pitied myself so, in a way, I pitied you…’

‘Wait wha--’

‘I only did what I did cuz I didn’t wanna see another me.

Nothing more nothing less.

I know what you’re trying to do… but, no.

I don’t wanna be friends.

Not with you, and not with anyone.’

‘But I thought we were-- No I thought You were starting to be friends with everyone?

So what’s this?

And you and Aida… What’s that?’

Pai responds. His voice was starting to rise in volume, and becoming more assertive.

‘Don’t involve her here, she's beyond that.’

‘No! You said everyone! And her and everyone it’s all the same! So why then? Why?!’

Denzo sighed, looking annoyed. ‘This is one of the reasons we can’t be friends, cuz you’re too quick to assume and too stupid to see things properly!’ He snapped back as quickly realized the words he had said, reacting with a sudden chuckle.

‘Shit who am I really talking to here?’ He muttered. As Pai looked at him in shock.

‘Sor-- If you were thinking I could be something more to everyone… I could… But shit happens.

I don’t want to anymore.’

He said as he turned himself around and left.

Leaving Pai stunned and confused at what had just happened.

Powerless, he bowed his head and turned back to where he had left his other friends.

Looking at his feet as he dragged them through the dried leaves with every step he never took.

BitCH_BOSSLADY

(Denzo come to work tomorrow)

(I know it’s sunday)

(But get yourself here anyways)

(If you do)

(I’ll give you a reward you’d hate to miss)

(8am Sharp)

(Thx)

[Sunday] - Champworld.

Even though it is a balmy Sunday morning, the atmosphere around the vicinity of Champworld was getting hectic as the hours went by. Numerous people and equipment were moving out and about the facility as Val and J2 were standing in the midst of the storm, overseeing everything together and making sure to keep the chaos at bay.

Meanwhile while this was going on, Denzo had just arrived. Around two hours late from the time he was expected to arrive.

‘Your late…’ Val said as she flipped through the papers on her clipboard. ‘What time did I tell you to get here?’

‘It’s Sunday… gimme a break… At least I’m here.’ He responded defiantly as Val raised an eyebrow after hearing his insolent reply.

‘Hmph.’ She scoffs as she places down her clipboard on a nearby table, J2 sensing trouble with his sixth sense.

‘See those tires in the middle of the room?’ Val said as she pointed to the stack of new tires stacked in the middle of the garage area right beside some mysterious parked cars under a tarp cover.

‘Yeah? What do you want me to do with them?’ Denzo asked.

‘Strip the covers, clean’ em then install them.’

‘Where?’

‘Do steps one and two first, then you’ll see.’ Val said as she walked back to where J2 was standing to help oversee the things that were being brought into the garage. Most of them were salvaged items from what had remained in the burnt wreckage of Jack and Barry’s. As Denzo witnesses the most terrifying reminder that the place they used to frequent had now vanished forever, seeing the partially charred clown statue that held the sign:

“Thank Goodness It’s Saturday”

It used to be the single most iconic marker that greeted the regulars and guided the first timers into the wonders of the hidden little nook within the indoor theme park of “Gloco’s land of fun and wonders”.

A little reminder that the place where most of his recent happy memories have formed, had now ceased to exist.

…

…

A couple more hours have passed and everyone, including Denzo, was sent being ordered around the garage by Val to help with various chores concerning the salvaged things from the Jack and Barry’s fire. Denzo had already finished his duties with the tires and was excited to see what lied under the covers of the parked cars in the garage, but for some reason Val had pulled him onto some other task, away from the covered cars.

Denzo was trying his best to keep his annoyance at bay, fearing another lengthy scolding session from Val. In truth, Denzo was not afraid of the loud and embarrassing scolding but rather at the fact that Val might go on and on with her ear piercing lecture that she will end up eating time out of the last task of installing the tires. Which, as Denzo had keenly noticed, were a set of Pirelli “Spin-GLO” tires. The same tires that are currently being used in racing categories all over the world. With that thought in mind, his curiosity had grown as to what kind of cars were underneath the covers. He was sure it was not the same white 180 that he had ridden in before since the silhouette of the covers were more of a bulky type than a slender one like the 180 so he was extremely curious as to what was being hidden under those shiny silver covers.

‘Denzo!’ Val commanded as the boy finally snapped from staring at the parked cars. ‘You done putting everything where I told you to?’

‘Uh… y-yeah… it’s all done.’

‘Good. Grab those Pirelli’s and roll them over by the leftmost car.’ She said as Denzo quickly headed over to where he had left the tires to dry and rolled each of them over to the car she pointed out to him. As soon as he’d delivered the final tire Val shouts to J2: ‘All gone?!’

‘Yup, it’s just us here!’ He replied with a thumbs up.

‘Denzo. What you’re about to see does not exist. Understood?’

Denzo nods. As the covers fly off the car in front of him.

His eyes. Only Awe.

‘So this is the reward?’ Denzo asked with a glimmer in his eyes.

‘No… This is your job. The reward is much better than this one.’ Val said

‘Seriously? What can be better than this?’ Denzo responds in disbelief as he approaches to caress the fender of an ultra rare Nissan Skyline GTR.

‘It’s name is Pin-ku. It’s an old partner from my days in Japan. Apparently this thing’s the only one left that’s still running.’ Val said with pride in her words.

‘No shit… But pink?’

‘Don’t ask… not my choice and it’s not pink… It’s some obscure color an old friend wanted to sample. At first I hated it but… well the color is a part of its charm now, so I guess I stuck with it…’ She said as Denzo continued to ogle at a car that he never thought he’d be able to see in person and within his lifetime.

‘It’s actually “Sunset Fuchsia IV” (four)’

An all too familiar voice came rumbling from the hall as J2 rushed out of the office in panic.

‘Uhh… Sorry Val! He kinda slipped through the cameras…’

Val gave him a puzzled look as a figure of a familiar man emerged out of the shadows. Making her drop the wrench she was holding, seemingly paralyzed in shock upon seeing his face.

‘Long time no see…’ The man said as Val quivered her lips, not sure on what to reply.

The only word she could manage was the sound of his name.

‘Ash?’

[Monday] - Somewhere on a beach around southeast Asia.

‘Finally…’

A woman, who looked like she was in her mid’ 40’s, coldly stated, carefully setting down her glass of wine on the table so as to not get any drops of the liquid on her radiant white sun dress.

‘That’s it? After I bothered coming all the way here?’ Said the basic looking old man who stood before her.

‘Are we gonna banter or are you gonna sit down and eat lunch with me?’

‘I’d rather banter…’

‘Don’t be a child Lando…’

‘Fine.’

He sulked as he pulled the elegantly craftad bamboo woven chair from under the table. Miles, meanwhile, sat across looking content to see him obey what she had commanded.

‘Nice place isn’t it?’ She jests.

‘Yeah… Your “Boyfriend” Sure has a nice place…’

‘Aww… You getting Jelly now, Lando?’ Miles teased him.

Lando looked over to Miles with an irritated face as he curled his fists in frustration at being toyed by her.

Just like she used to do.

‘I thought we weren’t gonna banter and eat lunc--’

‘Sir…’

Right on cue the butler swoops in with a plate of thick steak, a sauciere of gravy and a bottle of vintage wine. The service was swift, and tidy that Lando didn;t have any time to continue his rant, nor to react to what was happening.

‘Enjoy!’ Miles encourages him with a smile, and Lando, though annoyed, decides it better to let it go and just appreciate the meal and the ambiance that are being offered at the moment. As a cellist settles near their table to play an elegant tune that rhymes with the waves just outside where they dined.

The place itself was not much of a mansion type. Most of the materials that dominate its design uses wood from different parts of the coconut tree, giving a beach house tropical vibe whilst maintaining the aura of grandeur. Even the roof was not made out of the usual asphalt shingles or corrugated sheets of sheet metal, only using thatch made from the coconut trees from the vicinity. The interior of the house also gives a spacious feel using only the slow moving ceiling fans to move the air around the place as he could not see a single fan or air conditioning unit around the place. Which was most fascinating for him as he had yet to drip a drop of sweat inside the house, considering he was in a tropical country in the middle of the day.

He takes another bite of the steak, noticing he was already halfway through finishing it. All of the observation he was doing was making him unaware of the majesty of the dish he has on his plate, as his attention was finally grabbed by the taste the moment he took his eyes off the house and focused himself on the feast.

‘This tastes like the same A5 beef you served us back at the parlor.’ His tells Miles.

‘Yes indeed.’

‘No I mean this is not some regular Wagyu. Cuz I am sure what you served us back then wasn’t’

‘Correct. Because what I served back then was also not regular A5. I'm actually surprised you only noticed it now.’ Miles responds as she takes another sip from her wine.

‘Well the difference was subtle… I only noticed it after eating some A5 on the plane coming here.’ Lando revealed.

‘Wow… getting on a first class flight for a four hour ride. You sure have money to blow.’

‘Nope… It’s actually cheaper than the 12 hour ones. And I wanted to experience first class cheaply.’ Lando replies.

‘Still… It’s a surprise considering you were being chased.’

‘Meehhh… I got amateurs on my tail. Had plenty of time to arrange first class.’ Lando bragged as he was slicing another portion from the steak. ‘Anywho back to topic… I’m guessing this cut was your “Boyfriend's” doing?’

Miles perks up a smile before nodding to confirm as Lando rolled his eyes back and sighs, hearing what he feared to hear.

‘Lando just stop it… You’re being bitter at the one who’s actually lending us a great hand here in clearing up this mess with the Carbine’s’ Miles sternly responds.

‘Fine… I’ll stop… Even if I'm annoyed at this, I just can’t deny good steak and good gravy.’

‘Great… not “good”.’

‘Don’t gloat… My patience is only just enough.’ Lando demands as Miles puffed her cheeks to pout.

…

…

‘Well… Long time no see mister Sulit.’ A voice from the back had suddenly spoken as Lando barely contained himself from jumping from his seat in surprise. As he “really” didn’t want to show any sort of weakness to the voice he knew all too well.

‘Hey… Well if it isn’t Kawabata Aisha.’ Lando sighed as he turned around to look at the man.

‘Sometimes I wonder why it was your older brother who died and not you…’ Lando continued as Miles’ face suddenly got dark with killing intent, reaching for the steak knife right beside her.

But Kawabata holds up his hand as a gesture to stop her as he smiles in reply to a brooding Lando Sulit.

‘My brother’s been dead for years now Lando… Stop simping for him.’ The eccentric looking man retorts as he gracefully pulls a chair and takes a seat besides Miles. ‘Now! Assuming we have let the bygones be bygones I think it is now time to move to business.’ The man known as Mister Asia, remarked.

‘Finally… So why am I brought here?’ Lando asks. As Mr. Asia proudly smiles.

‘Why? To escape of course! The carbine people… let alone your own partner and “best friend” will be hunting you down starting in about a week’s time.’ Mr. Asia theatrically explains.

‘What? Bert? Why him? I was curious as to why I am alone here… Why not take him with me? Isn’t he an accomplice?’

‘Incorrect!’ Swiftly and exaggeratedly shot down by the eccentric man in front of him. Turns out his role in the mission was inconspicuous enough to keep him far from suspicion, Lando.’ He said as he smoothly poured himself a glass of sparkling red wine.

‘Looks like your partner chose the role to keep himself away from the game and in the game at the same time. Quite sly he is. Typical of a dedicated family man.’ He continued.

‘What does, him, having a family have to do with this?’ Asked Lando.

‘Of course! You wouldn’t know the gravity since all you have to think of is your own butt!’ Said Mr. Asia as Miles snorts to keep in her laughter, almost spraying wine out of her nostrils.

‘Easy my dear, your dress… Though I suppose the fault is mine. I need to be more mindful whenever I decide to spout funny facts.’ He responds as he caresses Miles’ exposed back, trying to ease her sudden cough. ‘His move to formulate such a role for himself in the plot was so he could help “AND” keep his job whilst offering a secondary and prolonged position to offset his minor involvement in our main plot to “REPO” the Carbine Machines.’

‘So he’s a spy now?’

‘Exactly! Which is thoughtful of him since he chose a most perilous path to keep his family safe from his involvement.’

Lando sat back on his seat as he digested both the food and the knowledge of Bert becoming a mole, as he put the thought in the back of his mind. Wanting to move on with the subject.

‘So that’s all? I’m only here to hide?’ He asked.

‘Well well well. I thought you’d never ask.’ Mr. Asia gracefully raised his glass. Seemingly pointing at something from behind where Lando sat. ‘See my office over there?’ He said as Lando turns his head around to look.

‘Yeah, why? What about it?’ Asked Lando. As Mr. Asia smiles with a widest of grins across his face.

‘That! Would be your job!’

Lando’s face crumples in confusion. ‘What do you mean by “THAT”?’

Mr. Asia kept his smile as replies. ‘You… Are me. And she… is gonna help you.’ He reveals as he leans over close to Lando. Pointing at Miles with his wine occupied hand.

‘And you?’ Lando asked.

‘Hah! Wonderful! No unnecessary bullshit! You always asked the right questions Lando, that is why I like you!’ Mr. Asia quickly sat back on his seat as he slapped his knee in excitement.

‘As for me… The real me… not fake me which is what you gonna be…

I’ll go on a vacation…’

Lando smiles as he hears the random crap that had just come out of the eccentric man’s mouth as the smiles slowly turns into laughter as both men laugh for different amusing reasons.

Meanwhile Miles sat beside them rolling her eyes with her hand on her face. Feeling disillusioned with what had just transpired.

For from her perspective she was also not told of Mr. Asia’s plans. And she expected something grand coming from this discussion.

Sadly she could only fault herself. For this was not the first that this had happened to her.

[Tuesday] - Afterschool.

AIDA ;)

(Sorry Denzo)

(I’ll be off early today)

(Maybe tomorrow?)

(sure no problem)

(Im here at the SC office tho)

(Awww sorry I already left straight after class)

(Mehh It’s okay)

(You got a lot of stuff to sort)

(I’ll see you tomorrow then)

(Sure!)

( :* :] :D )

Denzo exhales as he puts down his phone back into his pocket.

It turns out he had just arrived outside of Little Edgar’s Parochial. The student council office.

He stood still to admire its rustic looking facade, thinking he had nothing better to do besides kill time. He does so, because he had no choice, as he had canceled any potential prior appointments, or rather, had pushed away those who would make such an appointment. Though Aida was an exception.

Sadly, as for today, she wasn’t available.

Right now he was alone and felt bored, and since he had told his mother he’d be late for a few hours before coming home, adding the fact that the Champworld garage was closed for some strange reason, he suddenly found himself with no work and a lot of time to kill for tonight.

He looked at the door and checked the time on his phone, thinking that it was still early enough that Yukino might still be inside doing her presidential stuff. And surely enough when he turned the handle, the door opened.

‘Oh nice!’ He thought, as he welcomed himself inside.

All of the lights inside were closed besides the christmas lights that dangle above the common room where most of the SC hangouts happen, but for some reason the whole place was empty. Denzo takes a sneak peek at the bar just ahead of the main entrance and sees it desolated along with the reset of the rooms inside as he thought to himself: ‘I could use a drink…’

He takes on final gander around the common room just to make sure before heading straight for the fridge to take his pick. Surprisingly the whole refrigerator was fully stocked with chips, soda and alcohol, most of which were of the “hard” variety.

-sigh- ‘I would’ve loved a beer…’ He thought as he scoured the fridge interiors for something he liked as his eyes gravitated to a single golden bottle of beer at the very back of the chiller.

‘Found what you like?’ A voice echoed from behind as he almost hit his head on the upper trays of the chiller. He sticks his head out of the box and turns around looking like a robber caught red handed; as he sees Yukino looking back at him with a grin.

‘Keeno again I’m…’ Nica stops her words as she too notices a sly racoon, stealing food and drinks from the community refrigerator. ‘Oh… hello…’ She responds as Denzo sighs, defeated, with a bottle of beer in his hand.

‘Just one?’ Yukino asked Denzo.

‘Whatcha want?’ He scoffed.

‘Oh not me… Her… I got a thing… see yah guys…’ Yukino said as she hurriedly left the scene.

‘Oh… okay?’ He responds as the two of them stared blankly at each other, not knowing what to do.

‘Oh and don’t forget to lock the doors when you leave. Bye!’ Yukino said as she popped her face from the corner with a last minute reminder, before disappearing for good.

A few seconds of silence passed.

…

…

‘So… whatcha want?’

…

‘Gimme something strong… do they got mule?’

‘Damn… what’s with you?’

‘Stuff…’

Denzo sighed again as he fetched Nica her preferred drink. And as the bottles clink and clank from digging, he thought: ‘Fuck this… Even her?’

He stood up from the ice box with two bottles of vodka mules in his grasp, icy cold from the back of the chiller. Handing over one of them to a nervously looking Nica Robbie.

-Kshhuup-

-Kshhuup-

The sound of the bottle caps resonate within the bar.

…

…

‘Umm… your drink?’

‘Ah… Ohhh… right, thanks…’

She cautiously takes the bottle from his hand and takes a modest swig from it.

…

…

‘C’mon spit it out…’

‘I already swallowed it--’

‘NOT… Not the drink…’ Denzo calmed himself as the awkwardness in the air was starting to annoy him. ‘I’m guessing this is about Neil?’ He asked.

Nica nods.

‘Can I ask what he did this time?’

Nica nods. As she placed her bag on one of the bar stools to retrieve her phone, handing it to him with Neil’s oppressing message on screen.

Denzo reads in silence as Nica turns her gaze away, taking another sip from her bottle.

And as he finishes, scoffs and sets the phone down and calmly slides it back to Nica’s grasp.

‘So what’s your plan now?’ He asked.

…

…

‘Im telling my parents…’ Nica muttered.

Denzo was sipping on his bottle and almost choked as he heard what she had said. And though the volume of her voice was low, the meaning of her words sounded loud.

‘Wait… that means…’

‘Yes… a huge chance they might…’

‘Shit.’

…

…

She takes another swig from her bottle, but this time it was a long continuous sip, and Denzo could only look, knowing full well she had every right to do so.

‘I actually had a fight with Keeno last week about this shit…’ She said, finally putting her bottle down on the counter. ‘It was bad… I shouted at her and stormed out of this place.’

Denzo kept his silence and his gaze at Nica, patiently waiting for her to finish.

‘Went home feeling scummy about the ordeal but after giving it a thought I realized…

She was right… there really is nothing anyone could do…

The longer I keep this a secret, the more danger I bring to myself…’

‘And that’s why you’re here? To make amends?’

‘Yes… But turns out Yukino had the same thought. Also wanting to make amends…’

…

…

Nica takes another long swig and finishes the bottle in record time, gesturing to Denzo to give him another.

‘I don’t run a free bar…’ He complained as Nica raised an eyebrow at his reply.

‘I remember them telling me I can take whatever I wanted.’

‘I know… they told me that too… But I’m not them…’

…

…

Nica sighed and lifted her bag on the counter to retrieve her purse, as she thumbs through paper bills inside.

‘Fuck it, stop! I get it. Wait here…’ Denzo responds as he reluctantly goes back to the ice box to get her another frosty bottle. Nica faintly smiles as he mutters annoying sounding gibberish while he digs deep in between the bottles in the ice box.

‘Thank you!’ She greets him with a smile as he hands her a freshly opened bottle of Vodka mule.

‘So what’s this about her and you making amends?’ He asked as he watched Nica chugging down on her bottle. Her cheeks were starting to pinken as half of the contents disappeared in the bottle.

‘Well I came here to accept my fate and tell her that I’m telling my parents about it… And…’

‘And?’

‘And she came here to give me a couple viable solutions in regards to my safety…’ She said as she took another quick sip.

‘So why are you telling me about the parent thing?’ Denzo asked, taking a hefty swig himself.

‘Cuz it’s a waste… I can’t have my friends be on edge as my security detail… You guys have your own lives to live and I don’t know how long this shits gonna last…’ She narrates as Denzo sighs in concurrence to her views. It would be wrong to pull other people into your problems even if he himself was willing to do the work that the idea presented.

Just for the pure sake of catching Neil and snapping his neck.

‘So you agreed to disagree?’ He replied.

‘Yes… kinda.’

…

…

‘She… offered to back me up when I told my parents…’ Nica confessed.

‘Back you up? Meaning?’

‘Be there when I tell them… something about her name and involvement might sway them from taking the worst case scenario.’ She said as she took another heavy gulp from the bottle.

‘Well that could work… but… you know I could just be the bodyguard…’ Denzo responds as Nica smiles shyly after hearing that. ‘I don’t mind breaking his neck, in fact I wanna be the first to do so… before the rest of his victims get their hands on him.’ He continued.

Her eyes were strangely locked on to him for a moment as the warmth of the alcohol she had just drank started to reach her cheeks. But her stupor didn’t last as she started to notice the beating in her chest getting faster. Prompting her to down her second and last bottle of vodka mule while her head was starting to spin.

She takes a deep breath and composed herself, sliding the bottle back towards Denzo.

He chuckles as he takes it from her hand, their fingers touching briefly, gasping as she pulls her hand back swiftly to her chest. ‘Whaddya expect? You downed it rapidly.’ He quipped.

‘Shut up!’ She sneered as Denzo started to laugh at her predicament. Nica on the other hand was breathing heavily with her head down. Her cheeks, barely visible under the cover of her long flowing hair, were starting to redden, as she tried to gather herself enough to speak.

‘You don’t run a free bar right?’ Nica replied.

‘Nahh, was just pulling your leg… I was just look--’

He stopped mid sentence. He didn’t really mean to but for some reason his lips had stopped moving.

For some strange and bizarre reason Nica had leapt forwards on the counter;

And planted a deep and heartwarming kiss.

‘Farewell…’ She whispered, holding him by the cheek, his breath close to hers as her grasp slowly withered and the distance between them grew.

‘Thank you… Denzo.’ Nica said as she picked up her bag on the counter.

‘You always were looking out for me.’ Her final words before disappearing from his sight, as he stood there, alone and dumbfounded.

[Wednesday] - Unknown area somewhere far west.

Carbine Auto Project Version 12 (CAP-12)

-The Ultimate goal for this project is to sustainably manufacture personal transport vehicles by manner of “printing”.

-The benefits of 3D printing the automotive parts (compared to traditional manufacturing practices) is the eradication of the tooling and retooling process that comes when a new generation of car designs get approved.

-All of the processes of making the machines that make the machine, will be completely replaced by an array of medium to large scale industrial 3D printers.

-Main materials for parts would consist of mostly recycled carbon fiber made from collected carbon ash from incineration plants. Making material sourcing, cheap, eco-friendly and sustainable.

-Another beneficiary of the project is to contribute to the Carbine DSP (Deep space program) by helping to develop a lesser powerful version of the Carbine Nuclear Electric engine:

The Version One -which is currently on its twelfth edition. (CaNE112)

A scaled down version of the latest in the “Zero series” of sustainable rocket engines.(CaNE022)

-Main objective for developing a smaller version is to discover better ways to make the current Nuclear electric engine more - Reliable - Efficient and - Compact as Carbine board members have agreed that using the more compact and economical “Version One” Engine would make space travel readily accessible to for small spacecraft use. A utility most sought after especially for traveling in between Saturn’s orbital moons.

-Currently the line of development goals are attuned for the purpose of using the “Zero Series” for gravity escape scenarios mainly used during planetary launches and landings whilst the less powerful and compact “Version One” would be used strictly for space crafts as the lack of gravity would not require a powerful engine for Zero G travels.

‘Good then! It feels night to be caught up with everything that has happened so far… But if there’s one thing I’d like to ask…’

A tall slender man at the far end of the desk adjusts his white framed glasses as he slouched back on his executive chair with hands put together by his chin before asking:

‘Where’s my update on the Gamma Prototype?’

‘Sir?’

(Frantic footsteps)

‘Sir please! It is not all bad news…’

…

‘Sir! Yuni please listen to the rest of the report we have--’

‘No need.’

‘But sir…’

‘Is it lost?’

‘Only six of them Sir we still have the majority of our--’

‘Only?!’

Yuni Carbine halts and glares back. His pale blue eyes peering through the reflection of his glasses as if theyr were try to stab this incompetent man that stood before him.

‘We ONLY have fifteen units. And each ONE costs us 10 million dollars to produce. Just to develop the current gamma prototypes took us ONLY TEN YEARS in development hell…

And you’re going to tell me it’s okay because we still have 9 out of 15 units left?’

His glance quickly changed towards his close assistant. An uptight man whom he always see wearing a black turtle neck top and his signature bald head.

‘Jacoby…’

‘Yes sire?’

‘He’s fired… do the procedure.’

‘As you request.’ The bald man bows gracefully and takes the employee’s arm to escort him away from the man himself.

The ruthless and ever ambitious.

Unilateral Carbine.

He sighs in disappointment as he turners his gaze towards his secretary just outside his office down the hall. But because his presence is already known inside the hall the his secretary didn;t need to see if Mr. Carbine needed her attention.

She only had to feel.

‘Yes? Mister Yuni?’ She immediately answered the moment she felt his gaze, trying her best to keep her composure.

‘Call the siblings. Villa should be back this afternoon. Setup a dinner schedule.’

‘At the usual sir?’ She asked to confirm as Yuni shot her an annoyed look. The moment her eyes met his, a shot of fear engulfed her as she bowed her head down and immediately made the necessary preparations to accomplish his request. Trying her best to keep herself from hyperventilating from the sheer pressure of Yuni’s eyes glued to her doing her job.

‘Make sure everyone attends. This is most important.’

He commands, as he disappears behind the doors of his office.

*Knock knock*

The door opens to the sight of Jacoby arriving with a bottle of vintage wine in his hand, still in its box, unopened.

‘Ahh for later, correct?’

‘Indeed sire. I heard.’

Yuni sits back on his chair and smiles. A rare sight only a few are able to witness.

‘You spoil me Jacoby. I think it’s starting to warp my standards for the people who work for me.’

Jacoby approaches Yuni’s desk and personally hands over the cask. ‘Nonsense sire, I believe this company needs top notch people. Such standards should be the norm.’

‘Agreed. So since you’re here I might as well give you your next assignment… I believe I already know who is behind this kerfuffle. But first…’

‘Yes sire?’

‘Put Jun on burn notice.’

‘Ah… yes. How blind am I to miss. So I’m guessing it’s Japan we need to be concerned about?’

‘Not really.’ Yuni replies as he checks the bottle inside the cask. ‘He’s mostly tangled due to personal interest. So no not him.’

‘Really sire? Then… oh I see…’

‘Miles.’

Yuni declares with pure confidence.

‘I am sure she’s out and about doing her superheroing again…’ *sigh* ‘Honestly why does Project Eighty two twenty eight keep endorsing her globetrotting? I’ve known many friends’ businesses getting disrupted by her antics….

I find it super annoying.’

‘Should I take care of her?’

‘And go against your org? Hah!’ Yuni chuckled.

‘But sire my allegiance is with you… not the project.’

‘There we go… That’s the part that I hate about you Jacoby.’ Yuni mockingly declares. ‘You still think you own your life don’t you?’

‘I do.. It’s part of my contract with the project.’

‘The keyword Jacoby… is contract.’

‘I know sire but wouldn’t be actually attacking the Project by neutralizing Miles.’

‘But like you… her actions are also endorsed… contracted if you please.’

‘So she’s--’

‘She’s untouchable… She must have a reason… or wait… I am aware of the reason… but what choice do I have… I need a test bed for nuclear material that’s far enough from any mainland countries to protest against and has an existing economy we can exploit to fund our testing endeavors whilst we’re there.

As far as this company is concerned… that country is a god send.’

‘So with all due respect sire but if she’s untouchable how are we going to get our operations to succeed?’ Jacoby inquires, cross armed and annoyed that he’s being lectured upon.

‘And that’s why we’re having dinner tonight.

Make sure they all attend Jacoby… especially Villa…

She hates corporate talk.’

‘Noted on that sire.’ Jacoby replied. As the sun starts to set, engulfing the full height windows in his office in a bright orange hue.

[Thursday] - Scheduled deadline on the email.

In a certain abandoned parochial, right before the strike of midnight a gathering of high profile hoodlums, businessmen, and spoiled rich brats have arrived in a small conference room in the midst of a private high school.

Their purpose?

To seek the truth, about being led towards their ruin, feeling like a sacrificial lamb for an absurd and deceitful reason.

And as the clock struck twelve, the one who had led them to this ruin walked into the room.

‘I assume everyone’s here?’ She said as everyone hushed their ramblings and focused their eyes onto her.

For the next few seconds the only sounds that can be heard were the sounds of her footsteps walking around the room and getting into position in front. For some reason some of the people inside felt oppressed by this silence, in their minds it reminded them of that one terror teacher back in their scholastic days, who’d always give them a hard time for making a single miniscule mistake.

Sadly with Val, this seems to be the same case.

Even if tonight’s gathering is a moment for apologies.

…

…

She takes a deep breath and looks at everyone’s eyes who were staring at her from across the room.

‘This… Everything...

Was all a farce…’

--’Thought so..’-- Said one of the driver’s.

And as soon as one had reacted the number of complaints started sounding off one by one, spreading like wildfire until the whole room was a jumbled mess of people taking over each other. Mostly rambling on how much she had placed their lives in danger for what seemed to be just a game she had made from their perspective. Also enraged were the friends of other drivers whole weren’t able to attend because they were either arrested by the police or injured in an accident, furiously shouting at how their lives had been ruined because of this latest outing, making them equal to those terrorist who stormed the metro during the “raids”.

Val stood there frozen, seeing all of the enraged faces of the people who had placed their trust on her to handle these illicit activities properly. Though she could say that all of them knew the risks of participating in such illicit events, it still doesn’t justify her forceful actions in pushing through with such a wreckless plan that simply guaranteed chaos to all who have participated.

She also thought of putting forward an argument that the drivers who attended knew the grave risk and had the freedom to choose not to join in such a ridiculous outing, but since she also mentioned a high paying reward to the instant winner of the race places her at the very center of why most drivers agreed wholeheartedly to the ridiculous suicidal event.

She had no escape.

The fault ultimately falls on her lap. But nonetheless, she had to pull through.

She clenched her fists and pushed her feelings of despair aside; slamming the chalkboard behind her.

‘If you want to crucify me then go the FUCK ahead!’ She firmly declared in front of the furious mob, knowing full well that some were armed due to being affiliated with the city’s underbelly.

The whole room fell into silence as they thought for a moment whether or not to grant her death wish but the seconds tick by and so far, none had raised their weapons at her.

Val exhales before continuing.

‘It was a farce... All of it even before I took over after the rail highway race.’ She said as the people in the room collectively gasped in surprise.

‘Whaddya mean?’ Said Greg with a peeved look on his face.

‘Remember Jun Tagama?’

‘The Rasta man?’

‘Yeah… he fucked you all… dunno what he said but he fucked you all.’

Everyone in the room looked like they were even more confused with what Val had revealed until she recounts the full timeline of the raids and the people involved in it with Jun having ties to those responsible. She also recounts why she had been there and the people that were backing her actions, including the involvement of the Loran’s and the japanese street racing sect where she came from.

There were some who still failed to believe her words, stating her story as a majestic lie.

Good thing she had a backup.

‘It’s all true…’ A soft graceful voice said from outside the room, as the door opened revealing Lorna Loran in all her glory, still bandaged from her injuries a week prior. ‘I AM monster’ she said as she dangled the keys of her Lamborghini in front of their faces, shutting them up completely.

‘So what you’re saying is that we all were just pawns for these international bullshit companies?’ Greg responds.

‘Yes.’ Lorna answered. ‘Believe us when me and Val say we really just wanna race around these streets as much as you guys but when the cops were starting to bust us race by race conveniently, I knew something was up, that something was being leaked behind the scenes.’

‘Jun…’ Val replied. ‘And when I took over after the rail highway incident, Carbine got desperate.’

‘So they were using Jun to provide distraction so the raids could go on smoothly so that the cops were far and away from ground zero.’ Answered Greg.

‘Correct.’ Lorna responds.

‘But still even with all this shit happening, it’s still my fault with the last outing for creating this fucked up mess…’ Val said as the others in the room agreed, but now at least their hostility had been reduced by a significant degree.

‘And with this I am declaring that the last race was not a championship round and…’

She hesitates for a moment to gather herself before speaking once more.

‘After these remaining races…

I am stepping down from my position as race commander…

I’ll also be withdrawing myself out of the running for the championship.

Whoever wins. Gets full authority. ’