"Hey! Has that new game come out yet?" a teen asked another, sitting on the couch, watching a movie.
"What game?" She turns to the boy who stands before her.
"Digout. It is that survival game where you search for the artifact that happened to open the gates of hell. If you know my meaning."
"Shoot. You going now?"
"Tch. Yeah."
"I'm coming along."
The teens entered the car before the boy started it up, causing it to hum.
"Let's go! Echo!" The two shout while the car takes off down the neighborhood's road, giving a few beeps.
Mittlet is currently snug up on the couch facing the hall. She eyed the television, watching the show, before two people entered the living room.
"Brat." Raynare smiled before sitting on the floor table.
"What do you want?" Mittlet eyed Kalawarner, who stood behind Raynare.
"You have your moments." Raynare points, shaking her head. "But, truly a hard worker."
"The hell you on about?"
"Don't be coy. I heard you crying up there. K's quite a character, correct?"
"If you want a girl's talk, you came to the wrong person. Now, leave me alone." Mittlet gazed back at the television.
"Look. As much as K is growing on us. We all know our mission. I just don't want you to forget that." Raynare frowned her brows. "I like to add. Before that time comes. He would be a perfect ally if we play our cards right. So. Don't fuck it up."
"Yup." Mittelt kept her eyes on the television while Raynare only rolled her eyes.
She stood from the table before heading into the kitchen.
"And you. Did Dr.Hinata dig up anything?" Raynare fixes herself a cup of coffee.
"No." Kalawarner stared blankly across the kitchen counter.
"No? Alright. You've begun, so I'll wait for the results." She sips her coffee. "Good. No?"
"Very. I won't you keep you up." Kalawarner takes her leave while Raynare relaxes, eyeing the shed in the backyard.
-----
"Alright. Group photo." A member of the photography club instructs.
K's class remained in the open hall of the school. They stood before the steps at the main entrance while students gazed at the Photographer.
"The tallest in the back. We're going from tallest to shortest. I like you all to squeeze in."
"Mr.Adachi, you're going to the third row." Mr.Yuto voiced.
"Man, you think we'll get this over with?" Matsuda stood beside K and Motohama. "I'm running for Chairman."
"You'll make a bad one." K voiced, gazing blankly at everyone taking a position.
"Shit! I have you know I'll make marijuana and porn events mandatory. And Defined." He fixes his collar while a fixed grin remains on his lip. "And as you know it. Baddies going to be wrapped around my fingers."
"I would make a resistance faster than you beat it off." Aika stood beside K with a tilted head. "No baddies. As you called it. You would have nothing to do with you. Why?" She smirked. "You have no value of worth."
"And. Why are you talking? I mean. Dick sizes among our class and a few others in our school are buried in your dream journal. Who doesn't call you a freak are among the looney's."
"There's the thing called mating. You need brief knowledge before the day comes, and you and your 'so' will enjoy it. It requires skill, unlike you."
Matsuda growls.
"Ladies. Ladies. You're both pretty." K adds before standing in the third row behind Issa.
"They're back at it again?" Issa turned to K, who towered her by a few inches.
"Yep."
"What do you think about Matsuda boxing? That dude looks like he got hit by a truck."
"That dude is his own man."
"Right. The school doesn't call Matsuda a sports prodigy for nothing." Issa shakes her head. "But, Hey. I've been thinking." K noticed Mr.Yuto put Asia in the first row before Issa. "Do you wanna hang out?"
"With me?" K questioned, getting Asia's gaze.
"Well, yeah, who else? And no, it's just us."
"Maybe."
"I would like to come along!" Asia jumps in. "I mean. I've been coping in our house, so I like to cure my boredom." Asia flashes her white teeth.
"Sure." K gazed blankly at Isa and Asia, ignoring the gazes of the other students. "It can't be tomorrow, but the next day will do."
"Righto." Issa snaps her fingers while avoiding Asia's gaze.
"Alright. Everyone ready?" The Photographer peeks into his camera. "Everyone. Say. Yearbook."
The camera flashes.
....
"We're home." K voiced while Asia and Koneko entered after.
"Hey. How's school?" Miko called from the living room.
"It was. Great." Asia answered, taking off her shoes. "Today was picture day."
K leans on the hall frame, eying the Fallen and Miko on the couch.
"That so?" Miko grins at the three teens. "I bet you all look wonderful."
"Of Course. If you count, waking us at six in the morning." K crosses his arms. "We should make that a habit."
"K. You and I both know your habit involves oversleeping." Miko squinted her eyes. "I considered that unhealthy."
"Bella is clingy. And mighty fine at that."
"Bella?" Mittlet was the first to question.
"My bed." K eyed Asia. "She's calling."
He takes himself up the steps.
"Well." Miko grins at the perplexed girls. "Who wants pizza?"
"Again?" Kalawarner gazed at her couch partner.
"It's the only place that does delivery."
"Fine. Fine. I'll eat anything that goes in my mouth." Mittlet voiced.
"With a mouth. That small?" Koneko remarked. "Don't. Hurt yourself."
"When you step in here. I thought the nun heard the voice of god and picked up an orphan along the way."
"Ok!" Miko raised her voice. "I'm getting three boxes. What would that be?"
She gazes around the room before landing on Raynare, who raises a finger beside Mittlet, lying on the couch.
"Hamburger, pepperoni."
"I second this." Kalawaner nods.
"Koneko, dear?" Miko looked at Koneko, who stared back at her blankly.
"Cheese. Thank you." Koneko answered.
Mittlet gasped.
"You didn't just thank someone." Mittelt held her heart. "I'm shocked."
"Fix your hair, and you'll get the same treatment."
"Please." Asia steps in. "Let's get along."
"My thoughts exactly." Miko shakes her head before looking at Asia. "What do you like?"
"What's a pizza?" Asia tilts her head.
"Right. You don't know what that is." Raynare rubs her nose. "There's Pepperoni. Hamburger. and Hawaiian."
"I've eaten a hamburger with Issa, and I believe that's good." Asia looks to the floor in thought. "Maybe. I'll try Hawaiian."
"I wouldn't touch that with a twenty-foot pole." Mittlet comments.
"Why?"
"Eating that is like getting shot in the face. You don't know who pulled the trigger, and yet you want to strangle the living hell out of them."
"I thought you eat anything?" Raynare looks to Mittlet.
"Do you want to get shot?"
"I think they're good." Miko smiled at Asia. "I'll get a medium box if you don't like it."
"You're so kind." Asia grasps her hands before bowing.
Koneko went up the steps, followed by Asia.
Leaving Miko with the Fallen.
"You eat pineapples on pizza?" Mittlet questioned while Miko put her phone on her ear and lightly glared at her.
"Yeah. Do you wanna shoot me?" Her eyes lit up. "Oh. Hey. I would like."
---
Koneko and Asia entered K's room, to the teen trying to get comfortable.
"Sensei." Koneko stood beside K's bed, only getting a groan.
"What?"
"Look."
"We're sorry for disturbing you, but please, can you hear us out?" Asia followed up while K peeked from his blanket to Koneko, who shoved her phone into the teen's face.
"Hey! Hey!" A feminine voice behind the shaking camera approached Hotshot, helping the corner shop owner to his feet. "You ok?"
"I'm fine." Hotshot flashed a grin under his covered eyes. "But I really should get going. I don't wanna up and pass out, now."
"Woah! Woah. Are you working for Hit?"
"Nope. We have the same goals, but I'm tweaking them. Chao!" He waved over his shoulder, pasting the crowd of civilians.
"Not only is he making a name for himself, but there's a band of vigilantes." Koneko continued while K watched the fight on her phone.
"There are also posters all around. It's propaganda, that's what Rias said." Asia grasps her hands. "She wants us to tear down any that we may find."
"Hmm. Ok." K handed Koneko her phone. "Thanks."
The teen sighs, lying back in bed.
"K?" Asia voiced.
"I know. Musume filled me in." K planted his head on his pillow and yawned. "I have her keep an eye on them."
"And the posters?"
"It's okay. Can you close my door? Thank you." The teen smacks his lips, buried in his warm embrace.
Asia and Koneko look to one another.
"O-ok." Asia lightly waved, and Koneko closed the door behind them.
"Wasn't expecting that." Koneko looks up at Asia.
"Right. Do you want to wait for Pizza?"
"Wake me when they here." Koneko opens a door beside K's room. "And be careful down there." She closes it.
"I'll be fine. Thanks for worrying." Asia paces down the hall before stepping down the steps.
She enters the living room, getting Miko's attention.
"You're sitting down?" Miko tilts her head.
"If you mind."
"Here." Miko pats a spot between her and Kalawarner.
Asia takes her spot while Kalwarner keeps her gaze on the television.
"Don't mind him. K may come off as rude, but he doesn't mean anything by it." Miko flashed Asia a smile while the teenage nun only avoided it.
"I know. Maybe. We can talk about something else?" Asia plays with her fingers.
"Ah. Yes. Sister. What do you like to talk about?"
"How are you? I heard you are a manager at our local bank."
"Well. It's hard work, but it pays well. Let's hope we remain stable in due time."
"Your kid is loaded." Mittlet comments. "Stable is an understatement."
"The government is keeping its eyes on him," Miko looks to Mittlet. Large sums of money were donated into his account—all in one night. Suspiciousness has to rise unless a third party has something to do with it."
"It's the House of the Phoniex. Or any house in hell with a 'bright family.' Has that kind of power. Luckily enough, that Dragon girl exploited them. And, of course, we will be surfing. They are unwilling to change this status because they fear their Egos will be tainted by the Public of Hell."
"You seem to have knowledge about this matter?"
"I did an odd job." Mittlet sighs, embracing her blanket. "Let's leave it at that."
"I have a question, if you don't mind, that is.." Asia spoke, gaining eyes. "It's about being a fallen angel and a Devil."
"And I have an answer." Raynare eyes shifted to Asia collecting herself.
"How do we age? Would I look like this all my life?"
"I'll take that as a compliment." Raynare brushes her knuckle against her cheekbone.
"I-I didn't mean any harm! You three look swell! You can pull any guy!"
"I'm not. Worried." Kalawarner commented while her eyes never left the television.
"Till the age of twenty-five." Raynare starts. "We stop aging for you devils, like Ms.Gremory. She's a full-blood. This means she can still change her height, eye color, and other features, but it's a rarity."
"And now, I'm curious." Miko joins the conversation. "What's with gaining power? Is it rags to riches?"
Raynare remained quiet, gaining attention from two fallen angels.
"Sorry for prying." Miko catches herself.
"Between Angels and Devils, they are the popular choice." Raynare's eyes stab Miko's soul. "They can convert, followed by the following actions: Rebel against their race, lack of faith and guidance, or alter with their own free will, but it's up to the generals or the Supreme General to come to terms with the following. Angels can also convert if provided with a human sexual interaction out of the act of lust."
"Ok. Give me a moment." Ms.Yuri rubs her brows in deep thought. "I'm still getting used to the supernatural." She groans.
"Me too." Asia rubs Ms. Yuri's back, giving support. "I hope that helps."
"I've entirely forgotten you, the most normal in this house of misfits." Raynare raises a brow at Asia and Ms.Yuri, who is processing the information.
"No, I fit right in." Ms. Yuri sighed before staring at Raynare. "I may not have superpowers, but I can handle myself." She looks to the carpet, only for her eyes to slowly climb to her skull. "AH!!" She mounted the couch.
"Hey. Hey!" Mittlet jolts from her warm embrace.
"Spider!" Ms. Yuri points to the floor table. "It's under the table!"
"It's a spider." Mittlet squinted as Kalawanerer moved the table aside. "Hold your- Oh, fuck!" Mittlet and Raynare climbed the couch in terror.
A mature man's fist couldn't cover the giant, brown, hairy spider sitting in the center of the blue carpet. The spider was motionless, staring back at them with its many eyes.
The living room was filled with the girls' screams as Kalawarner summoned her light spear. She attempted to stab the spider, but it dodged her attack.
"Hit it!" demanded Raynare.
Kalawarner thrusts her spear into the spider, which nimbly dodges her attacks. The spider then turns to Kalawarner and rushes her, its eight legs drumming against the floor.
Kalawarner collapsed onto the soft, plush couch beside Ms. Yuri, and the spider remained utterly still. Its eyes were fixed on the two women on the sofa, and Asia was seated between them.
"The fuck was that?!" Mittlet roared.
"You think you can kill it? Be my guest!" Kalawarner's expression was cold and hard.
"Please stop! You're frightening it." Asia stood up, positioning herself between the spider and the two bickering women. "It's just like you and I. It's harmless."
"Throw a bible at it, why won't you?" Raynare remarks as Asia takes a knee.
Asia leaves her hand out, causing the spider to jolt back. Its attention is now on Asia's soft grin.
"Hey. I'm not here to hurt you." The nun said softly.
The giant, hairy spider creeps towards the nun's hand as Ms. Yuri and the Fallen Angels look on in fear and disgust.
Two of its hairy legs touch Asia's fingers.
"Come on." Asia encouraged.
The spider hoists the nun over its head before slamming Asia onto the floor table. Asia bounces before rolling onto the carpet.
"Asia!" Ms.Yuri shouts.
"The nuns! Down!" Mittlet screams.
K appeared in the living room on high alert. He saw Asia on the carpet, wincing before eyeing the spider that had shifted its eyes on him.
K's face grew defined while his eyes were blanketed with darkness.
"Don't. Blink." K informs before appearing above the giant spider-like mindless Titan.
The teen's massive hand drives toward the spider.
死
Death
He slowly tightened his grip on the spider, then released a cannon-like discharge.
K's serious gaze softens.
"It's gone."
"Come again?!" Raynare shouts.
"I said. It's gone."
Ms.Yuri points to K's back with a shaky finger. The menace with eight legs is now attached to K's black T.
"Wait! Don't move." Ms.Yuri climbed over the couch, heading to the kitchen.
"What?" K turned to Ms.Yuri, that's running through the cabinets. "It's on me?"
"Like a fucking backpack." Mittlet remained stiff, watching the spider get comfortable.
"OK. OK! Don't move." Ms.Yuri wielded her weapon of choice while chewing on her gums.
"Not our frying pan!" K voiced, only for Miko to slam it against his back.
The room erupts with screams and chaos. Miko hammers away, and Mittlet joins the fray with a book.
"Kill it! Kill it!" Raynare roared. "It's on his shoulder!"
Mittlet hits K's kneecaps before slamming the book into his face.
"The fuck are you hitting?!" K spits.
"Stop! Stop!" Asia rises to the floor. "Don't hurt him!"
"Move." Kalawarner raised her voice to Miko before breaking a table into K.
"You dumbfuck! I gotta pay for that table!"
The spider leaps into Mittlet's vision.
"AAAAH!!!" She summons her light spear, only for the spider to back off.
It lands on the carpet before breaking it into the hall. K follows it, opening the door to their front yard.
The giant spider scrambles from the walkway only to get tackled by a blur.
"My god. It's that Rick?" K said to himself, watching the mosquito and a giant spider face off in the arena, which was their walkway.
"What?" Mittlet appears by the doorway while K goes to have a closer look at the battle before them.
The spider and the mosquito tumble around the walkway in a ball while the rest of the girls join the fray.
"Rick. Rick. Rick." K chants, looking at the girls.
"The hell wrong with you?" Mittlet questioned.
"I'm betting."
"Come on, you stupid insect, destroy it!" Mittlet shouts.
A half circle considering K and the Fallen formed, eyeing the battle of the century.
The mosquito breaks from the spider's grasp, gaining distance. It flies about while the spider's eyes remain on the new player.
Rick rushes once more. Tackling it.
"Come on, boy! That's what I'm talking about!" K shouts. "Get its eyes!"
"If you die now, I'll make sure! To rip you limb to limb!" Mittlet followed, pumping her fist.
"Let's kill these insects." Kalawaner gains Mittlet and K's attention. "While they're distracted, no?" Kalawarner suggested.
"You do that. I'll never forgive you." K squinted his eyes.
"Fine." Raynare hugs her arms, eyeing Rick and the spider wrestling. "I bet on the spider." She bites her lip, taking a few steps back.
"Why?" Kalawarner asked.
"It's a fucking mosquito."
Rick escapes the spider's embrace. The giant spider flashes its fangs before sinking into the mosquito.
The bug jolts while its eight hairy legs embrace Rick.
"No! No! No!" K screamed.
Mittlet clenches her fist.
"You two are dim-lit. If you think that bug is going to win." Raynare commented.
Rick's movement slowly became still.
He rocks his head. Rick cut off two giant spider legs by maneuvering his long nose.
The spider shrieks. Rick, the Mosquito, stabs one of his opponent's eyes before circling it.
"YEAH!! Come on!" K spat with a flashing smile.
"Is he really going to win?" Kalawarner tilts her head at the fight.
Rick flies on the spider's back, only to get hit by a water line.
"Woah. Woah! Hey!" Mittlet looks to Asia, holding a water hose.
Asia sprayed the insects onto the street.
"This so inhumane."
"Well, I'm not human." Mittlet clicks her tongue. "What's your point?"
"Those two are not for your entertainment!" Asia clenches the water hose to her chest.
K watches the spider take off, disappearing from their sight.
"Well, I took a spider—the size of a coconut—in the face. Let's not forget." Mittlett smacks her lips. "Your goodness. It only got you thrown into a table."
"Maybe. You lack something I have." Asia said under her breath.
"Care to repeat that?"
"Alright. Alright." K stood between Asia and the fast-approaching Mittlet. "It's my fault—for even considering it." The teen rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Is it gone?" Ms.Yuri peaks from the doorframe of their front door.
"It's. Clear." Kalawarner answered for K before heading inside.
The teen looks to Rick, the mosquito floating on the street.
"Crap. I forgot." K said to himself. "It's today, isn't it?"
"What is?" Asia questioned, hanging the water holes along the front of the house.
"Don't worry about it." K paced into the house, followed by Mittlet. "It's business as usual."
---
"Girls. What did I say about disturbing the boy?" Musume, the mosquito girl, is currently under the gazebo, pacing back and forth.
"I'm sorry. Mother." Six mosquitoes remained on the table in a single-file line, awaiting their mother's scolding.
"He doesn't know how important you all are to me. You were blessed he didn't try to harm you."
"Mother, how could you do it?" The second mosquito steps forward. "His smell. It's... intoxicating."
"Mary. Let's leave it at that." Musume gave a firm gaze.
"Right."
"You all can go."
Musume leans on the railing of the gazebo. The six mosquitoes take off.
Her long dagger nails tap along the white wood while her eyes remain on the grass-less field at the front of the house. The surrounding trees remained as barriers.
Mosquito girl's eyes spring to one area of the barrier before landing on the other. She bites her lip.
'I just have to endure. That's right! Until my little ones find my blood bag. Maybe. Just. Maybe.'
Musume shakes her head before pushing from the railing.
A figure falls from the sky before hitting the ground. It breaks its fall by rolling to its feet, leaving behind a hint of cracks.
"Sorry." K, in a white hoodie, paced toward the gazebo. "I lost track of time."
"Oh! It's fine." Musume smirk. "You here. That's what matters."
"Right." The teen sat on the bench while Musume stood within his line of view. "How's the hunt?"
"Kiba is currently at the corner store."
"And this Hotshot guy?"
"Under. The bridge. Between this plate of land and the next. "
"Good. Keep an eye on him." K watches Musume feed from his arm. "I would like a word."
'So good.' Musume heart races while her pupils go wide. 'I can't get enough.'
"So. You met your neighbor?" K questioned. "Hello?"
Musume breaks from his wrist, her mouth smeared in blood.
"Y-yes?" She wipes the blood with her backhand.
"That tree in the backyard. You two met?"
"N-no."
"It's not a speed run, but I'd like you to get acquainted."
"Ok." Musume catches a drop of blood in her mouth before going back to K's wrist.
Seconds went by before the teen drew his arm back. Eyeing his wrist covered in the girl's saliva.
"Alright. I must get going." K stood from the bench, followed by Mosquito girl. "Don't disappoint me."
The teen squats, charging his jump before leaping from the house on the mountain.
"Right. I won't." Musume said to herself, hearing the heartbeat from her chest.
Her hands shake, and she clamps her wrist. Her breath is heavy, and her black eyes linger aimlessly while she remains tall yet stuck.
Musume collected her breath, and her red pupils came back into view.
"Ok, think I need to give that tree a visit."
...
Musume hovers above the bed of trees, eyeing a dead tree that stands above the rest like a king.
She hovers to the ground. Her long, big feet embrace the inviting, warm grass.
The mosquito girl looks up at the tree's dead bark and the many holes within.
"Hello?" She called. "Is anyone home?"
White dots filled the holes before locking on Musume, who sharpened her claws.
"If you believe you could put me out of my misery. Don't waste my time." His gruff voice of wisdom filled Musume ears.
"Uh, My name is Musume. What's yours?"
"Oh? A starter question. I long for this moment." His white eyes never left Musume's nervous face. "I am Forest King. Like it matters, now."
"Uh, I'm here because Boss. Told me, you're here."
"Well, you can't miss me. Unless you're blind or Ignorant."
"Alright, I'm starting to think my presents aren't welcome."
"What gave you that idea?"
Musume brow bounced, and she smiled.
"Right. Well. We are neighbors. If you like anything, I'll be at that house." She shifts her head.
"And I'll be here. Watching you go."
Musume takes off, rolling her eyes.
'Mother.' A weak voice entered Mosquito girl's head.
"Rick?"
'I'm cold. Mother.'
"Wait. Wait. Where are you?"
'I'm at the boy's house. They were an intruder, and then I stopped it only to get hit by water.'
"Don't worry. Your brothers are on their way."
'Someone coming.'
Musume blinks her eyes, taking Rick's perspective.
"Hey." Asia's large face came to view with Ricks. "Come on. Let's get you out of this road." Her soft voice lured the mosquito onto her finger.
She raised to her feet, carrying Rick to their garden.
"Here. You are." Rick remained on a leaf, staring at Asia bend down to his level. "I'm sorry. You had to endure that. I hope you get better soon."
Asia stood to her feet while Musume blinked her eyes.
----
Hotshot chugs an energy drink called AfterShot.
"Ah." He hisses, crushing the can within his palm.
The teen sat on the ledge under the bridge, hiding from the light, looking down at the flowing water stretching to another overpass.
He gazed at a trashcan a few feet away before making his move. He shoots, making it.
"Yes!" Hotshot whispered, pumping his bandaged arms. "Well, that sucks. Should have thought of rolling my sleeves, messing with those assholes."
The masked teen eyed his tattered sleeves rolled to his forearms.
He pulled out his phone, strolling down his contacts.
Motohama
His phone hums.
"Yes?" Motohama answered.
"Hey. How long do we have to do this for?"
"I never took you as impatient, my friend. And I saw what you did yesterday; I hope you are alright."
"Nah, I'm having a blast, In fact. I could crack a few heads til my next power-up. And don't worry. I took. Worst along the list, protecting your scrawny ass."
"Right." Motohama grew silent. "Bro-"
"I don't want to hear it. Ok?" Hotshot cut him off. "You do what you are good at while I do me. Stop sweating it. Besides, I don't want to be your babysitter. I prefer solo, but I don't mind a team-up occasionally."
"Speaking of that. You're going to meet the team tonight. Remember what Amelia told you?"
"Yes, Dad! I won't cause the teacher any trouble."
"Ok. Stay safe. And Don't forget to take a break. My boy. Bye."
"Alright." Hotshot chuckled, hanging up.
"Well." A voice made the masked teen snap to the source. "Nice performance."
A hooded Teen remained leaning against the wall while Hotshot jolted to his feet.
"Thanks. Been working on my yoga and MMA. I gotta get those gains. Now." Hotshot smiled. "Who the hell are you?"
"Don't worry about it," the hooded teen said coldly. I'm here to tell you I don't care what you do, but when it comes to monster attacks, you stay out of it."
"Ah. So, there is this thing." Hotshot winced, rubbing his neck. "While I'm standing, I'm not going anywhere."
"Right." They stood in silence, eyeing one another without moving a muscle. "Don't do anything stupid."
The hoodied Teen disappeared within the soft breeze.
"Stupid? I call it experience points." Hotshot remarked.
---
Water droplets echo the room, centered with a large body of steaming water.
A Christ statue and river painting sat from the water touch.
"Here's the deal. The money gifted from the church is to aid us with this mission. And yet, you up and spend it all." Xenovia's eyes stayed glued to the design window, letting in the light of the day.
"Well. I'm sorry about that." Irina gave a broad smile to her partner, blanketed in the warm water. "I couldn't help but appeal to the sellman. He said buying this gives us great fortune and protection from our lord."
"Right."
"Don't worry. Xenovia. " Irina brushes her arms with a wet cloth. "These fine people will surely help with our expedition."
Xenovia remained silent, taking in the warm water filling her pores.
"Maybe. We could do a good deed. There are heroes-"
"Civilans." Xenovia cut her off. "That will get in our way."
"Of Course. What shall we do?"
"Continue with our mission. We wasted enough time as is." Irina nods. "I know you're thinking about him." Xenovia gazes at her partner.
"The Unguided?" Irina questioned. Well, of course. He reminds me of the other, back at the city of heroes. He receives a gift from God, and yet he looks so lost behind that gaze of his." Irina gasped before staring back at her partner. "Maybe. This is a test. This K was thrown into pits of flames, and God gave us a second shot at Redemption to pull him right out!"
"That could be the case." Xenovia exited the steaming waters and wrapped herself in a white robe. "And let's not forget. He's a servant of the devils. Asia, for example." Xenovia looked over her shoulder; her womanly features were nearly hidden. "Fallen into the eternal flames because of her lack of faith."
----
A car passed Matsuda, walking along the sidewalk and passing a few two-story houses. He readjusted his hand on the backpack strap on his back.
His gaze never left a White High-rise house with a steel gate leading to the garage.
Matsuda pressed a button beside the gate.
"Dad. Open up." He looks into a camera before sighing.
The gates opened, welcoming Matsuda in. He paced along the garage pavement before approaching his front door.
It swings open to a bald man with a strong jawline.
"Sorry. I'm late." Matsuda paced inside only to hear the door click. "I stopped by at Motohama's. To get a quick bite."
The teen entered the kitchen, placing his backpack on the black marble countertop. He then took out his battered and bloody Hotshot costume.
"I can't promise you I'll be here on time." Matsuda dumps it into their trashcan.
He looks up at the bald man; that gaze could stop a raging elephant in its tracks.
"Right." Matsuda shakes his head. I got homework. I'll get it done." He fetches water before hugging his Dad, who grips Matsuda's wrist.
The Dad's shaved face remains menacing.
"Yes?" Matsuda raised a brow while his Dad remained silent. "Ok." Matsuda sighs. "Yeah, I know I said. I'll be back without causing too much trouble. This is my last job, and then I can be your ordinary boy."
The Dad let's go.
"Is Mom home?" Matsuda asked, only for his Dad to shake his head. "Ok. Night, Dad."
The teen takes his backpack before climbing the spiraling stairs.
He enters the door, feeling the white fuzzy carpet among his toes. He threw his backpack on his desk against the wall before flopping face-first into his bed.
Matsuda groans, only for a ring to fill his room. He groans once more.
He pulls out his phone.
Branch Manager
Matsuda clears his throat before answering.
"Hello?"
"Is this Matsuda Agawa?" A proper feminine voice escapes his phone.
"You talking to him." Matsuda looks up at his ceiling.
"I'm here to inform you that our previous manager has stepped down. And I'll be covering the reports."
"Right." Matsuda grew a massive grin.
"Is there anything you like to report?"
"I'm still in the dark, but I believe this Hit guy could be our guy."
"What I have gathered. Our target is Kole Daimen Woods." Matsuda's phone hums, revealing Kole's middle school pictures. "An American born and raised in Bronx, New York City." Matsuda scrolled to the next, revealing Kole and Danny on the steps at someone's door.
"Also." The manager contiuned. "Vigilante. Who goes by the name Hood, Cleaner, or Grim Reaper. After Nine Eleven."
"He looks familiar." Matsuda's grin fades into a flatline.
"He's your classmate. Formerly Kae Woods and Now Kae Yuri."
"Why are you telling me this now? And how?"
"Once you know this fact, We wouldn't want you to go rogue."
Matsuda continued scrolling the images.
"There's gotta be proof, right?" He bites his cheek and his phone rings.
/ \ /\ /
/ \ / \ /
_________/ \/ \________/
Play Me
"Stop Muggings." K's voice escapes Matsuda's phone. "Thieves. Gang Operations. And Gang Wars. With Danny's help." Matsuda's face remained blank. "One day. Nine Eleven, Happened." Matsuda grips his phone. " I thought! I can redirect it into the waters outside of New York."
Matsuda ends the audio play.
"How long did you know this?" Matsuda raised to his feet, pacing around his room, eyeing the window to the dark streets guided by street lights.
"We didn't have enough evidence til today." The manager answered.
"How many more like me?" Matsuda glared. "Or is that not in your policy."
"I'm afraid it is. We would like you not to perform any harm or make any attempts on Hit. Til then, when there's opportunity. We want more of him."
"Right, of course."
"Bye, Matsuda Agawa." The manger hangs up.
Matsuda paced around his open room before punching something within his range.
"AH!" The punching bag slams onto the floor after one well-delivered strike.