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This chapter would have a new character and more focus on Jesse, hope you all like it.

Chapter 12 - Estampida de Toros (Parte una) (雄牛の暴走 - 其ノ壱)

The Hospital of Sekiguchi is accompanied by the dawning scene of the sunset. It was already 6:34 PM on the public clock shown at the entrance of the building. Patients were strolling about, accompanied by their doctors and nurses, some were on wheels, or stretchers or crutches, while the younger ones are still somewhat healthy or recovering, and the children patients were playing on the sandy open field with their parents watching them…the smell of peace and harmony surrounds this little sanctuary, except for one place where it seems less peaceful.

Patient Room number 12, it was the only patient room that was guarded by two officers that were wearing matching uniforms of the Public Speed Enforcers, and they are standing by as two figures walked towards the entrance door. The officers saw them and saluted, it was Jesse and a doctor that is holding a medical report of the patient, which writes the name: Ohyama Nikata.

“His conditions are stable, officer, but I am not sure if he’ll cooperate due to his still disobedience on our own staffs too when we’re tending to his wounds when he was conscious sometimes.” The doctor described the situation to Jesse. “That would have to be up to you, I am afraid.”

“It’s alright.” Jesse peeked at the small window of the door and he can see the patient himself, Ohyama is crossing his arms, even though he is chain-cuffed to the bed, he seemed to be showing anything but fear in his face. “It’s the reason why we’re all here for. Good work, doctor. You can leave us now.”

“Alright then.” The doctor nodded as he walks away from the PSE officers. Jesse took a slight deep breath before he turns his attention to the officers.
“Sir?” one of the officers asked if he’s ready for the negotiation session with the patient that may still be violent.

“Okay, people…it’s time to work.” Jesse said as he knocked the door twice and opened it. Ohyama was anything but pleased to see the cops that wrecked his Dodge Charger and wounded him, but it’s not like he has any choice either but to bear with the sore sight of seeing his enemies waltzing in to his recovery room. Jesse glared at him for a while, and his expression changed suddenly to a somewhat good-nature look, more or less like someone who would share a helping hand to a person in need. “Evening, Mr. Nikata…I believe you’ve had better days before still with your recovery? Reports state that you didn’t suffer any brain damage during the impact on the pursuit and certainly shows no signs of amnesia. And with that being said, I believe it’s time for you to explain to me what is it that you’re trying to deliver to your boss.”

“What makes you think I am gonna cooperate with you cops?” Ohyama snaps back at the slightly sarcastic remark of Jesse, while keeping his cool, knowing that he cannot move too much due to his recovering wounds and the fact that he is still chained to the bed on the legs. “Just because I am chained on the bed?”

“Not like you don’t have much of a choice, Mr. Nikata.” Jesse implied, walking slowly to his side and close the windows’ curtain. “You can either stay here, recover and wait for us to drag you to our central HQ, find enough charges that can send you to a long time prison, or you can cooperate with us, provide us with the necessary intel on what you’re trying to sling here and tell us what your boss is up to all the time that we couldn’t track him but a couple of people that were associated with him instead.”

“Your point being…?” Ohyama coldly asked, being unsure of what the consequences will be if he refuses to comply with the cops.

“You do the latter, and we’ll lighten your charge and you won’t have to face a long-term prison and a big ass fine for all the shit you pulled on us and to the public streets.” Jesse spoke of the things that the offender did before he was arrested, or rather, what really started the whole mess. “We learned that you were trying to sling parts that have bypassed inspections of the local government of our own country. And what our men found in your wrecked Camaro intrigued us...not only did you sling parts such as the brake pads and calipers that were registered by the Lamborghini manufacturer, you were carrying a bag of cash, counted exactly up to 62,500 dollars. Now I want to know…”

Jesse leaned close to Ohyama with a serious look, almost as if he wants to hit him in the face. “Is your boss, Kazuto Sato…trying to start a big race activity with a stampede of Lamborghinis?” After a moment of pause, Ohyama chuckled before he glared back at the slightly intimidating look of Jesse.
“Correct.”

“What?” one of the officers stuttered. “That is impossible! There can’t be that many cars of that kind shipped here without detection?”

“The local PD’s inspection systems were just as weak as those the government uses.” Ohyama explained. “It was easy to bribe your people with a ton load of money…our boss has an endless source of gold that could very well bring many of your pals into our bidding, for your information…heh. I gotta be honest…I am just one of the unfortunate traders that you managed to bust that day…there are dozens of guys like me under our boss’s lead.”

“I figured…” Jesse uttered in his mind. He then grabs the taser on his pocket and twirled it around. Ohyama is starting to get nervous after that. “Now, don’t be scared…I ain’t gonna tase you or anything…just want some answers. What is this activity you’re planning and I would also like to know…why are the reports showing multiple highly-wanted criminals that seemed to be involved with your boss’s racing activities? Tell me all you can now, or I am really going to make things a little…unpleasant for you. You’ve been warned. It’s your call now, Mr. Nikata.”

“Alright, alright…!” Finally, Ohyama gave in, knowing that there is no point to resist interrogations anymore. “I will tell you everything…”

“We’re listening…” Jesse said, keeping his taser. Then he hold his hands at the back, and one of it reached to a recording device and as he pressed the large red button that marks “RECORD”, he crossed his arms once again.

“He’s trying to unite the circle of supercars racing.” Ohyama started his statement. “Our boss Sato-san has been planning to start a race exclusive to only Lamborghinis codenamed [Stampede]. 2 months ago, he has been planning to get on the good terms with many well-known dealers of supercars that has a record of illegal race parts trading as well as other shady businesses. That’s why he’s able to get a hold to so many money for business as well as trading on getting cars from Lamborghini all the time, because he has people supporting him with those money…and not just a few…there are a handful of them that are willing to work with him to earn more money.”

“And those would be the individuals we snuck out I presume?” Jesse said, raising his eyebrows slightly. “Does the name Vega Limburger ring any bells to you?”
“Him? Well…” Ohyama blinked for a second before he broke a slight smile. “He was one of the bigger dealers that supported this activity that unifies the brotherhood of racers that desires freedom.”

“Freedom? Brotherhood?” What are you blubbering about?” One of the officers snapped, feeling awkward by the choice of words that the man spoke. “You are just helping a man to succeed in what could possibly be the biggest illegal street-race activity ever pulled.”

“You cops won’t understand.” Ohyama smiled. “Before your kind dominated the streets here with your wide variety of fancy rides, we were a group of proud racers, gathered in multiple groups and living in the circle of comfort in enjoying the sense of freedom through racing anywhere we like, anytime we like. But until some of you meddlesome crooks came and butt in on our business, that’s when Kazuto Sato-san came in and save the day…to show you all that there is no stopping street racing, regardless of how many of you there are.”

“Just because you’ve freedom doesn’t mean you can cause trouble by driving recklessly at speed exceeding 250 kilometres per hour, buddy.” Jesse snaps back, not convinced by the reasoning behind Ohyama’s statement on his superior’s ideals. “Wrecking other people’s cars and causing damage to the public as well as disabling our interceptors aren’t exactly what you call a justified act of freedom, you know?”

“That’s not the point…” Ohyama said back. “Point is…we racers owned this place long ago before you PSE cops even come to this business and try to mess shit up. Just cause you people wear a badge doesn’t mean you can –“

“Can what, hmm?” Jesse interrupted. “…barge in and interrupt your little charade of mischief using boxes on four wheels at the tarmac? You racers lot tend to disrespect the routine of many workers of the road with your irresponsible act of driving dangerously. But don’t try to sidetrack me off the topic, dude. Now spill it. How many people are involved in this…Stampede you’re talking about?”

“Too many to name…and didn’t you already know those people in your reports?” Ohyama replied.

“Those were merely the VIP audiences, weren’t they?” Jesse shot back. “I want the performers. The bulls that are going to orchestrate the stampede your boss is pulling here! How many of them were there?!”

“Oh…you mean the drivers? Well…” Ohyama cleared his throat before he started talking again. “There’s a few guys from every divisions…and I think…most of them were from Sato-san’s personal wingmen…I don’t know all the details of those drivers…but I can tell you there’s gonna be at least 15 of those drivers…each with either their own Lambos or on loan from the bosses, including Sato-san himself…I swear…that’s all I know on the drivers, officer.”

The entire room was silent for a few seconds before the sound of the children playing outside can be heard faintly. And then soon after, Jesse found his voice again.

“Fifteen…” Jesse repeated the numbers. “I take it that this isn’t the final number we can be expecting when we’re on scene? When does the [Stampede] take place and where would it be?”

“…At the beginning of New Belt Line…starting from the Kiba exit…” Ohyama answered. “And it will begin within 2 days. I cannot tell you the real number of people involved in this…that’s for sure…but it’s going to be a major gathering of Lambo owners.”

“That’s all I need to know for now…” Jesse said as he turned his head back to the door, along with the officers taking note on a few things through their small notebooks before they followed him. “Stay here and get well soon, Mr. Nikata. You’ll be facing charges for reckless driving and damaging the property of Public Speed Enforcers. Best find a lawyer now if you’ve enough money to make it or the cut, if you wish to lighten the penalty.”

“…will do. But hey…” Ohyama called Jesse, hoping that he would stop to listen. And he did. “…why are you so certain that I won’t try to kill you again if I am released somehow by luck?” The question made Jesse chuckled for a moment, but he turned back to the door as he opens it and said…

“There’s no chance for that. You will face the charges and fine that you exactly deserve.” Jesse said. “But really, I read your dissertation before…you can start a new life without getting involved into any of these crazy racer shit…it’ll be a waste if you just throw it all for the sake of some insatiable glory of street racing and doing shady business with criminals. I would consider twice if I were you from now on…you already got busted once…the next time you’re on streets causing trouble again, it won’t be just the legs you’re gonna be needing sewing from that point forth.”
And it hit right where Ohyama was most concerned, and it’s the fact that he’s hiding his legs’ upper lap is actually sewed up a few stitches due to bad wounds during the crash on the pursuit. He grabbed the legs by the stitches and they still sting as bad as they were during the crash…Ohyama had no other ways to express his pain other than showing a slight depressed expression.

“Say…Officer?” Ohyama called Jesse one more time.

“What?”

“What happened to my Dodge Charger?”

“Sitting on at a garage near your home address.” Jesse answered directly without looking back. “We’ve peeled off the parts that were otherwise illegal for daily use of driving, as well as removed the direct port nitrous oxide system that you install. We’ve also revert everything on the car back to factory specs. Stay out of trouble, Mr. Nikata…and get well soon.” As soon as that was being said, all three officers left the room and close the door, leaving Ohyama in peace.

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Later, it was already late evening at 7:07 PM but the heavy traffic still hasn’t quite clear as there are many workers wanting to go home from their morning work shifts. However, nobody was really going home around the PSE Central HQ. The air around the main hallway is still filled with slight tension as always on the officers trying to gather intelligence on numerous suspects that were involved in all sorts of illegal activity. Some were significant, while some others were less concerned, but the police officers still hasn’t let up on their efforts and were sharply focused on their monitors at their own assigned desks.

At the middle of the hallway stood several familiar figures, it was none other than Tsubame and her crew members, as they all gathered and report to the one and only elder of the entire building, Chief Naze Wanijima. Even Matsuo and Satoshi were there to accompany the elder himself on the group.

“So, that’s what it’s all about…” the Chief said with a slow tone. “…Kazuto is trying to orchestrate a Stampede by gathering all the traders around the world that has interest in street racing…for the interest of unifying the gangs and strengthen the force in opposing to us. It is quite an effective tactic, but still risky…”

“Based on the intel gathering from my side…” Jesse added with his arms crossed. “…I think we’re going to have a fairly long time in preparing enough interceptors to shut it down…and since it’s a Stampede of Lambos…”

“…Ordinary interceptors for the lower ranked members just won’t cut it anymore, sir.” Washi continued on, with her usual worn smile. “I’ve negotiated with half of the men involved in that little charade they made during the Wangan Line, and they sure aren’t lying about the fact that Kazuto is pulling something big with this Lambo-exclusive event.”

“On my end, it looks like we’re definitely going to have to deal with a lot of people all at once this time.” Dominic reported as he holds a piece of paper that has numerous model names of Lamborghini cars. He hands the paper to the Chief. “Report stated that they’re going to have more than 20 Lamborghini cars. Maybe even more for the VIPs.”

“VIPs?” Satoshi asked, feeling slightly puzzled by Dominic’s choice of words, but soon he came to realize whom Dominic meant. “You mean the leaders of the gangs involved…I thought they were just audiences?”

“Maybe so…” Tsubame uttered from her side, her expression as sharp as always. “But that doesn’t mean we should take any chances. Kazuto is obviously pulling something big here and all the gathering of these gangs from around the world at our country has two words written all over it: ‘Ordered Chaos’. Kazuto Sato is trying to orchestrate a bloody stampede of supercars and they’re going to have a long race marathon…which will turn the entire Shutoku Area into a giant scale LeMans track filled to the brim with obstacles and traffic cars that have no idea that they’re pulling this operation.”

“Not exactly a good way to tie up a knot in relationship with foreign gangs.” Jesse added again. “But…it’s quite an impact in efforts of collaboration to maintain even terms for the interest of sharing the same thing in common. They love racing and speed is all they can think of…and nothing else matters…the public meant nothing to them. They only have the cars and themselves… and that’s exactly the mindset of the people that Kazuto would love doing business along to fortify his little ‘stronghold’ in wherever he’s hiding now.

“You don’t say.” Washi yawned for a moment. “Well, I suppose that Kazuto is getting a little too lonely with his old friends and he wishes to get new ones by playing the gracious host and throwing invitation cards to everywhere about the Lambo-fiesta. Other than that, I can’t think of any other reason why is he spending so many efforts on this particular party. And worst of all, they didn’t even invite me!”

“You weren’t there that time…of course they won’t.” Matsuo calmly replied. “And so, let me summarize the intelligence that you all so far has gathered…Kazuto Sato at some point, has decided to fortify his own territory’s strength by playing the generous for offering an opportunity for all the hooligans around the world to share the same [freedom] that he perceives at the roads, and it happened that there are numerous individuals that has a great history record of illegal activities that has gone rich and powerful; all of them have taken interest into Kazuto’s propose and the plan for orchestrating a set-up for a great race that involves numerous luxury cars that is mainly for Lamborghini models only. And the estimated number of drivers is believed to exceed beyond 20.”

“Exactly.” Jesse nodded. “And Ohyama Nikata said that he’s not the only guy delivering the Lamborghini parts and cash for tradings…there’s dozens of guys like him under Kazuto’s payroll. So literally…it’s kind of out of the question that we cannot stop this operation from happening even if we were to bust our ass to send interceptors everywhere to find the rest of them and arrest them all.”
“Then I suppose it’s also likely that the operation is close to completion at this point…no point in capturing them now.” Satoshi uttered on his end. “Which means we’ll have no choice but to brace for what’s going to come next…a full-scale Lamborghini Hot Pursuit.”

“Not to worry…someone is already here to support us soon.” The Chief spoke calmly, his hands firmly gripping the head of the wooden stick. “Knowing such a large-scale operation is taking place at the middle of Tokyo…it would be unwise if we save any more resources than we can and fail in shutting it down at the end…Kazuto has force us to a desperate position here, and there’s no telling what to even expect after this ‘Stampede’ is over, seeing as Kazuto would no longer be the only criminal we need to get concerned about.”

“Wait…someone?” Jesse stuttered a while back there, slightly puzzled and somewhat nervous.

“Yes, Davenport…someone closely acquainted with you, that is.” The Chief smiled slightly. “…If you know who I mean…there is only one better way to tame a herd of raging bulls; and that is someone whom specialize in taming one and knows all about its strengths and weaknesses.” Hearing that, Jesse gulped for a while before he started to break a few more cold sweats.

“What’s wrong, Jesse?” Tsubame asked, feeling unsure of Jesse’s reactions.
“Oh…well…” Jesse cleared his throat a bit before he found his voice again. “It’s nothing, I mean…it’s just been quite a while since the last time I—“
“…You should see her.” Matsuo interrupted calmly. “I don’t think I can keep her at bay for any longer, now that she has completed her mission overseas at the New York city, she no longer has any reasons to wait for you.”

“Her? Who is Commander Hasimoto talking about, Chief?” Tsubame asked again, feeling even more puzzled than before.

“A specialist in heavy assault operations as well as hot pursuits.” Matsuo explained. “She is just like you, a very notorious driver known back in the past before she turned in to us and apply to be a cop. She however…is rather, extreme with her methods compared to you. She would be a great asset to your team in assisting to shut down this large-scale activity. I believe it’s a good time for her to be reunited with Officer Davenport.”

“How come I didn’t know about this…female officer? You never told me about her before…nor did the Chief.” Tsubame crossed her arms again, hoping her questions will be answered before her doubts were cleared as to how many more new faces she will see in the future of the already expanded scale in investigating for Kazuto’s whereabouts with the way things are shaping now.

“Apologies…she was still overseas that time when we sent her to execute a man sentenced to a death penalty for a series record of human trafficking and drug trading as well as numerous murders of wealthy civilians at the NYC.” Matsuo apologized calmly, his arms at the rear still, and his expression hasn’t changed an iota since. “This would be a great time to assemble a special team within our ranks to take on any form of crisis and assignments that would be considered high priority.”

As they all continued to speak, someone is walking in from the main entrance, leading to hallway itself. And as the figure steps in from the opened electric door, every officer was surprised to see a face they all deemed familiar. And as Jesse noticed who is coming from the entrance, he gulped again with a nervous smile. It was a woman.

“Oh dear…” Jesse thought.

The figure was wearing matching uniforms and an opened jacket like the rest of the officers around the hall. She has long hair of red, and she seems to be blinded on the left eye, wearing a black eyepatch. Her military trousers have several holsters that carry combat knives, and her back is still seen carrying a Kriss Vector Sub-machine gun with a strapped on belt. Her expression is carrying a wide smile and her narrow right red eye’s glare is almost intimidating. The Chief and the two commanders saw her approaching, and the Chief smiled once more.

“Hey, what’s with all the commotion here? Don’t tell me you’re all here talking about me on my grand return?” The fiery one-eyed lady said with a spunky tone. She put down her luggage on her left arm as she locks her eye on Jesse. “HEY, JESSE!!!” She squealed, as she walked towards the officer and gave him a huge hug, squeezing him tightly. “Now I know you haven’t missed me much, but you can be damn sure as hell I missed the crap out of you, my prince!”

“Uh…yeah..thanks…!” Jesse stuttered, feeling a bit choked by the tight cuddling from the red-haired officer. His face was slightly red with awkwardness, and Dominic just let out a sigh with Tsubame feeling puzzled with a blank face. “Alright, please…Fukuro…we’re kinda in a middle of something here…ouch…please let go?”
“Well well, if it isn’t the princess herself.” Washi chuckled on her side. “I guess that mission on the NYC was still a breeze for you, eh?”

“Haha! Certainly!” the lady chuckled, still hugging Jesse very tightly. “I’ve had better missions than to pick on some Savate-extraordinaire, but I am good!”
“Ahem…” Matsuo feigned a gesture of clearing throat, demanding the attention of the group once again.

“Oops, sorry!” The red-haired officer finally complied as she break off the cuddle and turn her attention to the Chief and the commanders once more. She clears her throat and gave a quick salute, with her pose still slightly relaxed and laidback at some point. “Special ResponseTrooper Fukuro Gekkou, reporting back for duty, sir!”
“Welcome back, Trooper Gekkou.” Matsuo said.

“With all due respect, sir…it’s Fukuro.” Fukuro smiled back as she’s at ease again. “I don’t really like people addressing me with too much formality by calling my family’s name; I thought you already know that.”

“Right, apologies.” Matsuo apologized. “Now that you’re here, I’ll be brief with the next sortie that you’ll be assigned along with the rest of the units here. Trooper Fukuro, we need your help on stopping the operation known as the Stampede, a gathering of many racers around the world in creating one of the biggest Lamborghini model car race event that is taking place in the middle of Tokyo highway roads.”

“So they’re like…what, planning a freakin’ Le Mans with Lambos around the Wangan?” Fukuro simplified the brief even more as she has a clear idea of what is about to happen now. “Oh yeah, that sure sounds kinda rich…but sure, why not? It’s Kazuto Sato again, isn’t it? What is that tool up to this time?”

“Unify.” Jesse answered with a sigh of relief, relieved that he was free from Fukuro’s cuddling. “Those huge numbers of racers that would do this thing, well…most of them are not from Japan and they’re all gathered here by the call of Kazuto and he’s apparently…trying to unify the ring of racers on every continent by doing a big-ass Lamborghini race party, starting from New Belt Line’s area. Now I don’t get the full details on how many would there be exactly, but Vega Limburger is the second guy we can have a clue on. Maybe we can learn more behind the operation if we can track this guy at least.”

“Well, if you come to think of it…” Washi twirled around her Glock 18 handgun once more. “Kazuto’s gangs aren’t really all that big, it would help if he’s able to win some asset by playing brotherhood with the other big bads around the world that love racing half as much as he does. I mean…street racers, well; they’re like magnets. They’re drawn to each other very easily. They all smell of petrol and nitrous oxide, and their cure of boredom is adrenaline rush and extreme speeding. But I am sure you all know these better than I do, Kazuto is just using an old fashion tactic by hosting this party so he can have enough guys to keep us at bay. But it won’t work…much.”

“At least not yet.” The Chief agreed. “But from here on, every second is essential. Kazuto is definitely speeding up his fortification, but until we can track his whereabouts, we can only look for clues and hints to what he’s planning and where he might be. He cannot be in the same place twice, knowing that we’re hot on his tail.”

“Yeah…” Tsubame nodded in agreement too. “So we’ll just have to do everything we can in power and use the resources that were made to take on this large scale operation, and shut down this operation so we can find out where the bloody hell Kazuto is planning his fortification gathering…and finally, to see what the hell is he slinging this time.” She clenched her fist tightly with her other hand.

“Then it is settled.” The Chief proposed the end of the meeting with a single knock on the bottom of his wooden stick at the marble floor. “Hirano, you would cooperate with the Special Response Units under Commander Hasimoto’s lead for now in the efforts of shutting down the Stampede in the next 2 days before it began. I am assigning all of you to your patrol routine by tonight from 8 PM to 11 PM, circling around the Tokyo Metropolitan Highway area and see if there’s any suspicious vehicle with unusual activity. I am granting access to all available Lamborghini Interceptors for the operation, to any of you that are not used to driving one yet, now would be the best time to get used to it before the Stampede…be prepared for anything. Commander Hasimoto will tell you all on the details of what you would be driving for these few days later on…you can ask him for more details. Commander Minaka, you would be coming with me, I have some other assignment for you.”

“Sir.” Satoshi obeyed with a simple nod.

“Dismissed.” The Chief’s final words ended with the officers saluting him one more time before he turned his back and walks away with Satoshi accompanying him along, leaving the team and Matsuo alone there with the officers around the hallway staring at them halfway.

“At ease, people.” Matsuo said, as the officers immediately returned to work. “Now…I believe I haven’t properly introduced your new comrades, Officer Hirano…or should I call you…Trooper Hirano…?”

“Yes, sir.” Tsubame nodded. “It was a pleasure to have the promotion from the Chief.”

“Good.” Matsuo smiled slightly. “Now…step forward, Lieutenant Muramasa and Trooper Fukuro.”

As the two new team members stepped forward, they face Tsubame’s group with their confident smiles.

“They sure look different from where we stand, don’t you think, Hirano?” Dominic sarcastically asked with his arms crossed. Tsubame just remained quiet and calm as usual before she says the words:

“I do not know.”

“Officers…” Matsuo said with a slightly louder tone. “Meet the two of my most trusted Special Unit officers. They will be joining you from now on in any major high priority situations. Lieutenant Washi Muramasa and Trooper Fukuro Gekkou, they are unmatched in high speed pursuits and has top notch training in both close range and gun combat, and their efforts in gathering intelligence would be the greatest asset in your team, Officer Hirano.”

“Thank you, sir…” Tsubame nodded in acknowledgement as she turned her eyes to Washi and Fukuro. “Pleasure to meet you both; I am glad you’re here in joining the team.”

“Don’t sweat it, Tsubame.” Washi answered with her usual cheery tone and a salute. “After all, being with you is a lot more fun than being with Hassy! Haha!!”
“Ahem.” Matsuo faked another throat clear again, trying to tell Washi to be wary of her behaviour.

“Sorry.” Washi sticks out her tongue playfully before her arms are at her back again like an obedient soldier.

“I’ve heard lots of stories about you, Tsubame…” Fukuro crossed her arms when looking at her serious expression. “I think you and I are gonna get along just fine…and hey, thanks a lot for always looking out on Jesse. I appreciate that, you know?”

“Right, he’s been very helpful to me, Fukuro…” Tsubame replied with a slight stutter, feeling somewhat humble to Fukuro’s compliments. “Speaking of which, are you a long acquaintance of him?”

“Of course he is! He’s my lover!!” Fukuro admitted openly with a big smile and her fangs shows openly like a happy little cat. “He and I are gonna have a LOT of catching up to do from now on…” Hearing that, Jesse kind of cringed a bit as he broke a cold sweat.

“Sure as hell don’t like to remember that…” Jesse chuckled nervously, his body shaking a little bit. “It’s always trouble whenever we’re together…” He muttered in his head, not feeling like remembering some rather unpleasant memories he had with her.

“Now that the introductions are over…” Matsuo says as he turned back and walks slowly from the group. “You are all on free activity period for 60 minutes before you are to report your position at the main hall under my command for the patrol. Dismissed.”

“Yes, sir.” The officers saluted as they watch the commander slowly vanished in the crowd of officers passing by at the automatic door. And then the two ladies walked down to Tsubame’s team once more, with Fukuro holding on to Jesse’s shoulders like a lover returning to her long-lost boyfriend. Needless to say, Jesse was slightly embarrassed, but he didn’t push her away this time, instead…he just holds on to her waist gently.

“So…how is your left eye, Fukuro?” Jesse asked. “Does it still hurt badly from the sting?” He stroked his left hand on her cheeks near the eyepatch.
“Nah, that’s just an old wound to me now…” Fukuro smiled, she planted her face gently on to Jesse’s chest soon after before she slowly broke off the hug again. “I’ve endured worse pain than being stabbed by a knife in the eye, so…how have you been holding up?”

“Still the same old routine…” Jesse shrugged. “It’s just that we’re going to have a lot more work to do than tracking the same guy from now on thanks to the Stampede operation…”

“Glad to know some things just never change huh?” Fukuro laughed as she holds on to the luggage again.

“Need help with those?” Jesse asked.

“Nah, I can take care of myself…you’re so thoughtful it’s almost a guilty sweet pleasure to appreciate your goodwill sometimes, Jesse.” Fukuro laughed as she grabbed Jesse’s arm by the other free hand.

“Your place?” Jesse asked, knowing fully well that the next thing happening would either be him to her usual place or his own.

“Of course, I need a shower after this.” Fukuro smiled, her right hand firmly wrapped around Jesse’s arm. “And don’t think you’re gonna run away this time, Jesse.” As they walk on, Jesse turned back to his other comrades and waved before he turn his attention back to the red-haired officer again.
“Well then, I am off to the garage to see what’s in store for the patrol.” Dominic sighed as he reached his hands into his trousers’ pockets and walked to the door on the right side. “I’ll be there if you need me, guys.”

“Alright then…” Tsubame nodded as she turned her attention to Washi. “Lieutenant Muramasa, can we talk for a while?” Washi was twirling her carbon fiber chain cuffs as Tsubame spoke, but she was nonetheless; listening.

“Yes, Tsubame? And please…call me Washi.” Washi kept her chain cuffs after that as she walked slowly to Tsubame.

“There’s something I need to ask about the gangs that you spoke of in cohorts with Vega Limburger.” Tsubame says. “Commander Hasimoto says that you know more than he knows.”

“Is that what this is about? Oh sure…” Washi chuckled. “Hop on to the Agera, I’ll get you some pizza at this really wonderful café. That’s where we’ll talk.” Tsubame rolled her eyes for a moment before she let out a small sigh.
“Sure…I guess.”

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Somewhere around a big room at a very high floor of a skyscraper, a large desk is seen and on the chair sat a figure with his left hand holding a cell phone, and his other hand holding a cigar.

“Yeah…so, they’re all disposed of eh?” the man spoke with a very low and heavy tone. “It’s alright…they’re not much of an importance anyway…the packages delivered here are more than enough to supply the event…you tell Mr. Sato that this project would sail smoothly under my watch…he can have my word on it…”
As the shady man spoke, on his table was a car key and it’s shaped like a metal remote device. And it has the emblem of two flags crossing together in the middle of a silver ring.

“Ah…yes…the Public Speed Enforcers did it, right? Don’t worry about them…I have just the solution for that little problem…tell your boss that everything is under control…I will see to that…after all, it’s all good business.” The man then chuckled slowly as he turns off the phone to end the call and took another sip on the cigar before he exhales the heavy smokes.

-つづく-

Finally...here's a picture of Fukuro Gekkou (月光 梟) (as always, credits to Rin)

SPOILER

This post has been edited by クロイ on Feb 26 2013, 06:33 AM

Screw you Kuroi, you always making PSE more and more exciting ):<

Wow...so there's gonna be a stampede of Lamborghinis in future? That's going to be one hell of a crisis on the highway if there's that many racers street racing on the Wangan. D:

And I really love how Jesse's development grow here, I think I am starting to like that character more now. xD

Tell Rin I would be eternally grateful if he would draw Jesse in future.

Also, another great debut of an interesting scarred character that seems to have quite a feat like Washi. You really know how to make things full of adrenaline all the time, making readers like me wanting for more. xD

I am normally not for all the violence stuffs and cop genre, but the way you describe the scenes are so beautifully written I just can't help but want more of it!!

I really am excited to see how the PSE handle this one...and is that shady man in the end owning a Corvette? I think only a few of those cars had that kind of key he has...

All in all, another brilliant chapter! Keep working at it!!

P.S: Fukuro reminds me of a friendly red-haired version of Asuka from Evangelion 3.0! Still, amazing design as always, Rin!!

Stampede, eh? Heheh...

Let's paint the town red!

On a side note...I might or might not have beaten Kuroi to the punch to inform Rin, Akiko.

nice chapter...and needs more...Ethanol...

QUOTE (Akiko @ Yesterday, 8:02 PM)

Tell Rin I would be eternally grateful if he would draw Jesse in future.

Your prayer has been answered, Akiko. ;3

SPOILER

Expect it to be colored soon.

This post has been edited by Rin on Feb 28 2013, 04:03 AM

Your prayer has been answered, Akiko. ;3

SPOILER

Expect it to be colored soon.

This post has been edited by Rin on Feb 28 2013, 04:03 AM

Loving it buddy...amazing as always.

And thanks for all the feedback, everyone.

OMG....

He's amazing-looking!!!

PLEASE COLOR IT!!!!!

Glad you like it, Akiko.

Anyway...later.

For now...here's to you, Tsubame Hirano in color.

SPOILER

This post has been edited by Rin on Feb 28 2013, 04:03 AM

QUOTE (Rin @ 2 minutes, 37 seconds ago)

SPOILER

Whoa whoa WHOA!!

Her eyes look super serious with that gaze and shade of eye color!

And I can't help but feel like she's in permanent state of SEED Mode from Gundam SEED!!! XD (Sorry, can't help but make the Gundam SEED reference with such beautiful rendition of those eyes.)

Amazing as always, Rin!

This post has been edited by Akiko on Feb 27 2013, 10:41 PM

Whoa whoa WHOA!!

Her eyes look super serious with that gaze and shade of eye color!

And I can't help but feel like she's in permanent state of SEED Mode from Gundam SEED!!! XD (Sorry, can't help but make the Gundam SEED reference with such beautiful rendition of those eyes.)

Amazing as always, Rin!

This post has been edited by Akiko on Feb 27 2013, 10:41 PM

Funny, Akiko; Kuroi brought that very statement up to me when he was talking to me about that photo.

It's a splendid piece of artwork, Rin, but I can't help but feel like the font and box that accompanies these new PSE profiles are a little...bland. Granted, I understand what it's meant to look like, but it just seems sort-of unfitting (considering...certain other works I've viewed of yours...). Regardless, as I said, I know its intended direction (looking like it came out of a computer database. Looks so old-school!) so I won't put it against anyone involved with it.

Umm...I think it's meant to be that way.

It does say "ACCESS CARD" after all.

I don't want to revive your frustrations again, Rin, but I've always had the same impression when you did the access cards... I told you to do that layout instead just as a compromise because you were nearly getting batshit insane on the layout, and that I think you want to keep the emblems even though it isn't meant to be there :x

And Touya, I thought of the same thing too, until I learned that it was supposed to be an access card.

And to you again, Rin. Disregard if you don't want to do it again, no need to get yourself into even more shit if you had enough of it. But if you're feeling like there's still something wrong... then lemme give you an example of how an access card should look like:



It's a mere example though, and things like the ICC can be at the back instead lol. But the thing is, the emblem shouldn't be the most significant detail in the card, it should be a portrait of the person. Well if you're feeling lazy, there's always copy-paste.

And yes, my indecisiveness strikes again... but as I told you, you have the choice of disregarding this entirely. I'm just giving the $0.02 I didn't have the balls to give you before.

Well, actually.....Imma just copy and paste the mugshot into the card and try to put the badge somewhere instead. /derpy

Lawl, I am just too lazy to draw atm. =P

needs more lol-shots of PSE members...owait i meant simplify it...just the name,rank/clearance and the chip itself...

I think....Rin just needs to move the rank emblem somewhere else with a photoshot of the copy/paste mugshot on that space and it will suffice, thanks.

Wouldn't want Rin to go to another nervous breakdown on the access card again. LAWL

Chapter 13 is up! And Rin has drawn something sweet in reminiscent too for an old character. =D

Hope you all enjoy this.

Chapter 13

Silence at the Crescent Moon - (三日月のサイレンス)

It was fairly quiet on the hall of a small café near a shopping complex. People inside were chattering about everything and some of them were taking small sips of their own coffee and espressos, while some others were chowing down to some croissants or spaghettis. At the neon sign of the café outside, it wrote Le Sanctuaire, literally meaning The Sanctuary in French. And on the second floor, where customers were even less, Tsubame and Washi were seen on a small table, seated on small leather couches of deep brown, accompanied by a medium sized pizza filled with toppings of chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, pepperoni and mushrooms with lots of melted mozzarella cheese and even a few sprinkles of rare herbs to make the food really mouth-watering and tempting for anyone hungry to eat, and finally…with two cups of distinguished beverages. One was a small cup of milk tea on a glass blue cup on Washi’s side, while the other side was a slightly larger black glass cup of latte.

“So, how much you know about Limburger?” Tsubame started her conversation as soon as she took a quick sip on her coffee drink. Washi on the other hand just simply grabbed a slice of the pizza and slowly sink her teeth into the cheesy goodness of it and gnawed happily on the food. “We only know he has quite a record on illegal car trades.”

“Tell you what….” Washi chewed on as she slowly swallowed her pizza bite. “Vega Limbuger is a big fat jagoff like Kazuto Sato, except he’s a bit more…dignified and less flippy. He’s gotten deep into dark business when Kazuto led him into easier cash for benefits of street race gambling on expensive cars, including pink slip races that attract crowds whom paid to see their shady shits.”

“Was he always into that type of activity back then in his hometown?” Tsubame asked again, before she too, takes a slice of pizza took a small bite out of it. “I know he has a few knack for cars, but I wasn’t sure if the guy himself can drive.”
“He can.” Washi said calmly. “You know, Vega’s done a crap load of payment on local PDs around the world to make sure his street racing records were clean as a dashboard. He would have as many boys as he can get to do his dirty work on street race while he collects the cash from clients, audiences and participants. Whether win or lose, he still owns the cash for events, simply because he’s playing organizer. But nonetheless, he can drive. He’s a former champ back in his own closed track.”

“Personal closed track? Isn’t that…kind of low for a guy who loves driving?” Tsubame asked, feeling questionable on the credibility of Vega’s abilities, because she is aware that anyone can be their own champions at their own track. “I thought he might’ve strived for something like the Ring at least with all that money and status?”

“That’s how he is. He wishes to stay in a league that he deems worthy of his own.” Washi twirled the last bit of the pizza piece before she toss it high up in the air and catch it with her mouth and chewed it all the way and swallowed the piece entirely. “To him, he wanted to rewrite the standard of racing by using HIS system, one that is run by HIS name on HIS terms. Everything has to be on his own judgment, that’s how he strives to success in his business. He wanted to be in control of everything. And the collaboration with Kazuto even…I am telling you, that fat-ass Limburger is just using Kazuto Sato as a stepping stone.”

“So, you’re saying he wanted to even control the outcome of races under his own terms?” Tsubame tried to confirm the information she just gathered, knowing that she is still unaware of this new target, unlike the main man she’s been hunting for long ago. “That’s quite a goal for someone who just runs a garage shop, even under shady deals for a long time.”

“That, and the fact that he’s killed a cop before. That’s when he knows he cannot turn back now.” Washi pointed at a pizza piece with a fork, indicating as if it’s a dead mark for Vega Limburger’s life crime. “You see, the cop that he disposed of, was not from us, but was nonetheless…a high level cop from his country’s local PD and you know how critical the penalty is for murdering even a regular cop, let alone a top brass. Ever since his hands were stained by the blood of that cop, he’s been doing it everytime just to get out of situations. That’s when he decides to usurp control of many Police Department using cash alone. It’s a simple tactic in bribing, but society nowadays is desperate for money, it’s effective as a result. You’ve no idea how many cops he’s bribed in his record, and I’ve lost count too. Quite a bribing douche he is.”

“You think he’s planning the same thing as Kazuto? To [unite] the so-called brotherhood of street racers by supporting the Stampede operation?” Tsubame asked again, trying to confirm the connection between the two figures. “He was greatly involved in this operation too, save for a few more names to mention yet at the Central HQ.”

“Kinda doubtful, but I suppose anything is possible to these manipulating ass-wipes with more cash to fry than their own greasy chicken wings.” Washi took another bite on a new slice of pizza, nibbling slowly while crossing her legs on her seat. “All they have are thugs, henchmen and a couple of cops maybe that are on payroll and a couple of fancy rides with bigger engines and more stickers and vinyl than us. But it won’t matter in the end, since we will have to execute them eventually. Most of the big targets marked on the investigation at the Central, well…9 out of 10 of those guys were already sentenced to death penalties for their titanic record of crimes committed. Those are the ones you should kill, rather than their henchmen. But eh…it won’t matter if they’re resisting since their deaths don’t weigh on anyone but their own screwy families or on the big bads, right? Your realization of your own tactics should’ve taught you a lesson, no?”

It was a moment of silence occurred to Tsubame, she was indeed clear that her methods were brutal back then, and even she lost count as to how many targets that were involved in gang activities were all dead because of her. The memories were somewhat unclear but it was there, and she recalled them like a brie video clip made from many clips put together in her mind in one go. The bloodsheds, the gunfights, and the beatings she laid down on many men…it was all just to further the cause of apprehending the very man that once took everything away from her before she was a cop.

“I know what I did. And some of those deaths, even though well deserved, I wasn’t exactly proud of it, that much you can be sure.” Tsubame found her words again after she blinked her eyes once. “I just wish to get as much info as I can and do my job in busting these guys so that there may be some peace and quiet on the streets. I sure as hell know that killing all of these bastards would only mean making the world a few percentages better, but it’s a good investment nonetheless. We would need a pile of gangster bodies to let the world know what it’s like to cross the law and mess with the cops who means business in protecting people. That is enough motivation to keep me going.”

“Yeah, yeah…I know your deal alright.” Washi chuckled as she took a sip on her milk tea. And as she looks at her watch, it is already half to eight o’ clock at night. “Anyway, let’s get back to this burger king wannabe, don’t be fooled by his good nature, he is quite a sadist, FYI. He also has a record of murdering women and children with his own personal P08 revolver, by shooting them in necks before the head. So, if you are to take this douche down, best make it bloody and painful for the women at least, and for the sad husbands that lost their loved ones.”

“Duly noted.” Tsubame replied with her eyes turned cold as she took another sip of her latte drink and then reached out for another slice of pizza. “But we can’t kill him until we have proof to charge him of his collaboration with Kazuto Sato in the Stampede operation…and something tells me it won’t be as easy as taking candies from children.”

“You won’t expect any easy pickings from Vega’s boys. I can assure you that. It won’t be boring, but hey..” Washi took another slice of pizza and nibbled on the cheesy goodness again. “Wouldn’t be any fun otherwise, right? We’re established to deal with shitheads like them who think they can run a freak-show menagerie of speed demons. I am certainly glad the world is still going crazy as it is with speed.”
“Yeah…it’s unbelievable when you think about it, but not impossible…still, anything else there should be shared about this guy?” Tsubame asked again before she took a bite on the pizza. “Something seemed to be amiss here, but I can’t quite place my words into what is it exactly.”

“Well…you want to know something else? I know this one other jackass that is still in touch with the Burger King Wannabe.” Washi uttered again as she smiled like a cat with her food dangling. Tsubame raised her eyebrows slightly in confusion but believed she nonetheless managed to gain more information by furthering her conversation with her senior officer that seemed to know a lot more than she says. As Washi reached for her pocket, she took out a small but crumbled up photo of a man wearing a gentleman’s hat and has a big smile. He is a Japanese man with dyed blonde hair and also wears brown suit and he seemed to be standing beside a white Mercedes SLS AMG.

“Who’s this…? Who am I seeing?” Tsubame asked, curious as to who the person may be.

“Meet the Host…his real name is Sanda Shiroi.” Washi took another bite out of her pizza again and twirled on the small piece playfully as she looks at the shimmering lights of skyscrapers outside. “36 years old, 183 centimetres tall, former cop of Japan’s local PD at the Tochigi area. He is what you’d call a local enforcer-immune agent for Vega Limburger. That being said, the local PDs on his area can’t touch him due to his previous clean records and merits when he’s still a cop, though soon before he quits, we did managed to find evidence that he’s involved in multiple bribing on street racers with lots of cash, and he has disposed 5 of his own officers when he’s caught in another huge bribing case of delivering confiscated cars to Vega’s collection for personal modifications.”

“...Five people? You’re telling me this man killed 5 of his own men just because he got found out…?” Tsubame was slightly surprised at the former cop’s origin.

“Having preconception can limit what your eyes can see, Tsubame.” Washi teased, knowing that Tsubame is still sceptical about the man’s ability. “This man may look like a skinny prick compared to Vega Limburger, but don’t be fooled, he’s crazy when he’s pissed. Guy has QUITE a short fuse too. He’s a TNT bomb, and an easily upset cobra. I’ve been on to this jackass for like 2 months ago, but eh…he’s been quite a slithering, sneaky little eel. Always able to carry enough greens to bribe whoever is holding him custody, know what I am saying?”

“And so that’s why some enforcement units still can’t touch him? Whatever happens to the meaning of justice nowadays…” Tsubame shook her head as her eyes rolled. “In any case, I’ll keep an eye on Sanda Shiroi, thanks for sharing additional information with me, Lieutenant.”

“Relax, Tsubame…just call me by my name.” Washi chuckled at Tsubame’s professional approach on most of her colleagues. “Just enjoy the show tonight…something tells me it’s gonna be a hell of a party…”

“You’re quite a thrill seeker, Washi…not that I have a problem with it.” Tsubame gave a sarcastic smirk while maintaining her serious eyes, as she took another sip of her latte drink. And her wristwatch shows that it is just twelve minutes before the patrol at night. But that is not what Tsubame is concerned about now, it is the grand event that the PSE cannot manage to stop that concerns her and she has no idea what to anticipate on the Stampede that would definitely soon run the streets into a chaotic traffic frenzy and it would be the PSE’s fault if they couldn’t shut the operation down in time.

Tsubame continued to watch on the skyscrapers as she and Washi calmly relax on for their remaining time before their duty calls.

-------------------------------

Sometime after, on the other side of the highway metropolis, the usual hideout of the Steel Rose Maidens remained as lively as always with the rock pop music and the cars being tweaked constantly by the female mechanics while some other drivers are discussing on how to prep their machines for future race activities. Kurenai was also there, as she is seen tweaking on a black and red tone Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

Deeper inside the hideout, there stood a familiar figure alone in a sandy field. It was none other than the brown-haired quiet female ace of the team, Lacia. She seems to be twirling about with a lengthy stick and on a bench not too far away, someone was watching her in her performance. It was her close friend Setsuna, which is also the blue-haired tomboy that is currently in charge of Steel Rose Maiden during their real leader’s absence.

As Lacia did a few flips around the open field, she spun around and flings on the steel pole about gracefully, allowing the weight of the object to flow on its own without her using too much strength on the motion, the circular pattern on her dance can be carved out easily as the pole has a red scarf tied on it to leave a trail of mark on her movements. Lacia was sweating a little, but she was nonetheless able to do a few more side flips with her light body and she was able to land properly with her pole came swooping down on the ground. The shock from the impact immediately lifts back the pole up and Lacia immediately twirled the pole a few more times before she put the stick back on its usual position with her right hand on it. Setsuna on the other hand, was smiling as she observed on Lacia’s little dance with her long steel rod. Lacia was breathing heavily, but slowly nonetheless as she is still stable with her focus.

“Nicely done, Lacia. Your practice is paying off!” Setsuna applauded as she hand over a bottle of cold mineral water to her partner as well as a black towel. “I am sure you could someday put that type of talent into good use. I was kinda afraid that you may have begun to rust in your skill on this part on so many driving routines.”

“No…problem…” Lacia nodded with a blank expression, but she is still able to smile somehow, slightly…as she wiped the sweat off her forehead with the towel. “I…practice…regularly…even when…no people…watches…It’s…the least…I can do…”

“Don’t sweat it, girl.” Setsuna patted on Lacia’s head as she took a sip on the bottle drink. “You’re not the only one here that would like to be able to protect someone here. That’s why we all here have guns and weapons for when we’re in trouble.”
“…That, and…to protect Shinobu…” Lacia whispered, feeling somewhat shy about it when she mentions the name. “I…just wish…that I can…be with…him…as much…as I can…” Lacia put down the iron rod as she no longer needs it, and slowly walked to the entrance back to her resting room, followed behind by Setsuna.

“Speaking of which, I haven’t been hearing from Nikko lately…I wonder what’s up…she usually checks in at times like this.” Setsuna looked around as Lacia head to her changing room and went for a quick change on her outfits. It was not long after, she found a Blackberry 10 lying on the soft red bed of Lacia. It was left with a new unread message that was sent about 14 minutes ago. Setsuna knows that Lacia is changing, so she read it anyway. The sender’s name managed to give a bit of a surprise to Setsuna, it was Nikko.

Lacia,

You have been invited by Mr. Kazuto Sato to join the special large scale event that is supported and sponsored by numerous street racers around the world in a one night stand at the Tokyo Metropolitan Highway known as “The Stampede”. Your presence would be most honoured by many notorious street racers alike as well as many sponsors that have heard of great things about you. You will also have a special position to take as Shinobu’s partner in this huge project. Get dressed and be prepared by tonight at 9 PM.

Shinobu would be there to spar with you on your practice run along with some very specific models that our sponsors have shipped in with for the special event. Of course, you may bring your own ride along as backup in case of emergency of cop trouble. Don’t forget to bring along you usual equipment for self-defence too. Good luck and have fun with Shinobu, I’ll be there watching you too, to see how much you’ve grown as a capable young lady and as a driver.

Shinobu has agreed to take good care of you under his wing and you can trust him, and it did took some time for him to convince Mr. Kazuto that you would be Shinobu’s responsibility and he would hold you no custody in any way. Simply put…you’re now Shinobu’s personal close friend here and you no longer need to work or take orders from Mr. Kazuto, which is delightful news if you don’t like the man so much. (He hasn’t known this, but he won’t and I made sure of that.)

Finally, tell Setsuna to remain in command for now with the girls, I have some unfinished business to attend to under Kazuto’s activities later after tonight and I don’t plan to stall him any further. Tell the girl to carry on with the usual routine and I wish you are blessed as always with the stars upon you. Take care.

-Love, Nikko-

Reading this, Setsuna couldn’t help but smile and place back the phone and wait for Lacia to come out with a big surprise waiting.
As Lacia steps out from her changing room, she couldn’t help but give a puzzled look at Setsuna’s big smile on her face, as if something pleasant just happened moments ago.

“Setsuna…?” Lacia walked slowly towards Setsuna, after she changed her clothes into the black cotton long sleeve top dress, and she wears an opal-coloured metal choker with a star-shaped necklace and with a new pair of leather black short pants. She also seems to have her hair pulled down completely, giving her a somewhat frizzy, mature look for a petite lady with a stoic face. As she reached for her Blackberry phone, Setsuna told her:
“It’s from Nikko. Read it.”

Lacia read the message one more time, and she couldn’t help but smile, she was able to stay with Shinobu again, and this time she was freed from Kazuto, which means that she would now be the personal guard of Shinobu instead and everything about her will now be the responsibility of either Nikko or Shinobu. She felt as if a burden was lifted from her back.

“So…I am…invited…to be with…Shinobu?” Lacia tried to reassure what is happening here while containing her excitement very well. She was indeed very happy deep inside. Nothing gives her more joy right now than having a chance to stick close to Shinobu at least.

“Nikko never lied about a thing to us until now, Lacia…and you know it.” Setsuna gave a confident pat on Lacia’s shoulders before giving her a small hug. “Now, get dressed and look sharp, young lady. Nikko would be there too, so be sure to have lots of fun with our man and send my best regards to her too while you’re at it. Come on, get your jacket on.”

As Lacia stood up and reached for her closet, filled with many dark-coloured clothes, she grabbed a leather long-sleeve jacket that is stylized with a crescent moon logo and put it on, and grabbed a hairpin that is stylishly shaped in a silver crescent, she wiped it clean before putting it into her left side of her hair. Before she reached the doors, Lacia hugged Setsuna one more time and the acting-leader planted a small kiss on Lacia’s forehead as a sign of good luck before the stoic young lady heads off from her own room.

Lacia jumped down from the higher floor and landed on the ground from 10 feet like a petite female parkour, the girls were surprised at her bold leap but until they realize who made the jump, they smiled and waved at Lacia, not feeling surprised at her bravery. But little did Lacia cared as she waved them back in return and quickly leaped on a few more desks and make her way through the parked vehicles and search for her Porsche GT3 RS. The mechanic ladies looked at each other and scratched their heads, feeling somewhat puzzled at Lacia’s sudden change of mood.

“Gee, what’s up with her?” A cap-wearing mechanic girl with freckles on her cheeks said, she was holding an iron wrench on her left hand.

“It really is not every day she seemed so excited like she is now…I wonder if something good happened.” The other mechanic chuckles as she shrugged, not sure of what has happened back in Lacia’s room, but it didn’t matter to her as she is clear that Lacia’s mood is currently very upbeat, despite her silence.
“Well whatever it is…it’s good to see her in a good mood like this one in a while…” The mechanic with freckles smiled as she watches on Lacia making her way to Kurenai’s place where she is still working on the black Porsche with a few more technical assistants.

“Oh, hey Lacia!” The deep-pink haired lead mechanic greeted at her while the other two technicians were still carrying on their work on the Porsche. “What’s up? You’re dressed quite sharp tonight. Are you going out somewhere now?”
“Yes…Nikko called…” Lacia answered, her smile somewhat faded a bit but Kurenai can still see the joy in her face. “I am…invited…for an event…by…Mr. Kazuto…and Shinobu…is there.”

“Ah, so you’re going to spend some time with him now eh?” Kurenai chuckled. “Well, no worries, young lady, we’re almost done here with your GT3 RS. Just give us a few more secs to prep on the tyres to make sure everything’s copacetic. And Sato’s invited you to an event? What event is it?”

“The…Stampede…” Lacia replied.

“Stampede…? Well that’s weird for an event name…” Kurenai scratched her head, but she shrugged afterwards, not feeling bothered by it. “Well then, if it’s something race-y, then I guess your ride’s good enough to go now. Okay girls, tell me we’re good now?” Kurenai turned her attention to the two technicians and they were still checking on the tyres.

“The car’s warmed up and the tyres should do for now on the highway tarmac.” One of the technicians said. “But eh, I heard the C1 area’s heavily guarded with PSE cops lately due to some guy driving recklessly there…you may wanna be careful now, Lacia…”

“Don’t worry, girls…” Kurenai smiled. “Lacia can take care of herself just fine…right?”

“Yes…” Lacia assured herself with a stoic expression, but her eyes were serious, so the technicians couldn’t help but feel a bit creeped out by her agreement.

“Well anyway…setting’s done for now. You’ll be able to do eat turns faster with the current power output.” One of the technicians explained. “We set it to 500 horsepower at the moment with the final gear readjusted for higher torque. You shouldn’t need too much speed at the moment. We’ve prepped the transmission for a relatively higher torque output, since it should be a simple matter for you to cope with some increased acceleration at the cost of a few top speed numbers. The computer settings also have been rewritten, though not much electronics were touched since they’re still pretty good as it is the last time Kurenai and Nikko checked it. Finally, we replaced the brake calipers since the old ones were quite worn down by the stress when you’re pushing it hard on Tsubaki Line last few months ago. But you did manage to clock an incredible time that moment, so I guess all our work on maintaining it was worth it at least, haha…”

“Please don’t bring that up…” Kurenai laughed as she facepalmed. That was the time where she doesn’t want to be reminded of what Lacia did before with the car she set. “The brakes set on the Porsche that time wasn’t even meant for it to begin with, but we’re running out of option since we can’t ship parts from Germany to replace the brake pads that Lacia fried that time. She was pushing it so hard that the average speed recorded that time was almost 230 kilometres per hour. The suspensions were still holding out well though, which is quite miraculous, considering how hard Lacia is driving that time…but enough of the technical talks, I am sure you’re smart enough to know all that yourself since this is your only type of machine you’re familiar on, you go have fun, alright?”

“Right…thanks.” Lacia nodded with a small smile on her face as the technicians closed the hood on the rear that mounts the 4.0 Flat-Six engine that has been warmed up. As Lacia enters the driver seat of the car and starts the engine, it roars with such intensity that the engine noise is almost deafening. Lacia took a deep breath as she engages the clutch and shift into the first gear before slowly took off and she steers her way on to the tarmac on the streets leading to the exit of the small town at her team’s hideout HQ. As the Porsche fades into the roads along with a few traffic cars, the moon above was cleared of the clouds and it was a beautiful crescent shape, accompanied by millions of stars that seemed like a shimmering, floating river of sparkles under the purplish dark blue skies.

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Meanwhile, as Lacia made her way through the highway traffic at a reasonable speed of 120 kilometres per hour, above the skyscrapers somewhere, there is a room of some sort that is reserved for the VIP members. And one of them happened to be having an alcoholic drink on the edge of the corridor outside the fiftieth floor of a luxurious penthouse, it was filled to the brim with glittering chandelier of yellow lights reflected from the jewel-shaped glasses, and it was illuminated with many LED lights too on the edges of the exceptionally large room that seemed to be very exclusive for the wealthy ones. There sat a familiar figure in a black suit on a leather couch, it was no other than Kazuto Sato…and he was accompanied by other few more people, and one of them was dressed in grey coat with white suit and finished by a black designer tie.

As Kazuto walks back into the huge room’s animal fur mat, he sat on the leather chair of the large brown wooden desk that was decorated by a few books, and some documents littered around the middle of it, and reached for the nightline newspaper that has a photo shot of multiple street racers being arrested by PSE officers. And the shot shows that the totalled vehicles were Nissan Skyline R34s. Kazuto was fuming when he saw the pictures and the news headline, as it writes “10 reckless street-racer gangs arrested for dangerous driving on public highway road at Wangan area.”

“Have you any idea…how unacceptable this is, Sanda?” Kazuto uttered the name of the man in the grey coat; he was none other than Sanda Shiroi, the Host that worked for Vega Limburger. His hat was placed on the table of the other side of the room. “What kind of enter-freaking-tainment is this? I mean sure…the kids can celebrate on parties like…a Spiderman party or a Batman party, but a party in celebrating the PSE’s victory over shutting down MY races? What the f**k was that supposed to mean? How do you explain this?”

“Relax, Kazuto-san…you’re losing it and you’re freaking me out, okay?” Sanda retorted with a bit of hand gesture to tell Kazuto to cool down. “I mean it’s not like we wanted this to happen either, some crazy ass cop driving a freakin’ Koenigsegg just happen to dive into the action along with a few more PSE cops and shut down the whole thing, and you saw the news too, didn’t you? I mean nobody expected that to happen and what could we do, huh?”

“Yeah, you’re being very helpful, Sanda…really.” Kazuto sarcastically replied to Sanda’s attempt to look for reasoning, not giving much concern as to what really happened. Rest assured; he is very upset that the race didn’t go as planned. “Thanks to those meddling shits, I couldn’t get my package delivered and I don’t have the wheels and I am forced to spend a few more million just to get enough cars for the Stampede event, no thanks to your incompetent wheelmen.”

“Hey, look we’re already working on our asses here just to make sure the project is sailing smooth, alright? So please just chill.” Sanda uttered again as he took a sip of his own glass of whiskey that was placed on the table at the side of the couch. As he gulped down the drink, he clears his throat and found his voice again. “What do we know? I mean, we’re already trying very hard here to get as many drivers on our payroll here to speed around the highway as baits to distract the PSE cops, we even feigned some calls of criminal activities around Japan to split the guys wide open to cut down the risk of blowing our main activity’s cover. We’re busting our asses here, man!!”

“And obviously, your men aren’t good enough at doing it!” Kazuto snap back, his fist slammed on the desk hard and some stationery tools fell off to the ground from the shock. “Or else that race with that kid Takashi would’ve gone smoothly and I would’ve been able to get my business done with Limburger!!” As he finished his complains, he reached for a small iron box and opened it. Inside was some white powder of some sort, and Kazuto poured some of it on the table and grabbed a white plastic paper in measuring the powder like some medicine dose. “You know what, screw the PSE cops! Screw them, I tell you!! SCREW THEM!!”

“Okay, okay…boss…calm down. Umm…what are you doing there?” Sanda tried to convince Kazuto again, as he can sense that the leader of the yakuza gang was really stressed since hearing the failure of the race activity. Then soon after, he heard some light tapping on the desk, and Sanda noticed that Kazuto was preparing something with the white powder on the table. His face was turned from calm to slightly shocked as he realized…the white powder was a small mountain dose of cocaine. “Oh come on…boss, don’t tell me you’re gonna go back to smoking that shit again?! You don’t need to do this!”

“Mummy!! When I grew up I wish to be a Public Speed Enforcer cop so I can drive fast cars and catch bad guys!” Kazuto mocked the news and the reputation of the PSE cops under a childish falsetto voice tone, feeling irritated by the thought that they are being hailed as the heroes of order in the country. Obviously, he was so stressed that even the sarcastic remark of him mocking a naïve child couldn’t cover his frustration of his drivers being apprehended and his business ruined. “Stupid little shitheads.” His serious, frustrated tone returned as he puffed on the cocaine, disregarding Sanda’s warning, but as he smoked halfway on the drug, he stopped abruptly, realizing that he still needs to confirm something else. “Hold on a sec…is Shinobu somewhere on the highway tonight?”

“Well, he was gonna test out the cars you prepare for him for tonight as you ordered, remember?” Sanda recalled Kazuto’s invitation to Shinobu back a few days ago before the race of Takashi’s men against Vega’s goons took place. “I heard you even invited some other special guests along, yes?”

“Of course…” Kazuto smiled as he kept the remaining cocaine back to his little steel box, knowing that he no longer needs to snort on that thing anymore as the mention of KARASU was a pleasant sight for him. “Tell him to give me a thorough feedback on those rides I prepped for him…you got his number. And I think we may need to plan an appointment with your boss as well, Sanda…tell Limburger that I will meet him in his penthouse by tomorrow at 12 PM noon.”

“Sure…of course, Kazuto…!” Sanda nodded as Kazuto stretches his arms again in relaxation before taking a deep breath and exhales out, as if he felt better. And as he stood up from his chair again, he glanced at the view outside his penthouse and glanced at the beautiful lights of the skyscrapers that were either taller than his own building, or as tall as it.

“Just 2 more days…” Kazuto uttered as he grabbed the glass cup that has some alcoholic wine on it and drank it all up in one gulp.

-------------------------------

It was dark at an empty parking area at the roads near the Minato Mirai area and there was nothing but echoes of cars passing by from afar from the parking lot. Almost no cars were parked there except for a Toyota Chaser and a Mercedes Benz ML500 but that’s not all, there also parked several cars that were rather…unusual to appear in Tokyo area…

On a parking zone marked B2, there was three supercars that weren’t from Japan manufacturer sitting idle with two familiar figures siting on one of them at the front end. The first car was a black and red tone Lamborghini LP570-4 Gallardo Superleggera, next to it was also another Lamborghini, which was an orange LP700-4 Aventador, and finally the last car that the two figures were sitting on, it was a different car. It was a Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, coated in silver grey paint. The two people that sat on the car were none other than Nikko and Shinobu with his helmet placed at the seat of the Mercedes convertible. As they waited on, they heard an engine sound echoing its way to the parking lot, and as the sound became louder, they knew the person they waited for has arrived. The black and red tone Porsche 911 GT3 RS made its way through the entrance and eventually parked its way next to an empty parking slot besides the Stirling Moss to give extra space for movement once the driver got out of the car. Lacia swept her hair aside for a moment before she took a deep breath and walked towards her two companions.

“Glad you made it, Lacia.” Shinobu greeted. Lacia smiled and gave a hug to the man in black before she turned her attention to the leader of the Steel Rose Maidens and gave her a hug too in respect.

“You sure look sharp tonight, child.” Nikko complimented at Lacia’s appearance, and as soon as Lacia is done with the cuddling, she immediately glanced at the cars that were parked next to the Stirling Moss.

“Are we…driving those…tonight?” Lacia asked, her eyes locked on to Nikko.

“Exactly, young lady.” Nikko confirmed. “But before that, Lacia…did you bring your gear along in case of emergency?”

Lacia nodded as she pointed at the front trunk of the Porsche. Nikko realized that as she reach for the car and popped the hood open. Inside was a large rectangular metal case of some sort with a simple lock and even a pair of knee pads that were made from carbon fiber on the solid parts and the plate itself, and it seemed so light when Nikko effortlessly grabbed them and toss it to Lacia. The brunette petite lady was able to catch it with ease as well.

“Wear it now, young lady. You’ll never know when you need it at the middle of the night.” Nikko advised Lacia in a motherly tone of some sort. Lacia immediately obeyed as she put on the CF knee pads. “And make sure your little toy is well maintained too. Something tells me that we’re not alone tonight.” Nikko unlocked the rectangular case easily as well, and opened it. Inside the case was a pair of short length spears that has a fairly long ornate tip that seemed to be painted red partially on the decoration and the middle of the spear tip has a moon-shaped insignia. They were both also covered with a tip protector that was made from solid black leather. Nikko grabbed them easily too as the weapons don’t seem that heavy at all except on the spear tips. “And keep these on your back for now…strap them on you. Don’t let up on anything…we wouldn’t want to see you get hurt again like last time.” Nikko tossed the protected spears to Lacia and she caught them with ease as she keeps the weapon on her lower part of her jacket on her rear where there’s two holders of some sort that was made to hold on to long objects of some sort. The two short spears fit well on her lower part of the jacket located at her waist and the length didn’t reach beyond her head at least.

“Understood…Nikko.” Lacia said softly after she was armed with the very weapon that was supposed to kept secret on the case, but Nikko opened it anyway and closed the empty case back before she put it right where it was originally at the front trunk of the Porsche and closes the hood.

“Where did you find that kind of weapon floating around, Lacia?” Shinobu asked, as he was curious as to the sudden appearance of the traditional weapon that Lacia possess. “Don’t tell me you stole it from some weapon museum?” Lacia blushed for a moment before she broke a cold sweat and shook her head quickly. Nikko chuckled from behind her.

“It’s not like that, silly.” Nikko explained. “Lacia got that spear when a friendly gang leader that was in collaboration with us gotten interested in seeing Lacia do some weapon dance when he found out she likes to dance with sticks. It was hardly ever used since the whole gang riot 2 years ago, but with the cops rolling hot now and the news of so many gang leaders showing up on Japan from every continent, you can never tell when Lacia would need it to defend herself…and besides, with Mr. Kazuto lifting Lacia off from his command, Lacia is free now and is under your care, Shinobu. It’ll be a nice addition to have her as your bodyguard you know? Don’t look at Lacia like that, she may be small, but the child is a very capable bodyguard.”

“Well, I do not doubt her abilities anyway…but we’ll see, I guess.” Shinobu shrugged. Lacia smiled in relief as she sat next to Shinobu and grabbed on to his helmet.

“Shinobu…where’s your…F1?” Lacia asked, feeling slightly puzzled at the absence of Shinobu’s main car. Shinobu just placed a finger on his lips and winked in response, Lacia then knew it must be safe somewhere that even she won’t need to know, in response to Shinobu, she simply smiled and nodded in agreement. Then she turned back to Nikko for the next question. “So…what am…I going…to drive?”

“You’ll be doing some practice runs using the Superleggera, child.” Nikko replied. “Shinobu would accompany you along in the Aventador. The Stampede activity is a Lamborghini-made super large scale racing event that was sponsored and supported by many wealthy street racing gang leaders from around the world. No less than 15 of them will be attending to this special event, and since there’s no way you can master a new car in just a mere 48 hours of time, this is the only best solution I can come up for with Kazuto along to suit you up and give you some edge on winning this event and collect some big cash money, maybe even some new wheels for our garage collections.”

“Kazuto already filled me in with the details, and now you know it.” Shinobu gave a simple tap on Lacia’s shoulder. “If we win this, you girls can be set for life.”
“However, this is a very large race event…so there’s definitely going to be cops from PSE or even local PDs that will roll down hot on our tail during the event.” Nikko added, with her eyes flaring on with serious matters. “This is exactly why I want you, Lacia as well as the girls to be guard within these few days, because you may never know when the PSE cops may smell us out, or some other unfriendly gangs that may want to claim turfs here in this city.”

“And speaking of that…I think we’re running behind schedule here.” Shinobu said as he gently grabbed the helmet from Lacia’s hands and put it on. But before he can head to the Aventador, he noticed there’s something wrong, as he heard some loud engine sounds coming in to their way from both sides. There were numerous of matching color vans with a red bull insignia on it. And as the passengers got out from the vans, they surround the entire parking lot, the people were mostly men, all dressed in black T-shirts with bandanas covering either their heads or mouths to conceal their identities. They also carry typical thug weapons, such as pocket knives, baseball bats, iron pipes and wooden baton sticks. Some of those individuals have bruises on their bodies or even bandaged limbs, but they were nonetheless very aggressive and fierce looking and were anything but crippled. Nikko, Shinobu and Lacia were surrounded, outnumbered by about twenty people at least, and they weren’t friendly at all with their looks. Finally, one of them with a baseball cap stepped forward with an iron chain strapped on his right arm.

“So you b*tches are Kazuto’s lapdogs, huh?” The man asked, as the angry mob started to tighten their grip on whatever weapons they are holding, but for some reason none of them seemed to wield any guns, as observed by Nikko, and much to her relief, she has an M1911 handgun hidden on her left side of her long pants, covered by her long coat. “Hand those cars over and with your money, and we’ll forget that we ever saw you.”

“Wow…what is this? An open-night public burglary?” Shinobu chuckled with his sarcastic remark. “You know guys, you could’ve robbed a bank instead of us three people here. What’s with the overwhelming number of guys anyway hmm? What are you all afraid of? And uh…who was it that paid you all to get to us? And even if we were Kazuto’s, what are you gonna do about it?”

“Don’t act all cocky on me, bucket head.” The man with the chain growled in anger. “There’s 30 of us here, and only 3 of you. What could you three punks possibly do when you’ve so many to fight? Just hand us the cars over and get this over with. We ain’t gonna tell you who hired us or who we worked for since you won’t be needing to know it anyways. You’re all just that bastard Kazuto’s henchmen, nothing more.”

“Enough talk boys…” Nikko interrupted as she grabbed a small rock from the tarmac and kick it directly into a random thug’s left eye, causing him to bleed and writhing in pain, shocking the entire crowd of mobs. “…looks like, we’re gonna have to postpone our training session a bit longer.”

“I am okay for that, lady.” Shinobu agreed as he grabbed an iron pipe from his jacket and twirled it around before another thug tries to jump on him, only to get knocked from the sideway and was put out of lights instantly with his head busted wide open.

“GET THEM, BOYS!!” The leader exploded in rage as the street fight commences with everyone charging close to the three drivers at the parking lot. Lacia remained motionless before she reached her hands to the weapons behind her jacket and pulled them out from the holsters. The street fight begins between the mysterious angry mob and Shinobu’s companions at the time of 8:40 PM…

-つづく-

And here's to you...the uncolored version of Lacia in her current outfit.

SPOILER

This post has been edited by クロイ on Mar 6 2013, 01:55 AM

So this is why you want me to design Lacia for...

I just got one way to describe the cliffhanger scene...

...and LOL at Kazuto smoking drugs on stress.

This post has been edited by Rin on Mar 5 2013, 08:33 PM

Cue the Monty Oum.

Also, while on the note of Stampede and Lambos...this is what all the cars will look like at the end of the day - smashed up and stretched out. And very spiky and hard-to-touch.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l1H8ZshQuOU/UTSZSr3z...55B2%25255D.jpg

(Yes, that is the 3-examples-only-already-sold Lamborgini Veneno there)

“Vega Lawrence is a big fat jagoff like Kazuto Sato, except he’s a bit more…dignified and less flippy. He’s gotten deep into dark business when Kazuto led him into easier cash for benefits of street race gambling on expensive cars, including pink slip races that attract crowds whom paid to see their shady shits.”

nani nani?

Oh dear, screw me!

Thanks for noticing my big derp mistake, I.N.!! D:

*goes to changing the name back with shame*

...and done. Sorry about my derp. :,D

This post has been edited by クロイ on Mar 6 2013, 01:08 AM

Another amazing chapter, Kuroi-san!!

Washi sure looks like she knows more than she says, and with the constant pizza enjoyment, she sure seemed to be rather carefree for someone with such a high level rank in the law enforcers. How did she ever managed to climb up to that rank is really beyond me, but I am sure it will be explained eventually, yes?

On the other hand, Lacia's new outfit is amazing! And she sure seemed to have some acrobatics up her sleeve...something I don't quite expect, but considering how much of an adrenaline-rush action story this is...some racers need to defend themselves from physical contacts after all, I guess...just made this all the more interesting...and I really wish things would turn out good for her, since the last time when she got shot in the face by Tsubame's magnum revolver. D:

And Kazuto....eww, he smokes drugs...and he's not even doing it the proper way...that guy is a lot more disturbing than I thought...here I thought he was just another big bad with some issues of authority and freedom right as a street racer with lots of money to spend...and how he went all falsetto with some child's voice in his stressed mental state is sure as heck disturbing too, but strangely fitting for a villain like him...

Finally, Shinobu is back on scene!! And their practice routine sure don't start off well, huh...?

I wonder who those thugs were that surrounds them for now...but one thing for sure, things won't end well for those gangs, as I believe Lacia may pull something outrageous with those basic and practical-looking spears...I really can't wait for the Stampede to happen! It's gonna be one heck of an exciting ride, that's for sure...!!

Keep up the outstanding work, Kuroi-san! You really know how to keep your readers entertained on every chapter!

And awesome artwork as always too, Rin.

Thanks...I guess I uploaded at the wrong time. D:

I was kinda expecting a bit more feedbacks than I expect, but eh...oh well. xD

Thanks for the detailed feedback, Akiko.

@Kuroi
I just took a break from work and now I've read this... I like how you're developing your characters... it's making it hard for the readers whom to sympathize with...

and...

fragging cliff-hanger... of course, most of us have an idea as to what will happen next

dat typo.....hahahaha....and yet another cliff that is in front of me...#KILLDEMMOFAKA'S!!!