Dogs of War

[Daesy]

Note: This is my first time posting my writings on this site. I'm not a professional so be gentle. Please comment. I need some encouragement and some constructive criticism.



Dogs of War


All my life I wanted to make a difference in life. I wanted to be the change. But being the change means you have to step on some toes, get your hands dirty, or snuffing a life.




"Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war."- Act III Julius Caesar, written by William Shakespeare.






Chapter 1:


My name is Choi Park. I'm 19 years old and have went though rigorous training to be in the His Majesty's Royal Police of Neo Tokyo. We are called Dogs. I have trained hard for four years for this.


I have been assigned to Senor Police Officer Junai Hunter. She has been part of this for 2 years. She has pulled in many criminals. Her official record is 40 criminals. Again....that's official. Rumor is that she has brought in over 100 criminals. I was lucky to be assigned to her.


Japan, after the war of 2034, had changed. The districts are now divided into areas. Ward #1 is also called central. This is where his Majesty resides. Also the army. With America losing its grip on Japan, we now have an official army. Ward #2 is the rich floozies who don't understand that life is tough. The toughest and roughest Sector is Ward #11. 11 is nicknamed GrimeScene. This is where the dirt and scum reside. This is where I am assigned. This is where I grew up.


I am Korean by birth, but Tokyo is my home. My family was killed in the war. Orphaned, I lived on the streets. When I was 13 I was picked up for stealing. Instead of putting me is the camp for wayward children, the Commissioner General, the man above all officers, took me in, though the protests of officers and even his wife.


I am on my way to meet Junai at the station. I am nervous I must admit. I don't know what to expect.


(~)


I walk into the station. This place is not as nice as Ward 1, but the people here are the hard working of all the Dogs. Because of my Lord Commissioner General, they get acknowledgment when it is due.


“Good Morning, I am looking for Senior Officer Hunter.”


The man at the desk smirked. He looked like a Dog who was taken off the streets years ago.


“You're new arent you. Here unless the Commissioner is here, we are called Dogs. Senior Dog Hunter or Hunter will suffice. And you are?”


“Officer Park.”


“Tired of riding the Commissioner skirts huh? Why did you pick the Grime to patrol?”


Right about now I was tired of being interrogated.


“Thank you for your help. I will find her myself.”


“Now don't get your panties in a twist. Michelle. Show him to Dog Hunter's desk.”


A little petite woman who looked like she had no business even being here walked me Hunter's desk. She must have taken a fancy to me because she kept smiling at me. I took everything in me not to be sarcastic and cruel. Being with the Commissioner for a long time will bring that out of you. You also get sick of stupid woman. The Commissioner's wife for one. Finally we made it to Dog Hunter's desk. She wasn't there though.


“You can wait here.” Michelle said. She smiled and walked off.


I looked at my surroundings. I have been to all the ward's stations. This one can be described as a well oiled machine. They have to run it that way. The motto down here is the old Shakespeare saying, “Cry Havoc, and let slip the dogs of war.” We have to keep order here. Lose our power and ground here, we lose Tokyo.


“Park?”


I looked up. I saw a woman of about 5'7 in street clothes.. She was not Japanese, or if she was it was back in the line. She looked to be black American possible. She had a sweet face, a nice body. The most striking feature was her eyes. Amber. She didn't look tough. But I knew better then to assume she wasn't.


“Yes.”


“Yes Ma'am, Or Dog Hunter. I am your superior.”


She was so nice about it, but under her tone she seemed dangerous. I swallowed my gum.


“Yes Ma'am. Sorry ma'am.”


“That's quite alright. So Puppy Park. You are stuck with me so it seems. You know the rules. Don't speak unless spoken to, and stay out of the way. I patrol the Kabukicho. It's dangerous and court of the Hellion is there. He took over all thievery in Tokyo. With the Yakuza extinct Hellion has it all. I know his court personally so keep you eyes open. If we can get bribes 10% goes to us and the rest goes to his majesty. Its not fair but that's the way it is.”


No wonder she was one of the best. She knew her stuff. She looked down at her watch.


“Let's go puppy. We have to get you reacquainted with the neighborhood.”


(~)


Kabukicho District. The most dangerous place in Tokyo. That what we were patrolling. Only today because I am new we patrol during the day. After this we will patrol at night. Night watch is from 21:00-7:00hrs. This time is when everything pops off. Rapes, Crimes, and the likes. Those things use to be in check when the Hellion was young. Now that he is old and careless, nothing is in check. Many rumors are said that he will probably be overthrown and a new Hellion will reign in his place.


Junai decide we would walk there. Kabukicho is about one mile away. Before we left the station, Junai checked in with the Captain Inspector. Telling him our objectives and how we will patrol today but tomorrow we will patrol at our regular hours. The Captain Inspector was an old guy name Mashiro Kanoyagi. He was knonw for his toughness with the dogs of Ward 11. But he was the best. And the best were here in this section.


We left the station and began walking. Hunter didn't speak very much. She wasn't like most woman I have met. Not chatty, which I find different. Its a nice change though. We are not issued guns. Though we practice with them in the stations, guns are outlawed in Tokyo. After the war the government did a through search of all the guns. From statistics there are only 1% of guns in Tokyo. Only the army are allowed to carry guns. So Junai and I wear the dog tags, the collar to protect again a knife cut to the next, protective gloves, a standard issue baton, and 3 knives in sheaves. Of course Junai has more because of her rank.


After 20 minutes of walking we get there. Kabukicho District.


“This should be a walk in the part.” Hunter comments.


We walk into the district. Everyone seem to stop what the are doing and watch us walk. Hunter does not seem phased by this. In fact she said Good Morning to every she walks pass. She stops at a Teriyaki Chicken seller and kisses the old lady behind the cart. I know Mrs. Shinji but she always forgets me. Old timer's.....or is it Alzheimer's.


“Juni! What are you doing patrolling here this morning.”


“I'm training the puppy. His name is Park.


“Puppy Park eh. I knew a woman name Park. She was a nice woman. She died before the war. She had a boy who should be about your age.”


“Its me Mrs Shinji. Choi?”


“Oh Lordy my eyes aren't so good. So you joined the Dogs. Stick with Juni here and things will always go right.”


Juni...I mean Hunter, smiled and bid a good day to the old lady.


We walked on in silence until she said,


“Puppy. What do you see?”


I looked closely. Then I caught it. A pickpocket. I got out my baton, but very quickly Hunter took it from me put my Baton back into its holder.


“First, the victim is rich. See his clothing. He didn't get it here in the Grime, so he can afford to lose some dough. Second, the pickpocket is a child. Third, you don't want to be in front of a Judge unless you have to. And Forth, That was you six years ago. Dont forget it.”


What she said hurt worst than if she slapped me. She was so soft spoken with her rebuke but it hit home. I wish I had understood that before.


“That is why you train with Senior Officers. Mistakes are understandable.”


We walked on Fabuki street. While on it we passes Sakura street. It was guarded by two men. Both had swords and knives. The road they guarded had cherry blossom tree lined up on each side until you get to a Pagoda house. This had no place being in the Grime.


“Good Morning, Jack? Anaki?” Hunter said.


They both just gruffed. They seemed to have respect for her.


“This is the road of Hellion. Do not go in unless you are with me. You will not get out.”


“I understand Hunter.”


She smiled. The thing about her is, she is in the most dangerous district and she smiles. Its so unnerving. Why is she so happy?


She looked ahead.


“Puppy what do you see?”


“A man in his 30's, 5'9, drunk, beating a woman.”


“We don't like getting into domestic affairs. But since they made the affair public, they are disturbing his majesty's peace. Puppy fetch.”


I run to the scene. The woman's face is bleeding now.


“Stop in his Majesty's name.”


The drunk man looked at me.


“Dis isssh my wifessh and sssshee sheating on me!” he yelled.


I hit him in the head with my baton. There is a certain part of the head you hit to knock them out. He fell on the ground. I heard in the background a whistle. Taking out my hand cuff, I cuffed his arms and waited for help. Two men came and took him away. They also gave me a new pair of cuffs.


“Good job puppy.” Hunter said with a smile.


We finished our patrol and got some food for lunch. We did another round before the end of our shift. As we walked we passed Hellion's court. The black man, Jack came up to Hunter.


“His majesty wants to speak with you.”


“He will have to wait until tomorrow. Me and the Puppy will be here for night watch.” Hunter said.


He stared at her for a span of seconds until he yielded. How does she do that? As we walked on I had to ask.


“Ma'am. How do you control people as easily as you do? How do you smile all the time and still have the respect?”


Hunter smiled.


“Well its nice to see that you do talk. I started here when I was a pup like you. I have patrolled her for a long time so the people know me. You will understand the longer you are here.”


We finished our round and reported to the next Dog's rolling in. After that we walked back to the station.


“Ok Puppy. Today was easy. Tomorrow night, not so easy. If you follow my directions everything will be fine. Now on Night-shift we have three Dogs instead of two. I believe Marques Orion will be joining us. His partner retired so unless things change, and they can, he will be with us. Goodnight.”


I said goodbye and walked away. I went into the station to sign in, then I left and got into my car. I am very nervous what tomorrow will bring me. I have heard of Marques Orion. He is an officer who places both sides of the law sometimes. But because he is just as good as Hunter, they haven't gotten rid of him.

[Black Waltz No. 3]

I'm super glad you decided to post some of your stuff. It seems pretty interesting, and I'm looking forward to more chapters being posted. First person is something that tends to pose a challenge, and the way you do it is interesting.

The way you space out everything in single sentences and small paragraphs makes things seem very fast-paced and frantic. Do you usually write like that or did you just do it in this particular piece to achieve that mood?

As far as criticism goes, there are a lot of small spelling/grammar mistakes peppered through. Do you proofread? The best solution would probably be to see if you can get someone to proofread it for you. Trust me, another person will catch way more of your mistakes then you ever will. I don't know how many times it's taken a friend to point out some really boneheaded mistakes in my own stuff.

The first chapter's enough to get me interested, so be sure to give us some more soon!

[Harsh]

You know.. You haven't been writing recently.. :[
I think you stopped at chapter 3 or 4 in your xanga.. Why did you stop writing! :[

[Daesy]

I've been super busy. Imma try to get it in before the weekened is out.

[Daesy]

Note: Comments are appreciated and encouraged. Even if its to say, that its not that good.



Chapter 2


I woke up the next morning in my flat. I live in Ward 11, near the station. . My Lord the Commissioner was strongly objecting to me living in Kabukicho. Since I am his foster son, I had to obey. This place is pretty decent. Much better than where I lived in Kabukicho.


Every morning I go on my balcony and exercise. I do kicks, grabs, punches, and anything else that is needed. I have to stay limber for Night Watch. As Dog Hunter said, “Its harder and more challenging at night.


I have to admit I am excited. The one thing I look forward to is visiting the Hellion. I have walked passed Sakura Street so many times. Two men where always guarding the street. I never understood that in all the muck of the Grime, this place, in the middle of hell, was guard and even could be called beautiful, if you were a tourist. I researched last night about Hellion's Court. He sits like a king, like his Majesty himself, and judges the poor. The government needs him, since they don't want to deal with the poor. As long as he pays his bribe to the Dogs, he stays in power. Since Hunter does not take bribes from business, she only takes from His Majesty Hellion. I also learned that Hellion is just a title. The current Hellion's real name is Kyo Maasako. I had called a friend to get more info on him. All I got was that he was extremely greedy and he will be overthrown soon, possibly.


My flat is complexed into four. Three units are empty. I'm sure that won't last long. I like the quiet though. The neighbors I had next to me couldn't keep there love making silent. I believe she was a doxy. She always asked me when her husband was gone to have a cup of tea with her. I...gladly declined. The people below me fought all the time. It was hard to get some sleep.


I decided to run errands. Paying the land lord, getting some food to eat, send off letters to the Commissioner. I decided to visit him on my day off.


As I walk I see the conditions my countrymen are in. If the Hellion would do his job, things would be a little better. Coming to the slavers market, I see a man selling his wife to pay off his debt. How can a man do that, I have to ask myself. I want to be the change. But how can I change something when I am just one person?
(~)


Evening comes and I get ready for my shift. I did all the research possible. The thing I am nervous about is Marques Orion. From what many say, he is an asshole. I will deal with it though. No one said this would be easy.


I leave my flat and walk to the station. As I walk there the nightlife of the Grime because prominent. The lights are attractive and bright like many colors on a Christmas tree.


As I walk into the station my heart pounds. I have to calm myself down. We always fear the unknown. I get to Dog Hunter's desk and she is there typing on a computer.


“Puppy Park have a seat. We will start in a few minutes.” she says with a smile.


I sit down again look at my surroundings. I always try to observe everything. You never know when a knife of an assassin, or the sword of a killer might come into play, even in a station.


“Nice of you to join us Orion. This is puppy Park.”


I stood up and turned to face him. He was about 5'8 all muscle, black man. He looked like a bad ass. He had on a black muscle shirt and black slacks. He had a black trench coat as well. He looked like something that step out the Matrix.


“So this is the whelp.” he said with a smirk.


Hunter looked up from her typing.


“Not on my watch Orion. Insult him on your own time.” She said it like she was asking him what did he want to order on the menu.


Orion mumbled. Hunter stared at him until he said,


“Yes Ma'am.”


She didn't even look upset. She finished her typing and turned off the computer.


“Time to get started.”


(~)


We made it to Kabukicho. It's so different at night. Sellers were distributing there wares. Doxy selling themselves. Swindlers trying to trick a simpleton into buy something.


“Alot of what goes on here, we allow, puppy. They aren't harming anyone or disturbing His Majesty's peace. It's hard to let things happen especially when your conscience tell you its wrong.” Hunter said


“That why many of us have no conscience.” Orion said.


I never want to be that way. To not care is not to be human.


Orion was sniffing.


“Do I smell what I think I smell?”


I sniffed as well. Other than urine and other ungodly smells I didn;t smell anything.


“Mrs Shinji's Teriyaki Chicken. Make way!” Orion said.


She did make the best in the world. At night she made steak, chicken, rat, sushi. You name it she probably makes it. She also made pastries on Sundays.


We walked to her booth and talked with her.


“Hi Grandmother.” Hunter said.


“Well this is more like it. I'm use to you being here at night”


“Mrs Shinji, I want to Teriyaki Chicken and three steaks.” Orion said.


“See here boy. Where are your manner?”


Orion was embarrassed.


“I'm sorry, Soba. How are you this evening?”


The old lady smiled.


“That's better. I'm doing very well.”


She picked up some tissue paper and put the steak and chicken. Wrapping them up she handed it to Orion.


“No charge. So what do you two want. I know your here to take information out of me.”


“Not today Grandmother. We just started our rounds.”


Mrs Shinji handed Hunter some chicken. Then she got some steak and handed it to me.


“So Choi. How do you like being a Dog?”


“I'm still a Puppy.”


“You won't be forever. Come back when you need to.”


We all said our goodbye and headed on a round.


“Ok puppy. We are about to go into Hellion's court. You know the rules?”


“Yes Ma'am.”


“Stay out of the way.” Orion said with gruff. He obviously didn't like me.


We were on Fabuki street when we stopped in front of Sakura street. Hunter walked into the guards. The moved aside and let her and Orion pass. Me, they didn't.


“He's with me.” Hunter said.


“We don't know him.” Aniki said.


“Fine. I won't talk to His Majesty.” Hunter said.


They looked at each other and moved aside. We walked down the road.


“This is called the silk road.” Hunter informed me.


We walked until we got to the Pagoda.


“Stay sharp.” Orion said.


The video camara looked at up. Hunter looked up at it and smiled. God she was creepy. I have been try to think of who she reminded me of, and it hit me. She reminds me of Retsu Unohana from the anime Bleach. She is a polite woman but scares people shitless.


The doors opened and we are let in. It's dark at first. Then I look and see ahead of me. Just like a King's court there are people on either said of the room. Dangerous looking people. There is a bar on the right and tables. On the left are men playing dice, sword fights and prostitution. In the middle is a carpet of great value leading to a shear curtain. Behind the curtain is his Majesty, the Hellion.


Everyone stops what they are doing when they see us.


“Carry on. I'm not here on official business.” Hunter says.


Everyone continues on. A effeminate looking man come up to Hunter and says Hellion will receive her soon. Hunter rolled her eyes and walked to the bar.


“I've never seen you here before. Are you looking for a good time?”


The voice came from a woman, blonde with blue eyes. She was thin and very scantily clothed.


“Hey. Go sell yourself somewhere else.” Orion said.


She looked at him with anger.


“I can handle you.” she said with sauciness.


“I like my woman with some meat on her bones. Blondes are not my thing. Carry on.”


She walked off. Not with out saying obscenities under her breath.


“Come Puppy.” Orion said.


I followed him to the table Hunter was sitting at.


“Ello Ello. Look what we have here? New subjects.” Orion said


She was looking in the direction of the three who were obviously together. The man in the group had brown hair. He was not Japanese. He was Caucasian. His eyes where green. He had a sword and a few knives. He eyes where full of mischief. He was wearing a dark green shirt and black pants He looked over our way. He seem to look directly at Hunter.


The woman on his left was Asian. In fact I believe she was Korean. Her eyes were a purple. Her hair was pulled back and held by a chopstick. She had on a white blouse, and some dark brown pants. She had metal gauntlets, knee guards and elbow guards that where metal. My assumption was she was good with close quarters. She was doing something with her hands. Now, I have heard of people who have the gift of magic, but I have never seen on. This woman had it. My mother had told me when I was younger that I had the gift of seeing it. I saw it. It purple like her eyes.


The woman on his right was in black. She had knives galore. She could have been a walking shop. She had three swords. The one on her left hip was a straight edge katana. The one on her back was the same type was her left hip. The one on her right was a samurai sword. Her hair was long and black. Her skin tone was a medium brown. She had a piece of black cloth over her eyes. How could she see?


“His majesty will see you now?” The effeminate man said.


“Puppy stay. Stay out of trouble. We will be back.”


They left. I watched them go in they went into another room with his Majesty.


I was ok until I saw two big men come and sit with me.


“So you didn't want Fran's services.” one said.


I felt a sharp pain in the back of my head. Someone hit me hard. I assume Fran was the blond.


“You're Dog can't protect you now, Whelp!”


The man talking punched me in the face. I fell on the floor in agony. They all started to kick me. I took it until they stopped. I kicked one in the shin. He bended over and I kicked his face. I heard the sound of knives being unsheathed. This was about to get ugly. I stood up and tried to back away from them. Three men turned into seven. Suddenly out of nowhere a sword blocked them from coming at me. The woman in black was between me and them.


“That is quite enough.” she said. Her voice was exasperated.


“You have nothing to do with this, Wench.” the man leading the brawl said.


“Wench?” she asked.


The man leading the brawl came toward her. She swung her sword so fast I couldn't keep up. He stopped and his clothes fell of. She cut all the main seams in his clothing. To top it she had that thing over her eyes. She did everything like she could see. The other woman spoke up, next to the man spoke..


“Anyone else want to tangle. You are ruining his majesty's relationship with the Dogs by messing there puppy about.”


No one moved forward. The woman in black turned and gave me a hand. I didnt even know I was on the ground. I took her hand and she helped me up. She smiled. She had a very nice smile.


“I am Taeko. The woman over there is Eumie and the man is Ryuko.”


She lead me over to her friends.


“Hold still.” Eumie said. She did something with her hands. The magic flowed over me so that I wans't in as much pain.


Ryuko outreached his hand. I took it. I guess I need some friends in the criminal area.


“Be careful. This Den is pretty crooked. What is your name Puppy?”


“Choi.”


“Ryuko. Eumie, Taeko. We are actually new here. We arrived from Osaka.”


I was puzzled.


“Why are you here?”


He grinned. His eyes seem to change colors from green to blue.


“To see who will become the new Hellion. He lost power in Osaka.”


Though the Court of Hellion is based in Tokyo. He has courts in all of Japan.


“You use magic?” I asked Eumie.


“Very little. I would be classified as a hedge witch.”


“No. You would be classified as a magi. I see your magic.” I insisted.


“Eumie is special. That's all you need to know.” Ryuko said. “Your Dog's are back. You will see us again.”


“Thank for your help Taeko.” I said. I saw my Dogs and exited with them.
(~)


It was after 5:00hrs. We stopped two thieves, four rapes, and an arsonists. We stopped at a tavern called Mizuki's. After ordering and getting our table, we went over what happened during out shift.


“Well his Majesty is afraid for his life.” Hunter said.


“There is nothing we can do. But since he said he will increase his bribes by 20% we have to help in some way.” Orion commented.


“Did you find out who those three are?” Hunter asked.


“They are from Osaka. The man's name is Ryuko. The woman's names are Taeko and Eumie. I don't know what Ryuko does, but Taeko is a master swords woman. She saved me from a brawl. Eumie is obviously good with Close Quarters. She's also a Kisai.”


“A Magi. How do you know?” Orion asked suspiciously.


“I can see it sometimes.”


“Ridiculous!” Orion yelled.


“It's true, she is. I know them.” Hunter said.


“What? You know them?” Orion asked.


“Yes. Before I became a Dog I was on the other side of the law. Very good puppy. You earned your meal.”


I made a mental note to research more about Junai Hunter. She was more than she seemed. We finished out meal and went on last rounds. By this time people are tired of committing crimes and are off to bed. Other than a pickpocket the rest of the watch was quiet. At the end we gave report to morning shift. We walked back to the station and signed in.


“Ok puppy. Good work. See you tomorrow night.”

[Daesy]

Chapter 3




I did research last night. Junai was a deuce in Osaka. That explains why she know Ryuko, Taeko and Eumie. She spent some time in jail as well. When she came out she became a dog. She has a lot of birdies in the Grime.


The trio from Osaka intrigued me as well. Eumie and her magic. Taeko and her swords. Ryuko who must have been so good that he didn't need to do anything. I would bet mine whole paycheck that they were here to start discord in the Court of Hellion. And the one to lead them would be Ryuko. I wouldn't be surprised if he was going for the crown himself. He strikes me as ambitious. I tried to find out what I could about them. They don't show up in the system.


At noon, as I left my flat, I saw movers and my landlord. I guess I have neighbors now. Going to my landlord, he smiles a big grin.


“All three spot are filled. The god's smiles upon me.” His eyes glitter as you can see him counting the money in his head.


“Who are they?” I ask


“Some kids from Osaka.”


Could it be? No. No way would they be here. Sure enough if I was a betting man I would be out of money.


“Now look dono, we will only pay 100 a month each. No more. This place is a dump as it is.” Eumie said.


“Now see here, haka. We agreed to 200 each.”


“No we did not. You said it we didn't. Either accept it or we will find somewhere else to nest.”


My greedy landlord sighed and gave in. Eumie smiled. Her hair was down today. Came to her lower back. She had a blond streak was at the nape of her hair She was wearing a interesting clothing. Her shirt had belt buckles all over., and her gray pants with black boots. She looked at me and said,


“Hey little Puppy. We were lucky to find this place. And to be near you. Care to join us for breakfast.”


“I would like to but I have errand.”


“Now I will not take a no for an answer. Besides it would take an idiot to not know that you are interested in who we are. Lemme guess. You researched and didn't find us anywhere.”


She stopped and yelled at the movers.


“Be careful with that or Taeko will skin you alive!”


Turning back to me she smiled. I decided why not. Might as well get to know them.


“We can eat in Taeko's apartment. She is right next to yours. Come on.”


I followed her to Taeko's flat. She opened the door and we walked in. Ryuko was sitting casually on the floor. In front of him was grilled fish, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), onsen tamago, tsukemono pickles, seasoned nori (dried seaweed), and natto. Taeko was just coming into the room from her private rooms. She was wearing a dress this morning. The cloth that covered her eyes matched her dress, with was lavender. She fascinated me for some reason.


“Come join us Puppy, Your Dog wont mind you loitering here.” Ryuko said, gesturing me to join. I closed the door and sat down with them. Taeko handed me a bowl of rice. How does she do that? Ryuko began to tell them about how Tokyo was interesting and some of the sites he had seen. He especially noted how different it is from Osaka.


“So Puppy? You have any questions? About us or the Hellion? I'm sure Juni haven't told you anything about us.” Eumie said.


So my suspicions about my Dog's connection to the was correct.


“What is your purpose in being here?” I asked.


Ryuko smiled. His eyes twinkled.


“To observe. The Hellion's power is gone from Osaka. We were sent to see what was the problem. From observations, he seem to be a spineless twit.”


“And you being here to maybe become the next Hellion never crossed your mind? Or yours Eumie? Taeko?”


“I couldn't. I don't give orders well.” Taeko said thoughtfully.


“One can dream.” Eumie said looking into the ceiling as if she saw the stars.


“Taeko. It might be rude of me but how-?”


“I have 20/6 vision. That's equivalent to eagle vision. It hurts my eyes so bad. So I wear this cloth. I have a gift of sensing things.”


“Actually she does not fight up to par with it on. If she fights without it, Even I can't beat her. It's too bad.” Ryuko explained.


I took this all into mind. I notice Eumie moving her hands.


“Promise us this Puppy. We have told you about us. You will keep these details to yourself.” Taeko said.


“Of course.” I said. Probably too fast.


Eumie threw her magic on me. It stung.


“What the hell?”


“Just to ensure you keep your promise.”


(~)
I finished eating with them and they left to do work. I learned that Eumie and Ryuko worked for the chiefs of Hellion's Court. Eumie worked for Aki. He controlled some of half of the Grime. Ryuko worked for Gretchen who controlled the other half. Taeko was not chosen. Probably because of her actions on my behalf. Frankly she was better than anyone in that fake royal court. I wouldn't tell my Dogs this. I don't want Eumie's magic to kill me.


I decided to go to work early. I remember I need to file a report, anyway, of last nights events. Also Hunter wanted me to meet the different Puppies of the station. She said that camaraderie is essential to survive. I don't see how, but she is my Dog. She would know. I walked into the station. Everyone is gathered together, and someone is talking. This get my attention. Walking over, I see my Hunter. She spots me and gestures to come by her.


“Shintaro, the Lt. of this station is reporting some findings found today.”


“Is it serious.”


“Shintaro never is seen let alone speak unless the situation is dire.”


I nodded and turned my attention back on Shintaro.


“There has been a string of missing persons in Kabukicho.”


“Taro. There are missing persons all the time in the deep Grime.” a Senor Dog stated.


“This is different. These are girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 25. Last year we noticed but didn't acknowledge it. Normally the Hellion can handle it. Now we see the Hellion can't keep handle his own life. Last year there was 20 cases. This year is up to 60 and the year is not over.”


There were some silent prayers, some swears, and sighing.


“What are the characteristics of these case. What do the victims say?” Hunter asks


“The five victims that have came forward said that there child/husband/wife is taken away, they get a note that says they have seven days to come up with the money. If they pay the victim lives. If they don't the victim dies. One victim who moved to Osaka right after it happened said that the kidnapper looked like Sadako from the Ring.”


This caused and uproar.


“Ridiculous!”


“This is madness”


“The victim lost their mind.”


Shintaro looked annoyed.


“Will you all please be quiet!” he yelled.


Everyone went silent. He took deep breath and straighten his toupee.


“Now from what we can see, its only happening in Kabukicho. Thank Buddha for that. So the Dog's of the Kabukicho; Hunter, Orion, Kaziwagi, Aquino, Kenji, and Satoru, and with your Puppies; Park, Nobu, and Andrea keep and ear out. Hunter. Talk to the Hellion. We gave him power to keep the poor in check. Obviously he cant do it. In your report last night. The three from Osaka. Find out if they know anything.”


“Puppy Park would probably know the best. They are his neighbors now.” Hunter said.


How the hell did she know that?


“Puppy Park?!”


“Sir.”


"Do you think they're ambitious to become Hellion?”


Hunter interrupted.


“I can answer that sir. They are not. I know them. They are just foolhardy for an adventure.”


She lied. She lied right there on the spot.


“Very well. Any questions? Comments? Dismissed.”


Everyone dispersed. I followed my Dog back to her desk. She was typing on her computer.


“Yes, Puppy Park.”


I had to choose my words carefully.


“Do you really believe that Ryuko wont go for the Hellion crown?”


She looked up at me and smiled. Then she went back to her work. Creepy. I decided to sit at her desk and wait. Some officers came around.


“Puppy Park. This is Kendra Andrea , and Miko Nobu. They are Puppies as well.” Junai said. She didn't look up from her work.


“Its nice to meet you.” I said.


Kendra smiled. She was a flirt. It was obvious. She had her long hair pulled back in a tight bun. She was about 5'6 with olive skin. If I could guess she was Italian. Miko Nobu was Japanese. He looked to be 5'9. He had a boyish face. If I were a betting man, I would wager he won't last long. But the Vixen's scales never seem to weight in my favor.


“Its nice to meet you.” Andrea said.


“Konichiwa.” Nobu said.


“Park. We have an hour before the watch starts. Get to know your fellow Puppies.”


I didn't want to. I wanted to talk to her more. But who am I to disobey, Hunter. I stood up and walked with them.


“So Park, how old are you?” Andrea asked.


I had to refrain from rolling my eyes.


“19.” I replied.


“I'm 18 and Nobu is 21.”


“What did you think of Hellion's court?” Nobu asked.


“I almost lost my head in there. If it wasn't for the Three from Osaka, I would have.”


“Yes. They are an interesting group.” Nobu said.


“I have to run to the bathroom. Be back!” Andrea said. She took off.


“Before she comes back I will give you some information.” Nobu said.


I knew I like this guy. His head seem to be at the task at hand.


“Spill..”


“Do you know why Dog Hunter knows those three from Osaka?”


“No. But I have been dying to know why.” I admitted.


Nobu looked serious.


“She use to be, the leader, Ryuko's lover. I haven't met the man but I hear he is charismatic.”


“He is. He could talk his way out of being gaffed (arrested).”


“She outright lied to the Lt. Everyone knew that. I want to meet this Ryuko and his crew.”


I could kiss Hunter for telling me to make friends with Puppies.


“Tomorrow. Come to my flat on the pretense of eating breakfast. One of them Eunie is a Kashi. Don't bring Kendra.”


“I have to, she runs with me. She might seem stupid but she's smart when the situation calls.. Also Alex Rodriquez. He is a Dog outside that work's outside of Kabukicho, but he's trustworthy. He just got promoted to full Dog.”


“How do you know about my Dog?”


Nobu smiled. He looked much younger than he was.


“My Dog is sleeping with yours.”
(~)


We went on patrol. Nobu gave me much to think about. I am grateful and will give a pray to the Vixen for the gift she dropped in my lap. I will also thank the Trickster for his hand in it. Which Dog was Hunter sleeping with? Aquino was married and Kaziwagi walked on the other side of the line. It really didn't matter. What I needed to know was what was Orion's story. This Sadako case as it was called, didn't sit right with me either. Once I have all the pieces I will solve the puzzle.


Orion was still a jerk but I could ignore his insults. We passed the Hellion on patrol but didn't go in. On Shigure street Hunter finally spoke.


“Do you see that house there?”


I looked and saw a very elaborate house. 11 stories, and it looked to be American made. Because the buildings in Kabukicho are tall and crammed with people, this house could barely blend in. There was a sign outside that said, '石鹸の土地'


“Castile Earth.” I roughly translated..


“This is the biggest and most expensive whore house in Tokyo. It is owned by Ralph Milano aka Big Puma. The rich will leave the upper Ward to come here. Any perverted want is fulfilled her. Also he has a partnership with the Hellion. He is also the most hated man in Kabukicho. He is Italian and part of the Mafioso. Be warned not to go in there unless you are with me. Tomorrow is our day off. We will go there and talk to him about these Sadako cases. He hires from 9-50 for men and 7-55 for women. His best is Luserda Montgomery. She is a black woman from America.”


“I have been in there once. I didn't want to leave.” Orion admitted.


I wrote a mental note about this.


“Puppy what do you see?” Hunter asked. I looked saw a man with a knife coming out of an alley. He had blood on his hands and the knife.


“Puppy fetch!” Hunter said.


I ran after him. He looked at me and took off. As I ran, I cased him. Black, 5'7 170 lbs. Mostly muscle. I chased him for a good 5 minutes. I jumped up on a garbage can and with the grace I was taught, I jumped off and almost caught him. I landed on the ground and slipped. I fell right on my ass. People who were watching looked and said, “Slime Puppy!” I looked at what I slipped on. Oil. I tried to get up but I kept slipping and fell again. My face burned red as I tried to stand. Finally made it and slowly walked away from it. I looked saw Hunter with the hannin. Orion was laughing and yelling Slime Puppy. I hate that man. I limped over and Hunter smiled. But I could tell she wasn't happy. Two men, came with the Dog Cage and took the man away. The watch was over.


“No more showing off. Showing off get's you killed. Go home Park. Meet me at the station tomorrow at 15:00hr.”


I was so ashamed of myself.


“Yes Ma'am I mumbled.”

[Daesy]

Everyone is more than welcomed to comment. Don't be shy.

[Fuyumine]

Wow... these are pretty interesting!

Fun fact: coincidentally "Dogs of War" by Ghostface came on my playlist when I found this thread. WEEEIRD! LOL

[Daesy]

Wow... these are pretty interesting!

Fun fact: coincidentally "Dogs of War" by Ghostface came on my playlist when I found this thread. WEEEIRD! LOL

That's funny. I have it too. That seems to happen alot lately.

[Daesy]

Chapter 4


In shame I walked home. It must have spread what had happened because I heard slimepuppy everywhere I went. I am thankful Hunter will fill out the report. I couldn't face my fellow Dogs at the end of shift. I knew I was going to hear about this today. About 8:00hrs I heard Taeko coming into her apartment. I decided to sleep until noon.


I was waken up by a knock on the door. I wasn't ready to face the world. I ignored it. They kept knocking. Finally I got up and opened the door. Taeko was standing there. She had a smile on her face, She was wearing a red dress today. Her blindfold matched. Its funny how I have never seen her eyes and she is mysterious, but I have to say she is very alluring in her own way,


“Lunch is ready and you have friends here waiting to see you.”


I forgot I told Nobu to come eat with us. Suddenly Kendra showed up.


“Slimepuppy!” she yelled, smiling..


God I hate her. Nobu said she was smart. I find that hard to believe.


“That's not nice. As my informant's told me, you got lost from your dogs.” Taeko said.


Kendra had a nasty look on her face. She looked like she wanted to hit Taeko. But she also noticed the sword Taeko wore.


“I'm going to get dressed. I got an appointment at 15:00hrs..”


“Very well.” Taeko said as she walked to her flat.


Kendra was still standing there. I closed the door on her. I change into casual wear since I am off today. A white long sleeved shirt and some brown corduroy pants. I walked to her flat. We seem to have American lunch today. I saw Nobu, Kendra, Ryuko, Taeko, Eumie and another guy I didn't know.


“Choi. This is Alex Rodriquez. He is full dog. Just got his official tags last month.”


Alex had honey colored skin, brown hair that was cut short. He had a smile on his face and he looked to be a man of humor.


“Good afternoon.” I said.


I sat down next to Eumie and Kendra. Taeko handed me a sandwich and some chips. She gave me a bottled water which I accepted with thanks.


“So. Your Dogs wont be mad at you hanging with Hellion's dog's?” Ryuko asked


“We called this a learning experience. For when the time comes.” Alex said.


When the time comes for Ryuko to take his place as Hellion.


“Why do you wear that thing over your eyes?” Kendra asked rudely.


“Kendra. Be quite and stop being rude.” Nobu said.


Ryuko smiled. He leaned close to Kendra.


“Be nice to her luv. She can do dangerous things with those swords. She's not cuddly like me.”


Eumie laughed.


“You're a liar.”


“Perhaps.”


We all eat and talked about the economy and how the Hellion's power was weakening.


“That Italian, Big Puma came into the Court last night.” Ryuko said.


This is interesting.


“What happened?” Kendra asked.


“He had a heated discussion with his Majesty. He walked out upset.” Eumie said.


“I have never been to the Castile.” Nobu said.


“He liked exotic girls and boys. He offered Taeko a job there.” Eumie explained.“If Hellion loses friendship with big Puma, he won't have any alliances.”


“Speaking of girls and boys, we had a meeting yesterday.” Nobu began. “We are looking for a string of cases where girls and boys 13-25 are being kidnapped. Have you heard anything about that?”


Ryuko shook his head.


“Has anyone told the Hellion?” Taeko asked.


“He can't protect his own life. We have to find the kidnapper.” Nobu said.


“Any characteristics? Patterns?” Eumie asked.


Nobu looked at me. I looked at Alex.


“Its classified, but I will take responsibility for telling you. The kidnapper asked for a sum of money. If the pay the victim lives. If the don't the victim dies. The last victim was so traumatized that the family moved to Osaka. I asked her questions. All she said is they kept a black bag over her head. They took it off once and she came face to face.....with Sadako of the Ring.”


“What? The “Seven Days” girl. The “Imma come out of the well and scare you shiteless.” Eumie asked.


“Yes. If you know or hear anything, please pass it on. Last year it was 40 cases. This year its up to 60, and the year isn't over.” I said.


“I will personally keep an ear out.” Taeko said.


“We all will.” Ryuko said.
(~)


We finished lunch. Ryuko and Eumie left for the court of Hellion. Taeko left to do laundry for all of them. She offered to do mines as well. As much as I wanted to, I declined. How degrading to be so good at what she does to be reduced to laundress.


“I don't mind. I really like it. It makes me feel good.” she said in that sweet voice of hers.


Kendra and Alex left. Alex thanked our host. Kendra did not. Nobu spoke to me before he left.


“They would be good allies inside.”


“They are.” I said. “What do you think of Ryuko?”


Nobu chuckled. He was the serious type so him making any expression is shocking. He began to walk away. He shouted,“I have my idealizations but we will see.”




I looked at my clock and decided to leave for the station to meet Hunter. I grabbed my brown coat and left. I decided to take the ridicule. If people called me slimepuppy, I would ignore it. The walk was quiet. But it was early yet. I was happy it was my day off. But technically it's not.


Finally I made it to the station. Luckily, Hunter was outside the station, She sitting on the steps reading a book. The book was the House of Night Series, Marked. She was wearing a silk silver and gray and black shirt. She had a black coat over it. Her pants were silver as well. Her short her was done in a funky hairstyle. The only thing that gave her away of being a Dog was the way she was observing her surroundings even though she was reading. She saw me and smiled.


“Puppy Choi. Let me finished this page.”


I sat next to her at a comfortable distance. She was reading intensely. A Dog was coming down the steps. He saw me and laughed.


“Slimepuppy!” he yelled. I decided to ignore him. He was descending on Hunters side. She quickly stuck her foot out and made him trip down the stair. She was very fast. In fact, it reminded me of Taeko when she saved me. Inhumanely fast. He tumbled down the steps. I willed myself not to laugh. He landed on the bottom of the steps. He got up and ad his baton out. He stopped when he saw it was Hunter.


“What is your name Dog?”


“Dog Darren Williams, Ma'am”


“Dog Darren Williams. My Puppy didn't laugh at you for falling. He has more honor than you.” she said. She spoke loud enough for others to hear. She looked down and continued to read her book. Dog William walked away but not without feeling shame.


“So how is it to have the three up and coming criminals as neighbors.”


“Very interesting.” I said.


“Of all the Dogs I have trained, you are the most...different. It's not a bad thing. There are a few things I wish you did more of that you don't do. But you are always observant, watchful, and curious. I see the wheels turning in our head.”


“What do I need to work on?” I asked.


“Now that would be telling.” Hunter answered. “You have to figure it out. If you don't you will never make it and the Dogs will never trust you.”


She closed her book and stood up.


“Lets go.”


We walked to Kabukicho.


“So what have you learned from the three from Osaka?”


Remembering Eumie's threat, made me yield from saying too much.


“Just that they are here to see what is going to happen.”


Hunter chuckled.


“You and I have the same problem.”


“What is that?”


She stopped and looked me in the eye.


“We don't trust each other.”


Her stare was intense. It made me swallow my gum again. She smiled and kept walking. No matter how many times she does that, it creeps me out.


We get to Kabukicho. Mrs Shinji is not at her booth, but her daughter, Reiko was as kind as her mother. She was very attractive when she was young, but her younger brother's stupidity made half her face scared. Still she was a pleasant woman.


“Choi! Junai! Over here.” she called.


We walked over. She smiled and turned her food, which happened to be steak.


“Teriyaki, or American BBQ. We got this all the was from America.”


Hunter smiled.


“We have some business but maybe on the way back.”


“Come by anytime.” she said pleasantly.
We walked on until we got to Castile Earth.


“Before we go in, remember to stay with me. Not just for your protection, but mine as well.”


“Yes ma'am.” I said.


We went up the steps to the porch. There were two men there. Both were big black men in suits. They weren't there last time we came by.


“I have an appointment with Mr Milano.” Hunter said.


“Who want to see Big Puma?”


“Hunter. Dog Hunter. This is Dog Park.


Both men chuckled.


“Dog Park. Nice name.” one said.


“So happy you are amused. Don't waste my time.” Hunter said. Her face was the most serious I have ever seen it.


They step aside and opened the door. We walked in to a foyer. The room was painted black, but the furniture was white. There were pictures of sexual acts on the wall. No one was there except a woman who walked over. She wore her kimono loosely so the it fell below her shoulder. Her black hair loosely geisha-like, and he shoes were Japanese clogs.


“Hi Junai. Who is the sexy man behind you?” she said.


“He's a Puppy, Chiyo. Be nice.” Hunter said.


I was being inspected by Chiyo's critical eye.


“He's nothing especially different. But his lips are full, and pink. That is what saves him.”


“Chiyo I got an appointment with Big Puma.”


“Okay. He's in a bad mood. There is this girl who hang's out in the Court of Hellion. He wants her bad. She wear a blindfold over her eyes. But her shape and skin color would bring customers. She refused. He sent men to get her, with persuasion like. She sent them back wounded.” Chiyo said. She covered her mouth with a long sleeve of her robe and chuckled.


Junai had a smile on her face. I personally can't believe he would just try to take her by force. He can't do that. Not to Taeko.


“What is this?!” a voice said.


I looked at Junai's face. There was a hint of anger but quickly replaced with niceness. The voice came from a big man. He was 6 ft, in his 50's, 300 lbs of fat. He had a robe on with slippers. His hair was black and slicked back. His robe was open exposing himself.


“I made an appoint with you.” Junai said.


“Really. Your boyfriend watches??” he asked. He smiled exposing some gold teeth.


Junai pulled out her badge.


“You think that scared me. You pussy ass police force don't scare me. I got a lot of help inside and outside this country.”


Junai smiled.


“I know you are not scare of the Dogs. But you are scared of me. You know what I am capable of. Ask your friend George Barton.”


GB. He was in arms. Any weapon you wanted, he had it. He, Big Puma, and Hellion, were the big three of Tokyo. GB had threaten Hunter when she had busted his operation. Let's just say they still haven't found his body.


“Step into my office.” he said.


We followed him up the grand staircase. Up at the top were rooms like a hotel hall way. Very lavished and decked out, tastefully. This was like a 5 star whore house. Outside of unoccupied rooms were the whore themselves. They were in the 20-30 ranges. All sorts of skin colors, genders, and ethnicity.


“The farther down the hall, the more expensive. Those ones can be cut, beat and abused.” Big Puma explained.” The top floor is the youngest whores. They are the most expensive here. Most of them are virgins. The virginity comes at a very high price. You wouldn't believe the sick fucks that come in her for a 7 year old. But if it makes money. You have a preference Park? I got whatever you want. I even have some bulls and goats for the sickest and perverted person.”


“Stop being a salesman. We are here on business.” Hunter said.


Big Puma laughed. We walked down that long hallway. I was constantly being grabbed, grinded and molested on by men and woman. They didn't touch Hunter. Maybe it was a respect thing. I could see how Orion almost didn't make it out. As we got to the end of the halls we heard screams and sounds of someone getting beaten.


“I don't need to check you on the children upstairs do I?” Hunter asked.


“I have some standard Hunter.” Big Puma grumbled.


We got to his office and he let us in. He sat at his desk and we sat across from him.


“Look. We have cases where people between the ages of 13-25 have been kidnapped for money. The abductor leave a note of ransom. Do you know anything about this?”


“Hunter. Everyone who works here was sold or gave themselves willingly. And the age gap in your victims is wide.” Big Puma was getting agitated.


“Do know anyone who might know?” Hunter asked.


He stared at her for a moment.


“I would start in the Hellion. I will give you information if I ever get any.”


“I would be grateful.” Hunter said


“Tokyo is my home. More than Italy. I will cooperate only with you, Hunter. You helped me out of a few jams when you were on this side of the law. I will never forget that.”


“We will see our way out.” Hunter stood up. “By the way. The girl in the Hellion with the blindfold.”


“Do you know her? I want her. For myself.” Big Puma said.


“She is not worth your time. She can kill, and she does a good job at it. I'd leave her alone. Just a tip.”


“JUNAI!” Big Puma yelled.


He lit his cigar and puffed.


“Yes?” Hunter said. She had that creepy smile.


“There is a rumor that the three from Osaka are planning to take over the Hellion. Tell them to do business with me when they do. Me and the current Hellion are not on speaking terms.”


Junai turned and walked out. I followed her.

[Daesy]

Chapter 5


We walked out of his office and down the hall. There were many questions that went through my mind. Why did Big Puma want Taeko so badly? What favors did Junai do when she was a criminal? Will Ryuko deal with him if he becomes the Hellion? So many questions. Not many answered.


“Step off Luserda.” Hunter said.


A very beautiful black woman stood in the way. Her hair was in many braids, She was a little shorter than Hunter. Her color was a rich dark brown. She had full lips and a nice figure. But she looked very used.


“You gaffed me a month ago and you think I have forgotten?” Luserda said.


Her voice was rich and husky.


“I'll gaff you again if you don't step off. You were getting the Devil's tonic(drugs) anyway.” Hunter said.


“Luserda! Move or else.” Big Puma said from behind us.


She looked defiant, but finally she yielded. We walked pass her, and left the establishment..


“Ma'am, why does he want Taeko so bad?” I blurted out when we out of vicinity of the place


Hunter turned around.


“You care for her?” she asked.


“She saved my life. I will always appreciate it.”


She clearly didn't believe me.


“Taeko could tell you why better than I ever could.” Hunter explained.


I sighed.


“The puzzle is huger than you know. I will give you a piece of the puzzle. Luserda and Taeko are sisters.”


(~)


We walked silently through back to the station. I said goodbye to Hunter, and headed back to my flat. Its was about 18:00hrs. There was many things a man my age could do. But I was a Dog. I had a reputation to uphold. Still some nights I wish I was like my old friends. They had rich families and could do as they pleased.


Getting to my flat I decided to sit on the stairs to think. Taeko and Luserda were sisters. How? So many things I didn't understand. The puzzle was huge. So many pieces to connect. But no leads. Also Big Puma said he knew nothing about the kidnappings. Who was doing it? And Why? Also what was my neighbors up to. What were there purpose?


Finally I decided to go into my flat. As I open the door the scent hits me. Lemon citrus invaded my lungs. I turned on the lights and looked around. My flat was clean. It smelled very clean and fresh. The last time I have smelled something so fresh was when my Lord Commissioner's home. I closed the door behind me and walked to my bedroom. The bed was made, and from observing the sheets and covers and pillows were clean. There was a note on the bed. I picked it up and read it.


Choi,


I took the liberty of invading your apartment and cleaning up and laundering your clothes. Your uniform is clean and pressed, your regular clothes and clean as well as your sheets covers pillows and curtains. I also restocked you food supply.


Taeko


I smiled at her fancy handwriting. I sat on the bed. Laying down I smelled the freshness of the sheets. It brought me a memory of my family. My mother would do laundry and when she did, everything was fresh. I, at times, miss them. As I was drifting to sleep I heard mumbling. Burrowing my eyebrows in curiosity, I leaned toward the wall my bed was on. Leaning my ear to the wall I heard Ryuko and Taeko talking.


“Junai is playing a dangerous game. She is going to get herself killed. Park is just a puppy. You had to save him Taeko.” Ryuko said.


“Park has potential. Don't count Junai out. She has patrolled these streets for years.” Taeko explained.


“True. But one more thing....”


He must have walked away. He walked back because I could hear him again.


“do is your business. Just involvement with Dogs with what we have accomplished and are trying to accomplish is not feasible, and that goes double for Eumie.”


“You being in love with Juni, is not being not feasible?” Taeko asked.


“That's different. She might be a Dog but underneath she is a thief like the rest of us. I know you feel something for him but its not the best right now.”


There was silence for awhile.


“Let me explain something to you Ry. You are not my father, or my brother, or my uncle, or my husband, or my lover. You do not tell me who and what I can do. I stay out of your business. Stay out of mines.”


“I'm just saying. Its not just you, its Eumie too. You both are looking at things and flirting with things on the other side of the law. It won't work.”


“Didn't you hear what I said. Don't make me take off my blindfold Ryukoshiro.” Taeko said. She had that calm voice that Hunter uses. But she meant business.


I kept trying to hear after that but I think they left. Who is this man that Taeko is “feeling something for,” and why does it go double for Eumie? Laying back down I was thinking. Something is going on that I don't know about. I decided to get up and walked to the balcony. The beautiful night greeted me as I opened the door. The balcony is pretty big for this area. I walked and looked over the banister to look below. It was quiet tonight. That is extremely rare. My ears are graced by a guitar playing. I listened to the tune. It was the song that all of 11 Ward knew. About chasing wishes and carry on living. Again sung by Yui. I looked over and see that the guitarist is Taeko.


“Beautiful night,” I said.


She stopped playing.


“Yes it is. I apologize for invading your apartment. You had critters in there, did you know? I took care of that.”


I covered my face in embarrassment.


“Im surprised your home. You are usually gone?” she said. She was gently plucking.


“I had an errand to run with Hunter. We went to see Big Puma.”


It was dark so I couldn't see her face. She didn't seem phased.


“Did you meet Luserda?”


Interesting question.


“Yes I did actually. Big Puma mentioned you. Why?”


“A very long story Choi.”


“I don't work tonight. Or tomorrow really.”


Taeko, who was sitting on the lead, put her guitar down and came and stood next to me. She leaned on the fence. It was dark out but my eyes slightly adjusted. She sighed and began to take her blindfold off.


“There are two reasons I wear this. My vision is 20/6. The other reason is this.”


She took it off. She opened her eyes. In all my life I had never seen a person with glowing eyes. But hers glowed a brilliant green..


“Startling isn't it.” she asked.


I looked deeply into them.


“They are beautiful.”


She smiled.


“You are very polite. This is why i'm a better swordswoman without the blindfold.” then she chuckled and commented. “You look better than Eumie described.”


Coming from her it was the highest compliment I could receive.


“I was born in America. My mother died soon after my sister and I was born. It is believed we are twins. We don't look a lot alike. My fathered hated us for my mother's death. She saved us from the fire he started. I believe we were the guilt he felt. He barely fed us, barely acknowledged us. He met a woman. She was a horror, a witch. She made our lives miserable. Finally she convinced my father to sell us. We were four. He took us to the slavers market. The slaver didn't want to take us. He said he would on the condition that my father would talk to us before we were shipped off. He didn't look at us. Right before we were taken I told him.


“You sold us. You hate us. If you loved your wife you would not have sold us.”


When I said that, it was like I slapped him into reality. He wanted to buy us back but the seller said no. That was the last time I saw my father. We rode long on the voyage to Japan. My sister kept getting sick. But her resolve was to never be poor. When we made it to Japan we were a commodity to the buyers. Dark skinned attractive girls. The first day we got sold to a influential man. The initiator was a kind old woman. She told us we would have nice things but life will be hard. We were whores-in-training. We were not touch until we was 7.”


“How did you get out?” I asked.


“When I was 10 I had to entertain a customer. When he came in to my room, I began to prepare myself. He asked me if I liked this life. I told him no. He asked me if I was willing to leave this place, learn the art swords and defend myself so no man could not take me, unless I want him to. That was what I wanted. I was tired of being a whore. I was tired of being used. So that night myself and 5 other ran with him, to Osaka.”


“Your sister?”


Taeko sighed.


“She loves being a whore. I haven't seen her in 14 years. For 10 hard years I trained hard. When I turned 20 I finished training I went and became a Dog. I was good. But I was betrayed by my partner. Everyone assumed I was dead, and I left it that way. I met Ryuko, Eumie and Junai in the court of Hellion.”


“Is Ryuko here to start a war?” I asked. It was a risk to ask but it was time to take some.


“You should ask him. He would do a better job than your current one.”


We stood there in silence.


“I looked in today on the kidnappings. I have a few contacts who might be of some use. I will keep you informed,”


“Thank you..”


She sighed heavily as if she was in deep thought.


“Can I ask what you are thinking about?”


“I was thinking how lonely this life is. I saw how Junai and Ryuko was. They were in love. If Ryuko wasn't an ass they would still be together. I have never had that. I keep hope by me. That is the only way to live, is through hope. Goodnight Choi. I will see you tomorrow.”


She walked away. For once I wanted to be that love for her. She was a really amazing woman. I sighed heavily. These were the times when I wish I was smoking again.

[Daesy]

Chapter 6


I woke up the next morning very early. I noticed I was sweating and had an urge to go to the the lavatory. Getting up I walked to there and relieved myself. After washing and getting my pants on I looked out on the balcony. For some reason I was wishing she was there but she wasn't.


I walked to my door and opened it. Above the threshold I had a spare black and mild and a match for times like this. I sat on the steps, freaked it and lit up. The calm was coming back. I was able to think.


As I sat there I looked down the steps. Eumie's flat was right under minds. I heard her door open. A man walked out. I wasn't trying to be nosy. Eumie followed him, in a robe, and embraced him. They kissed for a long time. His face was obscured until he look this way. He didn't look up though. It was Nobu. I suppressed laughter. “And that goes double for Eumie” kept echoing in my mind. Nobu left and Eumie watched him off. She turned to go into her flat but then she looked up at me. She smiled, winked and walked back inside. I took a puff and smiled.


“I never get tired of that smell.” a voice said, breaking into my thoughts.


It was Taeko. I was use to her wearing a lot of clothing, but it was hot this morning already. She wearing one of those no strapped white shirts that came right above her belly. Her pants were black and baggy. Her blindfold was white today.


“I am extremely frustrated. That's when I do smoke.” I explained.


“I use to smoke. I had to stop because it was an expensive habit. Not good for a swordswoman anyway.”


We sat there not saying a word. Suddenly Ryuko came out of his flat and went to Eumie and banged on it.


“Eumie!!! I need to talk to you!” he yelled.


Taeko stood up and walked down the stairs.


“Ry don't make a scene. We have a Puppy watching.” she said calmly.


Ryuko looked at her and then at me. He looked at Eumie's door, punched it, and walked away. Taeko followed him. Quietly got up and leaned to listen.


“Do you know that....Dog stay with her the night.” Ryuko hissed.


“And...You are not her father Ry. You nerse(sex) all the time.”


“I don't care who she sleeps with, but a Dog, Taeko!”


“I was a Dog once.” Taeko said


“And got betrayed. Your lover Marcus betrayed you and left you to die. And if it wasn't for Eumie you would have been.”


Marcus? Orion? Suddenly I heard a grunt like someone got hit in the gut. I had to see now. I walked down the stairs. They were in Ryuko's flat. Ryuko was holding his stomach and Taeko stood there calm.


“You have crossed the line twice. One more time Ryuko.”


He looked like he was in pain but he was standing. She continued,


“I will keep my end of the bargain, so will Eumie. But you dictating my life, No. That's why she left you.”


“That was low Taeko.”


“Bring up Marcus was low.”


She began to leave the flat. I got back up the stairs and went to my flat. There was nothing more to see. I would bet my arm that this was the same Marcus as Marcus Orion. I had heard that he played both sides of the law. Does he know Taeko is in town. I will have to ask the Commissioner about that.


I decided to take a shower. This was the day I decided to go see the Commissioner. My foster father who took care of me. I promised to visit every weeks. When I finished and got dressed in my best clothes. Even Lady Miako, my Lord's wife won't have much to say.


I left my flat and locked the door. I head to the subway. I made sure I had papers my ID and my proof that I am a Dog. People in the 11th ward cannot go to the any ward higher than the 9th unless they have special papers from someone who lives in a ward higher.


I got to the subway in my very nice clothes, my hair combed, and my face cleaned, I knew I looked important. Without any trouble I went and purchased a ticket and found my seat.


As the we rode I continued to think. Ryuko was defiantly trying to take the Rogue's place. There was no doubt. Eumie and Taeko was his support. There is honestly a part of me that wants to help them do it. Many people have suffered because of the current Rogue being a coward. Finally sleep found me..


I woke up and saw that a passenger was beside me. Taeko. She was wearing a Lady's dress looking very regal. She had very dark sunglasses on.


“Taeko? What are you doing here?” I asked.


She smiled at me.


“I'm going to the 3rd ward for a visit with a friend. Fancy meeting you here.”


She's watching me. I know she is. She looks at me and smiles, but not in the carefree innocent way she does. In a way I hate the way she is smiling at me now. It is a non sincere smile. The question is...should I play the part, or stop this game.


“Fancy that.” I heard myself say.


“I just got some information about your case, its not much but would you like to hear?”


“Anything would help.” I said.


“I found to 5 former victims old neighbors. They all live in the same area. Also three out of five said that the note smelled fishy.”


“Suspicious?” I asked


“No. Literally fishy. And one said that a returned victim said she think she was at the docks of Tokyo. She smelled fish and heard seagulls. Typical of the bay.”


I nodded.


“Thank you for the info. We really need it.”


We rode in silence for awhile until I had the nerve to ask,


“So who are you seeing in the 3rd Ward?”


“You find me silly when I tell you.”


“I have hear and seem silly things.”


“Your Dog is havin-er in a relationship with a man and I was sent to see who it was.”


I turned to look at her. I think she was serious.


“I told you it was silly.”


She smiled that innocent smile again.


“Ryuko must miss her.” I said absentmindedly


“He is an idiot for letting her go and he knows it.”


“Have you been in love like that.”


I think she blushed when I asked that.


“Well...Umm...No. I guess not.”


Did she just get flustered?


“No one would want me. I'm a swords-woman, a former prostitute.” she looked up, “This is my stop.”


She stood up with the dignity of a Lady and walked away.


(~)


When I got to the 2nd Ward, I got off. I decided to walk. Ward 2 is very nice. Ladies walk by in kimono with umbrella. Some wear western clothing. Its fake. All of it. I hate this part of Tokyo.


I make my way quickly to Shimano St. This is where my Lord Commissioner Gemping Kai. I see his home at the end of the street. Home is an understatement. I reminisce the first time I came here. I was 13 and this was the biggest house I had ever seen.


Shaking the memories I headed up the long walk, to the door. I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. The door opened and Misuki opened the door. She has been the housekeeper for years and was the one who truly raised me. She was always kind to me.


“Well, look at you. Turn around, let me look you over.” she said


I did as she asked.


“You're too skinny.”


She let me in. The place hasn't changed. The chandelier was no longer gold but diamond. But the architect and was still Edo Japanese designed.


“Is her Lady home?”


Misuki smiled.


“Yes. She's getting the place ready for a social affair she and the Lord is hosting. He's not to thrilled.”


“I imagine not.”


“Its really good to see you Choi. I will tell him you are here.”


She smiled and walked away. I took a seat and waited. After about three minutes Lady Kai came in with a planner. She looked at me and her smile went to a frown. I stood up and bowed slightly.


“Sylvester give me a moment.” she said to her planner. She walked my way. She raised her hand and slapped me in the face. I half expected it. We left off on bad terms and before she could get the last word in, I left.


“How dare you show your face here.” she seethed.


I looked at her. She was about 29 years old not. Much younger than her husband. She was pretty by most standard. She always hated me. I have never been sure why and never really cared.


“He asked me to come back once a week. I am under the orders of my Lord, Lady Kai.”


She shrieked in anger, and she walked back to her planner. They in turn walked out. I shrugged and smiled. I learned early not to let her phase me.


“Choi, my boy!”


I looked up and saw the man who I could call father.


“Sir. You look well.”


“You think so. My wife make me feel ill. Runs me mad with all the plans she has. Come with me to my office.”


I stood up and followed him. As we walked I saw memories of the past. When we got to the office I smiled. He hadn't changed a thing. Maps were on the wall. The irises were on the windowsill. The only thing that changed was that his desk had a laptop on it.


“Sir. I have a few questions.”


“Take a seat.”


I sat down across from him.


“Tea?”


“Please.”


He poured the tea. Handing me the cup he said,


“Ask away.”