Chapter 5

*ring*

“hello mr president? Can I have just a minute?”

“what is it rod?”

“can I attend a ball in England for the company?”

“well.. the company is still currently under repair so I will grant you for now. though I will also give you some body guards to watch over you in the event.”

“sure, no problem. And thank you mr president.”

“is that all?”

“yes sir.”

“good. Its good that your now being a good boy there.”

“im always a good guy sir.”

“well not to others you aren’t. once they saw your satellite video over what happened at china, they are now having second thoughts whether if you’re an enemy or an ally since as far as they can see, what they saw is just you being a vigilante.”

“true. But if the world leaders are now on the move against energy weapons, then maybe I wont have to move anymore.”

“please don’t give me more trouble than im already handling boy.”

“sure, no problem. Im just glad they are now responding to my efforts.”

“anyways, have fun at the ball.”

Rod then hangs up after saying their goodbyes.

In his office, rod just finished a call to the president where they were approved to go to the ball.

“hey rod, there is something that I forgot to tell you.” Sheryl happily came by his office

“oh Sheryl! Good news! i was with the president just now and im approved to go to the ball. You want to come?”

“really? That’s great news! this way—“ Sheryl said as she walks towards rods desk

“we can gain more investors for our company” both said

“and we can finally build what I had in mind.”

“like what?”

“a rescue company and a security agency.”

“wow, that there are big projects. Are you sure that we are ready for it?”

“yes we are. We just need the money for it.”

“hmm.. with this, maybe we will finally be approved to build.”

Kaori and june then came by the door to deliver good news.

“hey bro! I got great news!” june said by the door

“and we also got one for you.”

“but hear me out first. Its mom and dad! They are finally awake!” kaori

“shouldn’t I be saying that? Also, the girls also are now awake.” June

“perfect! Let us all now go to the hospital!” rod said as he stood up

They then hurried towards the hospital where all of them were now awake, as well as patricia.

“remember guys. Never tell mom and dad and patricia all about what I just did in japan and china, alright?”

All of them nodded before coming in to their room.

“hey son! Welcome! How are you these days?” henry said in his bed as they entered

“hi dad! Mom.. and ricardo.. it’s a surprise seeing you here mrricardo..” rod

“yes, I came here to say my regards to your parents over what happened.” Ricardo

“it was seriously a terrible situation mrricardo, but the situation is now under control right bro?” june

“yes, the president assured his support and is now doing the best that he can to resolve the situation.” Rod

“I see. Well, that’s now good.” Ricardo

“how are you now son?” Hillary

“just fine mom. The company has suffered some losses during the attack but repairs are in progress.” Rod

“what do you think caused the attack?” henry

“the attack was caused by terrorists dad.” June

“how do you think we could help?” henry

“nothing. You just rest there and heal your wounds.” Rod

“but there must be something that I can do right?” ricardo

“yes dad. Be there for mom and help me with the repairs.” Sheryl

“son, why don’t you go and visit the others.” Henry

“sure. See ya guys later.”

“hold on, were also coming with you.” June

“o-okay..” rod

They then got to the other room where the girls were resting.

“hi rod, glad you’re here.” Stacey

“hello ladies. How are you now?” rod

“just second degree burns, we will heal in no time.” Flores said with a thumbs up

“that’s good to know. “ sheryl

“So how are the repairs going?” yukiko

“just steady and going smoothly. In fact, we have been invited to a ball by a company in England” rod

“with this, we might have more investors for our company.” Sheryl

“that’s great news. “ maria

“so, who is that girl that’s hiding behind rod?” the girls said

“umm..imkaori. Rods another wife.”

“what?! You have another one while we were out?!” flores

“hold on girls, I can certainly explain the situation.” Rod said while sweating

June just smiles as she face palms with the current situation

“june, please go to your parents. The information that will now be shared would be confidential, right rod?” sheryl

“yes, that’s right.”

“a-alright then bro. but im also going to that ball with you okay?” june

“sure. But does it conflict with your schedule?” rod

“yes, but I can manage with a few absences.” June said as she walks back to the door

“I will also be going with her okay?” kaori said retreating with june sensing that this might become a battlefield

“okay then. “ june

As june and kaori goes back to the other room, rod then tells the girls all the details of what happened in japan and china as well as the confidential information that rod has uncovered.

“so your saying that you inherited the yakuza?” yukiko

“accidentally, yes. I didn’t think that he would give me kaori and the yakuza.” Rod

“if only we could have been there, this wouldn’t have happened.” Stacey said cursing

“calm down now. Whats important now is that rod wouldn’t gain more girls than what he has now.” flores

“I promise that that wasn’t my intention from the start.” rod

“yes, which is why im also going with you.” Sheryl

“how about kaori? Who will take care of her while your gone?” maria

“tch.. didn’t think about her. “ Sheryl

“I guess we will have to bring her along.” Rod said still sweating

“hahh..rod..” the girls said

“if it weren’t for the situation, we would have guessed that you were still aiming for more.” Yukiko sighs “it certainly a warriors honor that you have gained with the yakuza.”

“if only we could come with you.” Stacey said as she curses the situation

“that’s alright girls. First you have to heal yourselves, then you help us build the companies.”

“whats this I hear? That you will also be inheriting a branch of a car company?” yukiko

“yes, that’s right. That was a bit extra for our plans but its going steady.” Sheryl

“well then girls, Stacey, please take a lot of rest for your bodies to recover faster.” Rod

“oh yeah rod, how about we also research for a formula for speedy recovery?” Stacey

“yes, that would be perfect. Though you all should rest for now, I will make that request to the chemistry team.” Rod

The girls nodded and gone to sleep once more while rod, Sheryl, kaori, and june then goes back to the company to continue their work.

The next day, they arrived at London airport where they gazed at the blue hot skies of London.

“hey rod.” Sheryl said while they were walking towards the exit

“yes dear?”

“d-d-dear? Please don’t joke around rod..” Sheryl then blushed

“haha.. how can i not?”

“how about doing it with me then?” kaori

“h-hold on. im the one who calls the shots here. Im his number one.” Sheryl said as she faced kaori

“hmm.. okay. But why did you refuse to be called dear then?”

“wha-“

“hold on dear, lets be nice to one another” rod said to kaori

“wai—“ kaori then blushed

“as i expected. You also cant handle it.” Sheryl

“s-so what..blee..” kaori then holds rods arms tightly while sticking out her tongue to Sheryl

“bro.. was this really the right choice?” june

“choice for what?”

“to bring them along..”

“since they want to come, i let them come..”

“also, don’t you think we are attracting attention?”

They then examine the crowd where they are watching them with 5 body guards guarding them at the back while Sheryl and kaori are at it fighting.

“yes we are.. and this, im not used to.”

“me too. Anyways, lets just get to the hotel so that we can rest for the day.”

Rod nodded as they walk along. Then at the hotel where they have checked in, junebooked a room for four where she anticipated that the battle between kaori and Sheryl would still go on.

“hey rod, can i lie in the bed at your right?” kaori said as they were choosing beds

“no, i want to be at his right side.” Sheryl said pushing her away from the bed

“bro, just lie at the middle.”

“thats what i did.”

“hahh.. alright then, lets just draw straws for both of you.” June said being annoyed at them bickering

They then draw straws where Sheryl drew the left side and after that, they rested for the entire day.

At night, rod and the girls arrive from the car that was sent to their hotel by the company. Sheryl, kaori and june all wore their dresses while rod was in a formal suit with necktie. Then in with flowers in both hands, they all go inside the building for the ball.

The party was held at the top floor of a restaurant near the river where guests from big companies came to enjoy. There was also tight security in the venue as well. As they enter the party, there was also chatter as they pass through.

“theres rod mason.”

“heskinda cute”

“rumor says hes now with the yakuza”

“I hear hes got a harem”

“here is the hero..uhuhuhu..”

Almost all of them were chattering about them as if mocking. Then the organizer of the party came to them.

“hi rod mason, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“likewise” rod then shook her hand

“im cherry latin. The organizer of this party, my host is still a little bit busy but he would also like to speak to you.”

“I see. I would like to speak business with him.”

And as if curious about rod, some now begins to gather around him.

“is it true that your with the yakuza now?”

“how about your relationships? Aren’t you tired?”

“please ask your questions one by one people.” June

“who are you to speak?” one of the women said

“please do be careful with your words as shes my sister.” Rod said with a serious face

They were taken back by rods statement.

“sorry for this woman. Please, continue with your conversation.” One man pulled that woman out

“how about project iron heart, can that be sold?”

“project iron heart is never for sale.” Sheryl and rod said

“o-okay.. h—“

“how about it people? Care to also invest in our company? Our company is also expanding and it wont be a waste of your efforts.” Sheryl said to change the topic

“how about it? Here is my card if you might need to call me.” Rod said reaching out to his pocket.

“what does your company do?”

“we have multiple frontiers for our company such as research and development, energy provider, construction, health services, and soon there will be more.” Sheryl

“I see. So what will be in it for us?”

“we are still a growing company ladies and gentlemen, but we plan to expand our company that you wont regret your investments with it.” rod

“soits still a growing company. Just how can you be sur—“

“if you will excuse me for a while.” Sheryl then excused herself to take a deep breath at the windows

After a second of answering questions, rod then excuses himself as well, Leaving june and kaori behind the crowd.

“are you alright Sheryl?”

“yes, im fine.” She said as she was breathing slowly

“what really happened to you Sheryl?”

“rod, there is really something I forgot to tell you.”
“what is it?”

“im pregnant.”

“wha—“

then as the party was still going on, they heard gunshots outside.

“what was that?!” rod said as he looked everywhere and listened closely

There was then an uproar in the crowd as they heard the gunshots just outside the doors.

“tch! june! Kaori! Come here to the window!” rod shouted

After a few seconds, june and kaori got near rod when the doors suddenly opensto men in suits with guns. The crowd all panic on what to do as body guards all still try to guard the guests. Rod then examines outside then windows only to find that there is a street below.

“tch!” rod cursed since he knew that jumping out of the window was futile.

“give it up folks! You got no chance of getting out of here!” the gunmen shouted as they pointed their high powered guns at everyone

“bro, we should just lie low.” June said as she sat on the floor surrendering herself

“frustrating as it may be, we have no choice. We got no weapons.” Sheryl said as she also sat of the floor

Rod had no other choice as the people also got down to the floor to surrender themselves.

“boys! Search the room for mr Melvin chaplin now.” One of the gunmen

“yes sir!”

The gunmen then walked through the crowd where they found their target.

“boss! Look what I found!” a gunman pointed his gun at rod

The gunman who took command then walked towards them.

“oh, if it isn’t rod mason, the hero. i heard that you took over the yakuza and took down the Chinese mafia boss all in two nights.”

Rod and the girls just gritted their teeth while they said their secret out loud.

“rumors fly fast and you now have a bounty on the black market for only a few days. I even heard that you also took down the triads while at it. Nicely done.” The boss gunman said as he faced rod face to face smiling

There were then murmurs in the crowd

“so whats your point?” rod

“not that I care about the Chinese mafia, though we would have liked to have that bounty but it seems that it was stripped off. I wonder why.”

“and?”

“that’s just all. I just want a face to face conversation with the hero himself who proclaims himself as the ghost.”

“so what?” kaori suddenly said shivering in fear

“oh? Who might this young lady be?”

“if you want to know, shes the daughter of the previous yakuza head.” Rod said smiling

“wow! What a surprise! And why do you say this?”

“since the cat is out of the bag so why keep it a secret for long right?” rod said smiling

“hmm.. your right. And she—“ the boss gunman then brought a knife out of his pocket

“say, are you with the mafia?” rod

“why do you say that?”

“because your all civilized and that all this fiasco is not just some plan to steal isn’t it?”

“very good guess there so I will spare your precious girl here for you. And that’s right, we are with the mafia, so what are you gonna do about it?”

“just guessing really. Nothing more.”

“bro, what are you doing?” june said whispering

“say, would you happen to have some of your plans there with you?” the boss gunman said as he pointed the knife at rod

“unfortunately, no. if I would have, I would propose a trade.” Rod was sweating as well

“oh, exciting. What would you have traded it for anyway?” the boss gunman said to rods face

“our freedom.” Rod said with a smile

“hmm.. unfortunately for you, we are only here for one person and nothing more. Though if you want to come, your always welcome to see the fireworks.” The boss gunman then stands

“that is only after something am I right?”

“bingo! Your really clever guessing that you will never leave this room alive. And so will—“ the boss gunman suddenly gets his gun and points it towards the crowd

“boss!”

“what is it?!”

“its time.”

“I see. Good for you we are short on time. Though please do anticipate for our own present in return.”

“what present?”

“you will see.”

The boss gunman then left the room along with the other gunmen. After a while, one of the guests slowly stood up to check on the door but it was locked, trapping them in the room.

“hey rod, was all that true?!” the host of the party then approached rod

“hold on. Its not finished yet. He said that there is still more to come.” Rod said standing up walking towards the door along with the girls

Then smoke came into the room from the doors.

“crap! Its smoke!” the guest who was at the door said

“tch! So that’s their present huh. Burning us all alive.” Rod said covering his mouth along with the girls

“its all because you’re here!” one of the guests

“yeah! Because you’re here that were all endanger!”

“people! You heard what the mafia guy said to rod, they were only here for that man.” The host said

“by the way, who was that man they got?” Sheryl asked as they walk towards the windows

“that was dr Melvin chaplin. One of the leading researcher and biologist.”

“what could they want with him?” june

“never mind that june, we must find a way out of this situation first!” Sheryl said as they arrived at the windows

“if my instincts are correct, then i might have a plan.” Rod said picking up a chair

“it might be worth a shot. So, what you got?” the host

“just follow my lead!” rod then slammed the chair to a glass window where it broke.

“okay bro, i hope this works!” june said as she and the girls also pick up a chair to break the glass

“men who are willing! Follow me to the door to open it!” rod then walked towards the doors where he then slams his shoulder to the doors

“what are you waiting for men! We must get out of here!” Sheryl

“b-but”

“what are you? Are you men or not?! Go now!” kaori said as she was about to go there instead

The host then followed rod to slam at the door where some of the men resolved themselves to also do it after a few seconds. After a while, they finally slammed the door open but only to have some wood from the door fall into them.

“rod! Are you alright?” Sheryl said after she ran towards rod

“im fine. Now lets get out of here!”

The girls then agreed and tore their dresses so that they can easily move. They then began to venture the flaming halls while holding some cloth. The other guests in the room were all scared to go with rod into the fire when the host finally got rods idea and ordered all the guests to go into the windows to breathe fresh air.

“i hope they know what they are doing.” The host said while thinking of their insanity for the situation

Then through the flames, rod and the girls finally reached the stairs where there is also an emergency exit. Rod was about to go down the stairs when june pointed to go down the emergency exit and agreed.

They then slammed the emergency exit open but couldn’t fully open it until june, rod and Sheryl all kicked at the door. There they made their way down the stairs in the emergency exit where there was fresh air when they saw bombs rigged into one of the foundations.

“tch. They also planned to bomb the place huh.” Rod said as he looks up

“there might probably still be guests on the building.” Sheryl

“letssee.. this is the 4th floor where the building has 5 floors in it. I saw on the elevator on how many floors there were.”kaori

“and we have less than 1minute to evacuate. “ june

“damn it.. not enough time! We will have to save ourselves instead.” Rod said with a serious face

Adrenaline pumping through their veins and within less than 2 minutes, they would have to decide whether to abandon or to save. 45 seconds left on the clock and they have reached a decision.

“bro, im afraid that we have to save ourselves.” June

All of them nodded as they have no other choice. There they made way towards the bottom of the stairs where a booby trap awaited them. 15 seconds left on the clock where they had not enough time to think.

“will you follow me?”

The girls nodded.

“you will bump into me the moment I push this door all the way, alright? That way we can all be saved.” Rod

The girls then ready themselves and with a thumbs up, they are ready to go. Rod then opened the door where the girls all ran towards rod and pushed him forward. This had triggered the bomb which blew up all the other bombs on the foundations of the building.

Covered in smoke and dirt, rod then woke up on the road where a policeman assessed the situation.

“are you alright sir?”

*cough* “yes, im alright. How about the others?”

“by the time we got here, it was already on fire. Anyway, were there anyone—“

Rod then turned his back to find all 3 girls on the street near him. june just fine with a little burns at the back, Sheryl with burns at the back and with a shrapnel at the right leg, and kaori with burns and also an injury on her right arm.

Rod then got near the girls “how are these girls?”

“sir, please stay steady as we apply first aid on you.” A policeman said behind him

“sir, the girls are fine but with just some injuries.”

“thank god. And how about the victims at the building?” rod

“our ambulance and firefighting team are on their way to assess with the situation. Why don’t you—“

“hold on. I have to report to the president and the queen.”

The policemen had nothing to say with rods statement as he picked up his phone to text both world leaders. Then as both ambulance team got to the scene, they were then taken to the hospital where they stayed for the day. Rod was watching the news at the hospital lobby when a detective approached him.

“mr rod mason, how are you feeling?” a detective said as he sat beside rod

“just fine. What about the girls?”

“the doctor said that they will just be fine after a couple of days and your sister has also woken up.”

“good.”

“im detective Charles whipmoor with the London police force. Ccanyou tell me what happened?”

“sure.”

Rod then explained the situation to the detective.

“the mafia has been very active recently. What do you think might they be doing?”

“I don’t know, but I got a bad feeling when they kidnapped dr Melvin.”

“dr Melvin chaplinhuh.. it says here in the files that hes one of the leading biologist in research with the human body.” Charles said as he pulled a file from his sling bag

“yes, him. what can you tell me about the mafia now a days?”

“im not obligated to tell you, yet.”

“why?”

“I have a request for you now. Would you help me with the investigations with the mafia?”

“im already in danger as it is, though I would like to avenge for the girls, what kind of compensation would you have for me if I agree?”

“your right. Though you could just help me with some information that—“

“if its information that your seeking from me, I got none for the mafia. I already gave the information of the Chinese mafia to the president if that’s what you asking.”

“so you have no info huh.”

“yes, im afraid so.”

“I see. Sorry then for disturbing you.”

“no problem.”

The detective then walks away from rod after that. Then rod picks up the phone.

*ring*

“hello hidea, I have a favor to ask of you.”

“what is it rod? Im currently busy with my bath.”

“hmm.. do you have any information on the mafia?”

“im afraid no. but I do hear rumors fly that the mafia has been really busy now.”

“I see. Do you have any other information?”

“no more. Ever since your fiasco in china, they have been very secretive ever since.”

“hmm.. now my instincts tell me of a bad feeling.”

“so whats in it for me now? Can you tell with your instincts?” she said with a giggle

“its not funny. Though your really welcome in also researching on this if you want and if you ever get any info, please also tell me.”

“so that you will save me?”

“maybe.”

“ever since you have given me the leadership of the entire bratva, I have been busy rebuilding it while under hiding.”

“since the president has upped his securities yes?”

“yes. Anyway, I will also search on my end for any information that might be of use.”

“thank you hidea.”

“your welcome rod mason. I hope you will be okay after that incident.”

“so word has spread there already.”

“when it comes to the famous adventurer rod mason, the people just wanted to know right?”

“hah.. oh well.. I just really cant make any moves against the mafia now that im known to be here in London.”

“so you know what they were doing?”

“they told me. only for the kidnapping but never for what they have planned.”

Then a woman came towards rod and waited for the call to end.

“okay hidea, I have to hang up now.”

“okay then. Until next time.”

“bye.”

“what can I do for you?”

“you are rod mason right?”

A woman in her thirties wearing formal clothes came to rod.

“yes, why?”

“imchristychaplin, the wife of Melvin chaplin. Can—“

“oh boy. I know what this would mean.”

“so you will help me?”

“unfortunately, no. since they also know that im currently in there with the victims and has survived, they would watch out for me. And your currently asking for the impossible right now.”

“I see. Soits currently impossible to take him back even for the great rod mason.” Christy was shaken up and about to cry

“yes. Though im also not that great miss, im just a human”

“okay then. Im sorry for disturbing you.”

She then walks away, leaving rod to wait for his ride back home.

In a dark room where Melvin chaplin was taken, one of the mafia then takes off his blinds.

“welcome doctor.”

“where am I now?”

“your currently at a classified location right now.”

“classified? Anyways, can you just let me go?”

“unfortunately, no. we have plans for you doctor.”

“and why—“

“if you value your life, you must work for us.”

“i-I wont..” Melvin said cowering in fear while preserving whatever courage he has left

Then a gunshot to the left shoulder was fired.

“argh! Owww!”

“since im a nice guy, you have over 3 chances. That there was your first, don’t mess it up.”

“o-okay. What should I work with?”

“good. I like obedient doctors who will do my bidding. Now come with me.”

The mafia guy then stood up to open the door and Melvin stood up after, still cowering in fear while covering his wounds.

“come with me doctor, to what you will be working with.”

Melvin then saw on the other side of the door, some sort of production line where there were carcasses inside glass tubes.

“what is this?”

“this is what you will be researching now doctor. Make sure you will serve us well.”

Melvin then began regretting on attending that party while looking at the glass window above where think snow fell. He also realized that the weather was also very cold and began shivering.

Rod was on his office where he was seriously busy with work while all the girls was at the hospital. Sheryl and kaori were transferred to their home hospital at the same room as with the other girls where they were also briefed by rod of the situation. June took an absence in school as she will be recovering for a week of her burns.

While working, rod thinks of all the adventures that he has gone with the girls and thought that he has really gone a long way in a few years. Although his anger has not yet subsided, he just kept it all in his heart as he work through his way with documents.

4 months later.

*ring*

“hello?” rod picking up his phone in his office

“hello rod san? I think we might have a situation.”

“is this sasuke?”

“yes rod san. Right now, im pursuing one of the mafia to hand over some information.”

“why?”

“we believe that the mafia is currently planning something very big”

“well, piece of advice sasuke san. If you want to live, then don’t pursue them.”

“what?!”

“if you value your life with your wife, then you should heed my advice.”

“whats wrong with you rod san? This isn’t like you.”

“yes, this isn’t like me. Since the world leaders are continuously monitoring my situation right now and they said to stay still”

“what?” they heard the sound of a car stopping and tire screeching “crap!”

“so you were really chasing them aren’t you?”

“yes. Thanks to my latest promotion, I can now buy a car. anyway, my instincts are tingling that something big will happen!”

“you know, all my loved ones are all in the hospital.”

“o-oh.. sorry about that.”

“which made me feel so very helpless, and that I couldn’t help them in any way. So I have decided to lay down my sword.”

“what?! Why would you do that?! You were the bravest man I know and—“

“what brave? That was just me only turning away from the reality of my worst fear. Now my worst fear has come true, your telling me to still fight?”

“yes. Your rod mason! A hero! please don’t abandon all hope--!”

“hope huh.. alright then, goodbye..”

“wait! Don’t ever--!”

Rod then hangs up the phone

*ring*

“hello?” rod picks up the second call

“hello rod mason. We are currently in a firefight at one of the mafia bases in china. Can you h—“

“no can do. Im busy with work—“

“what are you saying?! This is for china that we are talking about!”

“yes, I know. China is big and you have all the resources and manpower for that.”

“whats happened to you rod? This isn’t like you at all.”

“you know, all my loved ones are all hospitalized right now.”

“i-im sorry. But we really need—“

“and thanks to that, I will quit being an ally of justice.”

“what?!”

“I mean that I retire from it all. Im sorry xiao but I still have a lot of work to do with the company.”

“wait--!”

Rod then hangs up the phone

The company was almost done repairing as the city hall also helped with the repairs. He also visits the girls and others daily at the hospital.

“how are you doing now son? Staying here really makes me stiff in the back.” Henry

“haha. Just lay still there dad. Your injuries have not yet healed.” Rod

“he knows bro. but you must also relax a little.”

June was visiting their parents during one of her off days.

“yeah, I know. But with all the work that I have to do on my own, im really missing the girls with my side.”

“hey son, when will you marry one of them?” Hillary

“mom, I haven’t had the time to tell you this but they are already my wives.”

“what?!” both henry and Hillary was surprised

“its really no surprise dad. He is a man now and a man can have multiple wives if he wants to. But are you sure bro? it seems to much for me” june

“yes son, are you really sure this would be the right decision?”

“yes mom, dad, june. They already mean the world to me and I must also take responsibility for them.”

“what responsibility?!” henry and Hillary

“bro, I think you now have to visit the girls. Go now”

“okay then.”

“wait son! Please explain to us!” henry

“not now dad. I only have a limited amount of time before I get back to work.”

“wait!”

Rod then left the room to visit the girls.

“hi girls! How are you now?” rod said after he entered the room

The room was filled up with all 6 girls in their hospital beds just watching the news.

“were doing just good rod.” Sheryl

“though Stacey is still the same, she just cant sit still.”yukiko

“so what? Im just really used to work, that’s all.”

“remember Stacey, you have an excess of coffee intake so you better relax.” Flores

“thats great girls! Im just glad that your all okay now.” Rod said as he got a chair

All the girls then smiled as rod was happy again, smiling

“hey rod, we also got good news for you.” Sheryl

“we interrupt to bring you this special news break. It seems that there has been multiple missing persons around the globe. Is this really coincidence? Lets find out with rongalek reporting.”

Rod and the girls then turn their heads to the news.

“this is rongalek live in manila where people are now wondering—“

*ring*

“I got to get this call girls, can you turn down the volume?”

The maria who has the remote then turned down the volume as rod picks up the call.

*ring*

“hello?”

“hello rod, this is dutuer speaking. We currently have a situation where it might need—“

“you said I should stay still. Why?”

“ugh.. enough about that, right now, we need you.”

“how can I help you?”

“we currently have about a number of missing people now in the mountain provinces where villagers claim they saw people with a glowing heart attacking. We have already contained the situation but I don’t know for how long. I already have the police on their way to contain the situation there but the situation there seems dire.”

“well sir, I have already said before that I quit being a hero—“

“this is different boy! Right now, the military needs all the help they can get!”

“but right nowim currently busy with work. And cant anyone else do anything about the situation?”

“like I said, we need all the help that we can get. You—“

“right now, im with the girls in the hospital. They are still hurt and would need my help and no one would be there to attend company matters.”

“what the heck—“

“bye then mr president.”

Rod then hangs up with a sad face and sighed

“whats wrong rod?” kaori

“the president wants me to help him with the problem.”

“what problem?” Stacey

“currently, there seems to be people with project iron heart on their chest trying to attack people in the provinces.”

“I see. But aren’t you going to respond to that call?” maria

“no. since I got all of you to worry about.”

“what? You don’t need to worry about us rod.” Yukiko

“but the company—“

“just why are you acting so weak right now rod? Is it because of us that you cant do your job?” flores

“its not that, its because that your all hurt and I feel powerless to even help you from being like this.”

Sheryl then stood up and walked towards rod.

“you aren’t powerless. Because of you, we are still alive.” Sheryl

“but its also because of me that you got—“

“hurt? Because of you that this whole situation has started?” Stacey said as she stood

“so what? If you’re the cause of the problem, you also have to fix it yourself! Urghh..” yukiko said as she also stood

All the girls then stood up and walked towards rod and hugged him while he was being sad in the chair

“we aren’t as weak as you say we are rod.” Maria

“yes, by standing here proves that we have already gone this far.” Yukiko

“we are right here by your side, always.” Sheryl

“remember when we first met? I really thought you were just joking that you can help me that my contacts were just a small price to pay that I have to gamble with. But from the time we ventured to Africa, you have certainly changed my mind.” Maria

“and now?” kaori

“and now, hes the hero that I fell for, rod mason. The kind, compassionate, and very brave, just like a lion.” Maria

“for me, he was only to be my close friend but after what I have been through, im just glad hes with me that time.” Kaori

“haha.. You only barely know him.” Stacey

“shut up. At least im also sharing.” Kaori said as she pouted

Rod then smiled under them.

“and what close friend would have you pregnant anyway—“ maria then covers her mouth

“wait, what are you girls not telling me?” rod

“uhmm.. we all forgot to tell you..” Sheryl

“were pregnant.” The girls all said in unison

“wha—“ rod was surprised

“so that’s it. We also don’t want their father to be such a coward.” Maria

“so fight on! We will all support you until the end.” Sheryl said with a smile

“you girls..”

“now lets all go.” Stacey said with excitement as they all now stood around rod

“how about your injuries girls?” rod

“don’t worry. We will always be near you.” Yukiko

“guys, lets all have our parents permission first, they might worry again for our safety.”

All of them nodded and gone to the other room. There, rod sat as he explained the situation to his parents and with patricia.

“no.. he still has a company to run. Even though you girls are with him, your not the boss of him!” henry

“dad, I think that we should let him go. Hes a man now for god sake!”

“I agree with your father on this, no is a no.” Hillary

“you know, at this rate, the whole country will be affected by this crisis.” Stacey

“even the president is now asking for his help you know.” Yukiko

“even so—“

“the whole country might get affected by this crisis you know!” Stacey

“the people are now starting to ask where is rod mason.” Kaori

“we don’t care! Hes still a boy—“

“a boy you say? Hes now a fine grown man whom we love the most!” Sheryl

“he is the owner of his own life! So why do you still need to hinder him?!” maria

“hinder? We are trying to save—“

“no. From the moment we were lost in Africa, his life was already lost.” Maria

“before that, when he was being witch drafted, his life was also already changed.” Yukiko

“if it weren’t for his courage and will to survive, he couldn’t have gone this far.” Kaori

“which is why we are taking him even if you will disagree or not.” Sheryl

“we need him, the world now needs him, and the company now needs him.” Stacey

Rod was looking all over as he still wasn’t sure whether to go or not.

“stand up rod, are you a man or not?! We entrust to you our lives and in return, you will entrust your life to us as well.” Flores

“were your wives remember. So chin up and get a hold of yourself!” maria then pulled rod up from his seat

“uhh.. alright then. Hahh..” rod sighed. “mom, dad, im going.”

“son, you will stay right here!” henry

Hillary was now worried of the outcome of the conversation and tries to calm henry down.

“no dad, i will do this. I have to finish what i started.”

“what you started? They started all this fiasco all on their own!” henry

“true, if they wouldn’t have messed with my natural flow, things wouldn’t have turned out like this.”

“like this?! If you hadn’t even made that book in the—“ henry

“yes, also if i hadn’t made that book in the first place. Which is why im also partly responsible for this mess and that i have to clean it up.”

“you will stay here! thats—“

“dad! Let him go! He must do what he must do!”

“i have also read in his book, pride is nothing to doing what is right.” patricia

“this isn’t about pride! This is about my son!”

“henry! Stop treating your son as if hes still a boy! Hes all grown up now cant you see that?! Though i would also agree for him to stay, he still has a lot to do, right?” Hillary

“yes. Though the moment that i had also stepped into the darkness was the time i couldn’t run away from it all.”

“what darkness?! What are you still hiding?!” henry

“its highly classified dad, so i cant just bring it up to both of you.”

“so this leaves your sister.. you leave your sister out of this!” henry

“that, i intend to do. Which is why the decision will now be hers when the time comes. Though shes always welcome on my team.” Rod

“dad, im all grown up now. Which is why—“ june

“which is why your gonna finish school first before deciding.” Rod answered before henry

“wait.. what?! what is he saying june?!” henry

“she will explain later.. dad, mom, june, im now going.” Rod

“were now going.” The girls said

“take care bro and please come back.” June

“sure. We will come back and thats a promise.” Rod said as he smiled at june

“wait! Were not done yet!” henry

“henry! Please calm down!” Hillary said as rod and the girls now exit the doors

“don’t ever expect us to come to your rescue rod! Rod!” henry shouted as he closed the door

At the bridge of the origami before launch

“are the guys ready?” rod said in his seat

“yes rod! All green!” maria said who was in charge of communications

Then the monitor displayed the team leads in their company

“we specially came for you sir! We just couldn’t sit by as the world is in danger!” one of the leads said as they all nodded

“everyone... whats the status of the company now?” rod

“its currently 78% recovered sir! But we will have it recovered on time for the celebrations!” one of the leads

“oi! Were not yet celebrating until this is over alright?!” rod said as a means of encouragement

“yes sir!”

“is the assault team ready for battle?” rod

Another screen showed on the monitors displaying team assault leader.

“yes sir! Ready when you are sir!”

“good. Whats the status of the cargo?”

“about 90% completely loaded rod!” yukiko said on the ship monitors

“status for the recovery team?”

a monitor then displayed june and kaori very busy with supplies

“almost done bro, and for the record, im also coming with you.” June said as she was carrying a lot of stuff while facing the screen

“alright then. You also ready there Stacey?” rod then faced Stacey who was busy with managing all the teams through a monitor

“yes, ready when you are!” Stacey said with a thumbs up

“you also ready flores?”

“this really sucks being here and not part of the action but its all good. Ready when you are rod.” Flores said as she was with detection control

“alright! perfect! Since supplies are now at probably over 90%, we launch as soon as loading is completed.”

“yes rod!” the girls said

“yes sir!” the students and employees said

“you know, our parents really wanted us to come back home but since we received word that you are going on another adventure, we came running as fast as we could.” One of the team leaders

“though some of them just couldn’t make it.” One of the team leaders

“thank you for your efforts team, now lets get the party started!” rod

“hold up. aren’t you a bit high tension there rod?” Sheryl said just behind him as tactical analyst

“uh.. sorry. “ rod said to Sheryl “Though thanks you girls for being here with me.” He then said to all the girls on the bridge

“what are you saying rod! We are your wives! We should also show this much tension as we are with you.” Stacey

“haha.. right you are Stacey!” the other girls said

“bro, you might really have a good family someday. Though i don’t know about these numbers.” June said on the monitor

“rod! Cargo hold is now full and ready!” yukiko

“alright then! Lets all rock!” rod

“you hear that ladies and gentlemen?! The origami is now again ready to set sail! What kind of adventures might rod mason be going to now?!” camellia

“though this is still a recording before we upload it to the web. We must still be careful what lies ahead.” Rod said in his seat

“okay sir! “she saluted to rod “you hear that? Aren’t you now excited for the new adventure?! Anyways.. stay tuned after the break.” Camellia

“underwater hatch is now open!” maria

“submerging origami now.” Yukiko

Right under the port of his home town, an underwater hatch was then opened at the bottom of the water.

“submerging completed! Ready for launch!” yukiko

“origami.. launch!” rod

“launching now.” Yukiko

The origami then launched underwater where after a few miles, it slowly surfaced in order to take off vertically.

*ring*

“hello mr president”

“hello my butt! You hang up on me!” dutuer was calling in camp crame to asses with the situation over the outbreak

“sorry about that, i was still hesitating.”

“huh?! Hesitating? On what?!”

“if i should go or not.”

“what changed your mind?”

“since i will plan on establishing a rescue center, this would be a perfect chance for me to advertise.”

“advertise?! What exactly are you talking about in this situation?!”

“sir, i might piss you off again so i hope that we all can work together in this predicament”

“yes boy, work with us on this. I will allow you this one last time—“

“thats where i will propose instead. If you will be kind enough to allow us to continue with our services from requests that we will take up.”

“so this is the nature of your rescue center then? the same as before?”
“yes. But only that its official.”

“alright then. Help us with this and i will allow you.”

“thank you mr president. And bye”

“wait! Where are you now?”

“were currently flying up in the skies of Luzon now. We will arrive in one of the provinces shortly.”

“okay then. Good luck boy.”

“thanks mr president.”

Rod then hangs up the phone

“rod, were here.” flores

“good. Assault team, ready for sortie and survey the area. Remember your mission soldiers.” Rod

“this is totally not in our training.. but what the heck. Yes sir!” team assault leader

As they got to a provincial town, the assault team then sortied down with the flying iron armors to monitor the situation in the sky. The assault team was divided into 3 teams, alpha, beta, and delta teams where they will monitor the situation on the city.

“assault team, status report.” Rod

“this is alpha team, nothing on my end.”

“this is beta team, nothing on my end.”

“this is delta team, n—hold on.. I see some sort of gathering in the center of the street.”

“delta team, please do not engage yet on the enemy, over.” Sheryl

“yes—argh!!” by then, one of the things was on the roof which then ran and jumped towards that certain student “There is something clinging on my foot!”

“shake it off!”

“im trying maam!”

“use any means necessary to destroy it or break lose.” Rod

“okay… ow!!” the student was then bit by one of the things. He draws his sword to cut the face of the thing until a couple of bashes where it reached the middle of the skull before it dropped. During that time, the student was also flying backwards.

“All teams, rendezvous to delta teams position and exterminate those things if needed.” Rod

“that’s crazy rod!” Sheryl

“we must get that student back sheryl, as well as all of the team.” Rod

“alright then rod.”

“all teams, once you have that student, evacuate immediately. I repeat, evac immediately.” Rod

“yes sir!”

The student was bleeding heavily as he floats above houses as he surveys the area for more of them. Then some employees got to that student and did an evac for him.

“all teams, please bring a sample of it, dead or alive.” Stacey

“for what is this Stacey?” sheryl

“this is to examine them to know what we are dealing with.” Stacey

“okay then. Lets do this.” One of the employees said as they descend upon the group of dead people just roaming around.

When the dead people saw them in their sights, they started to run towards them. The teams then ready their guns and started shooting at the dead people.

“these are zombies I tell you! They wont go down without easily!” one of the team members said as guns were blazing towards the zombies

After a few seconds of shooting, the zombies then reached the team where they have to draw their swords.

“the head! Take the heads guys!” one of the female members said as one of the zombies were biting at her thickarm plating

“good idea.”

They then took out the zombies coming at them though after a while, they were almost over-powered.

“teams! If you have one specimen already, evac immediately! That’s an order!” rod shouted

“roger!”

One of the team members finally got a zombie where he first beheaded it. “lets go. I got one.”

They then launched but some of the zombies got some of the team members. Rod and the girls were watching the scene from the skies where rod went uneasy.

“let me also launch there! Let me lead.” Rod

Since june and kaori was on the bridge, by hearing this, june blocked the door.

“no, not yet.” Sheryl

“at this rate, they might be pinned down and become one of them!” rod

“we don’t know that for sure.” Sheryl

“I for one agree with rod. Though lets all survey the situation here first.” Stacey

“tch! Okay then.” Rod picks up the comms “team! Get down there and get the others!”

“but—“

“first, you have to go down and slay them. Then run with all your might towards an open space before flying. Got it?!” rod

“roger sir!”

“you guys! Go back first!” the alpha team leader said to the ones who had the zombie sample and the bruised team member

As the suit was made of titanium, it was a bit heavy and tough. But it also doesn’t mean that they wont get a bruise from the suit.

Those team members then goes back to the origami.

“roger”

“hmm.. now that sounds like a plan. I hope they will be okay.” Sheryl

“you don’t need to go to every mission you know. In time, they will eventually know what to do.” Flores said

Rod then nodded reluctantly. The teams then helped the other team members who were pinned down and got them to their feet. They then ran towards any open space in the road while killing other zombies along the way before they took flight along with carrying more bruised team members.

On the origami,by the time Stacey and rod got to the science labs, the science team has already begin examining the saliva of the zombies from the bite spots of the injured assault team while the other assault team members settled the decapitated zombie into one of the empty research tables.

Stacey and rod then goes to the zombie to examine it.

“Stacey, please do becareful with the head.” Rod said as he sees the operation from a distance

“yes, its still active, that I know.” Stacey said while preparing for the operation

As Stacey got the tshirt off of the zombie, they saw project iron heart at the chest of the zombie, still glowing. Then the body started to move which the other science team members then subdued the limbs. Once the body was subdued, Stacey continues her dissection of the zombie and examines the body part by part.

After a while, they noticed that the head stopped moving. With a separate team, they operated on the head. Then after 30 minutes, they saw and pieced together the mechanism that controls the zombies.

On the bridge, after a few more hours, Stacey gives an explanation to the meeting. June and kaori also joined after treating the bruised team members.

“girls and rod, here are the results.”

Stacey then draws on the strategy table with a marker of the human body.

“from the results that we have gathered, the specimen has been decaying recently and that it just died recently. Aside from that, everything was just as it is. Though on some parts of the body, there were bite marks indicating that the victim died of blood loss. The head also stopped moving after it lost a lot of blood flowing into its brain”

“there must be something that had made them into zombies.” Flores

“I believe that we would need more data on this.” Stacey

“then lets get that data. Lets now go to the other cities where the outbreak has affected.” rod

The girls nodded at the plan. They examined every provincial city that they passed and rescued some civilians who were also trapped at the roof of buildings. Until they stumbled at a port city where one of the team members found 2 abandoned containers.

“this is beta team member coming in, I have found something of interest.”

The origami then flew above the port where they also found many dead workers turned into zombies roaming around the port.

“so the cause came from a cargo ship”

the one who found the site was investigating the boats by the time the origami got there. Then he saw one person trying to run from a group of zombies.

“hey there! Jump to me!” that team member then tried to reach out to the run away victim but he was also being pushed down by the group of zombies.

“stop beta teammember! lets monitor on what happens to those victims.” Stacey said as he was about to rescue the victim

“but—“

“its already too late for him. hes already infected by viruses that the dead bodies carry and it will soon affect his whole body within seconds.” Stacey

“tch.” That team member then flew a certain distance away from the scene.

“we have recently received the results of the science team and it shows that the saliva and his body was already infected by viruses and bacteria known only to infect dead people. Though they also saw a number of transmitted viruses in the body as well.” stacey