Into the City

It took awhile, but soon I had a good idea of who we were looking out for. With the research out of the way, it was time to head out. Getting geared up was hard for me. Even though my red cloak had been washed, it still smelled like blood. Chiaki’s blood. The way it had rained down on me… I don’t think I’ll ever stop smelling it. I forced those thoughts from my head and got suited up, heading to the hanger.

The others were waiting for me, dressed in the same clothes except for Kti, who wore his coat. Seeing them waiting for me made me smile a little. In my week spent recovering, I’d been able to speak to them a lot more. I didn’t know much of their pasts still, but I at least got to spend more time with them.

“Hope you studied well,” Kang commented as I walked towards the chopper. The door was open already.

“I did, yes,” I replied as Kti ran into the chopper excitedly. Kang reached for my shoulder then hesitated. Instead he went for an awkward handshake.

“Uh… come back to use safely, alright?” he said stiffly. A handshake felt wrong to me after everything we’d been through, so I ignored it and gave him a big hug.

“I promise,” I replied. When I pulled back, his hand was in the same place, a stunned look on his face. Azarin chuckled.

“Looks like you broke him. Return in a few business days and I’ll have him up and running again,” Azarin commented, making Kang scowl. He lightly flicked Azarin’s head.

“I was just surprised, is all. As for you, Yuka, you should get going. Or else Kti might start scratching the floors again,” Kang said quickly. I don’t even want to know. I gave a smile and a nod before heading to the helicopter. 

Once inside, the blades started up. It was only my second mission, and yet I felt calm. After reading all those files, I felt a lot more prepared than when we’d fought the Lich. At least that’s what I thought.

~~~~

This time we landed in the city itself. As we touched down on the helipad, I could see buildings reaching towards the sky. Despite how suffocating it was, it felt familiar. Once we were off the helicopter, some guards in similar armor to the people back at base ushered us to the gate, which led out into the street. Once on the sidewalk, I took a moment to get my bearings.

“I wonder why they had us wear our mission outfits if this is supposed to be an undercover mission. Doesn’t seem very smart…” I mumbled as I looked down at my red cloak. The others on the streets were wearing much more normal clothes, making us stick out like a sore thumb.

“We should call a taxi! I wanna ride in a taxi!” Kti said excitedly, pulling at my sleeve. I looked down at him in surprise before sighing.

“You don’t get out much, do you?” I commented. Kti stared at me blankly.

“Get out of where?” he asked. I sighed again.

“Never mind.” I walked along the street before hailing a taxi. I already knew where to go first. There was one location that several people listed in the case files frequented. I’m not allowed to use force unless in self defense. My mission is simply to gather information. This shouldn’t be hard. 

Once we both got in the taxi, I told the middle-aged male driver where to take us. Placing his white gloves on the wheel, he took off down the road.

“Yuka? Thank you for being my friend,” Kti suddenly said out of nowhere. I blinked in surprise before looking over to him.

“You’re… welcome?” I replied hesitantly. He looked down, tapping the claws on his pointer fingers together.

“I know my brain is messed up, so I’m… not normal. So I’m grateful for all who put up with me,” Kti explained. I gently reached a hand over, placing it on his head.

“Of course. Anyone who treats you differently for being you doesn’t deserve you as a friend. I’m certainly never bored when I’m with you,” I replied with a smile. Kti looked up at me, and smiled happily. It was so pure that I wanted to cry. 

It was strange, though. He’d seen Chiaki’s death, and most likely others too, yet he seemed so innocent. I wasn’t going to ask about that, though, since he seemed to be in a good mood.

“We’re here,” the driver said, stopping outside a bar with flickering letters. It read “Twilight Bar.” The name was about as tacky as its appearance. The doors of the taxi opened automatically, and I got out with Kti.

“Alright. Before we go in, promise me you’ll be very quiet, okay?” I said to Kti. He nodded.

“I promise,” he replied, giving me a sense of relief. I walked to the entrance with him, entering the small place. The inside wasn’t much bigger, with a few tables and some stools in front of the bar. 

There was a man already there, with short gray hair and glasses on, wearing a business suit and tie with dockers. I sat a few seats away from him. The bartender was a burly man with a bald head, and regarded me with a look of apprehension.

“Sorry, but… we don’t really serve your kind,” he said in disgust. His words stung, but I was used to it. Before I could say anything, the business man spoke up.

“Hey buddy. Your bar is on its final legs, so I don’t think you should be gatekeeping. If you make these two leave, I’ll leave with them. Prick,” the man stated irritably. The bartender fell silent, as if that man was his boss.

“What can I get you two?” he asked me, his pride probably in pieces.

“I’ll have some water,” I responded, not being much of a drinker.

“I want a corncob pineapple grapefruit martini!” Kti exclaimed. The bartender looked at the menu, where Kti’s horrifying concoction was not listed.

“I’ll… see what I can do,” he replied, turning away. The man walked over to us, sitting beside me. Talking with someone will make me look less suspicious, at least.

“Thank you,” I said while glancing at the guy. He gave a friendly smile.

“Of course, Yuka.”