Lyfers: Amnesia

Chapter 11 - Shakin' Off The Rust

 – Can I help you in any ways, Madam?

– No, thanks.

– Very well, Madam. Just ask me if you need anything.

After a bow, the shopping assistant left, and Blaze stood there, eyeing the different clothes on the rack with a frown. She was not especially there to buy more outfits than she already had, but for business matters. Nevertheless, she thought that while she was at it, she could grab a thing or two for Dove, and she crossed her arms, pouting; she didn't know what to get her. Her look got appealed by a short, sport-style black dress with white lines at the sleeves, and she remembered it was a new release of a well-known designer brand. She took one of them, checking the size before detailing it with a smile.

– Oh, she'll look pretty in that.

– Are ya using third person to talk about yourself, now?

The cheerful voice made her turn around with a smile: a young woman with tan skin, purple eyes, and her head entirely shaved approached her. She was wearing a black tube top along ripped jeans, that unveiled her chest and arms, which were covered in colorful tattoos. Blaze came to hug her, amused; she was always happy to see her.

– Hi Rune, she greeted her. Been a while, right?

– Right! Did ya come to do shopping?

– Oh, no. This dress is for Dove, our new recruit.

– Everyone's been speaking of her in our district. How is she?

– Nice. Feels like having a little sister.

The two shared a laugh, and the redhead put the cloth across her forearm, observing her friend.

– But you must know I'm not here to speak fashion, she started, although I'd love to?

– M'yeah m'yeah, I see that, sighed the other. You barely have time for me anymore!

– Aww, not my fault if you never dare to put a foot in my clothes stores!

– Yeah, that's because I don't wanna pity ye.

– Hey, what do you mean by that?! Jerk!

With a pout, Blaze softly punched her shoulder, to which Rune answered by wrapping an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close and messing with her hair.

– Fuck off, not my hair, grumbled Blaze, even more bothered that her friend's grip was too strong for her to get away.

– Don't play hard to get with me, baby girl! Talkin' of that, what about a girls' night soon, huh?

– Let's talk business first, I'm a busy lady, unlike you!

– A'ight, a'ight, whaddya want babe?

The tattooed woman let go off her and began to comb her hair back into place, showing her a smile. Blaze answered it, before going back to a serious expression.

– Morphine has been going too far, lately, she sighed. They have new chemists in their ranks, and they're copying some of our best-sellers. Now, they're flooding their shit into the other gangs' territories.

– Was the last warning we gave these fuckers ineffective?

– Yeah, apparently.

– So, what's the plan?

– Claw will be on a mission with Dove, so I need someone. If you accept, that'll be Venom, Dusk, you and I, tomorrow at night.

– Ya kiddin' me? Of course I'm coming, buttercup.

Finishing her phrase, she slapped the redhead's butt, who rolled her eyes in another sigh.

– Then get ready, I'll text you the details later. By the way, that dress is on you.

Blaze swung around, holding the piece of clothing she picked, and walked towards the exit without rushing herself. Rune stood there, observing her, but her friend suddenly back with a smirk on her lips surprised her:

– My place, midnight. Don't be late.

__________

– Welcome, Miss Dove. I am delighted to meet you.

Seeing her idol standing right in front of her made Dove's heart race into her chest, and she stared at her with wide eyes, staying completely still for a while, before answering.

– M-Madam Sadaaki, she stuttered, I-I'm honored to meet you too...!

– She's a huge fan, explained Claw, with a smirk.

– No, reacted Dove, pushing her elbow into his ribs. I-I mean yes! Yes I am but don't put it that way!

The black-haired man grinned, without letting go off her, while the other woman softly smiled at her, and waved at the two to follow her. Walking across the corridors of such a place was enough to send shivers down the younger's spine, and she examined it excitedly. When Ether led them into the same recording room in which she received the three men earlier, Dove felt like her jaw was about to drop; their studios really were on the next level. She looked at the grand piano in the middle of it, and the older lady noticed it.

– Are you perhaps a musician, Miss? She asked her, with amusement in her tone.

– Oh, uh, I sing as a part-time job.

– Well, I would be glad to hear you, one day. But as for today, there is a mission I want to give you. Please take a seat.

Dove nodded, and went to sit on the sofa she designed, Claw taking place next to her, his arm still around her. Ether leaned against the large instrument, raising an eyebrow as she watched them.

– Before we speak of this matter... Claw, since when did you become so clingy?

In an abrupt move, he lifted his arm up in the air and looked away, his cheeks turning bright red. Dove put a hand on her mouth to refrain herself from laughing; he seemed quite flustered from such a remark.

– ... I'm not clingy, he muttered, that's 'cause of your dogs downstairs who bothered her.

– Sure, sure.

The black-haired man mumbled, putting his arm along his body, avoiding to look at Dove, still too blushing for that. Ether crossed her legs in an amused smile, before it left her face, taking an earnest look again.

– The police currently has files on some of our gang's illegal business, and this is getting dangerous. We need them destroyed as soon as possible, and for this, we need someone police doesn't know... And you will be perfect for that role, Dove.