beloved of grace

Chapter 29 - Conclusion of the Last

Jake stepped out of the old vehicle with too many health hazards, joining you in watching the three from J-high duel the two VVIPs, the mysterious one now revealed to be Eugene's twin. For a moment, you were at ease. Then you heard Eugene, "How. . .? How is it that J-high school is able to get in our way? My fighters might be tired but I didn't think you'd be able to push us this far back."

The chairman's gaze fell upon them carefully, securitizing them one by one,"Vasco of Burn Knuckles, you weren't this strong before."

"Zack Lee," the boxer held his hands together, as though in prayer, "you used to lose every fight."

"And Daniel Park," Daniel returned the cold gaze, countenance as unchanging as the deep sea, "how is it that you're giving off such a dangerous aura? I didn't anticipate that the hunt for Big Deal would be this difficult."

"Given what's now unfolding, I will need to keep all possibilities open. It's undeniable. I feel the three of you to be on par with the first-generation kings." Light rain descended on the street, washing away the golden oil and coating the street in the scent of it's chill. In the distance, you could hear an ensemble of attacks after attacks, and the rushed rhythm of footprints as Jake left your side to take care of Workers' many men.

You could hear Jason shout, encouraging Big Deal to get up and fight. Yet when you forced yourself to move, the voice in your head blared loudly, '. . . Do not move. The reason you never fought with your hands was not only to protect your opponent, but also to protect yourself. Remember that.'

Colors blurred in your vision as you brought your foot forwards, neglecting the thundering pulse of your heart and the sorrows of your synthesized flesh, . . .That is the most I have heard you say. In all the other worlds, have I chosen to do the same?

'. . . Yes.'

Then you know what choice I will make. With slow and heavy steps, you reached the battlefield. And along your entrance was another: a soul befitting of the name Shiro Oni. His steps were eerie and constant. A pattern of inevitable destruction accompanied by the rain. Gun Park approached the street with an umbrella over his head, "Geez. You damned sons of bitches. I told you to be careful not to be caught by the police. Yet now you're starting a gang fight out in the open?"

"It's been a while since it rained and since I've said these words." In the middle he stood, overlooking the mess alone, "Workers, you are no longer a part of the four major crews."

"That man is. . .?" You could hear Jason inquire, followed by Jake's lighthearted tone. Yet the tremble in his voice revealed all the hatred he couldn't conceal, "So he's finally here."

"How amusing, Jake Kim. I never expected you to ask me for help." Gun commented, lighting a cigarette under the cover of his black umbrella, "So you're willing to even lick the boot of your enemy if it means you can save Big Deal? And when, pray tell, will you get around to killing me?"

"No smoking." You easily sweeped the stick out of his hands, dropping it onto the floor and crushing it under your foot. For a moment, even Gun Park seemed to be at a loss for words. Because of your audacity or your heavily injured state, or both, you didn't know. You could feel him look at you from head to toe from the obscurity of his sunglasses, "What happened to you? I didn't do that, it wasn't Goo or Tom Lee either."

"Ah," Gun seemed to realized after a moment, holding the umbrella over your head as well, "so he's completely gone over to the Worker's side."

He placed the umbrella in your hands, walking out under the rain, towards the chairman himself, "Anyway, that's how it is Eugene. I'm here to fight on behalf of Big Deal. But I must say, this is quite interesting."