Cyberpunk 2077: V

Chapter 72: Shattered Glass

"CODE RED INITIATED! Attention: Code Red has been initiated throughout Konpeki Plaza. Please remain in your rooms and follow all instructions given by staff."

A pulse went through the floor, and suddenly all the lights in the room went dark, switching over to a vicious dull red glow. Yorinobu stood and stumbled back from his father's body, turning and walking towards the far corner, running a hand over his face, the despair and shock fading into a calculated look of righteous anger. Just as he got into position, the elevator tone dinged, and there were the two bodyguards. The one with the dark suit and bun, the one that came with Saburo Arasaka earlier, came sprinting into the room, his face still stoic even as shock flashed through his eyes. Adam Smasher slowly stamped after him.

"What happened?!" Saburo's bodyguard called out roughly in Japanese as he slid to a stop at the top of the stairs.

Yorinobu moved to block his path. He took a breath, then said slowly, "Someone... someone poisoned my father."

The bodyguard took a step forward, eyes locked on Saburo's form. "Poisoned?" he asked harshly, continuing to move towards the body as Yorinobu stepped agitatedly in front of him.

"It would seem so," Yorinobu said flatly, blocking the bodyguard with his body more firmly.

The bodyguard shook himself a little, tearing his eyes away to stare at Yorinobu with confusion. "Yorinobu-san... I doubt—" he started to say.

Yorinobu suddenly strode forward, almost smashing his chest into the man.

"What is your job, Takemura?" Yorinobu asked darkly, with cold authority.

Takemura blinked a couple of times, then straightened a little, cocking his head. "I don't follow."

A dangerous edge slipped into Yorinobu's voice as he immediately interjected with, "It is a simple question. Answer it."

V saw the moment realization set in for Takemura. He blinked again. Straightened to attention. Raised his chin. Set his shoulders.

"To protect the head of the Arasaka family," Takemura replied.

Yorinobu curled a lip. "I do sincerely hope you'll do a better job of executing your duties from now on..."

The words obviously stunned the bodyguard. He took a step back, shoulders hunching as he visibly swallowed. He looked to the side, his voice taking on a more serious, servile air.

"Forgive me, Arasaka-sama. I shall not disappoint."

And with that, the transition of power was made known. Was made complete.

Yorinobu stared Takemura down a few moments more, before turning and brushing past him, whatever familiarity they'd apparently had before severed and squashed out. Yorinobu strutted towards the elevator with an expectant air, and Adam Smasher turned to follow immediately. Takemura followed as well, but his steps were slower, more hesitant. Just as he got to the top of the small stairs leading down to the conversation pit, he looked back over his shoulder at the body of Saburo Arasaka.

The body of the man, the emperor, he was sworn to protect.

And then they were all in the elevator, faces dark masks in the dim light, with the door closing silently, shutting them off from view.

All V could hear was the alarm blaring, all she could see was red. She felt numb.

"What... what the fuck happened in there?!" T-Bug whispered, and V chilled when she heard for the first time ever a thread of visceral, real fear in T-Bug's voice.

"He—," V started, voice falling off in disbelief, turning to Jackie before she swallowed and continued with, "Yorinobu offed Saburo Arasaka!"

T-Bug was quiet for a beat before shrieking, "WHAT?!"