December 6th
A large figure walked through the dark streets of a poorer neighborhood, carrying a hefty suitcase with one hand. Normally such a person would be a prime target for all sorts of gangsters, lowlifes and other undesirable characters that tended to lurk about in this area of the city, but few were foolish enough to even think of crossing that man. His hulking figure dwarfed most men around him, his bulging muscles barely contained by his clothes, and he carried himself with the bearing of a seasoned warrior, someone who was familiar with the art of killing and wasn't just a glorified thug. With his imposing presence, the man continued unimpeded to a small apartment complex on the corner of a street, making his way to an abode on the third floor.
<I brought the payment.> The man said laconically, placing the suitcase on a nearby table. Unlike the building's run down exterior might have indicated, the apartment was fairly well furnished, although still quite spartan in its decor. Sitting on a chair by a door leading to a small balcony was a significantly thinner man, which was not to say he was frail in the slightest - compared to the hulking titan, he was not much to look at, but he was still tall and wiry, with lean muscles hidden underneath his clothes along with many a scar that denoted his years of experience in combat.
The second man took a drag from his cigarettes, blowing the smoke in the direction of the open balcony door before turning back to the first man and nodding. <Was there any trouble?> He asked his partner, bringing his cigarette back to his lips. The first man shook his head.
<No. The Mob did not attempt subterfuge this time.> He assured in a deep rumbling voice before opening the suitcase, revealing it to be full of stacks of bank notes. The second man exhaled smoke once again and then put out his cigarette on an ashtray nearby before standing up.
<Good.> He stated, approaching and looking over the suitcase full of money for a moment before averting his eyes.
<Look at us, Kai. Goro's best enforcers, disgraced and exiled after a... tantrum.> He spat, the anger inside him showing clearly. <Reduced to hitmen working for a pack of foreigners with no clue of what honor is. After ten years of impeccable service!> He slammed his fist on the table, causing an awful screech as his metallic prosthesis left nasty scratch marks on the wooden surface.
<We will return.> Kai replied to his partner, seemingly calmer but no less indignant. <We will return with fire one day. And Goro will learn.>
Calming himself down, the second man nodded at Kai, only to notice that his gaze had become fixed on the balcony window as he subtly shifted into a battle stance. Swiftly the second man turned around to see what had caused his partner's surprise, his hand moving towards a scabbard hanging from his hip.
"Ishiguro."
A young man with flowing blond hair had appeared on the balcony and calmly walked into the apartment under the incredulous gaze of the two former yakuza, uttering the second man's name, albeit his pronunciation left something to be desired.
"Surge." Ishiguro replied. "Barging into a man's home looking for a fight? You Westerners truly have no honor." He said in adequate English, though an accent was still noticeable. His hand didn't draw his katana from its scabbard yet, but he looked more than ready to do so at a moment's notice.
"I'm not here to fight you." The hero promptly shot back, causing Kai and Ishiguro to look at each other in confusion. "I'm here to talk. I need your help, and I think you'll be interested in hearing what I've got to say." He continued afterwards, his stance betraying no intention to fight.
Kai shot Ishiguro a meaningful look, and the two exchanged a few words in Japanese before the larger of the two replied.
"We're listening."
December 9th
Three days had passed since the hero had made arrangements with the ex-yakuza to join forces against a criminal organization. Two since he had spoken to his fellow heroes about his decision to act. Now it was the day that had been agreed upon, and all that was left was for the players to arrive.
<This is the place.> Kai stated as he and Ishiguro arrived at a warehouse not far from one of the two ports located on San Pedro Bay.
<If the boy betrays us I will gut him like a fish.> Ishiguro stated gruffly. This territory was guarded by the Port Police, who would no doubt be upon them in a moment if they were tipped off to their presence, and though the yakuza were allowed to operate there due to a mixture of stealth, bribery and intimidation, the two former members no longer enjoyed the protection afforded by their organization. They wouldn't go down easily, but they were alone.
<That is if he doesn't disable your arms first.> Kai replied, earning an irritated tch from his partner.
<...Well, if this does go wrong, at least we'll go down swinging. And if it doesn't, that means we have a shot at getting back at that bastard, Goro. No matter the outcome, my anger will be sated.> Ishiguro stated, earning a nod from his partner. The two had already made up their minds to see this through or die trying. Fortunately for them, the only person to show up was not an officer of the law or a senior member of the Los Angeles Stars.
"What are you two going on about?" A new voice asked in English as someone else approached, causing both men to turn to look at the newcomer. His face was familiar enough, but his long blonde locks had been cut off, leaving his hair quite short, and instead of a hero's garb or a suit like the ones worn by Kai and Ishiguro, he was essentially dressed in rags, his red shirt and jeans looking worn and dirty. The duffel bag he carried, by comparison, looked pristine.
"Nothing to concern yourself with, Surge." Kai replied while Ishiguro looked the teenager over.
"You put quite a bit of effort into your disguise." The swordsman noted. "Are you ready to do this?"
Surge nodded. "I paid two months of rent in advance, so unless we all die, there shouldn't be any problems." He joked in a futile attempt to lighten the mood. Kai cracked a smile, but Ishiguro simply raised an eyebrow at the comment. Surge cleared his throat. "In any case, yes. I'm ready." He said a bit more solemnly. "Ishiguro, you said you could get us in. What's the plan?"
After his discussion with Ishiguro and Kai, the young hero had learned about the schedules the yakuza used to transport supers from the United States - and other countries - to Japan, and had realized, much to his grief, that Morgan was likely traveling across the Pacific already. So rather than simply attempting to raid the docks like the last time, the trio had resort to concocting a much riskier, longer-term plan.
Hearing the question, the swordsman looked in the direction of the port. "I already made some arrangements. Most of the people working on the operation here in the States are low ranking members, they won't get in our way. The leader of our family, Goro, exiled us after our defeat back in September, but it will take a day or two until his enforcers learn we are back in Japan and come after us - he doesn't think anyone is stupid enough to challenge him, so we should have some time to figure out the next step from there." He explained calmly, though his voice dripped with venom as he uttered Goro's name.
"His arrogance will be his downfall." Kai interjected.
"Once we board, it will be ten days to Yokohama. We'll find out where they sent your friend and work from there." Ishiguro continued, before digging into one of his suit's pockets and pulling out a pill, offering it to Surge. "They won't know who you are, but if you are awake they will grow suspicious."
The blond boy took the pill and looked it over suspiciously. He had no intention of backing down now, but he realized that to any onlooker, what he was about to do must have seemed extremely stupid. "I was the one who defeated you back then. How do I know you won't take this chance to get even?"
Ishiguro's temper seemed to flare up at the question. "You insult me, boy. Striking down a foe when he cannot defend himself is cowardice, plain and simple." He replied, glaring daggers at the hero. "I swear on my honor, which is important to me. I am here to see this through, as is Kai." He continued, the larger man nodding in agreement. "But if that does not convince a Westerner like you, then I will say this: few things are as pure as vengeance and spite. We will have our vindication, hero. With or without your help. But as long as our interests align, we will fight by your side."
Surge stared at Ishiguro's grim countenance for several moments, not finding a trace of deception in it. Taking a deep breath, he swallowed the pill and then sat down on the floor, waiting for its effects to kick in. "You know, this is not how I was hoping to visit Japan."
The comment earned a chuckle from the swordsman, but it was Kai who replied. "It is a beautiful place, hero. Perhaps if all goes well, you may enjoy it." He stated. The thought caused Icarus to begin imagining what it would be like to visit under calmer circumstances. His body began to feel numb and his senses began to grow duller as he felt the effects of the pill kick in, but his mind continued to wander. The last image on his mind before he fell unconscious under the effects of the sedative was of himself walking through the streets of a distant nation, with a certain South American heiress by his side.
Surge's slumbering form fell to the ground, only to be promptly picked up by the hulking man along with the duffel bag.
<It is time, Kai.> Ishiguro spoke, lighting up a cigarette and taking a drag as the two began heading towards the docks. Kai nodded in agreement.
<We're going home.>
