FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

After returning from Jidaigaiden, Sogra McCartin slept off at the hotel whilst Gordon and Kiryu took a quiet stroll around Kaijurocho. The night air was turning cold and kaiju were starting to wear coats more often, a subtle damp covering the streets that turned them slick.

"Thank you for coming," Gordon pulled Kiryu's arm, "Jidaigaiden was so fun!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Your mother's quite a character, I like her a lot."

"That's good! Your boss very nice, I thought he be scarier."

"Shisa-sama? No he's a wonderful guy, he can be serious when he wants to, but outside in public he's friendly as they come."

"You had something to talk with him?" McCartin rubbed his head.

"Just some business," Kiryu nodded stiffly, "we have some new companies setting up on Zennyo Avenue."

"OH good, more money?!"

"Mmhmm. Heh, your mother really gave him hell for that beam nearly hitting you."

"I'm sorry!" Gordon whimpered clutching himself. "She not know about yakuza-"

"No no, don't apologise," Goji waved his hand, "Shisa-sama didn't mind, he did pay back the money for her ticket, and what matters is you're alright."

"It was...scary."

A brief shiver came through before Kiryu pulled him close, a tender hug and a smooch to his head that made Gordon flap his earfins.

"You want to do anything before heading back?"

"I pretty tired," the beast sighed, "can we go now?"

"Of course. I have a couple last things to do before heading to bed, let me walk you to the bus stop."

Heading past the Hotel District, Goji brought Gordon to his stop and waited for the university coach. A quiet rain came trickling down, barely noticeable as Gordon grinned flapping his ears.

"You like the rain?" Kiryu asked.

"A little," McCartin grinned, "feels nice on my scales."

"You know, there's a swimming pool we could go to sometime, if you want to."

"Oooh, I love swimming! We go when mother leaves?"

"Sure. I'll let you know when I'm free."

The bus soon arrived as they hugged each other again.

"Be safe, okay Kiryu?"

"I will. Goodnight, McCartin."

"Goodnight, Kiryu-san."

With a soft kiss to Gojirama's cheek, Gordon took his leave and headed off into the night. Kiryu sighed with a soft balm in his heart, stepping back into Kaijurocho where the lights of the neon stirred to a frenzy as drunkards cajoled and couples sang the night away. At first all was pleasant, but Kiryu knew more than most to always expect trouble, no matter which time of year.

Taking a walk past the temple, he saw the lights of the fires ensconced within its great halls, shining like a beacon from the stone windows of each floor. As he walked past the temple grounds to admire their gentle gleam, he noticed a familiar moth stepping out from its doors.

"Stay safe Ojha-san!" the High Priestess waved on the doorstep.

"You too, Shoji-sama," the dark moth bowed in turn.

His golden horn glinted upon his scalp as his black-and-red sari fluttered in the wind, whilst he held an empty box in his hands. Standing outside the grounds, Kiryu bowed to the visitor in passing as he left.

"Ojha-san, hope you're doing well."

"Hm." Battram stopped with a sneering look. "Are you here for Shoji-sama too?"

"No no, just like to walk round here, it's nice to see the temple all lit up at night."

"Indeed. I suppose you are dying to know why I am here."

"Well, I do find it odd," Goji rubbed his chin, "considering you and Shoji-sama are on...opposite terms."

"We still respect each other," Ojha clasped his four arms, "despite our differences."

"That's good, I'm glad to hear. What you got there?"

"A present."

He showed off the box without its prize, claiming it once held a scale model of the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel, designed as both a clock and a night-light in itself.

"Huh," Kiryu smirked, "I didn't know she liked ferris wheels."

"A gift from our youth." The moth crushed the box in half. "To demonstrate I hold no ill will towards her."

"Kind of an early birthday gift, isn't it?"

"I will be unavailable come December, so I thought it best to deliver her gift now."

"That's very kind of you," Gojirama nodded, "I don't suppose you know what's a good gift to get her?"

"Kamen Spider toys," Ojha rolled his blood-red eyes.

"Hah, right, my patriarch's a fan of that show so I know how it is-"

"Tell me, what is your connection with Shoji-sama? She is not the sort to hire brigands."

"No," Kiryu shook his head with offended snarl, "I'm just a friend, I've known her for years, the Toho Clan would never intrude on her temple."

"Good." The moth twitched his mandibles. "I am glad to see she has not corrupted our home entirely."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing you would understand."

Before he could answer, a rumbling beep came out from Kiryu's pocket as he pulled out his smartphone. The Paw Patrol app cried the words ASSAULT, PARK BOULEVARD across the front of the screen.

"I have to go. Goodnight, Ojha-san."

"Hm."

The moth unfurled his sari and took flight towards the sky, grand black wings shrouded in fire that streaked across its patterns. Watching Battram leave with a distasteful scowl, Kiryu let his thoughts run as he hoofed it for Kaijuro Hills.

What's his problem? I don't understand why Shoji-sama wants to even talk to him, he's such a damn bigot. Ehh, let's deal with this other business, might as well upgrade to this smartphone now considering how much use I'm getting out of it.

A sharp cacophony rang down the street in the northern district, a construction site towering above the love motels and casinos along the path directly in front of the lavish Kaijuro Hills estate. Under the high-rise girders and long steel walls that encompassed the corner of the boulevard, Kiryu found several construction workers crumpled on the street with tools in disarray.

"Hey, what happened?!" Kiryu asked.

"Some fuckin' asshole came at us," muttered a red horse in a worker's vest, "shouting off about his wife an' when we told him to piss off he took on all of us!"

"His wife?"

"Yeah!" a blue ox rubbed his snout. "Said we were Jinuchu, I told him that's a crock o' shit, we're just building this place!"

"I just got an alert on the Paw Patrol, so I-...wait." Goji stepped back staring at the ox and horse. "Don't I recognise you two?

"Wha? HEY!"

They both stood up and pulled the rest of their friends back on their feet.

"You're that Toho guy, from our last job at the love hotel!"

"Yeah," Kiryu nodded, "you switched jobs I see."

"What, you think we're dressing for Halloween?" the bull flapped his vest. "Daiei Alliance dumped our asses before they got raided by cops, which honestly worked out for us pretty good."

"So now we're building this."

The horse pointed up at the skeletal tower, shining crimson with its girders reaching for the stars.

"What's this place for?" Kiryu asked.

"Some fancy hotel-casino combo," the stallion shrugged, "I dunno why, we got plenty of those already."

"It's a job," the ox picked up his tools, "Plectrum Developments wanted more strong arms so, we jumped at the chance."

"Well hey that's good," Kiryu smiled, "I'm glad you're taking on honest work. No hard feelings I hope."

"Ehh, it's fine," he offered his hand, "I'm Gozuharu, this is Mezuharu."

"Nice to meet you proper," the saurian shook both of them, "Gojirama Kiryu, are you brothers?"

"Yeah actually," the horse grinned, "fraternal twins they call us, born at the same time."

"Wow, really but...you two are-"

"Not identical, yeah," Gozuharu nodded, "two different eggs, two different sperm, same day, our mom said it was like opening the gates of hell."

"That's...really mean of her," Kiryu grimaced.

"Naaah she jokes about it but it's fine also hey uh, sorry for beating you up and your pal."

"Hm, it's fine, a job's a job, sorry about the buttplug."

"Wait, what?" Mezuharu looked to his brother.

"Don't ask," Gozu shook his head.

"Who attacked you by the way?" Goji looked down the street.

"He went down that way, I think he saw somebody he knew and left us alone."

"I'll deal with him. Good luck with your new job, hope this hotel/casino thing goes well."

"Yeah like we need a thirty-seventh one, anyways good luck pal, take it easy."

Heading further along the street, Kiryu kept his ear out for the sounds of violence as he beamed on a small underground casino where a clattering roar and smashing plates could be heard down the stairs and through a glass door. Inside the parlour were slot machines and several tables with blackjack, poker, and a small roulette wheel to the side for craps. But now they were shoved aside, cards and chips on the floor along with a a familiar-looking kaiju, that laid crumpled underneath.

"I was gonna let you leave," said a burly crustacean, "but now, I think I'll break your legs."

"You take one I'll take the other," said a pale squid punching four fists together.

"Wh-where...where the FUCK IS SHE?!" screamed the stranger.

"You'll find out...after we take your head off and send it over."

Grabbed by the two goons, a snarling black hookbill with piercing red eyes tried tried to punch them back. The lobster and the squid punched Mutokami's stomach, his tan suit smeared with blood as they threw him onto the roulette table. Kiryu recognised the two thugs from Kamoebara's gang, the lobster Ganimura and the cuttlefish Gezorage who spread open the husband's legs and readied themselves to break his knees.

In their struggle they did not notice the kaiju behind them, as Goji grabbed the dark-shelled crustacean and threw him back against the wall, before socking the squid in his red eyes to send him aside.

"A-AOOW, WHO THE FUCK-"

"WHA-...FUCK, IT'S FUCKING KIRYU!"

"I don't normally make bets," Kiryu stood between them, "but I can tell you now you'll both lose this hand."

"YOU FUCKING ASSWIPE, YOU'RE THE REASON KAMOEBARA'S DEAD!"

"Am I? I was under the impression that Gihei was the one who gutted him."

"Yeah thanks to YOU!" snarled the squid jabbing a noodly arm. "You already fucked up, so our boss'll be real happy when we drag your fucking skull to him personally!"

"Try me."

Kiryu put up his fists as Ganimura swung first, his giant claw whirling above as the saurian dodged with a hard slam into the lobster's side, grabbing the hairy beard of the crab to throw him face down in a desk. Gezorage swung all four of his arms like silver whips, with two slapping Kiryu's head before the Toho lieutenant headbutted the squid to make his face tremble with pain.

The lobster pulled himself up with a hard kick to Kiryu's back, knocking him down to the floor before leaping with his two giant claws up high to crush down on his skull. Gojirama rolled on his back to kick the crab in his stomach mid-leap and throw him back hard.

Rolling himself up, he felt a pair of tentacled hands wrap round his throat and strangle him viciously, the other two trying to cover his eyes. In a dangerous waltz, Kiryu swung his body round to wrench the octopus off and send him crashing against one of the tables with a scattering of cards exploding in his face. He hurried over to Mutokami still splayed on the roulette table.

"You alright!?" Kiryu pulled him up.

"F-fucking, ASSHOLE!" the husband snarled clutching his ribs. "Why're you here?!"

"Because you beat up some workers up the road, you need help with these punks?"

"I don't take help from yakuza!"

"THIS yakuza wants to save your wife, now shut up and fight!"

Kiryu turned with a hard fist into Ganimura trying to come close, the crab stumbling back when Goji launched himself with a flying punch to crack the crustacean's head. Mutokami stumbled towards the cuttlefish who tried to grab his arms, suddenly biting the thug's head as Gezorage screamed.

The tan-suited kaiju drove his fist in the squid's eye, hammering down enough times before kicking him back into a slot machine that pinged with rolling bars. Gezorage grabbed the lever and wrenched it from its joints to bash Mutokami's face, the machine beeping louder with a frenzy as the hookbill dodged the one-armed bandit club.

Ducking low, Mutokami drove his head upwards with a sudden lift, crunching his sharp skull into the squid's pudgy face before a wild haymaker slammed him against the machine. The hookbill grabbed Gezorage's arms and bent him over to crush his long head into the payout slot, the machine trilling with joy as it pummelled the cephalopod with a flurry of gold tokens.

On the other side of the casino, Ganimura put up his giant claws to guard himself against Kiryu's assault, the Toho lieutenant testing his jabs with little bops to wait for a counter-strike. The crab saw his chance and with his two smaller arms punched Goji in the ribs with a double-blow, the saurian clenching his abs to take the hit before he shoved his hand between the claws, and grabbed the crustacean's beard.

"A-AAAARGH, FUCKING BITCH!"

"It's about to get WORSE!"

Kiryu pulled the thug's face into his punch, cracking between the eyes twice before a headbutt sent him crumpling against the wall. The lobster tried to surprise him with a flying kick when Kiryu grabbed him in a hard spin and crunched him into the roulette table. The wheel spun from the impact as the crab grabbed for its handle, to rip it out of the table and bash Kiryu across the face.

"PLACE YOUR BETS MOTHERFUCKER!" Ganimura launched himself up. "Wanna bleed red, or do I give you a BLACK EYE?!"

Clasping the roulette wheel, he charged with a slamming thrust into Kiryu's chest as the saurian tried to grab the rim, the crab wrenching it back to club him over the head and send him stumbling to grab the desk. Stepping back to put himself near the door, Goji waited for the crab to come running before the Toho member dodged with a sweep of his leg.

The lobster tripped with a staggering shriek, slamming the glass door that cracked against his body. As he tripped, Kiryu wrenched the roulette wheel from his loosening grip, before a violent swing to the lobster's back sent him through the shattering glass with shards of brittle rain. Crumpling on the stairwell, he was knocked unconscious with a deafening slam of the wheel from above that split in half on his head.

"Should've cashed in your chips," Kiryu quipped, "now you're all broke."

Turning back towards the casino, he brushed off his sleeves and looked back to Mutokami, the hookbill grabbing Gezorage and hoisting him against the wall.

"WHERE IS MY WIFE?!"

"G-GHHRKH!"

"WHERE IS SHE?!"

"G-go...fuck yourself, you cuckhole."

"RRRAAAAAAAARGH!"

Hurling the cuttlefish against the table to crunch his head with a blackening bruise, the husband pounced on his body to drive his fist into his eye.

"Where, the FUCK is JIRA MUTOKAMI?!"

"You think I'd tell you?!"

"No." Kiryu stepped up beside. "I know you will. I'm going to give you two choices. Tell him what he wants, or you'll end up like Kamoebara."

"Wh-what?!" Gezorage snorted. "You think you're hot shit Toho boy?! I know you didn't gut the boss!"

"So if I march down to Gihei, which I will one day, and tell him that it was because of you I end up breaking his face...do you think he's going to let you walk ever again?"

"You...what?" The squid suddenly turned even paler. "N-no, no you wouldn't, you wouldn't squeal like that!"

"Wouldn't I?" Kiryu bent down with sneering teeth. "I don't care what he does to you. The less of you thugs from Jinuchu out there, the better, so do you want to find out how much suffering your boss felt before he died, or do you want to tell my friend where his wife is?"

"A-al...alright!" Gezorage put up his arms. "Alright, I-i know where your wife is."

"I fucking KNEW IT!" Mutokami punched him again. "WHERE IS SHE?!"

"OW, DAMMIT I'M TELLING YOU ALRIGHT?! She's off over in Yokohama!"

"WHERE?!"

"I-I CAN'T, THAT AIN'T ENOUGH!?"

"Not yet," Kiryu brandished his fist, "it's Issincho, isn't it?"

"Wha-...h-how'd you guess?!"

"I heard about it elsewhere."

"Then why the fuck you grilling me?!"

"BECAUSE YOU KIDNAPPED MY JIRA-CHAN!"

One last punch drove into Gezorage's skull, knocking out the squid as Mutokami stormed out of the parlour. Stepping over Ganimura's body, the husband stumbled up the stairs with a groan and clutched his stomach before he fell onto the street.

"Hey, hold up!" Kiryu rushed up from behind. "You need help?"

"N-nnngh, g-get off!"

"You took a hell of a beating, you sure you're good?"

"I SAID FUCK, OFF, YOU YAKUZA BITCH!"

The hookbill swung his fist as Kiryu stepped back, watching Mutokami fall on his back with a sudden heave to stare up at the night sky. Falling rain drifted down his beak with gentle patter, trickling off his sleeves onto the damp slick street.

"Why?" he gasped. "Wh-why did...why did they take her?"

"I don't know," Kiryu shook his head, "but I told you before I wasn't Jinuchu. I'm fighting against them."

"I don't give a FUCK who you are!" he snapped with tears ekeing out his face. "I just...I-i just want my Jira-chan to be okay."

"What happened to her?" Kiryu sat beside him.

"She...she was a manager, for a cafe in the mall. She got transferred for the new branch and was doing alright, I was working up north. We met in Hokkaido. Never found anyone that knew me as well as her, got my jokes better than me, she was...she's perfect. She went missing two weeks back, and I only managed to track her down here."

"And you think Jinuchu are behind it?"

"I know they are," Mutokami clenched his fists, "the last thing I heard from her was, she was serving a group from Jinuchu. Then she screamed, on the phone, and it cut off...I don't even know if she's...n-no, she has to be alive. I need her to be. I-i need my Jira-chan."

"Gods, that's terrible." Goji shook his head. "I'm so sorry. She's not the first they've been kidnapping."

"What?" the hookbill turned to him. "The fuck you saying?"

"Jinuchu have been kidnapping ladies for the past while, you heard about the temple abduction last month?"

"No, I wasn't here."

"They've been causing trouble round here," Kiryu nodded, "my clan's going to do something about it, and if your wife Jira is out there, then we'll find her and get her back."

"You...are you serious?" Mutokami sat up. "You not shitting me are you?"

"I care about this city, and all of its workers," Goji offered his fist, "I swear to you, on my life, I will find her, and make her kidnappers pay."

"...like hell you are."

The kaiju stumbled up on his feet.

"I'm gonna find her. She's MY wife, my love, she's everything to me. I can't let her just get rescued by some thug with a sense of honour, fuck does that make me?!"

"You're trying and that matters," Kiryu stood up with him, "but you're not experienced with yakuza like I am, would you rather see her again, or die trying?"

"I DON'T CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO ME!" he screeched. "My life means nothing without her, I got nothing if my Jira-chan ain't safe!"

"Alright, I understand. I'd feel the same if someone kidnapped my boyfriend, so I know I can't stop you. But I will find her, when I track down Jinuchu and stop them, regardless of what you do...I'll get her back."

"Fine." Mutokami sighed walking away with a limp. "If you...if you find her...I'm at the apartments on West Taihei. Jan Mutokami."

"I will," Kiryu bowed, "take care...Mutokami-san."

The husband shuffled down the lane with a grunting gasp, Goji shaking his head before checking the time on his phone. It was then he noticed the text from Sanjin he had received in the midst of the fight.

Varan - MEET UP, SHELLAC, 15 MINS

The Champion District was both the safest and most dangerous place depending on who you asked. For ordinary civilians it was a risky labyrinth full of dark corners and petulant drunks who dragged themselves from place to place. For those like Kiryu, it was difficult for surveillance and easy to lose those pursuing him.

The bar known as Shellac was a favourite place of Sanjin's, a dismal little tavern with four seats in a claustrophobic corridor that wedged him between the wall and the bar itself. Posters covered the brick walls of old venues, harkening back to an older time on the edge of Kiryu's memory, a single lamp flickering in the gloom.

"Welcome sir," a cockroach in a tuxedo greeted from the bar, "what can I get you?"

"Just a rum and coke," Kiryu sat himself down.

He wouldn't have to wait long for his patriarch to come, the door opening five minutes after his arrival as he saw Varan in his old punk jacket. Badges adorned the front showing old bands, as well as the Vasher symbol carved out in a No Sign on the lapel. To drive the point even further, the words " FUCK VASHERS" were studded on the back in English.

Behind him however was someone he almost didn't recognise wearing a black hoodie. When the face of a lion-dog was revealed it looked incredibly out of place, a dumpy-looking blazer that wrapped round the body of the Fourth Chair like a cheap towel.

"Shisa-sama?" Kiryu gasped. "I...I wasn't expecting-"

"At ease," said the Toho leader, "let's keep things casual for our sake. That said, I haven't seen Varan-san wear his jacket in years."

"Helps to keep me focused," said Sanjin snapping his fingers, "soju, two-quart, scotch on the rocks fer my friend."

"Yes sir," the roach bowed.

They spent a moment of silence after getting their drinks, taking a moment to loosen up their veins and relax with gentle sips. Kin Shisahara pulled out a folder from his hoodie and slipped it across the counter, nodding to the bartender who stepped away and left them be.

"I've discovered some further details," said the shisa. "Concerning your discovery of Kurasawa's findings, I've learned the Jinuchu Clan are behind the privatisation of the R.O.S.E. Institute."

"How?" Kiryu shook his head.

"They have a company known as Resco," the Chair opened the folder to reveal its company bio, "several accounts of theirs coincide with other companies that are more publicly known as Jinuchu. This is a problem, Resco are a government outsourcer, which implies that Jinuchu has dug its claws into politics."

"Anything we oughta worry about?" asked Varan sipping his drink.

"Other than potential government corruption, no. It's very difficult to find anything certain since their activities are hidden behind boundless pages of drivel."

"I did hear about the abuse at an immigration centre," Kiryu rubbed his chin, "wasn't proven but-"

"That did slip out," Shisahara nodded, "but since then they've tightened everything, nothing comes out of that group. Not even where Kuribayante went, or these Luzek brothers."

"I know about Kuribayante, but not Luzek."

"They're from the Czech Republic, Obsald and Krystalf, two very talented engineers with exceptional merit and nothing out of place."

"You said they were off in Yokohama?" Sanjin looked to Kiryu. "Means we got even less chance of knowing without bein' there."

"Which is why I need to ask," Goji rubbed his glass, "I need to go to Issincho."

"No way in hell. We already steppin' on Jinuchu toes with findin' that there body, an' they startin' to take over properties up at Park Boulevard, you step over in their home there's gonna be a war."

"But we can't ignore this. They're gearing up for something, and if we don't know what their real plan is, we'll get caught out because Gihei is clearly not for restraint."

"I agree," said the lion-dog stroking his chin, "we must learn of their plans, but Varan-san is correct that if they discover you in their territory, there will be repercussions."

"I think that's coming no matter what we do," Kiryu shook his head, "Kamoebara tried to kidnap Aosukawa twice from the temple, even after I warned them off."

"An' Gihei killed him," Sanjin shrugged, "so whut?"

"Gihei only killed him because he got arrested, because he failed. I only had to meet him once to know exactly what kind of kaiju Gihei is, one who considers every creature around him as disposable, when they outlive their usefulness."

"Hmmm..." the patriarch sipped his soju, "that only makes me more worried about sendin' you over."

"But we cannot let this Kurasawa business rest," said Shisahara, "I have an idea however, I shall call you tomorrow."

"You can't tell us now, Shisa-han?"

"Not until I am certain." The Chair drank up his scotch. "It shall require some...deft form of paperwork."

"Alrigh', if you say so. NOW, BARKEEP!"

Sanjin called as the bartender reappearead.

"Whut is yer finest brandy you got in this here place?"

"The Kitsunikka," said the roach, "barrel-aged and with hand-picked fermented apples."

"Three shots o' that, let's drink to our health!"

Three glasses were poured and Sanjin lifted his.

"To thuh future of Toho, an' let no creature take us apart."

"Here here," said Shisahara drinking to that, "whatever may come, this city shall remain under our protection, come hell or high water."

"Agreed," Kiryu clinked and drank, "mmmph...damn that's smooth."

"Brandy can be, when it's done right."

"Not that you'd know," Sanjin ribbed Shisahara, "spendin' half yer dough on a pisswater bottle they swapped thuh labels with!"

"Varan-san, we all make mistakes. Would you like me to tell Kiryu about your NeoGeo Pocket?"

"WHUH-NAW, NAW NAW IT'S ALL GOOD!"

"Hmhmhahahaha!"

They laughed and they drank, sharing their memories of the past ten years and reassuring Kiryu that action would be taken. After he had drunk enough, Goji took the bus back to his apartment and rested his head, savouring the memories of Jidaigaiden as the night drifted through his dreams.

Two days later, Kiryu was back at the airport for Sogra's departure. Gordon and his mother sat beside him, watching the hours slowly creep past as blaring tannoys and swooping roars of powerful planes loomed overhead. The giant glass windows beamed down a cool autumn sun across the open plaza, the rumbling of luggages heard as spiders carried six bags, and kappas bought overpriced water to pour into their heads.

"//You'd think airports would be nicer in Japan,//" Sogra looked up.

"//They're just bigger here mum,//" Gordon smirked, "//bigger doesn't mean better.//"

"//Oh don't I know that from me younger days,//" she rolled her eyes, "//never let a lad tell you otherwise Gordo, you'll get tired of him soon enough.//"

"//A-are you...talking about Kiryu or-//"

"Yes?" Gojirama raised his brow.

"OH, nothing!"

"//No no get him involved,//" Sogra jabbed him, "//he's yer lad, let's bring him in on this, ask him if he's ever had to deal with anyone saying the bigger the better.//"

"In what...context?" Kiryu squinted when asked.

"Um...with boyfriends?" Gordon blushed rubbing his neck.

"Oh, well...I haven't dated anyone in about seven years so I've not had much experience."

"//Why not?//" Sogra rubbed her chin.

"I'm not the sort of kaiju who goes out dating every night. If I'm going to be with someone, I would prefer it be someone I can be stable with, someone I can relax with...and someone who is patient with me in my job."

"//Ahhh. That's good, you're looking ahead, not thinking of getting your rocks off in the here and now.//"

"I'm thirty-two, McCartin-san, I don't have time to be a playboy."

"That why I like you," Gordon rubbed Kiryu's arm, "you kind but sensible, brave and sweet, a little reckless but...heart always in the right place."

"Thank you," Kiryu smiled, "I'm glad you asked me out, I wasn't planning to be in a relationship but, you're stronger than you look, and I know you wouldn't take any crap from anyone. Not even me. Maybe that's why I feel so comfortable around you."

"Really?"

"Yes. Because I know you'd stand up for yourself. I'd still protect you, but I don't have to worry about you all the time."

"//Well,//" Sogra chuckled shaking her head, "//never thought I'd hear a yakuza say that.//"

"//WH-...what?!//"

Both Gordon and Kiryu looked at her with shock as the middle-aged mother smiled.

"//N-no, no he's not a-//"

"//Gordo, you tried.//" She patted his head. "//But you should know better than to slip one past yer ma.//"

"Hah," Kiryu shook his head as Gordon explained, "I knew I liked you for a reason. When did you figure me out?"

"//I saw you handling sum thug by the giant red gate, lad with a hookbill shoutin' off his head an' calling you yakuza. I had me suspicions from the way you hold yerself, but that just confirmed it.//"

"//I-i'm...I'm so sorry mum,//" her son rubbed his fingers, "//it, it's hard to explain, things are different over here an-//"

"//Lemme ask you sumthin', Kiryu.//" She leaned over towards him. "//Would you ever involve my son in your business?//"

"Absolutely not," Kiryu shook his head. "My clan's business does not involve civilians, and I'd never make him do anything he wouldn't want to do."

"//Good. Then you have my blessing.//"

"//Wha-...h-huh?!//" Gordon clutched himself. "//You, you're okay with him being a yakuza?//"

"//You clearly love him,//" she nodded, "//and he's a good lad, I can sense it in him. He's never killed a bastard in his life.//"

"//How can you tell?//"

"//Because I've seen the look in a killer's eyes.//" She pulled out a cigarette and lit up. "//I've been around enough thugs during my time in London, to know whut sorta creatures to look out fer. And I can tell you that Kiryu's a good one...hhheh, hhheheheh.//"

"//What, what's so funny?//" her son squinted.

"//Just...funniest thing, I went back home to have you and start a family away from that. But now you're dating a yakuza so, maybe no matter what I do, our family's fated to run into trouble.//"

"//I would never do any crime!//"

"//And that's good, Gordon.//" She patted his knee. "//Kiryu keeps you out of his business too, which was frankly the only thing I worried about. I don't want you to have that life, that's why I left London. So you could become better than me.//"

"I swear on my honour," Kiryu stood up with a bow, "I will keep all of my business at arm's length from your son. Nothing of my work shall come near his life."

"//Thank you...Kiryu.//"

Sogra stood up and pulled him close with a hug. Much to his surprise, she spoke six deadly words in a harsh Japanese.

"Hurt my son...I kill you."

Gojirama smiled, pulling back with a knowing nod as she did the same rolling the cigarette in her snout. Gordon never heard the words she said, and Kiryu would never tell as soon her flight for Ireland came. She lumbered herself up to her gate with Gordon carrying her luggage, the mother hugging her child once again.

"//Call me when you get back,//" Gordo squeezed her tight, "//goodbye mum.//"

"//Goodbye dear.//" She kissed him on the cheek. "//Be safe my little one. You'll always have a home by the sea.//"

Heading through the long hall, she waved once more as the two waved back. Once Sogra was out of sight, they left the airport and where Hakura drove them back to Kaijurocho.

"You alright?" Kiryu asked.

"Yeah," the beast sighed with relief, "she...she really knew, about you."

"Your mother's sharper than we thought. I'm glad I met her."

"Thank you, for being so nice to her. What you do when we get back?"

"Just do my patrols," Gojirama leaned back, "expecting a call from the higher-ups, what about you?"

"Studying," Gordon nodded, "doing history of earthquakes!"

"How's that related to the ocean?"

"Fault lines, the...the plates," the beast flattened his hands like balancing scales, "under ocean, they make earthquakes."

"Aaaah, right, that makes sense," Kiryu pulled out a pack of cigarettes, "I've never asked, but, do you mind when I smoke?"

"Only in cars, or inside places."

"Good to know." He pocketed them again. "I try not to when we're at the restaurants."

"Thank you," Gordon bowed, "is fine when outside, you always...look cool when you do."

"Hmhmhm...I think that's the first time I've been with anyone that called me cool, oh, hold up."

His regular phone beeped off as he saw a text from Sano. His eyes perked up as Gordon giggled.

"Very retro phone!"

"You think so?" Kiryu smiled at him. "My friends say it's just old crap, but all I need is just texting and calling."

"I like it. You don't care what cool is, you decide, THAT makes you cool."

"Thank you," Goji texted back and put his phone away, "that's nice to hear from someone five years younger than me, means there's still hope left for me to keep up with trends."

"Heehehee!" McCartin blushed. "Trends so silly, just do what you like!"

"I think so too, just be yourself, as long as you're comfortable and not harming anyone."

"Yes, exactly!"

Arriving at Kaijurocho's gate, the clock striking noon from half-a-dozen stores, they stepped out the limo as Gordon hugged Kiryu again and smooched him on the cheek. Kiryu kissed him back in turn, as McCartin headed up the street waving goodbye.

"A charming lad he is." The yak chauffeur bowed from the side. "Is there anything else you require, Kiryu-san?"

"Not at the moment," Goji shook his head, "thanks again for helping with McCartin's mom."

"It was my pleasure, I always enjoy travelling to the airport, such fascinating creatures you meet. But now I must ask you a favour of great urgency."

"Oh?"

"Please, take a look at this."

From his pocket Hakura unfolded a flyer showing an advertisement for a boxing match, lustrous purple stars around the ring with two gloves crunching against each other. Kiryu recognised the name Yae Hakura on one of the gloves.

"Wow," he nodded, "her first match!"

"In a few hours," the father nodded. "Down at the community centre, she's sponsored by a local gym called Jackalopes."

"That's great!"

"No, it is not." The yak took back the flyer. "I do not know why, but seeing the name Jackalopes stirs something dark and foreboding in me."

"You're just worried about her," Kiryu crossed his arms, "that's understandable, but you said yourself you shouldn't interfere-"

"Kiryu-san. Forgive me but I must respectfully disagree, I remember this name coming up in one of several discussions with Shisa-sama, concerning local properties."

"Wait...what?"

"A chauffeur does not just drive. They must also have their ears attuned to their passengers and sense the shifting narrative like dunes in the desert, They must know when to step in should things get out of hand, and also help the conversation flow before it stutters."

"And you've heard of this company?" Goji pointed to the flyer.

"I am certain," Hakura nodded. "Shisa-sama did not purchase this company, and whilst I do not recall why, I remember the sour look upon his face. Kiryu-san, forgive my impertinence, but would it be discourteous of me to ask that we travel together to ascertain the veracity of this sporting event?"

"You think something bad is going on?" Goji tapped his chin.

"I sense something untowards about this gymnasium, and I must see for myself."

"Hmm...alright. But only if you promise to avoid your daughter, remember she's an adult and following her own path."

"Of course!" The driver clapped his gloves. "Thank you Kiryu-san, come! Let us hurry whilst obeying a respectable speed limit!"

"Alright, but I won't tell anyone if you push past sixty."

With a click of the gears and a hard kick to the pedal, Hakura tightened his gloves on the wheel and with a burning shock in his eye, started to tear out onto the motorway. Kiryu clenched himself against his seat as the yak gritted his teeth, guiding his limousine between cars, trucks and rickshaws with the grace of a curling iron on the rink.

Arriving at the community centre, the crowd was electrified with excitement for the first of the local major matches. The ring in the centre stood beneath the spotlight, the audience circled round with muttering frenzy as Kiryu and Hakura went to their seats.

"Goodness, just like the cinema," muttered the yak.

"Pretty much," said Kiryu, "except you're expected to be loud."

"I cannot understand the attraction myself, paying money to watch two creatures brutally assault each other."

"It's a controlled environment, a test of strength and durability."

"Why could she not have taken something more fulfilling, like ping-pong?! The tournament for that is going right now."

"Really?" Gojirama smirked. "You watch that?"

"Oh goodness no," Hakura shook his head, "I listen to the local radiograph in my limousine, they speak of upcoming events, apparently a local Kaijurocho team called the Go-Wraths are doing astonishingly well so, expect a big upset come the following week."

"Ah huh...why are you still wearing your chauffeur outfit?"

"What do you mean?" the yak looked down at himself. "Is this not appropriate attire, Kiryu-san?"

"Not when at a sporting event."

"It was good enough for the cinema, it is good enough here."

"Wait, you wear your uniform at the cinema?"

"Why yes, one never knows when I must return to my duties at a moment's notice. That said I do find it rather irksome the number of times I am mistaken for the cinema staff."

"Haha," Kiryu shook his head, "you do have a rather custodial air."

"True true," Hakura rubbed his chin, "at least I now know how to fix three separate kinds of popcorn machines."

"CRRRREATURES AAAAAND PATRONS!" an announcer boomed. "WELCOME TO THE FIRST OF THE AUTUMN FURY TOURNAMENT! IN THE RED CORNER, WE HAVE THE LATEST, FIERCEST GAL FROM THE JACKALOPES GYM! GIVE IT UP, FOR YAAAAAE, HAKURAAAAAA!"

A roar filled the scene as out stepped the young yak, dressed in a purple tank top and black jeans with her long hair tied up in a ponytail. She bobbed and jabbed with a savage look on her face, punching the air as she stepped into the ring.

"Look at her," gasped the father, "she looks so different from the rose that once played in my garden."

"This rose has thorns now," Kiryu grinned, "she's taking on the world and not backing down, you should be proud of that."

"I...I know, Kiryu-san. She is her own creature but...the thing about a rose, is you never want to see it wilt. You want it to remain in your garden, perfect and unblemished. It's hard to let that go."

"Well, I don't know much about gardening, but what I do know is that flowers make seeds right?"

"Y-yes?" Hakura squinted at him.

"Seeds always follow the wind, to make more flowers," Kiryu tapped his chin, "and the best thing for the world, is to let them spread across the land, not keep them to yourself in one garden."

"...hah. Of course." The chauffeur nodded with a smile. "You always know the right thing to say."

"ROUUUUND ONE, FIGHT!"

The bell dinged as Yae took on her opponent, a swarthy cobra who bobbed his head and ducked in close for the first jab. The yak dodged to the side with a quick punch that stunned him, then followed with a haymaker to bash the serpent back. He spun his body round tricked her with a brutal body blow, Hakura's father clenching in his seat everytime his daughter was hit.

"Don't worry," Kiryu patted his hand, "have faith in her."

"I-i can't bear this," he shuddered, "my dearest little flower, h-how DARE that brute lay a hand on her!"

"You wanted to come, this helps you as much as her, to realise she's an adult who can stand up for herself."

"Y-yes but...ohhh, my stomach hurts, d-do they have to punch so hard?!"

"I thought she was in the ring, not you."

"A parent always feels their child's pain," said Hakura clutching himself, "family love is symbiotic, or at least certainly feels that way."

The first round went by in a flash, Yae coming off with a strong start as she walloped the serpent with twisting jabs. The cobra was on the back foot, but still countered her punches with stinging blows to the gut, diving under one of her swings to crunch his fist in her belly as she roared and slammed him down with an overhead.

Crumpling to the ground, the snake took four seconds to push back up and come at her hard with sweeping punches that clipped her jaw. Yae managed to trick him at one point, by rolling her fists and crunching his chin with a surprise punch, causing the serpent to stumble against the ropes.

One punch from Yae he ducked, and when she tried to block her stomach, he hooked her jaw with a staggering blow that made her almost trip before she grabbed the rope and recoiled with a lunging shot, crunching his forehead with such force that the cobra's neck compressed and he groaned stumbling to his corner. The bell soon rang, saving him the grief as both him and Yae left the ring for a break.

"My, GOODNESS!" gasped the father clapping. "That was incredible, she had him on the ropes quite literally!"

"See?" Kiryu grinned. "She can handle herself, she did great!"

"That was marvellous, such strength, such veracity! I wish I could go see her."

"I could pass on a message if you like, just from me since we already met."

"I would appreciate that, Kiryu-san." Hakura bowed before standing up. "I must use the facilities, please excuse me."

"Take your time, I'll save you a seat."

The yak chauffeur stepped through the crowd and slinked into the hall to find the bathroom. His dark-green suit glinted under the lights, as he slipped into a toilet stall and quietly relieved himself in gentle pondering. The sound of footsteps came from the door as two kaiju started bantering.

"That Hakura's doing good huh?"

"Sure is, what a firecracker, glad we scooped her up."

"Well, she'll be good one day, but we can't have her hitting above her weight."

"Yeah, she knows the plan."

The father sat up quietly and gently peeked out the stall, watching a giant rabbit with horns and a catfish urinating together.

"Took a while to convince her that taking the fall was best for her career."

"What was it you said? Win too early and the crowd turns on you?"

"Yeah, we got her good, third round and she hits the mat. Can't let her get too big, we let her run away too fast, we can't milk her dry."

"Plus, making money betting against her won't hurt us too bad."

"Just a li'l extra. The Toho might think we're too greedy for their own good, but we're making out like bandits."

They finished off and cleaned their hands, the yak pulling back inside his stall and waiting for them to leave with bated breath. Once they were gone, he also wiped his hands and headed straight back to his seat.

"Kiryu-san, KIRYU-SAN!"

"Woah, you alright?"

"I need to speak with you, it's urgent!"

Gojirama followed the yak into the corridor away from peeping ears.

"I just overheard Yae's bosses, they're forcing her to take the fall!"

"Wait, what?"

"This fight is illegitimate, they rigged it! And she's going to lose!"

"Why would they do that?" Kiryu shook his head.

"They're betting against her!" Hakura stomped his foot. "They made up some malarkey about how in boxing you should not succeed too early, they're wrapping her round their fingers and I WON'T stand for it!"

"Alright...what do you want to do?"

"What else do we do?!" the yak grinded his fists. "When someone disrespects your family, you resort in the Toho fashion!"

"Woah, hold on!" Goji pulled him back. "You're not a fighter Hakura-san."

"I am a FATHER, and NO ONE takes advantage of my little Yae!"

Marching off down the corridor, they searched for the main office of the Jackalopes as the yak kicked open the door, the horned rabbit and catfish staggering from their desk beside a few couches.

"Uhhh, did we call a cab?!"

"I am here to amend a great offence!" Hakura marched forth in his chauffeur's suit. "My name is Yakuto Hakura, I am the father of Yae Hakura."

"Ohhhh yeah," the hare nodded, "I see the family resemblance, you here to see your girl make it for her first?"

"I am here to watch my little rose succeed, DESPITE your malingering presence! I overheard you in the lavatory plotting to rig this fight, by some warping of my daughter's mind to make her think she should fail on purpose!"

"If this is true," Kiryu said stepping up from behind, "it would greatly harm Yae Hakura's future as a professional boxer."

"Hah...listen, old-timers," the catfish waddled forth waving his hand, "you don't understand how it works in boxing. Sometimes you gotta invent a narrative, a strong up-and-comer who hits above her weight, the crowd's cheering for her and she goes down on the mat at her peak. They feel bad for her, but they remember her for the next match, and she wins that."

"Besides she agreed," the rabbit shrugged, "I mean, we had to convince her some but it's like being in a play, we're the pros here and we know what's best for her."

"She makes us a little money, we shape her the way we want her. Nothing bad about that, every business does it to a rookie."

"That does NOT make it right!" Hakura snapped shaking his fist. "You would dare take advantage of her, manipulating a bright beautiful star for your greed?!"

"He's right," said Goji nodding, "I don't care how you dress it, you're trying to control a young athlete to win or lose on your terms, meaning her own strength and heart don't even matter."

"Course it don't matter!" the hare snapped his fingers. "That's the world of sports big guy, we're not here to make winners, we're here to make brands."

"Then I'll brand you with my fist, unless you stop this now and let Yae achieve by her own means. She'll lose and she'll win because of herself, not because you order her to."

"The fuck you care, you're not making money out of this!"

"I DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE MONEY!" roared Hakura stepping forth. "I will NOT allow anyone to control my daughter, because she wants to be free, and as her father I WILL abide by that, so help me gods!"

"Alright I'm fucking tired of these shits," the catfish cracked his knuckles, "let's beat these assholes and get back to the match."

"Gladly," the rabbit rolled up his sleeves flexing his barrel chest, "hope you got a taxi waiting, cuz you won't be riding back."

Charging forth with a furious swing, the thug went for Hakura as he ducked with a surprising punch to the waist, causing the hare to yelp and clutch himself in a coughing spurt. Kiryu went for the catfish, who launched himself from a couch and tried to slamdunk from above as the saurian grabbed his arm and belly, before judo-throwing him against the wall.

The jackalope grabbed the father's throat and slammed him backwards against the desk, raising his fist to beat him down as the yak headbutted in response. The hard crunch of his knuckles against the horns made the hare stagger back, giving Hakura space to lift his legs for a double kick.

When he tried to lunge for the rabbit, the thug kicked Hakura's belly to knock him back against the desk, crunching his spine on the hard wood causing the yak to roll on the floor with howling shriek. Dragged by the horn across the floor, the father kicked and sputtered as the hare lifted him up against the wall, and started hammering his fist in the chauffeur's stomach.

Kiryu was too busy against the catfish, who grabbed the saurian's neck to try and strangle him. Goji pulled on the fish's whiskers, making him screech with wide-open maw that soon tasted a powerful fist straight to the back of his throat, a burning shudder through the larynx that made the catfish cough.

"GH-HHRR-KHH-KHHHH! OKAY, THAT'S IT YOU FUCK!"

The punk pulled out a switchblade from his pocket, slashing towards Kiryu's face as the Toho lieutenant ducked under the knife and drove his elbow deep in the fish's gut. Already heaving from his cough, he was thrown on his back with a hard sweep of the leg at the same time Kiryu grabbed his wrist, twisting the hand sharp to make him drop the knife.

Hakura struggled and kicked against the pummelling blows from the hare, grabbing a picture frame off the wall to crash it down through the thug's head with the frame dangling off his horns. Shards of glass covered his cheeks as Hakura punched the rabbit back against the desk, the jackalope lifting up the chair behind it and swinging with such force, that it cracked the leg against the father's jaw with blood spittling out.

"You wanna see your daughter fail?"

The hare lifted the chair high above him.

"I'll make her fail, when I want her to, cuz she's MY property now, and I'm gonna make a fuckton of money outta her, without even needing to touch her!"

"That right, FUCKER?!"

He turned to receive a sudden punch to the jaw, crunching him against the wall as the chair fell on top of him.

"How about I touch you instead, you skeezy fuck?!"

"Y-...Yae-chan!"

Standing above her father was the young boxer herself, eyes piercing into the jackalope who snarled pushing himself up.

"The fuck you think you're up to?!" he shouted.

"Showing you what I'm made of," she slit her eyes beneath her hair, "I heard you talking shit about me, like I just belong to you, you think I was gonna let that fly?!"

"Uh, yeah?" the hare snorted rubbing his horn. "You work for my gym, you signed a contract, that means when I tell you to fall, you fucking fall like you will the third round!"

"LIKE HELL I WILL!" she raised her fist. "I should never have gone along with this crap, I thought you were just trying to make me an up-and-comer, yanno, so the crowd love me!"

"And they will, because what they don't want is a mouthy bitch who wins the first-GUH!"

Another sock to the jaw sent him crumpling against the desk.

"NEVER...speak like that to my daughter."

Hakura the chauffeur rubbed his fist as he stood up, blood streaming down his lip as both him and his daughter stepped closer.

"I am a personal chauffeur to the Toho Clan, you may not know. I suggest you tear up that contract, and let Yae handle her first match without any kickbacks or propositions, before I bring down our legal team to destroy you and everything you own."

"You...you're bluffing," snorted the hare, "you're just a fucking cabby!"

"Nah he ain't," Yae crossed her arms, "even I know my dad's Toho."

"If you want further proof," Kiryu stepped up showing his lapel, "I've got it right here."

"You...a-awww fuck." The jackalope winced. "A-alright, alright what do you want?"

"Let Yae walk out of your gym with no strings attached. Regardless of how the fight goes, you take the winnings you're allowed, and never talk to her again."

"F-fucking seriously?!" cried the catfish stumbling over. "Wh-where the fuck she gonna go?!"

"I know better gyms," Kiryu tapped his chin, "there's one at the Theater Square we own, she can flourish there without any fixtures, because the Toho Clan would never monopolise the hopes and dreams of creatures."

"A-alright," the hare put up his hands, "fine, alright look I'll rip up the contract, see?!"

He pulled out some paper from his pocket and tore it up.

"There, no strings, just don't, don't bring your clan into this shit I can't handle this!"

"Good." Hakura bowed. "If I hear of your name in sordid terms again, rest assured we shall put an end to your practice permanently. Now, if you will excuse me..."

He put a hand on Yae's shoulder.

"I came to watch my daughter pursue her dream."

A smile crept over her face as she walked out with him, Kiryu following as they returned to the entrance of the arena.

"I must apologise, Yae-chan," said the father, "I know what you said when you left, I must respect your freedom and well, now you know I had Kiryu-san here look out for you-"

"Yeah," she rolled her eyes, "you alright dad? You took a heck of a beating."

"Oh this is nothing," he brought out a handkerchief to wipe his face, "I have seen plenty of altercations in my service."

"Soooo how did you know those guys were corrupt?"

"The Clan was approached by Jackalopes in the past," Kiryu embellished from the side, "but we refused when we learned of their business practices. We only just remembered this day, so Hakura-san had to make certain you were not being mistreated."

"Well...th-thanks, dad," Yae rubbed her arm, "I'm...sorry about what I said when I left-"

"Oh water under the bridge," Yakuto waved his hand, "I am just happy to see you are well, and while it will take me some time to get used to the sight of your pugilist tendencies, I am rooting for you to win."

"Same," Kiryu nodded, "you got two new fans here, that first round was great!"

"Hahah, well, yanno," the boxer shrugged kicking the floor, "just gotta give it your all out there, every day you live right?"

"You better head up, don't wanna miss your debut."

"Damn straight." She hugged her father. "Thanks for...still being here."

"I will always be there for you Yae," he squeezed her tight, "but only when you need me, and not before."

"I'll come see you and mom, when I get past the first league alright?"

"Ohoh yes, we cannot wait to see your champion's belt!"

"Hahaha, alright, sure put more pressure on me why dontcha?"

With a smile she waved him off as she headed back into the ring. Yakuto watched with a swelling pride as Kiryu rubbed his shoulders.

"Feel good?" the lieutenant asked.

"I would like a bag of ice," the chauffeur feigned his smile, "I have an incredible pain throbbing in the back of my eye."

"You want popcorn with that ice?"

"K-kiryu-san please, my face hurts without needing to laugh."

"Hmhmhm...alright, you get back to our seats, I'll get you something."

Sitting back down, the battered father watched on as his daughter tore through the second round, pummelling the cobra with such wily force and thunderous strength that left him enraptured. She won in the third round, the serpent beaten down and unable to stand five seconds after the referee called it. She saw her father holding a bag of ice against his face, and pumped her gloved fist high to the stars in the spotlight.

After the match had ended, Kiryu insisted he drive after Hakura's fight had left him wounded with a swelling eye, much to the chauffeur's protest before he finally relented. Taking it slow on the highway, the sky having darkened to an autumn eve, Gojirama drove Hakura back to his house with car and all, as he himself took the bus back to Kaijurocho.

The sun had disappeared behind the buildings once again, to leave the sky painted in rose and amber. With no plans currently at the office, Kiryu took a long walk down Showa Street to the east end, the sounds of construction faintly heard as he turned onto Zennyo Avenue, to find renovations already in progress.

Moles, kappas and sharks were tearing down foundations, rectifying errors and maligned decay in the former apartments, a crane blocking the road much to the locals' chagrin, who had to end up redirecting towards Pink Street instead. Kiryu waved to the workers, some of which he knew from past contracts and asked if they needed any extra materials.

With everything assured and all-go on the new properties, he slipped past towards the Shangri-La at the corner of East Taihei. It was then he saw a familiar-looking golden fox in shorts and a leather jacket, sitting on the steps of the old brothel.

"Hey, Myobi-chan?"

"OH!" The fox stood up with beaming eyes. "Kiryu-chan, oh what a treat it is to see you, or should I say a trick?"

"Uh...what?"

"Hahah, sorry, it's Halloween today in the western world, didn't you know?"

"Oh, it is?" He brought out his phone to see October 31st. "Huh, so it is, how about that."

"And here I got the best treat of all, the stripper AND the cake rolled into one."

"Hm, you never give up do you?"

"What, I can't admire a gorgeous male?" the kitsune brushed his hair. "You need something sweetie?"

"Just taking a walk," Goji shrugged, "checking on folks, everything alright down Pink Street?"

"Well, business is a little slumped, autumn's always the beginning of the end when folks would rather get their jollies online then risk the cold out here."

"Winter must suck then."

"Oh you have no idea, do you know how unsexy a cardigan is? And then there's the heating just to make sure folks like me don't shiver...though I'd love to see you shiver in other ways, beefy thighs."

"Uhhh, thanks," Kiryu rubbed his neck, "I have a boyfriend just so you know-"

"OH, really?!" the fox squealed with a little clap. "Oh please tell me it's that adorable beast with the red eyes."

"You-...huh, you know already?"

"You don't remember?! Your boyfriend saw your performance on the pole and I think he agrees at what a fucking dessert you are."

Myobi gave a chef's kiss making Kiryu cringe with a laugh, trying to shrug it off as an idea sparked in his mind.

"Hey, you hear a lot out on the street, don't you?"

"It's one of my specialties," the fox twitched his ears, "can't run a good business if you don't got ears to the ground."

"I was wondering if you heard anything from other places, outside of Tokyo?"

"Oh well depends, we've got tourists of all sorts coming in, Russia, Australia, the ol' US of A, we get a LOT of monsters especially-"

"What about something more local like, Yokohama?"

"Why do you ask?" Myobi tapped his cheek.

"I'm thinking about going to Issincho," Kiryu crossed his arms, "I've heard about that place an-"

"Don't."

The fox's face suddenly tightened with a scowl surprising Kiryu.

"There is nothing good for you there."

"Well, that just makes me want to know more-"

"I know nothing about that place other than it's bad for your health. And I would hate to see anything happen to you."

"Is that a threat?" Goji squinted.

"Not from me." Myobi shook his head. "I like you Kiryu, which is why I'm only going to tell you this once. Stay the fuck away from Issincho."

"...are you with the Jinuchu clan?"

"HAH, HAHAHAHA, oh that's so cute, you think they're the only thing you have to worry about."

"I know they run Issincho," Kiryu raised his brow, "you're in a rival gang?"

"I prefer to call it an anarcho-syndicalist commune," the kitsune smiled, "more anti-government than your Toho, and with far less on the books."

"I see. Well, you've never caused trouble with my clan so I have no beef with you."

"And you've got a lot of beef so that's saying something, heehee, sorry couldn't resist."

Suddenly an explosion rocked the streets, causing Gojirama to grab Myobi and pull him down tight beneath the Shangri-La entrance as howling screams filled the air. The fox looked startled for a moment, before quickly pushing Kiryu off and looking to the west.

"Th-that...that came from the temple."

"What?!" Kiryu stood up.

"The, the temple, THE TEMPLE'S ON FIRE!"

"NO! SHOJI-SAMA!"

The fox and the saurian ran along Pink Street as a growing gaggle of kaiju gasped with fright at the rising smoke coming out the temple. The phone in Kiryu's pocket beeped with a dozen calls from the Paw Patrol app, alerting all local residents to the fire as he raced into the temple grounds.

A fire was fuming out of the fifth floor, crackling through the stone where small windows let the smoke escape in coiling wreaths, smouldering fury as monks and acolytes hurried out of the temple. Another explosion caused a giant piece of the stone wall to crack off its mooring, tumbling off the side and falling ono the road to crush four unfortunate kaiju.

"OH GODS, OH GODS!"

"MASA-CHAN NOOOOO!"

"GET THE CHILDREN OU, SINGLE FILE, I NEED WATER-BEARERS HERE!"

"SHOJI-SAMA!"

Kiryu pushed through the escaping crowd to find Shoji at the door, ordering folks to take the sobbing children out through the smoke.

"WHAT HAPPENED?!" he shouted.

"I DON'T KNOW!" she cried back. "SOMETHING EXPLODED, IN MY QUARTERS!"

"EXPLODED?!" shrieked Myobi. "WHAT LIKE A BOMB?!"

"I DON'T KNOW, I-...LOOK OUT!"

Another block of stone came falling down on their heads. With a sudden roar, a black-and-bronze creature charged in front of them and with a brutal fist punched a small boulder out the air.

"SA-...SAUROSE!"

"GET THE KIDS OUT!" he cried. "I'LL KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ANY DEBRIS!"

"BE CAREFUL!"

The towering reptilian now draped in the robes of the temple, stood firm against the falling rocks punching them away as Shoji, Kiryu and Myobi quickly filed everyone out. Once the door had been cleared, Saurose looked back to shout:

"WHERE'S AOSU-CHAN?!"

"She wasn't with you?!" gasped the priestess.

"SHE WAS UPSTAIRS, HELPING THE KIDS!"

"I'LL GO IN!"

"KIRYU, NO!"

Shoji pushed him back and spread open her wings to block him.

"The fire brigade is coming, let them handle it!"

"What if she's still in there?!"

"IT'S SEVERAL FLOORS UP, DON'T BE STUPID!"

The look in her eyes pierced his mind with a powerful sting, a brilliant blue sheen that forced him back as she kept guard at the doorway whilst Saurose headed out on the street.

"I NEED HELP LIFTING THIS!"

"I'M HERE, HANG ON!"

With the help of several kaiju, Kiryu and Titan lifted the chunk of temple that had fallen on the street. With enormous strength and heaving muscle, they managed to rescue one kappa whose leg had been crushed. Two were already dead, a dog and a crocodile, whilst a fourth was bleeding out from broken ribs.

"SHOJI-SAMA, SOMEONE'S BLEEDING!"

Hurrying over to the impact site, Mosurakoto knelt down beside a wounded tiger, her sobbing cries sputtering from red lips.

"I NEED A MED-KIT!" cried Shoji.

"I'LL GET ONE FROM THE CLUB!" shouted Myobi. "KEEP HER STEADY 'TIL I GET BACK!"

"Shoji-sama," Saurose muttered, "what, what about the garden at the temple?!"

"If I have to lose it then fine," the moth tore off her sleeve to make a bandage, "the lives of creatures are more important."

"R-...right."

He bowed with remorse as they helped calm the tigress, the fox soon returning with a medkit and helping Shoji administer first aid before the ambulance and fire brigade would pull up on the scene. The fires rose even higher, threatening the garden with lashing tongues of flame creeping towards the roof as Kiryu prayed silently for them to be doused before it was too late.

Firefighters marched inside, various creatures with water-based powers as they summoned the moisture from their bodies and blasted down the flames. Crackling fingers of red melted through ancient scrolls that peeled off the wall from watery bursts. Checking halls for survivors, they searched for the source of the fire with greater caution, using less water when they sensed the electrical snap of something through the air.

Down on the street, the medics took the wounded away after stabilising them, blood packs applied as they were carried off leaving kaiju struck with fear and dismay. The High Priestess stared up at her temple, her eyes wilting with tears trickling down her cheeks as she felt Kiryu's hand.

"I'm sorry," he gasped, "how...how did this happen?"

"I don't know," she whimpered, "it...the fire came from my room, my quarters but-"

"Wait, really? But how?"

"I DON'T KNOW!" Shoji sobbed. "I-i had everything off, I'm always careful, I-i-i don't know how it happened!"

"You said something went off in your room, like it exploded?"

"M-maybe, I...I'm sorry, my head is just, I-i need a moment."

"I'll get you some water," Goji rubbed her back, "we need some for the others here too."

"Yes," she nodded, "th-thank you...Kiryu."

Gojirama took off to the nearest store as Shoji watched her temple burn. The stone foundation was not in danger, at worst it would be scarred and hollowed black as a grim reminder of this day. But memories laid inside with their tapestries, tokens of mourning that belonged to the spirits, now threatened by this tragic flame.

She watched the hole in the temple's fifth floor where her room had been, her stomach clenched with a sickening shudder at how close to death she could have been. But then she saw something strange, flitting through the smoke. A pair of black wings, carrying someone with a long pale body.

"Wh-...what? No...no, it couldn't be."

With no one else paying attention to the sky, Shoji walked to a quiet alley following after the stranger in flight. With glorious amber wings she flapped higher through the buildings, the sun catching her golden trails as she kept out of sight sleekly diving between alleys. Following the mysterious one, a gust of rippling wind streaked past behind her and pull at the coats of unsuspecting kaiju.

Somewhere around the Champion District, far from prying eyes, the black wings landed upon the roof and put down their passenger. Shoji landed the next roof over, wrapping her wings round herself and sneaking carefully between ACs to get as close as possible. Her heart trembled with shock at the sight of Battram Ojha, with a bound and gagged Aosukawa at his feet.

"Wh-what?" she whispered. "Oh my gods, Ojha-san what are you doing?!"

The black moth pulled out a phone from his sleeve as Shoji kept out of sight, close enough to hear him but only half of this conversation.

"Mmmmmyeeeees?"

"What have you done?!" he snapped. "WHAT have you DONE?!"

"Gave your favourite priestess a special gift! What, she didn't like it?"

"You have VIOLATED THE TEMPLE!"

"I'm not the one who brought in a bomb!"

"I KNEW NOTHING OF THAT, HOW DID YOU TAMPER WITH IT?!"

"Because I own everybody in Issincho you hippie fuck. Is my bitch ready?"

"She...she's here," the moth snarled looking at her, "I was fortunate she was in her room, unharmed no thanks to YOU!"

"You wanted me to make this temple deal easier, you got it! She don't know you're in on this, she's shitting her sari too much to care-"

"DO NOT MOCK THE BRAHMANA YOU WORTHLESS-"

"SHUT YOUR FUCKING HOLE! YOU WORK FOR JINUCHU, YOU WORK FOR ME!"

"I work for Rai-sama, NOT you, or your brother!"

"Well too FUCKING BAD Hindu boy, now you're complicit in a terrorist plot against your own temple, and I'm sure they'd LOVE to hear about it if somebody passed it along, so are you gonna bring me my bitch, or am I gonna ruin your one FUCKING CHANCE to steer this city back on track?!"

"I...I will make you atone for this, Gihei." Ojha's horns glowed a deep crimson hue. "Your day of reckoning...shall come for this great transgression."

"Save me the fucking lecture before I put your prayer beads up your ass, now get back here with my bitch!"

"Fine. I shall meet you at Sha-Wujing's."

He put back his phone and picked up Aosukawa. The heron's face was gagged with tape, as she tried to kick herself free from her bindings.

"I know not what plans he has for you, and I never wish to know."

Ojha spread his wings and turned to the east.

"But if that means less of you whores in my temple...then so be it."

Aosukawa screamed as she faded into the sky, carried upon the wings of a demon as Shoji stood trembling from below. She wanted to stop him, desperately urged herself to chase after him and save her beloved acolyte. But the temple was important, it was her first and foremost, the children and the masses who still needed help.

With a heavy heart she flew back home, landing beside Kiryu who was giving out bottles of water with Myobi administering first aid to anyone who needed it. Amongst them was Danzaki, joining from above and helping to co-ordinate relief amongst the wounded

"Shoji-sama!" Goji hurried over. "Where were you?"

"Kiryu." Her eyes filled up with tears. "I...I know who did this."

"What?"

"Hey uh, Shoji-sama!?" Myobi walked up beside them. "The fire brigade were just cleaning up, they said it started in your room because of-"

"The clock." Shoji shook her head. "The...the ferris wheel clock."

"Yyyyyeah, wait, how'd you know?"

"It was Ojha-san." She clutched herself. "O-ojha...he's...he planted a bomb."

"Wait, como?" Danzaki walked up last. "Did you say a bomb?!"

"I received a gift, from Ojha-san. It was the Cosmic Clock, the ferris wheel in Yokohama, it was...i-it was our favourite park, Cosmo World, when we were young."

"That can't be, that...no, he wouldn't attack the temple."

"I don't...I don't know."

Shoji took Roberto's hands as he pulled her in embrace.

"H-he was always severe, but I never thought he would DO THIS to me!"

"That doesn't make sense," Kiryu shook his head, "how do you know it was him?"

"I SAW HIM! He fled out the temple, where my room was, he kidnapped Aosukawa!"

"Wait WHAT?!" Roberto pulled back to look at her. "That senora, the heron who got kidnapped last month?!"

"YES!" she cried still weeping. "He just TOOK her, f-flew away to the Champion District, so I followed him, and...a-and, he was speaking to someone on the phone, someone who tricked him into vandalising our home!"

"Who, who was it?!"

"I-...s-someone called Gihei. I-i don't know who-"

"Gihei?"

Kiryu and Myobi spoke at the same time and looked to each other.

"That's the bastard running Jinuchu," said Gojirama, "you saying he put Ojha-san up to this?"

"Y-yes," Shoji gasped, "I don't know what to do, K-kiryu, Rob-chan, I-i, I need to look after the temple, I can't leave it but Aosukawa's GONE and Ojha-san almost KILLED ME!"

"Where did they go?" Kiryu took her hand and gently squeezed. "Do you know where they went?"

"Yes...h-he sai .a place, called Sha-Wujing."

"Sha-Wujing....that...that sounds familiar."

"Please." She pulled him in a hug. "I...I need your help, Gojirama. Please don't let them take Aosukawa, she can't...she can't go back."

"I'll help you," he smiled, "I have an idea where they might be."

"He's right," Danzaki nodded, "I'll help too, we can't let a kidnapping go like this."

"Thank you," Shoji sighed rubbing her cheeks, "I...gods I look such a mess."

"A beautiful one," he nuzzled her, "even your worst day is better than my best, Mosu-chan."

"H-hah, hah...hhhahaha." She wiped her tears free. "You always knew...the right thing to say, Rob-chan."

"I'll help the firefighters in the meantime, Kiryu you might wanna tell your boss."

"Yeah," Kiryu nodded, "Myobi-chan, can we talk?"

"Of course," the kitsune bowed, "Shoji-sama, if you need anymore help my club will-"

"I know dear," the priestess bowed in turn, "thank you, tell Biyante-sama that I appreciate-"

"It's cool sweetie, don't worry, we're all here for you."

As Roberto took Shoji to one side to help with the efforts, Kiryu took Myobi down the street as they walked into a small avenue where the kitsune nodded to him.

"You want to go to Issincho."

"Yes," Kiryu nodded, "Sha-Wujing, that's a place there isn't it?"

"The fanciest restaurant you'll ever see. And one of the darkest places in all of Japan."

"I don't care, Aosukawa needs me."

"I understand," said the fox crossing his arms, "I won't fail Aosukawa again."

"You know her?" Kiryu cocked his head.

"I know everyone at the temple, sweetie. I'll help you get to Issincho, but you have to be ready. That place is Jinuchu turf, and if they find you...your friends won't get a chance to bury you."