=====
This Chapter is now old and obsolete.
The information in this chapter may or may not be relevant to the story anymore.
If you wish to read on, be my guest - I cannot stop you.
I'm going to be rewriting and replacing older chapters.
======
Bright lights.
City skies.
Are the first to die.
When the night cries.
"AW! *Lungmen Profanity* !" Rye cursed as he turned off his phone and walked down the hall.
"We aren't even in Lungmen yet and you are already using Lungmen profanity." Kals'tit glared at him from across the hall.
"Sorry. Someone's bugging me." Rye sighed as he let his frustration go.
"Ladies first." Kals'tit says as she opens the door for Rye with her rare smile.
"No, no, no after you." Rye took off his mask showing a smirk.
"But I insist that you go first." Mont3R appeared from her spine as it's spiky limbs tapped Rye in.
"Did you have to use Mont3R?" Rye asked as he put his mask back on.
"No." Kals'tit responds as the two of them take a seat in the conference room. "I'm going to need you to take off your mask."
"But I didn't put on any makeup." Rye whined.
"I don't care."
"What did I do to deserve this?" Rye took off his mask, the contents on his face astonished Kals'tit as her eyes widen.
"I see that you have acquired another burn." Kals'tit notes.
"Yeah. Ran into the Reunion in Chernobog." Rye chuckled.
"I heard that Talulah was there. How did you manage to survive her attacks?"
"I've met her before, I almost died every single time." He lied.
"You did help defeat Nian back in Lungmen a few years ago." Kals'tit says as Rye shoved his mask into his pocket.
"Nian has similar abilities compared to Talulah, but Talulah isn't using her full power."
"Well Nian is gone now. Thanks to Lava and the L.G.D."
"The L.G.D." Rye snickered. "I wonder what that hard-assed Ch'en will do when she sees me?"
"Hopefully a professional response."
"She doesn't do things professionally when you pull a few nerves."
"True."
The door opened and as a group of different operators came in. Rye got up and bowed before them as they took their seats.
"Nearl, Doberman, Amiya welcome." Kals'tit greeted. "And the Doctor."
"Good evening Kals'tit." Doberman greeted as she eyed Rye suspiciously.
"I'm glad that we are able to have this meeting." Kals'tit started. "I'm sure you already know that I'll be going to Lungmen with Amiya and the Doctor to consult with Wei Yenwu about their new influx of refugees."
The Doctor looked at Rye intently with his hands clumped together on the table.
"I'll be sending Franka and Liskarm with us as backup. And Kaiser Rye will be joining us."
Everyone's eyes stared at Kaiser Rye as he gave a smile.
"I understand if you all are a bit wary about Rye here, but he knew Lungmen for quite some time so he should be able to help with the negotiations."
"Is that true?" Doberman asked.
"I was there when Nian attacked Lungmen. And I know the Wei family." Rye explained.
"Who do you work for now?" Nearl questioned as she tapped the table with a finger.
"As of now... nobody."
'You sure?"
"Positive."
"Now for the actual outline of the trip." Kals'tit starting explaining the entire trip.
The meeting lasted for fifteen minutes as Kals'tit spoke. Doberman was left in charge as the temporary leader of Rhodes Island and Nearl is charge of Rhodes' defensive teams in case of an unexpected assault.
"Everyone here is dismissed."
Everyone left leaving Kals'tit and Rye stayed in the room.
"One last thing." Kals'tit added.
"What is it?" Rye sat back in his seat.
"I'd like you to work for Rhodes Island. You did say that you're currently unemployed right?"
"Yeah. But I'm not sure if everyone here will trust me." He doubted.
"I will make your presence known. As for their suspicions I can't do anything to stop them."
"I know."
"I know you've met Red and Ansel already... Does anyone else know you?"
"There's Franka and Liskarm..."
"I meant before today." Kals'tit has no time for shenanigans.
"The only other people I know is Skadi and Blue Poison." Rye answered as he put his mask back on.
"Alright then. We head out for Lungmen soon. I already gave you the date." The two of them pushed themselves out of their seats and headed towards the door.
"Don't be late." Kals'tit growled.
"I'm always on time." Rye boasted as he opened the door for her.
A Few Days Later
"I'm here early."
The sounds of the airship's turbines blasted through everyone's ears. Kaiser Rye walked onto the runway as Kals'tit, Amiya and the Doctor approached him.
"I didn't think you would be this early." Kals'tit greets as the doors of the of the airship opened.
"Uhh... Good morning?"
"Get in the ship." Kals'tit ordered.
"Whatever."
As everyone entered the ship the Doctor was staring at the runway into sky as he was assessing his surroundings.
"Dokutah! Get in the ship!" Amiya called, but the Doctor didn't move.
"Doctor! Get in here!" Kals'tit ordered.
No response.
"I'll get him." Rye left the ship and and forcefully picked up the Doctor and carried him on his shoulder.
"HEY! Let me go!" He protested as his arms were flailing in the air.
"Sure." Rye walked into the airship and dropped him on the floor like a piece of luggage.
"What was that for?!"
"I'm sorry sir, were you hurt?" Rye laughed as Amiya kicked him in his lower area.
"Aaaah!" Rye fell on the ground holding his manhood as he yelped in pain.
In the corner of his eye he could see Kals'tit turning her head away as she stifled a laugh.
"Attention to everyone on board! This airship is heading to Lungmen in five minutes! We will reach Lungmen in four hours!" The pilot spoke on the intercom as the Doctor and Rye both got up.
"No fooling around you two." Amiya states as she went to where Kals'tit was.
"I have a feeling you are a trouble maker." The Doctor blurted out.
"And I have a feeling you forgot something." Rye states as he followed Amiya only to receive a glare from her.
Four Hours Later
The trip to Lungmen was rather uneventful. The Doctor fell asleep on his seat while Kals'tit performed a medical examination on Amiya. Kaiser Rye was busy answering a multitude of questions from Franka, Liskarm, and the other soldiers about his past experiences, likes, dislikes and his love life - which he successfully deflected.
When the airship landed on the runway in Lungmen there was a horde of refugees waiting to enter Lungmen as a result of the fall of Chernobog.
"We're here." Everyone on the ship left and went to their designated locations.
Someone was already waiting for them followed by an entourage full of people.
"Ch'en Sir. Nice to see you again." Kals'tit greeted as she shook hands.
"A pleasure to meet you as always." Ch'en looked around. "Where are your subordinates?"
"GET UP!" Rye and Amiya were busy pushing the Doctor out of the ship; Kals'tit sighed in embarassment.
"Sorry. The Doc was still sleeping when we landed." Rye explained as sweat dropped down his face when he saw Ch'en.
"Kaiser Rye?" Ch'en asked as she walked up to him.
"Superintendent Ch'en?" Rye asked as she looked at him with curious eyes.
"Its Ch'en or Ma'am to you." She retorts. "Take off your hood."
"Why?"
"Take. It. Off." She as she unsheathed her sword.
"Whatever you say ma'am." Rye took off his hood showing his broken horns.
Everyone in the area gasped at the sight. Its as if the world has never seen the effects of warfare before. Ch'en stared at him for a few seconds before putting her sword back in her sheathe.
"Meet in my office once the negotiations are done." Ch'en states as she starts to escort everyone to the main L.G.D building.
Rye put his hood back on pretending to ignore the curious glances aimed towards him.
The city of Lungmen changed drastically over the years. Before Nian attacked Lungmen the city had multiple skyscrapers under construction. Ch'en wasn't even the Senior Superintendent then, the original was an old freak who eventually contracted Oripathy and was removed from his position.
"I see that you've decided to return. What brings you to Lungmen this time?" Ch'en asked Rye as everyone was being transported to their destination.
"Just helping with the negotiations." Rye answered as he rewrapped his scarf.
"Favoritism is often met with legal action." Ch'en warned. "Don't even think about it."
"Duly noted."
"What about that cure you've been working on?"
"I have the files, but most of them were destroyed in Chernobog."
"What a pity." Ch'en sighed. "How close were you to actually making one?"
"Halfway." Rye states as the Doctor sitting beside him fell asleep in his seat.
"Amiya." Kals'tit ordered.
Amiya put her hands on the Doctor's throat and squeezed tightly. He eventually woke up to the lack of oxygen.
"Hey!"
"Naptime's over. We're going reach the building soon." Kals'tit explained.
"What happened to the stern tactician?" Ch'en inquired.
"Amnesia." Rye explained. "Apparently he doesn't know how to act accordingly."
"Ch'en Sir. We're here." The driver of the van states as he pressed a button which opened the side doors.
"Follow me." Ch'en left the van and everyone else followed suit.
------
In the conference room used by Wei Yenwu stood the operators of Rhodes Island and Ch'en. Fumizuki Wei was also present in the room as everyone bowed respectfully towards each other, except Mr. Wei.
"Its a pleasure to see you all again." Wei Yenwu greets as he smoked on his pipe. "Especially you Kaiser Rye."
"It's an honor to meet you once again Mr. Wei and Chief Wei." Rye took off his mask as he bowed.
"We still haven't properly paid you for defeating the Nian all those years ago." Mr. Wei states.
"There is no need for payment." Rye rejected as everyone took their seats.
"Very well." Wei put his pipe down as he blew a ring of smoke. "Now then, I'm sure that we know why we're here."
"Yes we do." Kals'tit answered for everyone.
"Right now we have a sticky situation in our hands." Wei explained. "We currently have the L.G.D guarding the gates of Lungmen. Ch'en Sir has everything under control."
"We know that. However, the recent influx of refugees may contain some Reunion soldiers in it." Kals'tit says. "And they pose a serious threat to your city."
"I am aware of the current situation, but I am sure that the Reunion will not be able to infiltrate this city." Wei boasted. "We have a large number of guards at the gates already."
"You'd be surprised about their tactics." Rye interjected as all eyes were on him.
"Could you please elaborate Kaiser Rye?" Wei inquired as he was smoking on his pipe.
"Normal Reunion members won't be able to make it past the L.G.D. But there are special squads within their ranks that are able to infiltrate the city without having to go through the city gates." Rye explained.
"And how exactly do you know this?" Wei asked as everyone's eyes widened.
"I used to have my spies and mercenaries." Rye pulled out his phone and pressed a side button. "But now they're gone."
An image of the list of his subordinates appeared. All of the had a red shade over them indicating that they've all been subdued.
"This is not the first time I saw you, and you still amaze me." Wei states. "Now back to our discussion. I'm assure you Rhodes Island that we have it under control."
"How can you be so sure?" Kals'tit questioned.
"We have dealt with refugee crises before."
"But this time has to be different." Kals'tit turned to Rye. "Did your spies tell you anything before the last of them died?"
"They did say that the Reunion wanted someone named Misha." Rye replied.
"Interesting. We recently started an investigation regarding the individual known as Misha." Wei says. "Do you know why the Reunion wants her?"
"Not yet." Rye's answer only aroused suspicion.
"I will allow Rhodes Island to help with our refugee crisis." Wei turned his head to face Kals'tit. "But there better not be any mishaps. Are we clear?"
"Understood." Kals'tit answered.
"I will also need some of your operators to assist us in our investigation regarding this Misha. Ch'en Sir is currently leading the investigation. We have also called in a few members of Penguin Logistics for the job. What do you say?"
"Sounds good to me. Now..."
"Ah yes! Your asking price. How much are you suggesting that we pay you?"
"500 thousand LMD." Kals'tit's answer shocked Wei.
"I'm afraid that's too high of an asking price for such a trivial task." Wei retorts. "How about 300 thousand?"
"Mr. Wei, I know that our price is very high, but you don't know what you're up against." Kals'tit argued.
"I'm sure the L.G.D can handle it."
"We've seen what the Reunion is capable of."
"I'm sure that you have seen the Reunion in action. But there is no need to fret about it."
"How about 400 thousand?" Rye interrupts as he attempts to prevent an unprofessional argument.
"400 thousand?"
"We're not going any lower than that." Rye affirmed as Kals'tit and the others were shocked by his words.
"What is Lungmen going to get out of this?"
"Some warnings and some advice."
"But giving out 400 thousand LMD for one task is a lot of money isn't it?"
"True, but we aren't taking 300 thousand for an answer."
"You intrigue me young man."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment." Wei Yenwu added.
"I know."
"However, 400 thousand is a lot."
"Are you going to lower it to 350 thousand?"
"No, no, no I'm not like that."
"Then what do you want?"
"I'll ask of you to help Ch'en Sir and her subordinates with our operation regarding Misha. And you must help us with our refugee situation."
"I thought that was already discussed."
"It looks like you work for Rhodes Island at the moment. But you don't wear their symbol on your 'uniform' or whatever this is?"
"I just joined recently."
"How about this deal? If you manage to secure Misha, Rhodes will receive their 500 thousand LMD."
"We're listening."
"If you fail Rhodes will get 300 thousand and you, Kaiser Rye, will have to work for us for a set period of time. What do you say?"
Ten seconds of suspenseful silence intruded. Wei and Rye stared at each other as everyone else had faces full of apprehension. Kals'tit wasn't keen on the idea but they need the money and Lungmen wants Misha.
"We'll take it." Rye spoke on behalf of Rhodes.
"Correct answer." Wei smoked on his pipe.
"Whatever."
"Everyone here is dismissed." Wei concluded. " Ch'en would you please escort our guests out of here?"
"Yes sir." Ch'en got up and escorted everyone out.
"Kaiser Rye I need to speak with you for a minute."
"Oh ok." Rye got out of his chair.
The members of Rhodes Island left. Leaving behind an intrigued Wei Yenwu. Mr. Wei, Chief Wei and Rye walked to the large glass window which provided a luxurious view of the city.
"I am surprised that you would defend Rhodes Island." Wei Yenwu states.
"There is no need to be so rude." Fumizuki states. "I'll be leaving you two boys for a while."
Chief Wei left the two gentlemen in the room as she left for her office.
"Why are you surprised?" Rye asked as he took off his mask as he stared at the city below.
"Rhodes Island is just a mere pharmaceutical company. Although they possess military personnel they are not professionals." Wei snickered as he walked up to a drawer and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "Care for a smoke?"
"Normally I would reject this, but since you asked nicely." Rye took the cigar and Wei pulled out a lighter igniting it.
"You and I both know that you worked for Talulah before." Wei smirked as they two of them smoked. "Weren't you her Second in Command?"
"Yes I was. For some time." Rye smoked on his cigar. "It sure has been a long time since I smoked."
"You like it?"
"Yup." The two of them exhaled.
"Why are you working for Rhodes Island anyway?" Wei inquired.
"My office in Chernobog has been destroyed by you know who." Rye answered as he smiled, euphoria was slowly taking control of him. "And I no longer have an employer. I stopped working as a bounty hunter."
"Since when?"
"Since this happened." Rye pulled his hood off showing his broken horns. Wei was unfazed as he gave a pondering look.
"I assume Talulah did this to you personally."
"Yeah. She burned my face too. I used to look good."
"Ah. Don't fret about your new look."
"I used to look just as good as Edward Atlas." Rye lamented as he smoked.
"Sadly he is gone." Wei sighed ruefully.
"All because of Koschei." The two of them tightened their grip on their nicotine inducing items.
"I still haven't properly thanked you for killing Koschei all those years ago. But I'm afraid that he still isn't dead." Wei whispered.
"Back when I was in the Reunion someone told me that Talulah has two shadows. It sounded absurd at the time."
"I'm guessing that Koschei is still in control of her."
"I think that Koschei and Talulah are cooperating with each other. That's when Talulah became a total warmonger."
"I see..." Wei exhaled as smoke filled the room. "Is there anything else strange about her?"
"I'm not so sure. I no longer have my spies. Talulah killed my last one a few days ago."
"Then its going to become more difficult as time goes on."
"I'm not so sure what to do now."
"What were you planning to do?"
"Before I left Reunion or now?" Rye questioned as he finished his cigar. Wei offered him another.
"Before."
"I thought I could talk some sense into Talulah. I could've stopped her, but she didn't want to hear it. She has a strange ulterior motive, and Lungmen is part of it."
"When is she supposed to be here?"
"Not anytime soon. But her elite squads will be." Rye smoked on his second cigar savoring the euphoria from within. "I wish we went back to the old days."
"We all wished to undo our actions."
"Koschei even arranged a marriage for me and Talulah before." Rye laughed, but a few coughs erupted.
"That man arranged a marriage for you and Edward's daughter?" Wei was puzzled beyond comprehension.
"I didn't know about it until Talulah told me at one of the dinner parties." Rye stifled a laugh. "Koschei wanted a successor and an heir."
"He got his successor." Wei said.
"Not his heir."
"You know. I could arrange a marriage for you and Ch'en." Wei jested.
"Wait!" Rye coughed as he was smoking. "What did you say?!"
"I said I could arrange a marriage for you and Ch'en." Wei smirked. "My wife found a picture of you in her room."
"I've never felt so loved." Rye joked.
"She has taken an interest in you ever since you defeated the Nian."
"That doesn't sound like her. She is usually a pain in the ass."
"Watch your profanity." Wei scolded.
"Sorry."
"Its alright."
"You know I could still arrange the marriage for you." Wei proposed.
"The only person I ever loved was Talulah. I did meet Ch'en multiple times at tons of parties."
"Wasn't your father the Head of Security for Koshchei?"
"He was."
"And your mother was a liaison for Lungmen and Koshchei."
"Thats true."
"You certainly are a strange pick the spouse of a successor."
"If I was one." The two of them laughed as Rye finished his cigar.
"You really do like the cigar."
"Yeah." Rye put his hood and mask back on.
"You have any plans today?"
"Nope. Ch'en asked me to meet her in her office once I was done."
"Oh." Wei smoked on his pipe. "Then I'll leave you to it."
"It was a pleasure speaking with you Mr. Wei."
"I do have two more things to ask of you." Wei said.
"Ask away."
"Would you like to work for Lungmen? You don't need to work for that pharmaceutical company."
"I'm afraid that I'll be working with them for a while. I'll consider it when I leave."
"Very well."
"The second one?"
"Your future marriage with Ch'en."
BAM!*
The door slammed open revealing a very angry Ch'en.
"Apologies Mr. Wei, but Kaiser Rye is needed for our investigation." Ch'en explained. "We need him to join the others right now."
"Of course." Wei smiled.
"Have a great evening Mr. Wei." Rye bowed.
"Remember to consider what I'm offering." Wei smirked. "Farewell."
Rye left the room with a very annoyed Ch'en by his side.
"Where is everyone?" Rye asked as they walked down the hall into an elevator.
"You've wasted eight minutes of my time." Ch'en scolded.
"I was just having an important chat with Mr. Wei."
"About what?"
"What I'm going to do if Rhodes fails the investigation."
Its a good thing that Ch'en didn't hear our conversation. Phew!
"Rhodes is bound to fail."
"No its not."
"Also about our meeting..."
"Did you forget?"
"About going to your office? No."
"Good. I have a few things to speak with you about." Ch'en says as the elevator doors open.
"Am I going to get interrogated?"
"More or less." They reached Ch'en's office. "After you."
"Thank you, I guess."
CLICK*
"Wait did you?"
Then Kaiser Rye was pushed to the ground...
================================================================================
(A/N): Thanks for reading Chapter 4!
- I wonder what will happen to Kaiser Rye!
Wei Yenwu: And the investigation.
(A/N): What?
Wei Yenwu: And the investigation good sir.
(A/N): Ah yes! The investigation! How could I possible forget about the investigation?
- As usual if you want to send a message please send it ArtransformerAqe
- And make sure to check out DIOBRANDO989 's interesting reading list if you're waiting for the next chapter
- See ya!
Wei Yenwu: Farewell!