Antwon Carter; 4:35 AM.

  “We close in one hour, so get your money while it’s hot!” the speakers announced.

  “You hear that, you lucky fucking gaijin.” The woman was large, bigger than any I’ve ever seen in this world, but if she’s large, then she’s slow. I looked at my cards; I had a crane, a Cuckoo, a Full Moon, Cherry Curtain, and all I needed was a Maple Deer to walk away with the table. This is too easy; like being Knox all over again.

  “Hey, cutie.” A woman yelled above the crowd before she wrapped her hands around my waist, and I pulled my cards close to my mouth. Why the hell do they think they can be handsy as hell with me?

  “Hey, yourself.”

  “What’s a little thing like you going to do with all that money?” I had been winning all night…with the help of the boys working the floor. But it was about time we scored big.

  “I was planning on looking for someone like—”

  “Like that redhead you were with.” Who…who said that? I turned, waist still being held, and spotted a face I didn’t expect to see. She draped an arm around my neck and shoved the other woman away—the woman stumbled back into another gambler.

  “What the fuck, Bit—”

  “Watch it!”

  The room smelled of sweat and sex; the floor boys told me what they’d be doing…because it was part of their job, so I wasn’t surprised; however, her smell was inexplicable.

  I started to slide a Maple Deer card out of my sleeve when she grabbed my damn wrist, stopping the card.

  “So, you’re here, in the slums, without the spicy redhead that, let me remember correctly, is doing you right, to play with women and fuck with money?”

  “I don’t know you.” A few of the women, who were clearly guards, started moving toward me.

  I turned, facing her, and moved in closer to her, pressing my body against hers, feeling her warmth, and she slid her hand down my back.

  “Woh, I like this pace.”

  I looked up, trying to be as desirable as possible, and whispered, “Get me out of here, and I’ll pay you.”

  She smiled daggers, and then the lights went out.

  ***

  Rika Igarashi; 9:45 AM.

  “And when the lights came on, a gaijin and a bunch of fucking floor boys on your payroll had robbed you for ￥2,000,000,000?” They all nodded while kneeling.

  “What a bunch of fucking losers!” Trish said from my cell phone. “That’s what you get for trusting boys.”

  “They weren't 'boys';” it’s a housekeeping title, and it sounds damn appealing… like I would be dumb enough to trust kids!” Matsuyo said.

  “Dumb enough to lose a fortune. I don’t even think you had ￥2,000,000,000 to lose—”

  “It was a hot night, and my crew was going to retire on that.” Matsuyo’s face grew red.

  “So, why did the power go out?” I asked, hinting to Trish that we were looking for information, not scolding anyone.

  “Well,” Mastsuyo started. “The bitch that's supposed to be watching the circuit breaker decided to have some fun on the job…”

  “So fucking what, ape. Get to the point because you can have fun and do your job.” Not all of us, Trish.

  “Well, ma’am—”

  “Nope, it’s Etsuko… and my asobi name better be intact when this is over.”

  “R…right. So, she was playing with one of the floor boys, being sampled if you got me. And he bit her…like he was taking her with him.” I could hear Trish suck air through her teeth, and… I winced.

  “How bad are we talking… can I see it…” I ended the call. She’ll be angry for a while… or kill me, but I refuse to look at someone’s maimed privates.

  Matsuyo looked quizzically at me and stood from her kneeling position. “Did… you just hang up on your boss…”

  I fixed my glasses. “Ms. Tetsusen will be fine.” As long as I complete my tasks. “Now tell me wh—

  “Tetsusen? The Iron Dragon…Etsuko was the fucking—”

  I slammed a closed fist against the rusty machine I was standing next to. The sound reverberated throughout the warehouse. “I don’t have time for this… Tell me what happened to the gaijin.”

  “W-we chased him out of the building, but they were fast—”

  “They?” I said, walking to Matsuyo, “The gaijin and a floor boy?” I stood before the mountain of a woman and questioned how Trish went toe-to-toe with her when I struggled to slow her down.

  “No… he was with a woman… she helped him escape.” What kind of boy, foreign or not, runs away, organizes a syndicate-level heist, and escapes in one night?

  “Hey, Rika. When did you start wearing glasses?” Matsuyo asked. I’ve never needed them until I needed to hide.

  ***

  Antwon Carter; 10:00 AM.

  “I’m hungry, Kami, and since I’m paying for the room… that you insisted we share… you should—”

  “Yeah, yeah… I got you, Cross,” she said, lying on the bed next to me. I sat on the red comforter, waiting for her to piss off so I could sleep.

  “Whatcha in the mood for?” she said, with eyes like razors. I placed a finger to my chin. It’s hard to believe the strange woman from the market would be the same woman to save my ass when things got real. I knew Tiffany was making up dress codes and clan crap.

  “You gonna sit there and filter feed, or am I getting marching orders, Cross?”

  Her hands were relaxed, resting behind her head. I never considered eating out… Sakura said that most of the places were mediocre compared to my cooking… I’ve always thought she was bullshitting me.

  “I’m tired of waiting; go get your own food.”

  I sighed and lay down next to Kami, resting my head just under her arm. She smiled, and it made my skin crawl. “I know what the fuck you’re doing… It’s working,” she said, turning on her side, facing me. I swallowed my pride and made my eyes as big and wide as I could, gently biting my bottom lip.

  “Oh… I’m getting turned on; give me more,” she said, rubbing her belly.

  “I lost my composure, and my facade dropped. “That’s all I got,” I said, thankful I lacked the desired moves.

  She lay back down and sighed, “And I’m turned off…” Stay off. “I’ll get food from a place nearby…” she sighed again.

  “What’s your problem? I did pay for the room, Kami.”

  “I’m on the run with a foreign guy, lying in bed, and he’s not my type. But that doesn’t matter; what matters is that he doesn’t want to do anything…at a love hotel.”

  I rolled my eyes at the idea of…actually, that does suck. “What is your type, Kami?” Not that I have any intention of becoming that.

  “Oh… oh, my,” she said, turning back to her side. “I like soft submissive guys with cute faces, and a hard, lo—”

  “Sorry that I asked; go get the food!” I started to sit up…but she reached over and pulled me closer to her. “Kami?”

  “Shh, let’s just have a moment in this love hotel before I go, so I can pretend you care about me even though we just met.”

  “Kami… since we’re pretending… would you ever lie to me?” I could smell her…But I couldn’t identify it.

  “No…of course not…unless you caught me with another man.” I frowned because I didn’t give a damn.

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  “Whatever. Is Kami really your name?”

  “Is Cross really yours?” Her black hair was much shorter than most girls I’ve encountered, and her face had…a shape to it. She would be cute if she weren’t an animal.

  “Get the food,” I muttered.

  She let me go and rolled to the other side of the bed and off the edge. “I'd better get a reward for this.” She put on a hat, tucking her hair into it. “I mean, a reward I can take to the grave, like seeing you in your full glory.”

  I thought about the phrase, unsure of what my full glory is, but over the last few hours of knowing Kami, it was probably something dirty.

  On her way out, she blew me a kiss. Once the door was closed, I rolled my eyes and finally started my damn nap. If Sakura could see me now.

  I lay awake for a while after Kami left… thinking about it all; thinking about my second chance, or third chance since my second wish sent me further back. Living like this is easier than following this world’s rules, but something felt… off. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I hurt Sakura; I’m the reason she was hurt… I’m the reason… my world… breaks. I closed my eyes.

  ***

  Rika Igarashi; 10:21 AM.

  I walked out of the warehouse with less than I walked in with. Each step reminded me of the ass-whooping I’d just received, save for my hunger pains.

  I know a place that serves lunch for breakfast, but the walk was painfully long. Hanafuda, Carter—I didn’t think you had it in you. My phone rang.

  “Rika s—

  “Did you find anything, any leads?” Christina’s voice sounded desperate, like she needed something to hold on to. I passed by people, not wanting to be overheard, and whispered, “I’ve received confirmation that Antwon is alive and… doing amazing.”

  She scoffed, “What the hell do you mean by amazing, Rika?” I stopped at a crosswalk and waited for the signal.

  “I mean that Antwon is ￥2,000,000,000 richer than this morning, your grace.”

  I could hear cars passing by, unwanted conversations, and the sound of the city brimming with life, but no Christina.

  “Your—”

  “What do you mean… Rika… stop fucking with me.”

  The light changed, and I crossed the crosswalk with others.

  “But, Kitten,” I said, not wanting to allude to nobility. “I’m not joking with you. Your boy is turning out to be more resourceful than your mom, or I imagined.”

  “Where the fuck did he get ￥2,000,000,000?”

  “Well…” I continued walking toward the restaurant. “He robbed a gambler's den with thirty or so floor boys.”

  She grew quiet, so much so that I could hear the battery in my phone humming.

  “Why would he be… How… It’s been less than a day, Rika, and Sakura’s tenacious ass wouldn’t let him run around in a gambler’s den.” It was crude but refreshing to know that I wasn’t the only one struggling to connect the dots.

  “Is this information sufficient… Kitten?”

  “Rika, are you okay, because you're calling me Kitten a lot?”

  I rolled my neck, working out one of the knots from Matsuyo’s choke hold. “I’m—” I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a building window; I looked like someone just thrashed me, messy hair, broken glasses, roughed up clothing, and I was bleeding from my brow—what’s happening to me… I’m a teacher… I safeguard my students and the institution I work for… I can’t be out here.

  “Anything else, Rika?”

  “He escaped… with some woman.” It’s been less than twenty-four hours, and I’m slinking back into old habits… old codes… and a me I tried so hard to tuck away.

  “What fucking woman, Rika!” Oh, shit.

  “I gotta go…” I ended the call—she called back, but I didn’t answer. I need sleep and food before I can move on.

  ***

  Rika Igarashi; 10:45 AM.

  I sipped a warm cup of tea as I planned my next move with no intel as to where Antwon could be now. On top of that, I muted my phone because Christina won’t stop calling me… Not to mention that I hung up on Trish. I placed my tea back on the table and waited for my meal.

  I’ve positioned myself so I could see who entered and exited the restaurant out of old habits. But it didn’t matter. This place, much like all restaurants, was dead in the morning, like I would be soon if I didn’t find Antwon, who is proving to be a force of his own.

  “Here’s your food.” I analysed her movements, her facial patterns, and her disposition; after all, there is no telling who the woman with Antwon is.

  “Half-boiled egg: Rice, miso soup, and seaweed; can I get you anything else?” I shook my head in response.

  The door opened, but…my food had captured my total attention. “Hey, good morning. Let me get the…Ah, a double Salmon breakfast set to go.”

  “Right away. It will take about fifteen minutes.”

  I split the boiled egg and placed it in my soup. How did Antwon convince so many men to go along with the heist, or was he simply a part of it, or maybe he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

  “Fuck! He’s going to be pissed.”

  I wrapped the other half of the egg in seaweed and ate it slowly. Did he already know the woman he fled with, or was she curious about him?

  “Please take a seat.”

  I stirred my soup, cooling it before attempting to eat.

  “Damn. What kind of morning have you had?” I looked up from my soup. She was young with a black hat…her hair must have been tucked into it, or maybe she cut it. But her eyes were…sharp.

  “Yo…you’re bleeding by the way.” I chewed my egg and used my napkin to wipe my forehead. “Shit, late night?” Great, another bottom feeder.

  I swallowed, “yup.” She dressed like she wasn’t from the Veil, but filth this early in the morning didn’t follow the dress code. “I am a bit tired.”

  She clapped her hands as if to denote something fantastic, “Well, you’re in luck because there is a love hotel not too far from here.” I raised a bloody brow. “Not saying I’m down for women… It’s a bed.”

  I continued to stir, “Is that why you’re there?”

  “Nah, I got this cute boy back at the spot, waiting for me… You know what I mean,” she said, smirking and wiping her mouth with her hand.

  I…considered the possibilities of it being Antwon, “If you don’t mind me asking, Does your boy have a name… is he for rent?” If she hesitates, she might be hiding something.

  She whistled a surprised tune. “I didn’t buy him, and I’m sure he isn’t selling himself. His name is Cross. But if you’re the buying type, I hear that Moonlace across the way has the best toys.”

  Cross…I sighed, “Yup—”

  “Your food is ready, Miss.”

  “Thank you! I just hope he isn’t too pissed,” she said, and then checked the bags. She looked at me with reverence, “Good talk; it’s always nice to meet one of my own.” I grew sick of being lumped in with anyone from that lifestyle. She exited the building and headed north, vanishing into the morning.

  A bed’s a bed, I suppose.

  ***

  Kami; 12:15 PM.

  “Yo, Cross.” I said, opening the door. But the little heartbreaker was asleep; no covers, no nothing…I placed the food on the nightstand…love hotels didn’t have kitchens, so I had to make do.

  I closed the door and decided to take a nap, too. But should I shower first… shit, did he?

  I closed the blinds and took off my jacket, flinging it to the floor.

  I lay on my side next to Cross, who was sleeping on his back; his hair was a tangled mess of rope, which made him look like a sleeping spirit.

  Where did you come from, Cross? My fingers inspected the bed between us.

  He looked younger now that he was sleeping. He never told me his age… he must be… After all, he was in a shady gambling den. But what if he isn’t… Why else would a guy be roaming around on his own? Shit, I could ask why all day.

  The rise and fall of his chest quickened. Maybe he was awake… or not… When he told me that he robbed the place, I was impressed. Men don’t do things like that in Kokiri.

  I sighed, wishing I had asked his age. I started to sit up to leave when I heard faint sobs.

  I looked at him, and he was, in fact, crying while sleeping. Was it me? “Cross… are you good?” I whispered. He didn’t respond. I touched his shoulder and gently shook him. “Cross… Damn it,” I whispered, “Stop crying; you’re freaking me out.”

  I slid closer and reached over, grabbing both shoulders. “Cross…” he rolled over, wrapping around me, dragging me down. He was strong, for a guy.

  I took in his scent, not by choice, and breathed in… in… just him. Most guys have a mix of scents, creating a history of aromas, but Cross was… Cross. Is he… pure? Damn. “What… are you doing?” I whispered. He nestled his face in my shirt and wrapped his legs around mine. His body shook, but the sobs slowly faded. And for some reason, I remembered that I didn’t grab drinks. I looked down at him… his overwhelming cuteness made me feel like… maternal and shit, but that shit would end if I don’t get drinks.

  ***

  Rika Igarashi; 2:15 PM.

  I slipped a few coins into the vending machine. “Yes, your grace. I took a break to recover.” I waited for her reprimand, thankful for the stranger’s recommendation.

  “Sure, Rika. You will pay for your actions, but for now, just find the boy.” I selected an energy drink to wake me up; the machine rumbled to life, but gave me nothing. I stood before the vending machine’s eerie red glow as I felt the duality of always spending without the promise of receiving anything in return.

  I sighed at this bleak turn of events.

  “Seriously, Rika?”

  “That wasn’t aimed at you, your grace. I…lost money to a machine…” I inserted new coins and selected a different drink.

  The click of the can echoed. The sun had reached a healthy height, and the school day was about over.

  “Where did you sleep, Rika?” Trish’s temperament was always pleasant before the storm.

  “I slept at a love hotel—”

  “Oh… how… nice.” She must be with someone.

  I drank from the can and waited for the gods to… to… I don’t know. I don’t know where to look, or if he is even alive. Maybe the woman he ran away with was the killer.

  “Look, it’s getting late, as far as missing persons go. Maybe you should give up.”

  If I give up now, I’ll lose something precious I’ve always had with Christina… Not to mention my life.

  “Hey, yo… Glad to see that you took my advice and crashed at a love hotel.” It’s that rough woman from the restaurant.

  “Why, yes, I did.” I ran my fingers through my hair, wishing she had chosen a better time.

  “You’re looking much better with some good rest under your belt,” she said, walking over to me.

  “Can I call you back?”

  “No. Don’t you dare hang up, just pocket me.” Here we go again.

  “Okay… I’ll talk to you later.” I pretended to hang up and placed the phone in my front pocket. I fixed my glasses. “So, how was your morning… with… Cross, was it?”

  She walked up, stretching like she had had an early morning, too.

  She scratched her head, looking back at… maybe the room she came from. “I… took too long bringing the food back.”

  I stepped back from the vending machine. “Is this what you came for?”

  “Hell yeah; I picked up the food, but forgot the drinks.” She stepped forward, sliding a few coins into the machine. I waited to see what she’d select. She pressed the same energy drink I did.

  “Hey, that one doesn’t—” The machine produced a drink.

  “Oh, did it take your money?” she asked. I nodded, but what was she planning to… She started rocking the machine with one hand. “The issue with this beauty,” she started, “Is that it can be a hungry girl sometimes. So you gotta touch her the right way.” An extra energy drink came out.

  I looked at her for the first time without a hat… she wasn’t from around here, that’s for sure. “Thanks… maybe you could help me with something else.” I thought for a moment, and Trish was unusually quiet.

  “What’s up?”

  “Oh… You see, I’m looking for someone.” I produced a picture and showed it to her. She studied it for a moment, and I studied her face. She licked her lips and leaned in to get a closer look. She whistled.

  “That is one fine piece of… wait; how old is he. I don’t want to sound like I’m that kind of woman.” I fixed my glasses. Her body and facial expression were typical of everyone I showed the picture to.

  “He’s fifteen.”

  “Fuckin shit!” Her reaction was a bit extreme…“You can’t go around dropping kiddy bait like it’s okay.” I guess I should have led with that information.

  “I’m sorry—”

  “You should be.”

  “Well… If you happen to see him, give me a call,” she pulled her cell phone out and handed it to me. “My name is Rika.”

  “Kami.” I entered my number and passed her phone back.

  “Kami… like a goddess?” She smiled and nodded before buying another drink.

  “Well, I’ll see you around,” she said. She walked away, and I watched her, discreetly. She is on the second floor, room 27.

  “Rika… that girl—”

  “I know,” I said, fixing my glasses. “She’s wrong for this place, and I feel like Antwon is involved in something larger than he thinks.”

  I took a bit of a gamble with this chapter.

  The timeline jumps around, and each POV is moving at its own pace until things start lining up. It felt cool while writing it, but you never really know how that kind of structure lands until other people read it.

  So—how was it?

  Did it flow, or was it confusing? Did the shifting timestamps build tension, or slow you down?

  I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts.