Evolve - Chapter 17 Chapter 17

“What do you guys see?” I ask, speaking into one of the phones we bought as soon ss we got to Kyoto, Japan. We’re on a conference phone call.

I’m tired as heck, don’t ever let anyone tell you flying around the world is a walk in the park just because you can literally fly.

We had varying versions of luck in the other places. We got about one hundred angry New Yorkers from Hell’s Kitchen, a few hundred in Glasgow, some Germans in Stuttgart, the most people that stay were in San Paulo around five hundred, Jeddah had about fifty the same as back home and Moscow had a hundred as well. There’s also of course the people who joined from other places we didn’t go to, Janice and Winter will have the data on that ready for us when we head back.

Now we’re in Kyoto, the meeting place here is a building of unique architecture which is in my field of vision. If it’s as Janice said and there really is a WECA presence here then I thought it’d be better if we scope the place out from the outside. I’ve actually wanted to visit Japan, what being an anime fanatic and all.

It’s late night time around 22:00, I’m crouched around a dark corner looking down the street at the place we’ll be meeting the our possible Asian recruits, looking down the street there isn’t that many people walking around if any all it’s relatively quiet, the others are scounting the area all around. Posing as foreigners which we are.

“Guys?” I ask

“I’m not seeing anything, the streets are different sure but they’re still streets and any authorities stick out like a sore thumb.” Says Marc

“I’m working hard to not get caught up at how pretty this place is but there’s nothing on my end.” Says Nicole

“I didn’t see anything yet. I’m in a convenience store, you guys want anything?” Asks Carla

“Can you get me some Dagashi or some potato sticks? Always wanted to try those,” Says Toni, “Nothing on my end by the way.”

“I’ve wanted to know how Anpan tastes.” I say.

“Don’t you guys think we’re losing the plot a little here asking for snacks?” Says Marc

“Marc’s right but don’t worry I got you something too,” Says Carla, the beeping sound of items being scanned can be heard through the phone. “If the WECA people aren’t outside, they’re inside.”

“That’s assuming they’re actually there.” Says Nicole

“You saying Janice lied?” I ask

“No, I’m saying they have backed off maybe.” She says.

“If they’re there it’s gonna be tricky to fight indoors, we’re meeting people in the secret basement of a building, if a fight breaks out people would not only get hurt, we could bring the place down on our heads.” Says Marc

He’s right, it’d be a tight space.

“We’re going in still.” I say

“And the language barrier?” Asks Nicole

“We’ve got a translator that we’ll neet inside. Can you guys head back now.” I say and the call to wait for them.

The first to arrive is Carla of course, she hands me the Anpan, which is basically a circular sweet roll filled with red bean paste. The others arrive shortly after and we have a silent snack break before headed into the unique architecture Japanese building and being directed to the basement by someone just inside the door.

Following his pointing directions we make it inside and the not too large basement is filled with people, it’s got maybe two hundred and fifty people. One of them, a woman with long silky hair dyed partially green and dressed in the coolest vintage style I’ve ever seen approaches us.

“Welcome,” she says, “I’m Yuno, I’ll be your translator.” She says with a smile

“Hi, I’m Terry, this is Carla, Marc, Toni and Nicole.” I reply her with a slight and awkward bow.

“It is nice to meet you all, everyone has been waiting.” Says Yuno.

I lean close to her to whisper and she seems weirded out but doesn’t move away.

“Has there been any WECA looking people in here?” I ask

“I’m not sure.” Replies Yuno in a whisper

I nod and gesture for her to lead the way, which she does all the way to the front to a small slightly elevated platform that gives me just a head above everyone else, enough to see every perosn in this room. They all stare at me silently waiting for me to say something.

“Hello.” I say, Yuno translates.

“Look I’ve learned my lesson during this journey of going to different places, which is basically don’t bullshit people.” I say pausing to let Yuno translate, when she’s done I see people nod.

That’s good… I think.

“You know the state of the world, what’s coming is a WECA sized change where they come at us or find another way to put those like us down. Besides that the world itself would be subjugated to being forced to bow down to them always. We all want our freedoms,” I say with Yuno still translating as I speak,

“and I’m sure you want that for your families, I admit though that I don’t know what comes after, I only know what happens now. And the people on this stage wih me know how evil WECA and how vile they can be.” I say.

Someone from the crowd just spoke immediately after Yuno finished her translation.

She turns to me with the translation. “He says, everyone who entered this room had already joined you, we just wanted to see who we’ll be following and since you look strong we will follow you.” Says Yuno

I blink a few times, I confess myself surprised I expected to work for it.

“Really? That’s great and I promise those of you with powers that aren’t suited for Combat will be armed by other means.” I say, my thoughts switching to O.R’s offer for a moment.

I still wonder what terms he has.

“We must go, there might be people looking for us here.” I say looking the crowd over once more before leading the way out.

We make it outside and still no WECA, then what had Janice got alerted about?

“Stay sharp everyone.” I say starting to walk briskly.

“Terry-san!” Shouts Yuno from behind me, I come to a stop and turn to face her.

“Yes Yuno?” I ask as she reaches us.

“I am currently working for WECA,” She says.

Marc’s hands instantly crackle with electricity and I feel everyone else become tense including myself.

“Why are you telling me this?” I ask narrowing my eyes.

“It’s not everyone that’s bad inside there, some other people in that room are WECA. Sure we are low level but I found out something we agreed you should know.” She said

I wonder what it is.

“Which is what?” I ask

“There is only nine months until WECA will take over the world, they will have everything ready.” Says Yuno

That is not a lot of time to prepare, or maybe it is I don’t know, it depends on how everything goes.

“What about the anti-WECA establishments? Do you know anything about them?” Asks Marc

Yuno nods “They are being taken out.” She replies

I turn to the others for a moment and they have calmed down a little and are processing this new piece of information just like I am

“Thank you, Yuno. All of you keep your heads up and watch yourselves, we will be in touch soon.” I say placing a hand on her shoulder, she nods and turns to head back.

The others and myself continue walking down the street, without letting guard down.

“Can we trust what she said?” Asks Carla once she’s sure we’re out of earshot.

“Maybe. If it is infact true then we need to make a phone call once we get home.” I say.

I look up at the crescent moon in the sky and the thought of flying like across the water to get back home instantly makes me lethargic. I look at Carla and Nicole, they look pretty tired too.

“But before that lets get a few rooms and get some sleep. Well head home in the morning.” I say with a yawn.

_______

It’s almost late afternoon as I land on at the hill side house and head for the living room. I figure I’m the last one to arrive and that’s confirmed as I enter the living room section to find to find the others seated chatting with Janice and Winter, then again I did take my time flying back.

I guessed I’d be the last person so I told Carla to use the card I got from O.R and call him to request a meeting for today, because I figured she’d get here the fastest.

“Hey guys.” I say fist bumping Janice and Winter as I take a seat.

“So how do our numbers look?” I ask.

“Well like I was telling the these guys I got the app uploded online for just about anyone to download but Winter and I rigged it up to feed information back on everyone that downloads, then Winter will sift through all that and nullify any thing we send on the app for WECA authorities or any other potential threats.” Says Janice

That may be tricky for Yuno and some of her other people.

“That being said,” says Winter picking up from where Janice left off, “including the numbers you got at the places you went we’re looking at just over seven thousand people.”

That’s not as big a number as I hoped to hear about.

“But the up app is still there, the more the word spreads the more people that’ll be able to download it.” Says Janice, either she read my mind or noted the slight let down on my face.

A thought just struck me.

“Can the people who download the app be tracked somehow?” I ask

“Not on our watch.” Replies Winter.

Good, wouldn’t want people being picked up from their homes and whatnot.

“We don’t have too much time though.” Says Marc

Janice frowns, “What do you mean?” She asks

“In Kyoto a low level WECA person told us we’ve got 9 months until WECA makes its move.” Says Carla answering her.

“That’s…. Not a lot of time to get the numbers we need.” Says Janice, wide eyed.

“I know,” I say, “we’d just have to work with when time runs out.”

Everyone goes silent.

“So, did you call him?” I ask looking at Carla.

Out of the corner of my eye I catch Marc shift uneasily where he’s sitting and rubbing his neck where he would have worn one of those collars during a fight during his time in O.R’s cages, I’ll need to ask him to tell me as much about O.R as he can.

“Yeah,” She replies.

“Please tell me you don’t mean O.R.” says Janice. To which I remain silent.

“Terry, come on, he’s dangerous.” She says

“He’s the only person who can help us.” Says Marc quietly, to my surprise. “No matter how we look at it, even if our numbers increase we won’t have the punch to stagger WECA without his resources, people and weapons, let alone stop them.”

“But at what cost?” Pleads Janice

“Hopefully one that isn’t too high,” I say.

“But we’d need to be careful chief, there’s no guarantee we come out on the other side of this with a win, and by we I mean everyone in this room and everyone who’s joined up. O.R will want something regardless of the outcome he’ll have a win/win contingency.” Says Marc

“Lemme get this straight,” Says Nicole, “This O.R person can basically help us get guns and other things that will help with ease?”

Janice, Carla, Marc and I nod.

“But he’s dangerous?” She asks

Again nods all round

“The last time I checked we’re pretty dangerous ourselves, besides dangerous or not, whether he wins either way, sounds like he gives us more of a chance to me, like a power boost.” Says Nicole with a shrug.

“Plus he’s adept to warfare, gang warfare but warfare nonetheless, he’s the closest thing we’re gonna be able to get to a general of some kind, and the connections he has world wide it’ll be like adding a lot more experienced officials to lead.” I say

“I still don’t like it, but it’s hard to argue with.” Says Janice, “you just need to answer a couple questions for me right now though Terry.”

“Go ahead.” I say

Do you have a plan for how you’ll lead everyone? And do you really think you O.R will do as you say letting you tell him to tell his people what to do?” She asks

Honestly the answer to both questions are like this: maybe I have a quarter of a plan for the leading of people, mostly from books, movies and videogames which admittedly probably may not be the best references in this situation. As for the second question we’ll find out soon.

The words mom told me come back to me, as long they are willing to follow me I must be doing something right but with those questions, does that mean Janice wants to jump ship?

“I’m working on both, I’m giving myself 5 months to figure everything out,” I say, “In truth I’ve just been making us all roll with the punches using a rough concept of what to do and a bunch of ideas, but we’re still here and I’m inclined to believe that method won’t change too much, but I promise there’s gonna be a clear cut way to go to war.”

Janice looks me in the eyes trying to read them, hopefully she isn’t reading my mind.

“Alright.” She says finally.

“Carla, where are we meeting O.R?” I ask

“He insisted on coming to where we are actually.” She replies. “His condition though was that only the five of us attend the meeting and it’ll be him and four of his guys.”

Not sure if that’s a good thing or not, him wanting to come here. At least we don’t have to go anywhere.

It’s not weird that I wanna dress up for the occasion in a sharp dark suit and I want everyone to also dress up is it? Then play some ominous sounding opera music in the back ground and switch to a fake Italian accent.

Or at least just dress up.

“Okay, how long do we have?” Ask

“About forty minutes,” replies Carla after looking down at the time briefly.

No time to waste really, might as well find out what I can about him and share what I know.

“Marc, are you comfortable with helping me brief everyone about what we know about O.R?” I ask to which he nods.

“Great. I’ll start by telling you what Han told me,” I say, I feel a twinge in my chest for having been partially responsible for his death.

“O.R has the ability to travel through time but he doesn’t use it to kill Hitler or something like that, he’s been using it consistently to visit his wife who died. The man is in his 70s but because of the backlash from his powers he has been aging backwards gradually, at this point he looks about 16 but that doesn’t make him any less imposing somehow, it’s strange. It doesn’t make him any less the man he is, actually given the dexterity of his younger body he’s maybe a little more dangerous in a fight.” I say nodding to Marc so he takes over.

“Okay my turn then, O.R is ruthless, I always used to hear stories about him on the streets, about the things he did to get the power and respect he has. Legend has it he pulled off his first job when he was 14, slit the throats of a couple of people in the process. But as bad as he is there’s a kindness of sorts to him, when I fought in his cage sure I was sort of a prisoner with a collar that nullified my powers a lot of the time but I wasn’t mistreated or starved, heck he even visted at times. But he isn’t someone to cross ever, he holds no capacity for forgiveness because he believes that gives a person a chance to try the same thing again.” Says Marc finishing with a nod.

That is a lot, now I’m trying to think what I was doing when I was 14. Trying out for the cricket team maybe?

Winter seems entranced by current exchange of information.

“Can we trust him?” Asks Toni.

Sometimes I forget how question that dude can be.

“From what I’ve heard he always holds his end of the bargain as long as the other person does the same, so I think we’ll be fine.” says Marc.

“Alright we’ll be headed to the rooms, we’ve got work to do anyway.” Says Janice as she stands taking Winter’s hand so she stands as well.

The two of them head out hurriedly.

_______________________

The five of us are standing by the gate outside facing the road that drives up waiting nervously.

Forty minutes is up and right on time a maroon red SUV rolls up around the bend and approaches, Carla presses the gate remote and it slides open.

The car drives and comes to a halt in front of us, the silence is heavy as soon as the car engine is shut off. The only sounds are from birds and the sound of the gate sliding closed.

All four doors swing open simultaneously. The first to exit is four men dressed in matching black suits, they have a dangerous air about them that sends a chill down my spine. One of them locks eyes with me for a moment. He’s got a mean mug and a nasty scar on his forehead.

They stand and wait.

O.R steps out shortly he comes out of the car, pausing to button his suit as he looks at the house hanging over the hill. His hair is sleeked backwards neatly as always, the suit he’s wearing is a sharp tailor fitted grey one.

“I see what you meant about the whole respect thing about him.” Whispers Carla. Which earns her a glance from one of O.R’s four guards.

O.R turns and approaches, I step forward to meet him with an extended hand which he grabs and shakes firmly.

“Thank you for meeting me.” I say

“It is my pleasure. Now which of you young ladies called me?” He asks switching his gaze between Nicole and Carla.

Carla steps forward and O.R steps over to her taking her before to shake and kiss it.

“Lovely to meet you, my dear.” He says.

He proceeds to shake Toni and Nicoles hands getting their names as he does so. He come to aa pause in front of Marc.

He looks him over and nods approvingly, “It’s good to see you kid, you look stronger.” He says before shaking his hand.

“Okay, shall we?” I ask, gesturing.

“Lead the way.” He replies

Once in the living room we sit opposite from him but only he sits, his guards remain standing. O.R looks over the half circle shaped room with interes his eyes lingering on each detail.

“Nice place you got yourself here.” He says

“Thank you, although its not really ours.” I reply

“Oh but it is, you took it, you all make it feel like you own it. Therefore it’s yours, thats the law of the jungle and the world is a jungle..” He says with a smile.

“Now down to business.” He says his smile and charm disappearing instantly. I shoot a glance at the others who seem as though they just took a collective gulp.

“I approached you, so I will lay down the foundation.” Says O.R gazing at us individually

“Half my family, including these boys here, have powers, the other half are as capable as a man can get at killing someone else and handling themselves in a fight. Around the world every gang no matter how large and known or small and obsure is a part of that family, I got weapons connections on everything, even that exclusive WECA shit. I can get my hands anything you’ll need with little to no cost to satisfy however big this operation will get.” Says O.R, pausing to let me think about it.

“With respect, that would be great, we’ll need all the help with can get,” I say pausing to look at the others for encouragement.

“But I have a request of my own of sorts, to add to your foundation so to speak,” O.R nods for me to go on, “none of us here is experienced in war, sure I’m the leader here but I might get a lot of people killed with bad decisions and little strategy experience. We’ll be outnumbered, with your help perhaps not outgunned all the way, but I would like to ask you to help us strategise and help lead the people who’ll fight as a general of sorts and as you said you know every gang, if you could get the leaders there to lead the people that join in their countries it’d be easier to follow a countryman than a stranger.”

O.R nods thoughtfully and waves for one of his man who bends down and the two whisper for a moment to each other.

“You’re smart kid…. alright kids, I’ll take the role of general. Now tell me what would you need from what I’ve offered?” He asks

The five of us share a look.

“Everything.” We say together.

The smile returns on O.R’s face.

“What are you willing to give for it?” He asks

I hesitate for a moment. “Anything you request.” I say

O.R takes a deep satisfied breath.

“Once this operation ends, it will have chaotic consequences. The five of you in your infinite strength will help me take control of this country. That is none negotiable regardless of a win or a loss for you.” Says O.R extending his hand.

“I have a condition of my own, we don’t know how this will last but as long as it does you can’t use your ability, you can’t go back in time.” I say, O.R seems taken back slightly, his smile fading and his hand retracting slightly

In turn I extend my hand toward him and wait for him to shake it. He looks me in the eyes to guage my seriousness and then shakes my hand.

“Then it’s a deal, I hope you kids are true to your words.” Says O.R

“Yes we do. And we will.” I reply

“It sure has gone faster than quite a few meetings I have had. We will be on our way now.” He says standing.

We all stand with him and shake his hand, he then walks out with his men. I walk out with them to open the gate and let them out.

As I enter the room I note the worried looks on those faces of my friends.

“We just promised to usurp a government for the sake of a person regardless of whether we win or lose.” Says Carla sounding shocked.

Yeah I’m still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing myself, I thought he’d have a condition that’s simpler like to keep the cops off his back or something or at least two different things at once.

I don’t sit, I just stand in front of everyone sifting through my thoughts.

“We aren’t really gonna go through with this are we, Terry?” Asks Nicole

I open my mouth and close it.

“We have to Nicky.” Replies Marc in my place.

“But isn’t this exactly why we’re doing what we’re doing so people still have the freedom to choose a government?” Asks Toni.

I don’t know how to answer them without it sounding bad.

“The fate of the few for the fate of the many,” I say, “Regardless of how this turns out we’ll hold our end of the bargain but that doesn’t mean we can’t unseat him once we’ve finished holding our end of the bargain.”

Carla sighs and rubs her temples. “So we’re gonna fight WECA which is heroic and then we’ll fight to give O.R power which will make us villains, then fight to take it back from him which will make us heroes and still deal with whatever Marlea has instore for us which may be seen as our fault…. What a time to be us.” She says.

I think Marlea can be said to be my fault. I say.

There’s something I need to know from them now though.

“Do you guys trust me?” I ask

The others exchange frowned expressions and look back at me with faces that say ‘do you even have to ask?’

“Of course we trust you,” says Toni, “we’re with you all the way no matter what. Although I can’t say we won’t fight from time to time.”

The others nod.

“Can we please take off the colourful suits off now?” Says Marc standing and walking past me patting my back on the way.

He’s followed by Toni and Nicole.

Carla comes to stand in front of me with a slight smile on her face. I feel my heart beat faster and nervousness fill my chest.

“You’re doing fine, I’ll let you know when you’re fucking up.” She says.

“And how’s that?” I ask

“I’ll clean your clock with a punch.” She says with a smile and a kiss on my cheek.