Kei Ma's Blues
There’s a monolith located in the middle of Changye. A monolith where the fighters of the city were put to rest. It’s a place that is holy even to those who did not believe in God despite the radiance of the Priests.
Standing in front of a monolith with her shoulder-length hair blown by the air, her greatcoat dancing alongside it. The monoliths stand here as a place where they are remembered and a new name was added to the list.
A man in a leisurely suit stands next to her. Hands inside his pocket and dull face looking at the name engraved on the monoliths.
“A shame we have to lose someone like her.”
“Then you should have told Vaun to protect her as well.”
“I would have, but Vaun’s pricey. Even more pricey now that he was able to escape a god shattering spear while carrying you and the assistant.”
Sato shuts his mouth.
“Kei. I really do think it’s a loss. But this is—”
“How things are in this world. I really want to punch your head right now.”
“Will that help you?”
“It is.”
Sato clicks his tongue and presents his face. Kei didn't hesitate, pulled her fist back with all the weight she can muster and punched Sato’s cheek as hard as she can.
It was like hitting a solid concrete wall and yet Sato didn’t flinch, not a single movement other than the dull look he perpetually had.
“That okay?”
“Yeah. Tsk. I need to get better enhancements to punch you harder, it seems.”
“Thinking about it?”
“Maybe. I prefer myself right now.”
Sato observes Kei’s face. He calmly reached out for a cigarette naturally in his pocket, then realized where he was. Even he wouldn’t try to spread some cigarette ashes here.
“Are you fine?”
“Mostly. I lost a friend. How she went out was bullshit. But like you always tell me, Sato. That’s how fucking life is.”
“Admit it. You feel utter shit losing Eta. You treated her like your sis and she’s just gone like that.”
Kei continued to stare at the name.
“I do. But I’m not that childish to believe it’s anyone’s fault other than the fucker who broke her.”
Kei knows that. She knew how dangerous it was. But this was a line of work where people die all the time. No matter how augmented you are, there’s always someone who is stronger around who can break you.
Eta knew that and still tried hard to fight. Because if you don’t fight, then you simply let others do what they want with your life. Kei knows her better than that. She understood Eta had tossed a coin as well and it landed on the side.
When it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go. Kei might have accepted that, but it didn’t mean that it didn’t hurt to lose a long-time friend. Kei lost her shield and now all she has is her assistant.
“You manage to get her body?”
“None was left. That’s a god shattering spear, Kei. If it can shatter a God, do you think anything would be left?”
“No. You're done with Marvin’s wife?”
“Yeah. I recommended that fool so I have to take responsibility. It's a shame that such a talent is lost. But at least his wife can raise her young safely. Don’t wanna meet her?”
“I don’t want to pretend. He’s just a colleague of mine that I lost. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“Cold. Maybe that’s why you manage to have an office at such a young age and I had to work my bones to have my current position.”
Kei did not reply. Sato rummaged through his pockets and handed over a check.
“This is the price of the OB and TCU’s silence. No one should know what happened under Vultan.”
Kei takes the check and then sighs.
“What a petty sum.”
“It’s enough to cover your expenses. You two are going to have a hard time making up for the losses. Doubt you’d hire someone after this.”
“Sato. I’m not going to get involved in big things like this.”
“It’s possible that you will. Anomalies are being priced higher than monsters and now there are certain people in the Bureau who are asking questions after what happened in Vultan.”
The disclosure was revealed. Kei had to go through the report as well and she remembers her Assistant’s detailed report and how he described everything to the detail.
“Akun. He said too much in the report. Can’t blame him though. He know it better than anyone not fuck with the OB when it comes this.”
Kei remains her gaze on the name on the monolith. Like there’s nothing in this world that could take it away.
“So what’s your plan now?”
Kei did not answer.
“I’m assuming here you have a plan.”
“Leave me alone. What do you want from me? Your pockets are full. You have information that you can brag about to the 7S and you still want more from me, Sato? Got no plans for the first time. I’m emptied out. And even if I did. You said it best. The interest in anomalies has gone up. I’m going to wait out the storm and pick up the scraps for now. It’s not worth the effort.”
Sato contemplated. If there’s something Sato knew of Kei well. She’s not easily riled up by emotions. She can pull on the leash of her emotions and think clearly. And Sato knows she’s right. Anyone trying to find an anomaly right now will just get shafted by the Bureau. Hell, most of the data they gathered is being sold to them at a higher price than ever. Information is priceless and those who provide it risks their life as much as a merc does.
There’s no profit to be had and even Sato has to admit it’s risky.
“Not like I’m forcing you either.”
“Sure. Whatever you say.”
Sato shrugged and left the place.
Alone in front of the monolith. Kei palmed her face for a long time before sighing hard.
“Couldn’t even say goodbye. I hope heaven’s real and maybe you’ll have a place there. See you around, Eta.”
Kei started walking away. The monoliths have visitors. It was a place that was unlike any place in Changye. It was made with sincerity and it was where one can grieve. Of course, it could be that the Otherside Bureau and the Management of Changye has reasons to make a place like this. You could even say the monoliths and obelisk in the middle is truly the center of Changye.
Out of the monoliths. On the streets of Changye. She found herself walking shoulder to shoulder within the crowd. Following the river of people. Watching the traffic lights go from green to red. Observing every place she can find to keep her mind away.
A guitarist is playing on the side. Occasionally someone would throw a coin or two. Shops are full of customers who are crowded. She stops to buy a carton of smoke. She placed the smoke in her dimenbag and continued strolling. Above her were the interlaced bridges and skyways. The service trains passing through. The sky had an ethereal glow of steel and glass towers and above them was the platform of Changye that separates Lower and Upper Changye like a sky wall. Packed edge to edge. Advertisements posted by everyone like there’s just no place for them to place anymore.
You could get to know the city alone just by the sight of its advertisement. Kei stops again to look at a shop offering discount noodles and goes inside. Her nostrils assaulted with the thick smell of the broth. She got in. Paid for the ticket and filled her stomach until she couldn't eat. Going outside of the shop, she takes a cigarette out of her pocket and lights it up.
Her eyes on the complex structures above her. Changye continues on no matter what and despite all the filth hidden in this city. It’s still one of the many places in the world where you have a chance to thrive.
She had worked hard for her office. Sweated blood and tears for the sake of getting herself a place where she can call her own. Losing people along the way.
She got her wish. No doubt about it. A wish that was made on the foundation of those who had helped her. Now she was simply all alone again. It felt like she was back to the time where she’s just this fool hoping to make it big in this city.
An office of her own and enough cash at the moment to not do any jobs. She felt lacking. God, she is happy and relieved she’s still breathing, but it sure does feel utter shit when she loses people over it.
Good people. Losing Eta still didn’t feel real. But she takes a step inside her office, without Eta cleaning her weapons on the couch and giving her that dumb look on her face.
Kei realized she’s really gone.
All that's left are her memories. Memories of a friend who had turned herself into metal to be stronger, only to meet her end at someone even stronger than ever.
“What a waste.”
Kei couldn’t help but say. She joined her hands together and stared at the couch and then fished out another cigarette. She took her phone out and looked at the photo she took almost six years ago. She was with her original crew. Minx, Fae, Robb, Elvira, and Eta.
Still dreaming about a better life back then. And now only she was left. Elvira got fucked and Eta as well. Most of her original crew had died trying to help her. And all that was left is her.
And despite all the grief she’s trying to bottle in. The happiness she has over surviving once more never left her. It made her confused. She didn’t know what to do other than mull over it.
“Guess I’m lying to myself again.”
For a moment she sincerely thought her path was cut off. What more could she want other than earn more?
“I want to live better. I’m really sorry, Eta. I just can’t find a reason to stagnate. If I stop. I’d die. I have a feeling that I will if I still don’t try to live.”
She thought back before.
Where she was constantly afraid.
Hungry yet she can’t even eat with her tooth aching.
Inside a dusty old room where the ceiling’s fall apart and the wallpaper’s full of dust. Lizard droppings on the corners and a rat appearing on the side.
When it’s raining cockroaches would come out in a flock. She ate the same gruel and slop until she couldn't take it anymore and risked her life for a better life.
Drinking coffee-flavored sludge.
All she could have was a better life.
Considering how awful things are outside of the city and how some have to make do with eating recycled food. She was lucky. So lucky she couldn’t help but smile.
But now that she was alone.
She couldn’t help but laugh at her survival.
“I’m really sorry.. Haha, but I like surviving… Eta. I really do. I can’t just stagnate. I can’t… haha. I really can’t do it. If I don’t try. If I don’t move. I think I’ll die.”
Kei is laughing.
Kei couldn’t help but do so knowing she’s alive and they are dead. She managed to survive yet again.
A louder laugh escapes her as she practically dances around as if she’s enjoying herself, but yet as she does. Then t came to Kei she couldn’t hide herself from the mirror on the corner from showing her face.
Eyes swelling and tears running down her face with her makeup ruined. Seeing that awful look, she laughed again until she fell on the ground and continued to so until her throat ran dry.
karsev
Epilogue of Part 2
Thank you for reading so far!
Kei Ma's Blues
There’s a monolith located in the middle of Changye. A monolith where the fighters of the city were put to rest. It’s a place that is holy even to those who did not believe in God despite the radiance of the Priests.
Standing in front of a monolith with her shoulder-length hair blown by the air, her greatcoat dancing alongside it. The monoliths stand here as a place where they are remembered and a new name was added to the list.
A man in a leisurely suit stands next to her. Hands inside his pocket and dull face looking at the name engraved on the monoliths.
“A shame we have to lose someone like her.”
“Then you should have told Vaun to protect her as well.”
“I would have, but Vaun’s pricey. Even more pricey now that he was able to escape a god shattering spear while carrying you and the assistant.”
Sato shuts his mouth.
“Kei. I really do think it’s a loss. But this is—”
“How things are in this world. I really want to punch your head right now.”
“Will that help you?”
“It is.”
Sato clicks his tongue and presents his face. Kei didn't hesitate, pulled her fist back with all the weight she can muster and punched Sato’s cheek as hard as she can.
It was like hitting a solid concrete wall and yet Sato didn’t flinch, not a single movement other than the dull look he perpetually had.
“That okay?”
“Yeah. Tsk. I need to get better enhancements to punch you harder, it seems.”
“Thinking about it?”
“Maybe. I prefer myself right now.”
Sato observes Kei’s face. He calmly reached out for a cigarette naturally in his pocket, then realized where he was. Even he wouldn’t try to spread some cigarette ashes here.
“Are you fine?”
“Mostly. I lost a friend. How she went out was bullshit. But like you always tell me, Sato. That’s how fucking life is.”
“Admit it. You feel utter shit losing Eta. You treated her like your sis and she’s just gone like that.”
Kei continued to stare at the name.
“I do. But I’m not that childish to believe it’s anyone’s fault other than the fucker who broke her.”
Kei knows that. She knew how dangerous it was. But this was a line of work where people die all the time. No matter how augmented you are, there’s always someone who is stronger around who can break you.
Eta knew that and still tried hard to fight. Because if you don’t fight, then you simply let others do what they want with your life. Kei knows her better than that. She understood Eta had tossed a coin as well and it landed on the side.
When it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go. Kei might have accepted that, but it didn’t mean that it didn’t hurt to lose a long-time friend. Kei lost her shield and now all she has is her assistant.
“You manage to get her body?”
“None was left. That’s a god shattering spear, Kei. If it can shatter a God, do you think anything would be left?”
“No. You're done with Marvin’s wife?”
“Yeah. I recommended that fool so I have to take responsibility. It's a shame that such a talent is lost. But at least his wife can raise her young safely. Don’t wanna meet her?”
“I don’t want to pretend. He’s just a colleague of mine that I lost. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“Cold. Maybe that’s why you manage to have an office at such a young age and I had to work my bones to have my current position.”
Kei did not reply. Sato rummaged through his pockets and handed over a check.
“This is the price of the OB and TCU’s silence. No one should know what happened under Vultan.”
Kei takes the check and then sighs.
“What a petty sum.”
“It’s enough to cover your expenses. You two are going to have a hard time making up for the losses. Doubt you’d hire someone after this.”
“Sato. I’m not going to get involved in big things like this.”
“It’s possible that you will. Anomalies are being priced higher than monsters and now there are certain people in the Bureau who are asking questions after what happened in Vultan.”
The disclosure was revealed. Kei had to go through the report as well and she remembers her Assistant’s detailed report and how he described everything to the detail.
“Akun. He said too much in the report. Can’t blame him though. He know it better than anyone not fuck with the OB when it comes this.”
Kei remains her gaze on the name on the monolith. Like there’s nothing in this world that could take it away.
“So what’s your plan now?”
Kei did not answer.
“I’m assuming here you have a plan.”
“Leave me alone. What do you want from me? Your pockets are full. You have information that you can brag about to the 7S and you still want more from me, Sato? Got no plans for the first time. I’m emptied out. And even if I did. You said it best. The interest in anomalies has gone up. I’m going to wait out the storm and pick up the scraps for now. It’s not worth the effort.”
Sato contemplated. If there’s something Sato knew of Kei well. She’s not easily riled up by emotions. She can pull on the leash of her emotions and think clearly. And Sato knows she’s right. Anyone trying to find an anomaly right now will just get shafted by the Bureau. Hell, most of the data they gathered is being sold to them at a higher price than ever. Information is priceless and those who provide it risks their life as much as a merc does.
There’s no profit to be had and even Sato has to admit it’s risky.
“Not like I’m forcing you either.”
“Sure. Whatever you say.”
Sato shrugged and left the place.
Alone in front of the monolith. Kei palmed her face for a long time before sighing hard.
“Couldn’t even say goodbye. I hope heaven’s real and maybe you’ll have a place there. See you around, Eta.”
Kei started walking away. The monoliths have visitors. It was a place that was unlike any place in Changye. It was made with sincerity and it was where one can grieve. Of course, it could be that the Otherside Bureau and the Management of Changye has reasons to make a place like this. You could even say the monoliths and obelisk in the middle is truly the center of Changye.
Out of the monoliths. On the streets of Changye. She found herself walking shoulder to shoulder within the crowd. Following the river of people. Watching the traffic lights go from green to red. Observing every place she can find to keep her mind away.
A guitarist is playing on the side. Occasionally someone would throw a coin or two. Shops are full of customers who are crowded. She stops to buy a carton of smoke. She placed the smoke in her dimenbag and continued strolling. Above her were the interlaced bridges and skyways. The service trains passing through. The sky had an ethereal glow of steel and glass towers and above them was the platform of Changye that separates Lower and Upper Changye like a sky wall. Packed edge to edge. Advertisements posted by everyone like there’s just no place for them to place anymore.
You could get to know the city alone just by the sight of its advertisement. Kei stops again to look at a shop offering discount noodles and goes inside. Her nostrils assaulted with the thick smell of the broth. She got in. Paid for the ticket and filled her stomach until she couldn't eat. Going outside of the shop, she takes a cigarette out of her pocket and lights it up.
Her eyes on the complex structures above her. Changye continues on no matter what and despite all the filth hidden in this city. It’s still one of the many places in the world where you have a chance to thrive.
She had worked hard for her office. Sweated blood and tears for the sake of getting herself a place where she can call her own. Losing people along the way.
She got her wish. No doubt about it. A wish that was made on the foundation of those who had helped her. Now she was simply all alone again. It felt like she was back to the time where she’s just this fool hoping to make it big in this city.
An office of her own and enough cash at the moment to not do any jobs. She felt lacking. God, she is happy and relieved she’s still breathing, but it sure does feel utter shit when she loses people over it.
Good people. Losing Eta still didn’t feel real. But she takes a step inside her office, without Eta cleaning her weapons on the couch and giving her that dumb look on her face.
Kei realized she’s really gone.
All that's left are her memories. Memories of a friend who had turned herself into metal to be stronger, only to meet her end at someone even stronger than ever.
“What a waste.”
Kei couldn’t help but say. She joined her hands together and stared at the couch and then fished out another cigarette. She took her phone out and looked at the photo she took almost six years ago. She was with her original crew. Minx, Fae, Robb, Elvira, and Eta.
Still dreaming about a better life back then. And now only she was left. Elvira got fucked and Eta as well. Most of her original crew had died trying to help her. And all that was left is her.
And despite all the grief she’s trying to bottle in. The happiness she has over surviving once more never left her. It made her confused. She didn’t know what to do other than mull over it.
“Guess I’m lying to myself again.”
For a moment she sincerely thought her path was cut off. What more could she want other than earn more?
“I want to live better. I’m really sorry, Eta. I just can’t find a reason to stagnate. If I stop. I’d die. I have a feeling that I will if I still don’t try to live.”
She thought back before.
Where she was constantly afraid.
Hungry yet she can’t even eat with her tooth aching.
Inside a dusty old room where the ceiling’s fall apart and the wallpaper’s full of dust. Lizard droppings on the corners and a rat appearing on the side.
When it’s raining cockroaches would come out in a flock. She ate the same gruel and slop until she couldn't take it anymore and risked her life for a better life.
Drinking coffee-flavored sludge.
All she could have was a better life.
Considering how awful things are outside of the city and how some have to make do with eating recycled food. She was lucky. So lucky she couldn’t help but smile.
But now that she was alone.
She couldn’t help but laugh at her survival.
“I’m really sorry.. Haha, but I like surviving… Eta. I really do. I can’t just stagnate. I can’t… haha. I really can’t do it. If I don’t try. If I don’t move. I think I’ll die.”
Kei is laughing.
Kei couldn’t help but do so knowing she’s alive and they are dead. She managed to survive yet again.
A louder laugh escapes her as she practically dances around as if she’s enjoying herself, but yet as she does. Then t came to Kei she couldn’t hide herself from the mirror on the corner from showing her face.
Eyes swelling and tears running down her face with her makeup ruined. Seeing that awful look, she laughed again until she fell on the ground and continued to so until her throat ran dry.
karsev
Epilogue of Part 2
Thank you for reading so far!
