The sun rises once again, as it always does. Slowly but surely the cold, damp streets of Seattle are illuminated by rays of sunlight once more. A new day, but echoes of the past remain even as Konami takes this moment to herself in the dawn’s warmth. When you’ve been to war for as many armies as her, you see patterns in ways others can’t comprehend. Things rhyme that really wouldn’t seem like it on the surface. Like orange and.. something that rhymes with orange. Splorange? Whatever. She laughs then discards the thought entirely.
Konami: <”Honestly that was better than I could’ve hoped for. All the Fellowship of the Ring was supposed to do was cause chaos, and we did that!”>
Her inner voice chimes in as if on cue.
Inner Voice: <”Really? Ko-tan, was that really how things went down?”>
Konami smiles awkwardly.
Konami: <”I mean we did make things really interesting as the night went on.”>
Inner Voice: <”Did you really, Ko-tan? ‘Cause from here it looks like the women on top are the same as before.”>
She shrugs as the thought occurs to her.
Konami: <”Hey, it’s not perfect! But look who came in at the runner up position. None other than the Fighting Princess no one here had heard of before this year! Not bad at all.”>
Voice: <”Not bad, huh?”>
Konami: <”Not at all. Actually I’m pretty happy with my performance. I was a hair away from shocking the world and getting to tell that self-important goddess where she could stuff her> fucking bitchy queen <attitude.”>
Another pause, as for a brief moment she feels satisfied at her recent accomplishments. Yes, it was a tremendous performance people were bound to be talking about for months. In the distance, the rising sun glints off of a skyscraper downtown. For a split second she recalls the glint of lights reflected by a trophy she’d earned. A trophy for being a finalist, but not a winner. The corner of her mouth shoots downward as an all too familiar feeling falls over her. One she’s been able to ignore most of her career but just feels more pronounced here. Nope. Not going there. Konami sips her coffee and floods her thoughts with other things.
Like the fact that her unit is going to change the face of SGW! A lot of people would say that she’s totally insane for hand picking these two women to back her up. Surely there must’ve been better options! The very thought of such objections makes her snort with laughter. It’s going to work out - it’s just going to take some time, that’s all. Why, she can hear their joyous voices right now!
Saki: <”No! Absolutely not! You got my photo book, that’s more than enough don’t you think? Go be a creepy nerd somewhere else, preferably far far away from me.”>
Komomo: <”The way you refuse to even listen to my ideas is so cute! Just like the Saki-chan who inspires me to do my very best!”>
SakI: <”I never do that! And who gave you permission to call me Saki-chan?!”>
Komomo: <”It’s just that we’re so close now, Saki-chan! Now won’t you try on your old gear just once?”>
Saki: <”Never! I’m never going to be a sparkly wrestler again!!”>
Komomo: <”Aww, but it suits you so well! Oh hey, I know! If you don’t want it, I should try it on. After all I bought it so it’s actually mine now.”>
SakI: <”Whoa whoa whoa! Hold on! That’s just creepy isn’t it? Konami-san, do something!”>
Konami sips her coffee, the fresh brewed fumes caring out her sinuses. Yes, it’s like they’re right here with her and getting along like old friends. All thanks to the genius of chaotic planning, Konami! No one’s going to stop them now that she’s assembled a top notch team of outcasts! Stop them from what? Her eyes flit to the sliding door behind her as a crash shatters her serene thoughts. With a sigh she sets the mug bearing the words ‘NEVER END’ and steps over to the entryway to her apartment. With a dramatic whoosh Konami slides the door open and glares into the room and she sees a much less peaceful scene than her mind conjured.
Within the scene is hellish. Decorations from their party last night strewn all over the room. She’d cleaned it up but it looked as if their Body Count celebration had just ended seconds ago. Two precious bottles of small batch cold ones shattered upon the floor. Her mini sofa has also been knocked on its back as if hit by a windstorm. There in the middle of the floor is Momo Khogo, clutching pink and white garments close to her chest. With her knee pressed down on Momo’s neck is Saki Kashima, disgusted frustration fueling the fire in her expression. Konami just stands there, hand propping the door open and eyes glaring at the pair icily. Both women freeze and look up at her like a kid with her hand in the cookie jar. Those earlier feelings are back in force - this is not okay.
Konami: <”Okay hold up, what. is. going. on. in here?!”>
Saki stands up and shrugs nonchalantly.
Saki: <”Just dealing with the creep.”>
Momo sits up, clutching the gear tightly.
Komomo: <”This is mine fair and square! Of course I don’t mind the attention from Saki-chan.”>
Saki: <”Oi! What did I just-”>
Konami’s brow furrows and her teeth grit together. Her beautiful, content morning has been well and duly shattered by the reality of the situation. These two still need a lot of work. More than that, why does that feeling from earlier refuse to go away?! She can’t keep it held inside now - her voice is sharp and cutting.
Konami: <”Enough! This is unacceptable!”>
Komomo immediately bows in apology.
Komomo: <”I’m sorry, Konami-san! I didn’t mean to ruin the celebration of your Body Count performance!”>
Saki flicked a strand of hair over her shoulder.
SakI: <”Honestly you ruin everything you touch, Creepy Otaku Kohgo Momo.”>
Konami steps into the room and she glares down at the decor strewn across the floor.
Konami: <”Unacceptable.”>
Saki smirks.
Saki: <”You see, she agrees with me, don’t you Kon-”>
Konami shoots a death glare at Saki.
Konami: <”Not now, One Move Kashima.”>
There’s a stunned silence before Momo hesitantly speaks up.
Komomo: <”Wh-what’s unacceptable, Konami-san?”>
Konami motions to the destruction upon the floor.
Konami: <”This. All of this. Why am I letting myself celebrate this? Coming in second again?”>
Komomo: <”I thought it was pretty impressive.”>
Konami clenches her hands into fists.
Konami: <”Sure, so did I. But it’s not enough! I was within a nanosecond of shattering the status quo! Now.. she’s right, I can’t just accept being second best! Not when it took a demon to prevent me from finally getting what I’ve never had!”>
She looks up from the floor and feels a fire that’s been missing for a while. Maybe it’s always been there, but dormant. Maybe this ridiculous display and her conscience finally awakened her to it. It’s been a long time, but now it’s ignited her passion fully. Something must be done. A new mission then.
Konami: <”And now there’s hell to pay. Private Kohgo! Get our recon map!”!>
Momo blinks in confusion.
Momo: <”Private?! Also, um.. What recon map? I don’t think we have one.”>
Konami frowns, then dramatically motions to the hallway linen closet.
Konami: <”Then get me the airsoft arena brochure from the fridge!!”>
As Momo scrambled toward the kitchen, Konami’s glare shot over at Saki.
Konami: <”Sergeant Kashima, get me a cup of coffee.”>
Saki rolls her eyes.
Saki: <”You’ve got one on the balcony.”>
Konami: <”Get me a fresh one, that one’s mostly finished.”>
Saki doesn’t budge.
Saki: <”That one is fresh, get it yourself.”>
Konami grins evilly.
Konami: <”Okay, get me a new one or I’ll get Private Kohgo’s idea for a photo book green lit.”>
Saki shakes her head and heads for the kitchen.
Saki: <”Geez! Fine, I’ll get your coffee.”>
Konami grins as her course of action is clear.
Konami: <”The Golden Joshi Squad is going to war with Hell.”>
Some old dead guy once said that war is hell; Captain (self appointed) Konami’s been through plenty of hellish conflicts and can attest that’s true.. even she couldn’t have imagined a day where it would be war in Hell. After the heavy blow dealt by Hell’s President a month ago, it’s a fact. Like it or not she's in the trenches now. But unlike a month ago her forces are all hand picked, loyal troops. No reason to watch her back this time, just to focus on the battle in front of her.
Konami is anxious to go on the attack against Ram Kaichow’s last defenses. Thanks to her brilliant cunning and the sneaky aptitude of Sergeant Kashima, the squad has gotten within a klick of the Presidential Palace. Her experiences in battle have taught her that leaping in without intel is a horrible idea, so the waiting game it is. Sergeant Kashima is ahead scouting the demonic troop movements. Until she returns with that information all Konami can do is bide her time and prepare herself mentally for what she must do.
Ram Kaichow nearly took out Kashima for good and ruined Konami’s chances of achieving her mission of spreading the ultimate chaos in SGW. It’s not a surprise that a woman elected by demons should be so dangerous. Getting this far has been challenge enough, but Konami knows something - she feels it in her gut. The only way to end this war with hell and resume the Rebirth Offensive is to cut the head of the snake. To win this war, she’s got to assassinate the President of Hell. So be it. Hell’s President has earned herself a date with the Submission Sniper. Everything that Konami learned serving with Oedo Tai will come in handy on this battlefield where anything goes. Less of a formal battle than a street fight, just in time for the holidays.
Konami: <”And I’ve got just the present for her.”>
She grins, then looks down to Private Kohgo. The greenest member of the unit wears camo pants and combat boots like the rest of the squad, but also a ‘Saki from Shimane’ t-shirt under her BDU jacket. Her enthusiasm and trust for her Sergeant make up for her lack of battlefield experience. Konami kneels down next to her and grins.
Konami: <”You have anything to go home to? Anyone special waiting for you?”>
For a moment Kohgo looks confused, then she nods in understanding. She gingerly pulls a black paperback from inside her jacket; on its cover is a woman posing seductively, along with the title ‘Set Me Free’.
Komomo: <”Yeah. When I get home I’m going to spend a nice long weekend with her, Captain. Just the two of us relaxing in the mountains without a care in the world.”>
As the Private holds the book tightly to her chest, an annoyed voice calls out.
Saki: <”Oi! You still have that? I thought I told you to give it back!”>
Komomo: <”You gave it to me, it’s mine fair and square.”>
Sergeant Kashima is back, her pellet gun slung over her shoulder as she looks down at Kohgo as if she were a worm. Both Kohgo and Konami stand up, and the Captain’s glare makes it clear there’s no time for this.
Konami: <”Report. What are we looking at?”>
Kashima rolls her eyes.
Saki: <”Ugh, fine. Two devils on patrol outs-”>
Suddenly Kohgo cries out! She falls to the ground dramatically, still clutching the photobook - she’s been hit!
Saki: <”Kohogoooooooooo!”>
Kashima falls to the ground and tries to rip the book from her hands.
Saki: <”Give me that!”>
Down to just herself, Konami rushes into battle with her gun drawn. No demons are going to stop her from finishing this fight! As she leaps over a defensive trench she spots movement to her right and fires. The demon is hit and she charges forward, kicking in the door of the Presidential bunker. Her eyes dart to the left and right - another pair of demons to her right! Konami empties the rest of her clip to make sure they’re down. She grits her teeth as she climbs up the stairs, only one thought on her mind - take out Ram Kaichow. On the second level, she presses up against the wall and listens.
For a moment there’s nothing, then the clatter of rushed footsteps! Konami spins around into the hallway, barrel leveled right at the chest of the man in red camo with a devil mask on. She pulls the trigger - click. Out of ammo! Before he can fire, Konami rushes in and dropkicks him to the floor! After kicking away his gun she looks up and sees the door to the Presidential suite wide open. Time to finish this.
Casting her emptied weapon aside, Konami marches toward the door and feels all her doubts and frustrations swirling into an emotional hurricane. This darn war has derailed a great future. Now she is going to end it with the deadliest weapon in her arsenal. She's going to be more than second best. She's going to achieve greater things than she’d ever accomplished. And she's going to seize the opportunity to prove herself and her team to the world. For that to happen, the President of Hell has to fall. So Captain Konami steelsherself to do what has to be done. Within the room, behind a desk is a woman with ghoulish face paint and a jaunty cap.
“Ram”: <“Hey now, shouldn’t you have a gun?”>
Konami: <”Don’t need it.”>
“Ram” backs up against the wall.
“Ram”: <”But this is an airsoft game!”>
Konami growls.
Konami: <”Nothing about this is a game for me! I’ve coasted along, been overlooked and forgotten, and fallen short for too long. I’m not doing that anymore.”>
She draws closer, eyes locked onto her enemy. A grin tugs at the corners of her mouth.
Konami: <”You messed with the wrong woman. And I only have one thing left to say.”>
A step closer.
Konami: <”The winning percentage..”>
Another.
Konami: <”Of my Triangle Lancer..”>
She’s reached “Ram”.
Konami: <”Is 100%.”>
Suddenly a buzzer sounds and the local talent portraying Ram runs for her life. Konami stands there, smiling as she realizes two things. First, she’s confident that she’s going to decimate the real Ram at Holiday Hell and make her beg for mercy. Second, she’s going to get a lifetime ban from this airsoft arena.
