Powder Keg

ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision and CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision sat on a rooftop facing the sunset. The light poured across the sky in a graceful embrace as the world became wrapped in a light orange hue. The city was quiet as people had retreated into their new homes. They could see the lights flicker on across the many buildings. Only three square blocks of the city had electricity, so they could see everything in their gaze. Even still, everything looked smaller and more intimate.

“It’s very peaceful, isn’t it?” ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision asked.

“Do you always look at the sunset like this?” CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision asked.

“I do now.” ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision said, “You know how I feel about how the world ended. But things here could have gone a lot worse. I was afraid at first that we’d be in a post-apocalypse, where there would be constant chaos and war.”

“I thought so too.” CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision said with a serious gaze, “I’m glad we have some time to prepare.”

“What do you mean by ‘prepare’?” ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision asked.

“I just mean that we can build up a society, and create some order. That way, in case something challenges that … we’ll be ready.”

“Yeah” ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision said, “I suppose you’re right.”

There was a pause in the air as CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision remained silent.

“What do you think Takahashi would have thought of this?” ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision asked.

“What?” CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision asked, “Oh I don’t know. Why?”

“Because he spent years” ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision started, eyes narrowed towards the sunset, “collecting us, and hoarding us into electric prisons. Now that we’re out, would he be proud, horrified? How would he feel about his life’s work?”

“I know you still feel shame,” CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision said, “and I get that. And I - didn’t know him personally, but I don’t think he had one ounce of shame in his body. You don’t get to own the world if you know when to stop.”

“Yeah” ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision said, “You’re probably right.”

In the tattered building, the members of the Nozomi gang gathered. The walls were still haggard and dirty. The muscular manTamashi #73View on SuiVision sat uncomfortably by the window with a cape draped across his shoulders, while SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision stood silently beside him. FearTamashi #16View on SuiVision and WitchTamashi #4View on SuiVision sat quietly in the corners of the room.

The door opened and GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision emerged through it. The muscular manTamashi #73View on SuiVision stood up.

“Alright.” Gang said, “Everyone knows by now that we’re in charge, and we’re controlling the non-perishable and frozen foods. If they want the feeding tubes in the facility, they’re welcome to it, but the good stuff is under our control!”

The muscular manTamashi #73View on SuiVision took a step forward, “Can we talk privately?”.

“Fine.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision said, looking around, “Let’s talk outside.” Both Gang and the muscular manTamashi #73View on SuiVision walked outside the door and into the adjoining hallway.

“First,” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision asked, “What’s with the cape?”

“I need to know where ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision is.” the manTamashi #73View on SuiVision said.

“He’s on guard duty.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision countered, “He’s making sure no one steals any food. Now answer my question.”

The manTamashi #73View on SuiVision shook his head, “I joined this group because I wanted to do the right thing. The fact that we call ourselves a ‘gang’ is tough enough, but I want to be a hero, and this cape is part of that. And when I met ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision … I mean, how can we call ourselves the good guys when we’re aligned with someone like him?”

GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision paused and looked down at the ground. After he gathered his thoughts for a minute, he answered, “I’ve known ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision for most of my life. He’s not my friend, and I would be much happier if he wasn’t around. We have a very bad history.” he looked at the man, “But we don’t get to choose who our allies are. We don’t always get to do the things that make us feel warm and fuzzy inside. Because if we want to be in control, then we have to make the hard choices - and we do want to be in control.” Gang looked towards the door, “because without us, there’s a power vacuum, and the whole world could turn to … well … something worse than it already is. Understand ‘hero’?”

“Yeah” the muscular heroTamashi #73View on SuiVision said, “I think so.”

KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision opened the door and walked into the diner. It smelled like fresh pancakes and she could hear music from the nineteen-fifties playing from a jukebox in the corner. The diner itself was painted in red and gray with checkered floors. The waitressTamashi #55View on SuiVision smiled at her and tilted her head to the side. Everything in the place was very nostalgic and familiar, except for the glowing orange circle behind the counter. Kasumi walked towards it and proceeded towards the back room of the diner.

In the back room, she found KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision, BirdcageTamashi #10View on SuiVision, Vine, sitting around a table, with another manTamashi #51View on SuiVision sitting beside them. In the center of the table were square orange tiles with glowing white circles in the centers. Kitsune turned her head gracefully towards Kasumi and smiled.

“I’m glad you made it.” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision said, “Were you followed?”

“No, and thank you. I’m happy I’m here.” KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision said. “I couldn’t go back to the farm with everything going on.” she paused, “What are those orange tiles?”

“They’re from the Resistance against the Triangle Company.” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision answered, “They emanate fluorescent light that’s difficult for cameras to detect. We used them to mark our hideaways.” she looked towards Kasumi, “The citizenry here is often guarded about our pasts, but any former rebels will see this symbol and know where to find us.”

The man stood up. “Hi.” he said with his hand outstretched, “I’m the AthleteTamashi #51View on SuiVision. I’m excited to help.”

“Nice to meet you.” KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision said, shaking his hand. The manTamashi #51View on SuiVision had a neon green screen with a multicolored bandana around it, and a bright purple shirt. She could feel the sweat in his palm from a recent workout. Kasumi pulled her hand away.

KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision stood proudly before everyone with her sword stretched across her bright white kimono. “Now,” she beckoned. Everyone sat down and grew quiet as she took control of the room. “I’ve gathered you all here because you do not approve of the gang that claims to rule this city. It’s important that we gather our strength before we make our move.”

“And what’s our move?” KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision asked.

“We wait.” Kitsune said with a subtle glance, and quietly sheathed her blade.

“What?” KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision barked. “We’re just going to let them take control of everything?”

“That’s not what I said.” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision replied, pacing across the room. “While I reject their lack of values, they’ve yet to do anything unethical. We can’t make a move unless they deserve it, otherwise we would appear to be securing power for ourselves. Also, we don’t want to make room for something worse.”

There was a knock on the door. A second later there was another knock, then a third.

KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision began to walk towards the door. KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision drew out her blade as the sound tore across the room, and the sword blocked Kasumi’s path with its edge.

“What’s going on?” KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision panicked, with the sword’s edge inches from her chest.

“No one else was invited.” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision said, “And the waitress wouldn’t bother to knock. Are you sure you weren’t followed?”

“Yes!” KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision said.

“What kind of intruder would knock?” BirdcageTamashi #10View on SuiVision asked.

“One that takes pleasure in being discovered.” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision crept towards the door, crouched towards the ground, and moved her left hand towards the door handle. Her right hand held her blade, pointed firmly towards the entrance. In rapid succession, she opened the door, swerved into the entryway and pointed the blade inches from the man’s neck.

“Well…” ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision smiled, amused at the blade before him. “I can’t say this isn’t what I expected.”

“What are you doing here?” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision asked.

“I’m here to speak to KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision.” heTamashi #42View on SuiVision said, “And I’d like to do it alone.”

“Why would we have any reason to trust you?” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision asked.

“Oh I think you’re all too curious not to.” ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision said, “There’s one door in and out of this room. If I kill her, you can chop me up into little bits. Sound fair?”

KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision turned to Kasumi. KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision nodded.

KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision and ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision sat at opposite ends of the table. It was the first time Kasumi deeply observed Chaos. Everything about his face seemed distorted and evil. It reminded her of blood and knives and chaos. She began to twitch under the table. Neither one spoke, and they only stared forwards. The more time passed, the more disturbed Kasumi became.

“ITamashi #50View on SuiVision know you’re here for some reason, but before you get to that, I have a few questions of my own.”

ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision silently nodded, smiling.

“How did you find me?” sheTamashi #50View on SuiVision asked.

“I followed you.” heTamashi #42View on SuiVision answered.

KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision angrily shook her head. “Why me?” she asked. “Why follow me, why talk to me privately?”

“Because of the company you keep, but also because ITamashi #42View on SuiVision find you … fascinating.”

“Why?” sheTamashi #50View on SuiVision asked, creeped out.

“A few moments ago, this room had a freedom fighter, a rioter, an elite athlete, and a woman who I can only assume knows a lot about plants.” heTamashi #42View on SuiVision said, “These people are so exquisite, so defined by their achievements, that they have taken on these things as their identities. And you are …”

“Kasumi.” sheTamashi #50View on SuiVision said.

“The only one I’ve met here who goes by their own name.” heTamashi #42View on SuiVision finished, “The only one who doesn’t have some exceptional skill.” he paused, “You’re an anomaly Kasumi.” he narrowed his eyes at her. “And I find that … interesting.”

KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision breathed. The intensity of his glance scared her. “Is that why you came here? To tell me I’m interesting?”

“Oh, no.” ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision said, “I came as a concerned citizen. As you know, I’m a part of the Nozomi gang, and I’m concerned about our leader.”

“You’re concerned?”

“Yes, I’m afraid heTamashi #21View on SuiVision seems unstable, a bit off-kilter. I’m afraid he’s going to do something rash.”

“What gives you that idea?”

“Just a feeling.” heTamashi #42View on SuiVision said, “I only want to make sure, that, if the time comes, and a powder keg does explode, so to speak, that someone will be around to make him answer for his crimes. For the city’s sake.”

KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision paused. “I hear you.” she said. “And I’ll take that under advisement.”

“That’s all I ask.” ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision said. He smiled and walked out the door.

KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision sunk back in her chair.

KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision, Vine, BirdcageTamashi #10View on SuiVision, and AthleteTamashi #51View on SuiVision emerged through the doorway.

“What was that about?” BirdcageTamashi #10View on SuiVision asked.

“He said he was concerned.” KasumiTamashi #50View on SuiVision said, “He thinks GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision is going to do something rash and wants to make sure there’s someone to stop him if he does.”

KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision turned ominously towards the open door. “I suppose he got his wish then.” she said.

ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision entered the empty apartment and smiled to himself. He relished these sweet moments, where he could laugh to himself and see his plan coming together. He had been planning this moment for some time. He walked towards an empty table and tossed the seven pounds of frozen meat onto it. This, he knew, was a perishable good, rescued from the freezers guarded by gang members. It was the most valuable commodity in this new world. Every moment it was out of a freezer, it would get closer to expiring. If anyone wanted to profit from this, they would have to sell it quickly. Chaos paced around the apartment and looked at the poster on the wall. The poster had a graph of stocks with the price ascending upwards. Yes, he smiled to himself, he had chosen his target well.

The next day, the gang members were gathered in their usual apartment. GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision stood at the head of the table where all the other members were gathered. SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision and FearTamashi #16View on SuiVision were patrolling the city, while Gang, HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision, WitchTamashi #4View on SuiVision, and ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision discussed how to distribute the food.

“We should definitely ration the food based on age. We want adults to have more, and younger kids to have less.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision said.

“But we should also make sure the kids have more variety in their diet.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision said, “Fruits and vegetables should go to children first.”

“You’re right.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision said. “That’s a good point.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision smiled.

FearTamashi #16View on SuiVision came bursting through the door. “Gang, you need to come quick!” he said.

“What is it?” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision asked.

“It’s StonksTamashi #35View on SuiVision.” FearTamashi #16View on SuiVision panicked, “He got his hands on several pounds of meat from the freezers. He’s been trying to sell them. Superior has him in the city square.”

“Come on.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision said. “We need to show them who’s in charge.”

SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision held his sword to Stonks'sTamashi #35View on SuiVision neck, who was laying on the ground in the city square.

“Please” StonksTamashi #35View on SuiVision said, “I only wanted to make some money! I didn’t hurt anybody!”

“You should have thought of that before you stole from us.” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision replied, “We’ll see who’s hurt by the end of this.”

A small crowd had gathered in the fringes of the square. They looked on from a safe distance, but no one dared to intervene.

GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision, WitchTamashi #4View on SuiVision, HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision, FearTamashi #16View on SuiVision, and ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision emerged from the crowd and marched towards Superior.

“What do you want me to do sir?” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision asked.

“Take that sword off of his neck.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision said. SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision complied. “Do you think you’re a big man?” Gang asked StonksTamashi #35View on SuiVision. “Are you sorry for what you did?”

“Please…” StonksTamashi #35View on SuiVision said, as fear poured into his eyes, “Please, I … I’m sorry.”

“You’re pathetic.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision said. He violently kicked at Stonks’s ribs. Stonks groaned in pain.

“Your turn.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision said to HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision.

“What?” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision answered. “I don’t want to hurt him.”

“He’s a criminal.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision said, “This is the kind of choice I was telling you about. He’s a criminal. He needs to be punished. Unless you want SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision to use his sword, we need to punish him another way. Now,” he gestured at StonksTamashi #35View on SuiVision, “kick him in the ribs.”

HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision breathed heavily and walked towards StonksTamashi #35View on SuiVision . He could feel the eyes of everyone on him. He reeled back his muscular legs, and swung forward. Stonks moved from the pain and coughed up some blood. Hero kicked at Stonks again, then again, and again. Each time the pain he inflicted seemed less to him. Each time, he closed his eyes a little tighter, wanting to avoid the awful pain he was inflicting on him.

“Okay, okay.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision said, pulling back Hero.

HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision opened his eyes and looked down at StonksTamashi #35View on SuiVision . His nose and mouth were bleeding, and his chest looked like it was twitching. His suit was bloodied and he could see red stains through his shirt. His eyes faded in and out of consciousness as he reeled from the severe damage done to his body.

“I …” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision said, “I …”

“Let’s get out of here.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision said, as they all walked away, leaving the bloodied StonksTamashi #35View on SuiVision to writhe in the street.