chapter 2 They call her Crackshot
Hey, wake Uuuuuuuup!
Anna was next to Tatsuya, poking his face and trying to wake him up. Suddenly Tatsuya began to talk in his sleep.
Ladies, my balls are full relax, I got enough for everyone so line up and get ready to take it in the rear.
Eww, so it's gonna be like that huh?
Anna walks away with an evil grin on her face. Minutes later she returns with ice cubes in her hand.
This is gonna be good.
Anna throws ice in Tatsuya's underwear and he gets up immediately, jumping around screaming.
COOOOOOOOOOOLD!
After a few minutes he takes the ice out of his pants but it had already melted so his pants were wet.
Wow, I didn't realize you were a bed wetter.
You! What the heck! it was such a good dream too.
Yeah yeah, sorry I didn't let your hormones run wild.
You...heard. How much?
Enough to know you want women to take it in the rear.
Tatsuya was blushing red. He curled up into a ball out of embarrassment.
My life is over. This is so embarrassing. I can't believe you heard that.
Then don't believe it.
Why did you even want to wake me up?
I made breakfast. You coming?
Tatsuya gets up and heads to the kitchen, grumbling the whole way. When he saw what Anna had cooked he had a look of disappointment.
Are you cooking the roaches?
Well you see anything else good to eat? I checked your pantry and your fridge and most of the stuff was either rotten or out of date. At least the roaches have protein. Morse so that they are so big so it'll fill you up.
EWWWWWW! I'm not eating that.
Suit yourself.
Anna grabs a stick and put a roach on it. When she took a bite Tatsuya vomited on the floor.
Oh come on, man up. I lived in the wild for most of my life so I'm used to improvising food.
No matter what....you say...that is disgusting.
Tell me then. Are you in a position to choose what you want to eat?
Tatsuya looked around to see if anything might be edible but there was nothing that wouldn't make him sick. After staring at the roaches for a few seconds he gave in and sat down to eat.
Fine, but just so you know, your a bitch.
You kiss your mother with that mouth? You know what never mind, just eat. Your going to need your strength.
For training?
Tatsuya's eyes lit up, he was like a kid that was excited to get a new toy.
No. We will not be training for awhile.
Why not?
There is a lot about the future I don't know. It might hinder my ability to be useful out there. So first we are going shopping and buying some ammo.
But I only got 2 mil.
We'll buy the cheap stuff. Even for tricksters that's enough. Oh right, hand me both of your boomerangs.
Why?
Just give it.
After pondering for a bit, he hands it over. Anna looks at the boomerangs as if she were a machine scanning something. After she was done she breaks them all.
What the hell?
Too big.
I had those since I was 10 and you just smashed it cause it was too big.
Look, you want me to train you to be a better trickster right?
Yeah.
Then trust me when I say those things are too big for your current level. True you can control them easily but it wastes too much stamina. Which is why...
Anna reaches down and grabs 2 blocks of wood.
...You are going to make new ones.
Your kidding right?
Not kidding. Tricksters regularly fiddle with their ammo to improve their effectiveness. For example...
She takes out a bullet.
I handload all my bullets. Changing the amount of gunpowder and messing with the bullets shape and size makes it stronger.
So in your case...
I have to make better boomerangs.
Exactly. Though I will say this, not all tricksters are the same. What we are called is an ammo type trickster.
Ammo type?
Yes, someone who controls a specific object with their mind. In total there are four types of tricksters. And we are the weakest type compared to the other 3.
This news did not sit well with Tatsuya.
So I'm gonna be weak no matter what huh?
Oh no, we are only weak in the beginning. Once you unlock one of the three transformations an ammo type trickster becomes the second most powerful.
Tatsuya's eyes lit up at the mention of transformations.
Transform? You mean like a super Saiyan?
What the heck's a super Saiyan? Is that some kind of vegetable or something? Never mind point is there is more to being a trickster then just punching something really hard. It requires intelligence. We're not the strongest warriors in the world, but we are the most clever. We have to be or we'd lose against stronger opponents.
And that's what I'm going to teach you. Not only am I going to help make your boomerangs stronger, I'm going to teach you how to strategize, how to use your ammo to the best of it's ability, and most importantly, how to fight dirty.
Hey, I may not be a martial artist but I'd prefer to fight with honor.
Well too freaking bad, other tricksters will not give you the same courtesy that you give them. They will lie, cheat and play as dirty as possible if it means winning.
And what about you? Did you fight dirty as well?
Anna looks at the small campfire, eyes filled with guild and regret.
Every time. Did a lot of things I'm not proud of. Hurt a lot of innocent people.
Sorry I asked Tatsuya said, realizing he touched a subject Anna was not comfortable.
It's okay, it's in the past. I may not be able to change what I've done, But I hope to seek redemption for my crimes. The lord forgives all your sins, and he has forgiven mine. His love is all that keeps me going and what gives me purpose.
Spare me the sermon.
Very well, but remember our deal. I won't act against God no matter what. So finish up your meal, we got shopping to do.
part 2
The two leave the sewers through a manhole and start walking towards the nearest shop.
So where are we headed exactly?
Momo's discount shop. It's a wastelander affiliated business and is for the guild members that aren't permitted access to the good stuff.
Great, so we get dirty guns. At least tell me they are in good condition.
No.
Dang it man! How am I supposed to shoot people if my guns are in terrible condition? Having my gun break into pieces in the middle of a fight is not a funny joke.
Well I'll give you the line they told me when I complained: Deal with it.
Fine, let's just get this over with.
The two come up to a small store that didn't look to be in the best shape. The neon sign flickered on and off, the walls had bullet holes in them and the door looked like it could be pulled off clean.
When the two entered they saw a woman laying her face on the counter, apparently taking a nap.
Tatsuya walked closer and attempted to wake her but she sensed someone was close and woke up immediately, looking distraught.
It was just a short nap I tell you. I wasn't sleeping on the job.
Uh...what?
She realized she had customers and calmed down.
Oh sorry. I didn't realize who you were. You see-
At this moment she saw Tatsuya and her espression changed to one of distain.
You! You have some nerve coming into my store after what you did.
I'm sorry. I was just starting out.
I told you not to pull the trigger! But what do you do? You pull the trigger and blow up my shop. Do you have any idea how much money you cost me? I'd tell you, but I doubt you have enough brain cells to even do the math.
She takes a deep breath then calms down.
But, I did get my money back thanks to your "big score."
Tatsuya grumbles at this comment.
So I decided you can shop here again, but from now on you don't touch the merchandise until you leave the store. Understand?
Sigh, alright.
So now that we got that out of the way, what can I do for you?
Well we are-
Momo notices Anna and rushes over to her.
And who is this? Please don't tell me this is your new girlfriend.
No I-
I mean come on, how much begging did you have to do to get this hottie to date you?
hey now come one, I'm not that bad.
Your ex begs to differ.
Don't you dare bring her up! She's the biggest bitch in the world.
HEY! I KNOW YOU GUYS HAVE HISTORY BUT CAN WE JUST TABLE THIS DISCUSSION SO WE CAN BUY SOMETHING!
The two looked at anna, then each other and were embarrassed that anna had to see them argue like children.
Alright, sorry about that. So...what can I get you?
Well, if my terrible fashion sense didn't give it away I'd like some new clothes and weapons too.
And I need some wood to make new boomerangs.
Oh well step this way. If your looking for new clothes, or new ways of tearing your enemies several new assholes at a discount, you'll find nobody better.
That's an...interesting way to put it.
Momo takes the two in the back where the pair find an assortment of goods, but mostly it was old guns. Some were from the 19th century.
Anna was certainly impressed. Especially by the more modern firearms. Momo took notice of this.
Your impressed I know.
What kind of guns are these? I've never seen these before.
That mosin negant was used in world war 1 as a standard battle rifle more then a hundred years ago, that shotgun was once used by Billy the kid, and that mp40 was used by German soldiers in world war 2.
Billy the kid's shotgun. I remember Billy, after all I slept with him so it's pretty hard to forget him. Another of my many regrets. Still his shotgun was pretty good. Lever action, stock cut off, shortened barrel.
Eyeing the shotgun eh? Don't know why you'd want something that old. I mean, nobody buys the lever actions unless their desperate.
In my hands, one of those is enough for an army.
Oooooooh, love the bravado. Then by all means, what'll be it.
Anna looked around for any gun she was familiar with until her eyes locked on to a black revolver, heavily customized and still in good condition.
Anna ran to pick it up.
This is my gun. I can't believe it survived nearly 2 centuries without breaking apart. The handle still feels good and it's just the right weight. Just like I designed it.
So you want that gun? Some scavengers got it from some museum devoted to American's greatest outlaw's. According to them this one belonged to Crackshot Jones. She was some famous outlaw or something and killed a lot of people. I heard she was even in Japan once and fought in the satsuma rebellion on the side of imperial Japan. Of course after that it's said she then wiped out half the military.
I know the story.
This surprised Momo.
I'm amazed you know about her. Then again it shouldn't surprise me, she has become something of a legend among criminals here. I doubt there's a single raider that doesn't know who she is.
So it seems I'm not forgotten. I knew when I turned myself in I wouldn't be remembered as a hero but to be only remembered for my deeds and ignore my one good act in life. That's harsh.
How much?
For you? 300,000 yen.
Pay the woman.
Now hold on here, we don't have much left-
Anna takes Tatsuya aside and whispers.
This gun used to be the exact one I used back in the day. People develop an attachment to a lot of objects. Some love their horses, other their cars, mine is this gun. His name is Pedro and I ain't going anywhere without it.
Oh come on, it's 300,000 thousand yen!
PAY.THE.WOMAN!
Fine! he says grumbling the entire time it took him to grab the money and give it.
Thank you for your business. Oh and here, take some complimentary bullets since your a first time customer.
She hands over 60 rounds of .45 ammunition.
Nice!
Here at momo's discount it's important to make a first impression she says while doing a little dance.
Anna goes through the clothes until she finds something that reminds her of her time period.
When she steps out of the dressing room she comes out dressed like a cowboy.
She wore Tan colloered jeans with brown boots worn under the pats sleeves. She also put on a Black buttoned shirt with a bandoleer and the sleeves rolled up. Over the shirt she wore a brown Long coat with the sleeves torn off and she wore a Black cowboy hat with her hands and wrists wrapped around in boxing tape with the exception of the fingertips.
Well what do you think?
A little old fashioned don't you think?
Hey, a little old fashioned is what your going to need. I can't tell you how good it feels to finally have some real clothes.
A shame you won't wear a skirt. You would look cute in one.
I like pants. Skirts just get in the way of fighting. Plus all people do is try to look up mine so I decided no more skirts, only pants for me.
Tatsuya blushes as he pictures anna in a skirt.
Yeah, what kinda sickos would do such a thing.
Anyway, how much?
Clothes are pretty cheap, but the ammo belt and bandolier aren't. Let's say 200,000.
Okay, now that's much more fair.
Just pay the lady.
After paying an alarm went off.
Attention everyone! We got another wave of mariners coming. Man your stations at once.
What the heck?
Another one? Alright!
Tatsuya darts out the door yelling daddy's gonna eat good tonight. Anna, shaking her head in exhaustion, calmly leaves the store.
Come back soon!
part 3
Running outside, sees swaths of people all heading towards the docks. Curiosity takes hold and she follows the crowd.
Upon reaching her destination, she sees a huge crowd of people, made up of men and even some children. Strangely, women were exempt from the crowd.
Anna was too short to see what was going on and decided to climb the nearby building for a better view.
Of course, Anna was out of shape from lack of exercise and by the time she made it to the top she was exhausted and layed down on the floor.
Hah...hah...dang it. I didn't realize how out of shape I had gotten all those years in prison. Should have gone to the gym while I was there.
She looks around to find Tatsuya also was here.
How..did you climb...up here...so fast?
I used the elevator he says pointing towards it.
What the heck's... an elevator?
He laughs and Anna pouts.
Come on, you'll miss the show.
Anna stands up and looks down at the crowd, who were not alone anymore. Out from the sea, various mutated sea creatures came out and started walking towards the people. The people smiled and readied to attack.
It's time to make some sushi! The crowd shouted as they charged at the creatures, chi blasts were fired and punches that could wipe out mountains were thrown. It wasn't even a contest, just a massacre.
Why are people doing all this? I mean, what the heck is even going on?
Well you see, when we set up colonies here, we discovered mutated creatures. But even more interesting was the meat.
The meat?
Yup, mutated animals make surprisingly tasty meat. Our chefs were in love from the first bite. So much so that you can hunt these monsters, take their meat and sell it for a nice profit.
So why aren't you down there?
Tatsuya got angry.
Because you BROKE MY ONLY WEAPONS!
Oh right, totally forgot that.
YOU FORGOT! You brake my weapons and then you forget about it! Screw you!
Whatever. So I guess you make sushi with those fish monsters?
Don't change the subject!
She looks at him with a blank expression for a moment.
So I guess they make sushi with those fish monsters?
AAAAAAAGH!
I'll take that as a yes. She says with a smirk.
The battle looked to be about over.
Well better get down there, maybe we can scrounge up some leftover meat. We meet the money...and maybe we can keep some to eat.
As we headed down the martial artists used their superspeed to skin and cut the monsters into pieces they could carry and left by the time we got downstairs. By the time we made it down there was barely any left. Only one corpse was left and it looked like a dolphin, though with all the mutations and it being mutilated I wasn't sure.
Aw man, no ones gonna buy this, the meats mostly ruined.
Talk about rotten luck. Isa this what an average day is like for you?
Wait for it.
A bird flies above us and poops on Tatsuya's head, the expression he gives shows that this isn't the first time either.
That, is what an average day is like for me.
Ouch.
Some people showed up.
Hey loser-kun, missed out again!
Maybe you need to get good son.
They left laughing the whole way.
What's next, loser of the year medals.
Give it some time, with my luck, I'm sure the universe will invent it just for me.
So, how about we get going to making those boomerangs.
part 4
Hundreds of miles away, a busy metropolis of a city carries on in their daily lives, completely walled off from the harsh nuclear wasteland.
To the untrained eye, this city would look as if the nukes had never fallen, but to those that look closer, they would see it for what it truly is.
Near the north side of this city is a building with the words omnicorp appearing in neon light signs.
A man of tall stature and with a cold heart was standing in his office looking outside and gazing at the city, remarking that one day it will all be his.
His assistant, a young business woman approaches.
Mr. Williams, Steve is at the door.
Excellent, send him in.
A frail, easily frighten young man steps in clearly knowing he screwed up somewhere.
Steve.
Boss.
Do you know why you were called here?
Is this about me eating your sandwich?
You what?
Nothing! So what was it I was called here for.
What is your job here?
I do your taxes and look after your more dangerous projects.
And what happened to project c05v?
I haven't checked on it in a while but why should I? It's not like she's gonna break out.
Williams just stares at him in a condescending manner until steve's eyes widen in horror at the sudden realization of why he was called here.
She got out? Sir you have to understand, this wasn't my fault.
Not your fault? I said spare no expense to keep her in that statue. Money was no object but you decided to cut costs so you could buy more video games. VIDEO GAMES! Thanks to you the robot we specifically made to keep out intruders ran on buggy software and was defeated by her in less then one minute.
Sir I can fix this. Just give me another chance.
Fix this? Another chance? Thanks to your incompetency, I now have the world's largest target on my back and I lost a great lab specimen. With a mistake this big there is only one solution.
He presses the intercom button.
Ms. Stacy, get me...the pink slip.
NOOOOOO. Not the pink slip. Please sir, I have kids steve says groveling at this point.
You've made your bed he says tightening his tie, now you have to lie in it, just like everyone else.
Si I'll work for free, I'll give up my dental benefits, I'll lick your shoes....
Would you please not cry, the carpets are worth more then your soon to be dead body.
PLEAAAAAAAAAAAAASE. I'm so sorry!
Sorry it took so long.
Ms. stacy comes out with a pink rocket launcher with a glowing crystal inside and then fires it at Steve who is launched straight toward the window and goes flying for a bit before he finally blows up.
The pink smoke that come out changes shape into a giant pink slip with the words your fired written on it.
Thank you miss Stacy, you'll be getting a bonus in your paycheck for blasting him before he started crying on my shoes.
