“We have to be willing to make sacrifices and try something different. It’s transparent that what we’ve been doing has not been working,” said Emi as she shifted and crossed her legs. “I’ve been given a green light to use whatever methods possible for putting a stop to this absurdity that’s been going on.”

“I feel like we’ve tried just about everything by now. What’s even left to try?” asked Aiko putting her finger to her chin in thought.

“Have you ever seen those fish that cling to sharks in the ocean? The most common one is called a Remora.”

“Yeah, of course I’ve seen my share of ocean documentaries.”

“Do you remember why those fish cling to sharks?”

“If I remember correctly, it's a symbiotic relationship. In other words, they both benefit each other. The Remora, despite being much smaller and weaker than a shark, helps eat parasites and such that would otherwise bother the shark.”

“Correct!” said Emi holding up her finger and smirking. “The other portion of that is that the Remora gets to eat bits of scraps from the shark when it snags some larger prey.”

“Yeah, I remember that part too. So what’s this got to do with anything?”

“We are going to be the Remora. After taking so much time to go after the Black Diamond and The Organization, we have decided to work with the lesser of two evils. The plan is to work together with The Organization to take down the Black Diamond. The Organization is a powerful force like a shark in the ocean. If we let them have their way and just pick up the scraps ourselves, we might actually be able to get a hold on the Black Diamond and restore some order to the city.”

“Are you out of your mind, Emi!” exclaimed Aiko throwing her hands in the air.

Emi remained cool and collected despite Aiko’s outburst, “Think about it, Aiko. It’s a perfect plan. I’m going to reach out to Gil from The Organization tomorrow.”

“Do you even think Gil can be trusted?”

“I’m not sure, but it’s the biggest and best situation I can think of. We’ve been fighting these groups for years and continue to become overwhelmed by them. It’s time to try something more radical. Like the saying goes. The enemy of an enemy is a friend, right?”

“I suppose.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” said Emi. “There are a lot of scenarios where this goes south. If it does, we get to blame The Organization. Simple as that.”

Aiko came to a halt. “In theory it does make a lot of sense. It's one of those ideas that’s so crazy it just might work.”

“Now you see,” said Emi as she stood up and crossed her arms triumphantly.

“That doesn’t mean that I’m fully on board. Have you talked about this with the rest of the team?” asked Aiko. “Do you even know if Gil will agree to something like that?”

“First of all, I’m the boss, so the team will have no choice but to agree. Second, I think Gil will agree,” she said confidently. “He’s got to be pulling his hair out after what’s been going on recently. I’m sure he’s willing to try almost anything at this point. He doesn't have much to lose.”

“If you weren't right so often I’d question this a lot more.” Aiko let out a sigh. “But as our captain, I trust your plan.”

The remnants of the detective team gathered together in the office and Emi broke the news to them about the plan. None of them were overly eager to work with The Organization, but in the end it was unanimously agreed that the plan was worth trying. The team was shaken from loss and knew there needed to be a drastic change.

Emi strode into The Organization headquarters building. Dirty looks coated her from every corner of the lobby. Members of The Organization all knew to steer clear of a detective, but what were they to do when one of them waltzed into their headquarters?

It was standard protocol to send the security to stop anyone that wasn’t welcome. Two members were immediately dispatched to intercept her before she got much further than the front doors. They were two large and well-dressed men who looked both capable of being either rough or very respectful depending on who they were dealing with. One was slightly taller than the other and had a light beard while the other wore glasses and had a more manicured look to him.

They walked straight up to Emi and crossed their arms. “Can I help you?” asked the one with the beard.

“Yes, I’d like to talk to Gil.”

“Never heard of him.”

Emi slowly grabbed her suit jacket and pulled it open for the security to see. They reached into their own jackets to grab pistols. Emi revealed only the inside fabric of her jacket. “Look, I’m not armed. Let me speak to Gil.”

The security relaxed their arms. “Not gonna happen.”

“I wasn’t asking,” she said, narrowing her eyes.

A crowd was beginning to form a circle around them. Many of the onlookers sported looks of malice and disgust.

“Look, I know who you are, but you have to at least realize where you’re at and what you’re doing. You’re in no place to be making demands. One wrong move here and it's likely any of these guys would kill you in an instant. Do you even know how many of our members you’re responsible for arresting and even killing?”

“I assure you that I’m not here to cause any trouble. I just need to talk to Gil.”

The bearded man paused and put his finger up to his earpiece to listen closely. He appeared to be getting some sort of instructions. “Yes sir,” he said out loud.

“Gil would like to see you,” he said to Emi.

“Perfect,” said Emi with a smirk.

The onlookers shouted in protest, but none dared to defy her entry through the building.

She was led to the elevators and escorted to the top floor where she was greeted by reception and allowed entry to Gil’s office.

Gil looked up from paperwork on his desk. “Ahh yes, Emilia. So nice of you to come by. Please come in and have a seat. What can I do for you today?” he said with a smile.

Emi entered and stood in front of Gil’s desk on the thick red carpet. “I don’t believe we’ve ever actually met before although your name is a popular topic where I’m from.”

“I couldn’t imagine why,” he said sarcastically. “I’m sure you aren’t just here to flatter me.”

“Let’s get straight to the point. I’m here to offer a deal,” said Emi. “I’m going to help you by helping myself. Jin has been a stain on the city for years. The detectives and you share a similar goal. We want Jin gone. More than just him though, we want to eliminate the Black Diamond along with those twins too. Let’s work together.”

“That’s quite interesting. And the justice system would allow that?”

“That’s correct. I’m the captain of the detectives. The police chief has already agreed.”

“You really expect us to believe you. Even if you were telling the truth, it wouldn’t matter anyway. Our plan has always been to eliminate the Black Diamond.”

“And how have you been faring?”

He was quiet and hesitant in his answer. “You and I both know it hasn’t exactly been going well.”

“I bet it doesn’t help when you can’t even reign in your own members. That fucking Vampire got half my team killed.”

“Terribly sorry about that,” said Gil. “I sent someone to stop him, but it appears that he was a bit late to the party.”

“You’re running a shit show. That’s why you need the help of the detectives. I can set up a covert operation. If we all work together, we can do this. So far we have just been going at it as two separate groups and even working against each other in some cases. If we unite we can make this happen.”

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“It certainly is an enticing idea.”

“I want it to be a small operation to avoid widespread commotion and panic. If it gets too out of control I won't be able to keep it under the radar.”

Gil lit a cigarette and puffed a gray cloud in thought. “You’ve convinced me,” he said with a Smokey exhale. “I have just the team in mind for the job.” Gil stood up and came around his desk putting out his hand to shake hers. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

In the following days, Gil and GM met to form a plan. They sat around a table in Gil’s office. “My biggest concern is the kid. MC has something going on with that girl from the detectives.”

“He’s going to have to be able to set things like that aside. You guys are my most capable squad. There’s a reason I always choose you guys for the most important missions.”

“I’ll see what I can do. I think he’ll straighten up once things get rolling,” said GM as he lit a fresh cigarette. “So what exactly is this mission?”

“We’re going to take the Black Diamond higher ups and any of their other members that we can along the way. As you know, MC has shared with us that Jin will be at the welcoming of the new Black Diamond members coming up. We’re going to work with the detectives to eliminate him at that event. We can’t miss an opportunity to take out a higher up. To be honest Jin is a formidable enemy. He’s smart and didn’t become a higher up for no reason. If he suspects anything going wrong, we’ll miss our opportunity. We want to keep the operation as small as possible which is why I’m only sending your team. The detectives plan on only sending a few members into the operation as well.”

“Sounds like a huge pain in my ass, but as always I’ll take care of it.”

“I’m glad to have you on the mission,” said Gil with a smile.

GM returned to the clubhouse and broke the news to MC and Sora.

“What!” yelled Sora stomping her foot down on the hardwood floor. “You want us to work with the detectives? You’ve finally gone senile haven’t you?”

MC was silent. He just stood with his arms crossed.

“It’s not my idea, it’s Gil’s. We need to do what he says. Besides, I actually agree with the plan.”

“Haven’t you thought of MC? He doesn’t want to work with them. You know what happened!”

“I’ll do it,” said MC, breaking his silence.

“Huh? You will?” asked Sora.

“Thought so,” said GM with a smile.

“I’ll do anything if it means A better chance of taking out Jin.”

“In that case, I’ll leave him to you.”

“I’m not happy about it, but I guess I’m in if both you and MC are,” said Sora.

“Then it’s settled,” said GM, turning for the door. “I’ve got some business to handle. You guys hold down the fort.” He grabbed his jacket and left.

Sora sat down on the couch. “MC are you really sure you’re ok with this?”

“Yeah, I’m going to have to be. If I had it my way I would have just gone after Jin by myself, but in reality I probably could use some backup. If everyone else can play a role it will make my job have higher chances of success.”

“Are you nervous about working with Aiko. You haven’t seen her since that day.”

“Yeah…” his voice trailed off.

“I know you’re trying to pretend like you don’t care, but do you really think it’s going to be easy to work with her?”

MC was astonished. Her question was abrupt and unexpected. “I'm not so sure. I care about her, but can’t let her come between me and my goals. Before, when I was with her, I just felt better. It was a feeling I got.”

“Feeling like what?”

“A good feeling. I felt almost happy like everything else didn’t matter. When I was there at the church, the only thing I could think about was making sure she was going to be ok.”

“What do you think that means?”

“I’m not entirely sure.”

Sora sighed and turned on her game system. “I think that’s enough conversation for today,” she said as she put on her gaming headphones.

The next day, MC woke up early like usual. He completed his morning workout routine and started to make breakfast. Sora had been sleeping on the couch, but was starting to wake up from the sound of clanging dishes.

“It’s too early for this,” she grumbled.

“It’s eight in the morning. It’s a perfectly normal time to be eating breakfast. You should sleep in your room if you’re going to complain about everyone else making noise out here.”

“Gahh, stupid MC,” she said as she pulled the covers over her head.

“Here I even made you some,” he said, pointing to a plate of scrambled eggs on the counter. Sora peeked her head out.

“You think food is enough to quell my lack of sleep fit?” Her stomach growled loudly.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I think.”

“Well, I suppose you’re not wrong.” She got up and came and sat on a stool next to the counter. She was wearing the same oversized sweatshirt and shorts from the day before. It was stained with various spilled foods from her previously scarfed meals. “Fork,” she grumbled.

MC passed her a fork from the silverware drawer and watched as she inhaled the plate of eggs like a wild beast.

“Feel better now?” he said with a chuckle.

“A little.” Sora wiped her mouth on the sleeve of her sweatshirt.

“Coffee?” MC asked.

“Eewww gross. I’ll stick to my energy drinks.”

MC laughed. “Suit yourself.”

MC felt at home on these relatively mundane mornings. He was used to his routine and the way that Sora and GM fit into his life. It was comfortable, but at the same time quite unusual for the average person’s lifestyle. At times this comfort was scary to him. He didn't want to get stuck. He sometimes thought that if he became too comfortable, he’d never be able to move forward and achieve his goals, but for now he just ate his breakfast and enjoyed the comfort.

Over the next few weeks, Gil and Emi worked closely to exchange information and create a plan. Emi made sure not to let it slip to Aiko that MC was going to be on the team selected to work with them. It was best to just rip a bandaid off all at once rather than chip away at it in apprehension.

Gil passed down information to GM about the cooperative mission, however he was usually too busy drinking at the bar or hanging out at a gentleman’s club to pay much attention.

Eventually the day came for GM’s team was to meet the detectives. MC knew Aiko was going to be there. He was nervous to see her after so long. He hadn’t talked to her since that day. A heavy pit weighed his stomach down.

GM was clad in his usual button up shirt and tan overcoat with dark slacks. He looked like any other businessman. Sora actually dressed up for once. She wore nice new dress shoes and tights with a button-collar shirt. She had her hair pulled up out of her eyes. She actually looked presentable.

They got out of the car together and walked up to the door of the detective office. MC was surprised by how small the building was. While it was two stories high, it was rather slim.” Emi came to the door and greeted them.

“Hello, you must be GM, Sora, and MC.”

“Nice to meet you, Emi,” said GM. Sora and MC silently nodded to her.

“Follow me up the stairs. I’ll show you to our meeting room.”

The entire detective squad was waiting. Emi had told them of the meeting and what to expect. There had been a legend of MC going around for a while and all of the new detective members seemed to blow the stories of him out of proportion. Then there was Aiko who still seemed bothered ever since the day she found out he was a member of The Organization.

The group of ten detectives sat in two rows of chairs waiting for the members from The Organization to come up and discuss plans. Aiko sat patiently in the front row sipping bottled water and scrolling on her phone. Little did she know that MC, the man who betrayed her love and trust, was about to be standing in front of her.

GM, Sora, and MC followed Emi to the front of the room. “Ok everyone, we’re going to begin this meeting. Allow me to introduce these people. First off he have GM. He’s the leader of this team. Next is Sora, who’s their intelligence operator. Last is MC who serves as a combatant. Many of you know him as the Flash Bang.”

Aiko’s jaw dropped to the ground. MC looked around the room trying not to make eye contact with her.

Murmurs around the group spurred up all at once.

“Did she just say that was MC?”

“Oh shit this isn't going to be good.”

“Is that really him?”

“Ok quiet down,” said Emi as she observed the chatter from the group and Aiko’s flustered expression. “This is the team we’re going to be working with.”

Emi talked about the team and asked them a few questions, but Aiko didn't hear a thing that was said. She knew she had to try her best to be professional. She tried to pull it together, but remained pretty far from calm and focused.

Emi paused after introducing the team and asked for questions.

Sora raised her hand determinedly. “Yes, Sora, what is it?”

“So which one of you is Aiko?”

Aiko flinched.

“Aiko is our second in command. That’s her in the front,” said Emi gesturing to Aiko.

“You!” said Sora with a scowl. “You’re the homewrecker. You’re the reason for all the commotion.”

“What?” said Aiko, shocked.

“You better behave yourself. MC hasn't been the same since then.”

Aiko was so surprised she didn't know what to do. For all she knew the next thing that was going to happen was a meteor falling out of the sky. Commotion? Homewrecker? What is she talking about? Who is this girl to MC anyway? Has he been worried? No. I can't think that way. He’s a criminal. I can’t let my feelings interfere in this.

“Listen here, missy,” said Aiko. If you’re going to be like that, you can walk right out that door. We're supposed to be working together here.”

MC stood there, bewildered and unsure what to do or say.

GM put his hand on his forehead. “She’s right, Sora. Calm down,” he said.

“Aiko, we need to be cooperative,” Emi chimed in. “Nobody’s walking out any doors until we’re finished here.”

Sora and Aiko glared daggers at each other, but the tension seemed to fade.

The meeting continued and Emi briefed them on the rough plan for their joint mission. Questions were asked and notes were taken. Sora and Aiko were silent.

“Ok, we’ll meet again next week. You’re all dismissed for today,” announced Emi.

As the group dispersed, GM turned to Emi, “Thank you for your cooperation,” he said as he reached out and shook her hand.

Sora turned and rolled up her sleeves and started stomping across the room towards Aiko. She didnt get more than three steps away before GM grabbed her shoulder. “Come on Sora, time to go home. You’re seeming a little hangry,” he joked.

“Let me go! Let me go!” she protested, jerking GM’s hand off of her shoulder.

”Sora, I’m saying this as your team leader. We are leaving,” he said sternly.

She paused. “Hmph,” she said and then turned her nose up before spinning around and heading down the stairs.

“Come on MC let’s go,” said GM, unfazed. MC followed, but not before stealing a look at Aiko over his shoulder. Their eyes briefly met and he quickly turned away as his stomach tying itself into a knot.