HA1 13.1 - A Little Bird in A Cage

From refrigerator at command post, Hide took a box of De Queen Doughnut and two bottles of Orange Slurpy. He then walked to Shizuka who was sitting and making small notes on the long table.

Hide downed the first bottle of Orange Slurpy and then took a bite of a donut before saying, "Let's make the last review. Tell me your job."

"Gathered the loot in sports bags and put it in the black van in the garage. Starting with the loot in this room, followed by the guards' equipment and weapons, the money in their wallets, and the gold accessories they wore."

"How many guards do you need to strip?"

"12 on the second floor, 22 on the first floor, and 1 on the left side of main building."

"What is the weight limit for each sports bag?"

"14-16 kg or equivalent of two guards' weapons and equipment."

"Good."

As he ate the last piece of donut in his hand, Hide said, "Now, I will teach you how to remove a chest rig and tactical belt from the guards. Watch carefully because this trick will make your job easier."

"Okay."

After gulping down the second bottle of Orange Slurpy, Hide approached one of the guards on the sofa. Swiftly, he opened the clip-lock in the center of his tactical belt, followed by opening the velcro tape on the upper chest without making the 'Kraack Kraack Kraack!' sound, and then pulled the knot behind it.

In an instant, every joint-lock on the chest rig was released. After straightening the guard's body, Hide easily took the chest rig and tactical belt that had turned into a TTTT-shaped link, complete with various pouches, holsters, and combat knife that was still attached to it.

"This quick-release is created to make medical procedures on injured soldiers easier."

"Understood."

"For elbow guards, knee guards, NVGs, primary weapons, and other stuff I'm sure you can take them off easily."

"Okay." Shizuka nodded before asking, "Do you want me to collect other valuables in the villa?"

"Ignore them. We're already lucky enough if we can pack all weapons and equipment we can find."

"Are you sure? There's a lot of luxury stuff here."

With a serious tone Hide replied, "In a hunt, taking everything is the same as taking nothing. Also, it's impossible to cash in those items without leaving a trace, while opposing QRF can appear at any minute."

"Okay, but where will you keep the loot?"

"There are a few vacant buildings that I can use."

With some hesitation Shizuka proposed an idea, "We can use Pine Abode."

"Are you sure we can use Pine Abode?"

"Absolutely." Shizuka firmly added, "I am Pine Abode’s manager. No one can enter it without my permission. It also has a large basement, suitable for storage purpose."

Stolen story; please report.

After pondering for a while Hide said, "I will put the loot in other place, while you carry Anya to Pine Abode. She will stay over there for at least a few hours before I take her to Hakaido."

Shizuka immediately frowned, "You're going to take Anya to Hakaido?"

"Yes, I know a good family that is suitable for her situation."

"How about her parents?"

"I bet she doesn't have them anymore."

"I see."

As he took two coils of trap wire from equipment cage Hide said, "Now, I can calmly neutralize the claymore fields and secure my exit. But before that, let's visit Anya."

"Okay," Shizuka replied as guilt and nervousness enveloped her heart.

---

Anya opened her eyes slowly and found herself on the bed under the blanket. But she was not surprised, because usually, Chief Koji would move her to the bed if she fell asleep on the sofa.

The only thing that was different from usual was, she found a gas mask and several circular objects lying on the table next to her bed. But Anya didn't think about it further. She immediately rushed to sofa to continue watching Spoon & Bob.

She had been told that for the next two days her teacher would not come, so she could wake up late tomorrow.

Then, a few minutes had passed when Anya heard someone open the door to her room. When she turned her head, she found a bodyguard and a woman entered. The two looked very young and she didn't recognize them, but Anya didn't find it strange at all. The bodyguards and workers around Elder Moruyama were changing frequently.

"Did Elder call me?"

"No," replied the young man calmly.

Anya nodded slightly before asking, "Are you guys new?"

"Yes, for now you can call me Apple and this is my partner Pear. From today, we and Orange, our other partner, will be in charge of taking care of you."

"What a weird nickname," Anya curtly said.

Hide smiled and then calmly added, "Anya, we're moving to a new place. You should pack up your things."

In reflex, Anya pursed her lips. "Should I change my clothes?"

"No, but you have to wear your jacket and sneakers."

"Okay."

"You can't bring your smartphone either, but I'll buy you a new one later."

"Mhm."

Wasting no time, Anya got off the sofa. Moving from one place to another in the early morning was nothing new to Anya. During the last two years she lived with Elder Moruyama, she had experienced it dozens of times. So, Anya swiftly packed her clothes, toys, and belongings into a backpack with a Spoon & Bob picture and a medium sports bag.

When Anya was about to put on her sneakers, Hide immediately knelt in front of her and gently helped her.

"It seems you are pretty similar to Chief Koji, unlike the other guards."

Hide smiled before replying, "Well, I'm sure he wants me to take care of you as best as I can. I also have a little sister a few years younger than you."

"I hope your little sister has a normal and happy life."

"Well, I'll do everything for her sake."

"I see," Anya said weakly as complicated gaze filled her clear eyes.

"Hey," Hide cupped Anya's cheek before continuing, "This time, the new place is different from the previous ones. I bet you'll like it a lot."

"New Guy, don't lie to me." Anya bit her lower lips before continuing, "All hidden houses are no different from a cage and I'm just a little bird inside it."

Hide didn't argue with Anya. He just sighed quietly before saying, "Well, for now we have an emergency. So don't go out of your room and if the lights go out or you hear gunshots, hide under the bed immediately."

"Yeah," Anya replied nonchalantly.

While Anya turned her attention back on Spoon & Bob, Hide got up and brought out Shizuka who looked very nervous.

After Hide closed the door, Shizuka then came closer to him and whispered, "Hide, we still haven't killed Elder of Toruma Mafia. Maybe, we can just threaten him and let him go."

"No, I have a million reasons to kill him. Let's focus on our job and get out of here as soon as possible."

"Okay," Shizuka calmly replied, but in her heart she began to doubt Hide's leadership.

*****