Bri awoke once more but this time on a table with wires attached to her newly replaced arm. She looks around and notices Giz staring at a screen. Maka is playing with a mechanical hover ball that bounces around the room. Maka uses a tail to knock the ball into a wall. The ball rebounds towards Bri who bats it away with her left arm. It rebounds towards Giz who slaps it away with his right wing. Then the ball spirals towards Maka who catches it with his tail.
“Why does this always happen to me?” Bri says in a daze.
“You work for the Reapers, You should be used to it,” Giz exclaims.
“How much will it cost this time Doc?” Bri signs.
“Shouldn’t be too much. I’ll give you a discount. I installed a new arm for you. Freshly made after examining your body last time. Still got some of your DNA stored in case of emergencies.” Giz states.
“Wow, you’re the best doc. You barely even know me that well.” Bri mentions back.
“I think we will be seeing each other quite often unless you get upgrades of course, which I might have started working on,” Giz responds.
“My body is state of the art. I’m fully equipped doc.” Bri boasts.
“No, unfortunately, you are not Bri. See I’ve been looking at your upgrades and the status of your body. It seems a lot of your parts were bought on the black market. Technology is always advancing Bri. Most of these parts from your body bought from the black market are past technology. I’ve been researching a new form of metal. Something immune to certain guns on the market right now. The new metal was found by the red Warfs. ” Giz exclaims.
“Interesting, Doc. When will your research be done?” Bri says.
“Soon, very soon. I won’t put a date on it yet but I have research that can change this planet. I am also working on a new body for you. I’ll give you a call in the future.” Giz states.
“Why does she get all the cool stuff? Anything for me, Doc?” Maka squeaks back.
“Aww yes, you’re a rare breed. I have been researching the Keke race as well. I might be able to change the way you charge and convert your energy into flames. I’m still looking at your DNA, very unique in nature. Quite the cross-breed between different animals.” Giz states.
Maka looks at Bri and rolls his eyes. Then you see a hovering sleeping rat emote above Maka.
“Speed it up Doc, I don’t have all day.” Maka sighs.
“Impatient, Rat. Learn to respect your elders. I’m a rare breed as well, if you pay attention to me, you might learn something.” Giz shouts back.
“But doc you can't even set yourself on fire I'm much more than a rat.” Maka fires back.
Then Maka sets himself on fire and you see the burning passion in his eyes.
“Alright, calm down you two.” Bri gets off the table and adjusts her new left arm. Then Bri reaches down with her right arm and pats Maka on the head.
Maka extinguishes the fire on his body. Then starts to pout like a little child. Then he looks up at Bri with a glimmer in his eyes.
“I want to become stronger too. I roam the streets of Lower City looking for food every day. I don’t know what my purpose is.” Maka says.
“All in do time, little one. Give me some time to research your DNA.” Giz exclaims.
“There might be a place in the Reapers for you, I will talk to my boss,” Bri states.
“Really?” Maka’s eyes start to glimmer in delight.
Maka lights himself on fire again. then he grabs the ball with his tail, then jumps high in the air, and does a spinning backflip which smashes the ball into a machine in the corner, smashing the machine into multiple parts. Giz screams.
“Not my equipment, do you know how much high-end technology costs?” Giz frowns.
“Sorry Doc, I got excited.” Maka
“So how much for the new arm and fix-up? Bri asks.
“Your total is 7600 Meni. The arm is state-of-the-art technology, you will notice a difference soon.” Giz says.
“This better be worth it. Where is my Katana and Vaporiser?” Bri mentions back.
“Ahh, in the storage device, over there.” Giz points his claw in the direction of the weapons.
Bri walks over to a storage container. She hits a button on the screen and an input password message pops up on the screen.
“Password, Doc?” Bri asks out loud.
“Oops, forgot to unlock it,” Giz says.
A screen pops up near Giz and he types in the password. The storage device opens. Inside the storage device are several different cannons and weapons. Bri grabs her black katana and vaporizer from the stache.
“Alright, Doc. I would love to stay all day and talk about all of my life stories but I still have some business to attend to.” Bri says.
“Payment, young lassy,” Giz says.
“Oh, almost forgot. Tada transfer 7600 to Giz.” Bri states out loud.
“Confirmed.” Tada beeps.
“Leaving already?” Maka looks at Bri with puppy dog eyes.
“Take him with you, Bri.” Giz looks at both of them.
“I’ve got important business to tend to, I can’t take the mouse, when he knows nothing about Reaper business.?” Bri stares back.
“I’m a Keke.” Maka ignites himself again.
“I’ve already put in a call to Sid, Ms. Komo and the little guy has saved your ass twice. He might be useful. Sid said it might be good to show him the ropes, before his initiation.” Giz informs them.
“Since when were you friends with Sid? Bri asks.
“I called him after you left and then again when you arrived late here yesterday. I like to know the people that I take care of and have done a lot of research on the city. Sid said I could be your doctor and have done work with Reapers in the past. Do you know a man called Cin?” Giz exclaims.
“Cin? One of the most famous Reapers, everyone knows him. Remember the building explosion in Upper Boe fourteen years ago? That was him. He was also a mentor to me.” Bri states.
Maka’s stomach starts to rumble loudly.
“Maybe we should get ramen? Komo asks.
“I’m feeling like something cheesy. Some zaa? Theirs Tony’s four blocks away. Hey Doc, want to come get some pizza? Maka responds.
“I’ve got research to do and besides I’ve already eaten earlier,” Giz says.
“Aww come on Doc, we can grab some Beeds too,” Maka states. Beeds were a well-known beer in the city of Boe even Maka knew about them.
“Pizza and 7.5% alcoholic beers sound good but I’ll have to pass. Some of this research that I’m doing will be important in the future. I might be able to make you both stronger if I get good results from my tests.” Giz responds.
“Your loss Doc. Let’s go chow down Maka.” Bri starts to get excited at the thought of a good meal.
“Yes, Miss Komo.” Maka lights himself on fire and then flies out of the room.
“Anything else Doc, before I leave?” Bri asks.
“Keep a close eye on him, Keke’s can evolve into the strongest creatures on this planet. The kid doesn’t even know his true potential yet. My research on his DNA could eventually change him dramatically.” Giz responds.
“Will do, Doc,” Komo responds.
Bri walks out of the room and adjusts her new left arm. She notices several pods in the next room filled with different types of species of aliens. Bri keeps walking towards the exit. After she exits the lab, she notices Maka staring at her in the alleyway. It is a bright sunny day around 2:00 pm in Lower Boe. Kai looks up and notices clouds coming towards the red-hot sun. They both start walking together toward the Marketplace. Bri and Maka notice several different shops. They pass by a Cyber Fusion Shop and then a virtual reality pod rental shop. After walking several blocks they see a large sign saying Tony’s. They run towards the shop. Bri and Maka enter the large set of doors to the Pizza place. They notice three purple-colored aliens called Yeza. Yeza are mercenaries that often work together in groups. They can fire long purple beams from their hands. When a Yeza gets mad they start to glow yellow. They are formidable opponents in battle. Some fought Reapers in the past and will do any work for a high bounty. The group stops talking and then stares at Komo and Maka with evil glares. Bri looks at the counter in front of the pizza store and notices a large Italian man called Tony. The Yeza start bickering amongst themselves. Komo and Maka walk up to the counter.
“Hey, Mr. Wise guy,” Bri smirks.
“Aww, my favorite customer Ms. Komo in the flesh.” Tony
“I’m more machine than flesh these days Tony. Check out this new arm.” Bri slams her new arm on the counter.
“Holy shit, this one hell of an upgraded arm. Where did you get it?” Tony asks and starts to examine her arm.
“A new doctor by the name of Giz. You should stop by him sometime.” Bri responds.
“Oh, I know of him, four blocks south in that hidden alleyway. I’ve never entered that research lab.”
“Yeah, he’s a lifesaver, literally. Anyways hmmm, what should I order today.” Bri debates to herself.
“Same thing you always get right?” Tony.
“Yep, Double cheese, double pepperoni, and double bacon,” Bri responds.
“Coming right up in two minutes and I can barely notice you down their Maka. What do you want my favorite Keke?” Tony taps a screen for the order.
“Probably the only Keke you’ve seen. Triple cheese please.” Maka squeaks back.
“Will be ready soon, what do you two want to drink today?” Tony asks.
“Two Beeds please.” Bri and Maka say at the same time.
“Jinx.” Bri and Maka say again at the same time.”
“Alright coming right up, have a seat.” Tony inputs the drink order onto the screen.
Maka and Bri take a seat on hovering chairs at a table towards the far end of the pizza store. A robot grabs the pizzas from a mechanical oven. Then grabs two fresh beers from a fridge. Then the robot places the order in front of Maka and Bri. Tony walks over to the group and takes a seat on the third hovering chair. Maka turns his tails into little knife cutlery, then dices the pizza into small bites. Then the tails turn into hands and Maka starts to devour his pizza. As Maka grabs a piece of the pizza, a string of cheese sticks to the plate and hangs out of his mouth. Bri keeps eating her pizza slowly.
“Why do you eat so fast, little one?” Tony asks
“It's too good. Must consume.” Maka’s eyes light up.
Maka turns himself on fire. Then shoots fire at the pizza cooking it even more. Then devours another group of small bites.
“What’s new in Lower Boe Tony?” Komo asks.
“Don’t you watch the news? I saw your stunt at Turk’s Bar. Boe News interviewed Turk. Turk said he’s going to beef up security with defense robots and guards.”
“He should have had better security years ago. Turk thinks Reapers will always guard him. We can’t be everywhere at once. The Taru want me dead and I don’t even know why. I was shot down and knocked unconscious first and then Maka saved me. Then the shitshow at Turk’s Bar. Why does this always happen to me?” Bri explains then takes another swig of beer.
“You got yourself the Reapers life, it’s a harsh life for sure. Plus your upgrades are outdated. Hopefully, that doctor of yours can make some improvements. I heard on the news there was a new form of metal that was discovered. That might be in that left arm of yours.” Tony responds.
“Yep, Giz was talking about it. I bet he’s going to make a full body for me, once he’s done his research on it. I’m super excited.” Bri says.
“Oh, I also saw a commercial for the next Mayhem Murder Battle Arena. Should be in a week.” Tony states.
“Time for another MMBA? I wonder if I should sign up for it.” Bri responds.
“In your condition, you wouldn’t last the first round. Didn’t Cin win the last one?” Tony.
“Cin has won two Mayhems. Wish there would be a day people talk about me.” Bri says.
“Like how you got your ass handed to you, two times in a row?” Maka responds.
Bri takes a pepperoni from her pizza with her left hand and flicks it at Maka. Maka attempts to block it with his tail but misses, the pepperoni rebounds off his cheek and then onto the plate. Maka grabs the pepperoni with his tail and flings it back at Bri but Bri catches it with her left arm.
“Holy shit this arm is badass. I’m right-handed too, but feel stronger on my left side now. Can’t wait for a right arm next.” Bri flexes her new arm.
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“Pfft, just lucky this time.” Maka squeaks back under his breath. Maka finishes his beer.
“Another round?” Tony asks.
“Sure three more Beeds,” Bri responds. A screen pops up near Tony who inputs the order. A robot moves to them and places three more beers.
“How about we bet on who can finish their beer the fastest,” Maka asks.
“Sure challenge accepted. I’ll bet on myself.” Tony responds.
“I’ll bet on Tony too,” Bri states.
“What you have to bet on yourself,” Maka says.
“You never specifically stated who we could or could not bet on,” Bri responds. Tony starts laughing hysterically.
“How were you two friends again?” Tony asks
“ We just met.” Both say in unison.
“Jinx.” They both say again.
“Two peas in a pod,” Tony responds.
“How about we just all chug are respective beers and the winner gets a free pizza,” Maka asks
“Who put you in charge of my store?” Tony responds.
“Fine, no free pizza then. Umm, the losers have to stand on the table and dance.” Maka exclaims.
“Deal,” Tony says.
“Fine, you're on.” Bri
“I’ll countdown and then we’ll start on three. one…. two…” As Maka says two, he grabs the can with his tail and starts to chug early. Tony laughs then grabs his beer and chugs it in less than a second. Then Maka finishes chugging his beer. Finally, Kaisii finishes her beer.
“You cheat and still lose, rat. Dancing time now” Tony laughs to himself.
“Sure the alcoholic pizza store owner is the best at drinking,” Maka says.
A robot comes by and cleans off the table. Then Bri jumps on the table and grabs Maka. Bri puts on one of her favorite EDM songs and starts to dance. Maka lights himself on fire and swirls around her. His tails wave in delight as the two dance on the table. Tony starts to clap loudly and all of the Yeza stop talking, then laugh at them dancing. After the song ends they get off the table and sit on their respective chairs.
“Encore, Encore.” Tony slams the table and laughs.
“Maybe next time we stop by Tony,” Bri responds.
“Another round of beers?” Tony asks.
“I would love to stay around and drink all day but I have a business to attend to,” Bri states.
“Drinking on the job? Komo you should know better.” Tony.
“Were a clan Tony, the most ruthless clan on Boe. Sid wouldn’t mind me having a beer or two. It might even make the fights I get into today more interesting.”
Maka starts to spin around on the chair. Using his Tails to spin faster and faster.
“Spin, Spin, Spin,” Maka says in a daze and looks like he’s about to throw up. Tony and Bri start to laugh.
“Don’t break my chair, Keke. You shouldn’t be spinning around after beers.” Tony says.
Maka goes flying off the chair after spinning too fast. He soars through the pizza store and lands on one of the biggest Yeza.
“Umm, Sorry.” Maka squeaks. Then vomits all over the Yeza’s clothing.
“Beeka, RATTO.” The large Yeza says. The Yeza starts to glow yellow in rage.
“Oh shit looks like we got to go Tony. I think you can handle a couple of angry Yeza.” Bri states.
“BRI KOMO GET BACK HERE.” Tony says.
The Yeza start firing purple beams throughout the store. Maka enters a drunk haze brawler stance. Maka lights himself on fire and spears one of the Yeza. Some of the Yeza start to fire at Bri. Bri blocks the shots with her new left arm. Then she takes out her black Katana to deflect some of the shots. The Pizza store starts to become a warzone with light purple beams hitting random machines, tables, and chairs. Maka tails turn into multiple squared fly swatters. Maka swiftly dodges left and right, while deflecting purple beams across the store. Tony hits an emergency button and the robot server bots enter defensive mode. Large metal plates appear behind the counters, and the entire store changes quickly to a defensive barricaded shop.
“Everybody get the Fuck out of my store or I’ll kill all of you.” Tony jumps behind the counter and grabs an explosive cannon then starts to charge a blast, aiming at the Yeza.
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Bri dashes and slides towards Maka and then grabs him by his tail.
Komo and Maka dash out of the store.
“See you next time, Tony. Tada send Tony 5000 Meni for repairs.” Bri states.
“Confirmed.” Tada the computer replies.
Bri and Maka leave the store from the front entrance. Then turn around and laugh watching Tony with his robots having a full-blown war with the Yeza A purple beam ricochets through a window and goes flying by Bri’s hair.
“Are we cursed? That’s like three fights in three days.” Bri mentions too Maka as they start to run away from the pizza store.
“And many more to come.” Maka’s eyes shine in delight.
“So where too next? Smoke lounge? Kush Kabin? Maybe hit up Eve’s Casino?” Maka asks Bri.
“I want to go home but I still have one more job to do from Sid. We have to get one last payment from the Warfs and Golems. Then we’ll head to my house in Complex.” Bri responds.
“The Golems Mine is far from here, might take a while to fly there. I could get there in sixty at full speed.” Maka responds.
“Shit, wish I still had a hoverboard. Did you see my broken hoverboard when you found me the first time?” Bri asks as they continue walking down the marketplace.
“There were broken machines and parts in the dumpster you were in, but I never noticed a hoverboard,” Maka says.
“Dang, hmmm. How about I find and buy some cheap air gliders? Time to check on my buddy Cliff” Komo asks.
“Cliff’s Airway, that’s like five blocks from here right?”Maka replies
“Yep, Cliff always has the best selection for flying equipment in Lower Boe,” Bri states
“Alright, Let’s go,” Maka replies
Maka’s eyes light up and he sets himself on fire. Then Maka starts to dash at full speed towards the location of Cliff’s shop. You see Maka bounce from shop to shop. With shop owners yelling at him as he flies through the sky. Bri starts to run at full speed as well. Different aliens stare at Bri and Maka as they travel toward Cliffs. Maka looks a bit tipsy after drinking so much at Tony’s. Maka falls into a group of green aliens that are chatting in the marketplace.
“Sorry, excuse me,” Maka replies then dashes back into the air.
After six to eight minutes of travel, they finally arrive at Cliffs. Maka gets there faster than Bri and waits for her to arrive. Maka sees Bri running towards him in the distance. Bri catches up to Maka then they enter the store. Inside Cliff’s Airway, several hoverboards are on display. They see different sets of wings as well. All of the objects are in display windows. They notice Cliff in front of the store behind a bulletproof window. Cliff waves at them. Cliff was also a Griff but much younger than Giz. Cliff had a longer wing span than Giz. Cliff also had silver feathers which was much different than normal Griffs because they were often only the color gold. Bri and Maka approach the counter that Cliff is standing in.
“Hey, haven’t seen either of you in a month, are you in for hoverboard repairs Komo?” Cliff asks
“Nah, I lost it when I was shot down by Taru. Pretty sure it was stolen or destroyed, can’t remember much, systems shut down and I was knocked unconscious. This little guy saved my ass, twice.” Bri points to Maka.
“Aww my keke friend, it's been two months since you slammed through my front window and ended up breaking some of my display. I upgraded to a new form of glass since then, might hurt you more if you stumble into it. Definitely won’t shatter, I hope.” Cliff asks.
“I might have been drunk but I can hardly remember it,” Maka responds.
“So what are you two looking for today? Air gliders? Jet gliders? Hoverboards? Angels or Demon Wings? Maybe you need some fuel or batteries? Some parts per chance? I’ve got it all, no one beats Cliffs.” Cliff advertises.
“ I haven’t been air gliding in a while. Might be a bit rusty. Could you show me whats your best air gliders are right now? My feet are somewhat small, size 8 or 9 is fine. I would like to try on a couple of pairs and see what is the most stylish.” Bri responds.
“Well mine range in terms of speed and battery or fuel consumption. But I have many different types of fashionable, affordable, and fast air gliders. Take a look at your screen and let me know which one.” Cliff states
Komo turns on the screen in front of her. She flips through the pages using her finger. She snaps her fingers and a laser shines on her feet showing the air gliders. She keeps flipping and snapping until she finds a purple pair of air gliders.
“These are fine, Tada pay 1200 meni to Cliff,” Bri replies.
“Good purchase both stylish and fast, 200 kilometers per hour max speed. Are you sure you didn’t want a hoverboard? Much faster of course.” Cliff suggests
“I’ll be back next week, just want to try something different and I’ll wait till next payday so it's affordable. You know how I manage my money. Renting a condo in Complex Centre is expensive.” Komo replies.
“Sure, I’ll give you a personal discount next time. Anything for loyal customers.” Cliff replies.
“Oh, one last thing, I met a doctor called Giz after Maka saved me, do you griffs have any relations? Bri asks.
“Yeah, that’s my grandfather. He’s had a research lab hidden in an alleyway for ages.” Cliff responds.
“Why didn’t you tell me about him sooner? His upgrades are better than the black market.” Bri shows off her new left arm.
“This looks different, maybe a new form of metal. I’ll have to call him to discuss it. Then make the necessary adjustments to my air equipment. Thanks for letting me know.” Cliff replies
“Anytime, see ya soon silver freak.” Komo rolls her eyes, sticks out her tongue, and then exits the shop with Maka.
“Anything else you want to shop for?” Maka asks
“Nah, we're good let’s head to Golem’s Mine. Time to try out these new gliders.” Bri says.
Maka lights himself on fire and gets ready to fly. Kaisii turns on her new footwear. Then Maka starts to feel a little dizzy.
“Umm, I think I drank too much. Flying and drinking is always my downfall.” Maka states.
“No worries, hop on my shoulder,” Komo says.
Maka hops on Kaisii’s shoulder. They fly high into the air and look down at the marketplace in Lower Boe. They look towards the north and see several spaceships flying in the air. It is a bright sunny day in Boe. Bri looks forward and sees security drones at the border of Complex Centre and Lower Boe. Bri starts soaring through the sky on her way to the golems mine, dodging stationary flying traffic lights and spaceships. A yellow male alien races past her going faster on a hoverboard. They start to talk along the way.
“Hold on tight, Meeks.” Bri says.
“It’s Maka,” Maka replies
“I think meeks suits you better and an owner gets to name his pet. I also like Meke, Meke the Keke” Bri laughs.
“What? I get to live with you now?”
“Sure, you can stay at my place until you finish the Reaper's trials. Eventually, you’ll have the money to move out, if you succeed.”
“Let’s go.” Maka's eyes start shining in delight. He does a little flip on her shoulder.
“No worries, Meeks. We will start training once we get to my place. After my business, I’ve got a great virtual reality training room.” Bri says.
“How hard is the test?” Maka asks.
“I can’t reveal any hints, Reapers Code. You’ll learn eventually.” Bri states.
“When do I become an official member?.” Maka replies.
“It depends if you can pass the Initiation test. Almost there, Meke, going to go full speed.” Bri announces.
You notice a mountain approaching in the distance. Komo starts to spin and do flips as she accelerates to full speed. A large destroyer spaceship approaches above her which covers the sun. All they can see is darkness for a bit. After the destroyer passes by, they notice the mountain once more. Komo dives to the ground, soaring lower and lower then lands on the entrance to the mountain. They notice a village below and towards the south is the cave. Bri lands on the ground in the middle of the village.