Simroom

Haunting cheers accompany the twelve Outlet security guards escorting Kanzu, Genji, and the other four captives into Prey Simroom Eight, where staff open simpods one through six.

A bell chimes.

“Please proceed to your simpod,” the Outlet AI instructs.

The Outlet security guards aim at the captives, who quickly comply.

“Easy,” Genji says in an appealing tone as he takes simpod six.

Kanzu enters her simpod, which immediately restrains her arms and legs. The twelve Outlet security guards confirm that all six prey are secured in their pod, vacate the room, and shut the door. Kanzu turns to Genji, who nods at her. She nods back at him, turns to the green-haired hybreed, and nods at her. The green-haired hybreed nods back.

“Initiating simulation,” the Outlet AI instructs.

The captives close their eyes.

“Mind over matter,” Genji says to himself. “Mind over matter.”

Glowing visors cover their eyes and ears, sensors wrap around their bodysuits, and their simpod doors shut. Their respective overhead displays in the simroom show their avatars and vitals while a timer counts down to livestream.

“Five!” the crowd roars.

Kanzu opens her eyes to the exuberant screams of an unseen crowd. She finds herself standing on a stage; to the right, captives one through four stand on their respective numbers. She looks to her left just as Genji materializes over the number six.

“Six!” the crowd roars.

“Reminds me of home,” Kanzu says.

“I can’t believe me favorite hunter wants me dead,” Genji responds.

“Agreed,” she says.

Genji turns to Kanzu, who smiles.

The young Thai looks around at the virtual setting.

“None of this is real,” he says.

The American cyborg slaps the back of the young Thai’s head.

“Oww!” the young Thai winces as he rubs his neck. “What the…”

“That not real enough for you?” the American cyborg asks.

“Together,” the green-haired hybreed says.

The six captives nod in agreement. Kanzu looks out at the audience when a bell chimes.

“Hirozuka, listen! I am Kanzu, sister to the hunter you call Ra-”

Kanzu grabs her head and kneels.

“Kanzu,” Genji calls out.

“My head,” she responds.

“Please remain silent,” the Outlet AI instructs.

Genji helps Kanzu stand.

“You okay?” Genji asks.

Kanzu nods when they hear another bell chime.

“Going live in five…four…three…two…” the Outlet AI counts down.

The Outlet musical intro blares. Holding a microphone, a scantily clad female mechanoid singer appears and hovers around them on a floating vinyl record.

The mechanoid singer opens, “I’m like begging for it, baby. Makes you wanna party, wanna wake up. Baby, it’s…”

“Vy-lence! Vy-lence!” the raucous crowd interjects.

“Baby, it’s vy-le-ence,” the mechanoid singer continues. “You can’t see what I…”

“See-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee!” the raucous crowd sings with her.

“You can’t see what I see. Cause you, ha, ha, you feed off hurt-ing me. Hurt-ing me, haaaa,” the female mechanoid continues.

A floating stage of backup singers and dancers appears opposite the female mechanoid as she performs. Behind them, a giant holographic highlight reel of previous competitions feature decapitations, broken bones, and lots of blood. Music blares throughout the stadium while lights flash on the six captives.

Following the opening act and contestant introductions, the citywide broadcast cuts to two Outlet announcers, one a robotic male and the other a Japanese female, offering play-by-play while perched in the Heroes Hall press booth overlooking the audience.

“Prey One, step forward,” the Outlet AI instructs.

The green-haired hybreed complies as a hologram of her general biostats appears beside her.

“Prey One, step back.”

The green-haired steps back, and the other five repeat this process as directed.

“Ladies, gentlemen, cybers, and mechs,” the Man Upstairs’ voice echoes. “It’s show-time!”

The room transforms into a dystopian Old Tokyo district devastated from the Lorian invasion. All of the captives wear a translucent visor that obscures facial recognition. A large crate materializes on the ground a few feet before them. It opens, revealing an assortment of weapons and military equipment.

“Main menu,” the Outlet AI states. “Please select two guns and two other items only. You have three minutes to comply.”

The American cyborg rushes up first and retrieves the two biggest guns, a grenade, and a long electroknife.

“Now we’re talking,” the American cyborg says.

The green-haired hybreed goes next. Next, the young Thai grabs his weapons and tools of choice, including a small monocular. Kanzu and Genji wait for the other three captives to grab their preferred items. They then grab the remaining items in the crate. Genji trades one of his weapons for one of Kanzu’s.

“See?,” Genji explains. “We can trade.”

The three-minute counter expires; the empty crate closes and vanishes.

“Let’s do this!” the red-skinned hominoid says.

The American cyborg turns and says, “Holy shit, he speaks.”

Kanzu turns to Genji with a puzzled look on her face.

“It’s not important,” Genji responds.

Kanzu stares out at the virtual city skyline.

“See you soon, brother,” Kanzu says.

Genji looks up at the sky.

“Here we go,” he replies.

A digital timer set for three hours appears in the sky.

“Let the hunt begin!” the Outlet AI shouts.

“Bonzai!” the raucous crowd chants.

A bell chimes and the digital timer counts down. The six captives march toward the dystopian city center to thunderous applause.

The Scent

Hirokuza’s elite, in addition to others fortunate or resourceful enough to secure admission, pour through The Outlet’s main entrance. Outlet Security patrols the massive structure and exterior grounds. Outlet staff directs the guests into Heroes Hall, where an enormous display looms over the main stage. Smaller overhead displays flank the main stage to ensure unobstructed views of all the virtual action. Each seat also comes with a personal display for guests to switch between closed-circuit feeds through the virtual competition landscape. In the crowded main corridor, an Outlet security guard weaves through the crowd and passes by Ren, disguised as a janitor, collecting trash from the floor and receptacles and dumping it into a recycling bin he guides down the hall.

“Frequency encryption secure,” Sofi confirms over comchat.

Disguised as an Outlet security guard, Brazin patrols the main parking zone out front. A cool breeze chills the air as he exchanges silent pleasantries with a Yakuza Protect officer directing traffic on the opposite side of the security fence. Brazin glances over at Dae’s Hirokuza airvan parked a few yards away.

Sofi monitors the team’s progress from inside the airvan.

“I always get the shit end of the stick,” Ren complains over his comchat.

“At least you’ve got a stick to play with,” Sofi responds.

“Fifteen minutes, twenty-two seconds to generator,” Shinzo says over comchat.

The airvan gently sways side-to-side. Sofi looks around.

“What the…” she whispers.

Sofi activates the airvan’s wall display, exposing the backside of a young male hominoid leaning against the airvan while a female Terran orally pleasures him.

“Soaf?” Ren inquires over comchat.

“Seems there’s another show going on out here,” she responds. “How much time we got?”

“I see Gunta,” Brazin confirms.

Brazin continues his patrol when he spots Gunta exit his personal transport in the Hunters Lot a few yards away. Swarmed by eager young fans, Gunta graciously signs autographs while a media drone captures the moment.

“Try not to kill him with your stench,” Sofi jokes over comchat.

“Killing is not my intention,” Brazin responds.

Brazin walks up toward the Hunters Lot as the cool breeze hits his face. However, a Hunters Lot guard blocks the lot entrance.

“You good?” the Outlet guard asks.

“Yes,” Brazin replies. “But I also worship The Razor.”

Smiling, the Hunters Lot guard nods.

“Unfortunately, protocol mandates that we must worship The Razor from afar. You know the drill.”

“Understood. I thank you.”

Brazin nods as the cool breeze changes direction toward the Hunters Lot. He gives the Hunters Lot guard a quick bear hug, then backs off.

“Just…” the Hunters Lot guard responds, pushing him away. “Okay, back to work now.”

“Apologies,” Brazin says as he backs away. “I will continue my duties.”

“Works for me.”

Brazin nods, turns, and walks toward the main parking lot.

“Let’s hope our fortunes continue,” Brazin says.

Following the media drone’s group photo, Gunta signs a few more digital autographs for his adoring fans when he catches a very faint but familiar scent riding the cool breeze. He turns to the Hunters Lot guard as Brazin walks back toward the main parking zone.

“Mr. Razor,” an Outlet security officer implores.

Gunta turns to him and nods. The Outlet security officer escorts him inside the building both to the chants and chagrin of his adoring fans.

Down Low

A magrail train speeds through an underground metro tunnel. Camouflaged in darkness, a hooded Shinzo walks along the edge of the tunnel and stops at a steel grate.

“I always get the shit end of the stick,” Ren complains over comchat.

“At least you’ve got a stick to play with,” Sofi responds over comchat.

“Fifteen minutes, twenty-two seconds to generator,” Shinzo says.

He draws his electrokat, activating it with a dim setting to evade detection. Shinzo stabs the grate and slices through the metal in a circular motion. He holds the cut grate in one metal hand and sheathes his blade in the other. Shinzo pushes in the metal as he enters the shaft.

“What the…” Sofi whispers over comchat.

“Soaf?” Ren inquires.

“Seems there’s another show going on out here,” Sofi responds. “How much time we got?”

Once inside, Shinzo resets but doesn’t seal the cut metal back into the center of the grate.

“I see Gunta,” Brazin confirms over comchat.

Shinzo quickly makes his way through the dark tunnel. His infrared vision spots strange rodent-like creatures with glowing eyes scurrying in the opposite direction. Also, the mechanoid’s visual display flashes:

STEALTH MODE

Shinzo’s audio detects running water in the distance. He scans the dark tunnel, following the visual prompts on his visual display. Shinzo continues forward.

“Try not to kill him with your stench,” Sofi jokes over comchat.

“I believe that was an attempt at humor,” Brazin says.

“Agreed,” she replies.

Shinzo shakes his head in exasperation. He pauses at a sound blending in with the running water. His visual scan identifies rodent-like creatures with glowing eyes running around near a small, secured door. The creatures scatter at Shinzo’s presence. He studies the digital pad beside the door and plugs himself into it. A series of symbols pop onto the digital pad and unlock the door. Trying to minimize sound, Shinzo gently pushes the metal door open. He carefully closes the door behind him and takes a step forward when lights brighten the room. Shinzo puts his hands in the air while a robotic Outlet security guard aims its weapon at him.

“Killing is not my intention,” Brazin responds over comchat.

“Where the hell did you come from?” the robotic guard snaps.

A small, electromagnetic disc ejects from Shinzo’s metallic crotch and attaches to the leg of a cyborg guard. The electrical current disables the robot guard, who crashes to the ground.

“Old Tokyo,” Shinzo replies. “Bitch.”

Shinzo slices the Outlet guard with his electrokat, then confiscates essential parts from the robot before continuing on to the generator.

Prey

Kanzu, Genji, and their fellow prey cautiously navigate the war-torn city littered with blood, bone, concrete, and metal. The red-skinned hominoid turns to the smiling American cyborg.

“You find humor in this, archaic?” the red-skinned hominoid asks.

“Well, Red, beats rotting in a cell for the rest of my life.”

“But your life would be longer, no?”

“Spoken like a true stray,” the American cyborg replies.

“I say we lay low ‘til the portal opens,” the young Thai says.

“That won’t work,” Genji responds. “They’ll just flush us out.”

“Plus, we wanna be as close to the portal as possible when it opens,” the American cyborg adds. “So, we’ll need to keep moving.”

“Recall there are more weapons and ammo out there to find,” the green-haired hybreed says.

“And call out a medbox when you see it,” Genji adds. “Don’t touch it unless your health’s under fifty percent.”

They approach a tall building when they hear approaching vehicles. The prey slip inside the building, taking cover as a caravan of mercenaries in armored vehicles barrels down the street.

Standing beside a window, Genji peeks through the dusty blinds as the caravan passes the building. He turns to the others.

“Com check,” Genji says.

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“Check one,” the green-haired hybreed says.

“Check two, the red-skinned hominoid says.

“San,” the American cyborg says.

“Check four,” the young Thai says.

“Check five,” Kanzu says.

“Check six,” Genji says.

Sitting on a desk, Kanzu turns to see the red-skinned hominoid sitting on the floor beside her and trembling. She places a hand on his shoulder. The red-skinned hominoid looks up.

“Mercs can hurt us,” Kanzu explains. “But only hunters can kill.”

The red-skinned hominoid nods. Kanzu helps him up as Genji walks over to them.

“They’re only a distraction,” Genji says.

“I’ve got a big distraction for her right here,” the American cyborg responds, activating his rocket launcher.

The prey exit the building and move as quickly as they can down the street. Kanzu taps Genji on the shoulder and points up at another tall building ahead. Genji nods and leads the group down the street when laser bullets whiz past them.

“Take cover!” the green-haired hybreed screams.

The six captives return fire, taking out a few of the mercenaries when the ground beneath them shakes.

“Tank!” the American cyborg shouts.

“Fall back!” Genji yells.

The group falls back, with the American cyborg sprinting ahead of everyone. The American cyborg spots a floating health box tucked behind rubble, but says nothing and looks away. Bringing up the rear, the young Thai indiscriminately firing behind him while he runs, accidentally killing a pursuing mercenary.

An armored vehicle locks onto Kanzu when it takes a direct hit from the American cyborg’s rocket launcher, causing it to explodes. The American cyborg reloads his rocket launcher a few yards away while Kanzu, Genji, and the green-haired hybreed’s return a concentrated volley of laser bullets. The remaining mercenaries retreat.

The American cyborg screams, “Run back to mama, you sons of b-”

A laser bullet rips through the American cyborg’s head, and he crumples to the ground. The green-haired hybreed points in the shot’s direction.

“Bonzai!” she shouts.

“Run!” Kanzu yells.

Genji sprints toward and tackles the dumbfounded, red-skinned hominoid as laser bullets whizz past them.

“Gratitudes,” the red-skinned hominoid says.

“You only get one of those,” Genji replies.

“Understood.”

The green-haired hybreed leads the others down a few streets. They stop and huddle in an alley. The Young Thai retrieves the small monocular from his virtual pouch. He peeks around the corner and scans the area with it. The young Thai looks up and spots a twinkle of reflective light from the third floor window of another building a few blocks away. He turns to the others in the alley.

“Bonzai’s got high ground,” he relays.

“She’ll come down,” Genji replies.

“We can’t stay here,” the red-skinned hominoid says.

“Just stick to the plan,” Genji says.

The Young Thai peeks around the corner again and looks up with his monocular. This time, there’s no reflective light. He turns back.

“I think she’s gone,” the Young Thai says.

“Go,” Genji orders.

The green-haired hybreed and young Thai sprint from the alley and down the street. Kanzu, Genji, and the red-skinned hominoid sprint down the opposite end of the alley. They make their way through the post-apocalyptic ruins when an explosion a few blocks away draws their attention.

“There,” Kanzu says, pointing at a four-story building up ahead.

They sprint toward the building.

“We got three mercs pinned down,” the green-haired hybreed confirms via preycom. “But two got past us.”

“Get rid of those three before she finds you,” Genji pleads.

“Will try,” she replies.

Kanzu, Genji, and the red-skinned hominoid enter the four-story building and find a stairwell. Genji leads them up to the fourth floor. Bringing up the rear, Kanzu scans the area through her weapon’s scope when she notices her hands briefly flicker. Kanzu and the red-skinned hominoid follow Genji into an empty conference room. Kanzu shuts the conference room door behind her. Genji crouches below a window sill and aims his laser rifle scope outside to scan the area. He confirms the coast is clear, lowers his weapon, and silently summons the red-skinned hominoid to him. He pulls the red-skinned hominoid trades his laser rifle for the red-skinned hominoid’s blaster gun.

“Since Captain America lost his head back there, you’re now the eagle,” Genji says.

The red-skinned hominoid responds, “I don’t think I can-”

“I don’t need you to think,” Genji interjects. “I just need you to tell us where you see her, okay?”

“Understood.”

Genji activates his preycom.

“One, have you taken them out yet?” Genji asks with no response. “One, are you there? Four, can you hear me?”

Kanzu rubs her temple.

“Genji, something’s not right,” she says.

Genji and the red-skinned hominoid turn to see Kanzu frozen in position.

“Kanzu?” Genji asks.

Genji taps the red-skinned hominoid.

“Keep watch,” he orders.

The red-skinned hominoid nods and scans outside with his laser rifle scope while Genji grabs Kanzu and gently rests her on the ground. He checks her for and sign of injury.

“Is she damaged?” the red-skinned hominoid asks.

“Doesn’t look like it,” Genji answers.

A tiny timer on Kanzu’s visor appears, counting down from one minute.

“Six…can you…hear me?” the young Thai inquires via preycom.

“Four, where the hell are you?” Genji asks.

“Five blocks north of our last position,” the young Thai replies. “Bonzai took out One.”

“Are you okay?” Genji asks.

“She got me good. I don’t think I’m gonna make it.”

“Can you find a medbox?”

“I…”

“Four, can you get to a medbox?” Genji asks again.

“I don’t wanna die,” the young Thai whimpers.

The red-skinned hominoid continues to provide lookout.

“Agreed,” he says.

“Kanzu?” Genji pleads while tapping her face. “Wake up!”

Kanzu opens her eyes. She looks around to find herself alone in a dark room.

“Genji?” she calls out.

“Your friend is not here,” Grandma replies. “And neither are you.”

Kanzu turns to see Grandma’s avatar sitting on a throne, flanked by digital clones of Rama and Jaka.

“Grandma,” Kanzu says.

“Welcome to the Grey Zone, Kanzu.”

“Where is my brother?”

Gunta’s avatar appears between them.

“Kanzu?” Gunta calls out.

“Gunta!” Kanzu replies. “Is that you?”

“Twenty-five seconds,” Grandma says.

“Sister, there’s no time,” Gunta says. “Your mate from Freeland is with me.”

“Brazin? But-”

“Do you recall your Prey Room number?”

“Uh…Eight.”

“You must avoid Bonzai until we can free you and your friend.”

“Brother-”

“Look for the place that bears our mark two block east of your current location. There are weapons inside.”

“Time’s up,” Grandma interjects.

“Wait, there are others with us-”

Genji slaps Kanzu across the face, and her consciousness back into the four-story building.

“Thought we lost you there,” he says.

“In the light, Six!” the red-skinned hominoid cheers.

Genji helps Kanzu up.

“Brazin found my brother.”

“How do you know?” Genji asks.

“Grandma is helping them.”

“Grandma?” the red-skinned hominoid asks.

“We gotta go,” Genji says.

“Agreed,” Kanzu replies. “Follow me.”

Kanzu heads for the exit.

“What about the plan?” Genji asks.

Genji and the red-skinned hominoid follow Kanzu back down the stairwell. They exit from the rear of the building and into an alley. They make their way through rubble and twisted metal and hide behind the charred hull of a Lorian hovershuttle. Kanzu scans the area.

“There,” Kanzu says, pointing.

She sprints toward her target with Genji right behind her.

“Kanzu,” Genji whispers.

The red-skinned hominoid chases Kanzu and Genji toward a bank on the ground level of a tall skyscraper. One of the large tinted bank windows displays Graffiti art matching the Lorian symbol on Kanzu’s lifebox. The red-skinned hominoid enters and shuts the door. Kanzu uses her excellent vision to track the marking of her Lorian masters embedded among some of the graffiti covering the walls and floor. Genji finds the back door. He opens it, peeking outside.

“Genji!” Kanzu calls out.

Seeing no activity, he closes the door and rejoins the others to see Kanzu inspecting the manager’s office.

“What are you doing?” Genji asks.

Kanzu studies the graffiti covering the walls. She finds a tiny version of the same Lorian symbol within some graffiti and touches it. The opposite wall opens, revealing a small armory. Genji’s eyes widen.

“Now we’re talkin’,” Genji says. “Red, get in here!”

Kanzu pulls out two ammo reload discs and a pair of gloves. The red-skinned hominoid enters the manager’s office. His eyes widen as well. Kanzu the pair of gloves.

“Replenish quickly,” Kanzu orders. “We cannot stay.”

“What about Four?” the red-skinned hominoid asks.

“She will use him to deceive us,” she replies, holding up her gloved fists. “So, we will use him to deceive her and escape.”

A thick laser blade protrudes from each glove, then retracts. She nods to Genji, who nods back.

“Four, you there?” Genji asks.

“I’m still here,” the young Thai replies via preycom.

“Only one of us needs to make it through the portal to stop the game,” Genji says. “Can you keep her busy for us?”

“I can try,” the young Thai responds. “But I don’t have all day.”

“Agreed,” Genji says. “Just try to keep your distance.”

“Easy peasy,” Kanzu adds.

“More peasy than easy,” the young Thai counters.

Genji leads Kanzu and the red-skinned hominoid out the back door of the bank. They follow the signs to the business district when laser bullets ricochet around them. They take cover behind an abandoned Lorian cargo transport.

“That was close,” the red-skinned hominoid says.

“A little too close,” Genji replies.

Kanzu and the red-skinned hominoid look down to see Genji holding a blood-soaked laser wound to his stomach.

“You’re injured,” Kanzu says.

Kanzu tends to Genji while the red-skinned hominoid provides cover fire.

“Just a scratch” Genji says. “I’ll be fine once we get outta here.”

The red-skinned hominoid unloads his entire ammo clip, then crouches behind the cargo transport. Although he initially misses his targets, the ricocheting laser bullets miraculously hit the last two mercenaries. The red-skinned hominoid peeks his head up to see the two mercenaries bleeding out on the ground.

“Did I do that?” he asks.

Kanzu peeks around the cargo transport just in time to see the two mercenaries die before vanishing.

“Yes,” Kanzu replies.

Kanzu spots see Bonzai aiming a rocket launcher at them from a few dozen yards down the street.

“Suck on this, prey!” Bonzai screams.

“Run,” Kanzu screams.

Kanzu picks Genji up and carries him away from the cargo transport with the red-skinned hominoid right behind them. Moments later, Bonzai’s rocket hits the cargo transport, blowing it to pieces. The resulting explosion tosses the cargo transport’s metal carcass into the air. Unfortunately, it lands right on top of the red-skinned hominoid. Kanzu turns to see the red-skinned hominoid. She places a wounded Genji on his feet then rushes back to the red-skinned hominoid.

“Two…” Kanzu says.

Trembling, the red-skinned hominoid grabs Kanzu’s hand while Genji fires his gun at a smiling Bonzai, who avoids getting hit while inching her way closer to them.

“I wanna go home,” the red-skinned hominoid cries.

Kanzu looks around. Her eyes target a medbox in the distance.

“Medbox,” Kanzu replies.

Genji selects his last loaded gun. He tries to aim at the elusive Bonzai.

“Running low over here,” Genji warns.

Bonzai takes cover and returns fire. The red-skinned hominoid takes Kanzu’s hand.

“It’s too late for me,” he says. “You must reach the portal.”

“Shit,” Genji says. “I’m out.”

“Trade,” Kanzu responds.

Kanzu tosses her fully loaded weapon to Genji at the same time he tosses her his empty one.

“Grats,” Genji says, firing at Bonzai.

Kanzu exchanges Genji’s empty gun for the red-skinned hominoid’s fully loaded weapon.

“Two?” Kanzu asks.

She stares into the red-skinned hominoid’s lifeless eyes.

“Twenty-three minutes to portal,” Genji says, pointing up.

Kanzu looks up to see the digital timer with just under twenty-three minutes remaining.

Bonzai checks her own arsenal status to find she’s nearly depleted.

“Do not let them live,” the Chinese producer informs Bonzai via huntercom.

“I’m working on it,” Bonzai replies.

“Bonzai!” Genji yells.

Bonzai slowly stands to see an unarmed Genji a few yards away. She looks around.

“And the others?” Bonzai asks.

Kanzu slowly rises.

“The other is mortally wounded,” the Chinese producer says via huntercom. “He poses no threat.”

“I’m a big fan of yours,” Genji says.

“You wish to die honorably?” Bonzai asks.

Bonzai tosses all of her guns to the ground.

“I’d settle for an autograph,” Genji retorts.

“You will not win,” Kanzu says.

“Choose your weapon,” Bonzai replies. “No guns.”

“Get to the portal,” Genji barks. “I’ll buy you what I can.”

“No,” she replies.

“Don’t be stupid, Kanzu,” Genji says.

“Agreed,” she replies. “I’m Kanzu the Bold.”

She winks, then smiles. Genji shrugs.

“Time to put Shin’s training to the test,” he says.

Genji selects his electrokat. Kanzu activates her gloves then turns to Genji.

“Grats, Genji-san.”

“It been real, Kanzu.”

They cautiously approach Bonzai, who extends her e-nuks. Kanzu extends her glove blades. Kanzu and Genji attack first. However, Bonzai easily repels their initial advance goes on the counter-offensive. The cybernetic hybreed knocks Kanzu down as Genji cuts a slice of Bonzai’s side flesh.

“Hear that?” the Chinese producer chides at Bonzai via huntercom.

The raucous crowd chants, “Prey!”

“They’re making a fool of the great Bonzai!”

The skin on Bonzai’s face turns red as she roundhouse kicks a charging Kanzu. Instinctively, Bonzai tries to block Genji’s electrokat, but it slices off her metal arm. However, she catches Genji square in the face with her enuks.

“No!” Kanzu screams.

Bonzai kicks Genji, who falls flat on his back. Blood pours from the holes in his face.

Smiling, Bonzai looks up and says, “Now your turn…”

Kanzu’s gone. Bonzai runs over to the cargo transport to see the red-skinned hominoid’s corpse. She looks up to see the timer counting down from seven minutes.

“Where the fuck did she go?” Bonzai asks.

Razor

Gunta’s Outlet security officer escorts him down a corridor when the Chinese producer intercepts them.

“Razor,” the Chinese producer says. “We got word that the Hirokuza Times is planning a story on your Xenonian rise up the hunter rankings.”

“Okay,” Gunta replies.

“Not okay. The Man Upstairs thinks it’s really a Yak hit piece about your ties to Grandma.”

“I would never put Granny in bondage,” Gunta says.

The Chinese producer chuckles.

“Seriously, they want to embarrass you.”

“Then no Hirozuka Times,” he says.

“Yes, Hirozuka Times,” the Chinese producer says.

Gunta approaches the owner’s suite when he sniffs the air and stops by the door.

“You archaics confuse me,” Gunta growls at the Chinese producer.

“Apologies, Mr. Razor. Allow me to explain.”

“Plainly.”

“We can tell you exactly what to say.”

“Like a commercial?”

“Exactly like a commercial. As much as the Man Upstairs may want, he simply cannot afford to antagonize the YPF or Grandma.”

Gunta nods and turns to his Outlet security officer.

“Wait here,” Gunta says this bodyguard before turning back to the Chinese producer. “You wait here as well.”

“Yes, sir,” the Outlet security officer replies.

“Where are you going?” the Chinese producer asks.

“I forgot something in my locker,” Gunta says. “I will return shortly.”

Gunta continues down the hall, leaving the Chinese producer and Outlet security officer behind.

“Fucking strays,” the Chinese producer says under his breath.

Gunta sniffs the air and heads to a nearby personnel stairwell. Gunta enters and follows the scent down one level to find Brazin waiting for him.

“You carry a familiar scent,” Gunta says.

“Kanzu is here,” Brazin says.

Gunta’s eyes widen.

“Who are you?” he asks.

“They call me Brazin. We need your help-”

Gunta pins Brazin against a stairwell wall.

“Brazin?” Sofi asks via comchat.

“We’re running out of time,” Brazin says.

“You deceive,” Gunta says.

“Smell again,” Brazin responds.

“Brazin, you there?” Sofi forcefully whispers over comchat.

Endgame

Kanzu wakes up in her simpod as it opens. She barely waits for the wires and helmet to disengage as she leaps out and into Gunta’s waiting arms. She sniffs, hugs and kisses him on the cheeks. She turns to see Brazin smiling. Ignoring the dead Outlet staffers on the floor, Kanzu runs over and embraces Brazin. They kiss.

“Genji?” Brazin asks.

“Bonzai,” she replies.

Gunta look up. His eyes widen.

“We go now,” he says.

They pass by the other simpods. All of the overhead displays shows Bonzai playing to the crowd, having killed all six prey, including Kanzu. Passing more dead Outlet staff and security, Gunta leads Kanzu and Brazin out of the Prey Room and to down a private stairwell. Brazin looks up to see guards pursuing them down. The three hominoids enter the subgarage level. Gunta shuts the subgarage door and disables its electronic lock.

Alarms blare throughout The Outlet.

Bonzai wakes inside her simpod. Unlike in the Prey Simroom, these simpods retract all wiring and visors from their prey in half the time. Bonzai exits her simpod, ignoring the Outlet staff as she leaves the Hunter Simroom. She runs into an armed Outlet security team.

“What the fuck’s going on?” Bonzai snaps.

“It’s Razor,” the lead Outlet security officer replies. “He’s gone rogue.”

Bonzai smiles.

Outlet security guards try to shoot and cut their way through the subgarage door as Kanzu, Gunta, and Brazin back away. They look around to see a few parked autos.

“Guess we’ll soon be joining your friends,” Gunta says.

A hoverauto speeds toward them. The trio steps out of the way as the vehicle swerves and slams its side into the subgarage door, barricading it. The driver door opens, and Shinzo exits.

“Where’s Genji?” Shinzo asks.

“He expired,” Kanzu says.

“What?”

“No time to mourn,” Gunta replies. “Unless you care to join him.”

Shinzo nods and says, “Follow me.”

They flee through the subgarage. Screams and footsteps filter through the hoverautos barricading the exit ramps.

Outlet security work their way through the subgarage levels when a cyborg Outlet security guard identifies a compromised ventilation grate.

Shinzo leads the three hominoids through a dark tunnel.

“Sofi? Ren?” Brazin pleads. “Can you hear my desperation?”

Incoherent voices crackle over their comchats.

Shinzo follows his visual display prompts toward the foot of a ladder. He stops and turns to Brazin.

“I’ll buy you some time,” Shinzo says. “If you see anyone up there other than Ren of Sofi-”

“Understood,” Brazin responds.

Brazin climbs the ladder, and Kanzu follows. Shinzo turns to Gunta.

“Got you covered, big guy,” Shinzo says.

Gunta climbs. Shinzo draws his electrokat with one hand, and a laser pistol with the other. He shoots out the lights, dims his sword, and switches his visual display to infrared.

Reaching the top rung, Brazin pushes open the hatch and looks around. Coast clear, he climbs out and helps Kanzu up.

The cyborg security guard runs toward the light pouring down through the hatch. He spots Gunta near the top of the ladder. The cyborg guard aims his weapon and fires just as Shinzo’s electrokat slices off his firing arm. However, he quickly grabs, aims, and fires two shots from a second firearm with his remaining hand. Shinzo deflects the first laser bullet up, and the second one back at the cyborg security guard, killing him instantly.

“Gunta!” Kanzu screams.

Shinzo looks up to see Gunta, bleeding from a fresh laser bullet wound, slips through Brazin’s grasp. Sprinting to position, Shinzo catches a falling Brazin.

“Grats,” Gunta says, wincing.

Cradling Gunta like a baby, Shinzo analyzes the hominoid’s wound.

“That’s not good,” he says.

Gunta stands, but falters.

“Cavalry’s coming,” Shinzo says.

Shinzo props him up and cauterizes the wound.

“Grats again.”

“Deepest apologies,” Shinzo says. “But your wound is fatal.”

Gunta places a hand on Shinzo’s shoulder.

“Guess I’ll be leaving her this time,” Gunta responds.

Gunta hands a small, round, rock pin to Shinzo as footsteps approach.

“Kanzu will not leave without you.”

Shinzo hands his two guns and ammo over to Gunta.

“Just tell her we’re even,” Gunta retorts. “Go!”

Shinzo speeds up the ladder. He leaps through the opening and lands on the ground as Outlet security guards race toward him. They prepare to shoot Shinzo when thick laser bullets rip them to shreds. Shinzo looks over to see Sofi piloting Dae’s Hirokuza airvan. From the passenger seat, Ren mans the laser cannons protruding from hidden roof panels. Sofi flattens a couple of Outlet security officers with the airvan. Kanzu and Brazin strap themselves into the bay seats in back.

“Train’s pullin’ out,” Sofi says.

Shinzo hops into the airvan’s cargo area and closes the door.

“Where’s Gunta?” Kanzu asks.

“He said to tell you, ‘we’re even,’” Shinzo replies.

“We got inbound!” Ren yells. “Soaf?”

“Shin?” Sofi asks.

“Go!” Shinzo yells.

“Gunta!” Kanzu cries out as Shinzo forcefully restrains her to the seat.

“Go!” Shinzo yells.

“Let me go!” Kanzu screams.

Brazin grabs Shinzo, who grabs Brazin with his other hand and turns to him.

“Gunta and Genji are not coming back,” Shinzo says.

Brazin nods and releases his weaker grip.

“Brazin?” Kanzu cries. “We have to go back.”

Brazin turns to her.

“He’s gone, Kaan.”

“He’s my brother.”

“Apologies, my mate.”

“No!” Kanzu cries. “Turn back. Please, Sofi.”

“I’m so sorry,” a teary Sofi says, swerving the airvan through traffic as laser bullets pelt it.

Ren’s eyes widen as they speed toward a Hirokuza Border Gate.

“Soaf?”

“If you got a plan B,” Sofi replies, “I’m all ears.”

Yakuza Border Patrol targets the approaching airvan when the supervising border officer receives an incoming transmission from an unknown sender.

“Yes?” the YBP supervisor asks.

“You know who this is, Officer Dirgin?” Grandma asks over comchat.

Clearing his throat, he answers, “Yes, Ma’am. How may I be of service?”

The YBP supervisor signals his subordinates to stand down.

Inside the airvan, Ren smiles and turns to Sofi.

“See what I’m seeing?” Sofi asks.

“Yeah,” Ren responds before turning back to Kanzu. “A new mono.”

Ren kisses Sofi’s cheek while she keeps her eyes straight ahead, piloting the damaged airvan through the border gate unimpeded.

Underground, Outlet security guards carry a wounded Gunta back to an empty VIP subgarage and hold him down a few feet from a running hoverlimo. The rear window lowers, revealing only a dark silhouette.

“You disappoint me, stray,” the Man Upstairs chides.

“There are many disappointments in life,” Gunta exhales.

“And death.”

The window slides up, and the hoverauto exits, revealing Bonzai standing a few feet away with a disabled metal arm. The Outlet security guards back up and form a circle around them.

“Bullet?” Bonzai growls. “Or Bonzai?”

Gunta slowly stands.

“Let’s end it.”

“I only need one good hand on you,” Bonzai hisses.

Both wounded, Gunta and Bonzai charge at each other. They inflict heavy damage to each other until they eventually collapse in a pool of their mixed blood. The Outlet security guards in attendance applaud the two lifeless combatants.

“Outlet forever!” they chant thrice.

After offering the Hirokuza salute, the Outlet security guards carry away both corpses.

Farewell

Dae’s Hirokuza airvan speeds over lifeless corpses down a deserted road when alarms blare, and lights flicker.

“You can slow down now,” Ren says.

“No, I can’t,” Sofi counters while pulling the steer stick.

“Shit,” Ren responds. “Brace for impact!”

The bullet-riddled, smoking, and sparking airvan appears to increase its speed as it veers off the magway and toward the charred, skeletal remains of deserted armored vehicles piled in a heap of metal. Everyone except a catatonic Kanzu clenches up. Shinzo looks out toward the distant ocean as if searching for Minnie.

The airvan crashes into the mountain of debris and flips into the air before crashing upside down on the ground.

As the dust settles, wires within the airvan spark and set fire. Coughing, Sofi raises her head.

“Ren?” Sofi asks as she turns. “Ren?”

Twisted metal pins Ren against the cab wall as blood pours from his body. Sofi looks at the console as it ignites and summons every ounce of strength to exit the airvan and run for cover.

Shinzo carves a hole in the side of the cargo area with his electrokat and exits while carrying a bloodied and unconscious Kanzu. A battered and bruised Brazin follows close behind him. They rendezvous with Sofi a safe distance from the airvan.

“Ren?” Brazin asks Sofi.

Eyes watering, Sofi shakes her head as the airvan explodes. Shinzo turns his head in the direction of the Border Gate, gently places Kanzu on the ground, and draws his electrokat.

“Fun ride while it lasted,” Shinzo quips.

Sofi and Brazin trade nods of respect and draw their weapons. They join Shinzo, forming a protective ring in front of an unconscious Kanzu. An armored caravan surrounds them as Kanzu regains consciousness.

The leader’s vehicle door opens, and an unarmed Grandkid exits, holding a white flag. He slowly approaches as Brazin and Sofi help Kanzu up.

“Injuries?” the Grandkid inquires.

“Just our pride,” Shinzo responds.

“Grandma thought you might need a lift,” he says with a smile.

“Great minds think alike,” Shinzo replies.

The Grandkid whistles. A group of unarmed Grandkids exit their vehicles and help the foursome into the leader’s vehicle.