//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Beat // by totallynotabrony //------------------------------// It was getting late when they arrived at Sam’s Garage. Hagane only planned a quick stop to pick up the guitar. He didn’t realize how quick it would be. “Haro has it,” Sam said. “He asked, and I told him it was Blue’s. He said he would take it to her.” “Haro?! Do you trust him?” Hagane demanded. “He pays his bills.” Sam frowned. “I take it you two have a history.” That was putting it mildly. “When was he here?” “Just a minute ago. I’m surprised you didn’t see him.” Hagane ran for the car. The easiest way to get to the club was along Wangan. He had to make it to the club ahead of Haro to explain things to Blue before she got the wrong idea. The Bayshore Route of Shuto Expressway ran along the northern edge of Tokyo Bay. Shuto Kōsokudōro Wangan-sen, or simply Wangan, was built as a bypass of downtown Tokyo and connected the artificial islands along the edge of the bay, some sections of pavement being entirely over water. It was one of the straightest roads in the country, and had developed a reputation around the world as a haven for street racers. Hagane was not a member of a racing gang, but he liked to think he could hold his own. His foot was on the floor and the Skyline charged up the entrance ramp. He remembered his first time taking the car out on the Wangan. His first experience with the twin turbo engine singing at 7,500 RPM was like hearing a lover’s voice for the first time. The car had turned out to be less than perfect, but when it ran, it really ran. Traffic was heavy with people going home for the evening, but as night fell there were enough gaps between cars that he could make his way through. Octavia was not pleased with any of this. Her head was pressed back against the seat and her eyes were wide open. Her hoof was digging into the padded cover of the center console. Hagane was sorry to scare her like that, but as long as she didn’t interfere with his shifting, he could apologize to her later. Up ahead, the distinctive taillights and tall wing of a bright red Toyota Supra came into view. A grab handle stolen from a Tokyo Metro subway train dangled from the rear bumper. Hagane knew the car, and it wasn’t the first time he had met it on the Wangan. In many ways, Haro was a lot like Hagane. He liked 90’s sports cars and Hagane’s girlfriend. And, even if he hadn’t intentionally taken the guitar to spite Hagane, past history indicated he wasn’t above it, either. Hagane flashed his high beams. A small puff of fire came out the Supra’s exhaust as Haro downshifted. The race was on. On the long straightaways, the slick Supra could carry more speed, but the traffic helped Hagane keep Haro within sight. A couple of horns sounded as the two cars sliced through traffic, often with less than a meter to spare between vehicles. If Octavia was concerned before, she was petrified now. The police were less of a concern. The heavy traffic would help conceal the two speeding cars. Still, a street race got more risky the longer it continued. They took the exit for Rainbow Bridge. In the distance, Hagane saw the orange and white spire of Tokyo Tower lit up with spotlights. The club was nearby. Blue had once told him her ambition to have her music broadcast from the landmark tower. Hagane couldn't afford to be distracted by looking at the scenery. He had only caught up with Haro a few exits before the intended turnoff. Taking the ramp, Haro struggled to hold his Supra to the curve, allowing Hagane to close the gap. He was more confident now. The tighter streets as they got closer to the club would give the lighter and four-wheel-drive Skyline the advantage. The problem, however, was actually making the pass. There simply wasn't room without crossing the centerline, and oncoming traffic could not give way. Hagane gritted his teeth and grabbed another gear. Headlights ahead filled the windshield, and for the first time that night Hagane shared Octavia's tension. Hagane stuffed the Skyline into a space a hair longer than the car was, nearly causing an accident but completing the pass. He stabbed the brakes and wrenched the car around the last corner. Tokyo Tower came into view between the buildings and the club was on the next block. Through the next intersection, Hagane got on the brakes again. The ABS jittered against his foot as the car slid to a stop beside the building. There was no time. Hagane threw open the door and darted inside the club. There were only a few people around, but the night was still young. He spotted Green and Magenta onstage setting up their instruments and went that way. “Where’s Blue?” he asked. Magenta pointed. “She‘s in the back with Yellow talking to the record man.” Hagane went the direction she had indicated. As he crossed the room, he saw Haro coming in the front door. Hagane could have confronted him, but that would lead to a public scene. Better to get to Blue first and explain. He had been in the club's back rooms a time or two before, visiting Blue. Still, without a clear idea where he was going, Hagane got turned around and arrived at the office just steps ahead of Haro. Shoving the door open, Hagane burst in on Blue, Yellow, and a man in a suit. There was a piece of paper on the table and Blue had her hanko stamp in her hand, about to sign it. There was an awkward silence. The man in the suit coughed, drawing Blue’s attention. “Sorry!” she said, quickly stamping the paper. “That should be everything. Please pardon me, I need to take care of this.” She got up and ushered Hagane out of the room. “What is wrong with you? That was important!” “I brought your guitar-” Hagane began before Haro elbowed him. “Here’s your guitar, Blue,” said Haro. He smiled. “He stole it,” Hagane said. “I put it down for just a minute, and-” “I called you to bring it to me hours ago,” said Blue. “This night is important. You could have ruined everything.” “But I was helping Octavia,” Hagane protested. “But that’s not as important as my future! Our future,” Blue shot back. “How much help does she need?” “She wanted to go home, and-” Haro interrupted. “Some other woman?” “Shut up!” Blue put her hand on Hagane’s chest. “I’m just about to go on. I need to get ready. And if you don’t hurry, you’ll be late for work.” She was right, and knew it. She gave him a last look and walked away with the guitar. Haro shot him a grin. “Drop dead.” Hagane stuck out his tongue and pulled down his eyelid. He turned around and walked out. The front of the club was lit up brighter than the inside, even at night.. The bright primary colors and pink sign drew the eye as the most colorful building on the block. In the street, Octavia had gotten out of the car. The club patrons entering the building had gathered around, snapping pictures. While not preening, she looked resigned to the attention and had posed for photos. Hagane noticed that everyone seemed to be angling to keep his car out of the background. He looked around for Haro’s car, pulling out his keys. There were too many people within view, though, so he settled for spitting on it. Hagane instantly regretted it, however. The Supra was a beautiful machine. It wasn’t the car’s fault that it belonged to Haro. He caught Octavia’s eye and opened the passenger door for her. She loaded up and the picture-taking crowd began to disperse. Hagane got into the car and headed for work. The ramen-ya that employed him was possibly the worst one in Tokyo. Nobody actually seemed to eat there. Pulling into the parking lot, he spotted a man leaning on an elderly Yamaha XJ650 motorcycle. That would be his coworker, who called himself Dan the Bullet, a ridiculous nickname if Hagane had ever heard one. The kanji for Dan’s name meant “shot” and so the bosozoku’s name was effectively “Bullet the Bullet”. Still, he was a good guy. Dan wore an untidy leather jacket and was lighting a smoke as Hagane got out of the car. He held up the pack of unfiltered Golden Bats. Hagane took one, thanking him as Dan lit it. They were terrible cigarettes. It was partly why Hagane never bought any himself. Octavia got out of the car and came around. “What’s this?” Dan asked. “Can’t I have a pony if I want one?” Hagane chuckled. He coughed. “What does your girl think?” Hagane’s mood changed. “She likes Octavia. The two of us are having a rough patch. I should be with Blue right now, fixing it.” “Work sucks,” said Dan, agreeing. “I just wish I didn’t need money.” Octavia gestured, putting a hoof to her lips. Hagane leaned over to let her have his cigarette. A few puffs had been enough for him. She recoiled at the smell, making a face. Dan chuckled. “Fancy, huh? I think I have some Pianissimos my girl left in the saddlebags.” He rummaged in the bike’s bags. As he leaned over, Hagane saw the butt of an airsoft gun in a shoulder holster beneath his jacket. Dan pulled out a pink pack and lit a cigarette from it for Octavia. She was much more receptive to the new choice. The three of them stood quietly for a few minutes. True to her nature, Octavia smoked like a lady. Hagane thought she would look good with an ornamental cigarette holder. “You don’t think it’s strange?” Hagane said, mostly to avoid inhaling any more of his Golden Bat. “Think what’s strange?” Dan said. Hagane decided not to push it. “Never mind.” The door of the restaurant opened. A balding man in an apron came out with two plastic bags. He stopped short, seeing Octavia. Hagane quickly intervened. “Good evening, boss.” He got a bag shoved into his hands for his trouble. “Mr. Kobayashi,” said his boss curtly. He handed the other bag to Dan. “Mr. Takei.” He glanced at Octavia again and then went back inside. Dan tossed his cigarette on the ground and crushed it. “We have got to get better names.” Hagane nodded. The two of them went their separate ways. Dan secured his bag to the motorcycle’s rack. Hagane put his in the back seat. Octavia got in the car with Hagane. She glanced at the bag and the takeout containers inside, looking back to Hagane with a question in her eyes. “Don’t ask.” Hagane started the car.