4: Framed Perspective - Part 4

“So, if you guys were a gang, wouldn’t it make more sense for you guys to use a lower-profile building?”

Tamashi and Bri were walking through the grand hall, on their way to the dining room. Upon hearing the question, Bri stopped and turned around.

“It’s because we have power. We’re considered to be one of the four great gangs. Between the four, we control everything from the shadows.”

Tamashi’s face sunk into a deep pool of thought.

“What are you stuck on now, brat?”

“The four great gangs… They control everything… Does that mean… WOAH, MY SCHOOL WAS BEING RUN BY A GANG? Wait, so this means… SOME OF MY CLASSMATES WERE SECRET GANG MEMBERS! But who could they be? Charlie… Anna… that one guy who only eats lettuce for lunch…”

As she listened to Tamashi’s vocalized thought process, Bri’s face slowly turned into a stupefied expression.

“Hey, Bri, do you guys turn people’s brains into rabbit brains or something-“

“You seem a bit destabilized. Maybe it’s just hunger.”

“Or maybe it’s the fact that you got me thrown in prison after almost dying.”

Bri turned away and began walking again.

“That’s besides the point,” she mumbled under her breath.

“I would totally call you out right now since it’s not really besides the point, but I’m actually getting pretty hungry.”

“Perfect, because here’s the dining room.”

Bri walked up to a set of double doors and pushed them in.

Inside was a dining room with a towering ceiling and an absurdly long dining table.

“You can sit at the right-side seat on the end. I hope you’re ready.”

Bri turned her head back to Tamashi and flashed her mischievous grin.

“We’re going make you an offer you can’t refuse.”

——

Savior: Original Story by OneSevenEight

Episode: Framed Perspective - Part 4

——

Tamashi’s jaw dropped as his meal arrived.

As requested, a large, juicy steak was presented in front of him.

Within milliseconds of the steak’s appearance, Natural instinct took Tamashi over, and he pounced onto the steak.

“Would you mind slowing down a bit? This is supposed to be a meeting, too.”

Tamashi slightly let off the gas and directed his attention to Bri.

“Alright, so shall we get started. Ok. Let’s make sure we properly introduced ourselves. My name is Bri, and I lead this organization called Kita. We’re an organization that’s dedicated to managing things from the shadows in the northern US. The other three organizations manage their sections of the US.”

Tamashi struggled to process the information dump as he continued to devour the steak.

“So that’s us. As for you, you’re Tamashi Yosha. You’re a 16-year-old high school bookworm. In a normal situation, you still be just that: a high school bookworm.”

Tamashi managed to put his fork down.

“I’m assuming you’re about to tell me why you interfered with my life?”

“Precisely.”

Bri leaned her face onto her fists, her vast hazel eyes glimmering in the warm light of the dining room.

“Until recently, you were just a normal guy. But then, something weird happened.”

Tamashi’s eyes narrowed as he prepared to take in Bri’s next statement.

“On that day, you realized that something was about to happen. For you, it probably felt like a shock in your brain.”

Tamashi jumped up from the table.

“That’s exactly what happened. Right when we were starting to cross the street, it felt like I was struck by a bit of lightning. I remember.”

“That’s no mistake. I had my suspicions about you, so that’s why I had to meet you. That’s why I infiltrated the school and sought you out.”

“What’s going on? Did I inherit some sort of superpower?”

Bri stood up to meet Tamashi at eye level.

“Think long and hard about this question. Have you met anyone that kind of looks like you lately? Maybe in a weird dimension?”

The room grew quiet, except for the crackle of a distant fireplace.

“What the hell is that kind of question? You’re starting to weird me out. I have a better question. How old are you? I’m worried now that I went on a date with a gran-“

Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden force slammed into Tamashi’s gut, and he was knocked onto his back.

After spacing out for a few moments, he lifted his head to witness Bri’s state of agitation.

“FOR YOUR INFORMATION, I’M 25. DON’T YOU EVER DARE USE THAT WORD WITH ME.”

“Seemed like a valid question.”

As Tamashi slowly got back up, Bri closed her eyes and recomposed herself.

“So either you haven’t met him yet, or you simply don’t remember. Either way, it just means you’re weak.”

“Well, why don’t you tell me more about this guy? Maybe I’ll remember if I met him or not.”

Bri opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on Tamashi.

“Alright, so here’s your offer.”

“Huh? You’re just gonna ignore-“

“We, the Kita gang, want to train you to become an assassin.”

Tamashi’s face turned into surprise and shock.

“Wait… What? Why the hell would you ask me to do that?”

“It’s simple, really. Your newfound power is the perfect foundation for becoming one of our organization’s elite assassins. Not only do we have a duty to train people with powers like yours, we’re also in heavy need candidates with top potential.”

“I don’t think-“

“It’s already been decided, so you really only have two choices: start training now, or start training later.”

“You can’t be serious. You know I can’t agree to do this. I just want my life back.”

“Choose.”

“NO! Thanks for the bailout, but I’m out of here.”

As Tamashi turned his back, Bri allowed a faint smile to form on her face.

“Fine then. We’ll let you live your life. But you’ll be back someday.”

“Thanks for dinner. Also… I guess… Thanks for the bailout. Have a great night.”

Tamashi quickly made his way out of the dining room. As an attendant arrived to refill Bri’s drink, she sat down and let out a sigh. She then looked out the window, becoming fixated on the starry sky.

“Why did you pick him, Rai?”