Rise of the Fallen: Ascensionis

by Danny R Negron

  Gina gazes into Rikki's teary eyes and finally realizes that she is being true with her feelings. She is not doing all of this out of sympathy. Gina reaches over, takes her by the back of her neck and gives her a long kiss on the lips. They eventually stop kissing and Gina rests her forehead on Rikki's. Rikki tells her, “My dad gave me a boy's name, for Christ's sake.”

  Gina holds her hand tightly and replies, “Forgive me. I didn't mean to hurt you.”

  Rikki wipes away her tears and says, “It's okay. Let's get going. I want to take you somewhere.”

  An hour later, they both arrive at Langley Fork Park located in Fairfax County. Gina steps out of the Mustang and marvels at the beautiful scenery. Rikki stands next to her and says, “I usually come here to relax. It's nice, right?”

  Gina smiles at her and replies, “Yeah, it is.”

  Rikki takes Gina by the hand and says, “Come on. Let's forget about the real world for now.”

  After walking for several miles, Gina sits down on a bench and says, “Let's sit here for a while.”

  This gives Rikki an idea and she asks, “Can you give me my battery?”

  Gina frowns at her request but reaches into her pocket anyway. Rikki reassures her by saying, “It's not what you think, Gina. I just want to take a picture of us.”

  As she waits for her phone to boot up, Rikki sits on Gina's lap and hugs her tightly. She then tells her, “Don't you die on me while you're over there...please. I'll wait for you...no matter how long it takes.”

  Rikki prepares to take the picture and says, “Smile!” The phone saves the image of both of their happy faces.

  A year later, Gina is in her kitchen staring at the lovely picture in her locket. After placing it in her pocket, she prepares her tea and makes her way to the living room of her home. She smiles at her guests. The oyabun of Japan's current largest Yakuza family, Ryu Miyazaki returns the smile and says in Japanese, “Thank you for the tea, Haruka.”

  As he takes the cup, Gina bows at him and replies, [J]”You are very welcome, Miyazaki-san.”[J]

  She then gives a cup to his son, Ken Miyazaki and sits down next to him. Ryu tells her, [J]”The sumo wrestling tournament tonight should be quite entertaining. I am glad that you will be attending.”[J]

  Gina smiles and replies, [J]”I would not even think about missing it, Miyazaki-san. It is also your birthday.”[J]

  It's so hard for her to believe that the sweet sixty year-old man sitting in front of her is in actuality the crime boss of a huge Yakuza organization. She never expected to find herself so comfortable around him. And his son, Ken, is such a respectable gentleman who treats her gently. How will she bring herself to kill Ryu Miyazaki when the time comes? After all that he's done for her. If not for him, she would not have her job as a manager at Dogma. A film studio that specializes in adult entertainment located in Tokyo.

  After several minutes pass, Ryu looks at his watch and says, [J]”Will you look at the time. I must leave now, Haruka.”[J] He stands up followed by Ken and Gina. Gina then escorts the both of them to the front door. Ken tells her, [J]”I will come for you at seven, my love.”[J]

  Gina grins and nods in agreement. Ryu takes her hand and bows. He says, [J]”I am so grateful to have you in our family, Haruka. Take care.”[J]

  [J]”And I am grateful for the love you all have given me, Miyazaki-san.”[J]

  She closes the door and leans on it while thinking about what she told Ryu. It was not a lie. For the first time in her life, she feels the warmth of belonging to a real family.

  Hours later, Gina is putting the finishes touches of her makeup and lipstick. She becomes startled by the sudden and rapid pounding on her front door. It can't be Ken because he said that he would arrive at seven...it's 6:40 right now. Gina arrives at the front door and asks, [J]”My love? Is that you?”[J]

  The panicked voice of a young man is heard screaming in English, “Gina! Open the fucking door!”

  She recognizes the voice belonging to her fellow agent Tommy Yamada and immediately opens the door. He rushes inside and tells her, “Close it...now!”

  Gina becomes annoyed at him and asks, “What's with you, Tommy?”

  As she proceeds to close the door, a foot appears and prevents it from shutting. Gina gets forced back by the person and yells, [J]”What the hell?”[J]

  The person enters the home. She is a young, Hispanic woman pointing a handgun at her. The woman explains in a rough Japanese, “I am sorry for intruding. I am police officer Barbara Echevarria and he is suspect of murder.”

  Murder? What has Tommy gotten himself into? Gina grins at her and says, “We speak English, officer.”

  Barbara also grins and tells her, “Then you can understand that he's coming with me.”

  Tommy becomes agitated and yells, “In your dreams, bitch!”

  Gina slowly turns her head to look at him and whispers, “You shut up.” She then looks back at Barbara and replies, “I don't think so. You see...in about fifteen minutes, the son of the head of the biggest Yakuza gang is about to step through that door. And then you'll be a dead officer. You understand that?”

  Barbara tightens her grip on the gun and says, “You're bluffing.”

  Gina takes a step forward and replies softly, “I'm Agent Gina Stewart and that's Agent Tommy Yamada. We're with the CIA. I can show you our credentials but we really don't have time for that shit. If you want to get out of this alive, you'll follow my every instruction.”

  Barbara becomes frustrated and lowers her gun. She tells Gina, “This isn't right. He...”

  Gina interrupts her by saying, “There are a lot of things in this world that isn't right, officer. Now, follow me to the bedroom.”

  As they both walk in that direction, Gina says to Tommy, “We'll talk later. Close the front door.”

  Gina closes the bedroom door and says to Barbara, “This is what your story is. You came here so that I can interview you for a job.”

  “Okay. That doesn't seem like a bad idea.”

  Gina gives her an evil grin, walks toward her and says, “As a porn actress.”

  Barbara's eyes widen and she feels insulted by what she feels is disrespect. She firmly tells her, “Uh, no! Fuck that! I'd rather get shot by the Yakuza.”

  “If you have a better idea then share it.”

  Barbara covers her face with her hands realizing that time is against her. She finally says loudly, “Madre de Dios...fine! Let's get this over with.”

  “Good. Now take off those clothes.”

  Tommy is sitting on the sofa while snorting the cocaine on his finger. He looks at his watch and sees that the time is 6:57. The bedroom door suddenly opens and Tommy rises to his feet. He is completely stunned at Barbara's makeover and whispers in Japanese, ”Hot.”

  She is dressed in a stunning, black Dolce and Gabanna cordonetto cotton lace bustier evening gown. Her hair is untied and shimmers with the lighting. As she walks toward him, she says, “Not one word, you little shit.”

  The three of them get startled at the sound of the knock on the front door. Gina takes a deep breath and says in Japanese while walking in that direction, “God help us.”

  She opens the front door and smiles at Ken Miyazaki. He says, [J]”Good evening, Haruka-san. Are you ready?”[J]

  He notices Barbara standing behind her and asks, [J]”And who is this?”[J]

  Barbara feels intimidated by his tall stature and shaved head and folds her hands. Just as Gina is about to speak, Tommy steps in front of her and says, [J]”Boss. This is Tora Rios. I got her here to work at Dogma! We met on-line.”[J]

  Barbara bites her lower lip and gives Gina a surprised look. Ken grins at him and replies, [J]”Really?”[J]

  He gently pushes Tommy aside with his finger and begins to study Barbara's body. He asks her in English using a thick accent, “You speak Japanese, Tora?”

  Barbara quickly replies with a nervous tone in Japanese, “Yes, sir.” Ken then takes her hand and looks at it fo
r a minute. He lets go and sternly tells Gina, [J]”Her hands are rough. You need to fix that.”[J]

  Tommy slaps Barbara's buttocks hard which makes her gasp. He tells Ken in a cocky manner, [J]”She's got it where it counts, boss.”[J]

  Gina becomes concerned as she sees Barbara clenching her fist but is relieved to see that she just smiles at Tommy instead of punching him. Ken chuckles and replies, [J]”Now, Seiji! Behave yourself.”[J]

  He then looks at Barbara and says, [J]”Forgive him, Tora. He can be a brute at times. Would you like to accompany us to a sumo wrestling tournament? You and Haruka can discuss business there.”[J]

  Barbara ponders the idea of being in the company of these people and hesitates for a moment. There's no turning back now. She made this choice and now she must take this ride. Barbara bows and replies, [J]”I have never seen a tournament in person, sir. Thank you.”[J]

  Ken grins at Gina and tells her, [J]”She has good manners, too. I like her.”[J]

  Gina says while grinning at her, [J]”I like her, too. We should be on our way, my love.”[J]

  She waits for everyone to exit her home before closing the front door. Barbara is the last person to step outside. As she walks past Gina, she whispers, “He better not do that to me again.” Gina shushes her and closes the door.

  Barbara enters the limousine and sits down next to the window. Tommy quickly sits down next to her and smiles. She becomes annoyed and points her finger at him while whispering, “Watch it.”

  Ken notices this strange behavior and asks Tommy, [J]”Is something the matter?”[J]

  [J]”She's just worried about ruining Haruka's evening gown.”[J]

  He then places his hand on Barbara's knee and says, [J]”Don't worry, baby. Relax and have fun.”[J]

  She cannot believe that her knee is being touched by the hand of a murderer. But she cannot break out of character. As Barbara places her hand on top of his, she says, [J]”Okay, Seiji-san.”[J]

  Barbara then forces a smile at both Ken and Gina. Gina returns the smile and takes a sip of her champagne while being very impressed with Barbara's level of restraint. She does not approve of Tommy's obnoxious behavior, however, and gives him a furious look. This makes him shrug his shoulders and he then hands Barbara a tall glass of champagne. She snatches the champagne glass out of his hand and, while taking a big sip, is praying for this hellish nightmare to come to an end quickly. She realizes that undercover work is an important facet of law enforcement but this is different.

  Barbara does not have the luxury of having her fellow officers backing her up if things fall apart. Rather than having to make eye contact with a drugged up Tommy, she focuses her attention on the scenery outside. Barbara can easily tell when someone is under the influence of narcotics and knows that it's best not to upset him too much.

  The limousine arrives at Kokugikan, the sumo stadium located in Ryogoku. Barbara sees several muscular, well dressed men waiting outside of the vehicle. As soon as they come to a stop, one of them opens the passenger door and says to Ken, [J]”Oyabun Miyazaki is waiting for you inside, sir.”[J]

  Ken steps outside and greets him by saying, “Ohikaenasutte, shateigashira.”

  The man bows his head respectfully and says, “Ohikaenassutte.”

  Tommy steps out and grins as he says to the second lieutenant, “Ohikaenasutte, Takeshi.”

  Takeshi gives him an annoyed look and, as he slaps him on the back of his head, asks, [J]”What the fuck are you doing here?”[J]

  Barbara is the last person to step out of the limousine and makes eye contact with Takeshi. She bows her head and says, [J]”Thank you, lieutenant.”[J]

  He does not reply and continues staring at her in a suspicious manner. She begins to feel uncomfortable standing in front of this rather intimidating individual. It's almost as if he can see right through her little charade. Gina steps between them and tells him in an aggravated tone, [J]”This is Tora and she is a potential employee of Dogma, lieutenant. I certainly hope you are not making my guest feel unwanted.”[J]

  Takeshi bows his head and replies, [J]”My humble apologies, Haruka-san.”[J]

  Gina takes Barbara's hand and they proceed to walk away from Takeshi. Barbara turns her head to see that he is still giving her that creepy, suspicious stare. She looks forward and whispers to Gina, “I'm so dead.”

  Gina replies softly, “He's like that with new people. You're doing good so keep it together.”

  They both arrive at the box seats area to find Ken kneeling down on a light blue colored cushion next to his father, Ryu Miyazaki. Ryu's eyes become filled with joy at the sight of Gina's arrival and quickly rises to his feet to greet her. Gina finds his reaction to be very flattering and gives him a big smile. She says to him, [J]“Greetings, Miyazaki-san.”[J]

  Ryu takes both of her hands, kisses them and tells her, [J]”Come! Sit next to me, my dear Haruka.”[J]

  At this point, he notices that she is accompanied by a very attractive, young woman. Gina introduces her by saying, [J]”This is Tora Rios. She may be a potential actress at Dogma.”[J]

  Ryu smiles at Barbara and says, [J]”Ahhh! I am sure you will do just fine, young lady! You are very attractive!”[J]

  She blushes and replies while bowing her head, [J]”You are too kind, sir. Thank you.”[J]

  Ryu Miyazaki kneels down on his cushion and Gina kneels down right next to him. Barbara removes her high heels and kneels down on the cushion in front of Gina. Tommy rushes to her side and smiles at her while whispering, “Hey, baby.”

  She rolls her eyes and tries to ignore his bothersome presence. She suddenly gets a strange feeling that she is being watched and, instinctively, attempts to catch a glimpse of anything out of the ordinary. Without turning her head, Barbara sees two men at her lower left speaking with each other while looking at the box seating area. The younger of the two becomes enraged and slams his fist on his own lap. He then stands up and begins to run in her direction while reaching into his jacket pocket. Tommy sees this and says in a low voice, “Oh, shit.”

  Tommy stands up and a confused Ken asks, [J]”Seiji? What are you doing?”[J]

  Ken notices the angry youth running towards them and reaches for his gun. As the young man points his gun at Tommy, he screams, [J]”You killed my brother!”[J]

  A woman is heard screaming and Tommy jumps to hide behind Gina. Barbara closes her eyes, leaps in front of both of them and she hears the gunshot a second later. She screams at the burning sensation of the bullet piercing her abdomen and collapses to the floor. Ken fires his gun and shoots the boy right in the middle of his forehead instantly killing him.

  Barbara hears the entire stadium erupt with panic and sees the blurry vision of Gina's face just above her yelling something. The overwhelming noise of the crowd makes it impossible to understand what she is trying to tell her. As Barbara slowly loses consciousness, a tear rolls down her cheek and she starts hyperventilating from the fear of dying. She says to Gina, “I told you. I'm so dead.”

  Barbara coughs up blood and begins crying hysterically while whispering, “No...I don't want to die. Please.”

  Gina hugs her tightly and whispers into her ear, “You're not gonna die, Barbara. Do you hear me?”

  Barbara begins to feel numb and the noise around her gradually fades away. She hears a faint voice saying, “Thank you.” Everything becomes dark and there is nothing but silence. Is this how it feels to die?

  Barbara is awakened to the sound of a page being turned is heard and opens her eyes to become blinded by the bright light surrounding her. She grunts at the sharp pain at her side as she tries to move. A man with a British accent is heard saying, “Easy now, young lady.”

  Barbara's vision finally returns to normal and she finds herself sitting down on the passenger seat of what seems to be a commercial airliner. The man sitting beside her looks to be somewhere in his late sixties but she can tell that he keeps himself in good shape. She glances around and realizes that the plane
is completely devoid of passengers. He closes his newspaper and says to her, “You are one lucky individual. If not for Agent Stewart, you would most certainly have died that night.”

  Barbara grimaces in pain as she tries to see if there are any passengers behind them. The plane is completely empty with the exception of her and the man. She sits back down and asks in a panicked tone, “What is this? Where am I? Who are you?”

  “You're on a flight headed to JFK International in New York. I can give you false name, but I won't. Just call me X.”

  Barbara remembers that quote from the Oliver Stone film JFK and gives him a bewildered look. He laughs and says, “I'm joking, of course. My name is Gerald Hawkins.”

  She then touches her abdomen gently and then and says admittedly, “I never took a bullet for a complete stranger. To come face to face with death like that actually terrified me.”

  Gerald realizes, at this point, that her near death experience has traumatized her to a significant extent. He places his hand on hers and tells her softly, “You are a brave one, indeed. I'm glad to have someone here accompanying me on this flight.”

  The stewardess arrives and hands Gerald his vodka martini. He thanks her, takes a very small sip and says, “Exquisite.”

  Barbara is beginning to become aware that the person sitting next to her is not affiliated with the CIA or any U.S. government agency. She asks him, “Mr. Hawkins? You're not CIA...am I right?”

  Gerald takes another sip of his martini and replies without looking at her, “Never on an official capacity. My services are usually sought after by the wealthy elite.”

  Barbara immediately knows what kind of services he is referring to and says, “You're a corporate assassin.”

  “You're good.”

  “And I'm betting Gerald Hawkins isn't your real name.”

  “Right again.”

  Barbara rests her head on the pillow again and lets out a heavy sigh. She then says, “Great. I'm with another killer.”