Chapter One-hundred Fifty: Mecha Varg

Chapter 150

Mecha Varg

Celeste and Tristan were in the elevator as it ascended to the top. Tristan gazed as the numbers rose. Celeste kicked the lid off the top, climbed up, and reached down for Tristan.

Celeste: “Give me your hand!”

He knit his eyebrows and took her hand as she pulled him up. They looked up as the elevator rose.

Celeste: “Okay, it reached the top, so get ready to jump!”

She ordered and jumped off the elevator, grabbing onto the ledge. Tristan jumped off and screamed as he fell, but Celeste grabbed his hand. They watched the elevator plummet to the ground and heard the loud crash.

Tristan: “Don’t let me go, Celeste!”

He whined.

Celeste: “I’m not!”

She said firmly with some agitation in her tone as she clung onto the ledge with one hand and held onto Tristan with the other.

Celeste spotted a sign with the number “20” on it and lifted her leg to rest her foot, providing some support.

Celeste: “Can you climb up on my shoulders?”

She asked Tristan.

Tristan: “Y-Yes.”

He stammered and climbed up on her back, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.

Celeste: “I’m going to fucking kill Hiroto when we’re done…!”

She growled.

Tristan: “Sounds ideal, but I think exposing whatever Nobuyuki exposed would affect him more.”

He said coolly.

Celeste: “Okay, what is it?”

Tristan: “Likely one of his numerous extramarital affairs. It could be anyone. Take your pick.”

He said dryly.

Suddenly, the sign that Celeste had her foot on gave out and dropped to the floor. Celeste gnashed her teeth as she clung for life. Tristan’s heart hammered in his chest.

Tristan: “Oh, God! Oh, God! Oh, God!”

He said breathlessly as he clung for life onto Celeste. Celeste gnashed her teeth as she started to lose grip. Tristan panicked, and his anxiety soared.

Tristan: “Celeste, don’t let go, please!”

He panted.

Celeste: “I am trying, Tristan!”

She snapped, and her hand slipped.

Celeste: “FUCK!”

She said in a high-pitched squawk.

The elevator doors opened, and Trevor stood there eating a shawarma.

Trevor: “Do you guys need help?”

He drawled with food all over his face.

Celeste: “What do you fucking think, Trevor?!”

She barked. Trevor knelt and dropped chunks of lettuce, onions, and radishes on her face.

Celeste: “LET THAT FUCKING THING GO AND HELP US UP!”

She snapped. Trevor grabbed her hand and pulled her up, along with Tristan, to safety. Tristan clasped his hand over his chest.

Tristan: “Grâce à Dieu!”

He said in a breathy voice.

Celeste kicked the suite door down, and they entered the dark tatami suite.

Tristan: “Wouldn’t it have been better to sneak in quietly and get Jaxon?”

He whispered.

Celeste: “Nope! I’m gonna kill Hiroto!”

She stomped around and punched the sliding door down to find the room empty. Trevor zipped into the dining room and had his eyes glued to the pizza. He flopped his big ass down to chow down.

Celeste kicked another door down and saw the remnants of the destroyed bedroom with all the smashed Varg stuff. She scanned the room, and no one was in there.

Tristan quietly slid the door open and saw Nobuyuki sleeping in his king-size bed wearing a light blue night shirt and a nightcap on his head with plush Viking horns attached to it. He lay on his back snoring loudly, causing a ringing in Tristan’s ears, and his immense size took up almost all of the bed.

Tristan’s back clung to the wall as he slid across it, and he went to the nightstand. All that was on it was a clock, a lamp, Nobuyuki’s glasses, and a day planner. Tristan gingerly picked up the planner and took a peek inside to the date for tomorrow. His face went ashen. It’s in Japanese?! He thought. The time was written as “15:00.” So, three o’clock tomorrow, he thought.

He swallowed hard and knelt as he used his tiny spy camera to snap a picture of the page. He closed the book and placed it on the nightstand. He then raised his eyebrow at the drawer. He opened it and saw a small cassette inside.

Trevor opened the door.

Trevor: “Do you know where the ranch sauce is? I like to eat my pizza with it.”

He burped loudly. Nobuyuki sat up in a daze. Tristan lunged at Trevor, slamming him down on the floor with his hand over his mouth, and slid the door shut with his feet.

Nobuyuki blinked and fell back down on his bed, back to sleep.

Trevor slid his hand down Tristan’s back, and Tristan slapped him.

Tristan: “Stop that now!”

He hissed and rose to his feet, dusting himself off. Celeste marched in.

Celeste: “The Tachibanas are not here!”

She flapped her arms. Tristan pressed his forefinger to his lips.

Tristan: “Please be quiet, Celeste. I found something!”

He whispered.

Trevor: “Where’s the ranch sauce?”

Tristan: “Up your ass!”

He blurted. Trevor’s eyes widened.

Trevor: “Ooh, kinky!”

Tristan slapped him again. Trevor rubbed his sore cheek.

Celeste: “You were asking for it.”

She shrugged.

~

After visiting a nearby one-hour photo store to have the picture developed, Tristan, Celeste, and Trevor arrived at Cyber Dreams, an internet café. The room was filled with numerous computer workstations, each equipped with a CRT monitor, keyboard, and computer tower. The screens emitted a glowing blue light, illuminating the faces and immediate surroundings of the people using them. The ambient lighting in the room itself is a mix of purples, pinks, and blues, creating a cyberpunk-esque atmosphere.

Many people were seated at their stations, deeply engrossed in their computer activities.

Dominating the upper portion of the walls are several large posters featuring anime girls. After Tristan used the scanner, he sat down at one of the computers to log in to Bungle and contact Sylvia. He saw “SylviaHughes01” was offline and grimaced. He picked up his cell phone to dial her number.

Celeste: “Uh, Tristan? Why are you asking Sylvia? Why not go back to that hotel to ask one of the workers?”

She asked evenly. Tristan paused. Why didn’t I think of that? He wondered.

~

Celeste and Tristan arrived at a skyscraper with large golden lettering above the entrance as “THE WYSTERIA.” The building was constructed of light gray stone, featuring numerous rectangular windows across its upper floors.

The entrance area was particularly ornate, featuring three large, multi-paneled windows with a golden, decorative framework. Below these windows, a covered entranceway was supported by pillars, with several people visible near the doors. On each side of the main entrance, tall, illuminated lampposts stood.

Two golden, winged sculptures were mounted on the building's facade, one on each side of the “THE WYSTERIA” sign. An American flag flew from a flagpole on the top left side of the building.

Tristan and Celeste entered a lavish, spacious lobby characterized by a sophisticated and classic design. The ceiling was intricately decorated with ornate moldings and a central, patterned medallion. Large, dark columns with fluted details accentuated the space, adding to its grandeur.

The flooring featured a detailed carpet with an elaborate pattern in shades of gray and black. In the center of the room, a prominent, tall clock stood perched on a dark pedestal.

Numerous potted palm trees and other lush greenery were strategically placed throughout the area, adding a touch of natural elegance and breaking up the formality of the space.

There were various seating arrangements, including comfortable-looking armchairs and tables, for relaxation and conversation. Some people can be seen seated at these tables. The overall lighting appears warm and inviting, highlighting the rich textures and finishes of the decor.

Tristan approached the desk to check in while Celeste examined her surroundings and drew a short breath, longing for Jaxon.

~

Tristan and Celeste entered the hotel room. Tristan removed his shoes, revealing his sheer black socks, and strolled into his bedroom. Celeste drew a long breath and walked to her bedroom.

Celeste entered a stylish and modern bedroom with a sophisticated color palette. The room is dominated by shades of brown, grey, and cream, creating a calming and luxurious atmosphere.

In the center of the room was a bed with a gray upholstered headboard and a charcoal grey bedspread. The bed frame was sleek and contemporary, with a silver base.

To the left of the bed, a nightstand stood, holding a vase with floral arrangements and a unique, sculptural lamp featuring a white shade. The window on the left side of the room was covered with charcoal gray, floor-length curtains.

To the right of the bed, a circular, wooden nightstand stood, featuring a stacked, segmented design. Above this nightstand, a vertical wall sconce with a warm glow illuminated the area. Another identical sconce was on the wall to the left of the bed.

The wall behind the bed was painted a muted gray and featured a large, round piece of wall art with an intricate, textured design. The floor was covered with a plush, cream rug with a subtle, wavy pattern. The ceiling had recessed lighting, providing a soft ambient glow to the room. A doorway with a white frame and a dark handle was on the far right.

Celeste unzipped her catsuit as her big boobs spilled out, and she shrugged out of it and went into the bathroom.

When Celeste exited the bathroom in a plush Turkish robe, she looked out the window at the twinkling city lights of Apple City. Where are you, Jaxon? She wondered. Wherever you are now, I’m getting you tomorrow, she thought and gritted her teeth.

~

Tristan entered a hotel bedroom with a sophisticated and traditional design. The dominant colors were deep blue and gold, creating an opulent ambiance.

There was a large bed with crisp white linens. It had a grand, canopy-like headboard draped in rich navy blue fabric with gold accents and tassels, giving it a regal appearance. On either side of the bed, there were dark wood nightstands with classic table lamps that had off-white shades.

On the floor was a patterned blue carpet featuring lighter blue and gold motifs. The walls were off-white, with a subtle textured or patterned wallpaper.

Towards the right side of the room, a dark wood desk with an ornate design stood, accompanied by a matching blue upholstered chair with wooden legs. On the desk, there was another lamp. In front of the window, a large television was placed on a dark wood credenza.

The windows were draped with elaborate blue and gold curtains that echoed the style of the bed’s headboard, complete with valances and tie-backs.

The room was illuminated by a grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling, featuring multiple lights and crystal accents. There were also two blue upholstered armchairs near the window.

Tristan loosened his tie, unbuttoned his waistcoat and entered the bathroom.

When he exited the bathroom, he had a white Turkish robe and a towel wrapped around his head. He then loosened the towel on his head and began drying his hair. He brushed his hair and sat on one of the armchairs as he examined the note one of the hotel staff left on the picture he took of Nobuyuki’s notebook. Ginnoame Gardens, he thought. He then locked his gaze on the small cassette he found in Nobuyuki’s drawer.

~

The next day, Jaxon was being dressed by a tailor in a Montsuki Haori Hakama. Jaxon wore a black formal kimono, striped hakama pants, tabi, and zori sandals. He looked like he was dead inside and hadn’t had a wink of sleep.

The tailor draped the black haori over him and slid his arms in. He then used the haorihimo to fasten the haori jacket in the front. On the haori were five kamons of the Tachibana flower; they were placed on the back in the center below the collar, one on the back of each sleeve, above the elbow, and there were two more crests on the front panels of the haori, on either side of the chest. Jaxon gaped at himself in the mirror, thinking he was further and further away from who he is.

Hiroto stood behind him and placed his hands on Jaxon’s shoulders. Hiroto wore a black tuxedo.

Hiroto: “Remember this haori? You wore this on your first wedding and your pre-wedding pictures with Noriko. It was the wedding you didn’t show up for.”

He growled.

Hiroto: “It was your grandfather’s haori.”

He added.

Hiroto: “You look acceptable. You need to lose the nosering, hair stripe, and get a haircut before you look good. Even then.”

He scoffed. Jaxon glared at him.

Hiroto: “Do you think I wanted to marry your mother? Your grandmother and grandfather arranged our marriage, and I hated her the day I met her.”

He spat. He grabbed Jaxon’s hair and slammed him against the wall.

Jaxon: “FUCK OFF!”

He barked. Hiroto locked his hateful glare on his son.

Hiroto: “The only good thing to come out of that marriage was Ichiro, but you? Whenever I look at you, I see HER… The woman your grandmother forced me to marry!”

He slapped him hard, and Jaxon crashed to the floor.

Jaxon glared at his father with hot tears streaming down his cheeks. The men in Burger Berserker heads pointed their machetes at Jaxon.

Hiroto: “Don’t even think about pulling another stunt, Jiro.”

He straightened his tuxedo.

Hiroto: “My reputation is at stake, and you need to pull your weight to help your father. It would be the only use you’ll ever be to me.”

He scoffed.

Jaxon: “I HATE YOU! I HOPE ICHIRO KILLS YOU!”

He cried. Hiroto clicked his tongue.

Hiroto: “Ichiro would never do that.”

He scoffed.

~

They arrived at Ginnoame Gardens. There were lush green plants with some light pink flowers blooming. Large rocks were strategically placed within the landscaping, contributing to the serene aesthetic.

The entrance was a traditional “torii-style” gate, with a distinctive tiled roof. To the right of the gate, a conventional stone ishidōrō stood tall. The ground throughout the path and surrounding areas was covered in light-colored gravel, creating a clean and inviting pathway.

They met with Yvette, who wore a shiromiku, tabi socks, and zori sandals, and a tsunokakushi on her head. She beamed giddily like a schoolgirl.

Yvette: “All my dreams are coming true!”

She beamed with happy tears in her eyes. Jaxon was forced beside her, looking dead inside and glaring at them all with hatred. Nobuyuki wore a navy blue haori-hakama pants ensemble and held a red wagasa over Yvette’s head as they walked to the venue. Shinto priests playing shakuhachi and ryuteki flutes followed Yvette and Jaxon as they walked to the venue, with their parents and guests trailing behind them.

They strolled over the Japanese wooden bridge, which had a koi fish pond beneath it. They arrived at a luxurious traditional Japanese Inn, or Kominka, venue. It had wooden panels and bamboo walls at the entrance archway. Black slated roofs and gables were perched on top of it, resembling a temple. Japanese red maple trees and sakura trees surrounded the venue.

Jaxon heard Celeste’s voice call his name. Hiroto grimaced and nodded his head to the direction of the voice at the men in the Burger Berserker heads. They ran in that direction.

Jaxon: “NO! Don’t you DARE touch her!”

He barked. Hiroto glared at Jaxon and clenched his fists. The men drew their blades at Celeste. She swiped at them with a nagamaki in her hands, slicing them in half and getting blood and guts all over the pathway. Tristan shrieked and drew back as blood spattered on his shoes.

Celeste: “JAXON!”

She roared.

Jaxon: “CELESTE!”

Hiroto gnashed his teeth. He looked beseechingly at Nobuyuki, hoping he would do something.

Yvette grinned smugly. Suddenly, the ground shook under their feet.

Hiroto: “I-Is that a Reonaquake?”

He screamed and took over.

The ground shook again, harder this time, as something drew nearer. The sun was blocked out by a large shadow looming over them. Large, metallic feet pounded the ground as a towering one-thousand-pound mechanical nightmare resembling “Varg the Viking” stomped up to them, trampling trees and knocking over trees, sending off car alarms. It looked like a mecha robot from a cheesy Saturday morning cartoon brought to life. It turned to lock its eyes on them. It slowly raised its arm, blaring a giant carnyx horn, preparing for battle. The unsettling chant of throat singers blared on speakers with the obnoxious theme song, and the mechanical giant slowly raised its other arm with an axe, declaring war. Tristan’s jaw dropped, and Celeste bared her teeth. Jaxon cupped his mouth and turned to Yvette, who had a smug smirk on her face.

Jaxon: “WHAT THE FUCK, NORIKO?!”

He barked.

Yvette: “No one is going to ruin our wedding, Jiro-kun!”

She giggled.

The Varg robot swung its ax down into the ground, causing it to shake. Celeste jumped out of the way, and Tristan slid out of the way on an ice path he created. Celeste and Tristan glared at the Varg robot.

Tristan: “Celeste, you have to slice the arm wielding the ax off! I can give you a boost on an ice pillar!”

He said doggedly.

Celeste: “Got it!”

She jumped ahead of him.

Jaxon: “CELESTE!”

He cried out to her as Hiroto grabbed him.

Celeste: “NO, JAXON!”

She cried and ran to him as the Varg robot’s ax came crashing down. Tristan shrieked and spread his arms to create an ice barrier where the ax embedded itself.

Tristan: “CELESTE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

He shrieked as she charged after Jaxon and Hiroto.

Hiroto pressed a blade to Jaxon’s neck. Celeste halted in her tracks. Jaxon looked down at the blade with fear in his eyes.

Hiroto: “You think I will let some foolish American slut tarnish my reputation!? Jiro is going to marry Noriko! My word is final!”

He bellowed at her. Jaxon shut his eyes tightly as he felt the cold blade press harder into his flesh. Celeste angrily panted, and her violet eyes burned with anger at Hiroto.

Hiroto: “Now to get rid of that American whore of yours, Jiro—”

He began and froze. Tristan stood behind him as he froze Hiroto. Jaxon blinked. He swallowed hard. Celeste carefully pulled Jaxon through his arm and kicked Hiroto down.

Jaxon: “CELESTE!”

He wrapped his arms around her, and a red glow surrounded them as he healed her.

Yvette: “NO! HE’S MINE! ATTACK THE AMERICAN GIRLFRIEND, VARG!”

She commanded. The Varg robot stomped toward them.

Celeste: “Create the ice pillar, Tristan.”

Tristan: “Of course!”

She drew her nagamaki. An ice pillar shot up from the ground toward the Varg robot. Celeste lunged, lifted the sword over her head, and jumped down, swinging the blade down, crashing on the arm holding the ax and slicing it off. The robot’s tinny voice screamed and stomped around, shaking the ground. The arm and ax hand fell onto the venue, destroying it.

Tristan and Jaxon held each other close as the ground shook. Tristan glued his eyes onto its large metallic feet. Celeste jumped down and slashed the blade through the air.

Tristan: “Celeste, jump up and stick your sword into one of its feet!”

He ordered.

Celeste: “You got it!”

Tristan: “Back us up, Jaxon.”

Jaxon nodded. Tristan’s hands rose. Celeste jumped into the air and landed with the tip of the blade pointed downward, until it crashed into the giant foot. Tristan created large icicles and sent them crashing down onto the other foot. The robot began playing the chorus of the theme song on an endless loop.

Yvette: “NOOOOO! VARG!”

She cried as she ran toward the robot.

A large iceberg formed above the robot’s head. Tristan gnashed his teeth as he formed the mass of ice.

Tristan: “As soon as it crashes down, we have to run!”

Celeste grabbed Jaxon and carried him into her arms.

Yvette: “NOOOOOO!!! JIRO-KUUUUUUN!”

She wailed as she ran after them.

Celeste jumped down the cliff with Jaxon in her arms, and Tristan descended with them on a pillar of ice. Jaxon clung to her as she jumped down and landed on the ground with cat-like finesse.

The iceberg crashed down with a loud shattering, erupting into flames. The ice cracked and melted as the fire burned. The fire charged after Yvette. She screamed and shielded herself.

Suddenly, she was scooped up, and her eyes snapped open to see her father, Nobuyuki, carrying her into his arms and setting her down on the ground. His haori-hakama ensemble was just rags, resembling a loincloth, and evoking the image of a Viking warrior.

Yvette: “DADDY!”

She cried.

~

Celeste, Jaxon, and Tristan looked behind them at the smoke billowing in the air. They heard stones tumbling down and saw Hiroto, his tuxedo torn and tattered, resembling a wild animal.

Hiroto: “JIROOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! GET BACK TO THAT WEDDING NOW!”

He rasped and reached out to him, clawing at the air. Jaxon backed away, and Celeste stood before him protectively.

Tristan: “The ruse is up, Hiroto.”

He said coolly. Hiroto froze, his head turning to Tristan, his eyes widening with horror.

Tristan: “The video where your secretary is performing oral sex on you with Vanessa dressed as a heart is public now.”

He smirked. Hiroto’s jaw dropped.

Hiroto: “No…”

He said in a tiny voice and sank to the ground.

He turned to Jaxon and glared contemptuously at him. He scrambled to his feet and charged after him with a tanto.

Hiroto: “JIRO! YOU BASTAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD!”

Celeste shot in front of Jaxon and gave a brutal headbutt to Hiroto, breaking several of his teeth, his glasses, and his nose. He fell back onto the ground and passed out. Celeste stood over him and spat on him. Jaxon looked away and wrapped his arms around Celeste.

They heard footsteps behind them and saw Trevor.

Trevor: “Wow, Tristan, you owned Hiroto! I was thinking the guy who delivers your Chinese food would do that!”

He laughed. Jaxon, Celeste, and Tristan gaped mutely at him.

Celeste: “Why would he do that? I don’t think he knows us.”

She scratched her head.

Trevor: “Oh, I read it from my favorite comic called ‘Dorm Dumbasses’ where the pizza girl is the one who defeats the final boss instead of the main characters!”

He drawled and scratched his ass. Celeste, Tristan, and Jaxon blinked. Tristan drew a long breath and shook his head.

Tristan: “Trevor, could you try to find better reading material? That deplorable writing is rotting your brain.”

Jaxon: “I think his brain was rotten before he read that crap.”

He muttered.

Tristan: “Perhaps I should have added ‘more’ to the sentence.”

He replied as they watched Trevor spin around to try to see if he could check out his own ass.

~

Trevor teleported Celeste, Jaxon, and Tristan back to Pink Top City. Celeste and Jaxon entered their house with Tristan following them. Jaxon kicked off his zori sandals and removed his tabi socks, then crashed on his couch. Celeste sat with him and cuddled him. He put his arm around her.

Jaxon: “Ahhhh, feels so good to be home with my green queen.”

He sighed.

Jaxon: “Thank you both.”

He said earnestly. Tristan smiled a bit. Jaxon untied his haorihimo and started to shrug out of his haori, until he felt something in one of the inside pockets.

He pulled out an envelope. The envelope had “二朗” on it, which said, “Jiro.” Jaxon opened the letter, which was written in Japanese. He read it.

Dear Jiro,

Today is your wedding day, the day you’ll get married! I couldn’t be more proud of you. You grew up to be a very handsome young man. You look very handsome in your haori and formal kimono for your wedding picture with Noriko.

You were always kind, respectful, polite, and generous. One of the best days of my life was when you were born. You were the prettiest baby I ever saw. When they wheeled you to your mother, you looked up, observing your surroundings. I named you Jiro after I held you in my arms. I knew you would be the one to lead this family.

However, I noticed a change in your demeanor lately. Your grades are poor, you seem listless, and depressed. The one caring young man doesn’t seem to care too much anymore. I have a hunch this has to do with your betrothal to Noriko. I want you to know if you’re unhappy with Noriko and don’t want to go through with the wedding. Let me know. I will discuss this with your father. I don’t want you to be unhappy, Jiro.

I always loved you; I want you to be happy and live your best life. If that means finding someone else, then I will support you.

I love you, my handsome grandson.

Love,

Grandma (Chiyo)

Jaxon stood still for a moment, and the air between them fell silent. Jaxon’s hands trembled as he held the paper in his grip. A warm drop of water fell onto the page, making the ink run.

Jaxon: “I… never got her letter…”

He began in a shade above a whisper. He spoke slowly with restraint, and his mind swarmed with a miasma of thoughts and feelings.

Jaxon: “All this time… she knew and she cared.”

He pursed his lips and flinched, looking away.

Jaxon: “The only family who cared got murdered because of me!”

He stammered, gripping his fists tightly on the couch as if he were drowning and he was hanging on for his dear life. Celeste rested her head on his lap. Tristan drew a long breath.

Tristan: “It’s not your fault, Jaxon…”

He said gently and sat with him, putting his hand on his shoulder.

~

That night, Jaxon hung his grandfather’s kimono and haori on a kimono hanger in his closet. He wore his silk dragon robe and heaved a deep sigh. He gazed at it sadly and then glanced down at his letter from his grandmother. Celeste entered the closet in her kitty robe and wrapped her arms around Jaxon. Jaxon put his arm around her and kissed her head.

~

Tristan sat in Deimos’ backyard patio, snuggling Deimos and not wanting to let him go after he returned home from his trip. Deimos wore an Ozzy Osbourne tank top, torn jeans, and cowboy boots. He gave Tristan the box set with the various tea blends. Tristan’s eyes lit up.

Tristan: “Deimos! These are so lovely—thank you!”

He said with stars in his eyes. Deimos smiled and kissed his head, and then the two locked lips.

Deimos: “I couldn’t stop thinking about you…”

He whispered. Tristan smiled.

Tristan: “Same with you, too…”

Deimos: “I wish I had asked you to come with me… It was lonely out there.”

He raked his fingers through his snow white tresses. Tristan closed his eyes.

Tristan: “I bet… I wanted to come, but you insisted on doing this alone.”

He trailed his fingers over Deimos’ chest. Deimos shivered.

Deimos: “I wish I didn’t. I think I had to endure doing it alone to see that I need you.”

He admitted and grasped Tristan’s soft, slender hand. He pressed his lips to it. Tristan melted to his touch.

Deimos saw a scrape on Tristan’s arm. He was going to inquire about it, but decided not to. He was glad to have his man in his arms. He placed his hand over it and healed it quickly, continuing to hold Tristan.