Kiro and Raiji enter the big church.
The doors are heavier than they look thick wood banded with iron. They swing shut behind them with a low thud.
Inside, the air is cool. Almost cold. Incense smoke curls up from brass holders near the altar, sweet and cloying. The ceiling arches high above, painted with scenes Kiro doesn't bother to study.
They sit down at the very back. Last row. Close to the exit.
The church is packed. Rows and rows of people heads bowed, hands folded, murmuring prayers under their breath.
Kiro: "This place is packed. Suspicious. Full."
Raiji: "Have you never been in one? It should be full. Everyone thinks their leader is a great guy. I do too."
Kiro: "I know that. It's just... this amount?" He scans the room. "Screams scam. Or false words."
Raiji: "Ahh. I see."
He doesn't argue. Just watches the crowd with new eyes.
The pastor steps up to the podium. Raises his hands. The room settles instantly—like a wave pulling back from the shore.
Pastor: "Settle down. I'm back after the break. Now... where did I stop?"
He pauses. Smiles that same clean smile.
Pastor: "If you give money... be ready to receive double."
The crowd murmurs in approval. Hands reach for purses. Coins clink.
Kiro and Raiji exchange a look.
Meanwhile, the ladies.
Veyra and Aurora walk down a different street wider here, lined with shops. Colorful awnings stretch over the walkways. Mannequins in windows wear dresses, suits, armor pieces, and things that blur the line between fashion and function.
VEYRA: "That's a good spot. We should buy some good clothes. Like... good ones. To fight in."
Aurora coughs.
Aurora: "You mean dresses. Girls wear dresses. Or stylish things. Battle clothes we can get on the side. So... who's paying?"
VEYRA: "Kiro is. I took a bit of his credits. His credit chips. About 15k." She shrugs. "He never notices."
Aurora laughs bright and sharp.
Aurora: "You're too much. Stop picking on him."
They enter the first shop. Bells chime above the door.
Rows of clothes and dresses. They walk through the shop, fabric brushing against their shoulders. The air smells like new cotton and faint perfume.
They stop at the dress section.
Aurora: "What about this one? It's sleek and nice. For your downtime outings like this. Just need a color. What about orange or red? Match your hair."
Veyra: "I'll choose both."
Aurora browses through a similar rack, pulling hangers aside one by one.
Aurora: "Nice. I think I'll match you in style. Just a bit different."
She finds one. Shiny at the waist. Blue her color.
Aurora: "This one."
Next something to work in. Something to get messy in.
They move to the cheaper section. Rougher fabric. Darker colors. Clothes meant to be used, not admired.
A man stands there. Suit. Sleek, slicked-back hair. He stands like he owns the room—but his eyes are polite.
Gentleman (smooth voice): "How may I help you ladies today?"
Aurora: "Any car work uniforms for girls? That look nice?"
Gentleman: "This way, ladies."
He leads them to a back rack.
Gentleman: "This is best. Got the overalls. Belt to put your stuff in."
Veyra: "Perfect. We'll take it."
The gentleman notes the growing pile on the counter. Big purchase.
Gentleman: "Is that all?"
Veyra: "Do you know any place where they do plumbing? For a big project?"
The gentleman thinks for a moment, then nods.
Gentleman: "Oh yes, I do. Other part of the city. There's a big neon sign says 'Big Water Works. We the Future.' Can't miss it."
He starts ringing them up. The register clicks and hums.
Back at the church.
Kiro and Raiji are about to leave.
The assistant pastor walks up to them, holding a small green chip reader.
Assistant Pastor: "Hello again. You're leaving, right? Are you willing to donate to the poor and homeless? It goes to a good cause."
Kiro: "No. Not right now. We've got things to do."
Raiji: "Maybe next time."
Assistant Pastor: "What a shame. Bob—around the street—really needs it. He lost his house recently." He tilts his head. "What would Jesus do?"
Kiro: "Give the money directly to him. Fine. Just to get you off my back. Here's 5k."
He scans his chip.
Both of them leave.
They stand outside and read a sign in the distance—big glowing letters:
BIG WATER WORKS. WE THE FUTURE.
Raiji: "Isn't that the place, Kiro? We should go for the pipes."
Kiro smiles.
Kiro: "Let's go then."
Inside the church, the pastor and assistant pastor speak freely.
Pastor: "We made bank today. Scammed those fools big time."
Assistant Pastor: "Maybe we can con them into coming again. They don't seem strong. We could rob their ship too leave them stuck in this city. Right, Pastor Rick?"
They laugh.
But Kiro and Raiji are still outside. They overheard everything.
They head back inside.
Raiji: "Let me guess you're mad. And I can't stop you. Let's go in the back."
Kiro: "Yep. Nobody steals from us without paying. It was 5k. Make it 10k. And an extra 5k for wasting my time."
They head to the back.
They slow walk forward.
Two bodyguards step in front of them big men, thick arms, cold eyes.
Bodyguard 1: "Whoa. Stop. You should go to the front. That's the entrance. Follow the believers."
Raiji yawns.
Raiji: "I'm tired. Need a nap after this."
The bodyguard points to the back.
Bodyguard 1: "Yeah. Front. Follow"
Kiro cracks his knuckles.
Kiro: "Get out of the way."
Raiji takes out his blade.
Raiji: "No, Kiro. Let me. You're the mayor."
Kiro looks at him. Keeps walking. Nods.
Bodyguard 1: "No. This is not the place for fights."
Raiji: "Shut up, scammer."
Slice.
A diagonal straight line across both their necks. Blood gushes. They fall.
Bodyguard 2: "Who are you"
They walk past.
Raiji stops to loot the bodies.
Raiji: "Only 2k each? No fair. They just got paid."
They walk in.
Kiro scans the room.
Kiro: "Okay, listen up. Where's your head scammer?"
Raiji doesn't speak. He just swings his blade one clean slice. The whole wall collapses with a loud BANG. Dust explodes into the air. Splinters fly.
People next to them stare, frozen in shock.
The pastor looks behind him.
Pastor: "What's going on"
The crowd starts to scream. They get up and run.