Chapter 37 — "Down the Rabbit Hole"
(Act 2 — Playing for Time)
The shrine smelled of incense and wet stone. Neon reflections rippled on puddles near the cracked pavement as Alaric arrived — alone, by choice. His coat hung heavy with concealed firepower, his stance loose, but eyes razor-sharp.
Takemura waited at the steps, arms folded. He gave a sharp nod.
"Thank you for coming."
Alaric smirked.
"You sent the invite, Corpo. I'm just polite."
From the shadows behind Takemura, a figure emerged — masked, armored in Arasaka black. Oda.
His cold eyes locked onto Alaric.
"You're the one carrying Johnny Silverhand," Oda said flatly. "You should be dead."
Alaric stepped forward, unblinking.
"Disappointed I'm not?"
Oda's hand twitched near his katana hilt.
Takemura placed a firm hand on Oda's shoulder.
"He is… an ally. For now."
Oda's eyes narrowed to slits.
"A mercenary? An ally?" He scoffed. "He reeks of filth."
Alaric chuckled, taking a slow step closer — daring.
"Funny… That stink's probably your master's breath. Tell Yorinobu I said hi."
Oda's grip tightened. His mouth opened—
"Enough!" Takemura barked, stepping between them.
For a tense moment, no one moved. The air crackled.
Then — a low chuckle echoed in Alaric's head.
Johnny. Arms crossed, smirking ghostlike beside him.
"Picking fights with cyber-ninjas now? You really wanna die on every hill."
Alaric flicked his eyes aside.
"Stay in your lane, Johnny. I'll handle my dance partners."
Johnny smirked.
"Sure. Can't wait for the encore when this all blows up in your face."
Alaric refocused on Oda.
"I'm not your enemy. Not yet." He smirked. "But keep flapping your mouth, and I might change my mind."
Oda exhaled slowly, stepped back.
Takemura gave a slow nod.
"We proceed. For now."
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Later…
A brief flicker on Alaric's holo. A message.
Evelyn: "Be careful, big guy. Don't get cut in half before I get to ride you again." 💋
Seconds later —
Judy: "Hey… just… watch your back, alright? We're waiting."
Alaric smiled faintly, sliding the holo off.
He whispered to himself —
"I'll come back… Always."
(Shit! Did I just set my own death flag??)
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[System Alert — Main Quest Updated: "Gimme Danger"]
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