hsguma

The first time we met, should I have assumed you three were a trap laid by one of my enemies, or assassins out to kill me?

I'm an Oni who destroyed my own home. I had no choice but to come here to Lungmen. At first, I didn't think I could fit in, I only wanted to be alone.

It was my Leungyi brothers who took me around the skyscrapers and busy streets to try char siu, lou seoi, and curry finballs.

I used to have trouble getting the Lungmen dialect tones right, and you guys were the ones who helped me practice.

And Mr. Lin? He's never stabbed me in the back.

So I have to trust him. Otherwise...

Ah Sam trembles. He knows what she isn't saying.

Wanna bet? You won't last more than half a year at the L.G.D. You'll leave and never want to come back again.

I'm not taking your bet.

You scared?

No, I'm already playing.

I know, you're betting Lungmen will be kind to you.

But I know how scary it is to lose this bet, and I'm scared of seeing you lose.

I'm scared of seeing the fearless Madame Oni who only just learned how we talk... get stabbed in the back and become miserable again.

Even if it costs my life, I won't let you play on their table!

I just can't bear to see them bully you, Madame Oni.

Ah Sam, let's not be rash—

Ah Sam walks backwards, again and again, until his heel hits air.

He is now truly at a loss.

And so, under the alcohol's influence, he makes up his mind and falls backwards—

His collar is firmly grabbed, and his face slapped.

Are you crazy?!

The feeling of weightlessness dispels most of his tipsiness.

I—

Enough! Go downstairs, all of you! I'll personally see you three home tonight, safe and sound!

ID, notebook, passport photo, and forms... they're all here.

Madame Oni—I mean, Officer Hoshiguma!

Ah Sam?!

What are you doing here? Not trying to climb back up again, are you—

What are you talking about? I drank too much last night. And thinking back, it was my fault.

So what are you doing here?

So you're the Hoshiguma who's been sent our way?

I am.

And those guys behind you? Here to sign on too?

They—

Sir, we're triads Officer Hoshiguma arrested on her way to work today!

Officer Hoshiguma swept all three of us off our feet in one move. Three bad dudes on her first day, sounds pretty awesome, right...?

(Whispering) Dumb Tau, no one's gonna believe that!

Pfft, just get outta here already.

We're real triads! We got plenty of cash on us too, you know. Arrest us and you can pick our pockets while you pad your records—

Chief Wei only just put out these new law enforcement guidelines, and here you are trying to bribe me?

Fine, you got us, so why not give me a good whack with your stick?

My stick? What are you talking about? Oh, I know. You're baiting me. I hit you, you write a complaint to the L.G.D., and I lose my job. Right?

What?

I see you're really itching for a beating though. Let's have Hoshiguma here take care of that.

Me?

Just tell me 'these three bastards were harassing me', and I'll have grounds to toss them in the can for a few days of reflection. What do you think?

Ah Hsiang and Daai Tau run away.

Ah Sam also moves to go, but he turns back to look at Hoshiguma once more before he flees.

Hoshiguma returns his gaze.

That bet. Do you think I'll win or lose now?

I don't know, but...

I can at least dare to hope you win, Madame Oni.

Thanks for believing in me.

But... if, and I'm saying if...

If you really do lose, don't forget us. We'll always be here, waiting, you get me?

...I won't forget.

The L.G.D. entrance is minimally decorated, but the dazzling simplicity almost has Ah Sam's eyes watering.

He does not dare to look at this place any longer, and wipes his face quickly. He bows slightly in Hoshiguma's direction, and runs toward Downtown, back to his brothers.

That was so weird. Were those thugs trying to cozy up to you?

I'm telling you, you don't have to save their faces, these useless dregs—

They're my brothers.

Huh?

So you...

Yup.

They're my brothers. Always have been.