Eun-Young Han Ch.5: "Alliance in the Ashes"

Eun-Young Han sat alone at the small kitchen table in their rundown apartment, the early morning light casting long shadows across the room. The apartment was cramped and dilapidated, with peeling wallpaper and a faint mildew odor. The sparse furnishings consisted of mismatched chairs and a table that wobbled lightly. The once-vibrant curtains now hung limply; their colors faded from years of neglect. Her hands were clasped tightly around a faded photograph of her mentor, Kim Ji-Min, her stern yet encouraging gaze staring back at her. The silence was heavy, filled only by the distant hum of the city coming to life outside. She traced the photograph's edges with her thumb, memories of her training flooding back.

Eun-Young Han: (Whispering to herself) I failed them. We needed that victory. How do I face them now?

She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. The sting of her loss to Drake Nygma was still fresh, each thought of it like a dagger twisting in her heart. She knew what was at stake—their livelihood, their safety, and the future of their group.

Eun-Young Han: (Whispering to herself) We needed this. We needed the money. What do I tell them?

The creak of the apartment door opening interrupted her thoughts. She didn't need to look up to know it was Lim; his presence always filled the room with frustration and determination.

Lim entered, his expression hard and unforgiving. He saw Eun-Young deep in thought and seized the moment to confront her. The frustration in his eyes was clear, and he wasted no time in voicing his anger. His broad shoulders and imposing frame seemed to take up the entire doorway, and his movements were tense as if barely containing a simmering rage.

Lim: Your loss has made our situation even worse. How do you plan to fix this?

Eun-Young met his gaze with a mix of guilt and defiance. She had expected this, but it didn't make it easier to face. The weight of leadership bore heavily on her, and Lim's words only intensified her self-doubt.

Eun-Young Han: I did everything I could. Nygma was just... stronger this time.

Lim: Stronger? Or maybe you’re just not cut out for this. We’re running out of money, and your failure is a sign of weakness.

Eun-Young's resolve hardened. She refused to let his words break her, even though they stung more than she cared to admit. She squared her shoulders, trying to project an air of confidence she didn't feel.

Hyun-Sik Hwang and Dong-Hyun Moon entered, followed by the informant. The atmosphere was tense, with everyone aware of the underlying conflict. Hwang, the group's strategist, moved with deliberate calm, his eyes sharp and calculating. On the other hand, Moon exuded quiet strength, and his muscular build was a testament to years of rigorous training.

Hwang: We need to focus on the bigger picture. The Yakuza informant has been invaluable, and we need to protect him. He's our only ear to the ground regarding that problem.

Moon: The Yakuza won’t stop until they get him and hurt us. We need to stay united.

The informant, visibly nervous, shifted uneasily. He was a slight Japanese man, his clothes rumpled and face pale. The weight of the secrets he carried was evident in his jittery movements and darting eyes.

Informant: It won't be long till they try something again. We need to find a new location that they don't know about.

Lim: Thanks to Lim here, any chance of us getting out of this shit-hole has evaporated.

Eun-Young Han: Should I remind you that it was your actions that put us thousands of dollars in debt in fines to Ultimate Wrestling?

Lim: Bah!

The group's anxiety increased as they realized the full extent of their predicament. Protecting the informant was crucial, but so was finding a way to survive and thrive despite their recent setbacks. The room seemed to close around them, and the walls reminded them of their precarious situation.

The group gathered around the table to discuss their financial situation. Eun-Young acknowledged the impact of losing the championship, the weight of their circumstances pressing down on her. The table was cluttered with papers and old bills, a testament to their ongoing financial struggles.

Eun-Young Han: Losing the title means we’ve lost a significant source of income. We need to find a way to compensate.

Lim: And how do you propose we do that? We’re barely scraping by as it is.

Hwang: We need to win at the Pay Per View later this month against Sato, Valora, Dresden, and that ridiculous masked vigilante. The prize money for that match is enormous.

Moon: This was always the mission anyway. We came to Japan to crush them; if we do this, we kill two birds with one stone.

As the day turned to evening, Eun-Young prepared for her upcoming match against Katrielle Hale. Her mind was occupied with thoughts of the fight and the additional pressure it brought. She knew that a win could improve their situation, at least temporarily. The small room she used for training was sparsely furnished, with a worn-out punching bag hanging from the ceiling and a few weights scattered around.

Eun-Young Han: I can’t afford to lose again. Not this time.

Lim: (entering the room) Worrying about that match won’t help us now. We have bigger problems.

Eun-Young Han: This match is important. Winning could bring us the attention and money we need.

Lim: If you win. And what if you don’t? What then?

Eun-Young Han: Then we find another way. But I won’t give up, and neither should you.

The tension between them remained high, but there was a grudging respect in Lim's eyes as he left her to continue her preparations. She wrapped her hands in tape, her movements methodical and precise, each wrapped a reminder of the battles she had fought and the ones yet to come.

Late that evening, the group gathered in the apartment, fortifying their living space and setting up makeshift defenses. The informant’s presence had painted a target on their backs, and they knew the Yakuza wouldn’t rest until they had what they wanted. They moved urgently, stacking furniture against the doors and windows, turning their home into a fortress.

Eun-Young Han: We need to be ready for anything. The Yakuza won’t stop until they get what they want.

Lim: For once, I agree. But we can’t stay here forever.

Hwang: We’ll protect the informant and find a safer place.

Moon: It’s risky but our best option. We need to move quickly.

The anxiety was palpable, but their determination to survive and protect each other was unwavering. They knew they had to stay strong and united, no matter what. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows, highlighting the grim resolve etched on their faces.

The Yakuza launched their attack late that night. The sound of glass shattering and the crackle of flames filled the air as Molotov cocktails were thrown through the windows, striking the furniture they barricaded them with. The apartment was quickly engulfed in flames and chaos. The heat was intense, and the acrid smell of smoke filled the air, making it hard to breathe.

Eun-Young Han: They’re here! Everyone, get ready!

The group fought desperately to defend their home. The room was filled with shouts and the sounds of struggle as they fended off the attackers. The informant cowered in a corner, his face pale with fear.

Moon: We can’t let them through!

Hwang: Protect the informant! We need him alive!

The leader of the small Yakuza group was Takeshi Nakamura, who was third in command under the infamous Etsuji Yamamoto. He snarled from outside, his voice dripping with malice, frustrated that Moon and Hwang had injured so many of his men the previous week.

Yakuza Leader: If we can’t get in, we’ll smoke you out!

The heat and smoke became unbearable as the flames spread. Eun-Young knew they had to escape. The fire roared like a beast, consuming everything in its path.

Eun-Young Han: They’re setting the place on fire! We need to get out now!

Lim: No shit! We need to move!

They desperately escaped through the back of the building, carrying their most essential belongings and the informant. The air was thick with smoke, and their lungs burned as they navigated the narrow alleys, trying to stay ahead of the Yakuza. The night was dark, the streets empty and foreboding.

Eun-Young Han: Stay low and move fast! We can’t afford to get trapped in here!

Lim: This isn’t over... they'll pay for this...

Moon: Just keep moving! We can’t let them catch us!

Hwang: We’re almost there! Don’t stop now!

The distant sounds of fire engine sirens and the occasional gunshot faded as they finally reached a safe location. They collapsed to the ground, exhausted and coughing from the smoke. The reality of their situation set in— they were now homeless. They needed a new plan and allies. The informant lay gasping, his face a mask of terror and relief.

Eun-Young Han: We have to find somewhere else to hide.

Moon: Agreed. But where do we go?

Hwang: We need to reach out to potential allies. The Russians might be able to help.

Moon: It’s risky, but it’s our best option. We need to move quickly.

The group’s unity was tested, but their determination to survive and protect each other was strengthened. They gathered their belongings, ready to move to a safer location and seek out potential allies. The night was eerily quiet as they watched what they'd called home for the last 2 months burn to the ground. The distant sounds of sirens reminded them of the chaos they had left behind.

Moon: That place was never a home...

Hwang: We’ll find a safer place, regroup, and figure out what to do next.

Eun-Young Han: Stay together. Stay strong. We’ll make it through this.

Lim: Lead the way, Han. Let's see where the next cowardly plan you set in motion gets us.

Moon: Enough Lim! Han is trying her best! None of us ever thought Ultimate Wrestling would get involved in a war with the Yakuza!

They left the burning apartment behind, their steps heavy with determination and the hope of finding new allies in their fight for survival. The streets of Tokyo were dark and treacherous, but together, they would face whatever came next. The path ahead was uncertain, but their resolve was unshakeable.

Later That Night

The group's resolve hardened as they moved through the shadowed streets of Tokyo, their destination clear. The Russians were their only hope now. The streets were quiet, the usual hustle and bustle of the city muted by the late hour. The group moved purposefully, their senses heightened by the lingering adrenaline from their narrow escape.

They arrived at a nondescript GYM on the city's outskirts, its exterior giving little away. Moon knocked on the heavy metal door, echoing in the stillness. A moment later, a slot in the door slid open, revealing a pair of cold, scrutinizing eyes.

Moon: We need to see Mordokrov. Tell him it's urgent.

The slot closed, and they waited in tense silence. The seconds felt like hours until the door creaked open, and they were ushered inside by Svetlana Kazakova, who stared at them sternly while smoking a cigarette. The gym interior starkly contrasted with the dingy exterior—clean, organized, and well-stocked compared to the equipment that had been supplied to them by Rupert Mudcock.

It was obvious to all four North Koreans that the Russian government was funding the entire operation. The group was led to an elevator that took them to the basement. When the doors opened, it revealed how much the Russians were involved. The four were blown away by the Russian war room, equipped with a supercomputer, weapons, and a giant high-tech table projecting a holographic map of Japan in 3D in front of Mordokrov, who sat at the center of the table with a commanding presence.

Mordokrov: Why are you here?

Eun-Young Han: We need your help. The Yakuza are after us, and we have nowhere else to turn. They burned down our apartment after failing to take us out like they have some of the other wrestlers on the Ultimate Wrestling roster.

Mordokrov studied them momentarily before responding, his voice measured.

Mordokrov: And why should I help you? What do you have to offer in return?

Eun-Young Han: We can be valuable allies. We have information and skills and can help you with your true mission.

Mordokrov raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. He's begun to doubt the men and women he'd been assigned. Viktor Zlovred had become a shell of himself since being sprayed in the face by Yume Kui Mei. In his eye, Barsa and Olga were unreliable. Barsa seemed too moral a soul to be informed of their true mission concerning Boris Drago and Dasha Ivanova.

Mordokrov: My mission, you say? And what do you know of my mission?

Eun-Young hesitated, choosing her words carefully.

Eun-Young Han: We know you're here to show the Russian people that you are stronger than the Capitalist American wrestlers Rupert Mudcock has on his roster. Our goals align. We want to see them fall, too. Especially Valora Salinas and Takuma Sato.

Mordokrov considered her words, then nodded.

Mordokrov: There is more to my mission than this, but you must earn that information. Very well. But know this—I am in charge here. You follow my orders if I put a roof over your heads and protect you from the Yakuza. Is that understood?

Before anyone could respond, Lim stepped forward, his posture aggressive.

Lim: I don't take orders from anyone. I'm the son of Emperor Kim Jung-Un, and I am of royal blood! Who do you think you are to speak to me like this Russian!

Mordokrov's eyes narrowed, and instantly, he closed the distance between them. Without a word, he delivered a brutal punch to Lim's gut, doubling him over. Mordokrov followed with precise, powerful kicks to his jaw and face, leaving Lim a bloody mess on the floor. The group watched in stunned silence as Mordokrov stood over him, his expression unchanging.

Mordokrov: Let this be a lesson to you BASTARD! I do not tolerate insubordination. You either fall in line, or you face the consequences. I don't care if your father was Emperor of North Korea... the truth is your mother was whore! If you want the status that your father's family earned in the eyes of Tsar Putin and I, you will earn it. Otherwise, get the fuck out of my building and go find a dumpster to sleep in!

Eun-Young stepped forward, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides. She knew the rumors of how Mikhail had earned the title Chernyy Kostyor and had no intention of invoking any more of his darker persona.

Eun-Young Han: We understand. We'll follow your lead.

Mordokrov nodded, satisfied.

Mordokrov: Good. Now, let's discuss how we can assist each other.

As Moon and Hwang helped Lim to his feet, Mordokrov gestured for the group to sit. They gathered around a large table, the tension thick and palpable. Mordokrov outlined his plan, his voice low and deliberate.

Mordokrov: Our primary goal is to show the Russian people that the traitors Dasha and Boris are weak and punish them for their public stance against Tasar Putin. During their time in Ultimate Wrestling, they garnered great respect and influence amongst our people, which must be corrected.

Eun-Young nodded, absorbing his words. This alliance was their best chance at survival, even if it meant submitting to Mordokrov's authority.

Mordokrov: Our second goal is to cripple as many of the American wrestling heroes Rupert Mudcock has on his roster and bring as many of their precious championship belts back to Russia. You will assist us in this mission. In return, I will provide you shelter, resources, protection, and legal Russian citizenship.

Eun-Young Han: You'll give us a home?

Mordokrov leaned back, his eyes glinting with a mix of calculation and ambition.

Mordokrov: Of course, but only if you do exactly what I ask. As far as you are concerned, I speak for Putin. We view what the Americans did to your nation and your people as war crimes. We sympathize. We are blamed and misjudged by the world, just as your nation and Emperor were before the war.

Han looked at Moon and Hwang, who both nodded to her.

Eun-Young Han: We accept, but what can you do to protect us from the Yakuza?

Mordokrov smiled a cold, predatory grin.

Mordokrov: Excellent. The last I heard, Etsuji Yamamoto was not suicidal. He knows better than to ignite Chernyy Kostyor's fury. Plus, the Yakuza and the Russian Mafia have many lucrative agreements that could suddenly become less lucrative if Tsar Putin so chooses.

Eun-Young Han: I see. So, by just merely joining you, we become untouchable?

Mordokrov: Indeed. You can continue your wrestling activities and maintain your cover while we execute our plans. Remember, you are under my protection now. The Yakuza will not touch you if you follow my orders, and if they do, we will systematically wipe them out.

The group nodded, understanding the gravity of their new situation. They played a dangerous game, but it was their only chance to survive, fight back, and perhaps be rewarded with a new life in Russia. Suddenly, a life awaited them after attaining the vengeance they sought.

Eun-Young Han: We won't let you down.

Mordokrov's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he spoke again.

Mordokrov: See that you don't. Now, get some rest. We have much work to do.

The group felt relief and trepidation as they were led to their new quarters. They had found sanctuary but at a high cost. Eun-Young glanced at Lim, who was still recovering from Mordokrov's assault and felt a pain of guilt and humiliation. They would need to be stronger than ever to survive the trials ahead.

The night passed fitfully, the weight of their new alliance heavy on their minds. They awoke early, ready to begin their new mission under Mordokrov's command. The gym, now their temporary home, was a stark reminder of their precarious position. Each group member knew they must give their all to come alive and victorious.