The Otaku Zone

CHAPTER 1

The gothic Sundown Pub was starting to eat his nerves. No not really eat, but shorten his lifespan. He had a wish to live forever. It would've been okay, if they wouldn't have brought in new furniture and turned the place into a more fancier dining place. He enjoyed picking up random girls, he lived and thrived from it. Seeing couples and engaged people made him sick. It was still a locale, with jazz and country music, and bowel-incinerating food. He wanted the good old times.
Prince was a normal guy. He lived to live, and used every day. He liked to ruin relationships, even if it were his own. He was a rebel, but not lawbreakingly. Sometimes he went to the Architecture & Geography side of the local library and put on a fag. He enjoyed printing the reek of smoke into the old books, because of the paper and leather smell made him obnoxious, and made him think about old people. God, he thought, if he would grown old, he would sit in his house, not going out to enjoy the comfort of reeking books. Better just to shoot a bullet before he reaches midlife-crises. Yeah, he thought, that's a good idea.

CHAPTER 2

It was starting to warm in Ireland. Some parts had huge rainfalls, which made people crawl under roofs everywhere, and smoky words created even a greyer atmosphere. Ryan didn't bother. He was in the middle of calling to USA, to find out whether Neo had made any changes in the publishing. Writing storylines for comics from over the pond was an unsteady job, from his nearly depleted free time he got beside hospital work, and it was smarter to keep in touch. He trusted Neo, but from personal experiences he kept persuasive methods ready to use, if he was being tricked.
The comic house was small, it consisted of Neo and his brother. Ryan occasionally lettered and the pages, and wrote backstories. Neo managed a publishing deal last month, with a morning newspaper to promote the comics, which provided small income they all divided. They were published every Sunday, with classy stuff like Dilbert or Sherman's Lagoon. They haven't hooked any private endorsers but Neo remained positive. He always knew how to keep the spirits up and confidence was his raison d'etre.
The call was put through, after some minutes, which produced some hefty words from Ryan's mouth. His colleagues knew he was nuts, during every lunch break he made a call, and the introduction consisted mostly of "buggers" and "fucks".
"Hey, Neo, your phone battery died again?"
"No, no, it was my turn to get us lunch from the cafe, I left my phone in the studio. How you've been love?"
"No need for these euphemisms, I was just thinking whether the Colorado newspapers are trustworthy"
"Whatya mean?"
"Well, I was thinking, they promised you pay-on when you make a 3 month deal, and they hadn't even heard from us. heck we couldn't even launch the webcomic yet. Aren't they rushing in with it?"
"Look, if they think it's fine, it's fine. They have published enough shit during recent years, together with fake death reports, and tilted political articles, that I am happy we got the check this week."
"So, for how much?"
"Let me see, it was, it was... Found it, ehm, 700 dollars right in for this week. We have another month remaining, but the entertainment editor hasn't asked for a meeting yet."
"So you think they call it off..."
"No I do not think so, it is juts a matter of time hun. You know how slooow the media personnel can be"
"You do know, that I worked for the media as well, right"
"Well you are different, and that's why you quit. Time was passing too slow for you, right"
"I guess, but I do not know anything about the system of American newspapers"
"Same here, that's why we are trying to contact web publishers"
"Just make your own website, I told you, you can throw in that otaku shit then"
"Hey, don't make me. A murky comic, must have a professional page. With no ponies and candy canes. Well... maybe some nudes"
"Oh Neo"
"What just suggesting! Anyways, have you got the 5th chapter ready? "Way to immortality", also the 4th chapters 12th panel looks odd with the bubbles being so spiky, should we change it?"
"Yeah I got it ready. If you want to change, your doing. No design expert, ha-ha. Look I got to go back to work, I will call you later"
"You know you will pumpkin"
"Oh stop it"
And Ryan ended the call with mixed feelings. He knew he should go to America to help Neo there. But what if it would be a flop? A depressed patients personal files had to be archived to "Newly labelled". He cleaned his mind and went back to his office.

CHAPTER 3

It was a hot summer day in Colorado Springs. At peak hours, temperature could climb up to 100°F, which made the citizens often drive away to find suitable climate. Sheldyn didn't mind the heat. He had unbuttoned his shirt from the collar, and decided to stop by the Pikes Peak Library, on his way home from college. He had to finish an anthropology essay, but he really could've skipped it on any circumstances.
The library was surprisingly full of people. Mostly families with kids browsing in the Young Readers section. The building itself was big, but the high shelves sometimes crated a prison feeling. Sheldyn was on his way to check out "The Interpretation of Cultures" by Clifford Geertz, but while browsing through the old copy he found a slip of paper that caught his eye. Normally the library personnel removed any items left between books just after people dropped them off. He knew it by the fact, that one of his friends left an envelope with 10 bucks between a novel, and when he came back to the library just two days later it was gone.
He started to examine the slip. It had small courier typings on it, but the edge was smudged and torn. It seemed like a message as some words that were readable included "Union" and "Boulevard". Now it was hard to come to think of anything of it really, since Union Boulevard was a main street cutting right through the city. He noticed a little spec of maroon-colored on the other side of the paper piece. He knew what it must've been. He was sure it was blood.
Sheldyn didn't want to make out much of it. He was not a curious type band so he brought it at the front desk, to the library attendant and clerk. He was in his thirties, maybe even late twenties, but wore glasses. He took the piece of paper and stared at it for a while.
"You say you found it between a Geertz?"
"Yes, I thought it's not nice to leave it lying around as I am just loaning out the book. Maybe it belonged to someone?"
"Indeed, but I remember we just did a cleaning in the culture section, couldn't have landed here just like that. Maybe we didn't pay attention. But thanks for keeping tidy. I will tag your book in a minute" and he got around to an archive folder, seeming to look for something, then putting the piece of paper in there.

It was still scalding in the evening sun. Ian had just received a call. He hoped for nothing out of the ordinary this week, but it seemed it was meant to go other way.
"Hello, CBI superintendent Ian Margetts here"
"Hey, this is Mr Doyle from Pikes Peak Library, I think I sent you the e-mail earlier"
"Yes, and thank for reminding, but I think this is the mildest of cases"
"I think 'mildest' isn't the right way to describe it. There is over twenty of these pieces of paperjunk all with couple of words on them, all lined up in the unused drawer no24. People have found them between all sorts of books, and when I mean all, I mean from Austin to Bisset. If this is an underground riot I want the revolutionaries to steer clear from libraries"
"Yes, I understand your state sir, it is just that we have little to no evidence they have seemed as a clue for a repetitive thread"
"So people have started trashing books with pieces of litter with minimal messages on them?"
"Alright sir, I will come around later tomorrow, maybe around 8pm. It is closed by then isn't it"
"Yes, we close at 7 and I am not really allowed to stay longer"
"Haven't the library chief and director of literature found out yet?"
"No not on my account. I should tell them, but I think they will be a small matter to them, as well"
"Well, I will come around then, maybe collect some of these notes"
"Thanks a lot, I know it is not shallow littering. These pieces have literally jumped out of nowhere"
"I understand your despair sir, thank you for calling. I will leave a message when I am coming around, until then, take care Mr Doyle"
"And you sir"

Ian wasn't an ordinary superintendent. He liked comics, enjoyed music while sitting in his office, and was a community guy by all means. Most people knew him, and came to him to solve even their smallest affairs. One day he got back a lost lawnmower, other day he was searching traces for a stolen car. When he got promoted to superintendent two years ago, this wasn't what he was expecting. He expected speed chases, and taking down bank robbers, or finding a lost treasure buried under a middle school. It was all mundane for him, yet he knew it was all going to change.

CHAPTER 4

Prince just got home after a long night. For him, a long night can be draining, but also emotionally improving. When he got to Rilea's Pub at 10pm he had the task to check whether the librarians have stopped by. He needed answers from them, and if they weren't ready to open up, it was his time to persuade them. He didn't see Doyle or anyone else from the library, so he thought he should wait. Boss had told him that when it was their time off next day, it was their favorite place to hang out. He only spotted two old couples and a group of art students celebrating something. Pub seemed near dead in these hours, maybe the rattlers and skinheads hadn't made so early yet.
After an hour waiting he finally noticed someone interesting stepping in. The young man wore a grey coat with a cheeky violet shade. Seemed as if the coat had a purple diamond layer between the fabric. The guy had a slick black hair, and sharp eyes, which seemed to drill through every object in the room. He stepped forward, threw his coat in the hanger with a very Bond-like move, and moved on to a bar-seat. The art students stared at him for quite a while but returned to their buzzing conversation shortly. Prince got up and made his move to the counter. He tried to pick up the talk.
"I've read the paper"
"Oh have you"
"Yes, you done a good job with these comics. I'm a big fan"
"Why do you know who I am?"
"Why? Well I needed to know, to get your autograph"
"I'm not Jim Davis, alright, why do you want my autograph"
"I told you, I'm a fan"
Neo pulled out a plain hankie and wrote his name on it.
"Will that do?"
"More or less, it's very nice of you"
Prince stepped back from the counter and giggled by himself. He knew how useful famous autographs are, and how to use them.

Another our passed, it was little past midnight, and Neo had enough of this place, he decided to change the place he was going to. People and the atmosphere were creeping him out. He slowly took his coat and cast a glance to see was the eager fan still in the bar. Yes, he was. He swiftly walked out and didn't look back.
Prince was ready to see the librarians, the place started to fill up with local nighties. After a teenaged couple, two men walked in, one wearing glasses. They were rather formally dressed. Prince waited patiently to check where will they be sitting. The numerous comfy corner seats were already taken by couples, so sat down on bar stools, close to were Neo was an hour ago. Prince stood up and moved nonchalantly toward the bar.
"A glass of Chambord please" he called out to the barman
The men were still busy with their conversation
"...and it is a problem, there are over twenty of them"
"You should call the police"
"I did, I called Mr Margetts"
"Will he be around, he doesn't have the quickest of ways to deal with crimes"
"Yes, he said he will be around tomorrow"
"You shift starts from afternoon, we should talk with him together in the evening"
"You're right, it's better this way, he treated me like a lunatic, when I called him"
The two already had one round of drinks, and Prince got ahead of them in the second.
"Misters, what would you like to drink?"
The men were quite baffled that someone spoke to them at that time and but by a familiar face
"Let me introduce myself, I am junior detective Woods from CBI. I'm a colleague to Mr Margetts"
The men were uncertain at first but the younger of the two started speaking
"Oh hello, I am John Warrick and this is my friend and colleague Chris Doyle, we work in the Pikes peak library. Doyle had just called Mr Margetts earlier today"
"Indeed, I know. I think it is an intriguing case. Who knows, someone from a cult or a sect might be meeting and leaving those messages..."
He was cut off by Doyle who had a slightly suspicious face on him "You don't have a badge?"
"Oh no, not yet, I will get my Deputy of Public Affairs title after two weeks of work. Mr Margetts is very old-mannered with the work experience practice"
Prince ordered another two glasses of Chambord, and both said they never drank that before.
"Like cognac, but with a twist" said Prince and winked.
The librarian looked at the glasses, toasted them and then drank up.
"Wow, you are serious drinkers, aren't you"
The younger one, Warrick started to open up more "Yes, I know at a place like this and on my profession you shouldn't drink, but I'm having a stressful time"
"Whats bothering you?" asked Prince compassionately
"I... I don't really know, I mean, people don't want much from libraries anymore. Bookstores and e-books take over. "
Doyle interrupted him "He often gets the ideas, that our job is in danger, but I have worked there for four years, my pal here for two. Supervisors have been very positive about us"
Prince was clearly, visibly thinking.
"I know that Mr Margetts has a busy time tomorrow, I heard he is going out on a date. Just before he will meet you in library. If he couldn't come I could take care of the paper litter, and bring them to his office?"
"Of course, after some time we still be needing to start using the drawer, and we don't want to throw away evidence" said Doyle
Warrick started to doze off on the counter
"I'll step by six in the evening? Have a chat with you guys, and take a look at the papers. If Ian comes, I'll gladly let him take over"
"Thanks for showing such eagerness in this thing, we thought people think of us as louzy workers for not cleaning the library of mystical rubbish"
"Pleasure's all mine" said Prince, and bought another round of drinks.

CHAPTER 5

It was early morning and the sun was rising over Pikes Peak. Prince had made it home on the early hours and had just received a call.
"Hello, Boss, what can I do for ya"
"Did you take care of the librarians like I asked you?"
"Yea sure no problem. Well they both up-and-running but I must see them this evening. Before the cops"
"You are lingering. Why are you lingering. They mustn't get hold of the papers"
"It's no trouble boss, they keep it in their archive like baby kittens"
"This is not a shallow co-incidence that they phoned the best detective in Colorado for that. They know about us, enough to put a bug like you behind bars. Do it correctly or it will cost you"
"Nah, sorry boss, yea, I mean, I'm going around there today, you can come as another detective. Uh how cool would that be?"
"I am not going with you. this is your final test. If you don't arrogate yourself and take these papers, it will be the last minute of a mission for you"
"But boss, they are..."
"Stop, I don't want to listen. Just make it right in the evening, and report to me when you're done. I will find out if you haven't anyways"

Ryan was just getting on a plane for Colorado. The midday flight had many passengers, and it was hard to him finding his seat. When he found it, turned out he had the window-seat. He never really cared much about the placements on a plane. Both seats towards the passenger-walk were occupied. They seemed to be businessmen, one of them reading Times. Ryan tried to pass slowly and swiftly to get to his seat. The men barely noticed him. He took his seat and ordered a pack of peanuts, which he always did on an airplane. He thought he was blessed, not to have a peanut-allergy. After lift-off, which went rather calmly, Ryan dozed off slowly into a cloudy dream.

Last visitors of the library had left, and ten minutes was left before locking the doors. Mr Doyle checked whether the toilets and north section reading corner were empty. Sometimes small children liked to hide themselves in the back rows, which caused a fuss before closing time.

The doorbell rang an hour after closing. The building also housed two small companies on second floor, so the doorbell was tied for all of them. Mr Doyle was waiting, just to make sure wasn't it a prank, and went to the glass doors. Prince was standing there, in a long coat. He might've been out there for a while.
"So, mister, can I come in?"
"Yes, sure. I thought you brought a partner?"
"Ian is busy, but another detective is on his way"
He swiftly flicked a badge, and went in. The library had a weird and silent state which was similar to a graveyard.
"Is the other one here?"
"Other who?"
"Your colleague, Warwick or Warden"
"Oh, Warrick, yes, he went to get coffee, since we will be staying up"
"Oh, pretty thanks"

They were walking down the main hallway, when the doorbell rang again.
"This must be him"
"Sure, I'll go answer it"
They walked back and Doyle put the ringer on the receiver.
"Hello, this is Mordekai Richards, from CBI, I'm with my partner Chris Woods"
"Yes, sure, come on in"
The man walked in, he was slightly taller than Prince, but quite similar from the looks. They started walking towards the library hall together.
"So what do you think might've cause this?" asked Richards
"I haven't got the slightest idea, that's why I called you" said Doyle with a note of depression in his voice.

The walked in silence until they got to the main hall. Warrick was back and set the tray with coffees on the registry table. The air was tense, but yet slow and eveningly.
"So, may I inspect the pieces now? I will be bringing them to the lab anyways, no use for them in the library, right"



You can tell me what you think at my Writing email and PM me in Chatango under RyanTitan username. Thanks for reading, there will be many more chapters soon.