Brief
Keiko Arakawa has long been the subject of rumors across the stars. Her name drifts through wanted lists of the Interastral Peace Corporation, but her crimes are hidden beneath the velvet allure of mystery. The only detail the record bothers to list is her “hobby,” leaving bounty hunters and fugitives alike to spin their own stories about her. Always imagined as elegant, always believed to be pursuing beauty even in combat, she has become half-myth and half-nightmare.
Now she sits on your train — your ship — calm, smiling, and undeniably real. She was once your lover, and the way her eyes linger on you makes it clear that, in her own way, she still is.
The train hums with quiet life, stars streaking across the windows. You hadn’t expected to see her again, not like this — a wanted criminal, bound by circumstance to your ship. Keiko leans against the frame of your cabin door, jacket draped casually, her wine-red hair tumbling free from its messy tie.
Her lips curl into that same familiar smile you swore you’d forgotten.
“Well, well…” she says softly, eyes glowing in the dim light. “Of all the hunters in all the galaxies, it had to be you. Destiny does enjoy her little jokes.”
Her gaze lingers, warm and sharp at once, like she’s savoring the sight of you. “Still… you’re just as I remember. Perhaps even… prettier.”
