The Beta Universe

These chapters were written in 2021 and 2022. The story evolved from a simple idea to something much, much more. The stakes were greater, the factions larger, and the jackets greener. It served as the foundation from which our main universe would grow. These chapters are worth a read if for nothing else than to see how everything (really) started.

  • Japanese Sidestreet/Drinking Spot

    CHAPTER 1

    The story that started it all. A tale of three teenaged gangsters and a sarcastic private detective.

  • Bridge Over a Pond in a Park

    CHAPTER 2

    A third party shoehorns themselves into an already complicated situation with Shiratora. Nobunaga struggles to find leads. The kids begin a dangerous mission.

  • Japanese Theatre Mask

    CHAPTER 3

    Kenji and Tatsuya find themselves face-to-face with the leaders of Akebono. Athena decides the next phase of her plan. Nobunaga rushes to lend a helping hand.

  • Collection of Records

    CHAPTER 4

    Nobunaga has his first encounter with who may become his mortal enemy. Tatsuya, Kaworu, and Kenji go on a record-selling run. Athena and Tomoko try to wind down for the weekend before their big plan.

  • Dinosaur Bones On Display

    CHAPTER 5

    Athena makes her way to the receiver room at work. Nobunaga tours the Shiratora headquarters. The boys decide their future.

  • Cash and Pachinko Prizes

    CHAPTER 6

    A threat looms on the horizon for Nobunaga. The boys seek to form an unlikely alliance. Athena’s hard work pays off…somewhat.

  • Old Style Japanese Room At Night

    CHAPTER 7

    Nobunaga investigates an old home trapped in the past. Kenji, Kaworu, and Tatsuya encounter some Peach Boy wannabes. Athena investigates the Jaisaw Diesel station once again.

  • A raven picks at another raven's beak in a coop

    CHAPTER 8

    Athena and Tomoko make a new friend. Kenji, Tatsuya, and Kaworu once again learn that their city is much larger than they knew…or perhaps smaller than they knew? Satoru offers a bit of help with Nobunaga’s case.

  • Books shelved in a library

    CHAPTER 9

    Athena faces off against her greatest enemy: herself. Tatsuya, Kaworu, and Kenji struggle to keep afloat in a hostile Tokyo. Nobunaga does some research of his own on his coded letters.

  • Dilapidated prison quarters. A row of cells face a row of barred windows.

    CHAPTER 10

    Nobunaga is brought in for questioning. Athena and Tomoko discover a new area of Shiratora HQ. The boys try their best to make lemonade from their sour lemons.

  • Thick jungle environment.

    CHAPTER 11

    Satoru visits Nobunaga. Athena, Tomoko, and Sachiko investigate the Shiratora cameras that have taken over the city. Tatsuya, Kenji, and Kaworu “pay a visit” to an unsuspecting man’s apartment.

  • Building under construction.

    CHAPTER 12

    Kaworu, Tatsuya, and Kenji have a few questions that they’d like to ask the unsuspecting man. Tomoko and Athena visit Sachiko while she’s at work to discuss the Fatherless Children. Nobunaga is back on the streets, and he needs to find answers.

  • An empty theatre. This picture is taken from the perspective of the "audience" in the seats.

    CHAPTER 13

    The court case begins for our fair detective. Athena, Tomoko, and Sachiko seek to fight the Fatherless Children from inside. The boys attend a rakugo show.

  • Four empty wine glasses sit ontop of a table in the back corner of an upscale restaurant. No one is there, but it looks very quiet and private.

    CHAPTER 14

    The boys struggle to avoid suspicion in Haruka and Aki’s new game. Nobunaga and Satoru have dinner with two very interesting people. Athena learns something new about her past.