The Daily Grind of a Retail Worker
Animate Akihabara, a multi-story anime store that was constructed in 2070, after the post magic craze had finally calmed down around the world. This giant store is said to be two entire floors larger than its predecessor Animate Ikebukuro, offering a wide variety of anime, games, merchandise, and cards, it's one of the most beloved stores for many an otaku, also helps that the owner is a certified otaku herself, but that's less important right now. Why don't we go inside?
Ah do you smell that ? Do you hear that? Do you see that? The smell of unopened gunplay, the sounds of friends and family enjoying themselves with their hobbies and the sight of a nervous employee starting their new job while having absolutely no idea what they are doing.
……… wait what?
Ah. Now I see. This young new employee is Rei Maruki, a brash and calculating woman who has been recently hired to work in this here store. Even though she has not touched anything even remotely close to anime in her rather short life. Kind of hard to when you are on the run from one of the most dangerous organizations on the planet. Yes, dear viewer. She is on the run/hiding from The Guild, an international assassin organization that takes various jobs around the world. Now you may be asking yourself; What in the Glyphs name? Why are assassins targeting her!? You see, Ms. Maruki is actually an ex-assassin who was originally in the employ of said Guild, alongside her best friend Kaneko Akemi. Quite the shock, isn't it? Rei, also formerly known as Agent Roze, managed to escape the clutches of the Guild with her friend and through a series of events managed to land a job in Animate. Why she decided to take a job that involved an entire onset of hobbies she has no knowledge of is truly a mystery. Well I suppose having a job in the last place a group of assassins would check certainly helps. The money is also a nice bonus, I were to take a guess. Why don't we take a look at Rei's first week at her new job?
Mai Hidejima: … and that should be everything you need to know to start your job in Animate. If you have any further questions, you can ask Arata over there. Now if you excuse me, I have some important work-related documents to read.
(She's going to go into her office and read manga all day). But do make sure to call me if an emergency occurs, ok?
Rei Maruki: Understood Sir.
Mai: Just call me Mai or Boss, Rei. Everyone does. *leaves*
Rei: Yes, Boss.
Rei: "
Ok, Rei. First day of having a "normal" job. You've covered your tracks well, and the place seems safe enough. You can do this, just reach the end of the week and get your paycheck. No problem."
Dawn of the First Day: Monday
The day started off well enough. After quickly adjusting to how things ran in the shop. Rei began helping customers with their purchases, explaining what she knew (rehearsed) about the products and manning the cash register. But, unknown to the Ex-Assassin, she would meet a fated enemy on this day, an enemy that would hound her for the rest of the week.
Rei: That will be 14,826 Yen (100 USD). Thank you for shopping in Animate, and we hope to see you again soon.
???: Excuse me miss; I would like to buy this game please.
Hearing a young voice, Rei turns and sees a boy, perhaps 8 or 9 years old. Holding a game in his hands.
Rei: Of course, just let me see it and-
On closer inspection, Rei notices several things about the game she is holding. Its rather affordable, it's in great condition and It has a M rating in the corner of the box. Now Rei may have a warped perception of what could be considered "mature" in media. But in the training she received before starting her job at Animate it clearly said that if a game said 18+ it had to be purchased by an adult, not a small child.
Rei: I'm sorry, but this game is a little mature for your age, if you want to buy this it needs to be with an adult, and I need to warn them about the content.
Little boy: Oh, c'mon miss, it's the latest and hottest game on the market! All my friends are going to play it. Couldn't you *shows her the equivalent of 100 bucks* just… look the other way?
Was… was I being bribed? By a kid?- Rei thought with bafflement.
Rei: I'm sorry kid, I still need an adult.
Little boy: Damn! You really should have accepted the offer, fresh meat. I
will have that game.
The boy leaves, leaving Rei completely baffled and wondering if the last 5 minutes of her life were a stress-induced fever dream.
Dawn of the Second day: Tuesday
Rei: Ok that everything restocked and now all I need is to man the register for the next two hours, and I'm done for the day.
???: Hello…
Rei.
Turning around when hearing her name, she stared at the young boy she had seen yesterday, holding a certain game in his hands once more.
Young Boy: I would like to buy this please, and before you say anything, don't worry. I brought an adult this time. Say hi Grandpa!
Next to child was an old man, around 68 years old, the elderly man was moving around quickly and with a sharped eye, even with his advanced age. At the sight of an adult Rei, relaxed a bit.
Rei: Ok…? At least this time you came with an adult. So, you want to buy this game for your grandson? Do you know it's a rather mature and violent game?
Grandfather: Yes, I'm aware. Sonny wants to be "cool" and "hip" among his friend, and he has been a good kid. Lots of A's in that report card. It would be a nice gift for the kid.
Rei: Very well, if you can give me the box I will-
???: Abe? Abe is that you?
Before Rei can scan the game, a voice calls out to the man in front of her. An elderly mint green hair woman comes out of the corner of the shop and begins talking to the man.
Esmeralda: It is you! Oh, it's been too long. Its me Esmeralda! Why didn't you tell me you were in Japan?
Abe: Emmy!? That you, oh its been to long. Your hair is as immaculate as always.
Esmeralda: Oh, you charmer, that silver tongue of yours still wagging it seems.
Abe: Hah, never stopped. Need to be able to keep up with the fellas. My quip fu needs to stay sharp to keep those rabble rousers in check. How has Safira been? We haven't spoken in years and-
As the two elderly friends begin talking, they begin leaving the store, leaving a confused Rei and an exasperated young boy alone.
Young Boy: This isn't over. *Leaves*
Dawn of the Third Day: Wednesday
First friend: I'm telling you; you are full of it. Just admit you are wrong!
Second Friend: Malarkey! I Know I am right you just can't accept the fact!
If you were to walk to Animate on this particular day you would be privileged to the most unusual sight. In one corner a teenage boy of around 16 was in the middle of a heated debate with his companion, a 17-year-old girl. The other two members bearing witness to the two's argument were a third friend who was watching the fight with a rather amused grin on her face, and a dead-eyed Rei, staying in the corner just making sure no one came to blows. The topic of this debate? a @$%& Card game. Emblema Burst is a TCG that's very popular with the Japanese youth, featuring a mixture of Masked Warriors of Justice and Pretty Magic flinging girls, its gained a cult following over the years, although no one even knows where it even came from. The "Armored warriors" equip themselves with various types of armor giving them a whole host of abilities that let them adapt to any match up. The Magical girls on the other hand had less versatility, but far greater firepower, making them preferred by many who like having the biggest stick. The two friends have been fighting for the last 3 hours about which side is better, and Rei is using every lesson in self-control that she learned during her assassin training in an effort to not man handle the two civilians.
Rei: "
Don't punch the kids, don't kick the kids. You need to lay low, and you need the money. Seriously, how could anyone be so invested in cards of all things? I'm just happy, I will never have to interact with cards in my line of work. (The irony)."
Just as Rei's patience where reaching it's limits, the third person in the group cleared her throat and looked at her friends. For a brief moment Rei recognized the smugness in her face and just knew that things were going to get worse.
Third Friend: Ladies, ladies. You are both pretty bitches. But you both are missing a very important topic in this little debate.
*Both friends turn to her with questioning looks*
Third Friend: *Malicious grin* Who between them… is the big and the small spoon?
You could hear a pin drop with how quiet it was. A few seconds passed… and then all hell broke loose. Rei just wanted the day to end. At least the kid didn't appear today.
Dawn of the Fourth day: Thursday
(Nope, nope, nope. Didn't happen! )
(I was given a day off and absolutely nothing mind scaring happened!)
Dawn of the Final day: Friday
Rei: "One more hour Rei, just one more hour." -Rei repeated in her head.
It was nearing the End of Rei's shift in Animate and soon she will get her paycheck. Things had been "interesting" during her week at the shop, and the young employee just wants to crash at her bed as soon as possible. Sadly, life has decided to throw her one last trial before her weekend. But this time, it also brought an unlikely ally.
Young kid: Miss you have to run!
Rei: Oh, what now!? If you-
Young kid: Ok. I know we have not seen eye to eye in the last few days, but sometimes you have to ignore old grudges for the sake of survival. I'm telling you; you need to hide now!
The kid genuinely looked worried, and Rei actually tensed, sensing the tension in his voice. He was serious.
Rei: Ok, what's wrong, are you in some kind of trouble?
Before Rei could get an answer, a hostile presence entered the shop. Making her straighten in search of threats. In front of the store was a beautiful young woman of around 28 years, well beautiful if it weren't for the shear aura of Fury that followed her.
Scared kid: You could say that. My mom is on the hunt, you need to hide while you still can.
But before either one could hide, the angry parent noticed them, and began walking towards the duo.
Soon to be dead kid: Were fucked.
But before either of them could be teared a new one by the woman. Boss Mai came to the rescue, easily noticing the look of an angry parent. With expertise that could only be gained after years of experience, she diffused the situation, talked with the mother and child, and even sold the game the kid wanted. All without having anyone raise their voice for even a second. The shear efficiency left Rei honestly impressed.
Boss Mai: Good work overseeing the store Rei, your first week in Animate is officially a success. Here is your paycheck, you can leave early if you want, there's really not much left to do. I can close the store by myself.
Thanking her boss for saving her from an impending doom, Rei took her paycheck and left towards her apartment, having a better appreciation for her coworkers talent, and wondering if she should get to know them better.
Authors note: I did a thing! I have no idea if it looks good. I was kind of inspired while doing some medical test's today and decided to write this. I took some inspiration from a video game store skit in YouTube. I want to be prepared for those Kuro rolls. Also, no. I will not explain what happened during the fourth day, some things deserve to be eaten by the void.
