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did you hear they're gonna start publicly executing anyone with a glimmer of hope and a light in their eyes

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CxM: The Twilight Ward Ch 4 - (draft,WIP)

Draft, unfinished chapter. WIP, more to transcribe as I mostly write this in meetings because ADDchild is ADD.

In which Kitsune realizes that she doesn’t have enough for Takeru to do, so a separate plotline in which Mikuni realizes Zero assassinated him and reveals that Takeru’s deal has been broken ensues. Takeru’s side will focus on Takeru, Mikuni, Shiraishi, Akito, and 19(anOC who hates Shiraishi/14 for damn good reason).

Angsty will occur after Shiraishi’s side as Okazaki is about to have a VERY bad day.

Side: Takeru Sasazuka

Akito Sera spent a lot of his time in the room Sasazuka used as an office. As far as companions went, he was far less irritating than Mineo. When the boy did speak, the questions were often semi-intelligent, usually about different hacking techniques. Today, the high school student was silent, face pale and drawn.

While Sasazuka noted this, it didn’t particularly trouble him. He had little intention of getting close to his new Adonis co-conspirators unless they were of some use to him.

That said, he could practically hear Ichika’s voice in the back of his mind. “Please take care of Akito. He’s really a good kid, and Kazuki is worried about him.

Right, a “good kid” prone to blowing up buildings at the behest of a terrorist organization.

 He scoffed at the very thought, somewhat surprised when Akito jumped in response to the sudden noise. The teenager had knees drawn up to his chest as he watched a television broadcast. The drone of the newscasters, background noise while Sasazuka worked, came to the forefront. Flashing banners and red warnings littered the screen, and the faces of those on the screen seemed grim. A burning shell of a building displayed on the screen, and with a start he realized the metropolitan building had been attacked.

He sauntered up behind Akito, “Ah. Did you attack the metropolitan building?”

Akito slouched his shoulders, pulling his legs even closer to his chest. He didn’t respond, and the tv droned on, “The death count is confirmed at 30 and rising. It is feared that the diet members that were there to speak did not survive the attack. Again, Rei Mikuni and four other local politicians…”

“It was after hours. I didn’t know he was there. It makes no sense for Mikuni-san to be there. He’s one of the executors, the one that tells us Zero’s orders. If I knew…” Akito’s look was one of horror.

“If you knew, would you have had a choice to disobey that order?” Takeru asked in response, emotionless as usual when dealing with problems.

It took a moment for the words to sink in, and Akito sighed, “No, I would be beholden to Zero’s orders, as we all are. That’s how it works here, isn’t it?”

“You would know better than I. For the most part I avoid any of them.” Sasazuka shrugged. It was true. He had demanded a quiet environment, and been placed in a dark hallway in the back of the compound. For the most part, only Akito and the Adonis handlers came to visit.

The silence continued for a time, and Sasazuka returned to typing. As time went on, the death count climbed and the questions about Adonis’ involvement were asked. Looking at the guilt on Akito’s face, the answer was already obvious to those in the room.

As if his earlier thoughts had cursed his peaceful isolation, the door to Takeru’s office flew open and a young girl slipped inside. Her flame-red hair was tied back from her face, the smell of burning followed her and with it he noticed the singed ends and scrapes on her palms. Small cuts smattered her face and arms, and bruises were already starting to form on pale skin.

This girl looks like she’s been through hell. Still, this isn’t an infirmary - so why is she here? He mused, eyes narrowed.

The girl scanned the room with grey eyes like thunderclouds, taking in the state of the scene before her. When her gaze fell on Akito she let out a short bark of laughter. “How Ironic. You wait here, Sera-san. Who’s this with you?” She pointed at him, an angry jab before opening the door a crack. “Sir? The room has been repurposed as an office. Akito Sera is here with another individual I don’t recognize. Orders?”

“It’s Takeru Sasazuka!” Akito said, voice louder than it had been all evening. It wavered slightly, as if afraid of what would come next.

A voice came through the opening, tired and muted. “That’s fine, Juukyuuban. I have questions for Sera.”

The girl opened the door with a sharp tug in response, ushering in a man in one of Adonis’ tan cloaks. She stuck her head out after he passed through, sweeping the hallway for any witnesses.

The scene put Takeru on edge. While he hadn’t met them, Akito had explained the numbered agents to the hacker shortly after he started hanging around. Apparently they were elite forces trained from an early age to support the cult. The concept made his skin crawl, and he didn’t want to consider where Adonis got these people from.

So why was such an elite agent acting like she was under attack in her own base of operations? Had the police found them already? Unlikely with the chaos at the metropolitan office. Satisfied that no one was watching, the girl sighed before locking the door and leaning against it.

While she was trying to seem tough, it was clearly more of a slump. She was more like a kitten than a tiger, if he was being honest. So far he wasn’t impressed with the elite agent. He’d seen some folks go through more punishment than that.

Her companion pulled the hood away from his face before stepping forward, revealing the face of Rei Mikuni. Akito jumped to his feet in shock, “Mikuni-san. Thank goodness you’re alright. I’m so sorry. I didn’t-”

“It’s fine, Sera-kun.” Mikuni held up a hand, offering an exhausted smile in response. His state was similar to Juukyuuban behind him. “I’m sure that you weren’t privy to the plan in its entirety. Even I was unaware the attack would be taking place.” The statement hung in the air, implications unspoken but clear as day in the subtext.

Someone had tried to assassinate Rei Mikuni. That someone was the leader of his own organization. This meant a split in Adonis’ leadership, and the sloppy job would divide those loyal to the organization. He couldn’t help but feel grim satisfaction at this turn of events. Hopefully the stupid cat would be able to take advantage of this turn of events.

“I see the news of your death was exaggerated.” Sasazuka said blandly, continuing to type on his keyboard idly as he watched the scene play out before him.

The politician nodded, running a hand through blood-matted hair. “Yes, thankfully. So you’re Takeru Sasazuka. Good, I wanted to speak with you as well. What are your thoughts on recent events?”

“I think that I’m here because your organization freed someone important to me. I’m waiting on Zero to fulfill the second part of this bargain.” He kept his tone even, though somewhat impatient. “I think you don’t pay pawns like me to give opinions, let alone spend time talking to us.”

That elicited a laugh from the powerful man, “This is true, for the most part. Would you say that our methods are extreme?”

The hacker narrowed crimson eyes, wishing that the soft-spoken man would just get to the point. “I think most sane people would think so, though some of us wish so desperately for revenge the how of the operation has been put aside.”

Mikuni gave a satisfied nod, then parried again with his next sentence. This method of saying so much with so little was Takeru’s least favorite part of navigating the social structure of the police force, but at least he’d learned a lot from those days. “Would you believe me if I told you that the depths of depravity of the X-day incidents were not originally planned as such?”

“I can easily see this operation getting out of control, depending on who was at the helm.” He responded, casually. Mikuni clearly wished to lead him to a certain conclusion,and if it got him more information he was willing to play along for the moment.

“True. I’m afraid that’s where we find ourselves now, you see.” Mikuni tilted his head to regard Takeru, then winced slightly at the motion. “I’m sure he won’t fulfill his end of your deal until he no longer has use for you.”

If he does it at all, of course.

“I will be frank, if you don’t mind. Are you really both here to support Adonis, or do you do it through fear? Fear that your loved ones will be harmed if you don’t comply?” Mikuni asked. “Do you stay here hoping for scraps that will help turn the tide against our plans?”

Akito started, the truth plain on his features. Sasazuka just scowled, “What do you think, Mikuni? And why would even answer that? How do we know this attack on your person wasn’t a ruse to ferret out those that might be having second thoughts?”

“This entire time, I have been a voice for reason against Zero. Tonight, he tried to silence that voice. I love him, but he’s consistently proven he’s gone too far.” Mikuni sighed, brow furrowed in thought. “I also wish to see the world reborn anew. That goal hasn’t changed. Just...not like this.”

The man started to pace, a stiff limping gait. “I have no proof to give, other than we will all go down together if it came to it. I don’t have much time. Once Zero finds out that I survived, I will be either under close watch or killed. This task will mostly fall on the three of you to execute. That said, they will come from me so my head will also be sacrificed as well. I beg you, please help me set this right. I would see our course corrected before we’re too far gone to save.” He bowed deeply to those he pleaded with.

There was a high chance that Mikuni was full of shit. He was a politician after all. As Sasazuka pondered the options, Akito spoke up. The young man pushed his glasses up, and took a shaky breath, “I would like to help, Mikuni-san. It’s the least I can do for the trap I helped set, even unknowingly. I… don’t want people to suffer anymore. My life is forfeit for my crimes, but I want Kazuki and Isshiki, even Kazuki’s nee-san to live on happily.”

Mikuni nodded, satisfied. “And what about you, Juukyuuban?” He turned to look at the girl behind him, who seemed shocked at the attention. “I know you were only assigned as my agent recently, but I’m asking a lot of you.”

She scuffed one of her trainers against the ground, frowning. “Mikuni-sama, this is not how it’s supposed to work. I am here to follow your orders, after all.”

He gave a very uncharacteristic snort of amusement in response. “19, I’ve known you long enough to know you’re much more clever than you’re acting. You were there tonight. Do you truly have no thoughts on the events that took place?” He paused, as if hesitant to face an unpleasant truth. “ I … understand we try to take a lot of that away, but the dossier mentioned this has been a “problem” for you in the past.” His lips quirked into a smile, “This assignment was frankly considered by our leadership as  the last chance to redeem you. Zero felt your graduation from the program must have been a mistake.”

The girl’s face flushed with shame at that, “I--” she cut herself off, as if biting off her own words, “Mikuni-sama, on top of this assignment I owe you my life for tonight. I… appreciate your vision of the future. You have my loyalty, but I’m sure you’re aware of my limitations.”

A lot seemed to go unspoken between the two, and Takeru found the exchange curiously notable as a result. Mikuni smiled, pleased by the response the girl gave regardless. “Thank you, Juukyuuban-chan. I think that we can find strength in what the others felt was weakness. I appreciate your support in this.”

Then all eyes present turned on Takeru. He sighed, cursing how troublesome this organization had become. “Look-”

He was interrupted by a soft hiss, “Mikuni-sama, there’s someone on the other side of the door.”

The room fell silent, and the handle ceased jiggling in response. From the other side of the door, Sasazuka could barely hear an annoyed voice.

“Eeeh? It’s locked. That won’t do.”

The agent shoved herself off the door in response, moving quickly. “Sir, they’re picking the lock. I can handle --”

“No need, 19. I invited him. Please let him in.” Mikuni gave an apologetic smile. In response, the girl flicked open the lock and opened the door, standing behind it as if ready to initiate a surprise attack if the new individual tried anything.

Shiraishi kneeled on the other side, lockpicks in hand. His eyes flicked up at those present and he gave an easy smile in response. Takeru felt himself start, seeing his old investigations teammate. Who knew the profiler was part of Adonis? How had he  not seen that coming?

“Juuyonban, please join us.” Mikuni waved Shiraishi in. “I have something important to present to you as well.”

Mikuni calls him 14? Oh, shit. Let this be a joke, already.

But unfortunately a lot made sense with that information in mind. How the letters from Adonis had been planted so easily, for one.

Shiraishi sauntered in, “How’s it going Takeru-kun?” The damned smile never left his face,as if he was greeting the hacker at another day at work.

On the other side of the door, 19 seemed to puff up like an angry cat as she stared at Mikuni in horror. “All will be explained in a moment, 19. First, Juuyonban, can you explain how Zero has broken his word and contacted Ichika Hoshino?”

“Of course. I came right away, once you called me.” The spy turned, grabbing the lip of the steel door and slamming it shut. The knob wrenched out of Juukyuuban’s hands and she clawed for it almost comically in desperation, far too late. With a flick, Shiraishi had it locked before his eyes settled on the girl behind the door and he paused like he’d seen a spectre.

Mikuni interjected then, voice soft. “Juuyonban, this is the thing you needed to know going forward. This is what Zero, and the rest of us,  kept from you.”

If Takeru wasn’t so impatient to hear about Ichika, he would take more pleasure in the look of shock on the profiler’s face. It was so rare to see him thrown off his game, and he was certain Sakuragawa would want to be a fly on the wall if she could.

Shiraishi’s green eyes continued to stare at the girl in front of him, face pale. “Kagura...chan?”  Something in the profiler’s tone made the hacker pause, however. This wasn’t Kageyuki Shiraishi’s normal mischievous reaction in the slightest.

Fire ignited in the girl’s eyes in response, as she spat back venomous words. “Kagura Tsukigami is dead, Juuyonban. You killed her years ago.”

I did not sign up for this drama, dammit. Sasazaka groused internally as he prepared himself for a long night ahead.

~Side Shiraishi~

The supernatural did not fit into Shiraishi’s paradigm, and horror movies had never held any interest to him. Still, he would swear that a vengeful ghost stood before him in the moment. The girl that stared up at him with hostile eyes looked like she wished to rip him apart and feast on his heart.

It was a pity the agent no longer had one to sate his old friend.

Years of training kept the turmoil from his features, but inside his thoughts raced faster than light. There are very few possibilities which could result in this outcome logically. The last I checked, the supernatural is right out no matter what cultists and laymen may believe. Mikuni mentioned this was kept from me. Was there a way to fool my training back then? Despite my programming, I admit being far from composed during the final exam…

Still, Mikuni expected an answer and the Adonis executive waited with half-lidded eyes. Takeru stood with arms crossed, as annoyed as always by the world around him. The girl he used to know was grown up, and doing her best impression of a spitting cat in his direction.

Part of him wanted to pet her like a kitten and risk the claws, but now was not the time for his usual mischief.

Instead, he did his best to shove aside any emotion, and be Juuyonban instead of Kageyuki Shiraishi. “If Kagura is dead, who are you now?” He asked calmly.

When stony silence was her only response, Mikuni stepped in to dig the knife deeper, “She is known as Juukyuuban now, the 19th agent. She was placed in the program after your graduation, though the results were not nearly to the satisfaction of the elders and executives.”

Alarm shot through him, but he remained still as stone as the other man continued, “Did you think that they would keep their word to a small pawn? The organization never had any intention of sparing the others around you as requested. It merely delayed their suffering for a time. They were put through training once you left, starting with 19. Most of them didn’t make it out the other side.”

As a child, the thought of such a fate for his companions caused him agony. Years later, he couldn’t even be surprised by the numb reaction. Of course this was the outcome, one he witnessed first hand when other children dropped like flies as part of the churning of Adonis’ machine.

“Will you debrief me on this information at your convenience?” He inquired, voice even. “If you wish me to know about what was hidden from me, it would likely assist in my assignment.”

Mikuni’s lips twitched into a small smile, both men aware that the information had little bearing on the current assignment. Still, the man wanted the agent to know this truth to some end, and Shiraishi wanted to know why.

In all likelihood, Mikuni would reveal that reason before the talk actually occurred.  The agent gave a slow nod, looking away from 19 in front of him. “Right. I was delivering the report on the target’s actions.”

Shiraishi briefed the group on the struggle with Hana, and the events of the past few days. When he mentioned Zero contacting Ichika, the profiler noted Sasazuka sucking in a sharp breath. Almost in response, Mikuni’s lips curled up. Of course, the pair were leading Sasazuka by the hand to a pre-ordained conclusion. The trick would be doing so without the notice of the hacker. He wasn’t a fool.

The profiler paused long enough for the silence to linger uncomfortably. Long enough to spark the hacker’s impatience. The green haired man crossed his arms again, words snapping like firecrackers, “What happened  next, Shiraishi?”

Shiraishi hummed to himself, pleased to get the desired rise out of former teammate. “Well, Ichika forze for a moment, and then she responded. She was always stupidly brave, you see-”

~3 hours Earlier~

There was a phrase “like a deer caught in the headlights” that appeared frequently in Western literature. Having seen pictures of this phenomenon, Shiraishi found that this occurred a lot less in humans than authors would have readers believe.

That said, he had the rare pleasure of seeing this reaction in Ichika. He could easily imagine the conflicting emotions within the girl. Did she feel horror or disgust at hearing Zero’s voice so soon after her hard-earned freedom? Relief that this turn of events meant that she could get an inkling to her precious Takeru’s whereabouts? He wished he could crawl into the corners of her mind to see her reactions in real time.

Slowly, he watched the tension drain from the rookie’s form and she took a deep breath before speaking, voice loud and clear. ‘What do you want?” Such a simple question, with an undoubtedly loaded answer.

“We wished to see if you still sought truth even with the collar removed. We wish to see the strength of your resolve.” The creepy voice’s monotone emanated from the speaker like a cold wind. Shiraishi thought it was believable that he shiver in response, even if it was not for the reason that Ichika would think if she noticed.

She frowned at that, “My resolve won’t change. It may continue to grow now that you have stopped stifling it. I no longer have to fear the sword you held over my head.”

“Ah, are you sure we don’t have that control over you?” Zero’s voice held a hint of amusement. “Your partner is among our numbers now, and we still know everything about your life. Why do you think we chose you in the first place?”

The profiler watched several emotions flicker across Ichika’s face in short succession;  terror, anger, acceptance, perhaps tinged with a hint of disgust. Kageyuki Shiraishi filed them all away in his memory. Alone they weren’t particularly interesting, almost running parallel to typical stages of grief. However, Zero would want full details of the girl’s reactions in the spy’s report.

Mikuni had recently expressed interest in the girl as well. That alone reignited the spark of curiosity inside Shiraishi. Sure, the collar had been removed, but Ichika was foolish herself if she believed Adonis would let her go free so easily.

When she did respond, her voice was more even than the profiler anticipated. His lips quirked into a smile at that. Perhaps his new assistant actually paid attention to his earlier lessons.  Only small tells betrayed Ichika Hoshino’s true feelings and they were unlikely to travel across soundwaves to Zero himself.

“So, you’ve resorted to threatening those around me now that my life is no longer in your hands?” The girl bristled at that, visibly, despite her calm delivery.

A cold laugh came in response, “Awfully brave words now that the SP agent is guarding you, Ichika Hoshino. Where is Kei Okazaki now?”

“I feel like telling you would be counterproductive,” the rookie replied, frowning. Good thinking, really. To point out her bodyguard was not around invited more danger.

‘Where is Zero going with this?” she seems to be asking herself. Zero was about to destroy any sense of safety his target felt. Typical tactics in psychological warfare, but Shiraishi supposed Ichika was too good-hearted to see this particular play coming.

“We can tell you. Kei Okazaki hides behind you in the darkness, having followed you after the latest incident. He shirks his personal duties to do so, out of anger caused by your recklessness. Tell us, Kei Okazaki, how is Ichika Hoshino to trust a Security Police agent who ignores his own mission?” The voice from the speaker was openly mocking, a stark difference from its usual neutral pronouncements.

Almost on cue, her new bodyguard  stepped from the shadows, face devoid of his usual smile. In that moment, he almost seemed like a different person entirely. At this, Shiraishi couldn’t help but smile. While some of those at Yanagi’s agency might underestimate the cheerful man due to his carefree demeanor, the Special Police did not hire just anyone out of training. Even those like Ichika with her sharpshooting skills were not viable candidates based off a single strength.

Truthfully, even if  a candidate excelled in several regions, they would likely not be selected. To excel wasn’t enough, one needed a certain personality to be molded into the ideal bodyguard.

Shiraishi could relate, and knew much about crafting a persona to hide his true face. To finally see the SP Agent unmasked before him was a delight. The fact that Ichika seemed taken aback by her friend’s sudden change only made the situation that much more amusing, “Kei-kun?”, she asked uncertainly.

“Ah, Ichika-chan? I told you know to get into trouble.” While he offered her a smile, his words were still a gentle rebuke.

Curiously, the chiding seemed to rattle her more than Zero’s disembodied voice. Perhaps the critique of someone she cared about meant more than that of an enemy. Given how she excelled at her job in the SRCPO, she was able to empathize with those in her community. This trait made her highly effective at her job. He mentally filed this away in his dossier for the girl.

~more to transcribe from the notebook soon~

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CxM: The Twilight Ward Chapter 3 (Draft)

Draft. Messed up the timeline, as Akito Sera is missing. Bookmarked to adjust later (though Ichika would def runoff to help Kazuki regardless, and try to get Akito to atone, let’s be honest). This section (and chapter) probably needs the most work as I wrote it on a plan by hand and transcribed it. Hana  is annoying to write, and I rushed basically everything from the club on, hence the placeholders and strangeness.

I’m so bad at writing Mineo and Yanagi. Sry ;_; 

Side: Detective Agency

Aiji Yanagi looked down at his phone as the group chat updated. He felt tension drain in his broad shoulders as he read the team’s messages. Sitting around without being able to contribute didn’t sit well for the leader of the detective agency, ironic given that all he had done that morning was sit on one of the couches in his dress shirt and slacks ready for a call for help.  Okazaki’s ridiculous emoji’s even elicited a small chuckle from the usually stoic detective.

Mineo Enomoto stuck his head out from the kitchen, “What’s the news?” The young man’s boisterous voice could easily be heard from across the small office. He simple wanted to look at his boss’ reaction to the mission.

“You could look on your own phone, you know,” Yanagi pointed out, a patient smile on his lips as he glanced over at his junior.

Mineo’s green eyes glittered with his usual good humor. “What, with these?” He shoved the offending hands into the communal space with palms out like a proud child displaying artwork. The large hands were caked with raw egg and earthy brown batter, like he had been making mud pies.

“What are you doing, Enomoto-kun?” The detective asked, amused. “Wait, nevermind, I’ll just assume that it’s some sort of mess.” The tall, stern man really did feel like a parent sometimes, more so when dealing with Enomoto and Sasazuka’s sibling rivalry.

It had been much quieter in the office since the hacker’s disappearance. The silence left Aiji feeling ill at ease. Mineo’s affronted gasp and blank look helped Yanagi laugh it off, before continuing to explain for the younger man’s benefit. “They met with Commissioner Minegishi and it went well. It’s safe to assume we may also hear from the brass soon as his next step in locating Sasazuka-kun.”

“Good…” there was a pause as the news sunk in and Mineo let out a panicked yelp, “Wait, they’d come all the way out here?”

“As part of an investigation, yes, they would. This is why it’s important to know what the rest of the team shared. We have the benefit of time on our side. As Minegishi and Morioka did not know the outcome of the meeting, or that Sasazuka is missing and not home sick, we are able to anticipate what will happen next.” Yanagi sighed. “I just wish it hadn’t come to this. I’d rather be upfront about this, but we really need to investigate more before turning anything over. From what I’m hearing about the current climate at HQ, if they suspect Sasazuka is a defector it’ll be a witch hunt against all of us. The chief of staff only cares about the politics, and will take us all down to avoid scandal.”

“Tch”, Mineo clicked his tongue in annoyance, “Typical, right? Well, you lemme know what you need me to do, and I’ll keep baking this cake.”

Yanagi gave a businesslike nod, “Of course. For now we’re going to focus on finding Sasazuka before the brass does.”

“Just let me know when you’ve got a plan, boss!” The red-head called from the other room. The confidence the younger man held in him bolstered Yanagi’s mood. It was hard for Mineo to trust after his time in law enforcement, and while Mineo didn’t speak of the reasons often it felt good that his junior felt Yanagi was someone that could be relied on.

If Yanagi could figure out the mystery of X-day, maybe he would feel worthy of such trust. He was left to contemplate the event until he heard a panicked yelp from the kitchen. He turned his head toward the noise, frowning. “Is everything all right?”

“Yeah… uh, Yanagi-san? How much baking soda is too much baking soda? I may have gone a bit overboard.” A nervous laugh followed the confession, and Yanagi found himself wandering in to see the bashful young man looking down at the mixing bowl despondently.

A quick glance told him everything he needed to know. “Normally we could simply add more of each ingredient, but...  we may be better off restarting in this case. It looks like you dumped in most of the box.” Yanagi pulled out some more eggs from the fridge while Mineo took care of the old batter.

“Yeah, my hand slipped, just a bit.” Mineo chuckled nervously.

The detective couldn’t help but join in. “It happens. I can help with this round. Baking helps me think.”

Which is how the two spent the rest of the afternoon. Yanagi was nearly able to forget about the problems at hand while they made the cake. However, the telltale lack of keyboard clacking brought him back to reality in the evening. Soon it would be time for his teammates to arrive, and the race to find Takeru Sasazuka would start anew.

~Side: Protagonist ~

“Hmm, now we have the rest of the day to get through,” Shiraishi mused.

Dread returned, chasing away the feeling of victory from their earlier meeting. “Right, the day hasn’t even started yet.” She glances at Shiraishi, “I’m supposed to be helping you today. What are we doing?”

“We will be going over the basics of this department. Consider it an orientation of sorts.” The profiler glanced to Okazaki, still smiling. “You can go, however. You’re not needed at this point.” Before Okazaki could protest, he continued on, “She’s safe with me, after all. I doubt Adonis would be foolish enough to try to kidnap Ichika at the police station. Don’t you have superiors to report on us to? I thought the SP would be busy with the event later today?” The tall man shooed the security police agent away, almost playfully. Okazaki was tall and yet Shiraishi still managed to loom over both of them.

In response, the security police agent’s violet eyes narrowed, even if the pleasant smile remained plastered to his lips. “If I was reporting on you, as Shiraishi-san suspects, then Ichika-chan’s situation would be very different, don’t you think?”

She shivered at the implication, and observant as always, both men noticed. Sometimes she wished she was around someone delightfully dense, like Enomoto. It felt like both of her current companions made a habit of analyzing those around them in excruciating detail. As if to reassure her, she felt Kei’s fingers thread with her own and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “It’ll be alright, Ichika-chan. I’m just pointing out how off the mark our ‘friend’ is.” At the declaration, his grin grew even wider. Ichika looked between the two men, both wearing pleasant facial expressions as a mask and didn’t feel comfort from their smiles. Shiraishi and Okazaki tended to wield them like weapons, and most on the other end never saw the strike coming. In this instance, the men were evenly matched but both were infinitely stubborn individuals.

Part of her was glad that it had taken this long for the two to be at odds.

If they continued in this vein, nothing would be accomplished. Ichika spoke up, “Both of you, we need to concentrate on the task at hand? Kei-kun, would you be able to see what is happening with your department at the moment? They may not have heard yet, but any information would be helpful. Shiraishi, stop baiting your teammates.” She fixed Shiraishi with a firm look, which didn’t seem to dissuade the man in the slightest.

Okazaki was the first to break the tension with another dazzling grin. “Of course, Ichika-chan. That’s a great idea. Most of the team is focused on a summit tonight, but that’s not been my assignment. Given that it’s unannounced, it’d be good for Yoshinari and I know know more, however.  I’ll pick you up later?” There was no doubt in her mind that he had seen through her ploy, but he was easier to work with than Shiraishi. At least she could count that he had her best interests in mind.

Kageyuki Shiraishi just enjoyed toying with the people around him.

Once Okazaki was shooed out of the office, Shiraishi shut the door with a satisfied click. He offered his sly smile to Ichika, and she immediately regretted letting her new guardian take his leave.

“Well, now that the security police is gone, let’s talk,” Shiraishi said, chipper as ever. “How on earth did he get attached to you, Ichika-chan? Didn’t Yanagi warn you about him?”

Ichika flushed, and she wasn’t certain if it was embarrassment or anger at his patronizing tone. “Yanagi is choosing to put trust in Kei-san and so am I,” she snapped, “He wanted to help, and his presence did a whole lot more good than unhelpful commentary.”

The profiler chuckled in return, and she found herself even more annoyed that he took her jibe in stride. Kageyuki Shiraishi had a way to rile her up in ways the angry citizens of Shinjuku never could. The man smirked, fixing catlike green eyes on her, “Well you and Yanagi are welcome to put your trust in him, but I am not so quick to do so. Now that he is gone, I feel like i can speak my mind freely.” He paused then gave a wolfish grin. “Kei-san? Something you want to share, Ichika-chan?”

At her raised eyebrow, he laughed again. It was musical, and if it weren’t at her expense she would be tempted to join in. “So what is on your mind that you couldn’t share with him?” At her question, he rested a hand on his cheek, regarding her knowingly. It was then, that she frowned. “Are you referring to the mole?” The thought that it could be someone so close was an inevitable train of thought that she dreaded exploring.

“There is the matter of the mole in the police station, yes,” Shiraishi hedged. “We still don’t know who that is, and until we reveal their identity there are some things I’d rather keep to our little team.”

She frowned, troubled. The potential mole was Shiraishi’s case and she couldn’t think of anyone better to track down a hidden traitor in the police department. Even before she met him, his reputation as an eccentric genius and unrivaled psychological profiler was well known by the SRCPO. “Do you suspect him specifically?” she asking, dreading the answer.

Shiraishi leaned back, allowing his weight to rest on the edge of his desk. He pondered as he lounged, for once the image of a serious police profiler. Eriko would be shocked. After a moment, he shook his head. “Not him, specifically at this time. The fact he was one of the few Special Police to survive the attack on the prime minister’s manor is a point of concern. His superiors must have been concerned as well, hence the demotion and the fact he’s been kept from field duty until recently. Based off my observations of the man, limited as they are, he is immensely loyal, but I don’t believe that loyalty lies with the Special Police, as with most of their training demands.” Eerie green eyes fixed on Ichika as he imparted the last.

She shuddered, “Where do you think his loyalties lie, Shiraishi-san?”

The older man’s smile grew sly, “Oh, I have a suspicion that his loyalty will work in our favor. You’re still alive, after all.”

Ichika could feel her face burning, though she was uncertain if it was due to the director’s frustrating manner or his implications. “It’s true that he didn’t turn me in to his superiors when he found out about the collar. What does that have to do with his loyalty?” She knew full well what Shiraishi was getting at, but she still hoped the man would confirm it instead of toying with her.

Shiraishi offered a languid shrug in return, “It’s too early to tell for certain, Ichika-chan.” He flashed her a mischievous smile, “He does seem awfully intent on protecting you, however. That seems quite the deviation to his assigned mission.”

“He could  have been told to watch me too, due to my proximity to Yanagi’s team.” The rookie protested, somehow feeling defensive at the accusation against Okazaki’s sense of duty. The dismissed officer wasn’t around to defend himself, after all.

The older man gave a pleased hum, likely enjoying getting a rise out of of her. Before he could needle her further they were interrupted by the arrival of Shiraishi’s assistant, Eriko Mukai. She seemed surprised to see the pair. “Ichika-chan, good morning!” She eyed her boss suspiciously, “Are you slacking off again, Director?” She asked, frowning at the man.

Her icy demeanor did little to sour Shiraishi’s mood. He continued to smile at her, as if she was having a perfectly pleasant conversation instead of throwing angry accusations in his direction. “Why, I’m having an orientation of sorts. Ichika-chan has been transferred to department to assist temporarily.”

Eriko narrowed her eyes at him before turning to the newest recruit. “I’m sorry in advance, Hoshino. If you didn’t already wish to punch him, you will now. He’s insufferable as a boss, always pushing his duties onto others.”

I”I believe that’s usually called “Delegation”. Shiraishi pointed out, bemused. “It should help the office run more efficiently.”

“Yes, if you don’t delegate everything to your underlings.” Mukai snapped, eyes fierce.

He gave a mirthful look to the beleaguered insubordinate, “Regardless this doesn’t change the fact that we have another set of hands to assist. They give us more than enough caseload for three departments.” the man shrugged, somehow making the movement seem elegant. It made her wonder if the cat ears were just for show.

Mukai rolled her eyes, turning back to Ichika, “Welcome to the department. I apologize again in advance for the poor excuse we have for a director.”

Ichika could barely hide her smile at the barbs flying between the two coworkers. At least the days won’t be dull. The response came from her as if rote, “Thank you Mukai-san. I’ll do my best to assist  Field Operations.” She gave a little bow with the introduction.

“See, Mukai-kun? This is how employees should act.” Shiraishi said, a teasing lilt in his voice.

Mukai’s response came, sickly sweet. “It can’t be helped, Director Shiraishi, you push those around you to madness.”

He snickered at that, “Introductions aside, can you show Ichika-chan how we do things around here?”

“There we go again, this is exactly why you’re a good-for-nothing. Do you have have a plan for how our latest coworker will help?” Mukai pointed out, irate once more. In a normal situation, Ichika might think that Mukai was being far too harsh on her superior, but knowing Shiraishi this was only one complaint in a litany of frustrations.

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You’re a brilliant assistant,” was all the director said in response.

The brilliant assistant sighed, “Fine, go slack off like you normally do.”

“Thanks. I’ll leave it to you.” The smile remained even in the face of Mukai’s thinly veiled barbs. “Ichika-chan, I’ll be in my office if you need me.” With a lazy wave, he made his way to the back of the office, shutting the door behind him with a firm click.

Ichika could tell that Mukai was still fuming, and offered a shy smile, “Are you alright, Mukai-san?”

The older woman composed herself, “Yes, sorry you needed  to see such unpleasantness. He just gets me so angry.”

The rookie gave the girl a sympathetic look, “If you ever need to talk about it, let me know. It looks like we’re in this together now.”

“Definitely. Sometime I go out with Sakuragawa for drinks. You should join us next time.” Mukai grinned.

“I probably can’t tonight, but let me know when you go out~!” Ichika smiled back, already at ease with Mukai as much as she felt in turmoil around the department’s director.

“Definitely. Let’s exchange contact information real quick, and then we can get started.” The pair pulled out their phones to share their numbers. The time was spent after going over the basics of the department, until a call caused her phone to buzz. It was an unfamiliar number, but she apologized to Mukai quickly and took the call. “Hello, this is Hoshino.”

“Nee-san? Sorry to bother you, this is Akito Sera.” The voice on the other end was familiar, with a tinge of panic.

“Sera-kun? Are you alright?” Ichika stiffened, trying not to let the worst-case scenarios run through her mind.

A pause from the other end, “Yes, I’m fine. But Kazuki? Look, he’s not hurt, but he needs you right now. I hate to bother you in the middle of work, but can you come over here? We’re at a studio.”

The rookie frowned, troubled. “Yes, let me let my superiors know and I’ll be right over. Can you send me the address?” Kazuki was a stubborn teenager, never asking her for help. If his friend was reaching out, if her brother was actually asking for her it must be serious.

“You’re a lifesaver, nee-san. I’ll send it right away. I know Kazuki-kun will appreciate this.” Sera said, breathless. They hung up, and shortly after the phone beeped again. It was Sera with the promised addressed.

She fired off a quick message to Okazaki explaining the situation quickly. She’d hate to hear it from him later if she just slipped off.

Ichika slipped to the back and knocked on Shiraishi’s office, and the door opened a crack. It was enough to see suspicious green eyes peer out before the door opened further once the Director determined that Ichika was not a hostile subordinate. “Is Mukai bullying you, Ichika-chan?” The man seemed amused that she was knocking so quickly.

“No, it’s just that I received a call from my little brother’s friend. Something came up and he needs me. I’m sorry to bother you, but can I go to see to this real quick?” Ichika flushed, embarrassed to be asking for a favor in the new department so early.

Her new superior laughed in response, “Ahh, playing hooky so early? That’s not how you make a good impression Ichika-chan.” Before he could protest, he waved her protest aside, laughing. “Hah, that was worth it just for the look on your face! Yes, of course you can go. We’re not as strict as Investigation HQ or SRCPO here. Just make up time as needed.”

“Thanks, Shira-- Director Shiraishi.” Ichika brightened, before her phone beeped with another message. Okazaki had responded and he didn’t seem pleased.

Are you able to wait? They’re debriefing us now in the SP. Yoshinari-kun has also been called in. Don’t go alone. (>m<)

“Um...Okazaki can’t leave just yet, so would you be willing to go along with me?” Ichika hedged, almost afraid to hear Shiraishi’s answer.

“Your family struggles aren’t exactly what I’d call interesting,” Shiraishi mused, grinning widely despite the serious mood of the conversation, “But I’m sure Yanagi would have a fit if we let you out alone and I’d have to deal with questioning from Okazaki about why I would let you make your own life choices. Eh, watching you and the collar would make up for it, I’m sure.” He shrugged off his labcoat, decision made, and put on a brown winter coat instead. “Let’s go, then.”

His logic was twisted but at least he agreed to help her. She shot another text to Okazaki, updating the SP agent on her plan. Ichika started to offer quick apologies to Mukai, but Shiraishi interrupted smoothly. “Thanks for your work, Mukai-kun. I’ll be taking Ichika-chan out into the field for some hands on experience.”

Thankfully, Mukai left this strange development continue without comment. Ichika was starting to find it was a marvel when things went her way since being collared by Adonis. Instead, the assistant smiled, “That’s fine. We can continue our orientation later. Good luck out there!” She seemed in higher spirits since their earlier talk. The rookie supposed that would make sense, given that her co-worker finally had someone to confide in that understood the situation.

The pair left, and once they left the building Shiraishi gestured toward the street, “Lead the way, Ichika-chan”.

She trotted off through the streets of Shinjuku, the profiler on her heels. At this point she knew better than to make small talk with the man. He utilized the long silences like a weapon to steer his victims to topics he’d rather discuss, and what interested him often made others uncomfortable. They were able to travel quickly this way, and when the pair arrived at a studio, the sound of raised voices met them. Ichika moved to burst through the front doors, but a hand on her arm gave her pause. Shiraishi flashed his hand, palm towards her as a sign of caution. The rookie stilled, trying to quell the rising anxiety welling up from within. One of those voices definitely belongs to her little brother.

The profiler stood there for a moment, head tilted and green eyes narrowed in concentration as he listened to the row going on within. Finally the tension drained from the man, “Ah, it’s just an obsessed fangirl. That’s not interesting at all. This one is especially unstable, seems to be threatening someone named Kazuki.”  

“That’s my brother,” Ichika said alarmed, making another move for the door.

The man gave an unimpressed hum, “That changes things, doesn’t it? Right, let’s handle it then. I’ll see if I can divert her ire. Cover me, would you? I would hate to get shot by some fangirl” With that, he slipped inside the doors. Ichika quietly pulled out her firearm, keeping it trained on the ground. Now that she was inside she could see the scene a bit better.

A young woman in a bunny hoodie held a switchblade at Kazuki, eyes wild and face contorted in rage. Akito stood between uncertainty, hands up placating her to stop while another young man stood on the stage, watching in horror. “His sister is a cop. He’s been keeping it from us, Isshiki~! He’s gonna ruin your shot, I know it!”

“So what if my sister is a cop? It’s not like we’re close!” Kazuki’s retort came, sullen as always despite the threat.

Akito smiled, trying to calm the girl, “Hana-san, it’s  not like that. I’ve met Kazuki’s sister and she’s a good person. She’s not like the rest of them.”

The young girl only shrieked in response, a staccato noise emphasising her madness, “LIES!”

Ichika glanced at her partner, observing the scene before him with a detached air like a predator considering going after a meal, and couldn’t help but shiver. She was glad Kageyuki Shiraishi was on her side, because the alternative was somewhat horrifying. While he hadn’t done much beyond teasing, there was something in his eyes that set her ill at ease. He took the moment to step forward, his demeanor shifting as he did so. “Hello? Did I come at a bad time?”

There was an awkward pause in the bickering as the group turned to gape at the intruder. The psychologist took the opportunity to continue his verbal onslaught, “Sorry to drop in. I’m a Scout with Bad Apple studio, I was given a tip there was a rehearsal I should come see. We find that drop-ins are the best way to see the spirit of an act.”

Just like that, the mood changed. Hana hid the knife behind her back, brightening, “Ahh! Isshiki is really talented. You should see him play. You’re really not interrupting anything. It’s all part of a show, you see!”

“Ahh, I definitely do. It was certainly convincing. Good job.” The smile remained plastered on Shiraishi’s lips, a friendly mask so the teenagers didn’t look to closely at his identity. “Would you mind playing some for me?”  He gestured to the stage.

Glances were exchanged between the four in front of him, but some of the tension drained from Sera’s shoulders and he stepped aside to let Kazuki take the stage. The pink haired man handed him a guitar, exchanging words far too quiet to hear from the floor below. Kazuki nodded, and started to play. The song was loud and raucous, not the sort Ichika was used to hearing on the radio. That said, she could tell that the pair were putting their hearts into the music, and she couldn’t help but be swept along in the energy.

After the last notes faded, Shiraishi stood with arms crossed. Hana practically bounced with excitement, “Wellllll? What do you think, Mr. Scout? Isn’t he great?” The taller man shrugged, “Two things. It seems like there’s a pair up there that I’m judging.” He cast a glance to the side, and Ichika swore that his smirk was accompanied with a wink in her direction. “If that’s the best Mr. Isshiki can offer, it seems the former label was right to drop him when his scandal hit. I don’t see how we can market this.”

The switchblade was out almost instantaneously, as well as the look of fury. “People like you don’t understand! It’s all your fault. Agencies like yours, corrupt police. I was gonna judge Kazuki for this month, but I’ll get rid of you just like the cop that ruined Isshiki’s life.”

Shouting came from the stage, the man known as Isshiki and the two others begging Hana to calm down and see reason, but a quick glance showed that all sanity had left the bunny girl long ago. She gave a howl like a demon, lunging at Shiraishi with the blade. Moving quickly, Ichika moved her firearm and squeezed the trigger. The shot went off, hitting the hand holding the weapon. The girl yelped, dropping the knife from now useless fingers. Shiraishi was quick to kick the offending instrument far out of her reach, while Kazuki lept from the stage to help restrain the girl.

Ichika rushed in, “Shiraishi, Kazuki, are you alright?” She pulled out her cuffs, using them to restrain the girl. “Shiraishi, what were you thinking?”  She ignored the howls of rage coming from Hana as she glowered at her new boss.

“I was thinking that you would be able to handle her.” The profiler said, with a bright smile. “It was better for you to work if the fangirl was focusing her ire on me instead of your little brother. Familiarity can increase stress and reduce rational thinking.”

“I would have been able to-” Ichika protesting, cheeks growing red from her own ire. It was true she was a rookie but yet she prided herself on the ability to think under pressure even in the worst situations.

Shiraishi shrugged, “Sure you could do that, I’m sure. We all believe in you,” his tone was still slightly sarcastic. “But if you didn’t have to worry about it, why should you?”

The asshole had a point, which was an unfortunate constant in dealing with the profiler. She sighed, “I’ll call this in, then.”

She quickly dialed Mochida and explained the situation. The police responded quickly, and the group spent most of their time giving statements to the investigators. She was exhausted by the end of it, and the teenagers present went from surly to outright miserable.

Finally, she was permitted to leave, and before she did she swung by where Kazuki slouched against the wall. His scowl was even deeper than normal. “Kazuki, are you doing alright?”

“This was a whole lot more trouble than I anticipated. She was mad because she found out about you, you know. She thought you had me insinuate myself into Isshiki’s life to get dirt on him.” His brow furrowed, look getting darker at the thought.

The older sibling frowned, “That’s ridiculous. I didn’t have any idea you were here - which we need to talk about later by the way - how long have you been in a band?”

The teenager bristled considerably at this, “It wasn’t something you needed to know. You didn’t have an interest before.”

She tried not to start an argument in the middle of the concert hall. “If it’s something that interests you, then I want to support you.” Kazuki was taken aback, but didn’t seem to argue back. Ichika tried to smile encouragingly, “Well, we can talk about this later when we get home.”

Her brother gave a curt nod in response, “I’m gonna go with Isshiki for now.”

She gave her own nod in return, “Let me know where you are tonight. Be safe.”

Kazuki grunted, “Yeah, yeah. Sure.” The teenager stalked off. Despite his gruff demeanor, Ichika’s heart felt much lighter. There was still work to do, but at least Kazuki didn’t seem to be raging at her for unknown reasons.

Mochida wandered over, Shiraishi and Akito in tow. “Hoshino, thanks for your work today. You should go home and rest, you can take tomorrow off from SRCPO, but Comissioner Minegishi will want to debrief you tomorrow.” He glanced over to the head of Support Ops, who outranked the both of them. “Ah, yes. The transfer. I can’t speak for work Director Shiraish has for you, of course.”

The rookie gave a tired nod, and Shiraishi stepped in. “She can take tomorrow off if she would like. I may as well. I’ll make sure to get her home safely.”

SRPCO’s supervisor was visibly taken aback when the director volunteered to escort his new subordinate home, “Oh, I can -”

“Thanks, but right now Ichika-chan is my responsibility. You’re not needed for this task.” Shiraishi dismissed Mochida as callously as ever, an air of authority that she rarely saw from him shining through in that moment. The manner in which he spoke down to Mochida rankled at her, as if he was an ant beneath the profiler’s gaze. Mochida was only trying to be helpful, as always and didn’t deserve to be treated that way. He smiled all the while, making for quite the mixed message.

Still, Mochida was quite adept at navigating the social structure at the police station. He merely bowed to the director, “Thank you for taking caring of Hoshino. “Let me know if you need anything Hoshino.”

She thanked her boss before allowing Shiraishi to escort her out the back of the club. He started to walk ahead, but Ichika found herself stopping in her tracks, eyes widening in horror as she caught a glimpse of the graffiti painted in the alley wall across from the door. “Hey, wait up.”

Shiraishi glanced over his shoulder, look one of vague amusement. When he saw the look on her face, he turned around to peer at the images that had caught her attention. “Well, that’s certainly a message. What are the changes it’s for us?” The profiler smirked, blase as always.

Ichika crouched down, fingers tracing the image. The black cat padded along,red anemone carried in its mouth. Sticky paint came away on her fingertips. She flashed them at her companion so he could see the evidence, “It’s fresh.”

“Of course it is,” Shiraishi mused, “Shall we follow it?” He gestured further down teh alley with an elegant motion, the direction the graffitti cat was heading.

“Yes, we might find a clue as to Sasazuka’s whereabouts.” The statement felt awkward as soon as it left her mouth, like they were on a mystery show for children instead of chasing down a terrorist organization. She started down the dark path, away from the sounds of the city. Shiraishi remained at her side in her periphery.  As they walked in the dim light, she noted other small symbols.  A roman numeral XII, surounded by four dead animals.

~details here: mirror x-day cases?~

After the last turn, an crimson flower, fresh and whole was placed in the middle of the alleyway,  the scent wafting over to her on a gentle breeze. In the center was one of Adonis’ coins. This had to have been placed recently, and the presence of a real live flower was even more disconcerting than the art along the path. Immediately she paused, eye glancing around to look for danger. Too late, she considered that should could be easily walking into a trap, and that Shiraishi would let her do so if the outcome amused him. After all, it was her collar and tie to Adonis that cause his interest initially. The man didn’t bother to engage if the subject bored him, and Yanagi couldn’t sway him when he was not intrigued. Why would he do so much for her now that she was normal again? Out of the corner of her eye she saw the older man echoing her movements.

It was then that her phone chirped, spooking her. She heard Shiraishi suppress a snort at her skittishness. Quickly, she flipped the cell open, scanning the text that came in from Okazaki.

Where are you? Don’t do anything dangerous without me. <(｀^´)>

She whispered a silent apology to her new bodyguard, but as her fingers started to tap at the keys to give a short response the silence was broken by that voice that now haunted her nightmares. The voice of Adonis was heavily processed, layered to disguise the speaker. The result caused her to feel ill at ease.

“Ichika Hoshino, we have been waiting for you. How are you enjoying your freedom?”

Side: Others

The local municipal building for Shinjuku was teeming with activity. The news reports buzzed with excitement. Several Diet members had acquired leave to hold a press conference, headed by Shinjuku’s own Rei Mikuni. Some from outside the ward were even permitted to enter for the event. To ensure safety, the press was informed only shortly before the conference began. Security Police swarmed the location, on top of the regular officers on duty, making the scene look like something out of a blockbuster film.

The call came out to take seats and after some shuffling, everyone was seated. The five government representatives sat at the front, all prominent figures in the Diet. Rei Mikuni was placed in the middle, a young girl with long red hair behind him taking orders. The up-and-coming politician started to call the meeting to order, looking down in confusion at the microphone. Instead of his soft voice, the distorted narrator of the X-day videos echoed from the loudspeaker. “You who subjugate the good people of our country for profit shall be judged for your sins. Countdown to X-Day: I.”

A thunderous roar boomed across the chamber, followed by a wave of heat.

Then the world collapsed, sealing the fate of those assembled.

[lanternsraised]

CxM: The Twilight Ward Chapter 2 Draft

Draft. So Drafty.

Side: Sasazuka

The young man looked at the smashed fragments of his old badge, brow furrowed. It felt like an end-piece to his former life, and the mixed feelings he felt at this troubled him. 

Takeru Sasazuka never felt any attachment to his job with the Tokyo Police Force, which made it easy to walk away the first time and join Yanagi’s detective agency. Nor had he felt any particular loyalty to the establishment, as they had recruited him after he won a round of Capture the Flag. They’d come crawling to him, and the moment they demonstrated their unwillingness to continue the Firearms ban he lost any respect for those at the top of the food chain.

So, what was his hesitation now? The fact the feeling was present at all nagged at him.

“Now, why didn’t you leave that old thing behind?” Crimson eyes shot up to the source of the voice, noting one of the Adonis agents assigned to be his guard. He wasn’t sure if they were protecting him, or ensuring his cooperation. Likely both. That attitude would be easy enough to manipulate.

“Because, idiot,” the hacker started, no patience for his companion, “Leaving my badge behind would have been a definite statement, allowing those looking for me to ascertain that I left willingly. The quicker they figure out my motives, the faster they’ll try to react in a way that would not be beneficial to any of us.”

The young man, whatever his name was he couldn’t be bothered to recall, seem taken aback by Sasazuka’s brusque manner. Good. He was used to those reactions from those around him. The man didn’t leave despite the harsh words, instead hovering like a nervous aunt hoping the flower girl didn’t muck it up at her precious baby’s wedding. Sasazuka looked up again from his keyboard, folding arms over his slim chest. He still cut an intimidating figure despite his short height and lanky build. “Why are you still here? I’m trying to set up my rig in peace. Do you how annoying it is to set up an environment from scratch?” Right now, he missed Ichika. The stupid cat had been an able assistant, and her company was almost pleasant.

There was a hesitant pause, “You said to monitor if anyone contacted your old number. Someone has. Ichika Hoshino.”

Sasazuka froze briefly, then snapped, “What did she say?”

“It was a simple query regarding your whereabouts. Do you want us to contact this one?” The agent seemed to smirk at that, and Sasazuka could feel his temper flare.

“The deal was that she would be left alone going forward, so no. We will not be contacting her.” He scowled deeply, eyes narrowing. This fool better understand him perfectly clearly, “Ensure that Zero is also aware that my demands have not changed. Now leave me be, I have work to do.” With that, he turned back to his system. Eventually he heard footsteps leaving the room and he sighed to himself, letting his shoulders slump slightly. “Baka neko, don’t be stubborn about this. Go wag your tail for someone else, I’m not going to let you get mixed up in this mess.” With that, he returned to his task, hoping that his partner would see sense for once in her life.

~

Side: Protagonist

When she woke, Okazaki was already up and about. He’d found a book while he was waiting, and propped himself up against one of the walls while reading. The man offered a bright smile as she stretched sleepily, “Good morning, Ichika-chan. Did you sleep well?”

Her first instinct was to insist that her sleep had been fine, but she took one look at her friend’s head tilted to the side and shook her head. It was getting harder to lie to him now that he was constantly in close proximity. “I’ve slept better. I think I had a lot of nightmares.”

He made a noise that sounded sympathetic. “I was worried about that. You sounded stressed. I nearly woke you, but everytime I moved to do so you would quiet down.” His gave her a scrutinizing look as he talked, and she couldn’t help but blush again.

“I’ll be fine. It’s the stress, that’s all.” The girl paused, “Wait, did you even get any sleep last night?” She was relatively certain he’d fallen asleep before her, at least.

“4 hours,” Her companion said to her, chipper as ever, “Don’t look at me like that, Ichika-chan. I got quality sleep, and that’s what matters.” He chuckled at the exasperated look on her feature.

“As long as you’re satisfied with that.” Ichika slipped out of bed, suddenly self-conscious again. “I’ll get dressed and make us some breakfast.” Before he could protest, she shushed him, “It’s the least I can do after your assistance.”

Okazaki, wisely, swallowed whatever words he was going to use to undoubtedly turn her down and smiled instead, “That sounds great.”

Giving a satisfied nod, she went to the bathroom to shower and change. The shower was soothing, and she spent some time under the hot water to collect her thoughts. Sasazuka had never responded to her message, which hurt more than she anticipated it would. The silence felt final, unlike times before. Still, she wasn’t going to let that be the final answer. The day filled her with new resolve.

The rookie was still going to solve the X-day cases. While some might be able to walk away entirely after earning freedom, she couldn’t bring herself to look away from the chaos in front of her. Ichika Hoshino was unable to turn her back on the suffering of Shinjuku, especially now that she had stared it down. She felt refreshed when she was done, and felt a spring in her step when she headed towards the kitchen with Kei on her tail.

Cooking also soothed Ichika, and she truly enjoyed the activity each morning. While she prepared breakfast, she also took the time to pack bento for lunch; one for herself, one for her little brother and the last for Okazaki with what she had leftover. Okazaki kept her company, keeping the conversation light. She doubled over in laughter when he told her about how his roomba had run away like a lost puppy.

Eventually, Kazuki joined them, lured by the scene of breakfast. Never a morning person, he started to silent set the table in the common area. The mumbled, “Mornin’ under his breath was an improvement over the last few months when he had greeted her with stony silence. Okazaki helped her set out the food; a traditional meal of rice, miso and fish. She’d made some side-dishes to compliment the meal. The three tucked in, the atmosphere surprisingly comfortable. Okazaki called Kazuki “little brother’ when addressing him, but didn’t openly antagonize the teenager like Sasazuka was prone to do during conversation.

Finally, Kazuki broke the question that Ichika didn’t want to answer. “So, what’s the deal with this guy? You didn’t tell me what trouble you landed into as a rookie cop.” His eyes narrow at that, and the scowl started to return.

“I’m sorry, Kazuki. I really can’t tell you about it right now.” Instinctively, she bowed. “The reasons are confidential, related to my job.”

“Does it have anything to do with-?” Kazuki cut himself off, eyes flickering to Okazaki innocuously sipping his miso soup.

The security agent looked up when Ichika hesitated, sensing her need for assistance. “Yes, it does have to do with your friend, in a sense. And yes, I am aware of his connections to Adonis.”

She sighed, “It’s as he said. Also, please pardon his off-putting manner. As part of his training, he’s exceptionally astute.” She made a wry face as Kei chuckled at her explanation.

This seemed to soothe any ruffled feathers on Kazuki’s part. She saw him calm visibly, shoulders losing their tension and she let out a breath she was holding when she realized the teenager’s temper wasn’t about to boil over. He was obviously still cranky, crossing his arms as he narrowed suspicious green eyes. “So when is Sasazuka stopping by? He’s still your … boyfriend, yeah?”

Ichika cringed at his words. She’d almost forgotten the cover Sasazuka used to invite himself to dinner to interrogate an Adonis suspect at her house. Declaring himself her lover didn’t endear the hacker to her little brother in the slightest.

It didn’t help that her brother managed to hit all the questions she didn’t want to answer today. This time Okazaki waited for her to answer, the agent’s now-somber violet eyes regarding her from across the table as she considered how to explain the current situation. “Sasazuka is currently missing,” she explained, quietly, finally settling on those words. “We suspect it’s related to X-Day.”

She waited for the words to sink in, “So he’s in trouble, which means you are too?” Kazuki’s features were like a storm incoming, “That’s asshole is so fucking annoying.”

“Kazuki!” she said, rebuking him without thinking. “It’s not entirely his fault, so please just take it easy. It’ll be fine. We have Okazaki-kun to help us now.”

“And my assistant Yoshinari will be here shortly to help, as I’ll be escorting Ichika-chan to work soon. We have an early meeting.” The agent’s easy smile was back.

Her brother sputtered at Okazaki’s reference to his sister, mouth open in horror at the implications of the older man’s informality. “Did he just--?” He turned to her, accusatory look in his eyes, “How many boyfriends do you have?!”

“What?” She was taken aback by the sudden question, “No? I don’t have any--”

Ichika realized she had misspoken a moment too late. “None? Isn’t Sasazuka your boyfriend? Did you finally dump him before he went missing?” Kazuki leaned forward, eager, “Because I’ll take this weirdo at the table over that cocky bastard any day.” He paused, “Not that I want to see ANY of that, honestly.”

Kei’s laughter didn’t help the matter, “Is this why Takeru-kun said your brother had a siscon?”

“Not helping, Okazaki!” Ichika responded, exasperated as Kazuki erupted into another stream of curses directed at Sasazuka.

“Well, on that note, let’s be off,” Okazaki said, chipper as always. He didn’t seem to be phased in the slightest by Kazuki’s curmudgeonly demeanor. “Yoshinari is outside now. If you’re feeling extra-generous, you can invite him inside and let him drink some coffee. He won’t be a bother.” Kazuki gave a shrug at that, a typical response from the teenager.

The walk to work was almost relaxing, and Okazaki’s chatter did a lot to dispel the oppressive mood. When they arrived at police headquarters, Ichika looked up at the imposing building. “Well, I need to meet with Shiraishi-san now,” she said quietly, reluctant to enter the profiler’s office. She always felt she was an object of study around the man and it put her on edge.

To be fair, most things put her on edge lately, including her current companion but she would take Sasazuka or Okazaki’s company over Shiraishi. At least she knew the two meant well in their own way.

Sometimes the blonde man could be downright vicious with his quips.

“I can come with,” Okazaki offered, “They’ll probably ask me some questions too, you know.”

She tried to hide her relief, “Yeah, that would be great, I think.”

Which is how Okazaki was by her side as they approached Shiraishi’s office on the XX floor. Shouting could be heard easily from the other side. The voice was distinctly female and obviously irate. Okazaki shot a questioning look in Ichika’s direction and she grimaced in response before explaining the situation before them. “That’s Shiraishi’s assistance, Mukai-san. I wonder what he’s done to piss her off today?”

“I’m sure it’s a long list. He doesn’t have a reputation of someone that’s easy to work with,” Kei said, pulling a face that made her laugh as she reached up to tentatively knock at the office door.

The voices stopped abruptly at the interruption, and the door was ripped open abruptly to reveal a fuming Eriko Mukai. The older woman pushed up her thick-rimmed glasses, tossing her long brown hair with a violent shake of her head. “Hoshino-san, turn back while you still can. The director remains an incorrigible asshole.” Still, she stood aside to let the pair inside, shooting a venomous look at the offender lurking behind her.

“Ah, just in time.” Shiraishi called from the other side of the room, “I was hoping something would interrupt Mukai’s latest tirade.” If he was bothered, it didn’t show. The same smirk remained on the profiler’s lips as always. He turned to his assistant, “Mukai, would you mind giving us some privacy for this meeting? I have some data I need from HQ.”

“Of course you wouldn’t go get it yourself.” Mukai said with a glare, “This is just an excuse so you can slip away gadding about after, isn’t it?”

Ever elusive, Shiraishi only gave a shrug in response, and Mukai stormed off in a huff presumably before she lost her temper again. Ichika felt bad for the woman. Her boss certainly wasn’t easy to work with.

When she was gone, Shiraishi gestured to a couple seats in the corner of the room. When they were settled, he leaned back and regarded the pair. “Let’s get our stories straight before we need to report the disappearance. That’s what we’re going to be calling it, as there’s no evidence that Sasazuka-kun has defected. Pay close attention,” he snapped his fingers at Ichika, instead of bothering with her name, “You couldn’t lie to save your life, you stupidly honest fool. It’s a wonder you’re still standing here at all.”

Ichika bristled at his manner. Her seemingly infinite patience waned immediately in his presence. “Maybe lies aren’t always the best approach, Shiraishi-san. I’ve done fine without them so far.”

He snorted in response, and continued. “That’s what we’re going to rely on, for you. Leave the lies to people that are good at it. This means let Mr. Security Police over here do the heavy lifting, as your partner isn’t here to cover for you.” Okazaki’s innocent look in response was almost comical. “So, stick to the facts, okay? You didn’t see him yesterday when he wasn’t at work. After talking to Minegishi-shachou about the fact he was missing, you decided to swing by his house -- he wasn’t home, obviously -- and then the detective agency where you fell asleep. Okazaki was similarly concerned and left to investigate where he discovered that Sasazuka was long gone, no signs of a struggle and all that. Instead of painting him as a potential terrorist, we point to him as a coward. It won’t be a hard sell, given how quickly he abandoned his job at Headquarters the first time when they no longer served him. We can convince them that he did it again, and is trying to smuggle himself out of the ward to leave the country.”

“Yes, but he made some sort of deal with the Police Chief. He left the first time because the ban on weapons was lifted. Why would he leave this time when they can help him reinstate it?” Ichika protested, the idea of her partner being labeled craven sitting in her gullet like a hard lump.

Hard green eyes focused on her as Shiraishi stared her down. She met his in return, her stubborn side flaring at his demeanor. Instead, the profiler answered, voice lilting like a nursery rhyme.  “Hmm...which would Ichika prefer? The story that her beloved Takeru left because he was disgusted with the government and ran like a coward or the one where he joined  Adonis to help take the system down altogether?” He laughed, “The story isn’t about truth, or justice. It’s about convincing people to buy the narrative we’re selling.”

She bristled, before pausing her argument.

Kageyuki Shiraishi had actually used her name, and not in a way she had anticipated. “Ichika, really?” she asked, voice flat.

He grinned, innocuously tucking a strand of long yellow hair behind his ear. “Well if I’m going to bother to remember your name, I’ll use the one that pleases me, Ichika-chan.”

“This is why you have trouble getting along with others like Mukai, Shiraishi-san.” Ichika pointed out, frowning.

He only laughed in response, “I’m sure I’ll continue to survive that somehow, Ichika-chan.” His lips twisted in a smirk? “Ah, did you just make a face? I’m so confused. I thought you wanted me to use your name.”  He trailed off, as if he didn’t already know the answer to his question.

“Ugh, that’s enough of that. Back to the topic at hand.” The young woman straightened her shoulders. The profiler was like a cat with a toy, and she didn’t want to show weakness in front of him. “So your professional opinion is that we should paint him as a coward as that is a believable tale.”

“Oh, we’re asking for my professional opinion? That’s something very different. Were you to ask that I would say we should wave a fond farewell to our favorite hacker while selling him down the river before the authorities take us down with him. That, I fear, is not the will of the group and I find myself trying to find a reasonable alternative that doesn’t paint us all as villains.”

“Shiraishi-san, could you stop with the teasing and help with a plan?” Kei’s smile was still there, but his tone was firm.

A dramatic sigh was given in return, “Fine, but that’s pretty much it. Ichika needs to keep her answers to a minimum, and focus on the fact she didn’t know where he went. You can let them know that you found he left quickly. I can lead them to other conclusions that aren’t Sasazuka is a Traitor. The best answer is the simple one. Again, the one we’re worried about here is Ichika slipping up, which is why I’m having her focus on the truth so the more experience liars can lead discussion.” He tilted his head, “On that note, feel free to share that Sasazuka was disappointed in the police’s ability to handle Adonis. That will steer them away from believing he would join them.” His attention was back on Ichika, “How do you feel about this?”

“I’m sure you’re aware that I feel terrible,” Ichika shot back, “As much as I’m sure you’re not asking out of kindness. What is your angle?”

“I don’t want you having self-doubt about this plan.” He responded simply, “I can coach you personally if you’re nervous.” For once, he almost sounded sincere.

“I thought that’s what we’re here to do.” Ichika said stiffly, and suddenly felt like she wandered right into a trap as the profiler’s smile grew.

“Lovely. Let’s go over some exercises, then.” He clapped his hands together, delighted. “We’ve got some time before we should go meet with them.”

The next hour was agonizing for Ichika. She was unused to interrogation, ‘the sort to fold when Sakuragawa and Mukai team up on her’, as Shiraishi had sniped. He would ask her a question and then grill her until she answered in a fashion he found acceptable. The man felt like the world’s most unreasonable director, and she no longer wondered why some actresses suffered breakdowns on intensive film shoots.

The three wandered up to Headquarters together after, and Shiraishi looked pleased and Ichika’s haggard appearance. Kei had the decency to look concerned, “Are you going to be alright, Ichika-chan?” Her bodyguard asked, frowning. Accusatory violet eyes focused on Ichika’s tormentor as Kei continued, “Shiraishi, your teasing only stressed her out more. What were you thinking?”

“Don’t be so worried, Mr. SP. She looks pitiful, and Minegishi is soft-hearted. He’ll take it easier on her now, if anything.” Another laugh came from the older man, and Ichika realized that this was his plan all along. “It’s almost a pity she didn’t cry, really. It would have been even more believable.”

“I’m not a fragile flower,” Ichika snapped, losing her patience.

“I’m well aware, Ichika-chan. I could have taken more advantage of such were that the case.”

“I don’t want to know what you’re implying right now,” She said flatly. In response, Shiraishi only laughed at her, pulling open the door to Investigations HQ.

Mingishi looked up from his discussion with one of the detectives, face troubled. He gestured them over to an office, and the group followed. When they shut the door, the Commissioner didn’t bother to dance around the issue. “Have any of you seen Sasazuka?”

Ichika worried at her lip, Shiraishi’s words echoing in her mind, “I looked for him yesterday, but couldn’t find him.”

Kei nodded, “I went over to his apartment after Ichika-chan informed me about the lack of communication. I have a report.”

Minegishi raised an eyebrow at Kei’s familiarity with Ichika, looking between the pair but nodded. “Please go on, Okazaki-kun.”

The Security Police agent nodded, businesslike and serious. The shift still surprised her. “I went to his apartment and was able to obtain entrance.” Okazaki started, “I found within a mess, but no sign of struggle.” He continued to relay the information given the night before finishing the verbal report, and passing over a packet of papers. ‘I have my full report here, Commissioner Minegishi.”

The Commissioner  took it, thumbing through the contents before turning to Shiraishi. “I’m glad you came with them. I would have called for you otherwise. What’s your take on all of this?”

The profiler tucked his hair behind his ear again as he contemplated. Were they not in a meeting, Ichika would inquire if this was one of those ‘tics” they’d mentioned in the academy. “Hmm,” Shirashi practically hummed contemplatively, “It doesn’t bode well, to be quite honest. I trust our SP agent’s analysis that there wasn’t a fight. This, given Sasazuka’s disdain at the lifting of the weapons ban and our ineffectiveness against Adonis, make me consider that he left of his own volition. After all, the detective agency couldn’t support his goals and neither could the metropolitan police. He’s not the sort of confront the organization directly, but he has demonstrated a willingness to abandon his duties.”

“So, you’re saying that he cut and run when he didn’t think we could help achieve his goals?” Minegishi asked, frowning.

“Exactly,” Shiraishi said with emphasis. “This is the most logical conclusion, given his psychological profile.”

“Do you think he’s in any immediate danger?” Their superior asked, still concerned.

The profiler mulled over the question, then shook his head. “While I wouldn’t rule out the possibility, his packing was rushed but deliberate. If he was afraid, he would have reaching out to her,” he gesture to Ichika, “Or Even Yanagi.”

“The makes sense,” Minegishi said reluctantly, “We’ll consider him missing from duty at the moment. If we can spare resources to find him, we will. That said, I’m afraid with X-Day imminent and some of the plans coming from on high, we are short on those.” He looked to Ichika, “Can you let us know if he contacts you?”

Guilt worried at her. The fact they were willing to track Sasazuka down instead of firing him immediately spoke of the hacker’s talent. Talent which was now likely being used against the metropolitan police. She gave a brief bow, “Yes sir. I’ll let you know.”

“That will be all, then.” He paused, “Hoshino? Instead of returning to your original department, I would like to arrange to keep you in Investigations HQ for a bit longer.”

Her eyes widen in surprise, “Of course, sir.”

“Aww,” Shirashi complained, “I wanted to poach her.” The sulk slipped in his voice and the displeased curve of his lips. If she didn’t suspect him of an ulterior motive, she would have found it charming.

For the first time that meeting, Minegishi smiled. “Very well, Hoshino can assist both departments. This should give her enough to do.”

Shiraishi seemed pleased with that response. “Thanks Commissioner Minegishi.” So he could be polite, when he wanted something. Ichika filed that away for future reference.

Dread filled her, the reaction opposite of Shiraishi’s exaltation, but she somehow managed to keep it from her face. “Thank you for your consideration, Commissioner Minegishi. I hope to help both teams.” She glanced sideways at Shiraishi, who only smirked knowingly.

“Good. You’re dismissed for now. Hoshino, you can go with Shiraishi-kun for the rest of the day and familiarize yourself with Field Operations. Okazaki-kun, keep up the good work on your assignment.”

She nodded, and left with her companions. They returned to Shiraishi’s office in relative silence. When the door shut behind them, the irascible director turned to them with a catlike smile, “Well, that went well, didn’t it?”

~~

Side: Others

Seiji Minegishi looked up from his paperwork as his own superior, Hajime Morioka, burst in, a permanent scowl marring his already rough features. As Division Chief, the second-in-command to Tokyo Metropolitan’s Chief of Police was like a permanent storm cloud hanging over Shinjuku HQ. He couldn’t be blamed for his demeanor, in Minegishi’s opinion. Adonis’ violence continued to escalate, and every lead led to a dead end. The terrorist cult had a method to wipe their executor’s memory remotely. Pressure continued to come from on high to solve the case, no matter the cost. The Chief of Police hated how the X-Day incidents made the organization look bad to the public.

“I don’t like this at all,” Morioka announced, practically spitting. “Hoshino is suspicious. Okazaki appears loyal but is acting suspicious, and Shiraishi… he’s brilliant but you can’t trust the eccentric ones either. If he hadn’t cracked the Adonis attack from years ago, I’d have kept him at the Main Office instead of transferring him to Shinjuku.”  He crossed his arms, “Then there’s the correlation between all of them and Yanagi’s new agency. What’s your angle on this, Minegishi? I could likely have Hoshino arrested already and find out if she’s with Adonis once and for all. We don’t have time for this with the incidents and the even the upper ranks have planned for tonight.”

Minegishi frowned at that. He couldn’t deny Morioka’s instinct on some of his deductions, but some of his conclusions felt too extreme. “Hoshino does not read as a terrorist. She’s too easy to read. I do believe they have some interest in her, which I can’t figure out for the life of me. I suggested she split her time between our department, though Sasazuka is missing, and Shiraishi’s. This way we’ll be able to observer her more closely. If anything, I fear she’s in danger, especially after Sasazuka’s disappearance. I would advise waiting for a bit longer to see if our observation yields any results.” His voice was calm compared to the hot-headed chief.

“That’s the fishiest thing of all. All that work you did to get that smug little hacker back into the fold and now he disappears off the face of the planet? Shinjuku is in lockdown, he can’t have gone far!” Morioka groused.

“Would you like me to devote some our taskforce to locating him?” Minegishi inquired, “I can do so, though we’re stretched thin as it is.” He frowned at the paper down on his desk, “Even more so now that the Diet has decided to do this summit in Shinjuku. I fear politicians visiting the ward now won’t go over well.”

Morioka gave the nod of approval, “Do it. Only people we trust. For the record, I don’t trust any of them right now, not even Kei Okazaki. Let them think we’ve given up already on the search.”

Morioka smiled, “Of course. I can think of some people for this task already.”

[lanternsraised]

Collar x Malice: The Twilight Ward Chapter 1 (draft)

Main Blog: torchvixen.tumblr.com

Warning: Much draft, very rough. Title is a Placeholder. Written in fits and starts during meetings at work, so may seem choppy.

Pairing: Ichika Hoshino x Takeru Sasazuka, Maybe some Ichika x Kei, Ichika x Shiraishi

Summary: Takeru accepts an offer he cannot refuse from Zero, and the rest of the detective agency is left covering for his disappearance. Set from Sasazuka’s bad ending, where he joins Adonis, goes AU in the next few chapters.

Chapter 1

At first, she was certain that the experience had only been a fever dream, brought on by the stress of her job. In her mind, Ichika Hoshino had dreamt up X-Day as an after-effect of accidentally watching a horror movie with her little brother. After all, she couldn’t feel the cold weight of the collar as she regained consciousness.

Opening her eyes shattered the peaceful illusion. She lay on the couch in Yanagi’s office, the detective sipping from the mug from the couch on the opposite side of the coffee table. Her body urged her to sit up swiftly, to mirror the shock of her predicament but instead the rookie officer could barely move as if her body was sinking in quicksand.

“Relax, Hoshino. It looks like you were drugged.” Yanagi’s calm voice managed to sink in, and in response the woman took several deep breaths. He continued as he noticed her resolve, “The good news is that your collar has been removed, so we won’t need to worry about Adonis disposing of you anytime soon.”

“Then, the bad news?” 

Her voice was hoarse, and almost as if summoned by the unsteady creak in her tone Enomoto arrived with hot tea. The brash redhead sat down next to Yanagi, silent for once. His broad shoulders slumped as he did so, and he seemed to slouch where he sat like a child. It was very unbecoming for the tall man, and the odd eyepatch he wore as “style” over his eye made the sight more comical.

“We can’t get in touch with Sasazuka-kun.” Yanagi continued, frowning. “Okazaki headed over to his apartment to check on him.”

Enomoto laughed nervously, “Ah, ol’ seaweed-head is probably buried in his work. This wouldn’t be the first time.”

That may be the case normally, and Ichika had previously shown up at Sasazuka’s apartment when he wouldn’t answer the phone. Something worried at her mind, the memory of a hand combing through her hair and her partner’s sad smile.

Good girl. Go back to sleep.

Ichika didn’t need to wait for Okazaki’s return, she bolted down the stairs, ignoring Yanagi’s call. It took effort to to force her legs to function, and she stumbled once or twice due to the aftereffects of the paralytics on her way down, catching herself just in time. She relied on inertia to get to the street, frantically scanning the area for a man that would not be there. “Sasazuka!!”, she cried out into the night, hoping the wind would carry her plea to her partner on the winds.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t a dream or a fairy tale with a happy ending. Takeru Sasazuka had chosen a darker path despite her efforts to keep him in the light. Despite herself, she could feel tears slip down her cheeks. “You really are an idiot, aren’t you?”

There was no response. The rift between them grew even larger.

~

She wasn’t certain how long she stood outside the detective office in the frigid winter air, but her thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of a warm coat draped over her shoulders. She started at the sudden movement, wide green eyes searching for the source.

Kei Okazaki appeared like a ghost, fitting given his role in the Security Protections department. “That’s not good, Ichika-chan,” he chided gently, “You’ll catch cold if you stay out here without a coat.” The older man tilted his head to the side, quizzically. As always, the odd man left words unspoken. In the brief time she had known him, Ichika had learned that his cheerfully innocuous manner obfuscated a clever mind. Even with warning from Yanagi’s team, Okazaki managed to worm his way into Ichika’s good graces, using their rapport to pry information she’d rather not reveal outside of Yanagi’s inner circle. Even knowing this, it was difficult to be angry with him. He was good at his job, and hadn’t betrayed their trust yet.

Until now, there hadn’t been a conflict of interest between the Police and Yanagi’s team of former officers.

“I was just going, Okazaki-kun,” she hedged cautiously, looking for a quick exit. If Okazaki had paid even the slightest bit of attention, he would have noticed that she had been Sasazuka’s partner. She wasn’t certain she wanted to divulge information to him about the missing hacker if he had defected to the other side.  At least, not just yet.

A day. Just give me a day….That’s all I need.

The man in front of her didn’t have any of the normal tells she read about during her time in the Academy. When someone was suspicious, often their eyes would narrow slightly or their stance would become guarded. Instead, his eyes remained blank, his body language nonchalant. The question asked was that of a concerned friend. “Hmm? Without a coat in the middle of December? I suppose you could borrow mine if you’d like, but does that mean we’re switching? I think yours might be a bit toooo tight around the shoulders, but we could try it.” His face brightened and he flashed her his easy smile, “I know! I can walk you home after I talk to Yanagi-san. You’ll want to hear this too, Ichika-chan.” His voice had a gentle lilt as he said her name, much too informally for her liking. Before she could protest, the bodyguard had snatched her hand, leading her to the entrance. His grip was firm, but comforting.

“Okazaki-kun,” she tried, “I appreciate your efforts, but shouldn’t you be guarding Yanagi’s team and not someone like me? I’m just a rookie in SRCPO, not one of your VIP assignments. I take public complaints, and that’s hardly dangerous.” The argument had never swayed the ashen-haired man in the past despite his ignorance of the collar and Ichika’s predicament, but she was left desperately clutching at straws.

“Mm,” he barely acknowledged her point. “Yanagi-san’s team can take care of themselves. Besides, I think we would all feel better if someone saw you home, especially given recent events, yes?”

It wasn’t a true question. Kei was always pushy in such an underhanded manner, and it’s how he often slipped past any objections to get his way. “Given that one of Yanagi’s team just disappeared into the night, are you certain they are safe?” She didn’t resist as he led the way up to the office, though her words seemed to sow doubt on their situation.

The smile on her companion’s lips fell away, revealing the diligent man under his under his carefree demeanor. He stopped outside of the door to the detective agency, pale eyes piercing through her searching for something unknown in her gaze. He kept hold of her hand longer than was comfortable. Instead of voicing his response, he plastered the smile across his features once more. “Let’s go. Yanagi-san must be waiting on my report, and I’m sure they’re worried about you running off like that.”

In the end, there was no need for Okazaki to say what he was thinking. The man dropping his mask told Ichika all she needed about his current thought process.

He knows. She thought, before suppressing her feelings of panic. Or at least he suspects…

Instead, she forced a wavering smile. “Thanks,Okazaki-kun.” Though, if she was honest she wasn’t sure what she was thanking him for. HIs concern? His protection? HIs discretion? Regardless, she felt compelled to say the words.”You know, Yanagi-san is going to be so  happy you’re using his front door for once.” It was a lame jest, but she was desperate to diffuse the tension in the air.

Much like Sasazuka the night before, she felt a distance forming between herself and the man. She couldn’t bear to lose another friend due to suspicion and betrayal. Not right now.

To her relief, he laughed at that, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before letting go to open the door for her. “I hope he doesn’t get used to it!”

Her smile warmed, growing more genuine with their usual banter. “Do you just enjoy the look on their faces when you appear through the window?” He never had explained how he had easily scaled the building to enter the 5th floor office window. Ichika had tried to figure it out one day while bored waiting on Sasazuka to finish his analysis. To her amazement, she hadn’t seen a fire escape or another obvious route of ingress. No wonder Yanagi expressed such dismay at Okazaki’s unexpected appearances.

The SP agent didn’t deny her comment, but also avoided giving a proper answer. Typical. He could be just as evasive as Shiraishi.  Instead he greeted the team, “Look who I found outside, a stray cat!”

The cat comment stung unexpectedly, a reminder that Okazaki had picked up the nickname overhearing Sasazuka call her “Baka Neko” (Stupid Cat) before he learned her name.

Mineo Enomoto took one look at Ichika, draped in Okazaki’s large brown police coat and hopped up, flustered. The young man was never good in tough situations, “I’ll reheat your tea, Hoshino.” At least, he was able to be formal, unlike the man next to her.

Ichika sat back down on the couch, her companion opting to lounge against it next to her. He called after the retreating redhead, “I’ll take one too, Mineo-kun!” At least, Okazaki was irreverent with everyone.

“Thanks for going out there, Okazaki. What did you find?” The detective was all business today. Now it was Okazaki’s turn to feel the weight of Yanagi’s expectant stare.

“Nothing good. He wasn’t at home so I found my way in. It looks like someone packed quickly.” No mention of how Okazaki found himself in the apartment, but she had some obvious guesses and none of them were strictly legal. The SP agent ran fingers through light colored hair, glancing between Ichika and Yanagi. “There is no sign of a struggle, or forced entry before my own. Furthermore, it looks like as much of a rush that was taken in packing, someone took time to deliberately ruin all the computer equipment. I’m not sure if any of it would be recoverable. This… doesn’t look good. Not at all.”

That was an understatement, to say the least. The situation was even messier, given Sasazuka’s recent reinstatement to the Cyber Crimes division at the behest of Commissioner Minegishi in Investigations HQ.  If he had accepted Adonis’ offer, this would be a large scandal for the Tokyo Police in the Shinjuku branch.

Yanagi glanced to Ichika, clearly taking in the sight of the girl without her collar. “Hoshino, what happened?” At her hesitation, the detective glanced at Okazaki. Even he seemed troubled. “I think, at this juncture, we should not hide the truth.” It was an olive branch, of sorts, and Okazaki nodded in agreement.

Still, her mind was in turmoil. She glanced up at Okazaki, taking in the crisp white shirt  and dark slacks, at the red-and-white armband associated with his department. He was in the uniform of the Shinjuku police and she recognized that he was intensely loyal to his mission.

However, his mission was protecting Yanagi’s team and that included Sasazuka. The older man demonstrated free will by determining that this also included Ichika as well. She still couldn’t read him well. Though they had kept him in the dark about Ichika’s reasons for involvement, she couldn’t shake the feeling that he knew more than he let on.

Despite having every reason to suspect her, he hadn’t reported the most salient bits of information to his superiors. Inadvertently, this had saved her life.

“Do you need me to leave, Ichika-chan?”, Okazaki asked, tone mild. This made the decision even harder, as she was expecting him to obstinately stay until ordered away as usual.

She took a deep breath, and took a gamble. “No, it’s fine. You can stay.” The smile she received at that proclamation was dazzling. She forced herself to avert her gaze and turn back to Yanagi. “I think that Adonis has Sasazuka-kun,” she said quietly. “I’m worried they forced his hand. They expressed intention to recruit him, no matter the cost.”  

Ichika couldn’t bear to say the reasons behind the defection, or that her partner had left of his own free will.

The dark bangs that fell over Yanagi’s eyes made his face look shadowed as he contemplated the information, “I was afraid of something like that. Sasazuka is talented, it would make sense that others would want to use his skills.” He stood up, “In addition to solving the cases, we need to get Sasazuka back. Shiraishi should be on his way, in theory, and we can fill him in as well. Hoshino, you knew him best, would you be willing to take point on this?”

“Yessir,” she responded, almost mechanically.

“Good, thanks for doing this.” Yanagi said with a gentle smile. He was trying to be reassuring, she realized.

A soft hum interrupted from her right, and Okazaki spoke the words she was fearing, “Hmm… I’m going to have to report this. It���s too much to overlook, especially since he missed work today. If he wasn’t working at Investigations HQ at the moment, right in front of the brass we could delay this longer…” he trailed off, “It would be best to coach it as a missing persons case until we know more.” The last words were deliberate, and his violet eyes looked down at Ichika.

She nodded in response, words catching in her throat for a moment, “Yes, that sounds like the best plan.” Ichika would find a way to express how grateful she was later.

The door opened behind them, and the tall blonde profiler slipped in, “Yanagi-kun, you said it was urgent?” Despite his pleasant voice, Kageyuki Shiraishi made Ichika uncomfortable like nails between her shoulder-blades in the dark of night.

“Good of you to show up, Shiraishi.” Yanagi said, “We think Adonis has Sasazuka.”

Shiraishi didn’t bother to feign concern for his teammate, instead he gave a small, amused smile. “Oh? That’s an interesting plot twist.” Though he was a year older than Yanagi, he never struck her as responsible. It was hard for her to consider that he was nearly 30 and in charge of Field Operations Support department at the station.

The cute black cat ears he wore in his hair didn’t help.

The rookie of the team could feel frustration bubbling up inside her. “Shiraishi-san, this is his life that could be in danger right now.” She stood as she spoke, adding force behind her words.

Shiraishi studied her with inscrutable green eyes, darker than her own.  His expression never changed, the infuriating smile remaining on his lips as if mocking her. He shrugged in response, “Somehow I doubt that’s the case. You never were a good liar, you know? I would take a different tactic if you need to talk to the higher ups about this. Better yet, try to avoid that at all.”

“I don’t think that will be possible,” Okazaki interjected, “One of the terms of Takeru-kun coming back to the force was Ichika-chan acting as his assistant. They’ll see her as a person of interest, though they indulged his request. I think Minegishi-san would have done just about anything to have him return, but I’m sure he wondered why Ichika-chan was requested.”

“Then we’ll have to coach her, won’t we?” Shiraishi responded patiently, as if he’d already thought well ahead on the matter and resented having to explain the situation to a particularly dense child.

Yanagi nodded, “We’ll all need to get on the same page. I’m sure there will be questions for us all. Thankfully, we don’t actually know much at this juncture and I’m certain that will show in the interrogation. Morioka and Minegishi are reasonable directors, after all.” He looked to Ichika, “Hoshino, can you partner with Shiraishi on this one? I think his profiling will be valuable to finding Sasazuka.”

Ichika could feel herself bristle visibly at the suggestion. It was no surprise that Sasazuka and Okazaki likened her to a cat. Despite her distaste for the profiler, she nodded. “Of course, Yanagi-san.”

Shiraishi frowned slightly, “Yanagi, I’m still trying to find the mole in the police station.” Then his mercurious mood changed abruptly, as he gave Ichika a wicked grin,  “Ah well, we get to spend more time together, at least. Isn’t that fun? Meet me in my office tomorrow before work, and we can go over how to approach this with Minegishi.”

“Do you even know her name?” Mineo said, rolling his eyes at the profiler.

Shiraishi pondered this for a moment, tucking a lock of blonde hair behind an ear as if putting actual thought into the matter. “No. Do I need to for some reason?”

Mineo turned visibly red at the man’s flippant manner, his face matching his hair as he tried to reign in his temper, “Aside from the fact that you’ve known her several weeks already and she’s a member of our team? No, no reason I can think of.”

Ichika sighed, moving to grab her coat, “Is there anything else to discuss at the moment? I would like to go home.”

Yanagi’s posture mirrored her own exhaustion, “This is usually where I would ask Sasazuka to dig into the last known whereabouts of the person we were trying to find.” He shook his head, “We’ll have to do this the hard way. Everyone, let’s reconvene tomorrow night. We can share what we’ve found then.” He then directed his attention to her, but before he continued he shook his head. “We can talk more tomorrow, Hoshino. Get some sleep. You look like hell.”

She nodded, numbly. “Thanks. I’ll be off, then.” Okazaki moved to join her, taking back her coat so she could shrug on her own. She breezed past Shiraishi, giving another nod when he reminded her of their early meeting the next day and headed down the stairs back out into the cold.

The walk back was uncomfortable at first. Ichika was left to her own thoughts, which were dark and foreboding. She still felt a bit sluggish from the drugs earlier, and the wind whipped through her long brown hair violently as they walked down the streets of Shinjuku. At first, Okazaki left her to her worrying, hand shoved in pockets and violet eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. She almost wished he wasn’t protecting her, for once. What if Sasazuka regretted his decision and tried to make contact, only to turn away when he saw she had company?

As if he could sense her unease, the man decided to strike up a conversation, “Don’t worry, if I see anything I’ll let you know. If you need me to be less obvious, I can fade into the background and tail you from a distance as well. I’m sure that nothing would happen so soon after such an obvious event. Everyone is always vigilant right after something like this. It’s when the excitement lulls that we drop our guard.”

“At this point, I’m not sure the excitement will end. What if we can’t figure out the X-day crimes in time? Adonis now has the person that was obtaining the bulk of our information, so that puts us at a disadvantage.” She cut herself off before she could say more.

“Hmm, you really are feeling down, Ichika-chan.” He frowned at that.

Ichika paused, turning to look at him. “What do you mean by that?” Of course she was feeling down. Who wouldn’t, in her position?

“Usually you’re the one cautioning patience, telling others not to give up hope. You bear the worries and fears of the public with a smile and infinite kindness.” His violet eyes seemed like dark pools, and the intensity made her shiver, “So to hear you say something like that is a huge concern for me.” He offered a comforting smile, patting her head gently. She almost snapped in response that she wasn’t actually a cat, then stopped herself. That was an argument she usually had with Sasazuka. He continued, “There, there. Don’t worry, Ichika-chan. I’ll help you find him again. We’ll be able to stop this madness before the deadline.” He slipped his arm in hers jovially, and when he started moving she was pulled in his wake.  “At the very least, you don’t have to worry about their threats against you anymore, right?”

That caused her to tear her arm out of his grasp in shock. “What are you--?” Nerves already frayed, she reminded herself that even if Okazaki knew, he hasn’t informed his bosses, and that meant she was still alive.

“Implying?” He asked, innocently. “Hey, Ichika-chan, I notice you’re not wearing your scarf for once.” He chuckled, “So whatever you were hiding is no longer a worry, right? I’m relieved. For a moment, I worried that you had a red ribbon around your neck. I wondered what would happen if I pulled on it…”

“Nothing would have happened,” Ichika snapped, moving again at a brusque pace. She didn’t want to speak to him anymore.

She heard a sigh and footsteps to match her pace. The streets were clear at night since the quarantine had started, most citizens were afraid to be caught out alone in the dark. “Either way, their power over you is gone now, isn’t it? There’s at least one thing to celebrate.”

“Yes, but the cost wasn’t worth it.” the rookie huffed, turning over in her mind what could have possibly tipped the agent off. “How long have you known? More importantly, why didn’t you report me when you realized I was an active officer at the Shinjuku Station?”

Okazaki’s long legs had allowed him to catch up easily, and once more he slipped his arm in hers, pulling her close. Despite the aggressive move, it didn’t feel like a demand. Instead, it steadied her, and she felt her cheeks grow warm in dismay at her reaction. “Hn. Well, I knew something was off when you started associating with Yanagi’s team. They may bill themselves as a detective agency, but they don’t actually take clients. Shiraishi is right, you know. You’re not the best liar. Luckily, that fact worked in your favor. I could tell by interacting with you that you weren’t a conspirator, which meant you were likely a victim of Adonis.” He flashed another dazzling smile, “Don’t worry, Ichika-chan. I meant it, I’ll help you find your partner. Please, let me protect you.” The words seemed heartfelt, but she never could read him easily.

He let her ruminate over this revelation for a moment. Finally, she let out the breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. Ichika could feel the tension slip away with it. “Thank you, Okazaki-kun. I really appreciate it. Honestly, I’m not really sure where to start looking. Sasazuka didn’t exactly share a lot.”

He huffed at that, and for a moment she wondered if he was annoyed with her uselessness. “Ichika-chan, again! Please, call me Kei-kun.” His lips turned downward into a surprisingly adorable pout, made more amusing by how dramatic he was making his features. “It’s only fair, you know.”

They had stopped, and Ichika glanced up to see that they had arrived at her apartment complex. The highrise reaching up to the sky like a protective giant, and the sight of home made her feel comfortable for the first time that very long day. This wasn’t the first time she had this discussion with Okazaki. “I don’t know if I'm ready to call you that, Okazaki-kun…” she trailed off, not bothering to veil her hesitation.

Was it her imagination, or did the man look crestfallen? The moment passed quickly and he was back to smiling again. “I understand, Ichika-chan,” clearly this hadn’t changed his own stance, “I just hoped to express that I’m comfortable with such whenever you’re ready.”

She couldn’t help but blush again. Why did he have to put it that way? The words gnawed at her, with the realization she was probably being rude by ignoring his wishes in her attempts to be overly polite. She hadn’t grown up in Tokyo, and noticed that many were far less formal in the city. Before she could open her mouth to protest (or perhaps apologize), his hand slipped down to take hers. “Let’s get you upstairs, shall we? Please don’t fret over this, Ichika-chan, you already have enough on your mind.” His warm smile melted away her doubts. Perhaps calling him by his first name wouldn’t be so bad, but even if she decided otherwise he didn’t seem the sort to disregard or judge her own preferences when addressing him. The SP’s disarming manner made her feel at ease, even in the worst situations.

Okazaki didn’t let go of her hand on the way up to her apartment, and she didn’t push him away. Perhaps it was the hacker’s absence, but she couldn’t help but notice the differences between Okazaki and Sasazuka. Sasazuka as her partner was prickly, but demonstrated affection in a very different manner. He was quick with a harsh word to his teammates, but quick to pat her head when she was down or share his coveted sweets. It frustrated her when he fed her like a pet, but it warmed her heart nevertheless to see the awkward way he tried to care for others.

The SP agent, on the hand, was unabashedly affectionate and warm towards those around him, always ready with a kind word or encouragement for her when she needed it. That didn’t make him any easier to read most days.

They arrived at the apartment in silence. When Ichika unlocked the door and entered, Okazaki slipped in after her as if he belonged. She gave him a quizzical look as she took off her shoes, “What is it, Okazaki-kun?”

His violet eyes studied the ceiling as if noticing something very important, “I was thinking I should stay here tonight,” he mused, “I’m worried that you’ll be a target after Takeru-kun’s disappearance.” He glanced at her bare throat, “Even with their original hold over you gone, I can’t imagine Adonis’ interest has actually waned.”

Ichika glanced toward her little brother’s room, worried. Kazuki had already responded poorly to Sasazuka’s visit, not that the genius hacker had helped. She wasn’t certain how he would respond to Okazaki’s presence as well. “I’m not sure if that would be appropriate, Okazaki-kun.”

“Ehhh?” He made a disappointed sound, “That’s fine, then. I can guard from outside the building just as well.”

She started at his proclamation, considering all the times she found him standing guard in the alley outside the detective agency. “Wait, that’s even worse. It’s freezing outside!” She protested, eyes narrowing.

Her friend chuckled pleasantly. “It’ll be alright, really, Ichika-chan. I do this all the time, anyway! You know I can sleep anywhere.” Memories of the man falling asleep on her shoulder shortly after their first meeting came to her mind unbidden, and she shook her head to clear that thought.

“No, Okazaki. It’s December. I can’t let you do that.” The words came out in a rush, “We have a spare futon here somewhere. You can spend the night.” Since when did she start arguing his original position? He could be so infuriatingly stubborn.

“What’s going on here?” An irritable voice interrupted the disagreement. Ichika glanced down the hallway to see her brother half out of his room and scowling. Kazuki rubbed sleep from he eyes as he glowered at the pair standing in the entrance.

“I’m sorry, Kazuki. Okazaki-kun is going to be staying with us for a while to protect us from any potential threats, given everything that’s going on.”

“What potential threat could you be facing? Aren’t you a rookie in a low-risk department?” Kazuki seemed incredulous, then grumbled lowly. “Fine. He can stay, but I’m not sharing a room with him.”

“That’s fine, little brother.” Okazaki practically chirped, and she couldn’t help but cringe waiting for the backlash from her hot-headed brother.

Kazuki snorted instead, “Well, at least you don’t seem to be as much of a dick as her partner. I’m gonna tell you what I told him, though. You’re never gonna be my big brother.” Despite his obvious irritation, Kazuki did help drag out extra bedding for Okazaki. Once they had him settled, Kazuki retreated back into his room.

Ichika nervously glanced to Okazaki as she gathered her things to get ready for bed. He had already settled in, light grey hair splayed across his pillow and garish purple sleep mask settled over his eyes to block out the dim light in the room. She never realized how much hair the man had before this moment, musing that it must reach the nap of his neck at the very least. The young woman noted that the hair that brushed against his shoulders was darker than the rest, tinged an odd plum color. He had unusual looks to say the least, and one of their associates wore an eyepatch for fun. With the mask on, it looked like he was winking at her cheekily and she had to stifle a giggle as she crawled into her bed.

“Mmh? What is it, Ichika-chan?” The man murmured groggily.

“Nothing, Kei-san.” She said, drawing the covers up around her with a smile. “Just a thought. Get some sleep, would you?”

“That’s my line,” he groused playfully, and then a pause. “You called me Kei. I can die happy now.”

Ichika flushed with warmth at that. Part of her had hoped the normally astute man wouldn’t bring it up, but now that she saw how happy it made him she couldn’t help but grin. “How about we start with sleeping happy, alright?” Kei mumbled something in response that sounded in the affirmative, and soon was fast asleep with a smile still on his lips.

He wasn’t kidding when he said he could sleep anywhere, and she was certain this was more comfortable than some of the alleys he would doze in. She told herself that it was best for protection if he was right there if something went awry.

It would be harder for the events of the day to get much worse, however. Ichika frowned as she looked down at her phone. She flipped it open, tapping out a quick text. “Sasazuka-kun, where did you go?” Snapping the mobile shut, she placed it on the bedside beside her. She lay awake for a while, eyes on the device as she hoped fervently that a familiar buzz would break the silence. If that happened, the display would light up and she could see that she had woken from a particularly bad nightmare.

Fate wasn’t kind to her, however. The phone remained as still as a graveyard until sleep overtook her exhausted form. If the hacker was able to read her message, he didn’t send a response and her dreams were plagued with images of him slipping somewhere far away where she could never reach him.