Author's note: The beginning of this fan-fic is set in the time just before GITS:SAC starts with Section 9's geisha house mission. Same year, same city, same characters. It will follow all the episodes with twists here and there so my OC can be a part of the main story. And yes, some things will be changed so it all ties in nicely with her. One of the big changes has to do with Togusa, since he is kind of the focus of this story. His wife, son, and daughter in the show will still be related to him in this story, however she is now Togusa's sister and the kids are his niece and nephew, and she is now married to a bank manager. I also named her Kanna, since no one seems to really know her name. As siblings, they are very close and spend a lot of time together. So that leaves Togusa single and yet still a "family man" of sorts. Another big change is that my OC is related to the Major, so Motoko has family now, though the relationship will be revealed only in the story. Anyway, hopefully you'll be able to recognize a lot of the dialogue from the actual show and will be happy with it.
Also throughout the story, I kind of make references to other anime and some video games, as well as some movies, so hopefully you won't mind me throwing random stuff in there that I think is really cool. Now to introduce my character... (for pictures, go to photobucket and search for xxblazexx91 in users for the album)
Name: Reina Buren
Nickname/alias: Rei, XIII (13)
Age: 19
Sex: Female
Species: Human/wolf (genetically altered)
Height: 5'5''
Weight: 115 lbs
Cyborized: Cyberbrain only
Blood type: X
Hair color: Crimson red
Eye color: Silver/gray
Often seen wearing: A white tube top with black across the top and bottom that ends just above the belly button, black jeans with a white silk scarf as a belt tied in a knot on her right hip and the ends go down to her knee, and knee high black boots that tie up in the front with dark gray laces (stylish version of a military boot), and a black armband on her upper left arm (to cover a tattoo with the Roman numeral thirteen XIII)
Jewelry: A black string necklace that has three strings: collar, short, and medium with a black feather on the last string
Occupation: Dj at a few clubs and part time student at the Niihama College, a junior college
Cyperspace persona: Light blue hair tied loosely to the side, blue eyes, dark blue dress and black converse
Special capabilities: Class A hacker, heightened senses, able to see well in the dark, strong intuition/instinct, strength equal to a cyborg, quick melee fighter, high accuracy marksmanship, able to curve bullets with some guns, stealth, skilled with a katana or knife, free running/parkour
Background: Reina moved to New Port City, Japan two years ago to escape, hide, and begin a new life. She originally didn't have a last name, but forged documents to fit into society as soon as she set foot in Japan. She was only 17, so she made up a cover story that she was an orphan from the American Empire who wanted to live in a more peaceful area. She entered high school as a junior, and graduated at 18. What Reina escaped from was a life of hell.
For as long as she could remember, Reina was held captive in a lab, being continuously experimented on and tested. She doesn't know when exactly they had altered her DNA, but she knows it was when she was a small child. The majority of her DNA is still human, but part of it is animal as well. Specifically wolf. At will, Reina can transform in the blink of an eye into a large white wolf with silver eyes and back to human again. Unfortunately, in her human form she still has larger canines (teeth or fangs), and sometimes bares them by accident when she is angry or excited. Even stranger is the fact that both forms contain a cyberbrain and plug-ins, the latter hidden beneath the fur in wolf form.
Reina had escaped the lab in Auburn, Alaska, U.S.A when she was 15. However, she had wandered into Washington and ran into a specialized military unit F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault Recon) that had plans to bust the lab in Alaska because they were conducting illegal genetic research. Reina hastily joined the team, wanting a chance to help prevent someone else from being hurt like she was. She was quickly accepted on to the team after a year of training because of her abilities, however unofficially since she was underage. Reina's job was being point man (working independent of the team and the first on the scene).
But the operation took a turn for the worse as none of them were prepared for the creatures they were up against. During the chaos, as a last resort, the lab had a hidden electromagnetic power source that they used to self-destruct. It caused nuclear-like damage and the entire city of Auburn was destroyed. Because of Reina's unique DNA and body, she wasn't affected by the explosion, and remained the sole survivor. After confirming that she was the only survivor, Reina left the country to live in the one place her heart most wanted to be even though she had never been there before.
During the operation to bust the lab, Reina obtained critical information on not only herself, but on who had allowed for such experimentation to exist. To Reina's surprise, it was a U.S Senator, who had been bribed by the scientists. He was given free, state of the art prosthetics. Reina keeps the records of phone calls, e-mails, and documents stored on a data chip. She is the only person aside from the Senator that has knowledge of the true events in Auburn. The rest of the world was sold a cover story invented by the Senator. Reina doesn't know what the exact story is since she was busy escaping and never looked at the net or television. She was so focused on creating a new life that she didn't want to dig up the story and find out.
She knows that the Senator would have been notified of her survival somehow and would want to track her down eventually. The evidence (which only Reina is aware of) is all she has to counter him. However, she has never and will never make the first attack because she wants to live without complications for as long as possible. But the US presidential election is already approaching, and Reina knows her time is running out.
Will Reina be able to maintain a normal life while time is running out? Or will she run into trouble sooner than she expected? Unknowingly to her, she has a powerful ally in Japan who has been waiting for her.
Here's some important stuff:
When stuff is Bold Italicized, it stands for the cybercom communication.
If it's just italicized, it stands for internal thoughts.
References to, Credit goes to: F.E.A.R (video game), Wanted (movie), Wolf's Rain (anime), and more
Copyright: I don't own Ghost in the Shell, F.E.A.R., Wanted, Wolf's Rain, and various others
#01
All Good Things Come to an End
The sun slowly came up between the city buildings, brightening Reina's bedroom regardless of the heavy curtains. She roused out of a deep sleep, a bit relieved to be out of her dream. She sighed and stretched on her back. A morning like every other. She then laid still and frowned. There was a dull ache in her stomach and her nerves were slightly on end. That wasn't normal for her this early in the morning. She sat up quickly. Was it the dream?
Reina glanced over at the mirror next to her closet, seeing her bed head staring back with a concerned look. Before she could mull over what could possibly be making her anxious, her cell phone began to chime with one of her favorite tunes. The anxiety now in the back of Reina's mind, she reached over to the bedside table and picked up her cell phone."Hello?"
A bubbly female voice answered back, sounding a bit surprised. "Oh! I guess you've been awake for a while. I half expected you to be mumbling and half asleep, like usual." She laughed.
Reina smiled. It was Ami, an amateur DJ at The Abyss, one of the clubs Reina was a DJ at every once in a while. Ami also attended the same college as Reina.
"I actually just woke up like five minutes ago. The sun got into my eyes and my phone kind of woke me. Anyway, what's up? I thought you had a class today." Reina relaxed, laying down on her side and rubbing her eyes.
"I do, I'm on break right now. But that's the thing! Ok, so one of the guys in my class who's usually really quiet and shy comes up to me and asks if I like to go clubbing. I said yeah and he told me that he had bought four tickets for him, his girlfriend, and friends, but something came up and now they can't go! So since he didn't want to waste them, he wanted someone else to have them! And guess what club they're to?"
"What?" Reina prepared herself to hear that they were tickets to some small, boring club that was trying to boost business.
"Insomnia!" Ami squealed.
Reina sat up, shocked. "What? Isn't that the club that's having its debut tonight? The one that's supposed to be huge with special effects all over the place?"
"Yeah! Tonight is like the VIP night, and we just got tickets that cost thousands for free! If you say you can't go, I'll never speak to you again."
Reina laughed. "As if I'd miss out on an opportunity like that. Even if I were bleeding to death, I'd go. So should we have the happy couple tag along too?" Reina was referring to her and Ami's other friend, Machi, and her boyfriend of two years, Haru.
"Yeah. We owe them for buying dinner the other night. In fact I was going to call them right after I talked to you." Ami squealed again. "Oh my gosh, I'm so excited! And are you going to wear your usual stuff? That black and white top is perfect for glowing in a club."
"Yeah. Comfortable too." Reina glanced over at the closet, spotting her almost everyday outfit that was black and white.
"Alright I'll be sure to wear some white too. Anyway, I want to call Machi. The club doesn't open until nine tonight, so let's all meet up at the usual café at like seven-thirty so we can eat. I want to drink and dance nonstop tonight."
Reina smiled. "I bet. All right, see you at seven thirty then."
"See you then!" Ami hung up.
Reina put her phone back on the bedside table and sighed contently. She got off the bed then went to the window. She opened the curtains and squinted through the bright morning light. Another cloudless morning. It's going to be a nice day and probably great night. She looked at the street below. Reina lived in a nice apartment complex and had managed to get the one at the very top. It had a nice view since it was a nine story building. Reina looked out into the distance.
There was one building that always caught her attention. It was a very tall tower-like white building. It wasn't just the appearance of it, but the mystery about it. Reina has ventured out towards it before during her free running, but never got close to it. It gave Reina goose bumps each time she was within a half mile of it. And then there was the large aircraft that came off the top of it often. Why would a large corporate building need a tilt rotor that looked suited for military use? Reina shook her head and walked away to start her daily activities.
Reina had heard a rumor once from Haru when she inquired about the building before, thinking he'd know since he grew up in the city. The rumor was that an elite counter terrorism unit was stationed there. But Haru didn't think it was true since he heard the rumor from someone else, and it seemed unreasonable to him that such a unit would be there rather than grouped with the military. After that, Reina hadn't asked again. Haru's reasoning seemed to make sense, regardless of Reina's instinct, which scratched at her each time she looked at the building or saw the tilt rotor flying away.
Reina put the issue in the back of her mind, the anxiety from earlier now completely forgotten, and took a shower to start her day.
A day that would turn out to be normal but quickly turn into an evening of mystery and fear.
…...
Chief Daisuke Aramaki sighed as he filed away a document he had just finished overlooking. Another down and many, many more to go, he thought idly. As he reached for another document, his office phone rang. He felt slightly relieved by the thought of a short break from the tedious paperwork. He picked up the phone. "Yes?"
"Chief, you have a call waiting on video line three. It is a Senator from the United States wishing to speak with you. He says he has something urgent to discuss and a request. Should I patch him through?" The AI secretary asked.
Aramaki frowned. What would a Senator from the American Empire want with Public Security? "Yes, patch him through with an encryption."
"Yes, sir."
Aramaki hung up the phone then sat with his hands folded on his desk, waiting patiently for the large screen in his office to show the Senator. It only took a few seconds for the screen to come alive and show a live picture of an American man. To Aramaki's surprise, the man looked younger than he expected. The Senator seemed to be a man in his mid-thirties to early forties with neatly cut dark blonde hair and green eyes. His face was lean but strong, and he wore glasses that were both professional and stylish. The man also wore a white shirt with a dark blue tie. A prosthetic body, Aramaki assumed.
The man smiled. "Good morning, sir. I hope I'm not interrupting any important work you might be doing." The Senator's voice was light yet strong, to which Aramaki was sure it could easily turn deep and dark.
"Good morning, Senator. No, you're not interrupting anything but paperwork."
"Good to hear. I am Senator Kain Gadsen. And you are Chief Daisuke Aramaki of Public Security Section 9?"
"That is correct. I assume you are aware of the fact that Section 9 is a very specialized unit. So what would you like to discuss?"
Gadsen smiled. "Right to the point, I see." His expression then became serious. "Well, in America, the presidential election has just begun. I have decided to run in this election. Now, I don't mean to suddenly change the subject, but do you remember, about three years ago, what happened in Auburn, Alaska?"
"Auburn, Alaska?" Aramaki thought for a moment. The name of the city in the U.S sounded familiar. He then recalled the crisis that appeared on news media worldwide. "Ah, do you mean the explosion that completely destroyed the city?"
"Yes. And do you recall what the catastrophe was caused by?"
"Hmm. An unknown terrorist group who detonated a specialized bomb at the city power plant. I remember seeing the footage of the damage. I believe it is still an unsolved case, correct?"
"Actually, no. New evidence has been discovered amongst the wreckage that shows a terrorist group was not responsible. Instead, it shows that a single person was responsible. They were caught on a security video while they fled the area after the explosion. Using the video, we finally identified the terrorist."
Aramaki frowned. "That is a very ground breaking development, Senator, and I am glad to hear your country can finally solve the mystery behind the tragedy. However, I don't see how Public Security in Japan can be of any help to you."
"Ah, but it can. You see, Auburn was my hometown and the city where I began my political career, so this case is very important to me, which is why I contacted you instead of leaving it to someone else. And I am sorry to say that my case is now yours as well." Gadsen paused for a moment then continued, his expression as hard as stone. "The terrorist escaped the destruction of the city and fled outside this country. Unfortunately, the terrorist has chosen Japan as their hideout, specifically New Port City. We have reason to believe that the terrorist has the potential to destroy your city as well."
Aramaki closed his eyes for a short moment in thought then opened them. "I see. And you figure the suspect may want to cause a commotion as a result of your campaign?"
"Yes. We have reason to believe that the terrorist had a grudge against Auburn due to being denied a prosthetic body. They were denied a body because they had insufficient funds and no urgent medical need. The terrorist was angered and wanted revenge." Gadsen paused to take off his glasses and rubbed a stress point on the bridge of his nose. He sighed. "I could have prevented it. The terrorist sent a personal letter to me several days before the incident because I was once the governor of Alaska. The letter was a threat, warning me of the destruction of Auburn if they were denied a prosthetic body one more time. Now, because I can possibly win this election, the terrorist could react to it badly. I ignored the letter, completely disregarding it as trash. So now they are holding a grudge against me." Gadsen looked up. "Chief Aramaki. I ask of you that you please track down and arrest this terrorist before the tragedy can be brought down upon your great country as well."
Aramaki thought about the situation for a few seconds. "All right. This situation can be classified as a potential terrorist threat, and you can rest assured that my team will have the suspect in custody within three days."
Gadsen looked relieved and smiled. "Thank you, Aramaki. I will send you the information we have on the terrorist as well as the evidence right away."
Aramaki nodded. "Now, after the suspect is in Section 9's custody, I will handle the case as I see fit. Are you willing to agree to that?"
"Of course. Do what you must. All I ask is that you inform me about the fate of the terrorist."
"Of course. Thank you, Senator. This case is now in the hands of Section 9."
Gadsen smiled. "No, thank you, Aramaki. I will be in your debt." Gadsen's image then disappeared from the screen.
Aramaki picked up his phone and called the AI secretary.
"Yes, sir?"
"There are some files being sent by the Senator. Send them to my office immediately and tell the Major to assemble the team in here in ten minutes."
"Right away, sir."
Aramaki hung up and sat back in his chair with a sigh. Good thing I enjoy my job.
…...
After a quick briefing on what he and the Senator had discussed, Aramaki opened the documents sent by Gadsen onto the screen. One half of the screen held the video evidence from almost three years ago, the other a detailed description of the suspect. "The video showing the suspect is blurry and inconsistent from damage caused by the explosion. However, we are clearly able to observe a young female fleeing the scene, obviously distressed but with an agenda." Aramaki showed the video once more.
The video was taken from a surviving security camera from within a bank vault. The vault's door was open, allowing a view outside. The video was only a minute long, as the camera's battery was about to die. After 8.7 seconds, a figure slowly came into view from the right. The video disrupted about every two or four seconds with static. The figure seemed to walk cautiously with what looked like an assault rifle in their hands, pausing only to take a quick look inside the bank. The figure stayed there for ten seconds then lowered the gun. The figure then shook their head and backed up slowly, seemingly distressed, and quickly ran out of sight to the left. The rest of the video showed static disruption getting worse, then completely died at 57.8 seconds.
After the video was played, Aramaki paused it to hold the pixilated close up image of the suspect standing with the gun.
Batou groaned. "Aw, c'mon, can't we clean up the picture even just a little? It's completely useless to us this way. It offers no confirmation on the description of the suspect."
Aramaki shook his head. "Unfortunately that is all we have to work with. The video can't be cleaned up because there are too many static interruptions."
Togusa read over the description once more. A nineteen year old female, approximately 5'5'' with red hair and gray eyes. Her body was said to be all natural and athletic. He then looked at the video close up. The figure sure looks female and certainly looks small enough to be a teen. At the bottom of the page, the Senator had added a note that read "you'll know her when you see her." But still…a kid caused all of that? Togusa frowned. "Is that really the only suspect they have? A kid?"
Motoko shrugged. "The description seems to match up with the video. Not to mention the handwritten letter that was sent to the Senator that had female characteristics." She looked at Aramaki. "However, what I don't understand is why there isn't a photo. How could they have had such a detailed description without a photo?"
Aramaki pulled up one of the police reports that came with the files. "Apparently the suspect had destroyed anything that could have given away her appearance or any personal information after the incident. All we have to go on is Senator Gadsen's statement, the letter, the forms for requesting a prosthetic body, and the video. "
Paz stared at the screen. "No birth certificate? School documentation? Medical records?"
"Nothing." Aramaki sighed. "I know this case holds too many assumptions and too little evidence. But that is one of the reasons why I accepted this case."
"And another reason would be sheer curiosity?" Motoko asked.
Aramaki nodded. "That, and the fact that the evidence was conveniently discovered around the same time as the election."
"So you think there's more to this case?" Saito inquired.
Aramaki frowned. "I'm not sure what to make of it just yet. But I feel that if we have this girl in our custody, a lot of questions will be answered."
Batou leaned forward. "And if this girl really is a dangerous terrorist?"
"Then she will be arrested and prosecuted as such here in Japan."
"And if she somehow turns out to be innocent?" Togusa asked. It was the question that was bothering him the most.
Aramaki looked Togusa in the eye, as if he felt the same way. "Then we have a much more complicated case on our hands."
Motoko stood up from the couch. "Right. Shall we start tracking her down?"
Aramaki nodded. "Yes, but I also want the destruction of Auburn investigated as well. To solve this case, we must find out exactly what events led up to it and what happened afterwards. Major, you and I will investigate Senator Gadsen. We'll find out what his background is and see if there is any sign of criminal activity. Batou, Togusa, Ishikawa, I want you to try looking for the suspect's name and current location. Saito, Paz, Borma, I want you to begin piecing together what happened in Auburn. Look into the American government files if you have to, as well as all news reports from that day." He looked around as his team accepted their responsibilities. Satisfied, Aramaki stood up. "Now let's earn our pay, people."
Motoko followed the rest of the team out quietly. However, she couldn't help glancing back at the frozen image of the girl's figure. As she looked, something inside her stirred. She turned, now focusing intently on the image and the description. Is my ghost…whispering?
"Major? You okay?" Togusa had paused in the doorway as well, looking at her with concern.
Motoko looked at him. "Yes, I'm fine. It's just a little surreal. An angry teenager at the heart of a strange catastrophe."
"I know what you mean. It doesn't fit right with me either."
Motoko raise her brows. "So I see your ghost is finally speaking to you."
Togusa was about to reply when Batou laughed. "Naw, he's just one hell of good guesser."
Togusa sighed and shook his head as he began to walk away. "Aw c'mon, give me a break."
Batou laughed at his reaction and followed him down the hall. Motoko smiled at their continuing exchange. Watching them made her feel a little more relaxed. For some reason, the girl's figure had bothered her, causing her a rare anxiety. She had felt as if her ghost was grasping for something just barely out of its reach. Grasping for what?
Motoko shrugged, putting the issue in the back of her mind as she focused on the task at hand.
…...…
Reina looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was tied back in its usual messy style with her bangs around her face. She grinned. Of course my everyday outfit is perfect for clubbing. She went over to her computer desk and put on her favorite necklace. It was a three tiered black string necklace with a large black feather that had a light gray stripe down the middle. The feather is somehow never damaged, no matter what it's put through. Wind, rain, regular wear and tear, it didn't matter. It was still in perfect shape.
Reina rubbed the feather between her fingers. She's had the necklace for as long as she could remember. Even when she was in the lab, she had it. Reina had always assumed it was given to her by somebody special, but she just couldn't remember who. She couldn't go anywhere without the necklace. If she did, it made her feel like something inside her was missing. Reina sighed and chuckled. Of all the things I could hold close to my heart, I chose a feather.
She put on her black boots then got up and stretched. She had spent all day completing homework assignments from her college classes. She had decided in her last year of high school that she wanted a science major, though she couldn't decide which field she wanted a Bachelors in.
Reina found her wallet in her favorite purse and took out just her ID and a credit card. Why carry a purse to a club when there's nowhere to safely put it? Not like I really need anything else out of my purse anyway. She was about to put the cards in her back pocket when she paused to stare at her ID. She was lucky that the picture didn't turn out like a mug shot. She was actually smiling and looked pretty. Reina eyed her name. Reina Buren. She was perfectly happy with it since she had spent a few days after arriving in Japan looking into data bases for a unique one. Van Buren looked good, but she felt Buren would suit her better. Reina frowned. But still… She never had a last name before that. It was always either Reina or Rei. Or XIII. She shook her head. Now's not the time to be dwelling in the past.
Reina placed the cards in her back pocket. She glanced out the window, once again automatically looking at the tall, looming building in the distance. She felt a wave of anxiety rush through her body. Reina clenched her teeth in frustration. I don't know what my instinct is trying to tell me about some random building, but I'm not going to let it ruin my night. She stubbornly turned away from the window and picked up her cell phone. It was 6:25 pm. Plenty of time to get to the café and have a leisure meal before the club opens.
Reina walked out to the hallway and locked the door behind her. She forced the still aching anxiety to stay in the back of her mind as she pressed the button for the elevator. What could possibly go wrong tonight?
…...…
Ishikawa pushed away from the large computer and looked over at Batou and Togusa, who were working at two other computers. "Hey, I finally got the name of the girl off the signature from the prosthetic body request."
Batou quickly got up to look. "About time."
"You try deciphering a signature. It's not that easy."
Togusa got up and wandered over. "At least now we have something definite to work with rather than picking out random people from a crowd." He looked at the screen then repeated the name out loud. "Reina Buren?"
"Doesn't sound like a name that would really come from the West. The last name maybe, but the first…" Batou paused to think.
Ishikawa crossed his arms. "Yeah, I thought the same thing. The first name seems like it would originate here."
"A fake name maybe?" Togusa inquired.
Ishikawa shook his head. "Shouldn't be since this was signed before the Auburn incident."
Batou sighed in frustration. "That's all fine and dandy, but do you really think the kid would keep the same name? She could have changed it after she came here and forged the documents."
Ishikawa shrugged. "Probably, but I think it's worth it to at least look into the first name. You never know, the girl was only about 17 after all. She might not have thought of changing her name or didn't have the resources to."
Togusa nodded and wandered back over to the computer he was working at before. "Sounds reasonable." He paused to smirk at Batou. "And you're always mentioning that 'one in a million' chance. This could be it, you know."
Batou scoffed as he wandered back to his computer. "Yeah, yeah."
Ishikawa shook his head and returned to his work. "I'm going to take a look at the letter and the request form again. All this talk about forgery has got me thinking."
Batou looked at him, puzzled. "What, you think those are fake too?"
"Well, isn't it strange that the Senator withheld the evidence up until election time rather than going to the police in his country within a few days of the incident?"
"Mighty convenient," Batou agreed.
"Exactly." Ishikawa was about to continue when Togusa spoke. "Uh, sorry to interrupt the brain storm, but I really think we have that one in a million."
Batou frowned at him. "Quit screwing around."
Togusa looked up, concerned. "I'm not joking. The name Reina Buren really did come up on the database."
"What?" Batou quickly moved over to Togusa's screen. The name was highlighted. Ishikawa looked over, watching. Togusa clicked on the name to pull up the information. The data showed a driver's license photo of a beautiful young woman who had deep red hair tied back loosely. Togusa pulled up the text description sent by the Senator and compared the information. He looked up at Batou, waiting for his opinion.
Batou shook his head. "Well, whaddya know. She really didn't change her name. And look, it says she's all natural too, just like in the description."
Togusa pulled up some of the records available. "There's a birth certificate, but no medical records. There's education records. Looks like she graduated high school just this past year and is currently attending the junior Niihama College."
Batou read further. "There are some employment records as well. Heh, looks like she's a bit of a party girl. She works as a DJ at The Abyss, Club Zero, and Inner Universe."
Ishikawa opened a few programs on his computer. "Can you send those records over here? I want to take a close look at them. Some are undoubtedly forged, but still."
"Sure."
Motoko then contacted Batou. Batou, listen up.
I'm listening,he replied.
Earlier we sent out the description of the suspect around the net to see if we could get anything. Two minutes ago we received an anonymous tip about the suspect. The tipper claims he gave away tickets to a girl he says is a friend of the suspect. He also claims that he has seen her before with that friend but never got her name.
Batou smiled slightly. Well now that's a really helpful tip. Looks like we'll have her in custody sooner than we thought.
You have her name?Motoko asked.
Yeah, in fact we just found it. Ishikawa got it off of the prosthetic body request and Togusa just now confirmed it. Her name is Reina Buren. She's a part time college student who works as a DJ at a few nightclubs and lives in an apartment not too far away from here.
Good work. The tipper said the tickets he gave away were to a new nightclub that's having a VIP opening tonight. The nightclub is called Insomnia. I want you and Togusa to head over there and take her into custody. And try not to spook her while you're at it.
Batou laughed. Me? Spook a young woman? C'mon, who could possibly be afraid of me?
Togusa, who had been listening quietly, scoffed at Batou. Oh knock it off. Major, are you still investigating the Senator?
Yes. The Chief and I found a few things that just don't add up, so we're going to keep digging. I have a feeling that this Senator has a few secrets that have to do with this girl and the Auburn incident.
Ishikawa finally spoke up. Yeah, we have the same feeling here. I'm taking another look at the files we got from the Senator as well as all the records on the girl.
Good. There's probably something hidden there that'll help fill in the gaps that Paz, Saito, and Borma have run across while trying to piece together the incident. Ishikawa, I want you to relay everything you find over to them as soon as you can and continue to give support to Batou and Togusa.
Roger.Ishikawa hastily got back to work.
Motoko continued.Now the club isn't set to open until nine tonight, so you have some time. Try to approach her in a way that she won't notice you until you're right next to her. Use the crowd to your advantage. I don't think you'll have any trouble bringing her into custody, so there won't be any need for a Tachikoma.
Roger.Togusa and Batou replied simultaneously.
Togusa then got up from his seat and checked his watch. "It's only seven, so we have about two hours to kill."
Batou nodded. "Plenty of time to research what the club looks like inside and out and plan an entrance and exit." He left the room for a break.
"Right." Togusa followed Batou out, but then paused for a quick glance at the girl's picture as it was displayed next to the frozen video figure. Togusa had left the video zoomed out to take a look at the surrounding area. Even though the quality of the video was poor, the extent of the damage was still obvious. The bank floor was riddled with debris and what Togusa thought to be a body. The area outside the bank was covered in big chunks of building debris. It also looked like the building across the street from the bank was on fire.
Togusa felt a chill run up and down his spine. Whether Reina Buren had caused the damage or not wasn't what gave him the chill. It was the scene. It was creepy and it seemed like a lot more was going on. Togusa only allowed himself to stare at it a few seconds more before he turned and left the room. He decided to take a closer look at it later after they had the girl in custody. Maybe if she's willing to explain the scene in the video, it wouldn't seem so much like it came from a horror movie. He chuckled to himself. I've got to stop watching so many of those movies with Kanna. It's starting to rub off on me. He felt a little better after that reasoning as he wandered down the hall.
But in the back of Togusa's mind, with the image of the scene, a chill still lingered.
…...…
"Aw man! Even though this is a VIP ticket thing, we still have to wait in line!" Ami, a small, pink haired nineteen year old with light blue eyes, complained. "Damn it! I want to go in now!" She bounced on her heels, causing her pink pig tails to bounce wildly.
"We'll be in there before you know it. Only five more minutes untill nine. And I'm sure everyone else is just as excited as we are and will shuffle in there pretty quickly." Reina smiled.
"She's right. I bet we'll be in there within the first two minutes." Haru, a tall, fit twenty year old with short, messy black hair and brown eyes, chuckled lightly. "Although I know it doesn't feel like it." He then hugged his left arm tighter around the shoulders of Machi, a twenty year old who had long blond hair and dark blue eyes.
She looked up at Haru and smiled. "I know what you mean. I'm so excited." She then looked at Reina and Ami. "Thank you guys so much for bringing us along."
Reina chuckled. "Thank Ami. She had the luck of being offered the tickets from a shy guy."
Ami smiled sheepishly. "Maybe he has a secret crush on me."
Reina looked at her with eyebrows raised. "Uh huh. And I thought he had a girlfriend." Ami only shrugged in response. Reina grinned. "Well, maybe you and I will get lucky tonight and we'll walk out of this place with boyfriends."
Ami laughed. "I might. But are you sure you won't be so picky this time?"
Reina frowned. "Picky?"
Machi giggled. "Yeah. Don't you remember when we went to that small club a few months ago and a cute guy began hitting on you and gave you his number? You never called him."
Reina shrugged at her and Haru laughed. "Aw, c'mon, you have to at least remember the reason you gave us for not calling him. You said that he stunk so bad that you would end up gagging if you went out to dinner with him."
Reina smiled shamefacedly. "Well, he did."
Ami put her hands on her hips. "No way. All I could smell coming from him was nice cologne. There was no body odor or anything. Not even a hint of bad breath!" Reina giggled lightly but looked away. The average human nose wouldn't have been able to detect what I did.
Machi brought her attention back. "So what was it about that guy that made you not like him?"
Maybe the fact that he reeked with the scent of other women whom he had sex with just before going to the club? Not to mention the smell of blood, as if he had beaten one of them. You guys didn't notice that his knuckles were a bit ruffed up, either. Reina smiled despite the memory. "I think something about his personality was kind of off. I'm not really sure why, but he scared me a little. You know what I'm talking about? It was like he was putting on a nice guy act while I was talking to him."
Haru frowned. "If you really felt that way, then I'm glad you didn't call him after all." He looked at Machi and Ami. "I'm a firm believer in woman's intuition, so I'd prefer it if all of you followed it rather than go against what you feel. You never know."
Reina smiled. You don't know how right you are.
Machi hugged Haru while Ami giggled. "You act like you're our older brother."
Haru smiled. "Even if I do, it's worth it worrying about you two. After all, you're my girlfriend's best friends."
Reina and Ami looked at each other and giggled. Reina then looked towards the entrance of the club, noticing movement out of the corner of her eye. "Hey, looks like it's finally time."
Her friends turned their attention to the entrance as well and watched as the people in the front of the line gave their tickets to the bouncer and were allowed into the club.
Ami squealed. "Yay!"
Machi and Haru smiled at each other.
Reina couldn't hide the grin that was on her lips. She was excited to be a part of a VIP event. As she and her friends made their way to the front of the line, Reina couldn't help glancing around. Her grin faded slightly as she felt her heart race. Before she could begin to think about what was going on, Ami grabbed her arm and hurriedly made Reina give her ticket to the bouncer. After they both were cleared, Machi and Haru right behind them, Ami practically skipped through the entrance of the club, dragging Reina along. As soon as they were through the entrance and in the long hallway, they entered another set of doors.
When they stepped into the club, Reina's anxiety was quickly forgotten as she was awed by the sights and sounds. She became caught up in the atmosphere, got handed a neon green jello shot from the wandering waitresses, and made her way to the center of the dance floor with her group. All she felt now was the strong urge to dance.
...…
"Ready?" Togusa asked as he got out of Batou's yellow car.
"Yup." Batou got out and closed the driver's side door. He then checked his gun to make sure it was loaded, then put the safety on and hid it.
Togusa stared at him. "Do you think we'll honestly need fire power to bring in a nineteen year old girl?"
Batou shrugged. "Maybe not. But she could possibly start running. It's good to have a gun for intimidation."
Togusa laughed, "as if you're not intimidating enough to a kid."
"Don't be a hypocrite. You brought your antique gun as well." Batou smirked.
"It's a habit." Togusa retorted.
"Right. Jeez, would you just look at that line. People pay thousands just to be the first ones to use the club when they could just wait a few days when prices are cheaper." Batou shook his head.
"It's kind of the same reason as to why people buy expensive brand names when the same items are cheaper under other names. The bragging rights over being a VIP." Togusa explained as they walked towards the entrance.
"Still seems like a waste of time and money to me. If someone bragged to me about being a VIP to a club, I wouldn't give a damn. I'd only be interested in hearing about whether or not it was a good place." Batou mused.
Togusa just shrugged in response, silently agreeing but not having any else to say. As they approached, they eyed the people in line. However, they didn't see Reina Buren within the crowd.
She's probably already inside.Togusa said.
Yeah. But it still shouldn't be too difficult to spot her. I haven't seen too many people with red hair. Not even cyborgs, much less anybody with it as a natural hair color.
When they got to the entrance, the bouncer was about to shoo them off but they both showed him their IDs. The bouncer sighed. "Trouble already, hmm? And this place hasn't even been open for ten minutes."
Batou smirked as he put his ID away. "Don't worry. We won't cause a ruckus and we'll be out before you know it." He walked through the entrance after the bouncer had nodded. Togusa ignored the boos and shouts of dissatisfaction from the people in line as he walked past. They wandered down a lengthy hallway that had walls covered with black and white silk. The floor was carpeted with a black and white checkerboard pattern and the hall glowed from black lights. They both paused as they stepped through the second entrance. Togusa looked around with awe.
The club was huge and all the floors and walls displayed simultaneous moving images as if they were giant screens. The dance floor acted as the center of the visualizations and the entire club pulsed with it. It reminded Togusa of the visuals shown on a media player on a computer. In the center of the club was the dance floor on a lower level. The next level up held various tables, couches and lounges. The level they were on was open and circled the club with doors that led to restrooms and private rooms. The bar, decorated in black silk, was off to the right side of the large room, and the DJ stand was on the wall directly across from them. There were dancing stages placed along the edges of the dance floor. Togusa then realized as he looked up that there was a light and steady stream of confetti floating down from the ceiling. He couldn't tell exactly what the confetti came out of since many multicolored lights were set on the ceiling. He then looked at the dance floor. There was already a large crowd dancing to the techno beat that made him think if he and Batou didn't have cybercom communication, he would have to yell as loud as he could to be heard over the loud music. Even then, I'm sure I still wouldn't be heard.
Batou looked at him. Scared?
Togusa shook his head. No. Just a little surprised. This place is bigger and noisier than I thought it would be. Not to mention the amount of lights they have set up.
Yeah, their setup is actually impressive. The animated floors and walls are a nice touch too. Anyway, let's split up and start searching. I figure we should stay on this level since it gives a good overview of the main floor. When we find her, we need to make our way slowly to her, or we risk spooking her. But also use the crowd to your advantage. Batou began to walk on the left side. Oh, and don't be too obvious while you're searching. She may be young and inexperienced, but I'm sure she's smart enough to recognize when she's being watched.
Yeah, I know. We both need to be careful. We don't exactly fit in. Togusa looked around at the crowd. They were all dressed in outfits associated with clubbing and raves. He shook his head and walked to the right, figuring he and Batou would be fine since everyone seemed to be focused either on the visuals or dancing
However, there was one person within the crowd that had an unnaturally high awareness of her surroundings.
…...…
Reina danced with the beat, enjoying the company of her friends and entertained by the moving lights beneath her feet. Ami tapped her on the shoulder and handed her yet another jello shot. Reina nodded and drank it, not knowing how many she's had. Her guess was at least seven or eight, even though she hardly had a buzz. But at least the shots taste good, like candy.
She wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing, but because she was different from everyone else, the way she got drunk worked differently. It was rare for Reina to get a strong buzz and even rarer for her to get drunk. Reina remembered trying once at another party, but failed, even though she drank anything and everything. She only succeeded in getting a slightly upset stomach and no sleep. After other parties and club outings, she'd figured it had to with her blood and metabolism. Reina had a file at home that she had stolen from the lab when she worked for F.E.A.R that had some data about her unique body, blood, and DNA. For some reason, her body needs a very high amount of sugar in her blood to function. For long and strenuous activities, Reina had to make sure she had candy with her so she wouldn't get bogged down or pass out. Alcohol has a high amount of sugar, so Reina figured that whatever she drank immediately turned into energy. She smiled as she gave the empty shot glass to a passing waitress. Sort of like a messed up version of a diabetic.
Reina glanced over at Machi and Haru. They were engrossed in dancing with each other, as if they were the only two things that existed and nothing else around them. She then turned her attention to Ami. They danced back to back, matching their movements with each other and the beat. As another waitress passed by, Reina grabbed a red jello shot from the tray. It was strawberry, which was her favorite. She drank it in time to put the glass back onto the same tray. But as the waitress moved away, she looked out across the dance floor towards the bar.
Suddenly, a light tingling ran up Reina's spine to the back of her neck as she continued to stare out over the dancing crowd. It was a feeling that often came over her when someone was watching her intently. She grinned. Hopefully it's a really cute guy. Reina continued to dance with Ami as she scanned the dancing crowd, looking at all the faces. Yet none of them looked at her. The feeling stayed at Reina's neck, slightly increasing with anticipation.
Reina looked up to the second level that had tables and chairs. Only a few people sat around, mostly trying to hook up with one another or taking a break. Reina then looked at the top level. She began to scan the people sitting at the bar when a figure caught her attention slightly off to the right.
It was a man who was leaning casually against the railing. He wore a light beige sport jacket over what seemed to be a black turtle neck, light beige pants with a black belt, and dark brown leather shoes. He had a handsome face and long brown hair. Reina was about to smile at him, but then their eyes met. Reina had a sharp intake of breath as her heart began to pound quickly. A powerful wave shot through her entire body like an electric shock. It was her adrenaline.
What the hell? Reina thought as she continued to look at Togusa. She was the only person standing still on the dance floor. Reina was confused since the sudden adrenaline rush only happened when she sensed danger. But why? He isn't… Reina then noticed his expression go from casual to nervous as he slowly stood up straight. No… he wasn't watching me out of interest. He was watching me because he was looking for me. Reina's teeth clenched as she began to feel nervous. If she was in her wolf form, her hackles would be standing straight on end.
She felt another wave of adrenaline wash over her and her instinct told her to look around. Reina quickly looked behind her. Her attention immediately focused on another man on the same level across the club. This man was large and obviously had some prosthetics since he had white cyborg eyes. He wore a heavy jacket over a black long sleeved shirt, dark gray pants with a black belt, and beige boots. His hair was nearly white and tied back. A cyborg?
Batou frowned and Reina assumed that he too had been watching her.
She knows. How did she figure it out so quickly? Togusa asked as he watched Reina stare at Batou.
I don't know. Just stay calm and keep watching her but stay where you are. We can't risk causing a scene. How we handle this now all depends on what she does. But prepare for a chase, because there's no way she would stay put with that look on her face. Batou instructed as he watched Reina's expression become serious and business-like as if she had just come to a decision. He knew she was scared since her skin was still pale. You're going to run, aren't you? he thought as she tapped Ami on the shoulder and forced a smile.
Ami looked at Reina, confused because Reina wasn't dancing anymore. Reina did her best to keep her fake smile from wavering. Ami blinked and moved close so they could hear each other. Reina came up with the only lie she could that would ensure her friends wouldn't worry about her if she disappeared for the rest of the night. "I'm going to go to the restroom and then head over to the bar. I saw a few cute guys looking at me over there."
Ami smiled and nodded. "Go get 'em! They're all yours!"
Reina hugged her. "Tell Machi what's up if she ever snaps out of her daydream with Haru."
"I will, don't worry!" Ami patted Reina's shoulder.
Reina nodded then started to weave her way through the crowd towards the restroom. She watched Batou as she moved slowly. He stayed where he was, but stared right back at her, watching her every move. Reina still felt like someone was following her from behind and assumed Togusa was slowly making his way in the same direction.
Reina noticed a group of girls heading up to the restroom and she quickly got close and joined them. All of them were too drunk to realize Reina had slipped in with them. Reina watched as Batou frowned in frustration while she followed the group. She knew they couldn't quickly run over and grab her if they were really after her nor could they follow her into the women's restroom. She saw Togusa walk up to Batou and they both stood and watched her walk into the restroom. Just before she walked through the door, she caught a glimpse of the men glancing at each other.
When the door closed behind her, Reina quickly ran past the line towards the back, receiving looks of surprise and wonder from the other women. When she got to the back wall, she sighed in relief. She stood before a large window that hung on a hinge at the top and was open at the bottom. Reina quickly swung the window out and jumped, hearing chatter arise within the restroom because of her actions. The window swung shut behind her and Reina glanced around. She was in an alley that luckily was open at both ends. She then spotted another large window.
Without thinking, Reina ran towards it and slammed it shut. As she ran by, she realized that it was the window to the men's bathroom. Reina instinctively picked up her pace, now sprinting even though she knew the window would slow the men down if they tried to follow her that way.
Reina then heard a grunt and the sound of shattering glass and the cracking of a wall. She stopped running and turned to look at what happened. Batou had punched out the window with such force that he shattered it to pieces and broke parts of the wall. He climbed out of the hole, smirking. Togusa came out behind him, sighing. "Was that really necessary?"
Batou pointed at Reina. "Hey, it caught her off guard, didn't it?"
They both then turned their attention to her as Batou called out to her. "Now just stay right where you are, Reina Buren. We're not here to hurt you. We just want to ask you a few questions. And I'm sure you know what they're about."
The breath Reina held in her chest left in a quick gasp as images of destruction flashed in her mind. Auburn. They know about Auburn. The men started walking slowly towards her and Reina caught a glimpse of a gun on Togusa, hidden by his sport coat until he moved. She quickly turned and sprinted as fast as she could away from them. All Reina heard was Togusa yelling for her to wait, but it was too late. Her animal instinct has taken over and all she could hear now was her heartbeat.
After Reina ran out of the alley, she continued across the street. Her timing was perfect since she didn't need to dodge any cars. She went straight into the next alley and turned corners whenever she could. After she took another left, she entered what seemed like a parking garage at first.
Reina skid to a stop as she faced a wall. She panted as she frantically looked up and around. She saw a door and tried it, but it was locked. She could hear the heavy footfalls of the men approaching fast. Guess they had no trouble with traffic. Reina glanced around again.
It was like a giant personal garage. The metal door was on the ceiling, leaving the garage open. Not all of the lights were working, leaving some areas dark in shadow. There were also various boxes along the walls. There were no windows or other doors. Reina clenched and ground her teeth. I wasted too much time on the door. I can't run back out. I'm cornered.
She then closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Only one thing I can do now…
…...
Batou quickly turned left with Togusa right behind him and they both stopped when they entered the garage.
"A dead end" Batou said as he glanced around.
"Are you sure she went this way?" Togusa asked.
Batou looked back. Wet footprints littered the floor at the entrance and some led inside. Some of them were his and Togusa's and the other small ones belonged to Reina. "I'm sure. We all went through that puddle in the middle of the street. I think she was too focused on running away that she didn't realize she was leaving behind prints."
Togusa glanced around at the boxes. "Then she's still here." He stood up straight and took a few deep breaths to calm himself so he could speak clearly. Batou watched him with a smirk.
Togusa had told him, while running and using the cybercom, that he approached Reina in a way that spooked her even more. Batou had argued that his voice was calm, but Togusa told him it wasn't just how he said it, it was his word choice. So Batou stubbornly told Togusa that he should speak to her the next time they found her.
"Reina, don't be afraid. We're the police, but we just want to ask you a few things concerning the Auburn incident. We're not here to harm you. We just want to bring you in to ask you some questions."
Nothing stirred to respond. Togusa looked at Batou. Guess we should start searching.
Yeah. Check every single box and shadow. She has to be in here.
They then split up once again, Togusa this time going to the left and Batou to the right. They quietly looked in and around all the boxes as they passed, making their way to the back wall.
Batou focused on a large pile that was stacked up on his side. Togusa continued to the back corner on his side since there were no big piles he had to search. However, the corner had a larger square box that was laid on its side, the opening facing the left wall. Togusa slowed his pace as he approached. Something then stirred inside the box, causing a scratching noise. Batou looked up and watched for any other sign of movement. Togusa took very slow steps towards the box. Just as he was about to touch it, something growled. Togusa pulled his hand away and backed up, unsure if he really heard the growl. Batou walked over and stood next to him. The growling continued, louder and clearer this time. Batou and Togusa exchanged looks of confusion and concern.
Batou then stepped forward and reached out to grab a corner of the box and all they heard was a snarl as a warning. The animal inside the box quickly jumped out, shoving Batou out of its way and knocking him into the wall. It then lunged at Togusa. He placed his arms in front of his face as a shield, but then realized the animal had landed beside him on his left. For an instant, Togusa glanced at the animal through his arms, and his eyes met with the animal's as it was passing by. They were enigmatic silver.
The animal continued to the entrance then turned to face them. Batou recovered from being knocked over by the animal while Togusa stared at it, finally realizing what it was. A…dog? No, it's too big.
The dog stood still before them, its ears forward and tail unmoving. It was large, almost too large to be a normal dog. Its fur was white and surprisingly clean. The ears were shaped like that of a shepherd's and the tail was thick. It stared at Batou until he stopped moving then it focused on Togusa.
After a few seconds, the dog turned to leave, giving one last glance at Togusa before it ran out of sight. Togusa and Batou listened as the clicking of its nails and paws on the ground quickly faded.
Togusa frowned. "Was that a wolf?"
Batou turned and frowned at Togusa. "Wolves don't live in the city. And who cares about it anyway. What I want to know is how the girl got out of here! There's no way we couldn't have seen her leave."
Togusa looked around at the boxes. Nothing moved and the rest of the boxes that they hadn't searched were too small to hide a person. He then looked at the floor, seeing Reina's footprints leading right to the locked door on the back wall. They stopped there and didn't change direction. "Maybe the door was unlocked."
"I didn't hear a door open or shut on the way here, so I highly doubt that." Batou sighed in frustration. "Great. What are we going to tell the Major? We didn't find the girl, but perhaps you'd like a stray dog?"
Togusa ignored Batou's continuing rant as he bent down by the door to look at the footprints. He noticed there were paw prints mixed in with Reina's. She obviously ran into the dog. There's no blood, so it didn't attack her, either. He looked up at where the ceiling met the walls. There was one air vent, but it was intact and had no sign of being removed. He stood, looking towards the open entrance where the dog had stood. It's as if she disappeared into thin air.
Togusa saw a quick flash of the dog's eyes in his mind. I've never seen or heard of a canine having eyes like that. He thought of Reina's picture. Her eyes are similar… He shook his head. That's impossible. She probably just slipped by when we were distracted by the dog. He looked at Batou. "We should probably head back and tell the Major what happened. There's nothing else we can do."
Batou sighed. "Yeah, yeah. We can always track her down tomorrow."
Togusa nodded then he and Batou left the garage quietly, thinking about how to best explain the disappearance of their suspect.
…...
Reina kept her human body flat against the wall around the corner and several feet away from the garage. Her eyes were closed and she was trying to catch her breath quietly. She was exhausted from the stress and the escape, yet her curiousness made her wait for the men to leave so she could follow them. The only justification Reina had for this risky idea was that she wanted to confirm who they worked for. They know about Auburn and yet they're cops…were they notified by Gadsen?
She frowned. If they were, then that means Gadsen knows where I am. Maybe he's known all along. But why go through all the trouble of getting the Japanese police involved when he could have just sent an assassin? Just what the hell does he want with me? What is he planning?
Her eyes shot open. Does he know about the evidence I have?
Reina's thoughts were interrupted by heavy footsteps leading away from her. She sniffed the air and caught the scent of the two men. She had first caught their scent when she had jumped out of the box and touched Batou and ran by Togusa. To Reina, it was unique. The scent was a mix of specialized oil, metal, and gunpowder. It was gradually becoming weaker as the men walked away.
Reina quickly jumped to the wall across from her, using it as a kind of step ladder, and continued to jump between the walls to the roof of the building. She ran along the rooftop on the tips of her toes to be swift and silent. She stayed about forty feet away so she could track them by sight. Reina had guessed that they were going to get into a vehicle and scent tracking would be useless as soon as they drove off.
As Reina perched at a corner and watched them walk into parking lot across the street from the club, she realized that they had a unique yellow car. Kinda flashy for a cop to drive… much less go out to arrest someone. She waited until they got onto the street before moving to the next building, having to run and climb up.
During the tailing, Reina would pause and watch where they were driving, trying to predict where they would turn so she wouldn't lose them from jumping down into alleys or climbing taller buildings. After what seemed like twenty minutes of tailing, Reina paused atop one building as they stopped at a light for a turn. She took a look around then gasped when she realized how close she was to the large white building that always caught her attention.
It was just to off to her right. A new anxiety hit Reina like a brick and she could feel herself pale. Her face felt cold and clammy and darkness threatened to cover her vision. She took a slow deep breath to help prevent a black out. Losing it up here would literally be the death of me, Reina reminded herself that she was atop the roof of a twelve story building. She breathed in and out slowly for a few more seconds. She saw that the yellow car had made the turn and was now on the street that passed right in front of the building.
Reina sighed. Of course they work at that building. She crept across the rooftop, now perched directly across from the white building. She watched as the yellow car turned into the entrance of an underground parking lot and disappeared.
Reina bit her lower lip and stood up slowly. After making sure her balance was fine even though she was exhausted, she slowly gazed up at the building. It has to be at least twenty stories…or more. Bright spots were scattered about, signifying that some rooms or offices were in use and others were not. 'An elite counter terrorism unit'… Well, Haru, the rumors might be true after all.
Reina looked back down at the parking garage entrance. So they weren't lying.
She sighed then turned to head home, her mind now empty. She needed all the energy she had left to make it home. Some of it was used while dancing and most of it was lost while escaping and tracking. Reina knew she needed to sleep first then she'd worry about getting sugar into her system later.
Reina had ended up in front of her door quicker than she thought she would. She quickly walked inside and locked the door behind her back. She stood there with her hands still on the handle behind her. Reina leaned back then slowly slid down to the floor. Without thinking, she closed her eyes and darkness came over her.
Her body and mind finally gave into the black out that had been waiting for her since she left the garage.
...…
Reina woke with a start and her eyes snapped open. She glanced around, not knowing where she was at first. She then realized she was on the floor of her living room in front of the door. She slowly sat up as she rubbed her eyes. Must have fallen over after I passed out. Reina leaned her back against the door and searched the front pocket of her jeans for her phone. The sudden brightness was painful as she looked at the time. It was 1:39 am. At least I got some rest.
Reina recalled the earlier events. Her gaze shifted to the window that had the curtains still partially open. The white building was visible. Reina sighed bitterly and stood up, feeling only slightly shaky. She walked over to her small kitchen and got a snack that had a lot of sugar out of the pantry. As she ate, she walked around her apartment, turning on lights and closing curtains. She then settled into a rolling chair at her computer desk in her bedroom. She turned on the computer and typed the one thing that was foremost in her mind into the search bar; Senator Kain Gadsen.
Reina glared at the screen as she read the first hit. 'Sen. Gadsen is one of the five who are in the running for president….good campaign so far…' I should have known this was going to happen. Reina rested her chin in her hand as she began to brainstorm.
So Gadsen decided to run for president this year and probably wants everything to go as smoothly as possible. And he is no doubt using some pretty good techniques to sway the people his way. Now, he could have come after me anytime during these past two years, but he didn't. He left me alone and I left him alone. But now he wants something from me and it can't be the evidence that I have. My place isn't wrecked from being searched and I don't smell the scent of a stranger. Reina bent down to open an empty drawer at the bottom of her desk. She took it out completely, flipped it over, and detached the bottom. It was the hidden compartment where she kept the data chip that had everything about her, Auburn, and the Senator on it. It was still there, untouched by anyone else's hands. She put the compartment back together and put the drawer away.
If he isn't after the evidence, then what else is there? Reina eyed the screen as she settled back into her chair. "Good campaign so far…." she read aloud. Not great or successful, just good. She felt something inside her stir and she recognized it as her instinct.
Okay, so Gadsen isn't at the top of the running. For some reason, he wants me arrested by the Japanese police or the counter terrorist unit. Why? Does he think that I'll try going back to the U.S. to sabotage his campaign? Reina sat up straighter, feeling her mind finally making a connection.
That's part of it. He's afraid that I would eventually hear about him running for president and thought I would use the opportunity to speak up about Auburn to ruin his image and career for revenge. He doesn't know I have the evidence to prove it, but all it takes is one person to tell a story that makes sense to make people start asking questions. So he decided to contact the police here, probably selling them some story about me being the one behind the Auburn explosion so that I'd be arrested and wouldn't be able to talk.
Reina heaved a big sigh and finished her snack, feeling a little better since she finally got a grip on what was happening. So that explains the two cops. If they had arrested me, Gadsen probably would have taken the credit for the cracking the 'case' and would have used it to boost his campaign.
Reina frowned. But are they the type of cops who just follow orders? Or are they the rare ones that actually try to get truth and justice?
She thought about what they looked like. I can't really tell what type of guy that cyborg is. But the other guy...he seemed like a good guy. His speech was nicely put compared to the other guy's, so he must have experience. Not to mention the way he looked when I passed by. He wasn't afraid….just curious.
Reina then got a dull ache in the pit of her stomach as anxiety settled in. Did I make the wrong choice by running away? Should I have stayed and talked to them? Would they have believed my story if I had given them the evidence?
She idly looked at her curtains, pushing them aside to gaze at the building. Too late now...Or is it?
Reina stood up and placed her hands on the window. They probably have a warrant for my arrest now. And I can't really just walk in there. I'd probably get shot. But I don't exactly want to wait around for them to find me, either. They could potentially arrest me in front of Ami and the others and I don't want them to get involved. Hopefully the cops don't try to bring them in as witnesses or something. No, I need to do something before that happens.
She leaned her forehead against the cool glass and closed her eyes. If only I could speak to them without getting my ass arrested. I could tell the story calmly if I don't have that stress. I wouldn't forget any details. Reina listened as the cars passed by on the street below. The light humming of electricity was everywhere and the sugar was finally working its way through her body.
Bang!
Reina jumped away from the glass while looking down at the street with irritation. "Seriously, if you're car is backfiring, then maybe it's time to get a new car." She froze. Wait a minute… a bang. I could start this whole thing with a bang! She smiled as a plan started to form in her mind. It's risky, but I think I can do it. Showing them what I really am will help make them believe me. Doing this will also put this situation under my control.
Reina's smile widened as she brushed her hand across the window. It's all or nothing.