Episode II: Something Only We Know
The room was cold and the atmosphere was like those in old western movies. The captive all tied up in a chair. She knew her captors surrounded her though there was one puny source of light. Some of them were leaning against the so called wall, while others fiddled with their firearms.
One would take note that this captive should have her heart and mind running like there's no tomorrow.
But this was no ordinary captive. She was still a Garderobe Agent.
Tomoe knew she was here for the purpose.
A purpose she had yet to find out.
She stared at her captor but there were no words exchange. All she had to look at were a bunch of pictures on the table. There was a child in those pictures that seemed show her transition as pictures were spread out. By the last one photo, she knew who the child was.
Why her?
Her face contorted, confused as to reasons why they would want or even know these things. She hardly knew the person herself. She breathed out and thought again. She was a well decorated officer, received purple hearts at certain missions for Aries. She had commendations from various nations for two years. Of course she knew of the ties to Aries but they were in Windbloom now.
Tomoe shakes her head.
She looks up to find most of her guards were now out of her confinement. A shadow came up to her with a slightly accented voice.
The agent focuses her eyes, they widen. Now she knows why they're after her. No wonder they would want something inside to get to her.
She stares down her captor, her head tilted to the side.
"What is it exactly you want?
She hated hospitals but she had no other choice. The one she loved was there. She would have wanted a better place to woo her lover. Her heart longed for moments alone with her. She was hoping for moments that the brunette would have enjoyed.
They had so little time.
"Youko, are you feeling any better?"
The brunette smiled and gave her hand a light squeeze. Sometimes she hated this type of strength.
"I…" The blonde began but fingers touched her lips.
"Worry not about the days…"
"I'm not…" The blonde smiled then takes out something from her pocket.
"Marry me, Youko…"
The green gem glittered in her eyes. It had been a while since she held it.
She touched the glass.
A tear fell. She turned around and decided to be on her way.
CRASH!
Next thing you know, alarms were up.
She stood stiffly in front of a large screen of notes and pictures. It has been 24 hours since Agent Margaruite's disappearance and there still no leads. They were reaching the critical hours. For the agent's sake, Natsuki wanted to get a breakthrough in the next two hours.
"I should have declined the proposal when Natsuki told me about a basement. I could have sworn she would make it her secondary office."
"Ohayo, Shizuru. Slept well…?" Natsuki turned to her without much of a change in her expressions.
Shizuru let out a pout but continued to give her lover a kiss on the lips.
"Your mother called…" The red-eyed woman calmly reported.
She took it upon herself to take a seat in the sofa just behind Natsuki. She rolled her eyes when she was ignored. Her girlfriend was staring at the projected notes again, perhaps looking for a connection. A lead was the only thing on Natsuki's mind now, which shouldn't be the case.
"She said Alyssa would be coming to visit. She'll be leaving Aries tonight." Shizuru spoke once more but Natsuki simply stared and read her files.
She knew her girlfriend was doing it on purpose. Being at the receiving end of the Kruger dilemma, the An Nam native didn't have much of a choice. She never thought things would end up like this.
"I have to decline." Natsuki stated in a serious voice that sent chills to those who heard her.
Shizuru could only stare at her dumbfounded. She saw her parents eyeing her, giving her the "what the f*ck is going on" look. She shrugged her shoulders then looked back at her girlfriend. This wasn't going to end well.
"But, Miss Kruger, you are next in line. You are, entitled, if I may say so to be the next candidate for the presidency of Aries. With your mother's political party…" Takeda Masashi continued on, pleading if you will.
Natuski just cut him off.
"I have no intentions to enter politics. Public service does not only entail politics. I plan to continue to train in Garderobe and serve as an agent next fall. I intend to serve the public that way."
Shizuru grew wide-eyed then turned to Natsuki's mother who had fury in her eyes. She gave her most apologetic look, silently promising the current President of Aries that she would find a solution to the predicament.
Two years later, she was still trying wedge the distance between Natsuki and their families. Considering that issue, Shizuru had to also juggle her responsibilities as a girlfriend and as a director.
She could already hear Miss Maria's lecture.
Garderobe is a member of the highest ranking anti-crime agency in the world. Therefore, you must surpass those in Aries, An Nam, and Florince. The new cells of the agency are no match for Garderobe. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't stay in elite shape.
Shizuru placed her palm on her forehead. She could feel her veins throbbing. Why didn't she just seduce Natsuki to stay in Aries? Here she was expecting breakfast in bed only to find her lover working triple hard. Not that she was complaining. It would have been nicer to have Natsuki all to herself when she wanted to. That was her purpose when she applied for an administrative position. But then her girlfriend had to apply for a field officer position.
The heavens were angry and Shizuru seemed to know why.
Two nations just lost leverage.
Natsuki Kruger, the eldest daughter of the previous Aries President, Saeko Kruger, was to likely succeed as the next Aries Leader. Shizuru Viola, the daughter of the second prince of An Nam, granddaughter of the King of An Nam, was likely to have been the first lady of Aries. The grandeur anticipated would very well improve the nations' ties.
These were expectations thrown into the gutter when Natsuki refused to be part of any political party. An Nam lost a princess when she decided to pursue her lover.
Expectations Shizuru endures to be recalled upon when their families force her to change her girlfriend's mind.
This was Romeo and Juliet gone commando.
Letting out a breath, Shizuru just had to face the facts.
She will stay by her Natsuki's side no matter what her girlfriend chose.
"Natsuki, it's time for a shower. We have to be in Garderobe in about an hour."
Shizuru stood up, turning as she started to open her robe.
Her girlfriend slowly turned to face her only to find her now in her birthday suit.
She looks over her shoulder, satisfied with that smoldering look Natsuki was sending her.
"Better hurry Captain. You only have 30 minutes."
"OHAYO PEOPLE OF GARDEROBE!" Nao greets then slides her butt along Haruka's table who angrily picked up her documents.
"Ohayo, Nao-chan." Yukino greeted back handing a fresh cup of coffee to Nao and Haruka.
"So what are we in for today?"
"We have been commissioned to investigate sudden disappearances of valuable items in the Mizuno Museum of art." Nina made her presence known as she handed the case files and transferred several pictures to the squad's data pad.
"Since when did they commission us for such investigations?" Nao asked playing on her chair.
Nina was about to answer but was cut off.
"Mizuno? Does this have to do something about Cadet Mizuno, the one from the Tenoh-Kaioh Case?" Mai asked remembering the witness.
Nao looked at her surprised. The redhead didn't seem to remember the people in the case but she did take note that Tenoh and Kaioh were two beautiful women. Why did she not remember Mizuno Ami?
She was too nerdy for her taste.
Nao scoffed as she leans back on her chair.
"No. We could check if they are related though. For now, please consider yourselves under my command. The Captain is currently investigating the circumstances involving Agent Margaruite." Nina replied her tone unchanging.
"Your partner? The director's so called assistant?" Nao raised an eyebrow.
"Hai. On to the task at hand… Here are your assignments Special Agent Nao. Special Agent Tokhia will be accompanying you. You two…" Referring to Haruka and Yukino,
"Please gather as much information about this woman." Nina transferred the personal file to Yukino's data pad.
"Mizuno Youko. Deceased?" Yukino read while Haruka peeked.
"Why would we investigate someone who's already deed?" Haruka asked.
"Dead, Haruka-chan."
"Her mementos and belongings were the one missing in the museum. Might as well check known acquaintances that would benefit from the burglary." Nina replied.
She eyed the agents if they have any more questions. When she felt there were none.
"If there are no more questions, I would still be assisting the Captain till she finishes her investigation. Please transfer all reports to my data pad. And let me know if any problem arises."
Nina walks off as Nao breaks out in a grin. The younger agent was too serious for her own benefit. The redhead may not admit that it did do her well in Garderobe though. Nina graduated two years after their class, but her position was considered as if she was the Captain's right hand.
"Hey Mai, do you think I'll look good handing cases like that?" Nao smirks imitating the way Nina handed out the case files.
"Sure, Nao. If you were going to actually get off the probi status." Mai replied earning a glare from the redhead.
The time spent was not fruitful and it's making her feel useless.
Natsuki sat quietly in the briefing room with a crease on her forehead. It has been a week since Agent Margaruite's disappearance and there were still no leads or witnesses that could jumpstart the investigation. The Captain has spent the week studying the agent's personnel file and making calls to known acquaintances. The best she could do was look for something that Tomoe was aware of that could trigger any interest from different parties.
"If Natsuki keeps up with her current facial expression, Natsuki will tend to look older." Shizuru placed a serving of green tea right beside the stack of folders in front of her lover.
She smiled when the Captain smoothed her forehead then breathed out.
"Any news from Chie?" Natsuki asked before sipping her tea.
"Lieutenant Harada has not called back from her visit. The slums are not easy to navigate. Is there anything relevant from the files?"
"No…" Natsuki tiredly closed a folder and stacked it with the rest of the pile.
"It's like there's no reason to abduct her considering what she was assigned to. I doubt the girl snooped on anything since we have cameras everywhere. I can't say it's personal. There were no indications from peers or family that she had argued or fought with them. It's like she vanished into thin air without any reason at all. Are you sure she didn't elope?" The Captain asked raising an eyebrow.
"I'm sure Natsuki is capable of finding a logical explanation to this mystery." Shizuru smiled.
The director stood up, giving Natsuki a kiss on the forehead.
"This is Satou Sei. It was rumored that she had a relationship with the deceased. It was a relationship that was not approved by Mizuno Youko's parents. The mother of the deceased has reason to believe she would have every intention to desecrate their daughter's sentimental possessions." Nina showed a photo of Satou Sei side by side Mizuno Youko on her presentation.
"How lovely… Lovebirds again…" Nao faked vomit earning a slap from Mai who was sitting right behind her.
"Ehem… If you may turn your attention to the presentation once again…" Nina coughed and pointed to the monitor's direction.
"Special Agent Chrysant was able to make a list of the items missing from the museum." Turning to another part of the presentation, Nina spoke once more.
"All except for this ring with five green sapphires around it most hold sentimental value for the family."
"How much is it?" Haruka asked not looking away from the case notes.
"Five Million in Windbloom currency… " Nina let out as Nao spit her coffee.
"So much for motive…" Mai replied soothing Nao's back.
"You were sent here because we would like to ask a few questions. I'm sure you've heard of the recent incident in the famed Mizuno gallery." Nina sat across the suspect who remained silent.
"Hai... The pride of 'the arts' as they called it."
"I suppose you remember these." Nina showed the suspect photos of various items taken from the museum.
"Hai. I'm familiar with them."
"Tell me, Miss Satou, how come when all these go missing, all evidence point to your direction."
"I don't understand what you mean, Officer." Sei crossed her arms but remained unemotional.
"These have your fingerprints on them. These have your DNA. Though to tell you the truth, these don't amount to anything. Except for this…" Nina showed Sei the photo of the ring.
The blonde frowned then looked away.
"Why did you do it Miss Satou? Did you want to get revenge…?"
No answer.
"Was it because they could not accept you? That you had to learn your lover died but not being able to attend her funeral?" Nina asked again.
No reply.
"She was already sick when you fell in love with her right? Cancer?" Nina asked trying to put a chain on the events that led to the burglary.
"She was sick. But she was the most beautiful person I have ever met. I… We were classmates in high school, but the relationship began when we got to college. She was a meddler but the good kind. I could only wish I had more time with her… And to answer your question, I did not have anything to do with those. DNA-wise and fingerprints, those items were present in our dorm room. We lived together for half a year, Officer. I have no intention on ruining her memory. As for this…" Sei pointed at the ring that was worth more than the whole lot which was stolen.
"I gave her this when I asked her to marry me… She said yes back then. A month later… She died. I didn't even know it was terminal officer. I didn't even know she was sick in the first place. All the while I was thinking it was just another innocent trip the hospital."
"Gomen…," was all Nina could reply.
Mai and Nao stared at the crime scene confused. They looked at each other then stared at the scene again. Before them were two sets of exhibits. One was badly vandalized the other perfectly prepared and organized. Not only did their crime scene look weird, it looked staged as well. Mai took out a photo of the vandalized exhibit prior to the burglary. She put it up to compare.
"This is weird…" Mai mumbled.
Nao took note. Everything that was breakable in that exhibit was broken. If the culprit was after something he or she should have made an effort not to touch unnecessary items. As for desecration, why would the other items be intact?
"Nothing should be stolen if they wanted to desecrate the exhibit." Nao put a finger on her lips thinking deeply.
"We should make a round down of the crime scene again. Maybe something will pop up this time."
"These are the summarized results, Nina-chan." Yukino showed her data pad to the younger girl who read it with all seriousness.
"You know… Mai… It's no wonder that even if she's younger than us, she ranks a little better. Aside from the serious aura she gives out. She definitely looks like Natsuki." Nao whispered but with Nina's hearing ability, tough luck.
Nina Wang sent the redhead a death glare that made her fall off her seat.
Mai could only laugh.
"Ehem… Nina-chan, my scans reveal that the mess is a little exaggerated for a normal burglary. As you can see here…" Yukino pointed at a captured photo on her data pad, enlarging it for good measure.
"The items in this part of the museum were severely damaged but this part was not. It would be odd to just focus on this exhibit since it wasn't materially valuable. Now, the theory that it was to desecrate the so called shrine would be applicable if there were DNA outside this set."
Nina nodded but waited for Yukino's final assessment.
"There is none Nina-chan. All DNA that can be found of the current suspect was inside this area therefore supporting her alibi. This is also a record of them renting a place as she mentioned in the interrogation. They did live together. Therefore some of the DNA was there even before the burglary. Moreover, these are Haruka-chan's reports. The security cameras, as stated by the security company themselves, have never failed. Not ever. But you see, during the burglary…"
Haruka stared at the security cameras in the museum. She searched for angles and had Yukino draw them up as a model in her data pad. There were about ten cameras that could be used to visualize anything unusual with the crime scene prior to the supposed burglary. When she was done, Haruka went to the security room to review the tapes. To her surprise, all ten cameras were down during the incident. Haruka leaned on to her chair. There has to be an alternative. The rest of the cameras that weren't covering that angle didn't have the same failure.
Yukino showed black video footages.
"These were all down. That led me to ask for fingerprint, DNA analysis of the security room."
"And?" Nina asked now anticipating the final verdict.
The blonde lets out a breath. Her eyes widened when her eyes caught something at a corner, a security camera inside the security room. She stares at the monitors and she didn't find a video of herself. She grinned. That camera was recording and the monitor is hidden. Something that was likely to have been neglected by the culprit. Haruka Armitage might just have solved the case.
YOSH!
"Here's the last known user. Apparently, she forgot to check that the security room had its own hidden camera. They were put up separately, perhaps such reasons…"
"Arigatou, Yukino-san. Please have Haruka-san invite them for questioning…"
"Hai." Yukino replied.
"Who would have thought this assignment was hard?" Nao put her armds behind her back.
Nina rolled her eyes then continued on reading the report but something caught her eye. This didn't go unnoticed by the cunning Special Agent Zhang.
"Oooh… I see what Wang likes. Me like too. Boobies…" Nao's eyes lit up when two female officers came into the office.
There was a well endowed brown haired woman, her chest probably rivaling Mai's, which entered first. She seemed much older than they were, not really taking her glasses into account. There was another woman behind her. Her short blonde locks slightly trying to hide her green eyes. Nao was almost drooling till Mai slapped her upside.
"What?" Nao asked as she tried soothing the side of her head.
Who knew Tokhia Mai could have such a powerful hand?
She turned to Nina and stared. Their current officer in charge was following something. Nao turned to the visitors then stared at Nina again. The line of sight gave it all away.
The redhead leans over to Mai then began to say.
"Nina likes blondes with mega boobies." She grins earning a slap from her partner once more.
"Director…"
Shizuru looked up then smiled.
"Ara, Rena-sama… It's always a pleasure to have you visit. I see that you have bought Tomoe's temp. Arigatou…"
"Hai, Shizuru-san. This is Agent Erstin Ho."
"Director…" The blonde made a bow while Shizuru bowed as well.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well…"
"Shizuru-san, here is her personal file and copies of the cases she has been assigned to. I still have to deliver agents to Aries. I hope you would forgive me for not staying for tea."
"Nonsense Rena-sama. You're always welcome in this part of Windbloom. Always." Shizuru replied with a smile.
Natsuki was now on her desk. She was trying to retrace Tomoe's movements on a map when she received an email.
Silently she read it, but wasn't too sure about its contents. She looked up to see Nao and Mai arguing.
Taking out her communicator, she contacted the rest of the officers.
"People, please put full body gear and proceed to the old Kotobuki warehouse in District Two. We'll meet you there."
She looked up and saw Nao and Mai looking at her now. They all stood up and prepared.
It's time to get Tomoe back.
She was in the interrogation room once again. But this time, she was in front of the complainants themselves. Nina breathed out then stood up.
"I have already taken measures to identify the culprit, but I apologize it's not who you think it is."
"Who is it?"
"Before I answer that… I want you to look at a couple of things first…"
Nina showed a picture of the Mizuno family with a very young Youko.
"This was from her first birthday… She was a cheerful child then…" Mizuno Sawako replied with tears in her eyes.
Her husband, Mizuno Akihito, rubbed her back in sympathy.
Nina nodded and proceeded to show another picture. It was a photo of Mizuno Youko holding her diploma.
"She just graduated from college then. She was the top of her class. Soon to be the brightest among the next generation lawyers in Japan. I was so proud of her. So proud…" Akihito took the picture with tears in his own eyes now.
Nina placed another picture on the table. But this time it was a picture of Youko with Sei.
Akihito's eyes turned more sorrowful, as if he could feel greater grief as he looked. Sawako's eyes on the other hand hardened.
"Take that away." Sawako threw away the photo as her husband tried to calm her down.
"I apologize, officer."
"It's ok Mizuno-sama. May I have a word with you alone sir?" Nina stood up motioning to the door.
The two walked out silently as Sawako gripped her skirt.
Nina lead Akihito to the other room opposite the one way mirror where he could see his wife picking up the last photo and then ripping it apart.
"You understood your daughter and her heart." Nina said softly as the older man nodded.
"She was our only daughter. I would have accepted her decisions no matter what. I only wanted her to be happy… But I had to look after my wife as well."
"Your wife did not approve."
"She was afraid our social status would reach the ultimate low if she allowed the relationship. I tried to encourage Youko the best way I can when she's not with us. I cowardly asked her to be patient. I didn't think they wouldn't have that much time. When we found out she was sick, it was my daughter's turn to decline my offer. She didn't want her lover to see her suffer."
"Did your wife not feel any remorse when she kept them apart?"
"No… She even put the phrase that Youko would have married a wonderful man if she was not taken so early in her life."
"She planned the so called burglary, Mizuno-sama. There was no evidence that the complaint could stick to Satou-san. But there were a few that could implicate your wife. Considering the fact that she filed it, I hope you understand that we have to arrest her for filing a false report." Nina showed the security feed showing Sawako turning off the security cameras then turning them on afterwards.
"I apologize. I didn't know she was capable of that."
"I will try my best to give her the minimum sentence in court. She is, after all, in grief."
"I don't know if that's true officer. But thank you for saying it with so subtlety."
Shizuru drank her tea as she waited for the strike to commence. Natsuki was in charge, but that didn't help her worries. There was something odd about the disappearance. Not to mention why would her girlfriend receive such information.
"Director?" Erstin gently knocks on her door taking her away from her thoughts.
"Yes?"
"Someone is here to see you."
"Let them in…" Shizuru replied standing up.
She turns to her door then gives out a frown.
"I hope I'm not taking much of your time. Shizuru-chan…" Her visitor greeted taking off her glasses.
"Not at all Kruger-San… Not at all… Did Natsuki know you were coming?"
Saeko shook her head as she took a seat.
"I do hope you know why I'm here Shizuru." The former Aries President began.
"I apologize, Kruger-san but there's nothing much I can do. Natsuki opposes the thought. I have explained that it's a low rank political position that would not take her time. She insists on not having any other job other than what she has now."
"You do know that we have enemies Shizuru-san. It's only a matter of time before they get to Natsuki."
"I am aware that your term of office has helped a great deal of peace but a little spark from the borders of Artai. I would want to help you, however as of the moment, Natsuki cannot be persuaded, even by me." Shizuru sent an apologetic look but her girlfriend's mother just gave her a cold stare.
"You wouldn't want to lose Natsuki in this line of… occupation, Shizuru-san. She has already disregarded her future. Nevertheless the people of Aries continued to love her despite what she has done. But that doesn't make things right. The King of An Nam expects more of you too, Shizuru-san. Please remember that."
"I should have done this a long time ago, Satou-san." He smiled as his hands touched the hard stone that had his daughter's name.
"I apologize if you thought I would have taken her away from you…"
"She loved you till the end. I do hope you know that…"
"I try to think she always did. But I wasn't strong enough to fight her will. I should have been there no matter what." Tears showed at the rim of the blonde's eyes.
"She died happy. You were in her heart. Please. Never forget that…"
"You do know I hate you right?" Nao mumbled with annoyance at a degree.
Natsuki gave her a faint smile and replied.
"You know, Nao, you could hate me later. Right now…" Natsuki checked her ammunition.
"Right now I just want to get this over with and have dinner with Shizuru…"
"Well, it's her assistant's fault we're here. Hell knows why she's in this place…" Nao mumbled preparing her own firearms.
"Yukino, use thermal scanners, send me the locations of possible shooters and Agent Margaruite. We don't have that much time."
"You know, we could always ask Chie to just drop down from the sky and shoot the lights out…" Nao offered shrugging her shoulders.
"If we do that, Agent Margaruite would be on the line of fire. I promised Shizuru no casualties…"
BZZT BZZT CLICK
"Thermal readings from Yukino..." Nao replied peeking to see if the enemies dispersed.
"Movements on the left and the right Zhang, Tokhia..." Natsuki opens her communicator as they make a run.
Nao stands and then aims her gun as she takes a walk. Mai followed suit. They were careful not to make any unnecessary noise. The duo hurriedly took cover on both edges of a certain container van while Natsuki positioned herself at another.
"Haruka, join Chie and her men at the south western edge of the warehouse... There's a static thermal reading there. It might be Agent Margaruite. Make sure to take her to safety before breaking hell loose. Kruger out..."
"So this is going to take time?"
With Tomoe's safety on the line, Natsuki didn't want to gamble. Well, she didn't want to gamble with Agent Margaruite's life.
"Yes, Nao... It's going to take some time."
Not far away, Haruka and Chie were already on the move. With ten other field agents at their disposal, the duo's team tried to stay quiet as possible. Getting closer to the container van that showed static thermal readings, Haruka held out her hand to halt movements.
"Haruka…" Chie motioned the blonde to go.
Haruka quietly snuck towards the entrance with a pistol in her hand.
Haruka peeked inside the container van and saw their missing agent tied up in a chair. No wonder the thermal reading were static. The room had one light bulb that was barely giving out light.
Of course, Haruka finds this set up odd. Get an Agent from the most reputable government defense agency in the world, kidnap her and leave her with no guards.
Haruka raised an eyebrow.
Something smells fishy.
She began to enter the container when she felt something hit her head.
CLANK!
Haruka turned around to find one of the kidnappers holding a metal bar bent into the form of the blonde's skull.
"You do know why we're called Garderobe's Finest, right?" Haruka raised an eyebrow as she stood up.
The villain remained motionless still staring at the metal in his hands.
"Because we have POWER!" Haruka gave him a sidekick to the face.
Her kick was so hard it made a red imprint on the villain's face.
"SKILL!" She raised her arm making her fist break the villain's nose.
"AND GUTS!" Haruka gives a head butt to the villain making him see stars.
The blonde stood tall with her lips curving into a proud smile. She pumped her arm into the air for good measured then yelled,
"CHIE! IKIMASHOU!" She then opened her communicator as the rest of Chie's Delta Force scurry over to rescue their Captain.
"Yukino, Agent Tomoe Margaruite is secured. I repeat. Tomoe Margaruite is secured."
Haruka stared at Tomoe who was being untied by Chie. The woman barely had scratches. Her face seemed to be flushed but normal. Aside from the dirty uniform, Agent Tomoe Margaruite seemed unharmed.
Meanwhile, Natsuki, Nao and Mai followed the thermal readings and where now among a series of moving red dots on Natsuki's data pad.
"They're here. Get ready." Natsuki whispered.
Nao, who was a bit excited hurriedly rushed for cover attracting attention.
BANG BANG BANG
"Stupid redhead!" Mai cursed following her fellow agent.
They could see their opponents coming down from all angles.
"Shit…" Nao mumbled taking cover.
BANG BANG BANG
"Yes shit, Nao! Shit!" Mai shook the other agent by her shoulders.
"Stop it you two." Natsuki took cover herself composed.
Her eyes wondered for movements and areas where they can have a vantage point.
Unfortunately there were none.
BANG BANG BANG
"Ok. This is how it goes. Mai, call for back up."
Natsuki opens her communicator and calls on the rest.
"Haruka, Chie, I'm sending you our current position. You have approximately five minutes to get to position or they're going to run us over. Five minutes, Haruka. Five minutes."
"Yukino says they'll be here in ten, Captain, with aerial support." Mai spoke as she prepared her guns.
"Good. Nao, try to save bullets will you?"
BANG BANG BANG
Natsuki raised her hand and began shooting back. Nao and Mai did the same.
BANG BANG BANG
This was going to be a long day.
"I need you two to stay here. I'm going to go around and surprise them."
Mai and Nao looked at each other and then to their superior with worried eyes.
"Cut it out you two. Don't go all dramatic on me. I'll be fine." Natsuki winked then disappeared into the darkness.
"So, it's just you and me again, Mai."
BANG BANG BANG
"Not really, Nao. We still got company… Not likely to have me for yourself… That'll be just selfish." Mai winked as they both stood up to fend off their attackers.
Mai didn't see how Nao blushed at the comment though.
Quietly, Natsuki reached the left side of the battleground. She took cover at a broken car in the shipping yard. When she stood up, she flinched.
BANG BANG BANG
Blood oozed out of her left shoulder making her wince. But she didn't utter a word. She checked the wound and found out she was lucky it was just the graze. To graze her shoulder with that little time, the shooter was definitely elite.
Now Natsuki was left to think. Where in the world did any retired, resigned, dismissed elite military or personnel have anything on Tomoe Margaruite?
No fu*king clue.
BANG BANG BANG
Natsuki breathes out annoyed. Apparently her shooter gained so much confidence; he or she was trying to finish the job.
But she was Kruger Natsuki.
Shoot me once, lucky you.
Shoot me twice? You can die trying.
She turned to her surroundings to find any leverage she could use. Natsuki saw that the side mirror of the car was still intact. She kicked it forcefully then took a piece out.
Using the mirror, Natsuki searched for the shooter.
With the Garderobe choppers now hovering above them, the Captain was provided with ample light.
She hissed when she saw her shooter was now running. Natsuki hurriedly stood up, jumped over the car's hood then ran after her attacker.
You don't get to graze Natsuki and run along to get away with it.
Payback's a b*tch.
"It's like they multiply. Every time we take them down, someone always pops up." Chie complained as she shot at two shooters.
They were supposed to surprise the kidnappers from behind. They ended up being surprised themselves.
"Yukino, send me thermal scans for section two. I want to know where they are coming from. I'll cut them off from there."
BZZT BZZT CLICK
"Chie, take this part, they're moving out. But this little lot, I can take care of. I'll take two of your men. If that's ok…"
Chie raises her eyebrow. Looking at the scans, there were at least seven dots from the little lot that the blonde mentioned. Haruka had that wicked grin though.
Lieutenant Harada simply grinned back. If Haruka Armitage says she can take care of it. She can take care of it.
"Always a pleasure..." Chie winked then motioned her men to crawl back.
She saw the man who shot her and proceeded with caution. Her left shoulder was bleeding rendering her unable to shoot with her left hand. The pain was seething but she did have more injuries graver than what she has now. This wasn't even life or death. It's a simple cat and mouse chase.
Fortunately for her, there were no enemies patrolling the area. Imagine how it would turn out then it that wasn't the case…
BANG BANG BANG
Natsuki took cover then peeked through her mirror. The man was merely standing at the top of one of the container vans. When the Garderobe choppers focused light on him, he jumped into the water before Natsuki could properly ID him.
"Damn it…" She cursed under her breath.
Tiredly she settled on the dirt as Yukino and some officers ran towards her.
With her shoulder burning, Natsuki hissed at her misfortune. She'll get that guy some other time.
Nao was about to stand up when she felt Mai forcibly pull her down.
BANG BANG BANG
The redhead now looked like a deer caught in headlights. Why didn't she see that coming? If Mai wasn't there she would have been shot or worse, dead. Nao rests her head against the cold metal. It wasn't supposed to be like this. She was the best upon graduation. Why was she falling behind? Worse, Tokhia Mai had just saved her life.
BANG BANG BANG
There were still at least ten more were coming for them and Nao knew they had less ammunition.
Shizuru should really think about upgrading the weaponry.
HANDS IN THE AIR!
Finally, back up has arrived.
To their relief the gun fire ended. The rest of the squad had already dismissed the enemies back up decreasing their ranks. Those who were still in the same area surrendered to the afraid of being swamped by the law enforcers.
Haruka stood proudly as last of the attackers were taken into custody. Chie was by her side, already speaking on her communicator to report the status to the Captain.
Mai and Nao stood up from their cover, holding hands. They were quiet for a few seconds then both turned to lay a vicious kiss towards each other. They threw their guns to the sides willing their arms to pull them closer.
Apparently the two agents had to take out the near death tension on each other.
Haruka raised her eyebrows then looked at Chie.
Chie merely shrugged.
Mai did forget she had a boyfriend named Yuuichi Tate.
Apparently Nao forgot about the same fact, too.
"Natsuki?" Shizuru searched in a huff.
The operation was a success and there was word that Agent Margaruite was safe and sound. There was also word that Captain Natsuki Kruger was shot while on the field.
It was only natural for Shizuru to run off to the scene and check her beloved.
She found her injured lover being tended by Yokho in one of the ambulances.
"Shizuru, Natsuki's fine. The bullet didn't hit any major tendon or muscle. I'll leave you two. I'm sure you have a lot to talk about."
"Natsuki…" Shizuru whispered, her hand touching Natsuki's cheek.
The Captain merely smiled at her.
Shizuru frowned and took a seat beside her lover. Her fingers touched the bandaged wound tenderly.
"I should have been there…" Her eyes looked up to those tired green eyes.
Seeing her girlfriend alive alleviated her fear. But then, Saeko's words came ringing back to her mind. Would she want Natsuki to be in harms' way without any assurance? If she were to give this life up, Natsuki would be safe in Aries with Shizuru.
Maybe it's time to rethink their situation.
Nao had her chin on the bar while she continued to sulk over her impending situation. Aoi and Chie could only look at her and serve her drinks as she asked. Haruka gave her a pat on the back before sitting beside Yukino was busy with Tomoe.
The saved agent has the dilemma on whether to talk to the Director about her captors. The entire kidnapping fiasco seemed to have an agenda. Tomoe didn't agree to their demands and would have been killed if not for her fellow agents' efforts. One of them is practically in danger now. And another officer was about to be put into danger as well.
The tension died down however as Nina came into Aoi's bar with a blonde in tow. Every one grew wide eyed because the ever so serious Nina Wang was holding the blonde's hand rather closely.
"Um…" Nina began looking over to Aoi.
"Two mugs of beer please?" The Sergeant smiled as she led her blonde companion.
Nao, snapping back to reality, placed her chin on the bar again.
"Now, even Nina gets her perfect girl… Girl with big boobies…"