A/N: I know the progression of the story is quite slow, but I realized that there are things I need to set straight. The ongoing activities of Cinq Fléches and Goldsmith Holdings in this story have been quite vague. I wish to make things clearer because these things are vital to my plot. Again, as I have said previously, I will be borrowing a few things from the anime and manga. However, I lay no claims to Blood Plus or its characters.
Chapter XXIX
Interrogation
The Supervisor of the Delta Series leans back into a plush luxurious sofa, intrigued by his untimely guest. "Doctor Aston Collins. What a pleasant surprise."
"I doubt you'd find my presence surprising," the senior doctor says with a smirk. "After all, it was you who invited me here in the first place."
"I didn't think you'd consider my offer," the French man says. "And abandon your precious rank as vice-Director."
"What is that lowly status compared to that of a researcher, a scientist?"
"Ah, you truly are cold," remarks Van Argeno. He motions for a nearby attending servant to serve them champagne. "Betraying Red Shield, and more importantly, your family and friends… Shall we not toast to that?" He takes his champagne glass and raises it in the air.
"Family and friends," Collins repeats, as he receives his share. "They have done nothing but prevent me from seeking the truth." He raises his glass in the air as well.
"Cheers."
-ns-
His hands clasped behind him, the oldest of Chevaliers stands turns to face the tall window, gazing outside. He reflects on the latest of experiments conducted the day before. Finally, the fruits of his labor are beginning to ripen; the corner of his lips quirks up in satisfaction. Even though there is no one to mock, the century-old Chevalier is as disdainful as ever.
One of the twin doors opens. He need not glance over his shoulder to see who it is.
"James."
"The Prime Minister has formally requested for the deployment of the Tactically-Enhanced Special Regiment. His decision to set up a new unit for the Special Forces this week is still tentative, however," James reports dutifully.
"In a few days, that decision of his will be definite."
James understands, but he asks nonetheless, "After the demonstration in Hyde Park?"
"Yes."
"Even though it is within the restricted zone and past the curfew?"
Amshel turns to face the dark-skinned Chevalier. "We've discussed this before."
"I know."
"At the personal request of the Prime Minister, the Mayor of the city has lifted the curfew for Diva's performance. The Corpse Corps will be stationed in every corner of the site," Amshel states. "Her performance in the Royal Opera House has made her beloved of the humans. They will see her, regardless if there is a curfew or not."
James folds his arms. The decision is final, but he has nagging doubts. "And what of Saya? And the Red Shield?"
"Saya is doing an impressive work devastating the Red Shield on her own." Amshel smirks; he knows of the massacre. The news reports may have provided inadequate information, but he knows. "Not even her endearing 'family' can control her now."
"She is more dangerous than ever," James says with a huff.
"Which is why we Chevaliers will be there to protect Diva."
"…Even Karl?"
"He shares our blood, James," Amshel reminds, much to the obvious displeasure James shows at his statement. "And besides, he has become our Queen's favorite…distraction, if you call it."
"Tch." James's lips curl in disgust.
"Toys are toys. She will tire of the mongrel soon."
"I look forward to that."
-ns-
"Dr. Collins has withdrawn from the Agency, unfortunately," Joel says, clasping his hands in front of him.
"I don't understand," Lewis says in confusion. "Wasn't he in the middle of a research project with you, Julia?" He turns to the doctor sitting opposite him in the briefing room.
"He has been," Julia answers. "But for reasons unsaid, he has shut it down and taken all the research with him."
"Everything?" David asks, incredulous.
"Yes." The disappointment in Julia's expression is clear.
"We have been watching him closely for the past few months," Joel says. "He has been engaging in a lot of suspicious activity, lately. But we were unable to detect his true motives."
"Where is he now?"
"There have been sightings of him in the research facility outside of London," the Director says. "The research facility jointly funded by Cinq Fléchesand Goldsmith Holdings."
"That traitor…" David mutters.
"The agents I've assigned are infiltrating the facility as we speak. I would have asked for you, David and Lewis, but I'm afraid there are more serious matters to attend to." Joel's gaze shifts to Lewis.
At this, Lewis takes out a folder, opens it, revealing the documents within. "Six more casualties, unfortunately," he says. Inside are photographs of bloodied corpses. "According to the investigation, the assailant never made use of guns or knives. They've deduced the killer to be a man at this point, because they couldn't imagine anyone with enough muscle to…well, rip out their victim's innards." He cannot help but shiver in revulsion at the thought.
"Either a madman is on the loose, or Saya is responsible for their deaths as well," David says gravely.
"Scotland Yard's modern version of Jack the Ripper—well, an unrefined Jack the Ripper, anyway," Lewis adds. "Already, they've referred to the case as the Ripper Case."
Everyone is quiet for a while, allowing the weight of the situation to fall upon them.
"And how has Saya been doing?" Joel finally asks.
"She was asleep when we left," Julia answers. "It's been two days since Kai brought her home. She's done nothing but sleep."
"And eat," Lewis adds. "That girl's appetite skyrocketed ever since she—"
"She was in no condition to be interrogated," David interrupts intentionally. "We couldn't risk upsetting her again."
"We are running out of time, though," the Director reminds soberly. "Goldsmith Holdings has embarked on a new business venture in America. Amshel Goldsmith, the head of the company, has personally invited me to the party in his chateau this coming Saturday."
"Amshel Goldsmith…" David mulls over the name and the person who it bears it. The head of the Chevaliers, the Schiff had said; he carried an aura almost as severe as his Queen's.
"What could he possibly want with you, though?" Lewis asks.
"I don't know." Joel leans wearily into his seat, calculating. "The Goldsmiths are an offshoot of the Goldschmidt family and as the founder's direct descendant, I am obligated to attend the party, to give them my blessing. It is ironic, isn't it? For the Head of Red Shield to bless the enemy and wish him well in an activity he is supposed to put a stop to." He does not need my blessing; he only wishes to make a scorn out of me, Joel Chevalier's move had been indeed bold and daring: inviting him, Joel VI, Director of Red Shield, to a party to celebrate his company's success. "I will need you as my personal escort, David," Joel tells the blond agent. "While I have Lewis and Mr. Okamura, who I believe is arriving in a days' time, post a stakeout nearby."
"Of course, sir," David responds readily.
"As for you, Julia," the Director says, turning to the doctor, "Whatever data the agents collect today will be under your supervision. With Mr. Collins gone, we have no one else but you to oversee things in the Research Department. I still believe, despite the odds, that we can find a weakness in the Chiroptera that will prove worthy in the battlefield."
"Yes, Director." Julia dips her head respectfully, honored by his words.
-ns-
She has done nothing but sleep. She dreams often, but strangely forgets them easily. Sometimes, it is pure blackness; other times, the dreams are less vivid, fleeting and blurry. She remembers faces though, faces of 'them', of 'her'. Then there are dreams of the departed: of George, Riku even. She guesses in the few hours when she is awake, that they are more of memories than anything else. But she does not want to think or remember anymore; every time she closes her eyes she prays for oblivion, for nothing, because it is only then that she feels safe, stable, sane.
Kai and Mao check on her occasionally and call her to the table when it is time to eat. Haji has never left her side since she had arrived. She feels a little sorry for him for having left him behind on that infuriating Monday morning. "I'm sorry, Haji," she had apologized but the Chevalier had shaken his head and humbly acknowledged he had been at fault.
"We're heading to HQ tomorrow morning, Saya," Kai tells her as they sit down to dinner that night. There are only four of them present; the adults had gone out to attend to their respective duties. "You haven't had your check-up since last week."
"Okay." Saya has not said much since the night he had found her and brought her home. He watches her carefully; she is oblivious to his staring, too distracted by the meal to notice anything else. Lately, she has paid more attention to her food than to any of them. Or at least she had pretended to.
"'She' told me to go, Kai…" she whispered hoarsely. Her fingernails dug painfully into his back. "'She' told me to leave…"
Saya's words still ring clearly in his head. He has been reflecting on them ever since; it is surprising how a few words can carry so much weight. To think that his sister would be hurting over Diva, the threat to all humanity, the one who had killed Riku… Diva had fed on his blood and left him to die, he remembers. The memory of it always sends a wave of pain that shakes his very being and kindles a deep-seated hatred for the blue-eyed Queen that will never cease. So he is awfully confused when he learns that Saya is greatly affected by the separation. He fails to realize that over the months, the sisters had forged a deep relationship that cannot easily be broken or forgotten.
Saya ran way, right? Saya had managed to break away from their evil clutches and escaped, right? Kai is no longer sure. Saya's sudden emergence a few weeks back has always been shrouded in mystery.
They will interrogate her tomorrow, he thinks. More than ever, he is anxious to learn the truth. That is, if Saya is willing to give it.
-ns-
The following day, an agent fetches them and takes them to the Headquarters. Mao stays behind since there is no one left to watch over the condominium.
On their way to the docks, Kai watches Saya from the corner of his eye. She is not in her usually depressed state, but she is not in her euphoric one either. She seems…sober. Throughout the trip, she quietly looks out the window. The Chevalier remains silent as well. Kai sighs inwardly at this.
-ns-
"How are you feeling, Saya?" Julia looks down at her patient who is lying in bed.
"Fine." Saya watches as the doctor scribbles something down in her clipboard.
Saya seems more stable today, Julia notes. Her aura is benign; there is not a single trace of the abrupt recidivism that had emerged only days ago. The girl's vital signs seem to be stable as well; she decides to begin preparing Saya for the blood transfusion.
"Is that really necessary?"
"You need blood, don't you?" The doctor begins rubbing her skin with alcohol-infused cotton, preparing to insert the needle into the sensitive flesh of Saya's arm.
"Can't I…" Julia gazes at Saya. She seems hesitant but continues, "Can't I drink directly from that instead?"
Julia is inwardly surprised; her façade is a small smile, however. "It's alright, I suppose." She unhooks the blood pack, hands it to Saya, who rips it open and begins to sip quietly from it. Despite feeding on blood, the girl's eyes do not glow. Julia deduces that Saya must be feeding on a live host to trigger the glow in her eyes; the lack of adrenaline must be another factor as to why they are absent as well.
The blood doesn't taste bad, but it doesn't taste good either. It isn't…fresh. Saya gulps it down nonetheless. When she is done, she tentatively hands it to Julia, who quickly disposes of the empty pack.
"Would you care for more?" Saya's head is lowered so she cannot see her expression.
The girl shakes her head. "There won't be any room for lunch. Lewis will be cooking, too."
It is fascinating how Saya can still exhibit both Chiropteran and human behavior without completely being aware of it, especially since she had lived the life of the former for the past months. "Alright. Run along now, then." Saya sits up and wears her slip-ons. "You have an appointment with the Director, I believe?"
"Yes."
The doctor watches the girl exit the room, wondering if she is ready to face what awaits her.
-ns-
Saya expects to meet the Director in his office, if not the briefing room, but she is puzzled when she is lead into a fortified, windowless room instead. (An agent had awaited her and had served as an escort for her and Haji.) It is a unit meant for four; the facilities within are plain and simple and the room is bare of any homely furnishings. To Saya, it is more of a prison cell than anything else.
Sitting before the metal table are David and Lewis, a handful of documents placed neatly before them. She spots something else, a small silver device: she realizes it is a tape recorder.
"Saya," David says grimly. He gestures to the seat opposite them. "Please, take a seat."
"Where's the Director?" Saya inquires.
"I am here, Saya." The Director's voice answers over the intercom above them.
"Why aren't you here in this room with us?" Her voice is slightly accusatory.
"I truly am sorry, Saya. But drastic measures had to be taken. I'm afraid I cannot meet with you personally."
"Saya, please." David speaks before Saya can further react. She gazes at him resentfully but obeys; Haji quietly resumes his place behind her, standing as still as a statue. His presence is a reminder to both David and Lewis that they must tread lightly when dealing with his Mistress; any move or word done or said wrong is a threat Haji will banish without hesitation.
"What is this abou—" Saya begins, but she is interrupted by Lewis.
"How are you feeling, Saya?" he begins warmly. "You had a check-up with Julia earlier, if I'm not mistaken?"
"Yes," Saya answers plainly. She is mildly irritated, but even more than that, she is uncomfortable. The physical layout of the room makes her uneasy, beating down her more aggressive take in the scene. It is chilly inside; she shivers. The low hum of the air-conditioning is the only intruding noise in the room.
"Diva's concert takes place on Tuesday," David states. "You know that, don't you?"
Of course she does; ever since Kai had informed her of the event, she has been counting down the days, has been living every moment, counting each minute, each hour. "No," she lies. With no ideal options left for her, Saya chooses to conceal herself behind a mask of complete detachment, knowing fully well it is the only safe way to go through this…interrogation unscathed.
"Do you know why they're having another concert in a park after having performed in Convent Garden?" David inquires.
"No." It isn't a lie, however. She has been wondering about this herself.
"You never knew about this concert before?"
"I never did."
The girl's answers are curt; they half-expect her to say more, but she says no more than is necessary.
"Even before you returned to us?" David prods. "Even while you were still with Diva?"
Saya blinks; David thinks he sees something flash in her eyes. "Yes." Her tone remains unchanged.
"You've been missing for nearly a year, Saya," David says. "And during that time, you must have been able to at least gather intelligence while you were with 'them'."
Gather intelligence? How can they expect her to have done that? "No."
"No?" David repeats. "You know nothing of their schemes? Of Cinq Fléches plans?"
"I don't." Her terse replies are beginning to frustrate the blond agent. From the moment she had answered, Saya had shown no intention of being cooperative.
"Surely, you must have been able to learn something? Anything at all?"
"I don't know anything."
"Goldsmith Holdings, then?" Saya merely stares at him. "Amshel Goldsmith? Solomon Goldsmith? Their research projects?"
"I was in no position to play spy," Saya deadpans.
He does not believe her. He suspects she is hiding something under that impassive façade she dons. In all honesty, they had anticipated her to react a little more aggressively. This sudden emotional withdrawal is far too suspicious to overlook.
"Will you tell us what happened then? On the day you arrived in the 'Zoo'?"
"You badly want to know what happened?" she questions darkly. "They took me away when I fainted in battle. They imprisoned me in a dungeon and starved me for days." Her Chevalier tenses behind her, troubled by this newfound knowledge.
"And then they brought me Jahana-san to serve as my meal. Did she tell you what happened? Did she tell you how she had managed to escape a death that was almost certain for her?"
They are speechless then, listening to her. It is convenient though; Saya is talking when they had least expected it. Her impassiveness had dissolved so easily, too.
"I saved her. In return for her freedom, I submitted myself to Diva." Her heart soars at the last phrase but a confusing constriction occurs in her chest at the same moment. "I did as she had said, I obeyed her every command and wish; it was all I could do—all I was allowed to do." Her emotions get the better of her this time, but she allows herself to be swept away by it: by the bitterness and resentment and suffering, if only for this moment, this one blissful moment of confession.
"Did you think it was possible for me to 'collect intelligence' while I was under them? Would Amshel or James or Solomon be dense enough to let me in on their plans?" She clenches her hands into tight fists. Her voice drops unexpectedly as she speaks the next line of words: "They all hate me. After what I had done, protecting you when you tried to retrieve me…" She can hear 'her' voice resounding in her head, sharp and clear:
"Go!" Diva cried. "Leave, Saya! Leave this place and never come back!"
Her shoulders begin to tremble at the memory, at the image of Diva and her deadly expression and her harsh words.
"…I was banished from there. Diva sent me away."
"And think twice before you dare come back," a cold voice broke in, no longer recognizable to Saya's ears. "Because until then, all I would ever do for you is kill you…"
The two interrogators remain silent for a while, astounded by this fact. Diva had sent Saya away…instead of killing her. Diva had her Chevaliers with 'her' and yet 'she' inflicted no harm on Saya, despite the fact that the elder Queen was completely at 'her' mercy. They decide it is best not to comment on this, however.
The long pause in the interrogation gives Saya enough time to compose herself. In a few minutes, she is calm and collected, her body still and her face smooth and serene once more.
"…Will you tell us more about Amshel Goldsmith?"
"He's a Chevalier." Her voice is cold once more. The traces of her sudden outburst have disappeared.
It is pointless urging her for more information on the man; Saya does not seem to know any more about him than they do. "And what of those others you've mentioned?"
"Solomon Goldsmith, James Ironside, Karl Fei-Ong, Nathan Mahler: they are all Diva's Chevaliers."
"Is there anything else?"
"Not unless you want to know about Diva's sleeping patterns." It was a sarcastic response, said in the dullest way possible, but they find this quite interesting.
"And what of Diva?" the blond agent presses on.
"What of her?" Saya returns. Her hands, hidden from them, clench once more into fists. A giggle resonates in the back of her head. "Onee-chan," a voice sings.
"To be acquainted with Diva's sleeping patterns would require a certain degree of…familiarization." She sees her twin in deep slumber, features delicate and lovely.
Saya curses herself inwardly for having said too much. She senses the sudden interest they take in this new topic. "I was her caretaker." All of a sudden, she becomes keenly aware that the Director of Red Shield is listening, as well as Lewis and Haji. She has been ignoring them the entire time, her eyes only trained on David, forgetting the presence of the rest in the room. "Tell me a story, onee-chan."
"Caretaker?" David repeats. "You mean you personally tended to Diva's needs?" "A story about us?"
Her knuckles whiten as she digs her fingernails into her palms. "You could see it that way." "Yes!" 'she' beams.
"Tell us more about Diva." "Once upon a time, in a kingdom lived evil people. And ruling on the throne was a beautiful princess, who had the prettiest eyes and the most enchanting voice."
"She kills people," she states flatly. "She had a twin who stood by her side, brave and strong. Her sister was her Champion."
"And?" David prompts. "The world was the princess's enemy. The evil subjects were cruel and spiteful."
"She feeds on them." "They wanted to overthrow the ruling princess because they thought she did not deserve the throne."
"And what about you? Did you…feed on humans, too?" "But her sister stood loyally by her side, protecting her from all the evil. When the townspeople came storming through the doors, into the castle, the Princess and her Champion had already fled."
"Yes." "Where did they go?" 'she' asks, nuzzling her cheek.
"Was it something they forced you to do?" "They found a better place, of course," she continues, smiling warmly. "They arrived in a paradise filled with pink and blue roses, where the sun shone brighter, where the rivers and lakes sparkled like gold."
"I was in no position to disobey her." "It was a place they could finally call their own. And they lived happily-ever-after. The End."
"Would you say that you were forced to obey her the entire time you were with her?" "Ah," 'she' sighs. "My onee-chan is my brave Champion."
Her lip twitches. "Yes." "Of course." She smiles.
"Describe your relationship with Diva." "Onee-chan?"
"As a caretaker, I merely looked after her." "Yes?"
"And how did Diva see you? How did she treat you?" "What if the entire world hated me and wanted to kill me?
"They will never be able to hurt you. I will protect you, no matter what happens."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
She is quiet now; her gaze is unfocused as more scenes flash at the back of her head: "Onee-chan," she hears 'her' murmur into her ear on those nights when she is crying non-stop, on the nights when the guilt is overwhelming and her heart aches terribly for Haji, Kai, Riku, Kaori and the rest of her human family and friends.
"Saya."
She is deaf to his calling. She hears the fits of giggles when her twin is up to no good; she sees 'her' cruel countenance warming at the sight of her;
"Saya, can you hear me?"
she feels the possessive arms that wrap around her and tell her that she is wanted, that she is needed, that she is loved.
"Saya."
She breaks away from her trance and her eyes regain their focus; David's voice comes through clearly now: "Saya, are you there?" She straightens herself, makes eye contact with the blond agent, who is studying her more carefully now.
"You seemed rather distracted," David observes.
Her eyes burn. She hastily averts her gaze. "I was remembering something is all."
"What did you remember?"
"Nothing."
"Saya."
"I said it's nothing," Saya answers stubbornly, refusing to meet his gaze. Her brow furrows: a first sign that she is beginning to be upset again.
"Saya, please." David leans forward, attempts to encourage her to say more—
Haji finally decides to intervene: he steps forward silently, taking a firm stance beside his Mistress, a clear sign that David must discontinue. The blond agent promptly straightens himself and clears his throat. "Thank you for your time, Saya. Your cooperation has been…of great value to us." He and Lewis stand up, taking the documents and the tape recorder save for one folder. Saya rises from her seat as well and is about to follow them through the metal door when David grimly tells her: "Stay here and wait for further instructions please" before he and Lewis take their leave, shutting the door behind them. Saya can hear the low click indicating it had been locked from the outside. She stares at the door, waiting.
"Saya Otonashi," the Director's voice comes through the intercom after a few minutes. "Because of the crimes you have committed four days ago, Red Shield has deemed you too dangerous to be interacting with humans. You will be placed under a 72-hour quarantine starting now. All your movements will be monitored and closely supervised. If you truly are on our side, you will cooperate with us. That is all."
Quarantine…? She stares into space, not processing the word at all.
"Saya…" Haji stands before her, reminding her she is not completely alone. He is about to say more but he stops when he feels a small tug at the end of his sleeve.
"Haji," she calls in a frail voice.
He closes the gap between them. She leans on him heavily, her eyes welling up with tears.
"No one likes me, Haji." She takes a fistful of his dress shirt in a trembling hand. "No one likes me at all."
The Chevalier looks down at his Mistress and pulls her into an embrace, hugging her trembling form. "I am here, Saya," he says softly, tightening his hold on her. "I always will be."
I apologize if this story has bored you, but I feel it is vital to the plot. I like exploring Saya's current emotional state because it is something very familiar to me, something I can relate to very much. The preceding chapters will be more exciting, I promise.
Oh, and I draw inspiration from the Vocaloid song "Servant of Evil" featuring Kagamine Len and Kagamine Rin in the short story Saya narrated. If you haven't heard of Vocaloids, you should check it out.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I welcome reviews as well.