A/N: We are back with the fourteenth chapter! I somehow managed to re-watched psycho-pass 3: first inspector over the last week and gosh, can I just say how emotional I got when Akane finally got released and Kogami picked her up (*sniffs of joy*). Let my OTP be happy ugh!

To my reviewers, followers and favourites:

Shreya: Oh my gosh thank you so much! (*air hugs*) You're honestly too sweet! I hope you enjoy the story as much as I do writing it! It's always wonderful to hear feedback and I can't say how much yours has motivated me! Thank you!

Otakugirl1996: Thank you! It's really starting to get tense isn't it!

brainyotaku: Definitely! The clash of division ones is on the way!

passingbyguest: Welcome back! It's so good to hear from you again! Hope you've been well! Yes a lot as certainly happened! Things will slowly start to unfold in this and the next chapters so keep an eye out on what's coming next! Thank you again for all the support!

Case Fourteen: The Sound of Silence

Sibyl System was designed to be obeyed, not challenged or threatened. Tsunemori Akane knew this from the beginning. Like any child growing up in this futuristic country, she learnt Sibyl was installed to predict the best outcome of your life. A good, healthy psycho-pass meant there was a chance to succeed in the future, and while most are blessed with stable mentality from birth; others like the late Kagari Shusei were an example of defect, cast aside and labelled irrelevant. Akane however, always believed there was more to someone than just numbers and statistics. She saw beyond Sibyl, and found that some of her most memorable lessons were taught by those society had deemed dangerous. As first colleagues and then friends, Akane didn't mind one bit of their status or history, nor did she criticise those with failing psycho-passes. To her, everyone was equally human, and should be all equally respected.

But such a mindset was not easily accepted by Sibyl, and Akane experienced first-hand the consequences of such actions. The system took people from her, they forced Kogami into exile, downgraded a perfectly capable investigator like Ginoza and even turned their backs against Aoyanagi when she on the brink of death. Shortly, as if predicting her own turn was coming, Akane fell into the palms of such scheming and landed herself time behind bars. Initially to didn't understand, but in the presence of peace and quiet, concluded that if Sibyl sought her ways to be inferior, than she in return would see the same. Newton's third law was correct after all – for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

"You haven't changed," the robotic feminine voice appeared automatically as Akane stepped through the doors into the very heart of Sibyl System.

It was a few days after her release, and Akane now reinstated as an enforcer to the Bureau, smiled as she recognized the familiar voice. The bottom of the NONA tower was air-conditioned and cool, but otherwise remained the same. With its vast neuro networks working around the clock, the process of decision making was quick as ever, a scene Akane had personally gotten used to over her years as an inspector. She knew how this complex structure worked, and didn't appear surprised or bothered by such impeccable movement that danced before her eyes.

"I was afraid you might forget what I was like," she replied, "So I didn't dare to change."

The system hummed, as if satisfied by her response, "These last few years hasn't been easy for you," Sibyl continued, "And yet you've managed to walk out alive, that is certainly impressive."

Akane wanted to chuckle, but resisted by promptly answering, "Not as impressive as creating a second system and losing all its control," she remarked, "Bifrost was indeed world-class."

Sibyl fell silent, taking a moment to decipher the precedence that underlined Akane's words. Carefully, it declared back, "We appreciated your support in defeating Bifrost," she says, "Hence why we agreed to drop your sentence and grant you freedom."

"And I am most grateful," the former inspector issued calmly, pausing to generate her next thought, "But I also know the main reason you granted me this freedom is so later, when another enemy rises, you have the opportunity to use me again."

Embraced with nothing but the soft sound of engines whirling, Akane pressed on, "I have no intention of helping you, but neither want to witness your downfall," she ushered smoothly, "I wish for us to co-exist, to see eye to eye."

Upon fulfilling her sole purpose for the visit, Akane turned around and prepared to exit. There was no point in her to stay any longer, there was nothing else to discuss, "Is this a negotiation?" Sibyl's voice rumbled, interrupting and catching hold of Akane's attention, "This idea of yours?"

She stopped in her steps, "No," the latter insists, "It's a request."

"We don't take requests."

The smile across Akane's face deepened, "You will now."

Instinctive and automatous, Sibyl spoke up to once again delay their guest from leaving, "We take our word back then," it announced, unemotional, representing the true characteristics of a flawless machine, "Tsunemori Akane, what happened to her?"

Slowly, recalling all the times she had felt weak, helpless and utterly betrayed, Akane glanced behind her shoulders, "That Tsunemori Akane is long gone," she held her gaze, "Can't you remember? You're the one who killed her with your bare hands."

Akane jolted awake to the sound of thunder hammering through the clouds. For a brief second she panicked, realizing she was no longer in the same room she last woke up in, but instead surrounded by a strange light rising up from the distance. Only when she recognized the shine to be from the early sun, did Akane relax to fully assess the situation. It was dawn, but she couldn't pinpoint where she exactly was. Everything around her seemed solid and frigid to her fingers, almost like she was grazing against stone. Her eyes, when finally able to adjust to the new scene, began darting around in search for answers.

On the far side of where she laid, Akane spotted the faint figure of her husband resting against the wall. He sat with one leg curled up, arm placed on top of the knee, head lowered in slumber. Instantly, she felt her heart flood with warmth, taking her back to the time when she fell ill with a slight fever. Kogami had spent the night in the same position, right beside her bed, checking up on her every now and then. Although he never mentioned anything days after her recovery, Akane still couldn't help but appreciate his sincere yet subtle forms of affections.

Gently and gathering her strength, Akane popped herself up; feeling a slight stabbing pain just below her ribs. It wasn't as bad as her previous experience, but more so uncomfortable. However she managed, and successfully swung her legs over the side of the bed to climb onto her feet. As she did, a strike of lightening flashed outside, followed by another thunderous clap from the skies. Akane turned to look out the nearby window, but stopped after spotting the wristlet she wore huddled alongside her bundle of belongings. With everything that went down, she never got the opportunity to check her devices since landing in SEAUn, which probably explained the ongoing flash of notifications. Knowing Kogami as well, he would be too concerned about her safety to bother over little details such as technology during this time.

Akane on the other hand, had important contacts like Tomoyo and her parents back in Japan. Thus, she proceeded to grab the gadget, unlock through its security interface and scan for any crucial messages. Nothing out of the ordinary came back, but rather a few messages from Shion reminding her not to be reckless now that she is pregnant, and a message from Tomoyo saying she was well and had the pleasure of visiting her parents. All seemed in place, except for one last notification that was uncommonly flagged. It came from an unknown sender, and Akane immediately clicked on it to further investigate.

She blinked at the message – What you did, I'll make you pay.

Digits that seemed oddly familiar followed the words, forcing Akane to rack her brains for an answer. She could've sworn she had seen those string of numbers somewhere, but she just couldn't recall when and where. Frowning, she turned back to see if she had woken Kogami up from her movements, but paused as her mind carefully began to turn. A moment later, something clicked and Akane felt the blood in her body run entirely cold.

Karanomori Shion paced around the room like a woman on a mission. In some sense, she was, and needed to complete it with a matter of urgency. After being stripped of her computers and savvy gadgets, Chief Inspector Shimotsuki Mika placed her on probation for withholding information from the Bureau. She was now placed under careful surveillance and prohibited to leave the building until Division One returned. Luckily, Shion's partner, Kunizuka Yayoi was on friendly terms with the chief inspector, and managed to convince the irritated supervisor to allow her to bring Shion a change of clothing from home. In reality however, it was their secret way of conveying sensitive information to one another. The keyword 'clothing', meant Yayoi was bringing someone with her, while 'home', switched to its antonymous meaning, 'foreign', represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It seemed Yayoi knew Shion far too well, and was already on her way with Hanashiro Federica.

A tap was heard on the door, before opening and revealing one of the reception girls, "Karanomori-san, she's here."

Yayoi followed through alongside Hanashiro. The former enforcer flashed the girl a stare, "Remember, this woman next to me was never here."

The receptionist gave a curt nod, bowed politely to them and hurried out. Shion sighed as the two moved in, "You made it," she opened her cigarette case and picked one out, "The chief took everything away, even my mini pillbug."

"We came as fast as we could," Yayoi replied, glancing around the room, "Something didn't seem right."

Lighting the tip of the cigarette, Shion nodded, "Kogami and Akane are in trouble," she pronounced, "Mika-chan found out about them operating overseas."

Hanashiro frowned, "Where is Shimotsuki right now?"

Smoke began to dance under the ceiling lights, "On a plane to SEAUn," the analyst responded, "Division one is with her."

"What?" Hanashiro expressed in shock, "She never reported this to Foreign Affairs?"

As agents belonging to any ministry established by the government, it is rudimentary to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of any intentions of working abroad. It avoided conflict between Japan and her allies, especially with countries who were vulnerable to war and corruption. Chief Inspector Shimotsuki Mika knew this rule better than anyone else, and yet, with a quick temper and hot-headed characteristics, decided to dash off with her team without even sending the reigning Ministry a single warning.

Yayoi paused to think, "The chief is known to be headstrong," she later remarks, "Kogami and Tsunemori are more than capable of dealing with her."

Shion didn't move, "Except this time, the order is a straight execution," she informed, "Akane-chan's psycho-pass is increasing."

Both the former enforcer and foreign affairs representative froze, taking a moment to check what they heard was correct. There must be some mistake here, as Tsunemori Akane's hue was legendarily clear and stable. No one, except those criminally asymptomatic, were able to compete with Akane's level of stress management. Shion, noticing the baffled air that was bottling up within the room, quickly added to her sentence.

"Yayoi, I need you to warn them, tell Kogami that he is running out of time," she urged, "If division one gets them, then Akane is done for."

Her partner's blue eyes answered with uncertainty, "We'll need to – "

"We don't have much longer," Shion firmly interrupted before gazing back with a soft smile, "Akane-chan is pregnant."

This time even Hanashiro joined in, face plastered with bewilderment, "T-Tsunemori-san is –"

Stubbing out the butt of her cigarette, the analyst confirmed her words, "If Akane dies in the hands of the Bureau, pregnant," she emphasized, "We all know Kogami will lose control."

"I'm fine," Akane protested with a pout, "Really, I am."

Kogami Shinya was hearing none of it as he proceeded to remove his windproof jacket and swung it around his wife's petite body. Early drops of rain were now beginning to indicate the beginning of some wet weather, and the former inspector and enforcer would not accept his wife falling ill when her condition wasn't good in the first place. And while she did show signs of improvement by waking up with only some slight pain, Kogami still couldn't help but notice the colour in Akane's cheeks were pale and cold. Behind him, both Ginoza and Sugo lingered around urgently, one waiting for Shion's call while another analysed Akane's mystery message to the best of his ability.

"Tsunemori is right," Ginoza confirmed, approaching the two with Akane's wristlet, "The last sequence of numbers belongs to Kogami," he declares, flashing his friend and partner a concerned look, "It matches your previous Bureau identification code."

The named figure remained collected, "How's that possible?" Kogami retorted, "My history at the Bureau has been completely wiped," he added, "As far as Sibyl is concerned, I never existed."

Ginoza frowned, "We know," he agreed, "Sibyl discards all information on abandoned citizens."

Overhearing their conversation, Sugo joined in from the sidelines, "Then how is it possible to still retrieve Kogami's history?" he glanced up from his own wristlet, "We are the only ones left who ever knew Kogami was previously an inspector and enforcer, everyone else is well – "

"Dead," Akane put bluntly.

Three pairs of eyes diverted their attention onto Akane as she collected her thoughts. She was correct, there was only a handful of people left who knew Kogami's full profile prior to his exile. The current division one or anyone else aside from Akane and Shion knew very little about Kogami. Since he departed the country without valuable reasoning, all the while participating in questionable engagements abroad, Sibyl took this opportunity to fully erase him from the system. Even once returned, Kogami's details only declared him as an agent assigned to Foreign Affairs and nothing more.

Interrupted by a short buzz that broke the silence, Ginoza quickly turned to look at his wristlet that notified an incoming call. He blinked at the contact, "Kunizuka?"

Promptly accepting the call, the group all huddled around Ginoza as the holographic screen lit up, "Good, you're all here," was the journalist's first sentence, "You need to move fast."

Akane leant in curiously, "Kunizuka-san?" she ushered, "How come you're calling us? Where's Shion-san?"

Something seemed off and automatically, Kogami was on full alert as he scanned across their surroundings. Rain was slowly starting to fall heavier, making the lands feel rather murky and sticky under the tropical weather. The morning sun disappeared behind the clouds in an attempt to hide from the eerie atmosphere, refusing to cooperate and lighten the situation. Kogami felt like he was being watched, but from where he couldn't exactly pinpoint.

"Chief Inspector Shimotsuki currently has Shion under surveillance," Yayoi responded through the device, "Division one figured out you're secretly operating overseas, and are currently on their way to SEAUn."

As if predicting this as an outcome, Akane nodded, "I see," she breathed, "We're running low on time."

Yayoi urged further, "Tsunemori, Shimotsuki will carry out a full enforcement if she finds you," she managed, "You have to be careful, especially now that you're – "

"I know Kunizuka-san," the former inspector smiled back, "Please don't worry about us, we'll figure it out," she gestured for her husband, "Kogami-san?"

Kogami was instead staring at the landscape that laid ahead of them. Only a few miles north to where their currently stood, he could just see the faint outline of what seemed like an old ruined temple. These sights were common in SEAUn, seeing as most historical landmarks were either used as battlefields or shelters for local mercenaries. None he had come across were ever in good shape, but that didn't deem them to be deserted nor harmless.

"Kogami-san?"

He was just about to turn to Akane when a sharp flash caught his attention. It came from the direction of the temple and immediately, after years of living in war zones; recognized it was an incoming attack from a ranging sniper. To his horror, the aim was precisely pointed at Akane, and he made a dash for her without another second thought. His reflexes kicked in and he quickly pulled her onto the ground.

"Akane get down!" Kogami exclaimed as the bullet landed a mere millimetre away from her head

Poor Akane, startled by this unexpected strike, felt the wound below her ribs stretch and spout out in pain. The warmth flow of blood slowly began to slip through, and Akane hissed with discomfort. Pulling herself together and checking on others first, she watched as Kogami flashed both Ginoza and Sugo a nod before carrying her out of the sniper's vision and temporary into safety.

"It's too dangerous here," he stressed, "Go with Gino, he'll get you out of here."

The former inspector blinked, "Then what about you?" she shook her head, "I'm not leaving without you."

Kogami softened at her appeal, "I'll be right behind you," he insisted, "Sugo and I just need to take care of something first."

Akane knew way too well what those words meant. The last time he told her he was going to take care of something; Kogami ended up leaving the country without a word. Today, hearing those words from him made her head spin, and despite wanting to argue and call out such nonsense, Akane's voice became stuck in her throat as Kogami pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.

"I'll be back," he whispered, "I promise."

"Ginoza! Ginoza!"

Yayoi quietly swore under her breath as the connection went dead. She looked up at Hanashiro, whom stood merely a foot or so away, was also having trouble securing a flight out of Tokyo. It seemed like the chief inspector did her duty and warned all airports; military or civilian, that no more flights were to leave for SEAUn until the morning. Apparently she mentioned something to do with a Ministry of Welfare emergency in South-East Asia, and the chief herself was currently on the way to solve it. Hanashiro only sighed to respond; even with diplomatic immunity in SEAUn, there was nothing she could do unless there were planes heading in that direction.

"No luck," the foreign affairs agent announced as she hung up the phone, "All flights have been stopped."

The two turned to glance out NONA tower's cemented windows. Dawn was carefully approaching Japan, which meant in just a matter of hours, the chief inspector and her division one team would be landing to hunt down Akane. Yayoi racked her brains for ideas; perhaps there was a way to manipulate the flight data, or send an automated drone from Shambala Float to stop incoming flights. All of those however, took time and precise calculations, meaning they needed someone like Shion.

"How about our embassy in SEAUn?" Hanashiro suggested, "I could try to contact them and - "

"Oh, isn't that Hanashiro-san?"

Both Yayoi and Hanashiro jumped at the arrival of a new voice. They've been so deeply immersed in thought that they totally forgot their unannounced presence within the Bureau's building. If any investigator or official reported them, then some serious consequences were about to fly their way. Nervously, as if wanting to avoid contact, Hanashiro gradually gazed behind her shoulder.

She was so screwed.

Homura Shizuka, the Chief of the Public Safety Bureau, answered her awkward look with a smile. His assistant, a young woman dressed in a suit, followed behind and waited patiently as the director took a moment to greet the representative from Foreign Affairs. As always, he was polite and calm, perfectly hiding his emotions behind that small curl of his lips. For someone who singlehandedly defeated Bifrost, Hanashiro knew to be cautious.

"And Kunizuka Yayoi-san as well," Homura added, giving the former enforcer a respectful nod, "This is certainly a surprise."

Yayoi bravely stepped forward and bowed, "Good evening sir," she begins, "I was just bringing Hanashiro-san to visit my partner, Shion."

The chief eyed his designer watch, "This late?" he challenged, "Is Karanomori-san ill?"

"Ah well – " Hanashiro continued, "I needed some help, and Kunizuka-san was kind enough – "

"SEAUn."

Once again, the two women froze. The chief's assistant ushered up next to Homura and declared, "Your flight to SEAUn leaves soon sir," she reminded, "We must leave quickly."

Hanashiro blinked at the news, "S-SEAUn?" she repeated in confusion, "Sir, you're going to SEAUn?"

"Yes, I have a business there that needs some attention," Homura remarks, "I'm flying out in the next hour with a good friend of mine."

Yayoi was now unsure of what to say, "But all flights are down tonight sir," she informed cautiously, "Hanashiro-san was just notified by her Ministry."

Chief Homura issued a soft chuckle, "There's no trouble with that," he advised, "I own an airline."

It was now Hanashiro's turn to fall completely speechless. She forgot that the chief was first and foremost, the heir to a blooming international business. The Homura family were notable entrepreneurs, all exceptionally wealthy and well educated. But with Homura's father now bedridden and unable to travel, it was now up to his son to manage the family business overseas.

"Hanashiro-san," the director offered, extending his invitation without a trace of suspicion, "Would you like to come with me?"

Kogami paused as the gun was pointed against his head. It didn't scare him, nor did it concern him that the assailant who was holding the gun, was none other than the woman he had met at the bar only a few days before. He eyed Sugo, who was unfortunately shot and injured during their journey here, bleed furiously from the leg as he tried to level his own gun against the enemy. It seemed their hosts knew they would come, and welcomed them with a shower of weapons and mercenaries. With both men coming from ex-military backgrounds however, it wasn't difficult for them to locate the final chess piece located deep inside the ruined temples.

"I'm surprised you came," the woman uttered, "It's a shame you didn't bring Tsunemori with you," her eyes flashed with cunning delight, "I assume you wanted to keep her safe seeing she is pregnant."

The former inspector and enforcer fell stiff, unsure if heard the last few syllables correctly. Did this woman just say Akane was pregnant or was he hallucinating? If she was, what on earth was she doing risking her life in SEAUn? On top of it all, she was so badly injured in the last battle it made a usually composed man like Kogami Shinya panic. He needed to be beside her, he needed to know she was safe, he –

A sound of something breaking suddenly burst through the empty temple, sending the woman flying backwards and hitting the opposing rock wall. She grunted before crashing onto the ground, the gun in her hand flinging out of reach. Astonished and after a moment of trying to gather her senses, the fallen women lifted her head to see who intruded her conversation.

"That's enough."

The voice was familiar to Kogami's ears, "Get up," it continued to order, "That kick was nothing, I know you can handle more than that," it's usual graceful tone turning cold, "Aoyanagi-san."

"Tsunemori," an equal and similarly dangerous hiss came back, "Tsunemori Akane!"

A\N: She's here! Our Akane is here to finally kick some ass! Also really curious to see how you guys think Homura will play out? I actually really like his character but he's just so mysterious! Share your thoughts with me!