A/N: I've literally been drowning in assignments (*cries*) for the past week, so apologies on the delayed update! I promise once everything is out of the way, I won't make you guys wait much longer! Thank you all for being so lovely and patient!

To my reviewers, followers and favourites:

passingbyguest: Absolutely! I couldn't agree with you more! I swear the writers of Psycho-pass are always throwing in surprises for us! And yes! I also hope that next season explores more of Akane's case and of course, more moments with Kogami (*fingers crossed*). Thank you so much for your ongoing support!

Shreya: You give me life! Thank you for such kind words! I have to say I've been a little sceptical with Mika as well. Sometimes I like her and other times I wish she could've been better. Hmmm, I'm interested to see how she turns out!

Case Fifteen: Where it Hurts Most

Kogami Shinya was no stranger to battle, he was skilled and incredibly well-trained. You could say after all those years, he is now a seasoned professional, having kicked off his combat training at a young age. At first it was with Ginoza; with the two fighting and wrestling like brothers throughout their childhood together. Usually, it was over something simple, like the TV remote or who gets to eat the last piece of sushi before Tomoyo makes more. His poor mother, having to take care of two boys in the absence of Ginoza's ill mother and busy father, couldn't keep any fragile items around the house until they reached high school. As teenagers and later adults, they finally learnt the meaning behind teamwork and instead of fighting against one another, eventually agreed to stand side by side and support each other. Sure, there was still the occasional bickering and teasing to this very day, but when it came to dangerous situation, Kogami and Ginoza were the first to react.

Akane however, was precious and fragile, the jewel in Kogami's eyes he had vowed to protect. He couldn't stand it when someone spoke unkindly to her or harassed her in any way or form. And while he knew she had grown both mentally and physically strong during his period of absence, a part of Kogami still couldn't help but worry every time she steps into the field. Hence why on one particular night, with the Bureau near empty and quiet, Akane stood to prove that she was a capable fighter. Standing in the middle of the gym equipped in her gear, a stubborn finger was pointed at Kogami as he walked in to greet her.

"Let's do it," she declared, warm brown eyes filled with excitement.

Kogami replied with a sneaky grin, "In the Bureau's gym, Tsunemori?" he whispered, "I never guessed public to be really your thing."

She blinked with confusion, "W-What?" it took her a brief second to catch what he meant before blushing like crazy, "N-No! Not that!" Akane stutters, "I meant fight me."

The former inspector and enforcer stopped in his tracks, pausing to study the determined look on his wife's face, "No need," he insists with a smile, "You can bring me to the ground without lifting a finger."

His words made Akane pout, and she shook her head with denial, "Absolutely not!" she huffed, voice dropping an inch lower to pronounce her next sentence, "Kogami-san has always been around to protect me," her cheeks puffed out, "I want to show you I can defend myself as well."

Knowing that Akane was fully resolved with her decision, Kogami chuckled and accepted the challenge, "As long as there is no dominators involved," he took off his jacket, "I still have things to look forward to."

Akane was an exceptional fighter. Her movements were smooth, nimble on her feet and flowed with fluidity. In some instances, she performed similarly to him, with some gestures closely mimicking his own. But despite her quick mobility and heightened strength, Akane was still unable to keep up with an established combatant like Kogami; finding herself relatively exhausted and tired after merely twenty minutes of sparring.

"I-I give up," she panted, flopping onto the soft mat in defeat, "Kogami-san is made of stone."

He knelt down next to her, "You're becoming harder to defeat too," Kogami supported in response, "I'm proud, Tsunemori."

Raising her head and sitting up, Akane laced a few fond fingers through his hair, "Now I feel sorry for Ginoza-san and Sugo-san," she comments, "They have to train with an unmovable brick like you."

Kogami snorts as he climbs back onto his feet, "Those two are tough in their own ways," he mutters, wrapping his arms around Akane and bringing her up as well.

She laughs in his embrace, "Yes, yes," she gives him a kiss on the lips, "My Shinya is still the best."

There was no way Kogami could ever get tired of looking at her. He was so lucky, blessed to have Akane by his side, always so cheerful and ecstatic to see him. In her eyes he wasn't a weapon, or a criminal or someone with a distasteful past, but rather a human starved from love. After what he had been through, there was only Akane who could ever understand his actions and still smile at him like he was the best thing in the world.

He kissed her back, "We still have dinner to get to," Kogami reminded, nuzzling against her neck, "But first lets test the building's hot water system."

Akane yelped in surprise as Kogami proceeded to lift her off the ground and carry her in the direction of the change rooms, "I don't think the Bureau approves," she giggled.

Today, the Akane standing in the room was the complete opposite to what he witnessed that day. Her face was stern, eyes burning with such ferocity that made everything around her go cold. Silently, she brushed past him to first check upon the fallen Sugo, making sure that the injury the ex-pilot sustained was not too serious and further manageable. As always, she spoke to them in a soft voice, hiding any trace of fury that might be bubbling within.

"Sugo-san, are you alright?" Akane asked, kneeling down to assess his gunshot wound, "I'm sorry I came late."

Giving a nod of his head, Sugo confirmed that his condition was stable, "It's nothing," he managed, "But Tsunemori-san, you – "

Akane interrupted, "Ginoza-san," she looked back up, "Are you able to stop the bleeding for a bit?"

Kogami watched as Ginoza, whom was staring blankly at the figure Akane just named to be Aoyanagi, quickly turned his attention to her before hurrying over. He seemed startled, but forced himself to remain calm and collected; knowing fully well there was no chance in the world for their former friend and colleague to be alive. Kogami had already left the country during the Kamui case, but heard it was Division One who arrived at the scene a step too late and found Aoyanagi already deceased. Yet, by the way Akane presently held herself and walked with a sense of perseverance, Kogami guessed it wasn't her first time seeing this person.

"Aoyanagi Reika," the former inspector pronounces harshly, "This wasn't the way I imagined of meeting you."

Aoyanagi Risa was once the leading inspector for Division Two. She, alongside Kogami and Ginoza, were the very few students whom managed to graduate first hand and land themselves the title of an inspector. While other members of their cohort began their careers at the Bureau with writing up reports and handling area stresses, Aoyanagi, Kogami and Ginoza were already solving major cases. The three were close, and despite being in separate divisions, still found the time to catch up and laugh throughout their hectic lifestyles.

Years later, when Akane joined the Bureau, she was instantly drawn to the leader of the second division. Aoyanagi was charismatic, brave and cared for every member of her team. Akane remembered her being so delighted in having another female inspector at the Bureau that Aoyanagi squealed and pulled her into a hug upon their introduction. Quickly they became friends, and Akane not only looked up to her as an elder upperclassmen, but also saw her as the very type of inspector she wanted to become. Talented and kind, loved by everyone in the office.

"Look, look at this," Akane recalled when Aoyanagi ushered up to her during lunch, a mere week before her death, thrusting a smartphone playfully into her face, "Isn't she pretty?"

The screen displayed an image of a girl dressed elegantly in a white wedding dress. She had some similar features to Aoyanagi, both possessing short cut maroon hair levelling neatly against the shoulders and incredibly smooth skin. The girl appeared a little shy, but still smiled happily for the camera as she modelled the sleek gown wrapped around her body. Akane felt herself light up at the picture; she had always loved looking at wedding dresses, they were just so graceful and sophisticated, a girl's dream to be able to wear one.

"My younger sister, Reika," the senior inspector beamed gloriously, "She's getting married to a lieutenant next month!"

Akane awed with excitement, "Congratulations!" she offered back, "I never knew you had a younger sister, Inspector Aoyanagi."

Pulling a seat next to Akane, Aoyanagi officially joined the lunch table, "Two years my junior and already a promising surgeon," her eyes sparkled, "She really is something else!"

"Marrying a lieutenant as well," Akane added, "You must be so proud of her."

Her fellow colleague blew on her coffee and issued a laugh, "Settling down and getting married before me," she took a sip, "Of course I'm proud."

Glancing back down at the phone that was placed against the marble surface, Akane gave the photograph another good look, "Reika-san must be so lucky to have a sister like you" she smiles, "I would love to meet her one day!"

Aoyanagi returned the request with an eager nod, "You must!" she insists, "She would absolutely adore you."

Now, Akane could only look back at the memory like it was once a dream. Inspector Aoyanagi passed away in the hands of Kamui's disciples just a few days following their conversation; never making it to her sister's wedding. The death of those close to you was hard to take, Akane knew that from experience. But, no matter how painful or angry you are at the situation, the process of mourning did not include harming those who were still alive.

"You know who I am?" Aoyanagi Reika stammers as she attempts to regain her posture, "How?"

Stepping forward, Akane responds, "Your sister the late Inspector Aoyanagi, had always spoke highly of you, she said you were beautiful and smart," her voice grows stiff, "So just imagine how disappointed she would be if she saw you now."

"Don't you dare speak of my sister!" Aoyanagi growls back, "You know nothing about her!"

The former inspector doesn't even blink, allowing her eyes to harden at the figure standing before her, "I know she would've wanted you to live a peaceful and healthy life," she remarked, "And I know for certain she wouldn't have wanted you and your fiancé to be here committing international crimes."

Her breathing quickened, an index finger raised to point to Akane, "Tsunemori Akane," Aoyanagi hisses, "You-"

Akane stops in front of her late colleague's sibling, "You think I wouldn't notice Ishida's ambition was to kill me in front of Kogami-san?" she challenges, "Did you think I would really allow that to happen?"

Deep brown orbs, ones that reflected closely to her sister's, stared back as Akane continued, "You blame me for Inspector Aoyanagi's death," she adds, "I blame myself too."

It was true. If Akane had been more diligent and perspective when Kamui's case grew brutal, there was a chance she could've saved the division two leader. For someone who had sworn never to lose another friend and comrade again, Akane once again failed to fulfil her duty as a Bureau's agent. For days after the incident, Akane could only weep quietly in her sleep, the same tears that fell when she couldn't save Kogami from exile. She told herself she had to muster up her strength and move forward, but everything just seemed to crumble once it landed in her hands.

"But if you want to hurt and hate," Akane pressed, gazing back at her rival, "Do it to me, not to the people I love and cherish."

Kogami could only watch in silence as the conversation echoed around the temple. He knew the type of character Akane was; kind and gentle, always placing others before herself. Even when people took her generosity for granted and Kogami would do try to defend her, Akane would only respond with a laugh and say she doesn't mind. But this was different, the current Akane was one he had never come across. She was determined, hungry, burning with the upmost fury that someone dared to push her this far across the line. It reminded him of the person he became after losing Sasayama, a person fed up with the injustice served by this world.

In comparison Aoyanagi Reika was someone Kogami knew very little about. Upon their previous meeting in SEAUn, her features reminded him of the late inspector, but the way she spoke was vastly different to that of her elder sibling's. Her eyes overflowed with hatred, her voice lacing with venom that could slip through at any given second. She was frightful, consumed with anger at the situation which unfolded against her in every form. If he had known this woman was the cause to Akane's sufferings and eminently wished to take her life, then Kogami would've certainly done something about it firsthand.

"Hurt and hate?" he heard Aoyanagi threatened back, "What would you know? You have everything!"

"Your whole life, you've never lost a thing," she persists in a blaming manner, "You're exactly what Sibyl expects, idealistic and flawless - you're perfect."

When Akane was first introduced to Kogami as a new inspector for Division One, he thought the exact same thing. Young, fresh and groomed by Sibyl, she would never have to face the dark side of reality. She had family and, friends who would look after her, a complete opposite to an outcast like him. By the time he shot Makshima Shogo and finally concluded his years of revenge, did Kogami begin to see the subtle changes that slowly slipped through. She saw the world through her own eyes rather than Sibyl's, and when he did find eventually find the courage to come home, the once naïve Akane had fully matured.

But with maturity came with responsibility; the act of making decisions, and Akane had to seek the correct choices in life. She would have to learn from her mistakes, something Kogami could only watch along the sidelines, but every now and then couldn't help but want to comfort the former inspector. He wanted to help her, but also knew Akane was strong enough to do this on her own.

"Are you sure about this, Akane-chan?" Shion looked up from the screen, checking to see what she heard was correct.

Scattered throughout the laboratory, the division Akane previously lead all turned to look at her. The case that caused Akane's downfall flickered before them, alongside data and secret investigations they had gathered over the years. Kogami lingering around with a lit cigarette in his mouth, knowing Akane was resolved, and didn't bother to join in with the questioning.

"I'm sure, Shion-san," he heard her declare back, "Please delete it."

Shion frowned and glanced at him, "Kogami," she pressured, "Say something to her would you? This would bring justice to Akane's name."

Kogami remained quiet, allowing Sugo to speak up beside him, "I agree, Tsunemori-san," the former pilot insisted, "All those years you've suffered for something you didn't do, this could truly bring an end to it."

"They really tried to hide it, but we found the original evidence," Yayoi added on, folding her arms, "The court will have no choice but to reopen your case."

Akane smiled at the encouragement, but merely shook her head, "Thank you," she issues, "You all helped me to uncover the truth," her eyes stare back at the screen, "I have my answer, but I'm too tired to challenge the past," the smile on her lips softens, "So let it be."

Shion sighed, "Oh Akane-chan," she murmurs before leaning forward to press the delete key.

Later that night, Kogami spotted the faint outline of Akane on their apartment balcony, leaning against the rails with a glass of his favourite whisky in hand. It was summer, where the evenings were warm with a slight breeze but still comfortable enough to lure people out to admire the night sky. She appeared to be deep in thought, and only moved when she heard him approach from behind.

"Kogami-san," she whispers softly as he arrives next to her, "How do you do it? How do you manage betrayal of that extent?"

She doesn't turn to him, but instead gazes ahead at a Tokyo engulfed with lights, "Was it my fault?" she asks, "Did I do something wrong?"

The former inspector and enforcer pauses to think, "Tsunemori has always been thoughtful, learning to see the best in people," he replies, "That's what differs between you and me."

He joins in with the view, "I grew up with only my mother and Gino by my side," Kogami explains, "I trusted nobody because I was scared, scared to get hurt like my mother and Gino,"

"But you Akane," he pronounces her first name in a gentle tone, "Your kindness is both captivating and deadly."

She finally tilts her head towards him, "Not everyone can accept or express such gratitude, so they use yours to cover their own selfishness."

"But-"

Kogami interrupts, "So you've done nothing wrong," he assures, leaning in until their foreheads touch, "It's those who have wrong you."

His thoughts however, stopped there as the sound of quickening footsteps drew him back to reality. Kogami turns to look, immediately spotting the Public Safety Bureau arriving on scene with a dominator in each of their hands. As always they moved in formation, led by the most senior inspector of the division. In this case, Chief Inspector Shimotsuki Mika was the commander; followed closely by Inspectors Shindo, Ignatov and their team of enforcers. Akane didn't appear surprised by their entrance, merely glancing at them from the corner of her eye.

"Tsunemori Akane," Shimotsuki Mika exclaims, carefully stepping forward, "Your time is up."

Akane only stared at the dominator that was pointed directly in her face. She didn't move, waver or protest as Mika ordered Inspector Shindo to take Aoyanagi Reika into custody, insisting that a Japanese national on foreign land must first be looked after no matter their status. Of course this only came into practice when she was in action, disregarding Akane or the rest of her crew. The mentalist obeyed, and quickly ushered for enforcers Hinakawa and Irie to help him guide Aoyanagi into safety.

"No," she argues, unflinching at the presence of division one members, "I'm not done with Tsunemori yet."

The former inspector and enforcer doesn't answer, keeping her eyes straight ahead as the dominator in Mika's hand began to speak, "Error, target not subject to judgement," it reported, "Trigger will be locked."

Both Aoyanagi and Mika gasped at the announcement, taken back by Sibyl's words. There was only a rare few in society whom were immune to Sibyl System; those asymptotic like Makshima Shogo or ghosts like Kamui Kirito. Everyone else had a crime coefficient, a psycho-pass, something to distinguish them between healthy and mentally unfit. While Tsunemori Akane's hue was known to be constantly stable, there still was no possibility for her to be excused from such judgement.

Frowning, Mika tightens her hold on the dominator. But once again, the same message returned, "Error, target not subject to judgement, trigger will be locked."

She grits her teeth, absolutely fed up by the nonsense that was being expressed by the system. This was her case, she found her former partner operating illegally in SEAUn and neglecting her duties as an enforcer. She had come all this way in the name of justice, she wasn't just going to turn back empty handed and humiliated.

"Dammit," the chief inspector swears, throwing the weapon onto the floor, "I won't accept this!"

As the dominator skids against the dirt, Mika bravely reaches into her blazer and pulls out a slim black gun. Immediately, she raises the barrel and aims it directly back at Akane's face, unable to stand the fact that Akane always seemed one step ahead of her. She had always wanted to so much be like her, become the perfect citizen and inspector, but no matter how hard she tried, she still couldn't keep up with Akane.

"Chief Inspector, what are you doing?"

Even the quiet and shy Hinakawa Sho spoke up with fright, "Chief Inspector please!" he begged, "Our mission is only to bring Tsunemori-san back!"

With anger boiling from within, Mika growled, "Enough!" she yells back, "I am chief inspector, I'll do what I – "

"Shimotsuki don't you dare."

The voice was cold, unforgiving and filled with resentment. It came from the sidelines, and Akane knew way to well the pit of danger Mika was falling into. She lifts her head and glances away from the gun for a second, hoping to calm the raging beast. But it was already too late, Kogami's eyes were already brimming with bloodlust, his conscience growing wild, a pot of fury beginning boil.

He steps forward, like a wolf about to leap onto its prey, snarling to give one final warning, "Kogami! Kogami don't!" Akane hears Ginoza cry out, "Remember Tsunemori is – "

Inspector Ignatov boldly interrupts, pushing himself before Kogami and stopping him from advancing, "Let it go, you can't do anything."

"Kei!"

Kogami doesn't even acknowledge him, "Move," he mutters dangerously, "Before I break your neck."

A\N: There is no more holding back! One epic showdown is on the way! Opinions on what might happen next? Shoot me your ideas and inspiration!