M I S T
C h a p t e r F o u r - @ W o r k
7:00 am
Thursday, March 14th, 1998
Nippon Hoso Kyokai - NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) News Broadcast
"...And in today's news: At approximately 9:52 pm yesterday night, the Emerald Seafood Restaurant in the Ginza Yon-chome Crossing was destroyed by what law enforcement officials call a savage bombing. This is the second bombing this week to hit restaurants in Tokyo. At least thirty people were killed and ten wounded in the initial blast.
"The fire and mayhem that ensued killed some twenty pedestrians and motorists, and injured forty-nine more. Most of the injured are in critical condition. Among those injured were two on-duty IBI agents. Both are in stable condition, and are resting at the Tokyo Memorial Hospital. More coverage about that later on. Healthcare in Tokyo has taken another stinging blow..." announced the female reporter.
Ruins of Emerald Seafood Restaurant and Surrounding Area
Ginza Yon-chome Crossing in Ginza
Rain. Rain poured onto the dead, the not-yet retrieved survivors, and investigators. For the most part, essentially all of the Ginza Yon-chome Crossing was blocked off from the public. Restaurants and other businesses had been closed down until the debris of humans, cars, and building material was completely cleared away. Not many spectators wore eager faces this time. Many were there to wait for their family members or friends to return from under the rubble, dead or alive. The rain had put out most of the fires, so there weren't all that many fire engines stationed there. Television crews and reporters hounded the police officials, attempting to get the latest scoop.
Tsushima Masaki sat on the hood of a police car, exhausted. Since he had been near the scene, and was one of the agents heading the current investigation, he had been advised to stay on the scene. He hadn't gotten any sleep, since he had been helping in the rescue effort through the whole night. His eyes concentrated on nothing. The spirits of the dead rose out of the rubble in a hot, grey vapour. Death and desolation surrounded him, everywhere. He couldn't perceive anything, as his exhaustion and confusion wouldn't allow him to. His midnight blue hair was getting soaked, and his black trench coat glistened in the rain.
He didn't think he'd be able to bear telling someone that their loved one was dead, and watch them burst into tears. He didn't know how people could handle that sort of job. He was brought out of his reverie when someone waved a charred black and silver IBI jacket in his face. "We found this near the front of the restaurant, and I believe it belongs to one of the IBI agents who was injured in the blast." came an officer's voice. "What should we do with it Agent Masaki?"
"Place it in an evidence bag." he replied, as he got up.
"Where are you going?" the officer asked.
The rain continued to assault the deceased. "To get information." came the reply as Tsushima walked towards the police tape.
As he passed through, the press badgered him with questions, but paid no heed to them. When he got out of the crowd, he took out his cell phone and pressed an auto-dial button. He waited for someone to pick up on the other end. "This is Agent Masaki, I'd like to speak with Director Kawasaki." he said.
After a several moments of waiting, the director was on the phone. "Yes Masaki?"
"Director Kawasaki, just who exactly has the jurisdiction on this case?"
"The IBI, and more specifically, your team, I believed that it was clear from the beginning."
"Well, there were three other IBI agents right on the scene when the restaurant was destroyed, Agents Sakata, Yamaguchi, and Tohyama. What were they doing here at that time?"
After a long interlude the director responded "From what are in the records, they were investigating the possibility of a connection between corporate warfare and these bombings."
"Isn't that similar to my team's mandate?"
"Yes it is."
"Then why weren't we informed?"
"They are under a different director and the nature of their investigation is separate from yours. Your team is working on a Violent Crimes slash possible Counter-Terrorism and Suppression Investigation. What they're doing is under the Criminal Surveillance, Criminal Intelligence, and Industrial Linked Crimes Departments."
"But our team should have known about this, we could have had the chance to compare notes."
"Well Masaki, they're not dead yet, so you can still compare your notes." Kawasaki replied tersely.
"Alright, but may I be relieved today?"
"Under the circumstances right now, no. I understand that you've been out there all night, but you and your team must search the ruins for evidence. I'll see to it that you take all take a leave of absence tomorrow, but this investigation needs to be completed ASAP. Understood Masaki?"
"Yes."
And with that, Tsushima ended the conversation, and walked back to ground zero. 'What a dirty job...' he thought.
The rain that had probably saved the lives of victims, was probably what was drowning them right now. And on this rainy day, it was hard not to cry.
When Tsushima had got back to his seat on the car, he spotted Aya several feet away, wearing a similar expression to his own. Her hair was matted and her eyes were red from fatigue. Her eyes were dull as well. Tsushima noted that she didn't seem to have enough endurance and that she constantly needed sleep to keep spry. Even the ever-energetic Duo was sobered up. He looked at the forlorn ruins sadly. Aya eventually recognized her partner and advanced towards him. Everyone was soaked, as they had no effective waterproof clothes. "What do you suppose we do Hiiro?" Trowa asked seriously, as always.
"I say we examine the ruins of the restaurant, we could use more insight on this case."
Wufei spoke up, "Do you think this is connected to the Tim Horton's incident?" asking anyone.
"Let's stop asking questions and see what we can find. The sooner I can slip into a hot bath and dry set of clothes, the better." Zechs encouraged.
"I wouldn't mind just a hot bath and then my comfy bed." Duo commented, in an endeavour to lighten the heavy air.
The team of thirteen walked over to the nearest supply station to pick up some evidence bags and some rubber gloves. Once inside, only then did they see the carnage. It was worse than in Tim Hortons, even though most of the bodies had been removed now. Tsushima looked up to see a crumbling second floor. It looked just about ready to give out. Tsushima wondered why none of the rescue teams or fire fighters had cautioned them about it. He stepped on some rubble, but it felt like it was soft. Something moved under where he was standing. 'What the hell?' he thought.
He kneeled down and removed some rubble, and there, still stuck in some rubble, was a female teenager, on the verge of death. "Kuso, get some paramedics in here!" he yelled.
Noin and Quatre ran out to get some help. Tsushima tried to pull her out from under the debris as carefully but at the same time as quickly as he could. Either no one was paying attention to the roof, or they never heard the breaking sounds from above. The roof groaned as it threatened to fall. Tsushima tried in earnest now, he was at the final tug when the second floor started to collapse. This time, everyone heard it. Hiiro reacted first. "Get out!"
The remainder of the agents scattered, but Tsushima was at a loss at what to do. He tugged once more and when he was sure she was out, He grabbed her and ran to the exit. The roof above them rushed towards the floor.
Aya, who had gotten safely outside, turned back to see the second floor rush down on her partner. Something inside flared up, but all she could do was stare. As the floor descended, a flash of red emitted from the entrance of the restaurant. Smoke and ash tumbled out of the entrance, black and grey.
Fire fighters and paramedics rushed towards the building as soon as the debris and the visibility cleared. Voices were fast and frantic. But the rescuers were mystified to see a dark shadow stumble out of the entrance, carrying someone, or something. The dark figure faltered and dropped whatever it was carrying. It too, fell to the ground, weakened from its ordeal.
Rescue teams and paramedics rushed to towards the enigmatic figure. "Are you alright? Do you have any injuries?" asked the first paramedic to get there.
The person who was most likely Tsushima Masaki held his shoulder in his crouched position, but didn't reply. "Take off your coat please." ordered the paramedics urgently.
The man made an attempt to take off his coat, but found it too difficult. "I think he's hurt his arm, let's take off the coat quickly." chattered one paramedic to the other.
After taking off the coat, they found several red spots slowly growing from under his shirt. Another team tended to the woman as well.
9:19 am
Main Lobby
Tokyo Memorial Hospital
Special Agent Aya Brea rushed to the front desk to see what had become of her partner. "May I help you?" asked a petite receptionist politely.
"I'm looking for the room Masaki Tsushima was taken to. He's an IBI agent who was taken here earlier."
Without hesitation the receptionist responded "Yes, he's in Room 26 on the third floor."
Aya thanked the receptionist and jogged towards the closest elevator, her pale hair waving behind her. Reaching the elevator, she got in as soon as the doors opened. Once inside, she glanced at the elevator panel; floor three had already been selected. Aya then stood there, impatiently. Many of the other occupants were quiet, and wore solemn expressions, if they weren't crying that is.
Aya's heart sunk. Here she was just worrying about her partner when numerous families had been affected by countless other deaths. 'But he's my partner.' She resolved.
After leaving the elevator, she cast a quick glance at the rest of the people in the elevator, grief flickered in her ocean blue spheres. Special Agent Aya Brea walked very sluggishly to room number 26. She opened the door slowly. "Excuse me, what are you doing here?" a doctor inquired in Japanese.
'Thank God I learned the essentials of the language before coming here.' Aya thought in relief. "I'm here to see my partner, Masaki Tsushima. He was injured just today and was sent here." she responded in not so perfect Nihon-go.
The doctor took a while to process her flawed reply. "If it would be easier on you, I speak English." he said instead, using her native language.
This surprised Aya, but she recovered. Before she could say anything, he said, "He just patched up his injuries. They were only minor. He was lucky to get out the bombing alive."
"Well... he wasn't injured by the bomb, the second floor collapsed on him." Aya corrected.
"Oh really? I wonder how he survived that with only a fractured shoulder, some gashes and bruises." the doctor replied perplexed, acting as if the injuries weren't big at all.
"He broke something?" Aya quickly replied, concerned.
"Well, we're trying to get the x-rays back from the lab. I'm assuming something is fractured but I can't really say for sure. When he was awake he stated that his right shoulder was really bothering him. I checked it out; any subtle movement or touch would cause pain."
"He's sleeping?"
"Well, he's actually sedated. He will regain consciousness in about..." he looked at his watch, "thirty minutes. By then we will have the x-ray."
Aya nodded in understanding as the dark-haired doctor made for the exit. She sat in a chair near the bed Tsushima lay in. 'It's only been about a month since I came and my partner's already injured.' Aya mused bitterly.
Her cell phone then broke the brief silence. Aya let out a sigh, then removed the cell phone from one of her jeans' pockets and answered it. "Brea." she greeted unenthusiastically. 'It's probably Director Kawasaki'
A boyish voice responded "Aya this is Duo. We got the girl on the fifth floor, Room 31."
This wasn't whom she had expected at all. "Is she awake or anything?"
There was some background chatter for a while. It sounded like Duo, Hiiro and Quatre. After some moments, she got an answer. "Uhhh... she's in the nether world, semiconscious. We haven't gotten a peep out of her."
"Have you got an ID on her?" Aya inquired.
"Nah, the docs are holding us back. They have to treat her first. They estimate 24 hours until she's well enough to even breathe on her own."
This worried Aya, "How bad is she?"
"Well, maybe some fractures, deep cuts. She definitely has some burns, we can hope they're minor only. Various particles like dust and stuff like that are constricting airflow. The docs'll have to take care of all the minor details. But how's Masaki doing?"
"He's been sedated. The doctor I talked to think he may have a fractured collarbone, or have an injury in the shoulder area. He has some deep cuts as well." Aya reported.
"Uhhh... better off than this poor girl. Has anyone talked to the injured IBI agents yet?" inquired Duo.
"I don't think so."
"Alright, Q-man and Noin'll take care of that. We'll check on ya later babe." Duo ended as he cut the connection.
Aya simply sat still for several moments, then shut off her cell. 'Babe huh?' She thought.
She gave Tsushima a glance, "I'll be back in a second Tsushima." she whispered as she got up from her seat.
The beautiful blonde agent's mind whirled uncontrollably. She needed something to calm herself. First, this whole case bothered her, the ruins of the bomb sites were for some reason familiar. Being in the blast zones had a draining effect somehow.
The number thirteen had recurred, more times than Aya would ever know. It had been the thirteenth day of March the day of the second bombing. The special agent walked out of Room 26 and headed for the lobby once again.
Shortly after she left, an Asian man with unkempt jet-black hair entered the room.
Main Lobby
Agent Brea just finished a cup of warm hot chocolate. Even though it wasn't even close to winter, she felt the need to digest this. After all, it was her favourite beverage, and it sure beat coffee. Aya found a vacant seat near the wall and made herself comfortable. She removed her leather jacket from her lithe body and set it behind her back. She let her mind and eyes wander.
Minute after minute, her eyelids became closer and closer together.
12:43 pm
A high-pitched noise tore Aya out of her mental lucidity. Her head jerked forward, and some strands of her pale hair fell forward. Sluggishly, she searched for her pockets. For some reason she couldn't open her eyes, they were too heavy. The incessant blare only ceased after she depressed a button. Weakly, she brought the cell phone to her ear, which was a struggle in itself.
"Brea." she whispered.
"Brea? Brea?" a voice replied.
"Yes I'm here... who is this?" the sleepy-eyed agent mumbled.
"Brea this is Akima. Where are you?" he inquired in accented English.
"I'm in the Main Lobby... what is it?"
"Aya the girl's just woken up. The doctors cleared up her esophagus and she's recovering faster than they anticipated."
"Well what's the problem?"
A long silence prevailed for some time. Then, an answer, "She wants to see you, and Masaki."
This information startled her, and her eyes shot open. From what she had heard, the girl had been unconscious during the whole ordeal of the second floor caving in. "Brea? Can you hear me?" questioned Akima.
"I can hear you. I can come, but Tsushima, definitely not."
"Alright, hurry though." he insisted, before cutting the connection.
Aya hurriedly jumped out of her seat, snatched her jacket and ran to the elevator.
3rd Floor
Aya ran to where Tsushima was being kept. A doctor was talking to him about what seemed to be his injuries. "...serious, you seem to heal quicker than most people. Take it easy on your neck, shoulder, arm, et cetera."
"Alright, thank you Dr. Yamauchi. Tell Kuni that that I'll talk to him later."
Tsushima turned to the door, and spotted Aya. "Wh-"
"Since you're all better, someone wants to see you." she interrupted.
Aya pulled on his right arm, incidentally, the one that was in a sling. Tsushima staggered, letting out a groan. Aya spun around, realizing what she had just done. "Oh Tsushima, I'm so-"
"It's alright Aya, let's go." the wounded agent replied.
Aya let go of her hold carefully, she didn't want to hurt him again 'I'm so stupid!' Aya mentally scolded.
The two partners departed the room quietly. An uneasy air settled upon them. "So where is this person?" Tsushima probed.
Aya tried avoiding his mysterious dark blue eyes. "Floor Five, Room 31."
5th Floor
Room 31
The two agents entered the hospital room. They found the rest of the Deadline Team waiting. Quatre looked up from the article he was engrossed in, "Tsushima, Aya said you wouldn't be available." he greeted in surprise.
Tsushima shrugged with his good shoulder. "So why are we all here again?" he inquired to anyone who could answer the question.
"The onna wanted to speak to you and Aya." Wufei spat.
Everyone ignored Wufei's chauvinistic remark. "Do you have any information on her?" the injured agent queried.
"Nope, all we know is that she's female, and quite a good-looking one I might add." the comment came from Duo, who was leaning against the far wall.
Some of the room's occupants managed to stifle a chuckle at that comment. Tsushima just shook his head with a slight smile on his face. "So when are we going to get information from her?" Aya complained impatiently.
A dark voice answered "Well that's the thing, she'll only talk to you two, and privately only. Don't ask us why. A lot of us would like to get to their bathtubs soon."
Zechs' amusing impatience brought out some more grins and laughs. "Well then let's go in Aya. Any of you got any recording essentials handy?"
Tsumaya threw Tsushima a mechanical pencil. Some paper came from Dai. "Uh... what I meant was a tape recorder. You don't expect me to write with my left do you?" Tsushima retorted.
"I got a recorder Tsushima, let's go." Aya cut in.
Tsushima nodded and they both left the waiting room, and entered the patients' room. There lying in a bleached white bed was the stunning girl Tsushima had rescued from the collapsing restaurant. She seemed Caucasian. She had flowing red-brown hair, and soulful emerald green eyes. Aya was struck by her familiarity to... Melissa. Aya paused slightly. The girl's piercing eyes were trained on Aya, and then they diverted their attention to Tsushima.
When the two agents reached the side of the bed, the girl spoke. "Finally, you're here."
Aya prepared her tape recorder. "Could you tell us your name please." Tsushima requested softly.
The teenager hesitated for a moment, "It's Eve... Eve Mitsujima." she replied in English
Aya held back a gasp. All of a sudden she felt wary of this girl.
"Well, hello Eve. I'm Special Agent Tsushima Masaki, and this is my partner Special Agent Aya Brea. We're from the International Bureau of Investigation Japan. We'd like to ask you some questions about yourself and the bombing."
The teenager gazed at Tsushima, captivated by him. "First, do you have any family members, relatives that we can contact?"
"...I live with the Mitsujima's, their number is 630-434-0981."
Tsushima glanced at Aya for a moment. She nodded and pulled out her cell phone, handing her partner the recorder. "Alright Mitsujima-san. How old are you?"
"Nineteen."
"Ok, would you mind telling me where you were in relation to the explosion when it occurred?"
Eve closed her eyes, as if concentrating. "I think I was outside of the immediate range of the explosion, I don't know for sure, but I don't think I'd be alive if I weren't."
"Do you remember what you were doing there?"
Eve hesitated again, this time her eyes started to sparkle with liquid. "I was, I was with some friends from school. They invited me to a gathering at the restaurant."
"Ok, I know this is hard for you Eve, but do you remember anyone maybe suspicious-looking entering the restaurant?"
"When I went to the restroom once, I saw this Japanese man all alone. He had a black leather trench coat, and shades. He wore his hair in a ponytail I think. He had some kind of cold, detached look." she responded, her eyes starting to release the salty tears.
"Alright, do you know where he was headed?"
"To the men's restroom I think, somewhere there."
"Alright Eve, that's all I'm going to ask you for now. We don't know how long you'll remain in the hospital. But if you ever feel the need to call us here's my card." Tsushima informed her, giving him a card from one of his trench coat's pockets.
"Alright," Eve glanced at Tsushima's arm, "I'm sorry I put you through that..." she apologized, putting her hand on it, her eyes watering even more.
"No, it's my job. No apology neede-" he was cut sort, as Eve pulled his arm out of the sling.
Tsushima let out a cry of pain. Aya, who had been long done with the phone call, suddenly drew her sidearm. Eve paid no attention to Aya or the weapon, and stretched out the arm. "Eve, let go of him."
Eve pulled his arm closer to her, and then ran her fingertips over his collarbone and shoulder. It was as if soothing energy passed through her hands, into Tsushima's arm. Aya felt an increase of energy coming from Eve. 'What the hell?'
Tsushima, who was helpless, felt the restorative power work on his arm. Eve's fingers slipped away and she fell back onto the bed, seemingly exhausted. Aya trained her gun on Eve, but Tsushima forced the gun down with his right hand. Aya's eyes widened. "Tsushima, your arm."
"I think she healed it, but how is the question. I don't think she's a normal human."
Aya nodded. She knew all too well about what she really was. This case was becoming more and more related to her past, and she wanted to forget the past, her past.
C h a p t e r F o u r - @ W o r k
7:00 am
Thursday, March 14th, 1998
Nippon Hoso Kyokai - NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) News Broadcast
"...And in today's news: At approximately 9:52 pm yesterday night, the Emerald Seafood Restaurant in the Ginza Yon-chome Crossing was destroyed by what law enforcement officials call a savage bombing. This is the second bombing this week to hit restaurants in Tokyo. At least thirty people were killed and ten wounded in the initial blast.
"The fire and mayhem that ensued killed some twenty pedestrians and motorists, and injured forty-nine more. Most of the injured are in critical condition. Among those injured were two on-duty IBI agents. Both are in stable condition, and are resting at the Tokyo Memorial Hospital. More coverage about that later on. Healthcare in Tokyo has taken another stinging blow..." announced the female reporter.
Ruins of Emerald Seafood Restaurant and Surrounding Area
Ginza Yon-chome Crossing in Ginza
Rain. Rain poured onto the dead, the not-yet retrieved survivors, and investigators. For the most part, essentially all of the Ginza Yon-chome Crossing was blocked off from the public. Restaurants and other businesses had been closed down until the debris of humans, cars, and building material was completely cleared away. Not many spectators wore eager faces this time. Many were there to wait for their family members or friends to return from under the rubble, dead or alive. The rain had put out most of the fires, so there weren't all that many fire engines stationed there. Television crews and reporters hounded the police officials, attempting to get the latest scoop.
Tsushima Masaki sat on the hood of a police car, exhausted. Since he had been near the scene, and was one of the agents heading the current investigation, he had been advised to stay on the scene. He hadn't gotten any sleep, since he had been helping in the rescue effort through the whole night. His eyes concentrated on nothing. The spirits of the dead rose out of the rubble in a hot, grey vapour. Death and desolation surrounded him, everywhere. He couldn't perceive anything, as his exhaustion and confusion wouldn't allow him to. His midnight blue hair was getting soaked, and his black trench coat glistened in the rain.
He didn't think he'd be able to bear telling someone that their loved one was dead, and watch them burst into tears. He didn't know how people could handle that sort of job. He was brought out of his reverie when someone waved a charred black and silver IBI jacket in his face. "We found this near the front of the restaurant, and I believe it belongs to one of the IBI agents who was injured in the blast." came an officer's voice. "What should we do with it Agent Masaki?"
"Place it in an evidence bag." he replied, as he got up.
"Where are you going?" the officer asked.
The rain continued to assault the deceased. "To get information." came the reply as Tsushima walked towards the police tape.
As he passed through, the press badgered him with questions, but paid no heed to them. When he got out of the crowd, he took out his cell phone and pressed an auto-dial button. He waited for someone to pick up on the other end. "This is Agent Masaki, I'd like to speak with Director Kawasaki." he said.
After a several moments of waiting, the director was on the phone. "Yes Masaki?"
"Director Kawasaki, just who exactly has the jurisdiction on this case?"
"The IBI, and more specifically, your team, I believed that it was clear from the beginning."
"Well, there were three other IBI agents right on the scene when the restaurant was destroyed, Agents Sakata, Yamaguchi, and Tohyama. What were they doing here at that time?"
After a long interlude the director responded "From what are in the records, they were investigating the possibility of a connection between corporate warfare and these bombings."
"Isn't that similar to my team's mandate?"
"Yes it is."
"Then why weren't we informed?"
"They are under a different director and the nature of their investigation is separate from yours. Your team is working on a Violent Crimes slash possible Counter-Terrorism and Suppression Investigation. What they're doing is under the Criminal Surveillance, Criminal Intelligence, and Industrial Linked Crimes Departments."
"But our team should have known about this, we could have had the chance to compare notes."
"Well Masaki, they're not dead yet, so you can still compare your notes." Kawasaki replied tersely.
"Alright, but may I be relieved today?"
"Under the circumstances right now, no. I understand that you've been out there all night, but you and your team must search the ruins for evidence. I'll see to it that you take all take a leave of absence tomorrow, but this investigation needs to be completed ASAP. Understood Masaki?"
"Yes."
And with that, Tsushima ended the conversation, and walked back to ground zero. 'What a dirty job...' he thought.
The rain that had probably saved the lives of victims, was probably what was drowning them right now. And on this rainy day, it was hard not to cry.
When Tsushima had got back to his seat on the car, he spotted Aya several feet away, wearing a similar expression to his own. Her hair was matted and her eyes were red from fatigue. Her eyes were dull as well. Tsushima noted that she didn't seem to have enough endurance and that she constantly needed sleep to keep spry. Even the ever-energetic Duo was sobered up. He looked at the forlorn ruins sadly. Aya eventually recognized her partner and advanced towards him. Everyone was soaked, as they had no effective waterproof clothes. "What do you suppose we do Hiiro?" Trowa asked seriously, as always.
"I say we examine the ruins of the restaurant, we could use more insight on this case."
Wufei spoke up, "Do you think this is connected to the Tim Horton's incident?" asking anyone.
"Let's stop asking questions and see what we can find. The sooner I can slip into a hot bath and dry set of clothes, the better." Zechs encouraged.
"I wouldn't mind just a hot bath and then my comfy bed." Duo commented, in an endeavour to lighten the heavy air.
The team of thirteen walked over to the nearest supply station to pick up some evidence bags and some rubber gloves. Once inside, only then did they see the carnage. It was worse than in Tim Hortons, even though most of the bodies had been removed now. Tsushima looked up to see a crumbling second floor. It looked just about ready to give out. Tsushima wondered why none of the rescue teams or fire fighters had cautioned them about it. He stepped on some rubble, but it felt like it was soft. Something moved under where he was standing. 'What the hell?' he thought.
He kneeled down and removed some rubble, and there, still stuck in some rubble, was a female teenager, on the verge of death. "Kuso, get some paramedics in here!" he yelled.
Noin and Quatre ran out to get some help. Tsushima tried to pull her out from under the debris as carefully but at the same time as quickly as he could. Either no one was paying attention to the roof, or they never heard the breaking sounds from above. The roof groaned as it threatened to fall. Tsushima tried in earnest now, he was at the final tug when the second floor started to collapse. This time, everyone heard it. Hiiro reacted first. "Get out!"
The remainder of the agents scattered, but Tsushima was at a loss at what to do. He tugged once more and when he was sure she was out, He grabbed her and ran to the exit. The roof above them rushed towards the floor.
Aya, who had gotten safely outside, turned back to see the second floor rush down on her partner. Something inside flared up, but all she could do was stare. As the floor descended, a flash of red emitted from the entrance of the restaurant. Smoke and ash tumbled out of the entrance, black and grey.
Fire fighters and paramedics rushed towards the building as soon as the debris and the visibility cleared. Voices were fast and frantic. But the rescuers were mystified to see a dark shadow stumble out of the entrance, carrying someone, or something. The dark figure faltered and dropped whatever it was carrying. It too, fell to the ground, weakened from its ordeal.
Rescue teams and paramedics rushed to towards the enigmatic figure. "Are you alright? Do you have any injuries?" asked the first paramedic to get there.
The person who was most likely Tsushima Masaki held his shoulder in his crouched position, but didn't reply. "Take off your coat please." ordered the paramedics urgently.
The man made an attempt to take off his coat, but found it too difficult. "I think he's hurt his arm, let's take off the coat quickly." chattered one paramedic to the other.
After taking off the coat, they found several red spots slowly growing from under his shirt. Another team tended to the woman as well.
9:19 am
Main Lobby
Tokyo Memorial Hospital
Special Agent Aya Brea rushed to the front desk to see what had become of her partner. "May I help you?" asked a petite receptionist politely.
"I'm looking for the room Masaki Tsushima was taken to. He's an IBI agent who was taken here earlier."
Without hesitation the receptionist responded "Yes, he's in Room 26 on the third floor."
Aya thanked the receptionist and jogged towards the closest elevator, her pale hair waving behind her. Reaching the elevator, she got in as soon as the doors opened. Once inside, she glanced at the elevator panel; floor three had already been selected. Aya then stood there, impatiently. Many of the other occupants were quiet, and wore solemn expressions, if they weren't crying that is.
Aya's heart sunk. Here she was just worrying about her partner when numerous families had been affected by countless other deaths. 'But he's my partner.' She resolved.
After leaving the elevator, she cast a quick glance at the rest of the people in the elevator, grief flickered in her ocean blue spheres. Special Agent Aya Brea walked very sluggishly to room number 26. She opened the door slowly. "Excuse me, what are you doing here?" a doctor inquired in Japanese.
'Thank God I learned the essentials of the language before coming here.' Aya thought in relief. "I'm here to see my partner, Masaki Tsushima. He was injured just today and was sent here." she responded in not so perfect Nihon-go.
The doctor took a while to process her flawed reply. "If it would be easier on you, I speak English." he said instead, using her native language.
This surprised Aya, but she recovered. Before she could say anything, he said, "He just patched up his injuries. They were only minor. He was lucky to get out the bombing alive."
"Well... he wasn't injured by the bomb, the second floor collapsed on him." Aya corrected.
"Oh really? I wonder how he survived that with only a fractured shoulder, some gashes and bruises." the doctor replied perplexed, acting as if the injuries weren't big at all.
"He broke something?" Aya quickly replied, concerned.
"Well, we're trying to get the x-rays back from the lab. I'm assuming something is fractured but I can't really say for sure. When he was awake he stated that his right shoulder was really bothering him. I checked it out; any subtle movement or touch would cause pain."
"He's sleeping?"
"Well, he's actually sedated. He will regain consciousness in about..." he looked at his watch, "thirty minutes. By then we will have the x-ray."
Aya nodded in understanding as the dark-haired doctor made for the exit. She sat in a chair near the bed Tsushima lay in. 'It's only been about a month since I came and my partner's already injured.' Aya mused bitterly.
Her cell phone then broke the brief silence. Aya let out a sigh, then removed the cell phone from one of her jeans' pockets and answered it. "Brea." she greeted unenthusiastically. 'It's probably Director Kawasaki'
A boyish voice responded "Aya this is Duo. We got the girl on the fifth floor, Room 31."
This wasn't whom she had expected at all. "Is she awake or anything?"
There was some background chatter for a while. It sounded like Duo, Hiiro and Quatre. After some moments, she got an answer. "Uhhh... she's in the nether world, semiconscious. We haven't gotten a peep out of her."
"Have you got an ID on her?" Aya inquired.
"Nah, the docs are holding us back. They have to treat her first. They estimate 24 hours until she's well enough to even breathe on her own."
This worried Aya, "How bad is she?"
"Well, maybe some fractures, deep cuts. She definitely has some burns, we can hope they're minor only. Various particles like dust and stuff like that are constricting airflow. The docs'll have to take care of all the minor details. But how's Masaki doing?"
"He's been sedated. The doctor I talked to think he may have a fractured collarbone, or have an injury in the shoulder area. He has some deep cuts as well." Aya reported.
"Uhhh... better off than this poor girl. Has anyone talked to the injured IBI agents yet?" inquired Duo.
"I don't think so."
"Alright, Q-man and Noin'll take care of that. We'll check on ya later babe." Duo ended as he cut the connection.
Aya simply sat still for several moments, then shut off her cell. 'Babe huh?' She thought.
She gave Tsushima a glance, "I'll be back in a second Tsushima." she whispered as she got up from her seat.
The beautiful blonde agent's mind whirled uncontrollably. She needed something to calm herself. First, this whole case bothered her, the ruins of the bomb sites were for some reason familiar. Being in the blast zones had a draining effect somehow.
The number thirteen had recurred, more times than Aya would ever know. It had been the thirteenth day of March the day of the second bombing. The special agent walked out of Room 26 and headed for the lobby once again.
Shortly after she left, an Asian man with unkempt jet-black hair entered the room.
Main Lobby
Agent Brea just finished a cup of warm hot chocolate. Even though it wasn't even close to winter, she felt the need to digest this. After all, it was her favourite beverage, and it sure beat coffee. Aya found a vacant seat near the wall and made herself comfortable. She removed her leather jacket from her lithe body and set it behind her back. She let her mind and eyes wander.
Minute after minute, her eyelids became closer and closer together.
12:43 pm
A high-pitched noise tore Aya out of her mental lucidity. Her head jerked forward, and some strands of her pale hair fell forward. Sluggishly, she searched for her pockets. For some reason she couldn't open her eyes, they were too heavy. The incessant blare only ceased after she depressed a button. Weakly, she brought the cell phone to her ear, which was a struggle in itself.
"Brea." she whispered.
"Brea? Brea?" a voice replied.
"Yes I'm here... who is this?" the sleepy-eyed agent mumbled.
"Brea this is Akima. Where are you?" he inquired in accented English.
"I'm in the Main Lobby... what is it?"
"Aya the girl's just woken up. The doctors cleared up her esophagus and she's recovering faster than they anticipated."
"Well what's the problem?"
A long silence prevailed for some time. Then, an answer, "She wants to see you, and Masaki."
This information startled her, and her eyes shot open. From what she had heard, the girl had been unconscious during the whole ordeal of the second floor caving in. "Brea? Can you hear me?" questioned Akima.
"I can hear you. I can come, but Tsushima, definitely not."
"Alright, hurry though." he insisted, before cutting the connection.
Aya hurriedly jumped out of her seat, snatched her jacket and ran to the elevator.
3rd Floor
Aya ran to where Tsushima was being kept. A doctor was talking to him about what seemed to be his injuries. "...serious, you seem to heal quicker than most people. Take it easy on your neck, shoulder, arm, et cetera."
"Alright, thank you Dr. Yamauchi. Tell Kuni that that I'll talk to him later."
Tsushima turned to the door, and spotted Aya. "Wh-"
"Since you're all better, someone wants to see you." she interrupted.
Aya pulled on his right arm, incidentally, the one that was in a sling. Tsushima staggered, letting out a groan. Aya spun around, realizing what she had just done. "Oh Tsushima, I'm so-"
"It's alright Aya, let's go." the wounded agent replied.
Aya let go of her hold carefully, she didn't want to hurt him again 'I'm so stupid!' Aya mentally scolded.
The two partners departed the room quietly. An uneasy air settled upon them. "So where is this person?" Tsushima probed.
Aya tried avoiding his mysterious dark blue eyes. "Floor Five, Room 31."
5th Floor
Room 31
The two agents entered the hospital room. They found the rest of the Deadline Team waiting. Quatre looked up from the article he was engrossed in, "Tsushima, Aya said you wouldn't be available." he greeted in surprise.
Tsushima shrugged with his good shoulder. "So why are we all here again?" he inquired to anyone who could answer the question.
"The onna wanted to speak to you and Aya." Wufei spat.
Everyone ignored Wufei's chauvinistic remark. "Do you have any information on her?" the injured agent queried.
"Nope, all we know is that she's female, and quite a good-looking one I might add." the comment came from Duo, who was leaning against the far wall.
Some of the room's occupants managed to stifle a chuckle at that comment. Tsushima just shook his head with a slight smile on his face. "So when are we going to get information from her?" Aya complained impatiently.
A dark voice answered "Well that's the thing, she'll only talk to you two, and privately only. Don't ask us why. A lot of us would like to get to their bathtubs soon."
Zechs' amusing impatience brought out some more grins and laughs. "Well then let's go in Aya. Any of you got any recording essentials handy?"
Tsumaya threw Tsushima a mechanical pencil. Some paper came from Dai. "Uh... what I meant was a tape recorder. You don't expect me to write with my left do you?" Tsushima retorted.
"I got a recorder Tsushima, let's go." Aya cut in.
Tsushima nodded and they both left the waiting room, and entered the patients' room. There lying in a bleached white bed was the stunning girl Tsushima had rescued from the collapsing restaurant. She seemed Caucasian. She had flowing red-brown hair, and soulful emerald green eyes. Aya was struck by her familiarity to... Melissa. Aya paused slightly. The girl's piercing eyes were trained on Aya, and then they diverted their attention to Tsushima.
When the two agents reached the side of the bed, the girl spoke. "Finally, you're here."
Aya prepared her tape recorder. "Could you tell us your name please." Tsushima requested softly.
The teenager hesitated for a moment, "It's Eve... Eve Mitsujima." she replied in English
Aya held back a gasp. All of a sudden she felt wary of this girl.
"Well, hello Eve. I'm Special Agent Tsushima Masaki, and this is my partner Special Agent Aya Brea. We're from the International Bureau of Investigation Japan. We'd like to ask you some questions about yourself and the bombing."
The teenager gazed at Tsushima, captivated by him. "First, do you have any family members, relatives that we can contact?"
"...I live with the Mitsujima's, their number is 630-434-0981."
Tsushima glanced at Aya for a moment. She nodded and pulled out her cell phone, handing her partner the recorder. "Alright Mitsujima-san. How old are you?"
"Nineteen."
"Ok, would you mind telling me where you were in relation to the explosion when it occurred?"
Eve closed her eyes, as if concentrating. "I think I was outside of the immediate range of the explosion, I don't know for sure, but I don't think I'd be alive if I weren't."
"Do you remember what you were doing there?"
Eve hesitated again, this time her eyes started to sparkle with liquid. "I was, I was with some friends from school. They invited me to a gathering at the restaurant."
"Ok, I know this is hard for you Eve, but do you remember anyone maybe suspicious-looking entering the restaurant?"
"When I went to the restroom once, I saw this Japanese man all alone. He had a black leather trench coat, and shades. He wore his hair in a ponytail I think. He had some kind of cold, detached look." she responded, her eyes starting to release the salty tears.
"Alright, do you know where he was headed?"
"To the men's restroom I think, somewhere there."
"Alright Eve, that's all I'm going to ask you for now. We don't know how long you'll remain in the hospital. But if you ever feel the need to call us here's my card." Tsushima informed her, giving him a card from one of his trench coat's pockets.
"Alright," Eve glanced at Tsushima's arm, "I'm sorry I put you through that..." she apologized, putting her hand on it, her eyes watering even more.
"No, it's my job. No apology neede-" he was cut sort, as Eve pulled his arm out of the sling.
Tsushima let out a cry of pain. Aya, who had been long done with the phone call, suddenly drew her sidearm. Eve paid no attention to Aya or the weapon, and stretched out the arm. "Eve, let go of him."
Eve pulled his arm closer to her, and then ran her fingertips over his collarbone and shoulder. It was as if soothing energy passed through her hands, into Tsushima's arm. Aya felt an increase of energy coming from Eve. 'What the hell?'
Tsushima, who was helpless, felt the restorative power work on his arm. Eve's fingers slipped away and she fell back onto the bed, seemingly exhausted. Aya trained her gun on Eve, but Tsushima forced the gun down with his right hand. Aya's eyes widened. "Tsushima, your arm."
"I think she healed it, but how is the question. I don't think she's a normal human."
Aya nodded. She knew all too well about what she really was. This case was becoming more and more related to her past, and she wanted to forget the past, her past.