A/N: Gomen nasai ... I wrote myself into a corner with this story, and I had to flash though about 20 different scenarios just to think of how I wanted to end it, but fear not! The ending is approaching, but not quite yet ... hope you enjoy this chapter!!

Definately this isn't one the *best* chapters in this story, but its a means to an end ... and I can't really think of a way to make it much more exciting. And once you're done, I would absolutely adore it if you could mosey that little mouse down to the review button, even if what you have to say isn't all that nice!! ^___^

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Chapter 8: Going Solo

*beep* *beep* *beep* Haruka looked up with bloody hands, noticing a small flashing red light attached to a black device on the wall. This day just keeps getting better and better. she sighed to herself, putting one of Maren's arms around her shoulder, streaking her shirt with his blood. She did notice however, a flickering pale light shining from behind her. Upon turning around, a computer screen was left on, half the screen cracked from gunfire. The title of the document caught her immediate attention, this was the journal logged by Dr. Markusson:

Genetic Duplication Reversal

While the effects of the genetic manipulation seem to have so far been irreversible, small defects have been found with the coding. Sodium phosphates mixed with nitrogenous gases have reversed the entire process; human cells are somehow returned to their original dna forms. This is an unexpected setback, however with further testing is sure to be removed soon.

The beeping had steadily increased, and the blonde agent finally came to with herself, glad that there was still time to reverse the experiment. Agent Tomiko, this place is about to be burned to the ground! We have to get out! Her words faintly reached him, and the two limped outside where emergency sirens were flaring in the air. The building erupted into hot flames as Haruka laid Maren on the soft grass, firefighters and paramedics rushing their way. Several policemen surrounded the blonde agent - she then realized that she was still armed - shouting at her to back away and to drop her weapon. I'm a CIA agent!! Her pleas went unheard, as she threw her gun towards them and got down on her knees.

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Haruka looked up from her hands towards the door, where a tall brown-haired man stood. She had been sitting in the interrogation room for hours now, bored with the questions and the people staring from the other side of the two-way mirror. Immediately picking up the phone, she could already sense the anger from the Director. Tenoh here.

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED THERE! THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SIMPLE MISSION! I'VE SPENT THE PAST 4 HOURS TRYING TO GET YOU OUT OF POLICE CUSTODY! THEY SEEM TO THINK YOU'RE SOME INTERNATIONAL SPY!!

Haruka tried to cut in, but with no avail.

YOU WILL REPORT BACK TO HEADQUARTERS IMMEDIATELY! OTHER AGENTS WILL BE THERE TO PICK YOU UP SHORTLY, WHERE THEY WILL ESCORT YOU BACK TO THE PLANE!

But sir, what about Agent Tomiko?

The Director finally seemed to somewhat calm down. He will be signed out of the hospital soon. Another team is coming to extract Agent Kaioh, and after this is all over with, you won't find yourself on the field for a _very_ long time.

Sir please, I am the only agent who really knows who and what we're dealing against. If I could just finish this missio--

You most certainly will not!

Then I request to stay back alone. She replied firmly.

If you do so, then you will stay as a private citizen. Turn in your badge and your gun to the other agents. There is no reason for you to stay as an agent for the CIA. There was a harsh slam on the phone as he hung up, the soft dial tone replacing his screaming words.

Agent Tenoh. This way please. She turned around and came face to face with two other agents, these must've been the two that the Director was talking about.

I'm not going back. Not yet. Haruka responded, removing her badge from her jacket and passing them her gun. She placed a foot on a chair adjacent to her, and lifted her pant leg, revealing another firearm. Ripping the velcro off she slammed it into the agent's hand and stormed out, determined to finish off what she came here for. They're going to pay for ruining my life, even if it's the last thing I do.