A/N: Chapter 4... and yes, I, Jun-kei decided to be a little morbid for once...my bunny rabbit died the other day, I has her since I was five (Sniff!) so don't blame me! (Runs away and cries)
Disclaimer: I own Ghost in the shell? Who the hell do you think I am? Bill Gate's daughter? (lol, sorry to all you microsoft lovers)
No, you're wrong, I don't own it. I would love to but... (Someone clears throat) I have a little annoying friend there. (Turns around to face a lawyer with a brief case open and taking notes) Errrr...
Inner Universe
Chapter 4: Shattered
Water dripped in a hypnotic monotone as a figure loomed in the darkness, checking both directions before moving on, slowly, carefully, as almost stalking. Careful to be silent, to not to be seen, for if she were, she would have hell to pay.
'Kage…Shadow'
She thought.
The figure lit up a cigarette, frowning as it faintly illuminated her facial features: Long, dark hair. Bright blue eyes. Gently sloped cheeks, and dark, thick, rectangular shaped glasses. The young woman, of only nineteen snapped in cigarette in two angrily, extinguishing it. She began cursing under her breath.
She would have to think before acting on impulse…even if the thought of a smoke was addicting, if Takemura caught her, she couldn't simply say she was doing nothing. He would have already figured out the reason: Mayuka.
Ayame had been inquiring about her missing friend for the past few weeks straight. But Takemura never gave a solid answer, and it began to really piss her off. Her ears never deceived her. She had heard Mayuka's anguished screams that one night before she 'disappeared' and saw Takemura come out of that small room, his shirt in his arm, as he buttoned up his pants and tightened his belt. His hands bloodstained.
Ayame had asked Takemura what happened…but he wouldn't answer. He would brush her off. And when she tried entering the small room, Takemura would step in her way, and threaten her. She could have easily told her older brother, Yukimura. But there was no reason to drag him into it. Besides, she has to do things for herself too. She was nineteen after all.
Her gut feeling had known all too well what must have happened. It couldn't have been more obvious. And Mayuka, despite how strong she acted would have caved by now. Especially considering she acted as if she was a scared traumatized little child when locked up in small rooms.
Sure, small rooms were suffocating. Even she thought that. But Mayuka, she was a different story. It was almost as if every time she was stuck in such a small room for so long, her body would go into shock. Mayuka would never admit to it, she was too full of pride. Pride that up until now was the only thing that kept her going. But Ayame herself had hacked into her old medical file, to confirm her suspicion, which proved to be correct, all signs pointed to it and so did Mayuka's old medical file: Cluster phobic. A severe case of chronic cluster phobia. The cause: unknown… but believed to be related to the death of her late biological parents.
Confirmation. That is what she wanted back then. It's what she needed now. She needed some confirmation that the fragile young woman didn't shatter under such abuse. It's what she wanted to believe. To think that Mayuka was reduced to nothing would be devastating to her,
"I am fragile,
But I'm strong enough.
I am hated,
Enemy number one.
I am lying,
'Cause I have never fell.
If you need me,
Follow me to hell."
These words still echoed in Ayame's mind, haunting her, as she slowly walked down the steps. Strangely, the words adequately described Mayuka. Mayuka was fragile. Sometimes ridiculously so. So much so that even Mayuka would try to hide it. But yet, in some strange way, Mayuka was strong. And Mayuka took into consideration other's feelings on several occasions, when they thought she'd ought to die. But most of all, Mayuka was a liar. She'd never let those weaknesses show through that ice wall around her heart. And when she got so wrapped up in her thoughts that they do…she'd become even more withdrawn from others…afraid to actually appear as though she was as human as everyone else.
Ayame chuckled to her self: Human. These days, it's applied quite often. But in a world of robots, what is a human? Getting out of her idle thoughts, Ayame walked through the hallway to the door of the small room, and placed her ear to it. But she didn't hear anything. Knocking twice, she still heard no movement. But what she thought she heard was a low moan of pain.
"Fragile, yet strong. Hated, yet loved. Lying yet trusted. Between heaven and hell."
She whispered to herself as she tried opening the door. It was stuck. And there was a lock on it. Takemura. The bastard. He would pay if he did anything. Pay. Even if it coasted her, the position in the Archangel, and to betray them to their mortal enemy: the police. She wouldn't sit down. If something were to have happened to her, she was sure they'd tell Yukimura A.S.A.P. So for Motoko…it shouldn't be any different…or that was at least what she thought. It was the only moral excuse her mind would give her at the present moment.
Ayame sighed as quietly as possibly, knocking herself out of her walking reverie. Ayame dug into her pocket. The trusty wire. Perfect for picking locks. Even though they were so advanced these days, humanity had a knack for staying wit what they knew best.
Crouching down at the small door, taking the advanced padlock, and wire in hand, Ayame started picking away at the lock.
"Damn it! Open you stubborn piece of shit!"
Ayame cursed under her breath.
'Yes Ayame, quiet…we don't want to be too conspicuous. Both of use will suffer for that.'
She told herself, regaining her composure.
Eight seconds later Ayame smiled as she heard a faint click, jifting the padlock back and forth, pushing it aside and letting it fall to the ground, before picking it up.
That done, she dug into her pocket again, finding her switchblade. She carefully sliced it through the crack in the door, hearing another faint click she quickly grabbed the door handle, turning it as hard as she could, pushing it forward. It gave away.
Ayame stood up, smiling, as she slowly entered the room.
"This is too easy"
Ayame muttered under her breath, her expression suddenly serious.
She took out the flashlight, looking around the small room. Suddenly, Ayame stepped back, letting out a small scream as the flashlight fell to the ground.
"Well, to say I'm surprised is putting it mildly."
Kurutan stated as Motoko and her sat in a café. Motoko had just sat down, a quizzical expression on her face, as she looked to her friend.
"What?"
"I'm surprised you actually showed. You're usually too caught up in your work to hang out."
Motoko shrugged and grumbled an apology. Kurutan's expression turned to one of sorrow.
"Don't be Motoko. But when I said I was surprised, that wasn't the only thing I was talking about."
Motoko nodded.
"Then what?"
"Is she really back…here in Japan?"
"Yeah…Mayuka… she is."
Motoko answered.
"But to betray you like that…Mayuka was always off the handle at times…but she was one of the most trustworthy people we knew…"
"Even I couldn't believe it…"
"You gonna be alright?"
Motoko nodded.
"I always am."
"No, Motoko!"
"What-"
"I'm asking you if you're alright, cause I know you aren't! That's what you do every time! You ignore how you feel just hoping it would go away! Well it doesn't!"
Kurutan's yelling snapped Motoko out of her trance. She was right. Kurutan was right. Whether she admitted it or not, Kututan was right.
"Look, Motoko, I didn't mean to yell but-"
"No, no. It's quite alright."
Motoko sighed.
"So…about Mayuka…"
"Their the same. Those same eyes. Yet unlike when she left, they weren't filled with hate…but rather fear…sorrow…sadness…"
Kurutan smiled despite herself.
"I always thought Mayuka to be the more, bold, innocent, and courageous type."
"Couragous…bold…not really…but she was as about as innocent as they come…"
Kurutan nodded.
"Then there was when she asked you to kill her…"
Motoko looked downcast, silent for several moments.
"Yeah…"
"Well, you know…I think May wanted nothing to do with the Yakuza to begin with. And when you presented the chance, she saw death as a way to get away from it all…you still care for her don't you?"
"We're sisters. And our family's dead, so we're all we've got."
Kurutan sighed, a faint smile forming.
"You know, that's exactly what she thinks too. May was always like that. In fact, I wouldn't be too surprised if she was constantly blaming herself for it too. You remember how she would constantly blame herself, even if it wasn't her fault, right?"
Motoko smiled faintly at the memory.
"Yeah. She'd always used to do that. It was like walking around egg shells with her, especially when her mind is distracted."
Kurutan nodded.
"That aside…you're not going back on this case Motoko, are you?"
Motoko shook her head, but stopped midway, her eyes becoming distant. After a while, Kurutan looked at her, her expression growing in concern.
"Well…?"
"I…I don't know…"
Motoko sighed.
"I mean…I used to know…or at least I thought I did…but…"
Takeing a sip of her coffee that the waiter brought a few minutes earlier, Kurutan looked up at Motoko and smiled.
"That's ok. I understand, and she would too. Hey, wanna go to my place after?"
For the first time that conversation, Motoko smiled, truly smiled.
"Well, sure."
"What the hell were you thinking Kusanagi?"
Mayuka didn't respond. It wasn't like it would do her any good anyways. And no one could help her now. Yukimura was injured…and possibly hater her now. And Ayame? Well, she did shoot Ayame's older brother…and they were close. So it was only reasonable that Ayame was too furious to care.
Takemura had tied up her hands…an obvious motion…but she felt unease this time, as she screamed in pain as he shocked her with his taser.
"You know…I don't take being betrayed lightly."
He muttered as he grabbed her by the hair, forcing her to stand as he brought her to his eyelevel.
"Well, this time, let's have some fun?"
Takemura grabbed her chin as he forcefully kissed her, an animal like fire seemed to burn in his eyes. Mayuka quickly pulled back, ignoring the slight pain of some of her hair being pulled out because of his tight grip. She began backing up, until less than four feet later her back was against the wall. The room was just too small. She hated small confined spaces like this. And she didn't like the look in Takemura's eyes when he forcibly kissed her. It was all too obvious what he planned on doing.
"Takemura…don't…I'm begging you…"
"What, we're just gonna have a little fun, Mayuka. And if you have a problem with that, I'm just going to have to teach you the hard way."
But she wasn't interested in this fun. Takemura slowly closed in on her. There was no way out. Not in this place.
"You will fear me by time I'm done with you."
Takemura growled, as he seized Mayuka by the wrist.
"L-LET GO!"
Mayuka screamed. Takemura pulled her towards him, seizing her by the hair, as she tried wrestling from him. Yanking on her hair again, Takemura forcefully kissed her. Mayuka took a step backwards before falling, with Takemura on top of her, he smiled darkly, as he ripped the buttons of his shirt out of the holes, took it off and threw it aside, ignoring Mayuka as she kicked and screamed. Then his gaze turned animalistic… as he began to tear her clothes off.
The next thing Mayuka realized after that was the pain that coursed through every inch of her body. Bear. She was on her back, lying on nothing as Takemura began to get up. Visably shaken, she did only the one thing that came to mind: she kicked him hard in the groin. Takemura scowled and cursed under his breath as he took out switchblade, and lifted her by the hair, punching her hard in the gut. Barely conscious, she felt the pain course through her right arm as she was dropped to the ground.
Bruses…and she knew it. But more than that. She hoped and wished he was done with her, and would leave her alone now. Violated…she was nothing but the dirt underneath his shoes now.
Takemura smiled darkly as he buttoned up his shirt, he looked down in the room as he wiped blood from his hands as he put away a switchblade.
"Looks like you might need prosthetics for that arm of yours…"
He muttered darkly as he watched Mayuka lying down on her side, a pool of blood circling her. Mayuka groaned in pain as a bright light from the door of the small, cramped room shined through, accenting Takemura's figure.
"Remember you're our tool. A tool has no need for attachments or emotions."
With that, Takemura left her closing the door behind him.
She hated small rooms. It reminded her of a time when she was little and trapped. She kept screaming for help, but no one ever came…not even Motoko came to help her…
"O-nee-san…" She barely whispered.
She always hated small rooms…it made her feel nervous…at death's door… uneasy, so scared…so alone. And now because of Takemura, she also felt violated.
"I'm a…a 'tool'…"
Mayuka, barely able to move gave in to the dark world of unconsciousness.
"I still can't believe it though."
Togusa muttered in disbelief. Ishikawa nodded.
"There's not much we can do though but follow through on our job."
"DAMN IT!"
Batou cursed, banging his fist on the table.
"I can't believe she just left this case like that!"
"If you ask me, this "Mayuka" person has a pretty mean streak going on there."
Pazu imputed. Boma shrugged.
"Think of it this way Batou, it could be the best for the Major."
"You're right Pazu, but personally I feel lost without her, she was pratcially the leader."
Saito imputed as he polished his rifle. Batou sighed.
"Are we just going to argue in circles or come to a stand point here?"
"While watching you is quite amusing, I must say, it's not what you get paid for."
Daisuke Aramaki walked into the room, watching closely as it fell silent.
"Major Kusanagi decided to throw in the towel on this one boys. That was a month ago, thus we stalled, but now it's back to this case. And whether we like it or not, it's what we have to deal with."
"Yeah, but, to go as far as cyber-hacking Motoko…that girl took it too far!"
Aramaki stared at Batou for a long while, silently. Almost as though he was reading him.
"I understand your feelings about that, Batou. But now, we must compromise. Batou! You're in command!"
Walking over to Ishikawa, Aramaki handed him a disk.
"Ishikawa, I want you to hack into this. The major was able to get it off of Mayuka. It may prove useful. But it has a strong encryption code on it. Togusa! I want you to start digging. Find any information you can to who the Archangels have ties to.Find out all you can, and keep in touch with Ishikawa."
He then swiftly turned to Pazu and Boma.
"Boma! Pazu! You will be doing some recon in the area where the last activity of the Archangels was spotted, right by that warehouse that Saito was watching."
"Sir, that leaves me with…"
Aramaki smiled as he turned to Saito.
"You're with me. As soon as we have enough information, you're job will be to infiltrate into the Archangel's base, along with Togusa."
Motioning Saito to follow, Aramaki began walking out the door.
"With that set up, you all must report to Batou every four hours. Batou, you will report to me every twelve hours. Are we clear?"
"Yes sir!"
"Then you are dismissed!"
Blood dripped, adding to the echoing of dripping water, as she looked at her wounded neck. It wasn't deep, so the knife missed her jugular. But what surprised her the most was the woman holding the knife to her throat. Her long, dark violet hair, with a dark blue tinge looked rather vibrant in the sudden ray of light her flashlight gave off. But what caught her attention were the eyes. Despite the right eye having three scars, its damaged pupil making its appearance almost cat like, still held some warmth to them. But now, there was nothing. Both sapphire blue eyes were cold. Desolate. Soulless. The one holding the knife to her neck was her friend. But a shadow of what she was.
"May…Mayuka?"
Ayame finally spoke up. She looked at her friend closely. Mayuka stood in a crouching position, breathing heavily. Her face was shallow, pale, and there were rings under her eyes. It was obvious she hadn't eaten or slept in a while. But as she watched beads of sweat roll off her brow, even though the room was in fact rather frigid, it seemed 'sick' had also made itself into the list. But from what was unknown.
"Mayuka…"
Almost as if dawning realization, Mayuka straightened up, all while holding the knife in her left hand. It was then Ayame noticed.
"May…you're hand …it…"
'Infection…is that why she's sick?'
Ayame thought as she walked up to Mayuka who suddenly backed up when she reached for the arm."
"Mayuka, it's al-"
"Get away from me!"
Mayuka whispered, her voice low, frightened. She was still breathing heavily. Ayame reached for her arm again, but was stabbed in the arm. Mayuka's soulless eyes filled with fear.
"Don't touch me!"
Ayame grimaced in pain.
"You know, you have a good hand with that knife. Would have liked to see you do that to Takemura back there."
"Shut up! It's messed up! It always was! It was just like last time! I would keep on screaming 'help, help!' but no one would come! And then the one thing I would have need during that time, appears right after he leaves! It's all fucked up! Everything's just fucked up!"
Ayame knew she had hit a nerve there. The eyes still remained soulless, but she was sure she saw a flicker of Mayuka there, even for a second. Mayuka collapsed against the wall; her eyes no longer flickered like that, but became dull, and opaque, as she huddled into the corner, her knees to her chest, almost shivering, as she began to slice her wrist, horizontally. Ayame quickly slapped the knife out of her hand.
"Are you trying to kill yourself, you idiot?"
"Negative. To succumb to suicide by such means I would have to slash vertically in order to cut open the vain."
"The what the hell are you doing?"
"They say that if you feel pain you're still alive…but…"
Ayame raised an eyebrow…it was sudden and different, from an emotional outburst to being a human computer…what was next?
"But what?"
"I don't feel anything."
"What? Don't you at least feel pain, or sadness or-"
"Negative."
Ayame growled.
"But why?"
"A 'tool' has no reason to have emotions. Therefore it wouldn't have senses which co-exist with emotions."
"What! WHO said you were a tool?"
"Is it not the case? A tool. The means of which Akutenshi and Archangel plan to use for what is known as "Jenchu" human judgment, or 'if the heavens will not cast judgement, we will' But Archangel and Akutenshi are vain and righteous. Thus they claim that their "Jinchu" is really "Tenchu", judgment from the heavens."
Ayame sighed.
"But then-"
"A hopeless cause."
"I don't get it."
"Those who know nothing shall understand, nothing. That's the way it is, that's the way italways will be."
Ayame rubbed her numb hand, as she watched Mayuka curl up even tighter, her legs held to her chest, restricting her breathing, as her gaze fell to the floor.
"A-Ayame…"
Ayame's attention snapped to Mayuka. The shaken voice, the colder, almost metallic voice…almost as if there were two of her. But this had to be the human her, the real her.
"Yes?"
"Get out of here."
"What?"
"GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!"
Mayuka's sudden outburst caught her off guard as she struggled to get to her feet. Ayame got up, her eyes widend in surprise as she watched Mayuka's form start shivering.
"What is it, damn it?"
"LEAVE!"
"What? I don't understand, why?"
Ayame could have sworn she heard Mayuka whimper the moment she asked this question, her trembling became more intense: from tiny shaking to full-blown trembling. Her face became pale.
"It's h-him…. 'He' is coming back…here."
It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who "He" was. Ayame knew it could be only one man: Takemura Mehiji. Ayame swallowed hard. If that were the case then she would be in trouble…deep trouble. But still, how would Mayuka be able to tell.
"Just how do you know?"
"I…I can sense it."
As if some sick trick of life, the moment her whispered words were finished, Takemura busted into the room, a sick grin across his features as he had switchblade in hand. Ayame paled, and she heard Mayuka's sharp intake of breath.
"Hmmm…I knew I heard something down here…"
Takemura said casually, he looked over at Mayuka who almost looked as though she was about to pass out.
"Is there something you need, Teddy?"
"Yes, there is, Ayame. Leave, now."
Ayame narrowed her eyes as she reached into her jacket's breast pocket, taking out a gun, aiming it at Takemura, who scowled.
"Playing traitorous are we?"
"Traitorous? I never considered you a friend…only a simple acquaintance, whom I've never been able to rid myself of."
Ayame said coldly. Takemura smiled and shrugged.
"Such, cold. Ruthless words. You should watch it, little lady. You might be joining you're friend over there with a tongue like that."
"Is that a threat, you bastard?"
Takemura smiled and took a step forward.
"No, little lady,"
A few more steps and Ayame found herself with her back to the wall. Takemura leaned seductively towards her so he could whisper in her ear.
"It's a promise. And I keep my promises."
He whispered, Ayame scowled as she fidgeted. Her she was with a gun, and she decided to be stupid enough to let her guard down like that. What the hell was she thinking anyways?
'I need to get the hell out of here. And get May out of here as well…shit.'
Ayame thought angrily. Takemura smiled. He enjoyed it: seeing her squirm in discomfort.
"What's going on guys?"
"Yukimura-nee-sama! Help, DAMN IT HELP!"
As if automatic, a blade appeared by Takemura's throat, Yukimura glowered.
"I've been itching to do this for nearly six years now, Teddy."
Yukimura smiled, which soon faded.
"Especially when I found out what you did, asshole."
"I have hundreds of men who will follow every beck and call I make Yukimura. Give up, you're only end up in the hospital."
Yukimura shrugged.
"Sure doesn't help when I, a simple twenty-two year old is more man than you are at twenty-eight, and I'll always be twice the man you ever could. You're just a sick bastard who thinks it's funny to destroy someone weaker than you, especially a woman, through sexual, and physical abuse."
"What? What was that?"
"You heard me. Ayame, you ok?"
Ayame nodded.
"Yukimura…I've made my decision."
"The verdict?"
"I'm leaving right now. I'll be back Asap. Take care of Mayuka for me until we get her safe."
"Just what are you planning?"
Takemura grew weary of this coded language. He was curious…and he just gave them all power in the situation by asking that. But he didn't give a damn. Yukimura smirked. A smirk he knew very well the: 'I'm better that you are.' Smirk, which he often used. It felt like being stabbed by a knife that he had held in his own hand. He truly did rub off on Yukimura…not like it mattered now anyways.
"She's going to the Police Teddy boy."
"What?"
"What? Ayame that's crazy! You're nuts!"
"No, it isn't. Mayuka didn't ask to be drawn into the Yakuza crime circle. She was forced by us, the Takeda clan, and by the business family Mehiji. She didn't choose this path for herself Yukimura-o-nii-sama! In fact she wanted NO part in it! But WE forced her down this path!"
Ayame shouted back. Yukimura looked paranoid.
"Yeah, but walking up there will get your ass in jail!"
Ayame shrugged.
"They have no proof I did anything."
"The tattoo!"
"So?"
Yukimura sighed.
"It's just that…I'd hate to think anything happened to you sis…"
"Just like, if anything were to happen, You'd WANT to know, so you could kick the bastard's ass for what they did."
Yukimura nodded…not sure where Ayame was headed with this.
"That's true."
"Then think of it this way: despite her indifference when she acts, Motoko Kusanagi would probably regret it if anything were to have happened to Mayuka. Just like you would. Thus we have to tell Motoko and get Mayuka out of here."
Yukimura frowned. She had got him there. And he hated being got. But she was right, if Mayuka were his little sister, he would have already brutally murdered Takemura for what he did to her.
Hell. She wasn't, but he still felt that way. Just to rid his mind from the sickening smirk on Takemura's face when Tak came to tell him of his miss doings…
If it wasn't for Ayame's thought of:
"Maybe he's joking…Oh God, I hope he's joking!"
Sediment, Takemura would have been dead days ago, and the Mehiji family would have been hunting him like a dog. Yukimura sighed in defeat.
"So you're plan is…"
"We've got to tell Motoko. I looked up all information Mayuka had on that disk about them. Section Nine Police. Leader: Daisuke Aramaki. Second in command happens to be Motoko herself."
"Really?"
Ayame nodded.
"So I'm going to walk to the police de-"
"Idiot, you sure they won't arrest you?"
Ayame smiled.
"They can. But then, what's the use of having a bystander in jail when she can be so much more help outside of the dump?"
Yukimura nodded.
"And that watch Mayuka gave you?"
"What were you thinking Mayuka?"
Ayame yelled as Mayuka looked at the retreating form of Motoko and smiled sadly.
"And once again, I am in her shadow…"
"Mayuka!"
Mayuka's attention snapped to Ayame, and she frowned.
"I wasn't thinking. Wasn't that obvious enough?"
Ayame scowled.
"Idiot! Takemura's gonna kill you next time you know…"
"He can go ahead, it he thinks I'm just gonna let him do it, then he's more stupid than I thought."
Ayame glared.
"You think I'm gonna get you out of shit this time? You SHOT Yukimura!"
"Is he dead, or fatally wounded?"
"No!"
"Then you can't complain. I didn't kill him."
Ayame gritted her teeth at this. She couldn't believe it.
"I thought you cared for Yukimura! Well don't you?"
"…"
Mayuka looked to her side thoughtfully, but didn't answer.
"Well!"
"…Perhaps…"
"What the hell does that mean?"
"…I'm not sure."
Mayuka seemed almost dazed by the thoughts but roughly managed to get to her feet, and bowed towards Ayame.
"I'm sorry about all of this, terribly sorry. Now, I'll understand if you disagree…but can you do me a favour?"
Ayame blinked.
"A favour?"
"Yes, a simple favour."
Ayamesighed.
"What is it?"
Mayuka held out the broken silver watch.
"Can you …get this fixed, and return it to Motoko?"
"Why would you want that?"
May sighed, as if remembering some sad memory.
"It was her gift. I gave it to her for her final cyborg resizing… I already knew which model she was planning on choosing…so I had it specially customized to fit the model. We had our fight three years prior, and so I sent it anonymously."
"Well, can't you do it?"
Mayuka frowned deeply, her eyes clouded over with doubt.
"I have a feeling that I won't be able to."
Ayame shook her head.
'Did I hear her right?'
"You won't, why?"
May shrugged.
"If I could tell the past, present and future, then I would be destiny itself…unfortunately, I am not."
"Then how are you so sure something's gonna happen to you?"
"Because, from all my research, and from all I know, Yakuza is one group who doesn't take betrayal lightly. I just betrayed you. I already figured I've got hell to pay now."
Mayuka shook her head and began walking away. Mayuka stopped for a moment, and walked back to Ayame, placing a few dollar bills in her hand.
"Here, for the costs."
"You don't have to-"
"I insist."
"But just how did you manage to get this much?"
Mayuka smiled.
"When one lives in a house of thieves, one can only be expected to learn how to steal."
Mayuka turned around and began walking away, as she looked over her shoulder.
"I'll appreciate if you do that for me. Send Motoko my condolences."
Ayame nodded slowly as she watched Mayuka disappear out of view.
"She wants me to get it fixed and returned to Motoko."
"Well?"
"I'll do it."
Yukimura sighed.
"So, you're gonna get the police to retrieve her."
"Yes. But I'm going to check up on her first before we do anything."
Yukimura glanced at her for a moment, before looking back up to the ceiling.
"And for contact?"
"The usual, of course."
Yukimura nodded.
"The communicators Mayuka made us?"
Ayame nodded in agreement.
"Yes. They were made of spy ware so they are harder to track than most communication devices."
Ayame turned her back, almost ready to leave.
" I'll let you know when we're coming. Just protect Mayuka before then, ok?"
"Alright. But after that, what do we do?"
Ayame smiled.
"We quit. There is no reason for the Takeda clan to be both apart of the Archangels and Akutenshi. Father was requesting that we quit the mafia life for years now. So, what do you say?"
Yukimura chuckled at this.
"Well, we did have all the schooling, would be nice to get back into the police force again after all these years. You?"
Ayame smiled.
"Sorry, unlike you, brother, I still have two semesters to do before I'm done."
"Done? Remind me, just what are you going into again?"
Ayame smiled.
"Medical sciences, forensic sciences, tracking a hacker, and a little bit of physiology."
Yukimura blinked.
"No wonder it's been taking you so long. Occupation?"
"Field medic, and Crime scene investigator."
Yukimura smiled.
"So in other words, if I do somehow manage to get my ass landed into a job with Section Nine, in a few months time, you could be joining too?"
"Not with out training first, but basically. I like helping for the greater good. So, I guess public service is right for me."
"Even after all this?"
Ayame nodded.
"It's the least I could do anyways. It's what father wants. And it's also what I want too."
Yukimura smiled.
"Then let's get your plan rolling as of tonight!"
"Hmm, Agreed!"
"She's going to the police? Are you crazy! They'll capture her!"
Takemura yelled angrily as Yukimura pinned him to the wall.
"Where the hell is a horse tranquilizer when you need it?"
Ayame shook her head.
"I'm not worried about what the police would do. I doubt they'd do anything at all. What you should be worried about; Takemura is what Mayuka will do to you if she gains a second wind. If it was me,"
Ayame threateningly slid her index finger by her throat in a slashing motion.
"You'd be a dead man."
Takemura growled.
"Are you threatening me?"
"No, I'm just making a simple promise to a blind fool."
Yukimura threw a hard glance over his shoulder.
"Are you trying to get me killed too? If you're going to go, go unless you know where I can find a tranquilizer!"
Ayame siged and began walking as Yukimura shook his head.
"About damn time."
"Damn it! I hate my birthday!"
A young Motoko pouted as Mayuka chuckled.
"You always say that, sister. Come on, birthdays aren't that bad."
Motoko shrugged as she and Mayuka looked at their surroundings. The hospital. Both Motoko and Mayuka threw each other an uneasy glance as they heard someone scream in agony. Motoko could have sworn she saw her sister's face pale several shades of white.
"If you hate it here so much…why did you come?"
Mayuka didn't answer, but merely began nervously tapping her foot.
"Well?"
"Because…"
"What?"
Mayuka stopped for a moment.
"I hear something…"
"GET HIM TO THE ICU! NOW!"
Yelled a nurse as she and two Paramedics rushed a guy to the emergency room.
"HURRY! I LEAVE HIM TO YOU!"
Mayuka watched as they sped past her. The guy on the bed was badly wounded and covered in blood. Mayuka stiffened. Motoko also watched them run past her, calmly. Mayuka, on the other hand…
"Ugh! I think I'm going to be sick…"
Mayuka muttered weakly as she staggered onto her feet, covering her mouth with her hand. From how pale she was, you'd think that someone would have mistaken her for an estranged spirit of some sort. Mayuka took a quick glance at Motoko. No words were needed; she always got like this around blood. She would freak out every time. So there was only one place she was heading: The bathroom. Motoko nodded and watched as Mayuka bolted to the Hospital bathroom.
It was then Motoko saw the nurse, as she came and sat beside her.
"Hello there."
"…"
"You're not much of talker, are you?"
The nurse smiled and shrugged.
"We'll I guess it can only be expected, I am a stranger to you after all."
The nurse reached out her hand in a welcoming gesture, and grabbed and shook Motoko's hand.
"I'm Kasumi. I'm a nurse here. In fact, you're about fifteen, are you?"
"Um…I'm Motoko…and yes, I'm fifteen…why?"
Kasumi smiled.
"Thought so! I have a daughter your age. She's here with me today. In fact, today happens to be 'take your kid to work day' so that's why she's with me."
Motoko blinked, and watched as Kasumi looked over her shoulder.
"Kurutan! Over here!"
Another girl, of about fifteen years old walked up and sat beside her mother. She had shoulder length brown-blond hair.
"Hi, I'm Kurutan, Kurutan Myoto."
Motoko shook her hand.
"Hi, I'm Motoko Kusanagi."
Kasumi got up.
"Well, I better get going…uh, Motoko, do you're parents work here?"
"No."
"Hmm, I see, so you're here by yourself, where are your parents?"
"Oh, the Yamotos…they said they were called into work last second and left us here."
Kurutan blinked.
"The Yamotos? You just said your last name was Kusanagi."
"Adoptive parents. Ours died when we were little."
Kasumi gave a questioning look before looking up.
"Ours…oh, you mean that little girl who was with you right? Is she your little sister?"
Motoko nodded.
"I just saw her bolt to the bathroom a moment ago. She was as pale as a sheet. Is she sick?"
"Uh…no?"
"Then why are you two here?"
"Um…we're here because…"
"Cyborg resizing lady…"
Mayuka muttered as she walked back over to Motoko and sat down beside her.
"Hey, May, how are you feeling?"
"Like a load of crap, but other than that I'm fine."
Mayuka muttered weakly as she sat slouched over, her elbows on her thighs.
"Oh…Um, I forgot to introduce you May…"
"What?"
Mayuka asked.
"Um, Mayuka, the nurse over there is Kasumi, and the girl beside her is Kurutan, Kasumi, Kuturan, this is my sister Mayuka."
"Nice to meet you Mayuka."
Kasumi said.
"Yeah, same to you."
"Well, girls, I'll leave you three to chat. See you later."
Kasumi said before rushing off. Kurutan sighed.
"So…you're here for a cyborg resizing?"
"Hey, what the hell is a lady like you doing here?"
Yelled a security guard as Ayame smiled.
"Come closer and I'll tell you."
She answered seductively. The man blushed, as he came closer to her. She smiled as she kneed him hard in the stomach knocking him out.
"Sorry big guy. But I need you to sleep for now."
She let him drop to the ground before stepping into the building. Almost immediately several armed A.I.s approached her as well as several officers.
"State your business civilian!"
Said a man. He looked to be about his twenties, but Ayame paid no mind.
"I am from the Takeda clan."
"If that's the case, you, if you enjoy living, leave now."
"You misunderstand me. The name's Ayame, and I am here to speak to Daisuke Aramaki of Section Nine police."
"So, Motoko,"
Kurutan started as she sat down beside her friend, handing her a glass of martini.
"What do you plan to do with all this time, now that you're off work."
"Well, I-"
Just then Kurutan's cell phone went of and she picked it up.
"One minute, ok Motoko?"
Standing up again Kurutan walked away from the bed.
"Hello? Oh, yes, of course."
Kurutan paused for a moment before her eyes widened in shock.
"Oh geeze! I'm so sorry, I completely forgot! …Yes, yes! I'll be there right away, sir!"
Kurutan quickly turned off the phone as she headed to her room's closet, taking out her work uniform.
"Well, unfortunately, a certain nurse here just got called into work. I'm sorry Motoko, but I have to go to the hospital for my shift that started…um…twenty minutes ago. I completely lost track of time today!"
"That's quite alright, I-"
Just then, Motoko's phone went off and she pulled it out.
"Déjà vu, eh Motoko?"
Motoko nodded.
"I guess I'll take this call, and leave you to get changed."
She said as she exited the room.
"I'm here."
(Major, we've got some news)
"Batou? Now since when did you get my cell number?"
(I…uh…)
Motoko smiled, bemused at Batou's hesitation in his voice.
"I'd like to know. It's not like you're using my work number, it's my personal number you're using."
(I assumed, you wouldn't answer your work number because you were off)
"You know the rules, I have to always be on call. I would have answered it, just the same."
She could hear shuffling in the background. Batou was fidgeting uneasily.
"Well, next time you want to ask for a date, please do…in person. Now, I'll talk to you later."
(No, wait! I called you because of this case…Motoko, you might want to come back…)
"Now why would I do that? I already withdrew myself from the case."
(That girl we saw with Mayuka when we were…where ever the hell it was…well she came here in search of you.)
"SHE WHAT?"
(Yes, it's absolutely crazy if you ask me. She's practically screaming 'arrest me' at us. But she refuses to tell us anything unless you're here)
Motoko sighed deeply.
"Another stubborn one…just what I need…"
(I feel for you, Major.)
"Well, did she say anything?"
(Not much…)
"Not much? Meaning what, nothing of value? Or something about what it is she came there for?"
She heard Batou sigh heavily into the receiver.
(She mentioned a little about why she was there…Motoko…you're not going to like this one bit. But…)
Motoko grew irritated with this. She was tired of beating around the bush. Why wouldn't he just go after the damned bush?
"What is it?"
She said much more harshly then she had intended to. She could swear she sensed him jump in freight at this sudden tone…but why she sensed such a thing was beyond her…was it her ghost whispering to her once again?
(She…the girl…Ayame, that's her name. Well, Ayame said it had to do with Mayuka…and something bad happened to her.)
Motoko froze, she could feel it…her blood running cold, her ghost whispering to her once more. She didn't like this, not one bit. Mayuka…she had been ignoring it all this time yet. A sad smile made its way to Motoko's lips.
'Something bad happened to her'
Her mind screamed. It was then her ghost said it.
'December ninth…her birthday too…'
(Major?)
"Hold on. I'll be there soon."
Motoko hung the phone up.Just then, Kurutan emerged from her room in uniform, car keys in hand.
"I'm sorry about this Motoko, I completely forgot."
"It's ok. I just got called in myself."
Kurutan shrugged as she and Motoko left the house, heading for their separate cars. Motoko paused for a moment, to watch Kurutan leave before ducking in her own car and backing out the driveway.
"She's here now kid, so I hope you're ready to spill it."
"Batou, she came here out of her own will. There is no need to force her, she will do so on her own."
Aramaki stated. Motoko had just arrived and took the nearest seat by Ayame who smiled.
"So, you're here."
"You're quite the stubborn one. So?"
Ayame frowned.
"Before I say anything, Motoko, there's just something I want to give you."
Ayame reached into her jeans pocket, carefully taking out the repaired watch.
"That's…!"
Motoko stiffened as Mayuka grabbed the gun, and pointed it to her chest. She closed her eyes
"Go ahead, pull the trigger."
"Mayuka…"
Mayuka laughed weakly.
"Do it, okay? I know we haven't been the best of terms but it's all I'm asking."
"You're crazy kid!"
Batou yelled out. Mayuka shrugged.
"Actually the idea of a dark abyss seems better than this living hell."
Motoko frowned as she pulled the trigger. Mayuka opened her eyes when she noticed nothing happened.
"Huh…what…"
"I ran out of ammo…you're out of luck."
"Motoko…you're a horrible liar, you know that. There's no way there's no ammo left."
Motoko scowled.
"You know…you have a lot of nerve."
She muttered, turning her back and walking away.
"So…this is how things are gonna be, Motoko?"
"You of all people…I never thought you'd pull something like this…"
She stopped walking away, just for a moment as Batou walked up to her side.
"Yeah, you guys should get going, before Takemura decides not to wait…"
Mayuka muttered, her voice becoming weak as she watched Motoko play with something on her wrist, Motoko then turned around, holding up her silver watch.
"Here…I don't want it anymore…"
She said as she threw the watch to Mayuka. It hit the ground, cracking the quartz face, as it skidded to Mayuka's feet. Mayuka picked up the broken watch regarding it solemnly.
"A-are you sure about this, Motoko-o-nee-sam-"
"Don't call me that. I'm not even sure who you are anymore."
Motoko replied coldly.
"And yes, I am sure. Let's go Batou!"
Mayuka sat there as she dangled the broken watch like a pendulum, not daring to look up as Motoko and Batou left.
"My watch…"
Motoko finally concluded as her mind spaced out for a split second. Ayame nodded.
"Yes, it is. I got it fixed for you and everything."
"Thank you…"
Motoko whispered as she took the watch gently and placed it around her wirst again, a faint smile on her face.
"You know, if you came all the way here for that…it wasn't worth it, Ayame. But I thank you anyways."
"No, no, no! You've got it all wrong! It's Mayuka who wanted you to get your watch back. She personally asked me to get it fixed, and even gave me the money for it."
Motoko looked up at her, studying her, but found no evidence that she had lied to her.
"Motoko, Mayuka sends you her condolences as well. She's sorry for what happened."
Motoko shook her head.
"And her reason for not saying this personally?"
She asked coldly. Ayame's expression turned to one of alarm, as she looked to the ground.
"S…She was t-tortured…"
She said shakily. Batou fidgeted as Aramaki kept a cold glare, and Togusa seemed rather uneasy.
"By who?"
"By Takemura Mehiji."
"Hey, you at the P.C…for an S-level hacker, you could have done better, or was something holding you back?"
"Quiet you!"
Mayuka yelled as she quickly turned around, pulling out a vintage C-Z 75…but then stopped cold in her tracks, her eyes widening in fear. Motoko's expression was of one of mild surprise.
"M-m-Motoko…o-nee-san…"
Mayuka managed to stutter out despite her mind angrily yelling out: 'What have I done?'
Major Motoko Kusanagi growled; it was Mayuka after all. Of all things she expected her sister to ever do, she never thought to this level. The thought of it enraged her…if only she could get loose…show her a lesson.
"Motoko…"
Mayuka said again as she rose to her feet, her gun aimed.
"I read your mind back there…Batou's behind me isn't he?"
Motoko frowned as Ayame turned to reach a standoff with Batou, whom was stopped by Yukimura.
"Bad little lackey…pointing a dangerous gun like that at my sister."
Yukimura mocked as Takemura walked up to Motoko, taser in hand.
"So you know this woman Kusanagi?"
"This is a family thing Teddy, stay out of it."
Motoko smiled.
"So, are you Takemura Mehiji?"
"How did?"
Mayuka laughed.
"You never cease to amaze me Motoko…looks like we were both hacking each other for information."
"By Mehiji…how?"
Ayame was silent for a while before answering.
"Sexually…he…he ra-"
Ayame suddenly cut herself off, covering her mouth. But Motoko didn't need to have Ayame finish her statement. She already knew. Batou and Togusa both stiffened to this news, looking over to Aramaki.
"I suggest, whatever we do, we must act soon."
Aramaki said gruffly. He glanced at Motoko, whose face was blocked by her hair.
"Aramaki-san,"
Ayame said to him, as she looked towards him, then back to Motoko.
"I would like to request if I could join Section Nine."
"An unusual request, but we shall look into it."
Aramaki said simply.
"Major…"
"I suggest we move out immediately!"
Motoko finally said, as she stood up suddenly.
"Hey, you alright?"
Batou asked. Motoko. She didn't reply.
"It's fine and dandy you want to rush into this, Major, but without a plan? Seriously."
Togusa asked alarmed.
"Hey, that's why I thought ahead."
Ayame slowly got to her feet.
" I already have a plan, based on everything I know about the building, and the Archangel's set up, with a hand from Mayuka who happened to have hacked into our database earlier…she gave me a disk. The plan is a lot of formation, but it has a ninety-nine percent chance it'll work. Especially, if I'm the one at the consol."
Togusa and Batou exchanged a glance.
(Togusa: Can we trust her?)
(Batou: Hate to break it to you…but I'm not sure.)
"Alright then, Ayame. Batou! Togusa! Gather everyone to this room. We'll be debriefing our plans As soon as possible!"
Motoko was dressed up in her leotard gun in hand as she looked around curiously.
(Ayame: How is it there?)
(Motoko: It's all clear. Togusa!)
(Togusa: It's clear here too.)
(Motoko: Batou and Ishikawa?)
(Batou: We're clear!)
(Motoko: And Saito?"
(Saito: Give me the target, and the signal, and consider it done.)
(Ayame: Everyone's covered. All right, I'll get Yukimura to give the signal.)
"Yeah, it's me."
Yukimura stated as he reached into his pocket.
"No, she didn't even say a word to me."
He looked over his shoulder at Mayuka and frowned.
"Yeah, consider the signal done for."
With that Yukimura took out a small controller with a red button and pushed it as several explosions went off, covering the whole warehouse in smoke.
"All right, Ayame, you've got the rest!"
Several solders blinked as they got to their feet, Yukimura rushed into the room.
"You fools! It's obvious it's an ambush! Move out, and kill anyone who doesn't belong here! Got it!"
"Yes sir!"
(Ayame: Allright! Motoko the smoke screen is up. You need to create a diversion, when Yukimura's covered, I'll contact you!)
(Motoko: Understood.)
Motoko charged in looking as she heard dozens of feet around her. As if on cue, she disappeared, made invisible. She stood still; to move to quickly would make her too conspicuous. She'd had to wait them out.
(Motoko: All right, I'm in.)
Mayuka sat in the dark room, as Yukimura over looked her. It was then when she heard explosions go off did he rush back into the room, pulling her by the wrist.
"Come on, we gotta go!"
"Go where?"
Yukimura shoved her gun into her hand, and helped her to stand before looking over his shoulder.
"We've got many og the soilders getting their asses kicked as I speak, May. But it's only a diversion. We need to get out of here."
Mayuka nodded stiffly.
"But to where?"
"To safty, to a hospital…we'll worry later just let's-"
"Yukimura!"
Yukimura turned to have a fist in his face as Takemura hounded him. Takemura glared at Mayuka before turning back to Yukimura, proceeding to punch him into a bloody mess.
"Mayuka, leave, now!"
Shaking, Mayuka nodded, and bolted from the scene. Takemura turned to follow but was pulled back by Yukimura, who grinned slyly.
Gasping for air, Mayuka ran. The smoke was thick and hard to see through, but it didn't matter, she knew exactly where she was heading. That's when she heard gunshots. She turned around, searching for the source before getting hit in the shoulder.
"Yeah! I got Kusanagi! I got that stupid little hacker!"
Yelled a voice, one of the solders.
"Oh, no you don't!"
A familiar voice said, soon followed by a sickening thump as someone fell to the ground, hard.
"Mayuka, if it's you, get out of here!"
The voice said. Motoko. Mayuka gratefully took the advice, ignoring the pain in her shoulder. Had the shot been any closer to her neck, she was sure it would have hit her jugular. Mayuka ran pass the scene swiftly, ignoring the pain that any shots fired at her caused when they skimmed her, or in her shoulder and leg.
'That's right, just like the army…ignore it. Ignore the pain, if you do, you might pull through and live this one'
She thought, before ducking behind a door way and returning fire. After taking out seven men she resumed escaping. There was no need to be there longer than necessary. She smiled; she'd see moonlight again, after all this time. Turning a corner after running up stairs she found herself near the back door. Quietly and carefully she opened it, running out into the night air, approaching a Tachikoma that happened to be there.
"Hey, you look an awful lot like the Major!"
It chirped happily. Mayuka took a few steps back.
"You don't look so good…are you sick?"
Mayuka blinked not sure what to say to the childlike A.I.
"Oh no! We need an ambulance!"
"Keep it down you stupid robot! I don't need any more trouble for to-"
Mayuka screamed as she felt a hand on her shoulder, the hand firmly covered her mouth until she stopped screaming.
"It's me Mayuka, calm down. We need to get you to the Hospital."
An injured Yukimura said calmly. Mayuka broke away from him, before he heard more gunshots.
"Take the Tachikoma, I'll create a diversion. The Tachikoma already knows the co-ordinates."
Yukimura babbled, practically shoving her into the tank.
"Take care,"
Yukimura whispered to her, kissing her gently on the forehead, before the Tachikoma took off.
"Now then, boys, shall we have some fun?"
(Ayame: Yukimura said he just sent Mayuka off, guys pull out!)
(Motoko: Understood! Batou, Togusa, Ishikawa!)
All three nodded and loomed off in different directions leaving the warehouse,
(Ayame: Saito, we need you to cause a ruckus to get Yukimura out of his predicament.)
(Saito: Sure? Got a plan?)
(Ayame: L5, Y2, and F9 should do it, use grenades. I know you're not using to them, but it's the best option in this case.)
Saito nodded following the coordinates closely. As several explosions went off, diverting the solders' attention, Yukimura slipped into the shadows.
(Ayame: Good work. Now let's head out of here.)
"Mo-Motoko…Is that you?"
A confused Kurutan asked as Mayuka walked in. Mayuka shook her head.
"How do you know my sister anyways?"
"Mayuka! Oh my god!"
Kurutan quickly looked over her shoulder.
"We need a bed, she needs to get to the I.C.U. Now!"
"Nonsense, I'll be fine!"
Mayuka blurted out. She seemed to have been short of breath. Kurutan looked troubled.
"No, you're bleeding, badly."
Mayuka looked at Kurutan, studying her for a moment before looking down at the floor. A pool of blood at her feet, forming beneath her. Her own blood. She looked up at Kurutan, dazed.
"I….I…never knew...I didn't realize…that I….was bleeding…that much."
Mayuka stated weakly, before fainting. Kurutan caught her before she hit the ground, and checked her pulse.
"Erratic heartbeat…She just went into shock!"
Kurutan yelled as a pair of paramedics came up to her.
"Get her to the emergency room! Now!"
They nodded and rushed off, as Kurutan sighed. She knew it wasn't over yet.
Motoko walked into the room. The others were waiting, as expected.
"Well, Kusanagi, did Mayuka make it to the hospital?"
Ayame said as she turned in the seat, looking up from the computer.
"Yes. That was Kurutan right now."
Yukimura smiled.
"That's great, it means she's safe!"
Motoko frowned.
"Kurutan said when she came there, she hadlost a lot of blood, and fainted."
Batou stiffened.
"Blood loss…"
Motoko nodded as Togusa looked at her.
"Meaning that she most likely…went into shock…"
Motoko once again nodded. As she watched Aramaki, Pazu, and Boma make sense of it all. Ishikawa gave Motoko a solemn look.
"There's something else, isn't there, Major?"
Aramaki stated calmly. The others snapped their attention back to her.
"Yes. Mayuka just fell into a coma."
The air in Aramaki's office in Section Nine suddenly became thick and cold, as everyone stiffened, each throwing wild looks across the room, all except Aramaki and Motoko who simply stared at each other.
(Aramaki: Major…)
(Motoko: Yes…)
She replied disheartingly.
(Motoko: I know…she could die soon if she doesn't pull together.)
Aramaki sighed, closing his eyes.
"Are you going to visit?"
"Yes, right away."
And with that, Motoko left the room.
Once again, she appears out of the blue. Just like last time. It seems to be her trait. But unlike last time, she's mortally wounded, and practically knocking on heaven's door. This concerns me. It concerns me to a new fact I have never once thought of before. What would happen if Mayuka were to die? I'm sure Motoko wouldn't take it very well… They may not act like it, but they are sisters, who both care and love for each other. If either were to die, the other would be devastated for sure. So that's why it's my job to help her. She has to pull through. Please Mayuka, I'm begging you, hang in there.
Kurutan
A/N: And that concludes Chapter 4. Wee! I'm back on track! so a few things to point out...
Kurutan for the ending? Yes, weird I know. But given the situation it ended on, and the face that May happens to be...eer 'sleeping' ruled Mayuka out for this chapter...perhaps later. But considering we see so little of this character in the actual series...her monologe is awfully short as it is much harder to get into her mindframe, unlike Motoko, whom we see every episode '
the big question: How the hell can someone not notice when they're badly injured? A small case of mind over matter. If you can trick the brain into thinking the body is perfectly fine, then the brain will act as if the body is perfectly fine and not try to send a reaction to the nerves. Think of Heero from Gundam Wing (ok...weird comparason...but still) If he didn't have the mental training for it, half the things he did would be impossible. Once again, this brings me back to the fact that
A) I did say Mayuka was in the military a few years ago. and...
B) It's years from now. Who knows what military training could be like?
And onto the preview:
Chapter 5, Bitter Reunion:
Mayuka's injuries leave her incatasipated (Sp) in the hospital, and to Kurutan, it seems that in the end she's giving up. Ayame and Kurutan both guess only one person can bring her back. And Motoko is sure she won't enjoy what she'll have to do.
Till next time,
Ja ne!