Amai Shi
Chapter 13: Coincidence or Fate?
By AnimayWriteY0
Sasiki couldn't believe what he had witnessed from the latest news. A former friend of his had been found at the riverbanks of Kinugasa Bancho. "Kiyo...n-no!…" What's more the reporter detailed the horrific damage and brutal injuries that Kiyo took which led to his disturbing death. There were no words coming out of the distraught and sorrowful Sasiki while his mother overheard the news and places her hand on her son's shoulder. "I-I'm so sorry for what happened to Ushima San…" The still aghast red head couldn't begin to say another word while he stared blankly at his mother. "Ma, this...this is how my father died…" He suddenly gets up and proceeded to change back into his police attire. "Sweetie where are you going?!" The serious red head answered hastily. "Back to HQ to talk with my subordinates about this recent news! I have a feeling they'll call me right after they seen it too."
Obviously worried, his mother knew that her son would go to great lengths to find the truth about his father's unjustly closed case. Now that his own friend suffered the same fate, there's definitely no stopping Sasiki from here on out. "This is crucial mom, and I know you want me to stay out of danger but...I just can't stand by and let people I personally know and grew up with die under the rug!" The tense division 3 officer fixes his tie and grabbed his police gears and sees himself off. Before he leaves, he turned to his mother in solidarity with his usual confident smile. "I'll be back home safe mom, like always!" His mother nodded with her usual distressed expression but understood her son. "Please be careful sweetie, you're the only family I have left…"
[At Division 3 HQ 10:45 P.M.]
The main office within the building is nearly empty. Each office sectors are nicely cleaned up, files and paperwork neatly organized and the whole area is ready for the next shift crew. About all the second shift workers are checked out. Coming in are the skeleton crew handling the nightly hours. The chief captain handling this group is chief Kanako Shimura. Once everyone has attended to their prioritized office location some of the officers lament the loss for Sasiki, they knew that Kiyo used to be close friends with him until he transferred to Division 5. Because of this decision to draft him into Division 5 ranks is when Kiyo's mannerisms changed for the worse. He became evasive, judgmental, irrational with his critical thinking decisions on the cases he's handled and overall, he clearly lost every bit of himself.
"To think that little asshole actually became another victim to these mysterious losses…" One officer stated clearly not comfortable at such a topic. Captain Shimura nodded while crossing his arms. "Which is why Sasiki is coming back to look into that incident." He sighed deeply while smoking his cigar. "To be quite frank, there hasn't been any good leads that could help us figure out why these victims, mainly young teen-aged girls are targeted. The only pattern we know is that these lost victims tend to change behavior after a long period of going missing and being found. Then these girls turned up gone once again without a trace." Another officer who has been twirling his pen brought up a point on behalf of a certain stern eyed detective. "But Shibumi San during his investigation did state that those girls were used as tools for someone called the Mistress. So, if we try to figure out who this person is, then we are close to ending this onslaught of missing persons turned murder proceedings." The captain rubbed the bridges of his nose clearly agitated for not having enough evidence nor any substantial clues that could help them at the moment. "I wish it was that easy, but we just don't have the knowledge or resources to uncover the true identity of this mistress character." Captain Shimura gravely respond until he and the other officers heard a door open. Sasiki entered the room looking grimly.
Understanding the sentiment for the gloomy red head, some of his coworkers gave him some space before they could ask his thoughts about the murder of Kiyo Ushima. Having known Kiyo, the most because of his involvement of bringing him into Division 3, Sasiki couldn't find the words to express his conflicting feelings about this abrupt news of his death. Despite the fact that he changed so horribly while working for Division 5. He clearly felt awful knowing that the former didn't deserve to die like this.
The saddened red head turned his attention to the night crew getting ready to do his part in this inquiry. "My friend Ushima San, he was once a member of this Division. He's reliable, well informed, work savvy, and an exceptional instructor for new hires." Sasiki stated his brief overview of his friend's profile who once worked under this department. Another officer then brought up a notable fact. "That is until he was drafted to Division 5 and things between you and him flipped in a 180." The solemn red head nodded. "He's been deliberately vague at the duties he's been tasked to do. Not only that every time I address one of the missing persons cases that we're currently looking into, but he also showed visible signs of fear. It's as if he's trying his best not to get exposed under the guise of Division 5's and their dirty little secrets."
Another officer brought up a possibility that could have been the reason for his demise. "Maybe that's why they offed him! They knew he held valuable intel from within their workplace and the things they do behind closed doors! Not only that he used to work with us!" Sasiki crosses his arms and nodded on that motivation, but he knows that there's more to this charade. "Given what we got from the Shinito Shrine and the incoming autopsy of the creature's identity tomorrow I am definitely sure that the person who ordered that fake lead is very much Kiyo behind it."
This raises a few eyebrows within the planning room as other officers felt skeptical at such a quick assumption. "You sure Sasiki? Doesn't that seem off putting for a guy like Ushima San who loves to talk the talk but just couldn't measure up his claim?" One officer mentioned at the thought of a coward taking such a high-end risk.
The red head sighed at that sense. "You're right about that but I honestly believe that this could be his only chance of helping us get a breakthrough from all these closed unfinished cases and the obviously placed dead ends those Division 5 bastards set to protect the killer's true identity." Sasiki sweat drops having to think of the horrific ways his friend had to go through before he died by the hands of this mistress killer. Captain Shimura then asks the red head if he and his fellow second shift crew have any plans regarding the new evidence and future steps, they'll take to move on with this seemingly impossible crime investigation.
With that question Sasiki answered on behalf of Sanada Shibumi. "It is imperative to have families and friends close to the lost victims gather around in a meeting to share their stories about them. With some luck there could be some hints that would determine the reason why these girls changed so drastically along with the major factor as to why the mistress killer targets them." Another officer laughed at the thought of Sasiki seemingly believing such a claim from the recently hired Shibumi San. "Oh, right that one weird looking guy!" That comment made Sasiki eyebrows furrow. "With all due respect, Sanada Shibumi had given us a potential suspect. Miyazu Kanatoshi. Her features, age, and recent absence closely resembles the previous victims. It's too obvious given that her mother called us about her strange disappearance not so long ago." Despite the clear-cut coincidence that sounded, this still doesn't stop this lowly cop from speaking ill about Sanada even though the young man has suffered a great deal thanks to the FFI Virus.
Coming from multiple officers, they shared the same sentiment with the red head as Sasiki stood his ground in defense of his friend/role model. "Sure, Shibumi San's use of superstition is out of our jurisdiction as police officers. But look at where we're at now! We finally got something to help disclose all the missing persons cases and a few steps closer bringing justice to those who suffered along with their loved ones who lost them!" Captain Shimura is impressed of the young man's sheer resoluteness of taking this situation of solving crime seriously. The old captain smirks and place his hand on his shoulder in solidarity. "You'd make a fine investigator Sasiki, if only your father is here with us. I'm sure he'd be proud of your tenacity and bravery." The captain pats him on the shoulder. "Get some rest, I'll notify your companions from second shift about the plans of the group gathering." Sasiki nod and salutes. "Yes sir!"
[Next Afternoon 12:35 P.M. Somewhere near Uzumasa Dolly Station]
Himiko and Ryumo are currently strolling through the streets searching for a good grocery store to stock up on some food, ingredients, and other consumables to last them the next week. Ryumo though calm, he still couldn't keep up with this dilemma of not letting Himiko know. Why her big brother continued to work much harder at work and not giving her the actual reason behind it. The spiky head felt terrible for such a deceit he had to play but he understood why Sanada needed to do this. Having known what Himiko's brother is like from her perspective there's no doubt that the two siblings had been with each other for their whole lives especially when their times were tough back then. No doubt their bond is much greater than anybody could anticipate. For now, all he needed to do is make sure his girlfriend doesn't get too suspicious.
"Hey Ryumo Kun, is there something bothering you?" Himiko turned to check up on her solemn boyfriend while keeping her hands interlocking with his. Ryumo snapped back into reality and blinked a few times before responding. "Huh, oh yeah I'm doing fine! I just happen to be thinking about some stuff." This catches her attention in a very alarming way that puts the spiky head into panic mode. "Does this have anything to do with my Onii-Chan?" Oh great here we go. Nice going you big dumb idiot!
Ryumo thought wishing he could face palm at such an obviously telling sentence. Trying his hardest to think of a way to change the subject he used his experience of his current relationship as an alibi. "No, well uhh. I can't help but notice how warm your hand is right now." This in turn made the bubbly brunette blush in confusion. "E-Eh?" She looked at both their hands as Himiko lost her sense of composure. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't know you're not used to being close like this!" She instantly retracts her hand away from Ryumo's while the now flustered spiky head scratches his cheek with a pout. "It's a compliment Himiko Chan. There's nothing wrong with that."
Soon enough the pair arrived at a huge mall like store called Nishiki Market. The entire place is filled with food shops that served delicious morsels even the average passerby couldn't help but buy some on the go. For a good amount of time spent searching for their necessities, Himiko and Ryumo are out of the shop holding bags full of food they bought using Sajime's budget allowance along with most of Ryumo's earned cash due to his payment from Sanada. "It's funny how you're living with us rent free on the first month and Onii-Chan still paid you." Himiko's teasing caused Ryumo to huff indignantly. "I'll find work don't you worry about that. Good lord gives a guy a break would ya? Don't forget, your brother entrusts me to look after you and your grandmother when he's out working. You could say I'm a live-in caretaker if that makes any sense."
The two laughed while going back home until someone stopped them on their tracks. Much to Himiko's surprise and Ryumo's sheer disdain. It's Miyazu Kanatoshi who seems quite distressed about something. "Oh Kanatoshi San! It's been a while! How are you…Wait you look troubled did something happen?" No response for a few seconds. Then it got super uncomfortable when she slowly glared directly at Ryumo and back to Himiko. "How could you?" Not catching the words her friend said because of her low tonal voice and being several feet away from each other. Miyazu's voice has gotten louder and high pitched every time she said the same words from before which causes a scene for the people passing by. "How could you?! Why on Earth are you with that horrible person?!" She pointed straight at the nervous Ryumo. "W-What are you talking about Kanatoshi San? Ryumo Kun is a very nice person." Himiko raises an eyebrow at her friend's unusual angry outburst. Wait, she remembered Miyazu acting up like this before when she texted her about being unresponsive and not having time to spend with her. "Please don't take this the wrong way Kanatoshi San, but do understand. I had been pretty down due to some things happening when me and Onii-Chan moved here. I did say I wanted to hang out with you, but I just can't right now."
Ryumo watches on clearly unsure what Miyazu is planning here knowing full well that she's after Himiko. But he can't interfere with this, or else he would put himself in a bad light with his girlfriend and trusting her more. No doubt that Himiko dealt with an accidental assault by his own hands thinking she's Ai, almost being kidnapped by several men in track suits, and not being informed the actual truth about her brother's illness. Yep, that's basically enough for her to not feel the need to hang out with her "friend" due to those complications.
Despite her clear-cut feelings towards her bad experiences here, it's still not enough for the twin pony tailed red head as she rants. "Oh but here you are with that bastard kid! Did you even realize that he is also a street brawler?! He's very violent!" This catches the spiky head's attention. Himiko on the defensive stood her ground for her boyfriend. "I know he can fight but he distinctly uses his fighting for self-defense to protect himself and people he cares about."
Relentless Miyazu continues to demean Ekijo San to a lower degree. "How about the way he attacked you?! Why would you forgive him for the hurt he caused you back then?!" Himiko nodded while acknowledging that horrific firsthand experience from that day but she insisted Ryumo is not like that. "It was frightening I won't deny that, but I come to realize that it was all a misunderstanding and when I gotten close to him personally, he actually isn't all that bad." That one sentence coming from Himiko gave the sweat driven Ryumo a sigh in relief. Thank God she fully forgave me. He thought with sheer gratitude. Just when things couldn't get any worse, the red head said something that instantly caused the young pair to stare directly at her with shock and disbelief.
"What about Sanada?! The way he treated me 2 weeks ago. I was being so nice to him and yet he yelled at me. Told me I'm a horrible person!" Himiko's shock gradually changed into a more confused look the moment Miyazu inadvertently talked about her Onii-Chan. "I'm sorry, but what exactly do you mean by that?" This took the Purple eyed girl by surprise to how unconvinced Himiko is to her. Ryumo on the other hand put some pieces together relating about Sanada being so late of the distress calls and Miyazu's claim. The moment he realizes, the Spiky head grits his teeth and visibly shaking in anger. So, you're the one who stalled Sanada San from getting involved from the assault I suffered through along putting Kei in danger near Fresco! There's no doubt at this point.
But before he could say a thing to the monster behind the mask of an innocent girl. Himiko stood her ground for her big brother. "Why were you with my Onii-Chan? Aren't you like around my age? He absolutely dislikes young girls fawning over him. It may be rude but that's my Onii-Chan. He wouldn't stoop that low! He already found a woman who he likes! You tried to seduce him!" Himiko stood by with tears flowing through her eyes. "Were you the one who kept Onii-Chan from doing his job?!" That one question is enough to make Miyazu sweat in fear and panic knowing that Himiko is starting to doubt her at this moment.
D-Damn it! She's hard to crack than I thought?! Making her hate her own brother is never going to work! What kind of connection do these two have?! Almost exposed, Miyazu needed a way to get out of this heated argument without blatantly making herself anymore suspicious. Maybe...Ah yes! That's it! A subtle twisted smile formed from Miyazu in which Ryumo noticed and act quickly. "Himiko stay away from her!" Ryumo places himself in front of his girlfriend. "Huh why Ryumo Kun?!" The spiky haired young man sweat drops as the manic red head began to talk. "So that's how it is? You're no better than your brother Himiko. Fake and disloyal!" Miyazu gradually starts to patronize her with rude and unnecessary remarks regarding her strong loyalty towards her big brother. "What if I told you the real reason why your brother didn't spend much time with you now?" Ryumo's eyes widen as soon as Miyazu mentioned about Sanada's continuous absence and lack of checkups for Himiko. She's trying to guilt trip her!
Not having to risk his girlfriend from being emotionally scarred by Miyazu's mind games, he immediately picked her up in a princess carry and ran off as quickly as he could away from that damned she-devil. Miyazu lost another chance of getting Himiko to her side once again thanks to another interference. This time coming from her last disposable body pet. I should have killed him when he was chained up a few months ago. Letting him live was definitely my biggest mistake. A few blocks away from that monster Ryumo placed Himiko down by one of the benches from a recreational park. Ryumo took a seat at the other side of the bench taking deep breaths having to run so fast while carrying Himiko. The stunned Brunette warily asks her boyfriend exactly what the hell is going on? Her boyfriend sighed and gave his best explanation to all this in his perspective. "You see...what happened was-"
[3:12 P.M. At the Kinki Ward Division 3 HQ gathering room.]
Sasiki is currently checking up on the attendees who showed up for this mandatory gathering from the victim's close relatives and friends. While Kei help accommodate other guests to suit their comfort of this meeting. "Is everyone here?" Chief commander Juji asked the young officer. Sasiki nodded in confirmation. "That's about everyone on this list." Yakimori rolled around in boredom while he sighed. "Is it quite necessary for me to be here?...I mean what kind of contribution do I have with these people?" His stern eyed police partner rolled his eyes at his complaint. "It's because everyone needs the information to help finish those closed cases for them…" He added. "And last I checked you seem quite passionate about the Izumi Case not long ago." Yakimori groaned and raised both his hands in defeat. "Okay, okay you got me Shibumi San…"
As soon as everyone has had their seats. Sanada began to call out everyone's names who attended. "Fujisawa San, Kanasu San, Shikubo San, Tokuru San, Toshiba San, Katsugari San, Katoshi San, and Ruito San." With their names called each one raised their hands. Sanada began his speech about why they are here and what he and the rest of Division three officers are planning to do after the meeting. "Thank you all for coming, I know it must be hard to realize the importance of what this meeting is all about. My deepest condolences to those who had lost their loved ones and the negligence Division 5 had done to not investigate further into their disappearances." The entire room turned silent when Sanada mentioned Division 5's lack of care.
It looks like the people here are definitely not fond of the 5th Division. Good then there isn't any sort of bias about them being an effective police unit. Sanada thought as he continued. "The reason why we issued this mandatory meeting is to find any sort of details that could help solve this long-driven investigation. Right now, we are at a standstill and are unable to figure out the true motivation of the actual killer dubbed the Mistress Killer." Many of the guests began to gossip about the mistress which causes most of the 3rd division officers to raise their eyebrows.
It looks like they're a bit riled up once I mentioned the Mistress killer. Sanada thought with a hint of nervousness for the next dialogue. "Allow me to give you a summary as to why this Mistress Killer is possibly the person responsible of the victims disappearance and death." Sanada keeps his theory and hypothesis as realistic as humanly possible to ensure its credibility for the gatherers. "It's come to a conclusion that the Mistress Killer is a female copycat who would try to mimic the actual person she targeted in order to become someone she's not. It isn't clear why she would kill and become the very person she murdered but one thing is clear. The Mistress Killer has always preyed on girls around the age range of 15 to 17."
This hypothesis made some of the guest quite upset and rightfully skeptical, but right now what they seek is the truth and justice for the girls they lost in which they were denied by Division 5. Ren Toshiba the elder brother of Inami asked a valid question regarding to the 5th Division refusing to investigate the Mistress Killer and blatantly ignored practically everyone sitting in this group circle. Sanada answered knowing this. "It's obvious when you think about it Toshiba San. Hence why they always denied doing their job on such a case like Ai's case and so many others."
One witness stood up and addresses his hunch becoming right. "I always knew those fakers had been lying to me the moment my best friend went missing! It's been 20 years, and nothing was done when her case was abruptly closed!" Shinichi Ruito vented on behalf of Kohaku Shimei. Kei bowed to Ruito San. "Our deepest apologies Ruito San and you're not alone." Hitomi Fujisawa, the mother of Ai mutually grieved with the middle-aged man. "When did she disappear?" The mother asked. "It's around the evening of May 12, twenty years ago." Ruito answered scratching his back hair.
Yakimori stood up and asked Hitomi Fujisawa to give everyone a brief overview as to why her daughter went missing. "Mrs. Fujisawa, if it's alright to tell your story about your daughter and how she changed after 2 weeks with Ekijo San?" Hitomi nodded. "My daughter had somehow changed into someone I barely even recognize. Her usual favorite casuals have been replaced with expensive high-end attires along with priceless jewelries. I don't even know how she got the money for those expensive items, not only that her entire personality changed. She's more aggressive, needy, and very controlling. What's more not only did she gave up on her medical degree, but she also opted to transfer into dressmaking." This caught everyone off guard, the people listening in on Ai's mother realized that the girls they lost had that same treatment. Much to the guest's shock and the 3rd Divisions expectations.
Kei asked Hitomi. "When was it that your daughter exhibit such a toxic change in behavior?" Ai's mother mentioned the exact date and specific detail that caught a lot of attention especially the officers spectating the conversation. "It was around 2 weeks after her hang out with Ryumo. March 28, 2011. A day when a Blood moon arrived." This instantly caused most of the victim's witnesses to address that same sentiment. "Hey there was a Blood moon when Kohaku went missing as well! 20 years ago!" Ruito San exclaimed. Ren then added his own because of this revelation. "My sister had been missing for 40 years...but her disappearance dated back on September 18, 1973, with no investigation done…but at that day there was a Blood moon present upon Inami's disappearance." The broken old brother said mournfully.
Sanada now intrigued asked the brother of Inami of how long does the Blood moon stay during the night? "About three nights, why?" The stern eyed detective asked Kei for a favor. "Kei can you look up any sites that would predict any upcoming blood moon coming this year." Though confused Kei did exactly that. "Sure, I'm on it." With that, Sanada asked Hitomi the years that the blood moon showed up. Ai's mother answered. "Around 2 years."
Many others continued to express their shock, horror, and disbelief about this sheer coincidence. But to Sanada it was indeed fate that led to the most crucial evidence. And to confirm this, Kei reported her findings in a website dedicated in showing the dates and future speculations of when the next Blood moon would show. "The next one would arrive around two months ahead this year."
So, in order to perform the Five Claw ritual properly Miyazu needed a Blood moon to align. Sanada thought. Suddenly Hitomi said something appalling. "I did notice Ai smelt horrible when she initially got home from those 2 weeks. I urged her to take her shower to undo the smell but once she did that awful smelling odor didn't go away." This raised a few eyebrows. Sasiki asked Ai's mother exactly what the odor smelt like? To their shock she answered. "I-It reeked of dead rotting flesh!" Kanasu and Katsugari shared the same sentiment as they mentioned that crucial fact with their loved ones as well.
Given the fact that Ai's body reeked of dead rotting flesh I can definitely say that the ritual with her along with Fuko and Meru are failed rituals. So, the killer was forced to live inside a walking corpse. Hence why the real Miyazu was taken and replaced by the next day when the Blood moon was still active during the next night. So, a perfect ritual is the result of fully acquiring the body without any deteriorating side effects. So that must be the reason why Shimei's and Kohaku's body lasted for 20 years. They were perfect bodies. Now I get it! The reason why the ritual failed on Ai, Fuko, and Meru was because their loved ones had interfered the mistress attempt of a perfect ritual! The stern eyed detective thought with much vigor now that he is so close to figuring out the true identity the mistress killer.
And so, Sanada thanked everyone for participating in this group gathering fully confident at what he discovered. "And do know that Division 3 will finally give justice for those girls who suffered without notice!" The people who lost those girls bowed to the officers of Division 3, wishing them the best of luck. Once they left, Jingo, Kei, Sasiki, Juji and the rest of the officers turned to Sanada at what he has to offer from his most recent discovery after that meeting. "Before I can put everything together, I need to look into the archives to find anything that could relate this new discovery.
To Be Continued.