As promised here comes the next update! Enjoy :)
"Nee Bandou? How did you and Shohei meet?"
A few days later in the bar Homra. Akari had returned after her schedule had become less stressful. With the first exams coming up and the start of work she hadn't had the time to come back. There was not much to do as well, since Homra had neglected all outside actions. However, even so, their public reputation had changed to the worse during those days. The rumors had spread through the lower parts of the city, reaching now even usual citizens. At university, at work, even on her way to the store Akari would pick up bits of conversations were people were whispering about the red clan. It would have been nothing out of the ordinary, since people were secretive like this whenever they spoke about Homra, but the topics had changed. Instead on revolving around successful drug busts, unnecessary fights and damages to the city, people were now talking about human trafficking, a gang war or even an underworld tyranny the clan was creating, bending each and everyone through violence and extortion to their will and becoming more and more like a yakuza clan. Bored with their own lives the ordinary people had a vivid imagination and felt excited whenever they told those stories, each and everyone adding a little peace to the rumors. The longer the rumors were circling the more believable they became.
If Yuri knew that I visit this clan she would tie me up somewhere and I would never be able to see the light of day again. Akari thought and a little bit of fear awakened in her heart. But then she thought about it again and shrugged.
Well she would have done this in the first place, so I believe the rumors don't really change anything from that perspective.
"Why do you want to know?" Bandou answered grumpy, but curious as well. It was the first time she had asked him something directly.
Akari was in an unbelievably good mood today and the other members seemed to have noticed too. That mood was due to Kyokus recent results being unexpectedly well, something that Akari had almost lost hope for. If it went on like that he would be able to come home again sometime soon. Since the guys had involuntarily cheered her up before, she wanted to return the favor.
"Well, he told me you two have been friends since elementary school and that you got along well since then."
"Friends, huh – " Bandou paused for a moment to think about that, or maybe to just take a deep breath before his next step.
"There is no way I'm friends with that bastard!" He yelled louder than necessary. Akari hadn't been prepared for such an outburst and hadn't covered her ears in time. She was sitting the closest to him and a ringing sound was left as Bandou continued to nag about Shohei, but quieter now.
"He's always been in the center of attention with his cheery attitude. What am I compared to that? Everyone always wanted to be friends with him and I was just pushed aside! I hate this guy. He's so annoying. And I will never forget the day he kissed Saya-chan!"
Maybe I shouldn't have asked him that. The girl thought, constantly nodding and giving him a nervous smile, while sweat trickled down her spine.
Shohei could have warned me.
"What else did he tell you?"
"Well – " Was it really alright to continue with this? Still having a nervous smile on her face the girl waved with her hands in front of him trying to distract him from what she was about to say.
"Just that you saved his live multiple times and that you taught him the meaning of friendship."
Raising her hands to her head she was fully prepared to protect her ears this time. But the outburst failed to appear.
"Did he really say that? God that sounds cheesy." Bandou said more to himself than to Akari. However the next moment he turned around to her.
"Truth is I don't really recall a first faithful meeting, or so. I guess he's just one of those guys, who has always been there and it feels weird if he's not around."
"I see…"
Sounds like they are really good friends.
"But since he has joined Homra he has become even more annoying than before. Seriously how is that even possible? I don't get it. And I'm supposed to keep an eye on him. After all he is my Kohai. It's so much work being the troublemaker he is."
Surprised Akari raised an eyebrow and looked over to where Shohei was chatting with Kamamoto and Totsuka.
"Is he really?" She asked doubtful, still having her gaze fixed on the person they were talking about. "I didn't notice until now. He doesn't seem like the kind of guy to cause problems. But that is just based on what I have seen so far and that is not much."
"That guy, he will help a person, no matter who it is, without asking for any support. Trying to manage everything alone, even when you know the task is impossible for only yourself is something incredibly dumb. This way he ends up in those dangerous situations, where I have to save him from. At least that's how it used to be."
Bandou paused and turned around to also glance over to the people talking at the other side of the bar. As far as Akari could see his expression became softer and he smiled slightly.
"Finally he started to accept the help of the clan. With that people can stop worrying over him."
As he faced her again the girl was able to make out his eyes under his sunglasses for the first time. With an unexpected seriousness they took her in. Bandou cleared his throat, before saying the next words.
"Boshiya-san, don't become like this idiot over there and make other people worry. If you ever get into any trouble you can turn towards these guys." He nodded in the direction of the counter. "Mikoto-san will always help any damsel in distress."
I won't become a damsel in distress. She thought embarrassed, as she turned bright red.
"A-Arigatou." She managed to say, shifting on her seat uncomfortably under his gaze. "But I think I can manage my little problems on my own."
Those words would prove as a fallacy, since one of those problems opened the doors to the bar right the next second.
This one turns out to be pretty talkative once she has opened up. Kusanagi observed the two people talking secretive over at the seating area. Even though he couldn't give her a new job or important information on the Strain today, she accepted it brightly and even stayed at the bar afterwards. Maybe the reason for her to come to the bar was for work, but she seemed to actually enjoy her stay now.
This is not good. The bartender thought. While watching them now and then an uneasy feeling spread through his chest. He had thought of her as bait at first, but if she got too close to the clan she would end up in real danger one day. But since he accepted her help and the guys had given her a warm welcome he couldn't just kick her out again.
Boshiya-san, you might have noticed already, but you are handling fire here. And one shouldn't get inattentive and reckless of their surroundings and the flames, when they are working with it.
Kusanagi feared that it was only a matter of time until someone would approach her and that didn't have to be the Strain she had met already.
As a familiar figure appeared at the entrance his worries were suddenly erased with every other thought that had occupied his mind before.
The slowly fading sunlight of the afternoon fell on the blond hair, letting it shine golden. The female usually put her hair in a bun, but today the long strakes were falling onto her shoulders. She was wearing a black short dress that fit her slender body perfectly, leading the eyes of many men to her breasts. The lips, which were covered with a light red lipstick, did not waver as she crossed the room, without looking to either side. With a sort of elegance Kusanagi had never seen on any other woman she positioned herself on a seat at the counter, not minding the stares the other people in the bar gave her.
In contrast to her hard and serious features, the bartender switched into flirty mode, giving her the friendliest smile he had.
"Seri-chan! Long time no see. I wasn't expecting you missed me so much that you had to see me right after listening to my voice."
Do we still have anko left? I hope the boys forgot to buy it.
Even though his words were mocking and his thoughts would certainly displease her, he still looked like a gentleman.
"Just because you are the owner of a certain bar, you shouldn't think people are just coming by to see you."
"You are ice cold as always Seri-chan. Is your job being stressful that you are in such a bad mood? Well then what can I get you to light it up a little?"
Awashima Seri, second in command of the special forces of Scepter 4 crooked her head at this. Speaking and thinking at the same time she puzzled her order together.
"Lets see…how about…a caipirinha but instead of brown sugar put red anko in it."
The bartender was already used to those kinds of orders but still shuddered every time he had to mix something like it.
"Oui Mademoiselle." He replied almost as if in pain. Unfortunately the boys had mastered their tasks this time Kusanagi noticed with regret, so there was no way to deny her the drink.
Such a waste. He thought as he poured the red bean past into the otherwise perfect drink. It was a torture for him to destroy the good alcohol like that.
"Here you go." He said calmly positioning the drink in front of her, despite the chills running down his spine. Once that was finished he leaned forward resting the forehead on his palm, looking as if every last bit of strength had left his body.
"So the stuff you were calling me the other day for – " Awashima started, squishing the anko in her drink until it had fully blended in with the alcohol, forming a red liquid, no one besides her would still want to drink.
She nipped at the glass and waited for the bartender to look up again, until she continued recounting.
"Scepter 4 is busier than ever before with the Strain activities recently. Usually criminal Strains take actions alone or with very small groups, so it's possible to catch and arrest them most of the time. They don't group up together, even though it would be possible to even each other's weaknesses out and become a much more dangerous force. About half a year ago, we exposed what seemed to be the headquarters of a broad Strain organization, arresting their leading and fifteen other members all with supernatural abilities. The months before that several stores in the city had been raided, leaving destruction and damage only Strains or clansmen could leave." Awashima paused for a moment and looked at him mysteriously.
"Since it wasn't you guys we suspected the Strains right away. But no one, not the store owners nor the people present as the attack took place could remember who or what it was, that threatened them back then. So the Captain ordered us to watch some special locations undercover. He guessed there had to be some Strain organization responsible for it and evaluated the places most likely to find it. Once we got a few of them the network was discovered and fulfilling our duty we erased it. It was the maiden battle of our Captain and the new Scepter 4 and even though it wasn't the easiest operation we managed to defeat them. We caught the leader and most of his executive, but a few got away and we still haven't located them. None of the Strains we caught had an ability to cause the loss of memory people had suffered at the incidents."
"So you are saying we are up against the remains of a beaten Strain organization? But most of the people attacking the boys were normal delinquents with nothing special about them."
Awashima hesitated, reckoning on exactly how much she was authorized to tell an outsider.
"We questioned the leader. He didn't tell us much, since he is partially mad and loves to deceive others – god I hated him – but he admitted he had a pupil, who could influence humans mentally."
Just as we expected. He is making them forget.
The bartender was deeply in thoughts so the woman took the time to empty her drink half way.
"This information is all highly classified, right? That's why you couldn't tell me right away. Did the Blue King really give you permission to share this information with us?"
Awashima again nipped on her drink, before leaning close to the bartender, leisurely placing her head on her crossed hands. Her hair was framing her face as some strakes of it almost dipped in the drink. However she didn't care and just stared forward while recalling.
"Surprisingly he thought it was a good idea, though he wouldn't answer why." Her tone became stern and louder as she continued. "However I think I don't have to remind you guys, that this is a special case of Scepter 4 and no civilians and certainly not an undisciplined clan like yours is allowed to get involved in this. We are taking care of this business."
"But Seri-chan. We are already involved in this mess."
Whatever else Kusanagi had wanted to reply didn't matter, since Awashima turned around on her seat and finished her drink. Her gaze was wandering through the room, as if she wanted to confirm something. Looking at these brats, she was wondering if asking Homra for support was of benefit or just a really terrible idea. However, as her eyes traced from one corner of the bar to another they stopped on a figure, that didn't fit in the picture. Her eyes widened in realization and shocked she placed the glass in her hand back on the counter, without taking her eyes off the person she had just discovered.
As she looked back at Kusanagi, the man almost jumped backwards; that's how startled he was. The eyes of Awashima were filled with disbelieved but most of all she seemed to be angry. Could sweat tripled down his spine, as he was not sure if she was mad at him or at something she had just seen. He feared for his life at this moment.
"What's the matter Seri-chan?" He asked innocently, but his voice was shaky adding only to his discomfort.
The female stood up and without taking her accusing eyes off of him, pointed to Boshiya-san at the other end of the room. She was back in the role of an officer as she said the next words loud enough for everyone in the bar to hear it.
"What is the meaning of this?"
WHY?
WHY HERE? WHY NOW?
WHY IS AWASHIMA VISITING THIS BAR WHEN I'M PRESENT?
Since Akari's visits to this particular bar – not that she had been in many before – had increased recently, it was likely to be seen in this place. Even by people who might know her. But why of all the people did it have to be Awashima?
Did Rei set her up for this? But Kusanagi-san had mentioned her name before, so maybe she really does visit this bar frequently. I was so careless!
Usually Akari would have been very surprised and curious about this, but now the only thing she was able to do, was to position the menu in front or her and hide behind it. She wished to become tiny to disappear entirely behind it, or to just go invisible. Maybe, just maybe she could get out of here alive, if the clanswoman of Scepter 4 didn't notice her.
"Boshiya-san? Is everything alright?"
And I had to just start a conversation. Brilliant idea you dumb head! She cursed herself, as she looked up for a second, to give Bandou a nervous smile.
"F-Fine." She answered hardly audible, while trying to alter her normal voice with a cough.
At her reply Bandou raised an eyebrow, before turning around to look at Awashima, who had just taken a seat at the counter. He then turned around and took in Akari's behavior and his frowns even deepened. Not trusting herself to be able to look at him, without giving everything away – not that it was possible to act any more suspicious – the girl started to read through every dish on the menu list, sometimes looking up to glance over to the other woman at the counter.
Over there being dressed casually was sitting the second in command of the Scepter 4 forces, Awashima Seri. Akari had only seen the woman in uniform, fulfilling her commanding duty at her job, so this sight was something completely new to the girl. The thought that some of the people at Scepter 4 could spent their free time like every other human being had occurred to her before, but she could never really picture it happen.
And you just told him you could take care of your own problems, stupid! The little voice in her head criticized her, while she hoped Bandou would just count her behavior as some weird thing women would do.
But…never mind me for a second. They are talking quite a lot and acting familiar as well. She came to notice, as she observed Awashima's movements once in a while.
They said something about future wife. Does that mean Kusanagi and Awashima are that close?
Akari had been surprised to hear Awashima's name pop up in the conversation back then, but due to the celebration that had followed she had completely forgotten about it.
"Is the menu really that interesting?" She quivered as Bandou grew suspicious. Awashima was still facing the bartender, so if Akari acted normal maybe she wouldn't be noticed. By now she could memorize every dish on the damn menu.
"I just want to know what would be available to get at this place." She replied lowering the card for a moment to look at him. Bandou's frown became deeper and she could imagine how he raised an eyebrow at her.
"What is the meaning of this?"
The girl almost jumped up in her seat, as she heard these words spoken by an offensive voice, she had hoped to avoid hearing.
All clansmen turned around to the source of the voice. Awashima was standing now and pointed to Akari. Very much to the girl's dismay the second in command of Scepter 4 had spotted and even started to walk towards her.
Why me? Why now? Akari's thoughts were racing, leaving her to become a bigger mess with every step Awashima made towards her. If the woman started scolding her, her inseparable bonds with Scepter 4 would be discovered and that right in the middle of the red clan. And even worse, Awashima would certainly inform Rei and Akari didn't want her cousin to find out, who she was corresponding with.
By the time Awashima was standing in front of her, Akari had thought what to say and what to do ten times over, but came up with no result. All she could manage was to look up at the woman and give her a pleading look.
Please Awashima-san! Please don't!
Akari dropped her head, closed her eyes and pulled her shoulders up, waiting for the big bang to come.
"This one is clearly under age!"
Her eyes opened quickly since she clearly had reckoned with anything, beside this answer and perplexed she looked up again. Awashima had her arms crossed and gave her a disbelieving and stern look, like a crossed mother, who had just spotted her child doing something irresponsible and dangerous.
"Do you allow more girls like this one in? I had expected more of you. You are running a BAR!"
Awashima was only getting started, her voice becoming louder and louder, blaming Kusanagi and leaving out the fact that in this bar was living an underage girl for a long time already.
"Seri-chan, during the day you can count this as a café as well. As long as she doesn't order any alcohol everything is fine." Kusanagi tried to calm her, but didn't quite know how."
"With all the alcohol stocked up behind there, you can't call this a café!" She hesitated for a moment as a thought crossed her mind. "This one didn't drink any alcohol did she?"
"No, of course not. Believe me Seri-chan I would never give that stuff to an underage girl." It was the truth but it didn't change that he was also lying, since Akari really did drink alcohol. The bartender scratched his head uncomfortably and that gave him away.
"By the duty given to me as an officer of the special police taskforce Scepter 4 I have to take this girl with me."
Akari still didn't believe what was happening before her eyes and felt like a bystander the entire time. Watching it all take place, she didn't have the will or the strength to interfere. She was paralyzed. Which was why, when Awashima grabbed her arm and pulled her up, she didn't fight back or even said a word.
"Hold on." The voice right next to them was low and had a dangerous timbre. As Akari looked down at her arm, she noticed that Bandou had gripped Awashima's arm in an intend to stop her. He was now standing right next to them, but he was not the only one. I an instant Yata, Shohei and Dewa had gathered around them as well.
"This one is a customer of ours. You can't just interfere in our business, even though you are being a member of the other clan."
Although his voice was calm, everyone in the bar could feel that he was ready to fight.
"Right, you blue shits should just mind your own business and get out of our bar." Yata, who didn't seem to have trouble talking to this woman, was close to snapping. Akari still couldn't grasp the situation, feeling like being in a dream state.
"Guys, all of you calm down!" Kusanagi yelled behind them, having come closer as well. "No matter who it is, you are not going to threaten a customer, do you understand?"
"But Kusanagi-san!"
"No Yatagarasu."
Hearing his beloved nickname being used, Yata hesitated and then gave in to the order. Bandou let go of Awashima's arm as well and the killing intend gave way to a lighter, but still tense mood. Besides Kusanagi all the clansmen turned away from Awashima, but still staying in a close distance.
"I need to apologize, Seri-chan!" Kusanagi came closer clearly embarrassed of how this whole situation evolved. "No matter how much you try to teach these ones good behavior, they will never learn. But it is my fault also, so I'm deeply sorry." In all seriousness he looked around and judged the mood in the bar.
"I think it is better if you two leave. I can assure you, Boshiya-san didn't do anything to be scolded. Just take her home safely, will you?"
Awashima was still not pleased but at least nodded at him.
"I will bring her home."
"Boshiya-san, are you going to be okay? She really is a police officer and since you haven't done a thing, you will not be judged or anything." The question was asked with real concern by the bartender.
Any other person would have been scared to go off with this strict and unfamiliar woman. For Akari it was kind of like that, but then again totally different. She was relieved a fight was stopped and the members had calmed down, on the other side she was fearing the fury of lieutenant Awashima Seri, which she was about to face and all the consequences of it.
"Sure. I will be okay." She managed a smile, which could have counted as a real one.
"Alright, then I will see you two off." The bartender answered, as he accompanied them to the door, having the stares of all the members of the red clan on his back.
Right before taking the steps down, Awashima turned around getting out a letter out of nowhere.
"This is supposed to be delivered to you. Since I came by anyway I already took it with me." She explained, waving the piece of paper in front of Kusanagi's face.
"Arigatou gozaimashita, Seri-chan." Were the last word Akari heard, before the bartender closed the door.
M.E.
Staring at the initials of the person the letter was coming from Kusanagi sighed and took a moment for himself, before opening it. With hanging shoulders and dropped head he started reading through it.
"Kusanagi-san, what is this?"
Totsuka had walked up to him and Kusanagi handed him the letter after he had read through it. Then the bartender took a deep breath and a smile appeared on his face as he began to speak.
"Guys all of you gather here. We have something to talk about."
Akari's arm was close to hurting, as Awashima pulled her down the street. Without saying a word the Scepter 4 officer led the way and the girl was too cowed to tell her to stop. They carried on like this for a long time. The tension slowly leaving her body, Akari started to accept the situation. Whatever the future was bringing her, whoever would yell at her and what the consequences were, she didn't care at the moment.
"Awashima-san?" She finally began; thinking of confronting the woman now was as good as later. At last the officer turned around and glared at her.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Her voice was not particularly loud, but Akari still flinched. It sounded like Awashima was rebuking a subordinate, who didn't obey an order. So instead of answering calm and respectful, like Akari had planned, she pulled out of Awashima's grip and snapped at her.
"It's none of your business, what I do in my free time. I don't care if you work for my cousin. It shouldn't concern him either. You had no right to pull me out of there like that." Noticing her mistake her eyes widened in shock and she took a step back. How could she have yelled at a Scepter 4 officer like this? She had never seen someone treat Awashima with so much disrespect. Well besides Yata just a moment before, but that was different, since he didn't know her. Akari on the other hand did know her and had seen the woman in charge of the forces many times. She knew how Awashima usually reacted.
This time however the woman's gaze softened, as she took a moment of deep breath.
"I apologize."
"W-What?" It wasn't that Akari hadn't heard the just said. She was just so surprised to have Awashima Seri apologize to her, instead of the other way around.
"I apologize for interfering like this." Sighing the other closed her eyes, shifted her weight to the right hip and put her hands on her waist. "You are right. It's none of my business. I was just very surprised to see you after this long time in a place like that and I overreacted." Raising her head while opening her eyes again she asked.
"Akari-san, you do know what this bar is and who lives in there, don't you?"
The girl dropped her head, somehow feeling guilty.
"Yeah I know that. But there is a reason for me to visit this bar." At Awashima startled look, Akari scratched her head nervously and waved at her."But that is something I am able to manage on my own. Most of all I was just curious, of what the famous red clan was like. You got me there."
Not looking in the least convinced, Awashima shrugged and brushed with one hand through her hair.
"That's so reckless; I had only expected an idiot to do something like this." Letting the insult sink in she continued. "Be careful with this bar. The service is terrible and the staff as rude as it can get. And no matter what you do, don't get too close to them."
With that last piece of advice Awashima turned around to leave.
"I know I said I would take you home, but I don't think an officer's work is needed here. Again please excuse my actions from before."
"Awashima-san!" Not wanting to let her go like that Akari took a step in her direction. "Even though I was not pleased with it, thank you for your concern." She hesitated before speaking the next words. "Please, don't tell Rei any of this."
As the officer turned around again a smile appeared on her face for the first time.
"Akari-san, I like to keep my private life strictly separated from my work, even though that's hardly done with a job like this. Today I acted out of my personal concern for you and not because I work for the Captain. If there is no need to tell him, then I won't." Her expression became serious before she said those final words. "But remember you can always turn towards Scepter 4, if you really get in trouble."
"Sooooo maybe I'm just stupid, but please explain it to me again. Why am I here exactly?"
Weekend in Shizume city. The streets were busted with people, spending the sunny day outside, visiting cafés and shops or traveling from one part of the city to the other. Right in the middle of this crowded and buzzing place, which seemed very much like a beehive, two girls were leisurely walking on the sidewalk of a certain street. Though it seemed they were in no particular hurry, there was a place they had to reach at a defined time.
"You are one of the stupidest people I have ever met, but since you are that slow, I will explain it to you one last time."
Yuri sighed theatrically, ignoring the complains and acts of hurt Akari was producing as reaction to the insult.
"I'm meeting with the guy I had mentioned to you before, because he asked me out. And since I didn't want to go alone there, you are spending me company." Yuri thought her explanation was perfect and her thinking comprehensible, but Akari gave her the same shocked expression as before.
"I still don't get it."
Groaning Yuri rubbed her temples as her friend gave her a headache.
"You are such an idiot."
"And why would you rather spend time with said idiot, than with the one who asked you out?" Akari shook her head almost disappointed. "He would have told you if it was okay to bring friends. This is a date Yuri. A date only means two people not three. I don't get why you are taking me along. Leave him or give him a real chance, but don't do such a half assed thing."
"I don't like to be alone with him." At those quite words Akari stopped, grabbed her friend's hand and turned the other girl around to stop her from walking.
"Why is that? Has he done something to you?" Since Yuri knew her so well, she noticed the hint of uneasiness in her friend's otherwise calm voice.
"No not at all. In fact he is like a real gentleman, taking care of me, always asking me if I was okay, he even offered to carry my bag every morning and walked me to swim club or my fight classes."
Something in the way she talked about him wasn't right.
"But you don't trust him." Akari finished the sentence for her friend.
"I feel like he just says nice things, so that I'll start liking him. It's just a show. He doesn't mean it. He has some hidden thoughts that I don't know."
Instead of saying what she was thinking, Akari hesitated. Since preschool people were drawn to Yuri, not because they adored or liked her, but because of her parent's wealth, not actually seeing her, but the money she was possessing. As a result Yuri had developed a confronting behavior, being rude to anyone who falsely agreed or supported her. She didn't trust people and scared them off to not get hurt herself. Since she actually agreed on a date with this guy, it either showed that she was growing up or he really was important to her, despite her talking.
Akari didn't want to remind her, but before getting her best friend hurt by a guy who only chased the Kurasawa's money, Yuri was better off to prepare for the worst.
"Yuri…" She started, still not being sure what to say. However Akari didn't need to finish the sentence, since somebody interrupted her.
"Boshiya-san! How are you doing?" At the familiar voice Akari turned around in surprise.
Well this is just perfect!
Standing behind them with a broom in one hand was Kamamoto Rikio. Slightly the girl glanced to the side to see the reaction of her friend. Even though Kamamoto smiled at them friendly, he was still wearing his golden chain necklace and white sweater with the Homra initials printed on it, giving him more the attire of a hooligan than a normal civilian.
"Ahh Kamamoto-san. We are just on our way to downtown." Yuri was still quiet and Akari couldn't tell if it was a good or a bad sign. Had her friend recognized the Homra initials or was she just thinking of them as part of a fashion label?
Akari gave Kamamoto a nervous smile before lowering her gaze to look at the broom.
"What are you doing with that?" She asked to pick up the conversation again, after a moment of uncomfortable silence.
"Since we damaged the gates at the East Park we got a letter from a prosecutor with the verdict. Repairs and cleaning of streets, buildings and parks throughout the city. We also have to empty garbage cans and clean official restrooms and other sanitary buildings."
The gates had been more than just 'damaged' but Akari was relieved, Kamamoto had used that word instead of 'totally destroyed'. Growing more and more nervous since Kamamoto's explanation would only add to Yuri's suspicion; Akari continued talking innocently as if there was nothing bad about damaging a tourist attraction.
"So you are sweeping the street?"
"Kusanagi-san has divided us in groups of two with tasks all over the city. I'm here with Yata-san. He's back there." He turned around and pointed to the smaller figure some meters away, Akari hadn't noticed before. Yata didn't turn around and was facing the ground, completely absorbed in the task given to him.
"He sent me over to say 'Hello', since one should keep on working."
He sent you over, since he couldn't say 'Hello' to a couple of girls. Akari finished the thought they both knew was true.
"Well we will head off then. We need to meet someone in a few minutes. Tell Yata also 'Hi' from me."
She waved at him, as they walked away.
Kusanagi-san uses this punishment to get the Homra members to scout, without raising any suspicion. That's pretty clever.
Looking down the street Akari remembered how she had frequently visited the attacked woman's neighborhood after the latest incident, just to see if she was still okay. The girl had stopped that task after having a conversation with the bartender two days ago.
"Boshiya-san, you should stop going to that place." Kusanagi had looked at her friendly, but there was something strict in his voice.
"What place?"
"The place you, Shohei and Bandou observed before. My contacts have told me you are still going near there. Even though nothing has happened since then, it doesn't mean in the future as well. So don't get tangled up in further trouble, will you?"
Akari had raised her eyebrows as she looked at him confused.
"Your contacts? I thought you were finished with this case."
"You didn't think we would just leave her without any protection behind, did you? Even though the members of Homra are no longer getting involved in this, it doesn't mean no one is keeping an eye on her."
In fact, Akari had thought Homra would exactly do that, since it was a risk for them to show up there again. A gang she had thought of so badly at the beginning was turning out to be more selfless than a usual human being.
"Soooo when will you start explaining?"
Lost in her memories Akari hadn't noticed the time passing. Now they were almost at the location they were supposed to meet Yuri's date and Akari hadn't said a word since then.
"What do you mean?"
"Seriously don't give me that crap! Who were those guys back there? He seemed pretty familiar with you. And the court thing, what was that about? Are you involved in something illegal?"
"Yuri, as always you get that all wrong."
Entering the central square Yuri's eyes caught a small figure waving at them. In an instant all the questions she had, which were just to distract herself from her own nervousness, gave way to said nervousness and she swallowed hard and almost stopped in her track, due to sudden fear.
Akari noticed her friend's uneasiness and instead of tensing as well, she relaxed, taking her friends arm supportive and pulling her over to the guy.
He was quite pretty. Dressed in fashionable clothes, which fit his slim statue perfectly it seemed like he had put some thought in his appearance. Akari didn't know, if he dressed up like that for this special occasion or if he wore such clothes on regular bases as well. The dark brown hair falling slightly in his face was not hindering his vision, since he had put enough hairspray in it, to almost glue it to his forehead. The eyes with the same color locked onto Akari before turning towards Yuri and a startled and slightly irritated expression appeared on his face.
"Kurusawa-san it's good to see you." It was a happy tone delivered with a warm smile, but he sounded nervous as well, which was a good sign.
"Good to see you too, Nishida-kun. I brought my friend with me. I hope you don't mind."
"No…not at all." He laughed nervously. "It's just…I didn't think we would have company so I didn't make preparations"
"That's fine. I will just stick around. I just wanted to check out the new guy Yuri is hanging out with. Have to make sure you are suitable." Akari replied jokingly, since Yuri hesitated to answer.
He faced the girl and for one second something got mixed in his otherwise delighted expression. Anger, disgust, irritation – Akari couldn't quite tell what exactly it was, but then he switched back to his gentle smile, as if nothing had ever happened.
"Well then shall we go?" He turned towards Yuri and without giving Akari a second glance, he turned around, pulling his date with him. Yuri looked back to her friend and grimaced. She too, had noticed the mood swings the guy was going trough.
Scary.
What Akari scared wasn't the guy himself but his ability to switch between emotions. Without a trace of his previous anger he now chatted with Yuri. His acting was perfect. Watching him smile as he walked away with Yuri, the girl had an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She finally began to understand what her friend had meant.
Completely ignoring the other girl, Nishida took Yuri to a café for ice cream and later to the arcade. Akari was sticking around, receiving apologetic looks by the one who dragged her along.
Why did I listen to her? I feel so out of place.
Once in a while Yuri would ask Akari for her opinion or involve her in a game. Most of those times Yuri felt uncomfortable and turned towards her friend for help or distraction. Every one of those times Akari could feel Nishida's cold stare on her back. She felt weird for stealing Yuri's attention but on the other side she didn't want to leave her friend alone with him. There was something fishy about that guy. Nevertheless, simply following them was such an annoying and boring task. Yuri didn't seem to enjoy it either, since she only answered his questions if necessary and began to stick closer to her friend at the end of the afternoon.
"So what do you think?" Yuri whispered the question eyeing Nishida, who walked a few meters in front of them.
"You guys never talk about personal stuff. I'm surprised you haven't run out of university topics yet. Are your classes really that interesting? If I hadn't found it funny how you two avoided telling each other any of your personal interests you would have found me snoring in some corner."
"Since when do you snore?"
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT YURI!"
They both looked up to check, if Nishida had noticed the two bragging. He only kept on walking, leisurely looking around as if he hadn't heard anything.
"Why did you agree to this?" Akari eyed her seriously for the first time during this afternoon. "I get that you find him weird. I do too and I don't think he is being honest with you. But I know you and you had probably figured that out, right the first time he had opened his mouth. So why are you here? Why am I here?"
Yuri looked to the ground. Akari expected her to be sad, but as Yuri faced her again, her friend looked almost relieved.
"So he really is weird? It isn't just me?" With big eyes she stared at the other. "I started to think I push people too much away. Maybe it was my fault for finding them awkward, when in fact they are completely normal and I'm the wrong one."
"There is nothing wrong with you." Again Akari grabbed her friends arm. "He is acting strange. And you did that all just to prove a point? How incredibly stupid of you."
Before Yuri could open the mouth to protest, Nishida had called her over, to look at something he had spotted in the distance. Akari stayed behind, leaving the two to themselves and taking a deep breath. At least Yuri seemed to have forgotten the meeting with Kamamoto. But she sure was going to remember once the date was finished. What kind of lie would work on her?
"You sure are ruining everything." The sudden voice next to the girl almost made her jump. She hadn't noticed how Nishida had closed up on her and it scared her even more. Just then she started to realize what he had said and confused she looked up to him.
Nishida smiled at her and continued with a happy tone.
"I was planning on taking her to a special place, but because you had to come I had to improvise. I hope you understand, that I wanted to talk to her more privately and that I'm still trying to. So I'm begging you – " His voice was pleading but his eyes gave of a terrifying look as if he was trying to threaten her. "please just get into some café on our way in the next few minutes and give us some time on our own." He took some money out of his pockets and handed it to her. Perplexed and too shocked to say anything Akari stared at the money, until the other took her hand and placed the bills in her palm.
"I'm sure this will be enough." Nishida said at last and turned around, returning to Yuri. Sure it was nice for a guy to pay for the friends of the girl he was dating, but Akari felt like she had just been bribed and an unpleasant feeling mixed with panic spread through her body. Frozen she stood there, watching them walk away, while their figures became smaller in the distance. Her brain was working far too slow.
This guy. He wants to appear nice, but he is dangerous.
There was no way she would leave Yuri alone with him now.
Waiting a moment until the two of them left the street, Akari started following them unseen.
"Where is Akari?" Yuri asked, worriedly looking around but still being unable to catch the sight of her friend.
"MMh?" Nishida also turned around for the first time in a while and looked around surprised. After a few seconds of thinking he replied.
"I guess we lost her on the way. She said something about leaving us some privacy, so maybe she was planning this."
"W-What? She said that to you?"
"You must admit, she was annoyed. Maybe she felt like an outsider, or wanted to give us some time on our own."
That does sound like Akari, but she wouldn't just leave without telling me. Yuri figured, watching Nishida, as he took out his phone and sent a text.
"We should go back. Maybe she lost us."
"Wait!" Blocking the way he stopped her, looking like a lost puppy by the thought of her leaving. "It's just…I have something planned and we are running late already. I told her where we are heading to, so she should be fine. I'm sure we will find her there."
"Let's hope that idiot hasn't gone home already. Seriously, disappearing without saying a word." Yuri continued to mumble to herself, following Nishida for a few more blocks. She did this to distract herself from the thought of being alone with him. Avoiding the conversation made this meeting a whole lot easier.
After ten additional minutes Nishida stopped and Yuri looked up at him guiltily. He had led them away from the centre to a more outer place of the city. This precise one was an alley Yuri hadn't seen before, but in a few steps they would be reaching a bigger street. At this time of the day not many cars were passing by, so – apart from the birds and a few people talking in the distance – a pleasant silence surrounded them.
Has he given up now? She wondered, since the other was constantly gazing at his phone, probably wishing the time to go by faster. Turning around she stretched relieved. Maybe he would leave her alone now.
"Yuri!"
She noticed too late. As the girl turned around Akari was already jumping at Nishida, hitting her elbow in his side. Yuri hadn't noticed how the male had come closer. As she watched Akari's strike in shock, something hidden in Nishida's hand caught Yuri's eyes. He had raised an arm in her direction, as if to hit her with something. With the impact of the attack the guy had lost his balance, now swinging his arms to stay on his feet.
That's a syringe!
Filled with a colorless, clear liquid a tiny syringe appeared in his palm. It was perfect to set a quick and unseen injection.
"Get away!"Akari called out and the guy finally losing his balance for good grabbed her shoulder to pull himself up again. The force pulling the girl down was immense and as she lost the ground under her feet, the she stretched out her hand to knock the syringe out of his hand. However she wasn't fast enough and as she landed on the ground next to him, Nishida rose up in one fluid movement and bending over her, he rammed the syringe in Akari's side.
The girl hissed in pain as the needle pierced her skin and a few drops of liquid were pressed in her body. She felt Nishida's breath from above. Squeezing her eyes she saw for a second a shadow shift behind him. Sometimes objects gained such a great speed, that they could not be fully seen anymore. In this case such an object was Yuri's foot as it hit the male's upper body. Being well trained in martial arts, Yuri delivered more powerful kicks than one would expect by a girl of her size. The guy was lifted in the air, spinning like a canon ball his wobbling limbs making the picture grotesque. He flew quite a few meters, while a scream escaped from his lungs.
Akari pulled the syringe out of her side and held it in front of her face, trying to figure out what kind of drug and how much of it he had injected her. Her vision already became blurry, the building and people near her losing shape and mixing colors.
So tired.
Someone took the syringe out of her hand and she heard a cracking sound as Yuri stamped it in the ground, breaking the object in the process.
"How much was it?" Akari's tongue was heavy and it was hard for her to produce words.
"Most of it was left in the syringe. Come on!"
Yuri pulled her up and rushed forward, but Akari's legs were too weak to hold her weight. She was dragged along for a few steps then her wobbly limbs gave away. Her friend cursed as she kneeled down besides Akari, pulling on the girls shoulder to keep her close.
"Shit!"
It was just a whisper and Yuri's body tensed, before she let go of the other girl. Surprised Akari lifted her head, trying to perceive what the other had reacted to. Figures were standing in front of them, blocking the light shining from the open street. Akari couldn't tell how many there were, due to the picture being indistinct, but as Yuri rose and walked protectively in front of her, she knew their intentions weren't friendly.
"Get out of the way!"
The quiet and dangerously calm voice of Yuri became the last thing Akari was aware of, before she closed her eyes, as all her muscles relaxed.
The men were looking at them in displeasure. Like judging a product their gaze was wandering over the bodies of the two girls and Yuri shivered slightly, as she stepped in front of her friend.
Though she already guessed, why they were blocking the way, she still ordered them to leave.
The four men didn't even move let alone answer her. One of them was leaning against a wall on the side, raising his head to look behind her.
So they really are with that bastard. Yuri thought bitter, clenching her fists as she remembered Nishida's face. She wanted to turn around and beat him to death, but the people in front of her required her full attention.
The one standing on the side was the first one to speak.
"Get the car." He said softly with a deep voice. The person next to him moved, leaving the alley.
Only three left.
The next moment he nodded to the other two and they stepped forward. Yuri not giving them the time to make any further moves jumped up in the air and made a spin, gaining height and more physical force in her legs. She could feel the nose of the man breaking under her foot as she hit his face. The kick was strong and he was blown away, sweeping his follower with him in the process. The only man left was still leaning against the wall, looking composed.
"Let us go." Yuri demanded, but the other only smiled at her. His arms crossed he nodded, signing behind her. She turned around and her body froze as cold fear embraced her heart. Distracted by the fight she hadn't noticed how Nishida had come back to strength, now pointing a knife at the motionless Akari.
"My, my. So you were useful in the end." The guy behind her started talking. "And I first thought you had failed, you being knocked out and she still standing. Don't tell me you got beaten by a girl." His voice drew nearer, now being directly behind her. Yuri wanted to punch him, but she couldn't move, eyes still fixed on the knife at her friends throat.
"There were some unexpected problems. In the end the wrong one got the injection."
"I can see that." The deep voice was now next to her and sweat went down her spine. Sudden pain brought Yuri back to her senses, as the man next to her grabbed her hair and pulled it, lifting her head up to see his face.
"Tell me, who is this unexpected visitor? We were only preparing for you. It is impolite not to inform your host, when you bring people along." His grip tightened and Yuri could feel fingernails piercing the skin of her skull. She gritted her teeth as she looked at him, eyes glowing with hate. Next second she spit on him.
The guy didn't even flinch, pulling her head in Akari's direction.
At his sign Nishida nodded and moved his knife, producing a shallow cut in the skin of his victim.
"NO! AKARI NO!" Yuri screamed, but before she could break free a voice whispered in her ear.
"If you make another move, he will cut her throat for sure. We don't need her, but if you behave well we will not kill her."
The first drops of blood were oozing from the wound, slowly dripping down Akari's neck. In terror Yuri's eyes wandered over the closed eyes and the still body. The slight breath was the only sign of her friend still being alive.
That moment she gave in. As the man next to her noticed her relax, a smile appeared on his face.
"Let's get them both in the car."
Squeeze.
The car was driving down some road to downtown. As Yuri looked out of the window, she saw people passing by, all of them enjoying their holidays. They were clueless, what was amongst them. It almost hurt to look at them.
Squeeze.
The car took a sharp turn, now heading down the road to a traffic light. Yuri shifted her gaze to the front, still ignoring the big person sitting next to her, who was supposed to guard them.
Squeeze.
The man who orders the bunch was sitting in the driver's seat, having a conversation with the one next to him; both didn't bother to look back at them. The girl looked down at her friend, who was lying on the seat next to her. Still being asleep her head was resting in Yuri's lap. Being stuck between the girl and their guard, Yuri had no chance to get near the car doors.
"You make the call. Ten million dollars and no police otherwise we will kill the hostage. Let's see if Kurusawa is willing to pay."
Dropping her head Yuri looked at her friend and again gave her hand a squeeze, hoping for the other to react to it. The blood on Akari's neck had already dried, now leaving a disgusting color. It almost looked like she had been brutally murdered hadn't it been for the air still entering her body.
The car stopped at the traffic light of a main cross road. People were gathering on the side walk to pass the street.
This is my fault.
Hadn't she brought Akari along this would never have happened. And all because she had to prove a point. How incredibly stupid she had been!
Squeeze.
Squeeze.
It took her a lot of effort not to jump or to let anyone notice, how surprised she was. Letting her gaze wander over Akari she squeezed the hand again and also tapped it five times. Again her friend reacted in the same way.
This is our chance!
Starting a countdown, Yuri tapped her friends hand first with three, then two and then with one finger.
Hitting the guy next to her with her elbow in the guts, Yuri made way for Akari to jump up. The man bent forward bile coming out of his mouth, while the one sitting next to the driver turned around a gun at hand. He pointed it at Akari, who pulled the doors leaver to open it and stretched her hand out for her friend to grab it.
"Yuri!"
I'm sorry.
Spinning around and using the guy next to her as a pillar Yuri jerked forward, hitting the gun out of the man's hand with her fists, while kicking her friend out of the car with her feet.
This all happened in a split second, right before the driver accelerated the car again.
The moment Akari landed on the ground, vehicle started moving again. The open car door crashed against the next street light, as the car speed up and was shut, before the car and with it Yuri disappeared from her view.
Akari grew numb, her brain not able to process, what just had happened. She started shaking, her body becoming ice cold. People who had just seen her falling out of the car, gathered around her and asked her questions in loud voices full of panic and shock, but Akari couldn't hear them, like they were coming from far away.
No. This can't be happening. NO!
Rising up, she still watched the street where the vehicle had just been a second ago. Panic was forcing its way up her throat as tears gathered in her eyes. Someone was pushing her down, telling her to sit and wait for an ambulance, but she didn't have time. She didn't need an ambulance, so why should she be waiting for one?
Pushing and shoving the people away as she stumbled through the masses, she didn't notice how much force she was using to break free from them. Many people, who had just wanted to help her tumbled to the ground as they were hit by her. Eventually Akari fought her way out, only to run away without any distinctive direction. She made it to a peaceful square, where no one else was coming near her. Dropping to the ground in defeat, Akari rested her forehead on her knees, as sobs started to take over.
It all appeared to her like a dream. What was she supposed to do now? How should she get Yuri back? The shock was still affecting her mind and body, her thoughts spinning without reaching any conclusion.
The police!
Taking her phone out, she started to dial the number, but a voice from before popped up in her mind.
"You make the call. Ten million dollars and no police otherwise we will kill the hostage. Let's see if Kurusawa is willing to pay."
How could she be sure the police would not be detected by those criminals? This way she was the one killing Yuri, because she called the cops even though the kidnappers ordered not to.
Looking down at her phone Akari tried to get her breathing under control and stop her body from shaking. As the shock faded the sobs stopped as well and her mind became clear again.
"But remember you can always turn towards Scepter 4, if you really get in trouble."
Rei would certainly help her and Scepter 4 was by far more coordinated than the normal police. But in the end they were a police squad as well. They were probably more experienced in disguising their present.
Scrolling through her contacts, Akari tipped on the name 'Munakata Reisi' and waited for the beeping.
The person you have called is temporarily not available.
"Screw you Rei!" She screamed desperately, throwing her phone away as despair caught her heart. With one hand she covered her face, hitting the ground angrily with the other.
"Boshiya-san?"
A familiar voice made her look up. One she hadn't expected would ever talk to her.
Why do I always meet those guys? Even in times like this?
Armed with a broom instead of his skate board Yatagarasu was standing in front of her, holding her phone up in the air.
"Y-You dropped –"
Coming closer Yata took a good look at her and his features became angry.
"What happened? Who did this to you?" His voice dropped an entire octave at the end as the threatening aura around him became stronger. Akari didn't know what made him so angry. She wasn't the one being in trouble.
"We are shutting down all the activities for now. Until I know more we will not get involved in any drugs bust, fight, or any other outside problem."
Kusanagi's voice was still ringing in her ears. Akari knew it wasn't fair to say the next words, but she had to anyway.
"Yata, please. I need Homra's help."