Chapter 4: MOVING ON
A month has passed since the untimely death of Kenji Shugo. In that month, the Japanese branch of A.E.G.I.S where on edge. Remaining members were ordered to operate in units of 2 or more, no exceptions.
Akita, Japan was the location of the A.E.G.I.S headquarters. It is here that we met the head of operations.
"Jean Kabuto, Age: 32. The invaders have begun to make their move. In the past month, paranormal activity has been on the rise. Ever since Kenji's death the invaders have grown increasingly bold. Even as far as deploying soldiers in broad daylight. To be able to rid a man who is able to foresee his own death is an incredible feat. The culprit was no mere invader. This is most defiantly the work of an invader executive or……..or the likes of an evil gatekeeper. Whatever their aim, they must be stopped but…..I wonder sometimes......Can we really handle the challenges to come? Is this generation ready to bare the crosses that come with being affiliated with A.E.G.I.S? Kenji's death was just a taste of the horrors to come. I am no stranger to the tragedies of war. My closest friends and most cherished comrades were torn away from me. The last of my generation, a constant reminder of how weak and fragile we really were. I was weak then but……what about now? I who hold earth in my hands; Was'nt strong enough to make a difference this time.....to save a friend. It is my sin for not having been there, i and i alone was responsible for this......no one else. Another burden i myself must carry. Proof that i still am weak......and, maybe i always will be. Kenji, im sorry."
"Another police report special, huh. I'm sick of this."
The TV was full of reports like these. Practically every day would be a report on the series of mysterious disappearances. At the end of each show, a reward for anyone with relevant information. Last month the reward was 955,999.985 yen. This month……960,999.999. There was even a reward for information on Kenji's demise. 477,999.992 yen. His parents and relatives begged the public; they were seeking closure, nothing more. Doctors were unable to pinpoint just what caused the death of this young man, the case was too bizarre. They called in leading specialists from all over the world, only those of the highest status in the medical world were present. They stood for hours, debating among themselves as to what this corpse was trying to tell them. All test that had be done up until now were useless, they showed nothing of importance or value. The one thing that was certain was that whatever befell this boy was perhaps beyond human comprehension. What of the police? From their stand point it wouldn't be totally impossible for Kenji's death to be linked to the mass string of missing people and rampant deaths. They started with the interviewing of Kenji's collage school mates, a small band of 3 local cops were assigned the task.
"It won't be long until they start prying at us."
It was inevitable, all those known to have contact with the deceased had only to wait to be approached by the authorities. The only question was as to how it would all play out. If the public were to find out about A.E.G.I.S, then……
"No sense racking my brain over it I guess."
Just then, Jean felt a chill. Not from the window, which was closed. This feeling had come from the room itself.
"If you're here, then that means we are in trouble." Jean sighed "Yukino Houjo, maiden of Ice and snow. You've assisted us greatly many times in the past. Your contributions are invaluable. Without you, we might not exist. Have you come to once again lend us your power?"
"I have."
"And are you prepared to answer the consequences of using your gate? There's no telling how many more times you'll be able to use it. You who were there since the beginning of the invaders, you who has already been consumed by your gate. The next time you use your ability may very well be your last, no one has the right to force you to do that which you do not desire. No one has the right to judge you for your decision. Your life is your own."
She knows not a better way…..
They and she are the same….
The thorn that pricks, the same…..
Why should she not offer her light in darkness?....
"Thank you. Words cannot express my gratitude."
Meanwhile, a squad of three local cops have been given the task of piecing together the last remaining hours of Kenji Shugo's life. As stated, the search begins at Kyoto University of Japan.
"Good morning sir, my name is Akina Ukia. I'm with the Kyoto police division. To my left are officers Hiro Amane and Kota Satome. We're here regarding the death of one of your students, Kenji Shugo."
"Yes, yes of course!" Said this nervous and very anxious principal. "Please, sit down! Is there anything I can get for you? Coffee, tea….uhh, soda I suppose? Crackers, chips, candy……"
"No, thank you." Was Akina's response. "We would just like to ask you some questions if you don't mind."
"Qu…questions? Like, where were u on the night of……..Sunday kinda thing. Cause I was out shopping…..I have receipts if you want to see them. They're at home but I can go ge…
"That won't be necessary." Officer Amane pointed out.
It was going to be a long day from the looks of it.
"I bet they're all going to be fidgety like this." Thought Akina "I guess that's to be expected. It's not just japan, crime and murder have been escalating all over the globe. It's been estimated that every 4 seconds someone somewhere in the world vanishes without a trace. Every 7 seconds a body is found, and out of the total number of bodies found daily about 33% of those cases cannot be diagnosed as to what the cause of death really was. Why? Neither the Japanese authorities nor the worlds have been able to answer this. It's as if the world is coming to an end, but…..is that really possible? Is this truly the fate of humankind?"
A full 30 minutes marks an end to the interview. It was quite clear that the man to whom they had just spoke knew nothing of consequence or meaning. The only help they had received from him was a copy of Kenji's classes and schedule. The trio thank him for his time and cooperation then take their leave.
"What a drag." Kota mumbled. "Now we gotta interview all the freakin teachers and students."
Hiro for one agreed. "Ridiculous."
Akina stood silent. His partners were right. It was hard to be enthusiastic about such a slow and lengthy assignment, especially when you don't have a clue as to what you're looking for. Maybe matters would be better tomorrow. So the proposition was made, they would go about their way and resume with interviews in the morning. They agreed, and went their ways.
Are there not some doors that are best unopened? It is said that curiosity killed the cat but……What about man?
