Chapter 6- Hung Up
The night air hung heavy, punctuated by the vibrant chaos of blinking lights and blaring sirens that ignited the area.The police, a bustling presence, orchestrated the aftermath of the operation. Men in cuffs were escorted away in patrol cars, surrounded by the yellow tape that marked the perimeter. Detectives barked orders, creating an organized chaos in the crime scene's wake.
Amidst this orchestrated tumult, the Get Backers approached Zen, who stood beside Shiori on a stretcher. Ban, nonchalant behind his purple shades, broke the silence. "Looks like everything's good here?" His gaze fixated on Zen as he pushed the shades up on his face.
Zen turned to face the dark-haired man and the blonde beside him, who offered a pleasant grin. "Yeah, it looks like she'll be fine, but they still need to check her out." Zen placed her hands in her pockets, her gaze assessing the duo. "I must say, you guys exceeded my expectations."
Ban, raising his eyebrows in mild surprise, retorted, "I didn't realize that we were being graded."
"We're happy that we could help," Ginji chimed in, a genuine smile adorning his face. Zen couldn't help but reciprocate the sentiment.
As the distant wail of the ambulance lingered, Zen bid her farewells.
"Oh Zen?" a voice interrupted. She turned around to face Ginji, his expression carrying a hint of concern. "Keep us updated on Shiori, okay?" Her eyes widened as he held his phone out to her. Zen nodded appreciatively, a grateful smile on her face.
"Thanks, Ginji. I'll make sure to keep you posted." She takes his phone and they exchange numbers. When she hands his phone back, an appreciative smile. As she hastened towards her car, she waves them goodbye. "Take care, both of you."
Ginji responded with a warm smile and a wave as they disappeared into the night. The scene faded into the background as Zen navigated her way through the blinking lights and echoing sirens, carrying with her the shared sense of accomplishment.
As they sat in the hospital waiting room, Zen took a moment to send a text to Trish. Despite the late hour, Zen knew Trish would be awake, given the nature of her work.
Zen: Hey. Shiori is safe.
After a moment, a call from Trish illuminated Zen's phone screen. With a tired grin, Zen tapped the answer button and put it to her ear.
"Holy shit!" Trish exclaimed. "Where are you?"
"We're at the hospital now. She's getting checked and I'm waiting to see what the doc will say."
"Is she okay?"
"She seems okay for now." Zen lets out a sigh as she stretches her legs. "I'll keep you updated once I get a chance to see her."
"Yes, yes. Please let me know." There was a brief silence. "Thank you, Zen. I knew I could count on you."
Zen smiles. "Of course. What are friends for?" She pondered a second, thinking about a certain brunette and a spiky-haired blonde. Before she could say anything, a nurse interrupted the conversation, delivering the reassuring news that Shiori was stable and would be monitored overnight.
Zen, now at ease, met with Shiori and promised to pick her up the next day. She drove back to the apartment she shared, in theory, with Yuji Marisawa, her mentor. The space, often empty due to Yuji's work habits, provides a brief sanctuary as she's greeted by warm neutral tones that create a soothing atmosphere.
Taking off her shoes at the entrance, she drags herself towards the living room, adorned with a comfortable yet modest sofa and a coffee table that hosts an assortment of novels and case files. A small TV sits opposite the sofa, providing a modest entertainment hub.
Adjacent to the living area is a simple kitchenette, equipped with the essentials for Zen's on-the-go lifestyle. The dining area consists of a modest table and a couple of chairs.
Once past the living room she opens the door to her bedroom. Though simple in appearance, with a bed dressed in crisp linens and a nightstand that holds a bedside lamp and a well-worn book with a coupon as a book marker. A lone dresser and a small closet complete the modest storage space. She throws her bag on the floor, opening her dresser to grab a t-shirt and black shorts.
"Ugh, I can't wait to jump in." She mumbles to herself as she leaves the room and heads into the bathroom. The bathroom, though compact, offers the necessary amenities, The shower curtain, the towels neatly folded, all contribute to the sense of order within the limited space. Zen, feeling the weight of the night, decided to wash away the remnants of the night's endeavors. She turns on the water and while it runs, she stands in front of the mirror, a determined look in her tired, violet eyes. Mascara had started to run and the eyeliner was smudged. Taking some wet wipes out of her drawer, she wipes the makeup from her face, including the lipstick from her bow shaped lips.
After rinsing her face, she feels the water again before turning on the shower head. The warm water of the shower enveloped her, cleansing not just her body but also the residue of the night's events. As the water cascaded down, the sleek strands gradually relinquished their straightened form. Tiny rivulets flowed through her hair, and with each passing moment, the once-straight locks surrendered to the water's touch. Using a cowash formula, she massages the product into her scalp and sighs as it foams around her fingers. After washing and rinsing her hair and body, Zen steps out of the tub. Wrapping her hair, she grabs a towel and dries her body before wrapping it around herself.
Wiping the foggy mirror, she checks for any remnants of makeup before brushing her teeth. Once she's done, she takes the damp towel off her damp hair, curly tendrils begin to emerge, framing her face with a lively bounce. The rich brown curls, now liberated, embraced the freedom that water and gravity granted them.
She sprays a hydrating mist in her hair, the curls tightened and intertwined, creating a vibrant and dynamic texture that reflects the authenticity of Zen's mixed heritage. As she ran her fingers through her damp curls, which now stopped at her shoulders, Zen couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation and a return to her true self. She gathers them into a topknot on her head and wraps a silk scarf around her head.
Post-shower, she discarded her clothes, the tangible remnants of a demanding night, and headed to her bedroom. The dirty clothes found their place in the bin, and Zen, now free from the constraints of the day, flopped onto her bed. She quickly moisturizes her skin with her lotion that she grabbed from the bathroom before finally reaching for her phone. She sent a quick text to Trish, saying that she was home and one to Marisawa. She only got a reply from the former which she expected. She went to put her phone down and then took a pause. With a contemplative smile, she entered the new number Ginji had given her. A sense of connection settled as she sent a brief update to the Get Backers.
Zen: Hey. Shiori is staying overnight for observation but otherwise she's fine. I'm home now but will pick her up tomorrow.
She sets the phone down, biting her lip as she lays down her phone. 'Just keeping them updated.' She says to herself as taps her foot against the mattress. A few moments later, her phone pinged again and she reached for it, the screen illuminated in her face.
Ginji responded with a smiling emoji and a text bubble appeared shortly after.
GB: That's great news! I'm glad that she's doing okay. Thanks for letting me know.
Zen smiles. Her fingers moved deftly along the keyboard to a reply.
Zen: Of course! It's the least I can do. You guys were a big help.
GB: :)
GB: It's what we do!
Zen: :)
GB: Ah, Ban wants to see if Shiori can come by The Honky Tonk sometime this week. Our client wants to meet with her.
Zen thought about this for a second before she remembered that a man had hired them. She thinks back to Trish mentioning that Shiori was interested in someone but she never knew who it was.
Zen: I'm sure she would love to meet the guy. I'll see how she feels when I pick her up.
GB: Great! Thanks a lot.
Zen: Sure
She stifles a yawn, her eyes getting water as she wipes them dry. She looked at the clock. She should get to bed soon.
Zen: Hey, I'm gonna head to sleep. I'll talk more later.
GB: Oh okay. It is pretty late isn't it? I'll let you get some rest.
Zen: Thanks Ginji. You get some rest as well.
GB: You too! Goodnight Zen.
And with that, Zen places her phone on the charger. She rolls over to her back, closing her eyes, allowing the serenity of sleep to claim her.
. . .
The following day, Zen rose early, preparing herself for the day ahead. She checks her phone for any messages, seeing that Marisawa had read her message but not sent her a response. She cleans up her face and brushes her teeth and then heads back to her bedroom to get dressed. She goes to her kitchenette, grabbing some pop tarts to munch on while she checks her email.
" I should stop by the office later." She contemplates as she washes her poptarts down with milk. Noon came and Zen got the call from the hospital that Shiori was ready for discharge.
At the hospital, Zen walked in on Shiori facing two police officers. The poor girl was fidgeting; gripping the sheets so tightly her knuckles were white.
"Excuse me?" The trio's attention turned to Zen whose hard gaze fell on the officers.
"Hello Miss" the younger one greets her. He pulls out his badge. "I'm detective Ryota Mukai and this is…" He gestures towards his older companion who sported a goatee and glasses. "Detective Keisuke Minamoto."
Zen nods. "I'm Zen Kimura. I'm a friend of Shiori's." Determined to support her friend, stood by her side.
"Ah, I see." Detective Mukai grins as Shiori visibly relaxes when Zen comes to her side.
"We've only got a few more questions and we'll let you go on your way." Shiori nods, looking up at Zen. Zen places a hand on Shiori's, giving her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry," she assures her. "Just tell them everything you told me."
With a deep breath, Shiori tells the detectives her story.
Once Shiori was cleared, Zen helped get her ready to go to her apartment.
"Ms. Kimura." Zen stops and looks back at Mukai. "We would love to get your statement as well, as you were the one who found Shiori and the other women." Zen sighed inwardly. She hated dealing with cops when it came to things like this. She knew that she would've had to deal with them eventually but it still made her uneasy.
'He's just doing his job.' She reminded herself. All she had to do was tell him the truth; just omit the fact that she has powers.
"Sure." She responds dubiously and he hands her his contact card.
"I must say, Shiori's really lucky to have a friend like you." She nods, placing it in her pocket.
"Yeah. We'll talk soon, Detective."
After that exchange, As Zen guided Shiori to Trish's apartment, anticipation lingered in the air. The city buzzed with life around them, but within the walls of Trish's residence, a sense of comfort awaited.
Upon reaching the door, Zen knocked gently. The response was swift, though slightly groggy. Trish, still half-asleep, cracked the door open and squinted into the hallway. However, her drowsiness dissipated in an instant when she caught sight of Shiori beside Zen.
"Shiori!?" Trish's voice rose with excitement. She hurriedly swung the door wide open and rushed towards the young woman. Arms wide open, she enveloped Shiori in a heartfelt hug. Laughter and tears intertwined as Shiori found solace in Trish's embrace.
Zen, standing at the threshold, became an unexpected participant in the embrace. Trish, still holding Shiori, extended her free arm toward Zen. With a warm smile, Zen joined the group hug, a spontaneous moment of shared joy.
The two-bedroom apartment exuded a cozy and lived-in charm. The living room, adorned with a plush sofa and vibrant throw pillows, invited relaxation. A coffee table stood at the center, showcasing a few carefully chosen decorative items. Soft lighting cast a warm glow, creating an inviting ambiance.
The kitchen, though compact, boasted a cheerful array of cookware and utensils. A small dining table with mismatched chairs hinted at shared meals and intimate conversations. The walls, adorned with framed photographs and art, narrated stories of friendship and shared experiences.
Shiori, still riding the waves of emotion, found herself gently guided into the heart of this welcoming space. Trish led the way with Zen in tow.
"Make yourself at home," Trish encouraged, gesturing to the inviting surroundings. "Everything's the same as it's always been."
Shiori looked around, tentatively touching the objects. She looks over at the redhead. "Looks like you did some cleaning."
"Hey!" Trish protested. "What made you think I'm not!"
A chuckle erupted from Zen as Trish gasped in offense. "That's not fair! You know I work nights so that's why I don't clean often." Trish crosses her arms with a defiant look. "Doesn't mean that I'm a dirty person."
"Sure Trish, but don't you two normally work the same hours?" Zen asks. "Yet she usually gets up early to clean up?"
Trish rolls her eyes. "Whatever. You morning people are making me gag." Zen and Shiori laugh as Trish heads into the kitchen to get them some tea.
As they settled into the living room, the trio engaged in a brief conversation.
"I can't thank you both enough. Trish, for letting me stay with you after my father abandoned me and Zen for getting me out of that situation…" her voice began to shake, her dark eyes filling with unshed tears. "I was so scared. I had to…"
Zen, placing a supportive hand on Shiori's shoulder, spoke softly. "You're in good hands, Shiori. Trish and I are here for you."
Trish, with her characteristic warmth, added, "We'll take care of you. Anything you need, just let us know."
Shiori, her eyes reflecting gratitude, managed a small smile. "Thank you both. I appreciate it more than words can say."
The room echoed with a sense of camaraderie as they continued their conversation, laughter mingling with shared stories.
"Oh, by the way," Zen turns to Shiori. "Shiori, Ginji and Ban want to set something up with their client to meet up with you."
Shiori looks up in surprise.
"Oh that's right." A blush appears over her fair skin. "I have to thank them and Hotaru for saving me as well."
"Wait a minute," Trish interjects, setting her hands on the table. "Is this the same guy you've been talking to?"
"Oh uh," Shiori noted her lips as she nodded. "Yeah. He's the one who hired the retrieval service to find me."
"Ooh I see." Trish smirks, elbowing her friend. "Looks like he's in love with you."
Shiori gasps, her face now beet red as she covers her face with her hands.
"Stop teasing Trish." Zen chastises. "You doin too much."
"But it's true! No guy would hire someone else to find her if he wasn't in love~" she sing songs the last part and chuckles as Shiori nearly dies from embarrassment.
Shaking her head, Zen confirms with Shiori that she wants to meet with him and sends a quick text to Ginji.
With a final exchange of goodbyes, Zen expressed her intention to visit the office and check in on Yuji. Trish and Shiori wished her well, their voices carrying genuine warmth. Trish calls out to Zen as she walks out, "Meet us at the club for a drink later tonight, okay?"
Zen nodded appreciatively, "Sure, I could use a break later." With a sense of duty intact, she stepped into the brisk afternoon , leaving the vibrant duo behind. As she navigated the bustling city, the unfolding day seemed to hold a promise of both challenges and discoveries.
Her footsteps echoed determination as she approached Mars Investigations. Upon entering, she found Yuji's desk cluttered with half-empty coffee cups and stacks of papers. The scent of stale coffee and liquor lingered in the air. Zen took a moment to listen to a voicemail left on the answering machine.
"Yuji, it's Zen. I'll be at the hospital for most of the day. Call me if you need anything." It was the message she had left right before she left for the hospital.
The office, silent but for the distant hum of city life, held a distinct charm of its own. Zen immersed herself in the tasks at hand, tackling the paperwork that had accumulated during her absence.
As the day unfolded, a mix of anticipation and resolve guided Zen through to the late evening. A ping rings in the air and she checks her phone for the messages. One was from Trish, asking if she was still coming out to drink. The other was from Ginji and the last from Yuji. She responded to Trish and decided to pack up for the slow day. Yuji wasn't there so she assumed he went out on a job or was out drinking again.
Locking up, she'd seen that Ginji had replied, saying thanks for letting him know. Grinning, she sent a winking face emoji and made her way to a vibrant club where she was to meet Trish. The pulsating bass and rhythmic beats emanating from the venue signaled that it was a place where conversations melded seamlessly with the music. As she entered, the dim lights and energetic atmosphere enveloped her, creating an ambiance that sparked anticipation.
The club doubled as a bar, and the air was filled with the aromatic medley of various beverages. The soft clinking of glasses and the occasional laughter created a symphony of sounds that accompanied the music.
Trish, seated at a corner of the bar, beckoned Zen to join her. The band's performance became a captivating backdrop as they engaged in animated conversation. The eclectic mix of people, absorbed in the music and conversation, added to the dynamic energy of the scene.
The live band, positioned on a stage bathed in vibrant hues, poured their passion into the instruments, creating an immersive experience for the patrons. The lead singer's voice reverberated through the air, weaving through the crowd and inviting them into the enchanting embrace of the music.
Trish motioned for Zen to take a seat, the anticipation evident in her eyes. She was wearing a long sleeved, black body con dress that stopped at her mid thighs, with black boots that stopped mid thigh. She had her red hair loose around her shoulders with a slight wave to the ends.
"Hey girl!" Trish passes her a shot in which Zen readily accepts. "Nice of you to stop by." Zen picked up on Trish's cockney English. Zen smiles as she greets her in her American English, slipping into her native tongue as easily as putting on her shoes.
Zen settled into her seat, taking off her zip up so she would just be in her white fitted t-shirt and jeans. "After the week I had, I needed this." She knocks the shot back, feeling herself shiver at the bitter taste of it.
"I hear you, girl." She was nursing a gin and tonic in her glass. She cast her amber eyes along the crowd until her eyes settled on the stage, as the band finished out the song and prepared for their next set. Zen looks over at the band and grins.
"Looks like Ami and Yume are having a good night."
Trish turns to the stage. "Yeah, they sound great tonight."
Ami and Yume were twin sisters who formed a band with their best friends Reo, who was spiky haired and blonde, who was the bass player and Takumi, who had long dark hair with a tattoo sleeve down both arms, was their drummer. Ami sported a yellow dress with white gogó boots. Her hair was long, layered, and colored pink with green contacts. Her sister Yume had short hair cut to her shoulders and was dyed periwinkle blue with red contacts on her eyes. They were good friends with Trish and as they started their cover of 'Hung Up,' with Ami on the keyboard and Yume on the guitar as they belted out the lyrics:
Every little thing that you say or do
I'm hung up
I'm hung up on you
Waiting for your call, baby, night and day
I'm fed up
I'm tired of waiting on you
Time goes by so slowly for those who wait
No time to hesitate
Those who run seem to have all the fun
I'm caught up, I don't know what to do
As the band plays, their music providing a lively backdrop, Trish expressed her gratitude. "I can't thank you enough for helping us with Shiori. It means a lot."
Zen waved off the thanks with a modest smile. "It's what I do." She winks and orders another shot.
Before she can knock it back, Trish calls out to her. "Wait, hold that thought," Trish interrupted, signaling the waiter for a round of drinks. As the beverages arrived, she raised her glass in a toast. "Cheers. To Shiori's safety and the unexpected allies."
They clinked glasses, knocking back both their shots l. Trish cleared her throat before urging Zen to continue. "Speaking of unexpected allies, it seems it was a good thing to trust them."
Zen lets out a laugh. "You're telling me. Their auras were off the charts." She leans in, talking animatedly with her hands. "Ginji's electric abilities are beyond what I expected. The little I saw was probably nothing in comparison to what he can do."
Trish takes a sip, nods in agreement.
"Same. When I touched him, I could feel it flowing off of him in waves." She shivered at the memory only to smile mischievously. "It nearly stirred my appetite." She sighs at the memory as Zen palms her face. "Trish please don't tell me…"
Trish laughs as she sets her glass down. "Relax. As much energy as he has, I prefer someone a bit more mature. He's got a cute face though…"
"Oh my god." Zen groans. "Are you done?"
"Umm..." She stops a red fingernail on her chin as if she's contemplating something. A smirk appears on her red lips. "That Mido guy seems pretty tasty. When I touched him, his energy nearly knocked me off my feet. I was trying so hard to not salvate in front of him…" a wistful look appeared on Trish's face as Zen looked on in horror.
"Trish, you didn't…"
"Oh bugger off." Trish waves her off. "How would you feel if you were someone like me encountering, not one, but two people with such succulent energy walking up to you." She looks back at her dark haired friend. "It's like dangling meat in front of a starving lion."
Zen taps her foot, quirking her mouth up. "I guess if you put it that way.."
She knew that Trish couldn't help when she sensed someone with powerful energies. Though she wouldn't understand on a personal level of what it meant to struggle with those types of cravings. "I'm sorry," she finally says. "I didn't mean to come off harsh. It's just that Ban Mido.." she trails off, thinking about when she saw his terrifying strength and Jagan in action.
"Is a full course meal?" Trish interjects which elicited a look of annoyance from Zen. Trish laughs. "Bloody hell, don't look so scary, Zen."
"I'm serious, Trish. That guy is something." She stares directly into her best friend's eyes. "Promise you'll be careful?"
Trish's eyes soften a bit. "I always am. It's just a bit of fun." She takes another sip of her drink. "Besides, they can't be that bad. Helped find Shiori after all."
Zen gives a shrug. "You're right. They're not just skilled, they're relentless. Once they take a case, they see it through to the end."
She thought back to Ban's quiet determined gaze and Ginji's reassuring smile.
As the band reached a crescendo, the energy in the club heightened, Zen and Trish continued their discussion. Amidst the beats and melodies, each note resonates with determination to unravel the looming presence of the enigmatic Get Backers.