Pre A/N: This chapter is going to be pretty heavy. Reader discretion advised

Part 18: Saori

IJN Zuikaku

2:00am

"Hana-sama? A-are you in there?"

Shinzaburo tried to remain as quiet as possible as he knocked on the bathroom door. He was already concerned, as he and Yuri had been home for a few hours. Yet, despite clearly being home, they had not seen or heard from Hana. Isuzu-sama had chalked her daughter's silence up to being asleep after a long night, something part of him didn't fully believe. When they had arrived, Hana's door was locked. Now it was open, and after over half an hour, she had not emerged from the bathroom.

"Hana-sama?" The Isuzu family assistant knocked tentatively again. "Are you there? If you're almost finished, I'll wait, but its been a long time."

Shinzaburo pressed his ear against the door, but couldn't hear a response.

Then, there was a sound. Ever so faint, but the young man was positive he had heard it

The sound of a phone vibrating.

"Hana-sama?" He spoke a bit louder this time. "Hana-sama, if you're in there, please say something."

At the elevation of volume, Yuri tiredly emerged from her bedroom. "Shinzaburo? What's going on?"

"Yuri-sama. I apologize for waking you." He began. "But it has been some time since Hana-sama went into the bathroom, and she hasn't come out."

"Well, you'll just need to be patient." Yuri dismissed his concerns with a yawn.

"Y-Yuri-sama, wait. Listen." He pointed at the door, and Yuri hesitantly obeyed his plea. She held her ear against the door, and her eyes shot open.

"Hana?" Yuri rapped her knuckles against the door. "Hana, are you in there? Darling, I can hear your phone."

The rhythmic vibrating continued, to the pair's great worry.

"Shinzaburo, open this door." Yuri ordered. "I apologize and forgive you for anything you see on the other side."

"Yes, ma'am." He nodded. "Hana-sama, if you don't open this door, I'm going to break it down." He waited a few seconds, and after there was no response, Shinzaburo prepared himself.

"Stand back, Yuri-sama." The bathrobe-clad woman took a few steps backwards and watched as her assistant raised his foot, kicking forward with all his strength. The sliding door rattled violently and began to buckle, which it did all the way on the follow up kick. Shinzaburo's eyes widened with shock at what he found. "Hana-sama!" He ran into the room, leaving all civility behind.

"Shinzaburo, what is it?" Yuri demanded. "What did she-" The woman stopped mid sentence and nearly screamed. On the floor in the bathroom was Hana, lying completely still in front of the toilet.

"Hana!" Yuri cried. Shinzaburo rolled the girl over, which made a plastic medicine bottle roll into the middle of the floor. Yuri stepped towards it as Shinzaburo tried to wake Hana.

"Hana-sama! Hana-sama, wake up! Can you hear me?"

The elder Isuzu bent down and picked up the bottle.

"Painkillers. The ones she had asked for. For the pain in her ankle…"

Yuri looked up at the countertop, where the vibrating cell phone they had heard buzzed once again. She became so fixated on the device, she didn't notice Shinzaburo run from the room, then return moments later, speaking frantically into a phone of his own.

Dozens of texts and missed calls were logged, along with nearly as many voicemail messages. Yuri slowly scrolled through the texts, finding all of them to be from Hana's friend Saori.

"What? What hasn't she told Takebe?"

"... could she know why this happened?"

Meanwhile…

Backpack on her shoulder, Takebe Saori walked down an otherwise empty street with a brisk pace. After missing the fifth call, she threw a few extra items into the previously prepared bag and left for the Isuzu residence. She wanted this to all be some kind of overreaction. Maybe Hana had gone to bed, and that's why she wasn't answering?

"No. She wouldn't miss this many." Saori thought to herself, crunching through the falling snow. "With how light a sleeper she is…"

Takebe slowed down when she heard the siren from an ambulance sounding behind her. The white vehicle, lit up with bright red lights, sped up down the straight road and roared past her. Thoughts of a worst possible scenario filled Saori's mind.

"Don't turn left. Don't turn left…"

The girl began to run when the ambulance turned. Towards Isuzu's house.

Oaraikaigan Hospital

A few hours later…

"You have… five… unheard messages.

First unheard message. Received… today… at… 12:47 am."

"Hana, hey. I've been trying to relax for the last… I dunno, hour or so. But I can't. I'm sorry about pressing you so hard, but I just couldn't help it. Friends worry about each other. Especially when they go through something like… like you did. I've texted you a few times now, but you didn't answer. I know that you're mad, and I… don't want to sound overly dramatic, but if you could give some kind of answer, or acknowledgement, I'll drop it, and we'll talk in the morning. Okay? I'm here for you."

"End of message.

Next unheard message. Received… today… at… 1:13 am."

"I know what you think of me. You made that clear. And, I'm sorry that you have that impression… I know what happened. I mean, you told us already. So, it's not like you'd be retelling a novella, or something… The only ones who know the gritty details are Yukarin and me. She told me everything. Just… promise you won't be mad at her, okay? I haven't said anything. I would never. Something of… that caliber is just… unthinkable. I initially didn't believe her. The horrible things that… ahem. Sorry for bringing it all up again. If you don't want to talk to me, that's fine. Just respond to something. Please? I just want to help."

"End of message.

Next unheard message. Received… today… at… 1:30 am."

"I'm really getting worried now, Hana. I know I probably sound like an overly-clingy friend right now, but I just need to hear something from you. Just a text. A single word. Anything. I feel like I'm going crazy."

"End of message.

Next unheard message. Received… today… at… 1:56 am."

"Hana. Please, just pick up. We don't even have to talk. You could just swipe, then immediately hang up. That would be enough. Look. I have my overnight bag here. The one I had for last time? I threw in some extra stuff for you. I'm going to call again in ten minutes. If you don't answer, I'm coming over. I'm really worried about you, Hana. I'm sorry about our argument earlier, and like I said, I have no excuse for spilling the tea on everybody else's lives, but you know I would never say anything about you. Just pick up, and I'll drop it all."

"End of message.

Next unheard message. Received… today… at… 2:07 am."

"Okay. I'm on my way over. I'll be there in a few minutes. It's only because I care about you, and I'm worried sick. I'm sure once I explain, your mom won't mind. See you soon."

"End of new messages."

Tap

Isuzu Yuri set her daughter's phone down and glanced around. Being so early in the morning, the hospital waiting room was empty besides herself, Shinzaburo, and Takebe Saori, who was once again rummaging through the backpack she had brought. The young girl clearly knew something, and Yuri needed to know what it was.

"Excuse me, Isuzu-sama." A doctor interrupted her question. Yuri quickly stood up, followed by Shinzaburo and Saori.

"Y-Yes?"

"I'm Doctor Amuru. I'm in charge of your daughter's care. I have some news, but also… a few questions." He reached out and touched Yuri's shoulder. "First and foremost, Hana is okay. She's been moved to post-op observation, where she's resting."

Yuri's knees nearly buckled at the news, but Shinzaburo stopped her from falling. "Oh… oh, thank goodness. Oh, Hana…" The helpless mother sat back down and took a deep breath, and Doctor Amuru kneeled in front of her.

"Now, the condition she was in when she arrived calls for questioning." He began. "Of course, everything is under strict confidence. What you tell me won't land anyone in trouble. However… if there is proof of abuse, I will have to report it." Yuri's eyes locked onto the man.

"Abuse? What on earth are you talking about?"

"When we began the pumping procedure, hardly anything came out." Amuru explained. "At the beginning, you said she had been at a party with her teammates. But, other than residue from the pills and less than a cup of water, Hana's stomach was completely empty. She also appears to be underweight for her age, and clearly hasn't been getting much sleep. Not to mention the burns on her body."

"W-well, I have noticed Hana eating less and less, but I just attributed it to what she went through at Saunders."

"Saunders? Saunders University?"

"Yes. She was with the small group of girls from Ooarai who went there during the war. They called themselves 'Rangers'. Takebe here went, too." Saori waved hesitantly. "She never talked about it, and I never pressured her. I-I don't know anything about any burns."

While the doctor continued his questioning, Takebe eyed Yuri nervously, hesitant to break her oath of silence. Had Hana really never said anything?

"Well, did something traumatic happen to her there? Could she have gotten these marks there, or could they be self-inflicted?"

"I don't know." Isuzu answered with tears in her eyes. Shinzaburo rubbed her back comfortingly. "She never talked about it."

"I just want to give your daughter the care she needs. If what happened to her includes-"

"I know what happened."

All three people turned their attention to Takebe. "I know where she got the burns."

"Takebe-san, please, tell us what you know." Shinzaburo urged her.

"I-I promised Hana that I wouldn't tell anybody, and she said that she wanted to tell you when she was ready. But… given the circumstances…"

Over the next several minutes, Saori told Hana's gut-wrenching story. Being captured by Pravda. Miporin being forced to leave her behind. Everything that the Order Intelligence Officer had done to her. Every word made Shinzaburo more angry, and made Yuri cry even harder. The Doctor listened in silence, absorbing every gruesome detail.

"And what happened to this monster of a girl?" Shinzaburo demanded.

"Yukarin killed her." Saori concluded. "When she rescued Hana. With the… prod she was using. Stabbed her in the eye with it." The man simply nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer.

"Thank you for telling us, Takebe-san." Yuri sniffled.

"Yes. Thank you for the information, Takebe-sama. My colleagues and I will put it to use. In the meantime, I would-"

"When can we see her?" Yuri asked, verging on desperation. "When can I take her home?"

"Well, that's the thing, Isuzu-sama. Hana attempted to take her own life tonight. Suicide is taken very seriously here. I'm afraid she will have to remain here in observation for the time being." Isuzu appeared understanding, but Shinzaburo clearly didn't like the news. "As for visitation, I would suggest going home, first. The main thing Hana needs right now is rest. When she wakes up, I will personally be there, and I'll do what I can for her. We'll contact you when she wakes, but I must urge for care and calm. Patients in Hana-sama's condition tend to be very emotionally fragile, and seeing their family can sometimes have a negative effect."

"Why would that happen?" Shinzaburo asked. "Shouldn't it be the opposite?"

"Suicide survivors, at least initially, will sometimes convince themselves that their family is upset with them for what they did. They will consider themselves to be a burden. Reintroduction to their everyday lives must be approached with caution. Recovery from this type of trauma is a very slow process that requires careful tending."

"Oh, Isuzu-sama won't have a problem with that." Saori commented. "They're a family of Ikebana practitioners. Careful tending and patience is second nature." Yuri nodded thankfully at the girl.

"In that case, I'd say you're prepared. However, I still suggest that you all go home and try to rest. I assure you that Hana is in good hands, and you'll be the first to know if anything happens."

"W-we will. Thank you, Doctor."

Amuru modded with a reassuring smile, before rising and leaving the waiting room. Yuri looked down and took a deep breath, taking in the information, while Shinzaburo continued his comforting efforts.

"It's not all bad news, Yuri-sama." He said.

The woman nodded and shuddered slightly.

"She… she's okay. That's… all that matters."

After gathering themselves, the three made their way out of the hospital and to the parking lot, towards Shinzaburo's waiting car. Saori had no interest in driving it again, and didn't protest when the owner took the driver's seat. The pair allowed Yuri to have the backseat to herself, where she used one of Shinzaburo's sweaters to wipe her eyes.

The car was quiet for most of the ride, aside from a newscaster reporting on the weather for the day. The cold front bombarding the island nation with frigid air and mountains of snow was set to continue, with the possibility of lifting shortly after the new year.

No one was really listening, however. The occupants of the car were simply satisfied with the distracting background noise. Silence would allow all manner of unwelcome thoughts to fester.

"Takebe-san." Yuri spoke up suddenly. Saori turned herself all the way around.

"Yes, Isuzu-sama?"

"I… thank you. For caring so much about Hana." Before the ginger girl could reply, Yuri held up Hana's phone. "Your messages are what led Shinzaburo to finding her." Saori glanced at the driver, who didn't offer a verbal reply.

"You're welcome." She said with a small smile.

"I wanted you to know." Yuri stopped her from turning back. "Hana always talked about the team. About Anglerfish. But she talked the most about you." Saori was taken aback. "She thought of you like a sister."

"She thinks of you as one." Shinzaburo politely corrected.

"Right. That's how she thinks of you." Yuri nodded sheepishly. "Of all of you. And I want you to know that I do, too."

Takebe smiled warmly. "I think of her the same way."

The rest of the car ride was quiet, until Shinzaburo stopped in front of Saori's apartment block. She ascended the stairs and opened her door, finding herself a bit relieved. She was glad to be able to help, and her worries had been correct. Though, being right isn't always a victory, and it definitely wasn't in this case.

Saori dropped the stuffed backpack on the floor and sat down on her bed, glancing at the digital clock on her nightstand.

"5:15?" She thought aloud. "I might as well just stay up."

The girl took out her phone and opened the Ankou Team group chat, not at all surprised to find Yukari already online. Moments later, as she laid down, she received a message from her Loader friend.

Wilhelm: 05:16: Takebe-dono. You're up early.

First Base: 05:16: Yes. Something urgent came up. I actually haven't been to bed yet.

Wilhelm: 05:17: Well, that's not good. Would it happen to have anything to do with all those sirens last night?

Saori hesitated.

First Base: 05:19: Yes, it did.

Wilhelm: 05:19: What happened, if I may ask?

First Base: 05:20: I'd rather wait until Miporin and Mako are here.

It has something to do with Hana.

The next several minutes were spent with short back and forth snippets between Yukari and Saori, with the latter consciously using the group chat in an effort to get Mako and Miho's attention. Akiyama did attempt to pry details out of the Radio Operator, who was regretting mentioning Isuzu, but she held firm in her declaration. Eventually, the effort bore fruit, as Miho's name suddenly appeared.

Commander Boko: 05:31: Good morning, you two.

Wilhelm: 05:31: Guten Morgen!

First Base: 05:31: Morning, Miporin.

Commander Boko: 05:32: What did I miss?

Wilhelm: 05:33: We all missed quite a bit

Something happened to Isuzu-dono last night

Takebe-dono won't tell me

First Base: 05:35: Yukarin, please.

Yes, something happened to Hana, but not everyone is here

Does anyone know if Mako is up, yet?

As if summoned by the question, Reizei appeared in the chat moments later.

Wakey Wakey: 05:36: goodness, why are you three up?

go back to bed

stop blowing up my phone

First Base: 05:36: Mako, wait. Something happened last night, and I need to tell all of you.

Wakey Wakey: 05:37: can it wait for a more reasonable hour?

First Base: 05:37: No.

Wakey Wakey: 05:38: (eyeroll emoji)

fine. im here. what?

First Base: 05:40: This is tough to say

Hana… tried to kill herself last night

Saori's phone nearly exploded with replies, all expressing concern. She pushed through all of them in an attempt to explain.

First Base: 05:43: Last night after the party, I went with Hana to help her carry some of the leftover food

I could tell something was up with her, so I tried to get her to tell me

She just exploded

She called me out for telling the team about stuff that's happened to other teammates

Piyotan, Sodoko, Yuuki…

Anyway, I tried to convince her that I wouldn't say anything, but that just made her more angry, so she kicked me out

Didn't you guys notice anything off about her last night?

Commander Boko: 05:46: She seemed really distant to me. At least more than usual

Wilhelm: 05:47: Come to think of it, I didn't see her eat anything

First Base: 05:48: Exactly. I brought all that up, but she brushed it all off. Said she didn't want to talk about it

Anyways, I started calling and texting her around 1, but she didn't answer. I figured if she had gone to sleep, it would wake her up, and I wouldn't need to worry

But she wouldn't answer anything

So eventually, I started walking to her house

I ended up chasing the ambulance that went there

Wilhelm: 05:50: Damn…

First Base: 05:51: According to Yuri-sama, my incessant messaging is what led Shinzaburo to find her in the bathroom

He could hear her phone buzzing

Now, part of me is wondering if I pushed her to do it

I brought up so much of that stuff that happened to her at Saunders

Commander Boko: 05:52: Takebe, the last thing you can do is blame yourself

You said yourself that you saved her with your messages

And even if, to her, you caused this, you also fixed it

First Base: 05:54: I guess so

Wakey Wakey: 05:55: am I the only one who thinks it would have been better to talk about this in person?

First Base: 05:56: There are more details

Like what the doctor told us

Let's all meet up later

Wakey Wakey: 05:57: oh, joy

Commander Boko: 05:58: How about the cafe?

Wilhelm: 05:58: Or my place! My mom is making breakfast

Commander Boko: 05:59: I'm up for that

Wakey Wakey: 06:01: of course you are

First Base: 06:02: Are you not, Mako?

Wakey Wakey: 06:03: …fine

Wilhelm: 06:05: Sweet! I'll tell my mom to expect guests!

My house. 1 hour

Let Operation: Pancakes commence!

Wakey Wakey: 06:06: im on my way

Wilhelm: 06:06: But, it's not for an hour

My mom isn't even up yet

Wakey Wakey: 06:07: im on. my. way

Commander Boko: 06:08: Pancakes, Yukari. What did you expect?

I hope you have enough flour

First Base: 06:10: While we're there, you can show us how to change our names in this chat

Wilhelm: 06:11: That is for me to know, and for you to never find out, Takebe-dono

A/N: Not everybody had a good night