[Replies]
@Pokotan: You should prepare for the worst! I plan on not holding anything back in this fiction, haha! I am glad you think the characters are becoming more complex. I did not wish for them to have a one-dimensional personality that would bore most anybody. (I hope.) Thank you for being my reader and waiting patiently for the updates!
@faanpal: I am glad you love it! Dark pieces are what I love to write the most, haha!
@sasshirie: Why certainly they look good! If Mayu is pretty, then the good-looks have to genetically run in the family too!
@mayuki_daisuki: I am glad you enjoy reading the previous update! Abusing characters is my specialty, wink wonk. I hope you like reading this recent update!
Here is another update to the series! It was a little difficult to find time to write since I was not only down with the Influenza A during one of my lengthy breaks, but midterm and exams had consumed my life. I apologize for the late update to this series.
Since there are additional characters (and the last batch for this season), these are the introductions and a brief profiling on the three main authorities taking action. Whether people want omake arcs or not featuring these characters with their own problems (including the Watanabe siblings with Mayu and/or Yuki)… I will put up a poll after a couple updates to decide if it should happen.
Some of you may seem to notice how strange it is to see the number of original characters showing up in greater number than the individuals from the 48Group. However, I personally believe this brings out the best of this remake. I want to make it realistic and I want to make my readers feel, not only concern, but a sense of anticipation in tracking down the two kidnappers. Idols can only do so much, after all.
I have also added a special feature that, maybe, a few might appreciate. When I read books and stories, it’s a habit of mine to listen to background soundtracks that would accompany the theme and tone of the passage. I had done it once with the first (second?) update of Wandering Ship using the Pirates of the Caribbean OST track, and decided to do so with this series. It’s optional and some music may repeat for similar situations. Overall, based on how well the reaction is, I will follow a similar lead to the other remakes.
There is a poorly-done trailer for this season made by yours truly a month ago. When I have the chance, I will edit the first post with the link to the video on YouTube. Feel free to watch it!
I sincerely want to thank my readers for giving this fiction another chance once again. It is a remake and the changes might turn some of you off, but I am grateful to have put up a story I treasure. Please continue to treat this story well with critiques and/or as reading pleasure!
And I am so sorry for the lengthy author’s note.
[Profile]
Name: Kate
Age: 22
Occupation: International Homicide Detective, Part-time International Cold Detective
Personality: Cunning and calculating, Kate always gets the job done without hesitation. Whether it may cause concern for others means very little to the female. If it's to achieve the result she wanted, she will make it happen. This detective despises working close with others other than her chief and lawyer. Outside of work, she's rather quiet and unapproachable to many. However, she will break the stereotypical image once she's warmed up to a person. Kate is also known to be a coffee and lollipop addict.
Trivia: Her past is foggy and full of mystery in her workplace. Many may get to know her, but only one person truly knows of it. The information won't be leaking out anytime soon though...
Name: Hiroshi Kei
Age: 36
Occupation: International Chief Police
Personality: Despite his age, Kei manages to keep his handsome charm intact, easily wooing the ladies. This chief, however, is married to a lovely wife for almost ten years and has a six-year-old daughter. His home originally in Kyoto, Japan, Kei currently resides in New York City for international affairs. Kei's wise and gentle approach to many of his situations make him the best possible chief to directly work under. However, the man knows when to put his foot down if required. Rumor has it that his anger rivals that of a dragon.
Trivia: Kei watches over Kate ever since she became part of the police force. This chief was the one who had accepted the woman's request and persuaded the higher ups to send the soon-to-be detective oversea for further schooling. At the moment, he is desperately searching for the culprit in a case named "0108" in New York City.
Name: Sumiye Nao
Age: 28
Occupation: Criminal Law Prosecutor in United States + Japan
Personality: This ferocious woman won't hesitate to punch someone to get her point across. Nao is an emotional lawyer whose nerves tend to remain hyperactive, especially during court session. Not to mention how much of a fanatic she is to her hobbies. It's to everyone's surprise how no one has fired her yet. She is a humanitarian and passionately seeks justice for every case. Nao won't hesitate to cross the line, even breaking the law, to save her client(s) and discover the truth.
Trivia: She had actually pursued a degree in Chemistry before switching over to Legal Studies during her college years. It's a mystery since her interest remains in the science department. (Occasionally, Nao is seen sneaking into the forensic department and twiddling around with their supplies.) Nao isn't willing to spill out her reasons to why she became a prosecutor.
[Chapter 5]
Location: New York City, New York
Time: 10:00 PM (22:00)Two murders. One in Grand Central Park, the other in New York City Marble Cemetery. The corpses were dismembered. The corpse at the park had everything but the torso—both arms and legs, as well as the head. The one at the cemetery was pretty much whole, but the method of disposal was bizarre, to say the least. It was buried in the graveyard. That in itself isn’t so unusual, but one of the feet had been lit on fire…
’Case 0108… So this is the case the old man was talking about…’On the seventh floor of the Empire State Building, the dark haired figure was found in her private office. Books, binders, and portfolios were organized throughout the room, showcasing the number of references and past experiences the woman had. A warm, orange light from one of the many wall lamps shined on the file. The lone female rolled the mint lollipop within her mouth as her hands flipped through the papers. Every once in a while, the plastic white stick from the candy would move up and down.
A case on murderous affairs was normal for the homicide detective. People are born into this world only to die in the end. Some live to their fullest, others expire before they reach that goal. It’s merely a part of the natural order, and it was the detective’s job to discover the underlying truths of their deaths.
The young 22-year-old tossed the yellow portfolio onto her desk. Her eyebrows scrunched together as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
’The police could not find any other information… This might be the toughest case I’ve tackled…‘She softly sighed. It was a difficult task. The lack of clues was already a problem. For the decease to die with such abnormalities puzzled the experienced detective. There were cases that she had unsuccessfully solved. Whether this was one of them is left up to speculations. But the young woman was not foolish enough to let worrisome thoughts trouble her. She straightened her posture on her leather rolling chair and removed her hand from her nose. The white stick in her mouth shifted up and down again.
’Looks like I’ll have to head to the crime scene tomorrow—‘Her ears perked up. The office’s telephone on her desk was ringing. Without hesitation, she reached out to grab the black corded phone and place it near her ear. Her nonchalant personality trickled into the now-spoken words.
“This is Detective Kate.”
“Hey, Kate. This is Takumi.”
“…who?”
A soft sigh was heard on the other line. “This isn’t the time to be joking around, Kate.”
“I’m not, sir.”
“…Have you really forgotten who I am?” The man’s words staggered the detective. But before she was able to say a reply, another sigh was made from the speaker. “I’m Takumi… Watanabe Takumi… Remember University of Tokyo?”
Kate furrowed her brows. She barely remembered the time of her life as a college student thanks to her hectic life. Yet the mention of the university sparked a chunk of her memory cells.
The detective, who was a police officer at the time, pleaded and successfully gained permission to earn a degree in Criminal Justice. It was no easy task becoming a detective, especially with a dream of going international. However, with this degree, promotion from her position to a detective would be easier to gain. (Officers spent many years in a special police academy to receive the same title. Kate spent less than five years in comparison.) In order to further close the distance between herself and her goal, she additionally requested to study abroad in Japan.
That was when she met Watanabe Takumi.
“So it is you…” she whispered, eyes widened. “Why did you call me?”
“I have something for you.”
“If it’s another one of your cheap tricks to send me flowers, you got the wrong idea.”
“Kate… I’m being serious here.”
The detective almost dropped her lollipop. Takumi was acting strange. She knew him far too well. He was always the witty flirter with a smart mouth. Laughter was a part of this jolly man, yet the tone of his voice was abnormal. Kate secured the candy in her mouth as she awaited for him to continue.
“Look, I— Gosh, I really… really… REALLY need your help.”
His tone worsened. Exasperated words spat out of the accountant’s mouth as he relayed his situation over. Takumi babbled on, but none of it made any sense to the detective. All she heard was mumble jumble as his voice cracked. To hear her old friend on the verge of breaking down was one of the last thing Kate ever wanted to experience. She had more than enough of it in her line of work. People sobbing and shattering on the spot. The homicide detective thought she had gotten used to it all. Takumi had proven otherwise.
Kate bit down on the candy’s stick hard. “Calm down, Takumi. Take deep breaths.”
“Right… right… Calm I can do…” he breathed. A few inhales and exhales could be heard. The accountant, in the background, was faintly heard over the line explaining to one of his sisters that he was okay. “Sorry about that, Kate. It’s just that… My sister, Mayu… Watanabe Mayu is missing.”
“Watanabe Mayu? Sounds familiar…”
“She’s an idol in AKB48… Least, that’s what I heard from my parents and sisters.”
“Huh… An idol…”
She vaguely remembered the name ‘Watanabe Mayu’ in the media. After all, the woman had no time for entertainment these past couple of years. But she has heard of Mayu before. When they went to school together, Takumi would rave on about how his youngest sibling is achieving her dream of being a superstar. (Frankly, that was all he knew. The man has almost zero knowledge on what an idol does.)
“Time surely flies in four years…” she mumbled. Her sight trailed over to her desk. The documents quickly caught her attention. Kate’s eyes then narrowed. “Why should I take on your case? I may be an international detective, but I have to juggle with an upcoming case.“
“Please, Kate. Please do it… for me.”
Murders. Slaughters. Massacres. Tortures. Brutalities. Those were words Kate was familiar with. It was almost a part of her life as she trudged through case after case of unfortunate victims’ lights having been extinguished. But a missing person case? A missing person can mean many things. Disappearance, kidnapping, suicide, homicide, accident; in all those cases, without any eyewitnesses, there’s no way to collect information. Kate might as well throw it out of the window. It’s an issue that newly licensed or former homicide detectives would handle. It didn’t matter if she was dealing with famous celebrities and political figures. Not only was it a waste of time, but clearly it was not in her interest.
Yet her old friend from college, Takumi, is begging for her to take this on. A friend, whom she had no contact with since their graduation, is pleading for her to find his sister. The private detective is free to do what she wants… Should she drop the case from her chief and focus on Watanabe Mayu’s cases, or should she decline and hang up on him?
“Takumi.”
“Yes, Kate?”
“I—“
Sounds of shouting in the background silenced the female. Kate was barely able to grasp ahold of the issue on the other end of the line. That was when the connection was cut off. The detective, with slight concern, slowly retracted the corded phone away from her ear. When she placed it back to its original spot, without looking up, she questioned, “How long have you been standing there, Kei?”
A male far older than the detective was seen standing in the doorway. Hiroshi Kei, 36-year-old chief police officer of the New York Police Department (NYPD) and International Affairs, lightly chuckled. He crossed his arms and leaned his shoulder against the nearby wall. “Long enough to hear you cut off your sentence. Declined another case?”
Kate was a popular private investigator. Although she wasn’t perfect, she was perfect to many authorities’ eyes. Every case she took on, it was almost guaranteed the truth would show up. Her reputation was at its peak, and it doesn’t look like it’ll drop anytime soon.
The detective took out the finished lollipop’s stick. She flicked her wrist towards the nearest trash can. Kate’s sharp eyes remained on the man. “Kei, I can’t take on this case.”
“You know we’re short-handed on Case 0108, Kate.”
She stood up. The female investigator then focused her attention onto the glass window behind her desk; bright lights from the automobiles and buildings shone in the city of Manhattan. Her back turned towards the chief, she proclaimed, “I’ve got a request from Japan about a missing person.”
He raised an eyebrow, eyes glued to her figure. “I don’t remember you liking these kind of cases. Shouldn’t you leave it to the detectives oversea?”
“I should’ve… and I would’ve if it weren’t for him.”
“Him?” Then it clicked. Kei uncrossed his arms and took a step into her office. “I see… It has been a while since you both met. I was a little worried that you both would fall apart for good—”
“Kei.” A single call of his name sealed his lips shut. The chief scratched the back of his head as his other hand rested on his hip. He did not understand the situation very well nor knew what had happened between the two. However, Kei had forgotten that it was a sensitive topic whenever Watanabe Takumi was brought up. An apology was given to the detective. Kate gave him a similar message.
“I’m… sorry for not assisting you in this case,” she quietly spoke. The private investigator took a couple steps forward. She then stopped once she neared a small coffee machine. A couple buttons were pressed as she continued. “I know you’re undermanned, but it seems Takumi really needs my help.”
Kei waved off her apology. A faint twinkle was seen on his face as he approached her desk. “Kate… I won’t push you to help me. I have fate in what you need to do. Though I won’t lie… It would be great if you were a part of my investigation.”
Kate finally turned around. She was seen grasping two mugs. A thin smile formed with her lips. He was someone she not only admired, but respected and treated like a father. A man of wise words, Hiroshi Kei was an important figure that molded her into who she is today. Luck and blessings bestowed upon her to work, acquaint, and become inseparable friends with him. Without another word to his kind reply, the female urged the older person to come close.
“What’s in tonight’s coffee?” he took the cup.
“Brazil Bourbon beans.”
Kei whistled. “One of the finest coffees in the world.”
“I know my coffees,” Kate smirked.
As they sipped in silence, the police officer broke it after a minute passed by. “I will make a request to send you oversea with your lawyer to the higher-ups.”
“I kind of feel bad for making you deal with those arrogant folks.”
“Hey, if I can send you abroad for schooling, then I can do just about anything,” he snickered. “I can face any challenge head-on with them. Heck, maybe anything really.”
“You got Nao though.”
“Ooo… Why did you have to remind me of her? Nao’s a fiesty one.”
“She is.”
The two chuckled as they took another sip. It was another night in the city. Kate and Kei have gotten used to the peaceful night they were granted every once in a while. However, tomorrow will be the start of a new day. Kei, with his newest case, and both Kate with her lawyer, Sumiye Nao, must head over to Japan for Takumi.
----------
Time Missing: 1 Day
Location: Akihabara
Time: 12:25 PM (12:25)Rage hardly contained enough description to define Yuki’s state. She wanted nothing more to do other than take back her best friend. The female idol was seen blindly running through the quiet neighborhood’s streets. Pedestrians that wandered to and from their destinations shot glances at the passing female. Tears streamed down Yuki’s face as she gritted her teeth.
”Yu-Yuki!”The faint screams of Mayu kept on echoing in Yuki’s head. When she first saw the video, Yuki wanted nothing to do other than scream at the top of her lungs. She could not remember if the other members of the group heard the audio of the video. (It was unlikely due to setting the volume low.) It all happened to fast for her to comprehend. Instinct and emotion took over her body, blacking out a portion of her memory of what happened between now and then.
”Yuki—!”She’ll make that woman pay for hurting Mayu. She’ll make that woman pay for taking away Mayu’s virginity. She’ll make that woman pay for being the cause of Mayu’s suffering. Out of all the people she had to choose from, why did the rapist take her friend?
”Ah! Yuki! YUKI!”Yuki came to a screeching halt. Breaths were heard rapidly inhaled and exhaled at a loud volume. She bore her teeth as her fingers curled inward. Her entire figure was trembling. The tears flowing down her cheeks was like that of a waterfall. Squeezing her eyes shut, the raven haired female desperately struggled with her rage and desperation.
”YUKI—!!!”The idol slammed her fist against the brick wall. Pain receptors became active as blood immediately slid down from her newly-scraped knuckles. Whatever few pedestrians that walked by merely glanced at the woman’s direction before moving on. Yuki’s blood was boiling. She wanted to crush anyone that got in her way.
The text message from the sender… The content… Why would they do this to both her and Mayu? What did she do to deserve this? What did Mayu do to deserve this? Was God trying to punish the two by allowing this act of evil to continue? Where was God when you needed Him?
Yuki retracted her fist before smashing it harder against the wall. Crimson red colored a small part of the bricks as even more of the contacted skin was broken. A violent sob broke out. Her other hand reached up to press the palm against her forehead, fingers tangled with her bangs. She leaned forward as waves of shudders ran through her figure.
’Why… WHY DID THIS HAPPEN?!’Her eyelids snapped open. The idol’s pupil shrunk as she widen her flaming eyes.
’GOD… I’ll make her pay! I’ll tear her apart and make sure she meets a fate worse than Hell! I’ll kill her! I’m going to kill her!’Team B’s leader is willing to commit murder if it means saving her friend. She is willing to break all of the laws in the world to have Mayu safe in her arms.
’Mayu… Oh my Mayuyu…’“Yukirin!”
The sudden call for her name brought her back to reality. Both of her eyes’ size returned back to normal as she slowly retracted her hand away from her face. When she lifted her head, she saw the accountant standing before the female. Takumi was out of breath and sweating profusely. A faint, but brief, smile cracked on his face.
“Oh thank goodness you were here,” he proclaimed. “I wouldn’t know what to do if you had ran off any farther.”
“Takumi…” Yuki frowned. “I have to go.”
“Go? Go where?”
“Yes, I have to go save Mayu.”
She turned her back towards her friend’s brother. As Yuki was ready to take off, Takumi grabbed one of her wrist. Little did he know he had gotten ahold of her injured hand. The blood that was dripping from her wound began to smear on his hand. Kashiwagi Yuki jerked her hand away from him. Her expression was scrawled with complete anguish. Just the sight nearly made Mayu’s older brother’s heart stop.
“Yuki…”
“Takumi, please, leave me alone!”
Her request was denied. Instead, he twisted her around with hands on her shoulders. Then, Takumi shook Yuki.
“Please! I know this hurts you! It hurts me just as much as it does to you!” He immediately pulled the Team B Captain into his embrace. Yuki was startled by his action, instinctively attempting to tear away from the man. But his strong arms kept her in his grasp. Tears welled from his eyes as the accountant shook his head. “God… GOD… I know it hurts… Please… don’t go out on your own…”
She felt all of her energy slip away from her muscles. Now slumping against the firm brother of Mayu, Yuki buried her face into his shoulder as tears poured out once again. Her fingers curled on his shirt, crinkling it and smearing it with her blood. Takumi rubbed her back in attempt to comfort her.
He was just as furious, if not, even more than Yuki. As an older brother who had promised to protect and keep his family safe, this is a living Hell for the accountant. The male Kashiwagi knows action needs to be taken. After seeing the video, would everyone in the family and the supporting AKB48 members finally come to a consensus on a plan? Would his old friend, Kate, actually take on his case?
Those thoughts were useless to think about on its own. Takumi needed to talk to the others today.
Both figures retracted from the hug. His brown eyes fell upon the bloody mess that laid upon the young woman’s hand. The corner of his lip twitched.
“We need to get you patched up,” he muttered. Takumi’s hand reached out to firmly hold her other hand. “If Mayu were here… She wouldn’t forgive me for seeing her closest friend hurt like this. Let’s go back to the others, okay?”
Yuki’s only response was a gentle squeeze of his hand.
----------
Time Missing: 2 Days
Location: Unknown
Time: UnknownI just wanted to die.It was simple, really. Never in my life have I had such a thought cross my mind. I was down on the cold floor, laying on my stomach. The palm of my hands felt like it was glued to the surface of the ground, and anything below my waist was completely numb.
I stared up at the two females. My clothes was properly back on my body, but the violations that Shiki had done unto me was unforgivable. Tears prickled the corner of my eyes. I trembled, almost aware that my bones are rattling from how shaken I was. The taste from the woman’s body lingered in my mouth. I had never felt more embarrassed in my life than that moment. It should give me the strength to fight back even harder at my captors.
Still, I could do nothing other than remain as a helpless sitting duck. I hated that. Every single time I try to go against them, they find ways to counterattack. Every counter they did, it only shattered my resolve to ever leave.
Was it even possible to leave? How long am I stuck here? Will I ever be freed? Are they going to do something far worse to me? Will anyone… save me? The answers are out of reach. No matter how much I demand to know, not even a single hint came by.
One of the two bent down to my level on the floor. Both of her hands reached out to grab ahold of my head. I tried to shake off the woman’s grasp, but only to no avail. She wildly grinned.
“Oh Mayuyu~ I was so glad you were able to sing for us!” Shiki exclaimed as she rubbed her face against mine. My wet and weary eyes blankly gazed at the student. A tiny exhale left my mouth. “If only you could sing for us like that more… and just for us…”
I shakily exhaled again. I lack the energy to counter. Venomous words I wish to spit at them got caught in my throat. I just… gave up.
“By the way~ I hated how you called out to Yukirin while you sang though…”
I nearly choked on air. My throat felt a tightening sensation as I felt small amount of energy rush back into my system. I shook off Shiki’s hold from my face. Though I was unable to crawl due to the numb sensation of my lower body, I found a faint line of courage in me to speak.
“S-She’ll save me…” I growled. “I know Yukirin will save me!”
Yomi grabbed my collar and lifted my upper body up. I saw her pupils darken. Although I shouldn’t be afraid of these sick people, I felt my heart nearly stop.
“It’s a shame you have such dirty thoughts…” Shiki whined nearby. Her head tilted, she pressed on finger on her own lips. “How dare you think of only Yuki making you sing?”
Ridiculous! How do they process the information that’s in front of their face? I sobbed as I weakly attempt to push Yomi away.
“Y-You did that to me!” I cried. “Yuki is the only one I love!”
I didn’t think before I speak. Whether I meant what I said or not is left up for questioning. I wanted to question why I said it, but I was not given the chance. As a result, I felt an impact on the side of my face. My head twisted to the side as an explosion of pain slammed on the area. I widen my eyes. Yomi’s hand retracted to her side, and she bore her teeth.
“Your mind is filthy, Watanabe Mayu,” she spat. “We need to clean you up.”
I was barely used to the duo using my nickname. For her to use my full name, I felt like crying. The pressure of the tension was slowly widening the cracks. If I don’t get out of here soon enough, I might just break.
Topic: Disappearance Season 1 [REMAKE] - Chapter 5 (03/25/16) (Read 19091 times)