A second chance

Littlerosebud : Here for you, dear readers, the second chapter, in Yuan’s point of view! Enjoy, everyone!!

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Chapter 2 (Yuan’s P.O.V)

I woke up slowly to the sound of my phone ringing continuously. I groaned in annoyance as the ringing hurt my sensitive ears, but even so I didn't get up. I was sure I hadn't slept more than an hour. I cracked an eye open and threw a glance at my clock. Nice... It was reading four thirty in the afternoon. I had slept only half an hour. I turned my face away and buried it in my pillow, trying to ignore the annoying sound. It eventually died down and was replaced by my answering machine. Despite myself, I listened to the message and recognized the voice of one of my working colleagues.
“Yuan, I know you're there. Listen, I would like to let you rest, but the chief is asking that you come to the police station as fast as you can. Something must have come up. It looked urgent, so I suggest you don't make him wait too much... You know he can be scary when he's pissed off!”
The voice died down and I knew it wasn't a joke because of the alarmed tone of my colleague. I also knew that it wasn't really wise to ignore orders from the chief... But I hadn't had a day of in weeks...

The chief had assigned me on the case of a serial killer who had already taken the life of about ten young women. They were morbid murders, all perpetrated in the same manner; the victim was strangled to death and her corpse brutally violated. After the second murder, I had been immediately put on the investigation, after asking to take care of it. That type of murderer disgusted me and I had promised myself to bring that mad man to justice. But it wasn't that easy. He was clever... too clever. My team and I had searched every corner of the crime scenes, sure that this killer would leave some clues at one point, some traces that we could use to track him down! But he left nothing behind. He was a shadow, striking at the time and place we never would have guessed, merging into the darkness again once his deed accomplished.

I was tracking him for two months now without respite, two long months without even a single day off. Only my determination was keeping me from giving in to the tiredness, but sometimes, I couldn't help but think that I was wasting my energy in vain... Today was one of these days. So I asked the chief to give me a day off and he complied straight away, seeing that I couldn't keep up that cadence for long now.

So why was he asking for my presence now? Maybe he had gotten precious information on that psychopath... I sighted deeply and rubbed my forehead. Even if I needed sleep badly, I couldn't bring myself to ignore the chief's orders, especially if it could be the way to put that killer behind bars... I sat up slowly on my bed and grimaced when a sharp pain ran through my head. I reached for my bed table and took the painkillers. I got up and stumbled to my kitchen in search of a glass of water. I swallowed the pills and got to the bathroom, watching my reflection in the mirror. I needed to look at least presentable before going to the police station. I grimaced again while observing my reflection. My too pale skin made me look like I was sick and I wore dark rings under my eyes. My long blue hair was a complete mess. I rapidly combed my hair and tied them up, leaving a long bang to cover my right eye. I noticed that I was still in my uniform. I then remembered having collapsed on my bed seconds after arriving to my apartment, not even having the strength to change myself. I tightened the knot of my tie and straightened my clothes. Okay. Now, I was at least presentable. I caught something quick to eat in the kitchen. Something told me that I wouldn't have the time to eat decently tonight... again. My feet led me to the small entryway. After all, I was far from having the biggest apartment in the city... Not like I would need something bigger, considering how little time I passed in here. I put on my coat and placed my m9 type pistols at my waist. I rarely used them, preferring to use kendo instead. But another protection was never too much in this job... Sure that I hadn't forgotten anything, I got out of my apartment and locked it before walking to my car.

***

I stopped my vehicle in front of my department, the central direction of the judicial police that takes care in particular of searching and tracking dangerous individuals. I was transferred in that department three years ago and I never regretted it since then. Before that, I worked for four years for the department of public security that specialises more in minor crimes. But something was missing. I was feeling out of place there. When I was offered a post in the judicial police, I accepted right away. A bigger danger never scared me.

I climbed rapidly the stairs to the entrance and pushed the glass door. The secretary at the entrance greeted me with a sweet smile and I smile in return, though with less ardour. My mood wasn't exactly at its highest, I must admit. The chief better had a good reason to take back the day off he gave me. If not, he would have to suffer my foul temper. I walked down the corridor that led to my boss' office. When I got to the door, I knocked loudly on it and waited, hoping that he was on the other side and that I wouldn't have to search in the entire department to find him.
“Come in, it's open.” The low-pitched voice of the chief reached me through the door.
I obeyed and opened the door of the office always overloaded with files. The chief was sitting behind his desk. He was clutching a smoke at his lips and the hard features of his face were serious. That didn't mean anything good... I closed the door behind me to prevent anyone from eavesdropping. The chief lifted his gaze on me and I'm sure he saw the worry written on my face.
“I understood that you wanted to see me for an urgent matter, chief Bryant?” I asked him, trying to hide the doubt and worry under a calm tone.

Regal Bryant got up and turned his back on me and I saw a curl of smoke raise in the air. I grimaced in disgust despite myself. I will always wonder what he likes so much in these death sticks... Bryant turned his head lightly and fixed his gaze on me again, like he was awaiting something from me.
“Well, sit down. What I'm about to say is really important.” He informed me while showing the chair in front of me with a gesture of his hand.
I sat down half heartedly, not liking what his words were implying in the least. In this domain, I got used to the fact that “important” usually meant something bad... At the least, it was never good news. I glanced at the chief's large back, waiting in silence for what he had to announce.
“Yuan, I would like you to abandon the case of that serial killer.” He told me in a steady voice, turning to face me.
I simply looked at him, stunned. He couldn't really have... asked me to drop the investigation? After all the time I spent on it? I felt a whirlwind of emotions rising dangerously in me and I had to contain myself to not let loose an irrational anger. I clenched my fists and stared at him.
“I don't understand. Why do you want me to abandon the case? I'm not good enough? If that's the reason, I assure you I'm doing the best I can to catch that psycho!” I protested harshly, barely containing my anger and incomprehension.

Bryant's hand passed over his eyes in a tired gesture and he sighed. He put out his cigarette in the ashtray and sat back, locking his calm gaze in mine.
“Calm down and listen to what I have to tell you. I'm well aware of the fact that you put your all in that investigation and that it still doesn't get results. Consequently, I'm currently wasting the talent of my best officer and I can't allow it anymore.” He explained in a deep voice I deemed too calm.
I instantly got up and banged my hands violently on the desk, throwing daggers at Bryant. I couldn't contain my anger anymore.
“So if I understand correctly, you want to drop the case!? And all these victims and their families, who will avenge them? That man is way too dangerous; we can't let him roam the streets!!” I screamed my anger, oblivious of the fact that I should remain polite with my chief.
I was pissed off beyond belief. I never would have imagined that Bryant could take the investigation away from me and let it unresolved. It left me the impression that all these sleepless nights, all those days passed at tracking down that dangerous criminal were completely insignificant. Like these two months was a waste of time! I shook with anger and tried to suppress my impulses. Bryant wasn't helping me in the least. He was still displaying that calm facade that I so wanted to rip away right now. He folded his arms and looked at me with a severe glance.
“You should at least let me finish, Yuan. I'm not dropping the case. Only, I want to assign you to a new investigation, one on which you will not lose your time for nothing. I will put someone else on the case of the serial killer.”
Hearing his words, I felt my anger melt away to become mere deception. Deception, because I would never see the conclusion of that case on which I worked so hard. But I knew that no matter how much I would protest, Bryant would not change his mind. I knew him too well. He was determined to assign me to a new case. I slowly sat back in the chair and dropped my gaze.
“Is that not just a gentler way to show me my failure to stop that criminal?” I pronounced my fears despite myself.

I heard Bryant laugh gently and I looked at him, outraged. How come he could laugh in this situation? There was nothing funny at all! I think he saw the indignation on my face because he soon stopped laughing and smile gently instead.
“You should know since a long time ago that I have faith in you, in your capacities. The reason why I transfer you on another case is because an incident was reported to me and I have no one to take the investigation. I thought of giving it to you.” Bryant explained in a softer tone, seemingly considering that I had calmed enough.
I understood his reasons but I couldn't stop myself from being disappointed by his decision. But I knew protesting would achieve me nothing and I would get the case whether I wanted it or not. I resigned myself and showed a mask of impassibility and determination.
“What is it about?” I asked him simply with a neutral voice.

Bryant took a folder on the top of a pile and handed it to me. I opened it and the pictures of two victims horribly burned at the point where they were unrecognizable immediately caught my eye. Despite all my years working as a police officer, I was still being moved when I saw images like that. Bryant leaned towards me, trying to get my full attention.
“A fire started this morning in the Nanba district. The department of public security immediately sent police officers on the scene and the firemen put out the fire after many hours, but... the occupants of that house had no chance. It's about a woman and a young child.” He explained in a serious voice.
I was staring at the pictures while listening to the words Bryant said. I couldn't help but to think the death of these people was unfair. Sometimes, I told myself I wasn't fit for this job. I was way too sensible. I forced my gaze away and looked at the serious face of my boss.
“I suppose the reason why the department of public security gave you this case is because it is a criminal fire?” I suggested despite knowing already the answer.
Bryant smiled a little and leaned back in his chair.
“You’re a quick thinker, I like that! According to their message, they found some proof, but they didn't precise their nature. You will have to go yourself on the scene, the quicker the better.”
“I figured as much. Man, I knew a day off was too much to ask...” I groaned in displeasure, not pleased at all to delay my much needed sleep.
I got up and took the folder with me. Bryant also got up and squeezed my shoulder with a strength that made me grimace. Really, that man wasn’t conscious of his strength! I freed myself from his grasp in a subtle manner.
“I’m counting on you for this investigation! I await your report tomorrow morning without fail.”
I nodded and shook the hand he was offering me.
“You can always count on me, boss. Okay, I’m off. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I turned away and got out of the office. I sighed deeply. The day promised to go on forever...

***

I stopped my car before the security zone. Already, my gaze was looking over the rubbles of what had been a house. It was nothing more than burning ashes and desolation now. I got out of my vehicle and saw two police officers coming towards me. I got out my badge to show them my identity.
“I’m the officer Yuan Ka-Fai from the department of judicial police.” I announced my title clearly, certain that they already heard about my arrival.
“Ah! We were waiting for you, officer Ka-Fai. Follow us, please.” The younger of the two asked me to follow him.
I nodded and followed his steps. We entered the security zone and walked to three police cars stationed opposite the burned house. I thought this was probably where they had stored the evidence they found. A ranked officer seemed to be waiting for me, for he was leaning nonchalantly against the hood of one of the cars. When I approached him, he smiled at me and reached a hand. I shook it and presented myself again.
“Officer Yuan Ka-Fai. And you are?” I asked for his name, wanting to know with whom I would be working.
“Officer Orochi Shibuya, from the department of public security. I’m proud to finally meet the best police officer from the judicial police! You’re quite famous around here, you know!” He talked in an amused voice that annoyed me right from the beginning.

I couldn’t comprehend how that man could grin like that when such a tragedy just occurred here! I thought his attitude was degrading and was not befitting of a serious police officer. It was all I needed to hate this man before even knowing him. I must admit that I was the kind of man to easily judge someone and I was rarely mistaken on them. Anyway, Orochi didn’t deserve my liking and I made it so he would know it.
“Enough nonsense, I came here because I was told you had discovered evidence that suggested a criminal fire?” I got straight to the point, not making any efforts to hide my irritation.
Orochi’s smile faltered a little. At least that man wasn’t as dumb as he first looked. He moved away from the car’s hood and circled the vehicle, motioning me to join him. I did as I was told, not wanting to extend my stay near this man. He opened the boot and took a small attaché case. I opened it and frowned when I saw the evidence.
“Here is all we could find. All that was left in these ashes. There must have been more evidence, but it was all lost in the fire...” Orochi explained rapidly, but I ignored his words.
I slipped a pair of gloves to avoid touching directly the evidence. I lifted carefully something that looked like a gold locket and looked curiously at it. While watching it, I saw a little indentation in the metal, proof that it must have opened before, but the metal had melted and was preventing me from seeing what it contained. I put down the object and took a small bottle in what laid a yellowish liquid.
“Have you an idea about the nature of this liquid?” I asked Orochi firmly, certain that he would have at least thought of something.
I saw him taking out a cigarette and lighting it before taking a long draft. Not again... I seemed to attract the idiots that like to smoke. I threw him a dark glance but he didn’t take notice. Orochi wasn’t doing anything to gain my liking that was for sure.
“Well, from the texture and smell, I deducted it must be some inflammable oil, but only a thorough analysis will tell us of its nature. I can be wrong.” He suggested in a knowing tone that just annoyed me further.
I put down the bottle where I took it with an irritation and impatience well shown. Orochi must have felt it for he stopped his blabbering and looked at me carefully. I saw that the attaché case only contained one more evidence, a small bag containing a white and dusty substance. I frowned.
“Where did you find this... powder?” I asked my partner without bothering to look at him.
“At several meters away from the scene. It seems the one that started the fire did his job badly. There was little chance the fire would spread to that extent...” He replied in a disdained tone.
I looked closer at the powder. Really strange. Up close, I couldn’t recognize the substance. I replaced the bag and closed the attaché case. I turned to face Shibuya, giving him all my attention.
“Take these evidences to the laboratory. I want them analysed as soon as possible and I want the results as soon as they arrive. Got it?” I gave him my orders, leaving no place to argue.
I saw Orochi lose his smile completely and he scowled. He didn’t seem to like receiving orders. What a shame that I was more ranked than him...
“We will get them analysed as soon as we can...” He answered coldly.

I turned my face to hide a satisfied smile and that is when I first caught sight of him. I couldn't say why but I found myself unable to turn my gaze away from that lone figure. It was a man, sitting in the background of the rubbles, his gaze lost in the remains of what was once a house without really seeing them. Two police officers were standing near him, wanting to make sure he wouldn't do anything careless. Ma curiosity was immediately sparked.
“Who is that man?” I asked Orochi with my gaze never leaving the stranger.
Orochi followed my gaze and frowned when he saw the object of my curiosity.
“We tried to interrogate him, but he doesn't want to tell us anything. The only thing we learned from him is that this was his house. The victims must have been his wife and son.” He answered me with an irritated voice.
I felt my heart clench when I thought about the pain this man must feel. To lose someone precious to you and being completely helpless to save them... I knew that feeling all too well. That feeling of complete emptiness, like you were falling into a dark and endless abyss... I felt myself inexplicably attracted to that man. I turned to face Shibuya.
“I’m counting on you to give me the results of the analysis when they arrive. You know where you can join me. Also, I want to be informed if new evidence is found.” I ordered him as I got out of my pocket the card of my department and giving it to him.
Orochi seemed to take it half heartedly. He glared at me and I excused myself. I walked towards the man that so strangely caught my eye. I barely heard Orochi telling me a good evening. I rejoined the small group and the two police officers greeted me politely.
“Good evening. Could I talk to that man for a moment, alone?” I got straight to the point, knowing that they will not turn down my request.
They looked at me, their faces showing hesitation. They seemed to consult each other before nodding their heads.
“Very well, Officer Ka-Fai. But I'm warning you, he probably won’t respond to your questions. He refuses to talk and only sits there.” One of the officers told me with a tired tone.
“I thank you for the advice, but even though I will try.” I replied in a firm tone, letting him know that I wouldn't change my mind.
The two officers moved away reluctantly, throwing me furtive glances along the way. I paid them no mind. Rather, I looked at the stranger. I couldn't see his face very well since he obstinately looked at the ruins of what had been his house. I sat next to him, being careful to leave some distance between us. I looked at him sideway and I saw him tensing up. At least, he was conscious of my presence. He was surely expecting me to assault him with annoying questions like the other officers did. I did not. A silence crept between us, a silence that was, without even knowing the reason, far from uncomfortable. Soon, I saw him relax when he wasn't drowned in questions. I took that time to observe him more closely. He didn't seem that much older than me even thought tiredness and the emotions of the day were shadowing his features painfully and made him seem older. His tousled auburn hair was falling before his eyes and was hiding them partially from my view. His eyes, reflecting a myriad of emotions and a heartbreaking pain were still refusing to leave the disaster. My heart squeezed painfully again as I felt the grief and pain that seemed to vibrate in his whole body. It radiated from him with so much power... I forced my gaze away and swallowed hard as my throat tightened. I tried to keep the memories that were threatening to swallow me at bay and I didn't notice that the man was looking at me. But I did notice when a violent shiver ran through his body as a cold wind blew hard. I put out my coat and offered it to him without thinking.

It was then that I locked gazes with him for the first time. I stopped breathing when his dark pupils plunged into mine. They were reflecting so much pain that I could not even begin to imagine the wound of his heart. I felt myself unable to turn my gaze away and I jumped when his cold hand brushed against mine as he took hold of the coat I was offering him. He looked away and put my coat on his shoulders.
“Thanks...” He whispered in a weak and hoarse voice.
I didn't manage to answer back and simply averted my eyes. Several minutes passed before his deep voice broke the silence again.
“I thought you had some questions to ask me.” He spoke in a voice filled with bitterness.
My lips curled in a sad smile and I looked at the darkening sky.
“You’re right, I have many questions, but I know now is not the time to ask for answers...” I vaguely explained before looking back at him.
My words seemed to obtain his attention fully. His dark eyes stared at me with confusion.
“I also lost someone dear to me long ago. I think I understand the pain you're going through and the desire to be left alone... And being harassed is surely the last thing you need right now...” I whispered in a broken voice as my memories engulfed me and I pushed them away again.

He must have felt the sincerity of my words for his features softened and a heavy sadness replace the confusion in his eyes. I couldn't bear such a glance. I never could. I averted my eyes again and chew nervously on my lower lip. Without knowing why, that man was making me act differently. I never felt so... nervous with anyone before. These last years, I had built up a facade to hide my true emotions from the others. But that man... That man gave me the impression that he could see the very depths of my soul. I had the sudden urge to get away from that stranger, but at the same time my heart wanted his closeness... I angered against myself at my own indecision. Then I noticed he was still looking at me and the expression on his face told me my inner battle had shown on my features. Shit. I sighed deeply. I was overly tired and I wanted nothing more than to get back to my apartment right now but I couldn't leave this man alone in his state.
“I’m Yuan Ka-Fai, officer from the department of the judicial police.” I presented myself while offering my hand, hoping to at least hear his name.
I saw him hesitate one second before shaking my hand.
“Kratos Aurion.” He simply answered with a tired voice.
I didn't push him further, knowing too well that his name was all I would obtain tonight.
“Do you have a place to go to?” I asked him as the perspective of seeing him sleeping outside tonight left a bad taste in my mouth.
I heard him laugh but it wasn't straightforward. It was tinged with bitterness and what I think was disgust. I looked at him with confusion as he shook his head softly and a sad smile spread on his face.
“There’s somewhere I could go, but... I would prefer to die than to go there!” Kratos spoke with an anger barely conceived. I frowned before his change in attitude.
“Then why not the hospital? They take in people who lost their home in an incident and have nowhere else to go.” I proposed and saw that sad smile again.
“I can't go there...” He whispered while looking at the remnants of his home.
I didn't understand the meaning of his words and that sparked my curiosity. Why in the world would the hospital not accept him? I forced myself to think of a reason but I came empty... I shook my head. I was losing the important matter. Kratos had nowhere to go. Without thinking, I took a pen and a piece of paper out of my pocket and wrote down my address and my phone number. I handed him the piece of paper.
“Here is the address of my apartment and my phone number. If you ever want to talk to me or need a place to sleep, don't hesitate.” I proposed him in a firm tone.
I saw his eyes open wide in surprise for a split second before he took hold of the paper. I got up under his inquisitive gaze and began to walk away when I heard his voice behind me.
“Wait! You forgot your coat!” His strong voice reached me clearly.
I turned my head slowly and looked at him from my shoulder. He too had gotten up and was holding my coat in one of his hands. I smiled at him.
“Keep it. It will give you an excuse to come see me!” I told him in an amused voice.
I didn't wait for his answer and walked away rapidly. It was only when I had started up the engine of my car and that I began to drive towards my apartment that I realized I had invited a perfect stranger to stay at my place. I should have been angry at myself, but strangely, I thought I had to do it. Sure, I didn't know a thing about that man, but he gave me the impression that I had known him for my whole life. No, I didn't regret it. I then thought about what Kratos said concerning the hospital. I frowned. I knew for certain that the only people the hospital didn't accept were criminals... I shook my head and forced that thought to go away. One thing was for certain; Kratos was hiding something and it could be a vital element for the investigation. One way or another, I would see Kratos again and that thought warmed me up inside. I surprised myself hoping for Kratos to come live with me for a while. I was sick of the solitude.

Really, I didn't regret my decision. But I was far from doubting it would change the rest of my life...

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Littlerosebud : Hope you like this chapter! There may be some mistakes, since Saenda and I are not native English people. And like Saenda said in the first chapter, we don’t have any beta. So please bear with us!!

Next chapter will be from my lovely Saenda. Don’t miss it!!

And reviews are really, really appreciated! We will give cookies to anyone who reviews!! ^_^ Thank you for reading!