13/9/2055

2:18 PM

Newmars City PHE

Chief Jason Divia’s office

Jason

Stretching my arms above my head, I crack my neck.

Definitely need a cup of coffee right now. The fatigue is starting to weigh me down, and the thought of that steaming, aromatic cup of joe is something I’m in desperate need of right now. 

Standing up, I walk over to the coffee maker and pick up a pod sitting right next to it. The rich aroma wafting up to greet my nostrils as I insert it into the machine. Placing my mug underneath and pressing the button to start the brewing process, the machine hums to life, as I watch with anticipation as the coffee starts to drip into my mug. 

Just as I’m about to pull my freshly made drink out of the machine, my pocket begins to vibrate. Hastily retrieving my phone, I see the name that I see on the screen. An unexpected name, catching me off guard.

“Isamu?” 

Pressing the “receive” button and tapping my earpiece, the familiar voice on the other end, brings a sense of nostalgia. “It’s been a while.”

“It really has old friend. How are you?” 

“I’m good, just busy.” I reply, glancing over to the pile of paperwork I still have yet to get through.

“Good, good... Look, we need to talk.” 

Isamu’s tone change lets me know this isn’t a social call.

“Sure, I have some time.” A lie, but given his tone, this is serious.

“Are you alone?” 

“Why would that matter?” I ask, my brow furrowing.

“It’s about your girls.” Isamu’s words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. I don’t like where he’s going with this.

Instinctively walking to the blinds and closing them all, I take a seat at the desk.

“Isamu. Depending on your next words, we might have a problem.” My voice is firm, and my mind races with the possible scenarios.

“...Sorry. I could have phrased that better. Well, due to some circumstances, right now, Isabelle is actually staying at the compound with us.”

Wait, what? 

“Explain.” More of a demand on my part, the parent in me coming to the forefront, wanting any information I can glean.

Isamu proceeds to detail what’s transpired, providing as much information as he can. The fact this has happened to Isabelle without my knowledge infuriates me, and a flurry of questions flood my mind. Why haven’t they called me? What’s going on?

“Which brings me to the main reason why I’m calling you. I think I need to apologise as I think this is my fault.” Isamu’s voice quivers.

The last time he spoke to me like this was… 

Oh.

“No. Surely not.” A vain attempt to comfort him, as honestly, from what he’s said, deep down, a sinking feeling tells me that he might be right.

“...It is. I gave her a scan, and well, there is evidence of mind control. She was drugged also but I think that was to make her mind more pliable to it. Her being then sent to attack us in particular… I…  think Kousei has resurfaced.” Isamu’s words send shivers down my spine, and my mind races.

I pause for a moment, and then have to ask. “Are you sure?”

I hear Isamu sigh deeply before answering, his voice cracks as he replies. “Considering what happened… to Christine… It’s the only thing that makes sense.”

He sounds like he wants to cry, and I guess he’s been holding this in all this time.  Understandable considering what happened.

“Isamu. This is serious. If you’re right, I’ll need to-” He cuts me off, his tone resolute.

“Please. Don’t. I need to handle this myself.  I feel bad enough I’ve gotten Isabelle involved. I need to make this right.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, Isamu, but-” I hesitate, knowing that what I am going to say next will hurt him, but it’s a truth that needs to be said. 

“You’re powerless right now, what can you do?” He beats me to it, his voice carrying a sense of determination,“Jason, you have to trust me. I’m calling you now in case something goes wrong.”

What? The hell is he talking about? “Isamu. What are you planning?”

“Do you trust me, Jason?” 

Come on Isamu, don’t ask me that. “You know I do, but you have to understand. The twins are legally my daughters. I promised their Mother I would look after them if anything happened to her, and given what you’ve just told me, I’m already failing that. So I need you to be straight with me. If not I’ll have to intervene on my end, and trust me, you might have funded the PHE but I’ll do everything in my power to stop you if you put them in danger.”

Nothing. He breathes lightly on the other end of the line. Like he’s contemplating.

His past… wait, he doesn’t mean?

“Lay it on me.” 

What Isamu relays to me is not what I was expecting to hear. He’s actually going to…. finish it? The implications of that would be…

“Jason?” 

Isamu awaits my reply, and for the first time in a long time, I’m at a loss for words. He’s… actually serious. 

“You realise this will be a huge issue if anyone finds out, right?”  Feeling it necessary, I caution my long-time friend,  “I won’t be able to help you.” Even with his previous inventions, he’s been treading a thin line, but this…

“I know Jason, and thank you for caring, but I’ll need to. Thankfully It’s been in a state of near completion for a while. I’ll be finishing it soon.”

“I hope you’re prepared for this.” 

“So do I.”