Gail was near panic as she tried to keep up with the others. One moment her and her friends were enjoying a movie, the next she was surrounded by mercenaries, kitsune, and alien robots. "Are we there yet," she called frantically.
"Right there," Sachiko called, pointing to Yurikos home. Gail said nothing glancing at the house. It appeared safe enough, a lone home in a sparsely populated part of town. As they got closer, Gail could see a woman standing on the wrap around porch watching the kids as they approached. "I wonder if that Sachikos mom," Gail thought.
Passing the front gate, an odd sensation passed over Gail. Gail was puzzled for a moment, it felt like a static shock. Shaking it from her mind she now bolted inside, placing her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath.
"Are you kids okay," Ayami asked nervously. Gail nodded before looking up and screaming.
The illusion hiding Ayami's true form had dissipated. Instead of a young Asian woman, a blue skinned, winged angel now stood before the teens. "Gail its okay," Sachiko said quickly. "This is my mom."
The teens praised, curiously gazing at the angel sporting a pair of glasses. "Um hi Mrs..?"
"Ayami," she said. "You can call me Ayami. My, um, husband doesnt really have a last name. Which reminds, Sachiko where's your father? Is he okay?"
The question was answered as soon as Ayami asked. Akira threw open the front door, startling the teens as he sheathed is katana. "Sachiko are you hurt?"
"No poppa," she said quietly.
Ayami quickly approached her husband, noticing the blood that covered her husband. "Are you hurt," she asked, checking Akira for injuries.
"I'm unharmed beloved," Akira stated. "How is Sachiko? Is she hurt?"
"I'm okay poppa," she said. "My friends are too, who were those people?"
Akira said nothing, is attempts at interrogating the one soldier he had left alive proved to be fruitless. The only thing he had said before swallowing cyanide was We are the Normal.
"Um excuse me," Stella asked meekly. "Who were the other two that helped us? The alien and the robot?"
"That was Darr.."
"The Catalyst," Rexie interrupted, stopping Sachiko from finishing. "They're friends, they must have heard you were in trouble."
The teens now gave Akira, Rexie, and Ayami a quizzical look. They obviously knew who this mystery duo were and wouldnt reveal their identity. Their curiosity was obviously peaked, meaning it would be something they would have to look into later.
"Okay," Ayami interrupted. "Sachiko were glad you're all safe but I should really get your friends home."
"How are we going to get home," Ewart asked.
"I can get you home without any issues," Akira stated. "Rexie, could you take Sachiko and her friends into the other room. Ayami and I need a moment."
Rexie nodded, escorting the four teens and Sachiko into the other room. Once the group was out of earshot the kitsune and angel let out a loud sigh.
"I so worried about you two," Ayami whispered as she hugged her husband. "Who were they?"
"All I was able to learn is their name," Akira stated. "The Normal."
"The Normal," Ayami exclaimed. "Why would they target Sachiko and I thought they were gone."
"Apparently not," Akira snorted. "And if Darren and Hannah responded as well than Yuriko is aware of the threat as well."
"And it also means we should take Savhikos friends home before they return," Ayami added. "The last thing he needs is more people knowing hes the Catalyst."
Akira nodded as he rubbed his chin in thought. "Ayami can you get the children home there is something I need to do."
"No problem but what are you going to do?"
"If this is the Normal than they will have dealings with some of the less savory members of society," Akira stated. "Yuriko has talked with Jack but I think I know someone who may have better information."
"Who?"
"My sister Aiko," Akira stated. Ayami gasped, protesting vehemently against involving his sister.
"Shes is the matron of the Nakamoto clan," Akira stated. "Chances are the Yakuza have had dealings with them. If we are to find our daughters attackers we will need her help." Ayami sighed, nodding in agreement. While she trusted Akiras younger sister Aiko, she worried about involving the Japanese mafia. All she could do now was hope a Yakuza wouldn't take interest in Sachiko or Darren.