The Darkest Of The Dark

(1976) I will cut this little girl

Author's Note

In case you don't know, the Imperial Household Agency is responsible for relaying news to the Emperor of Japan, with the Grand Chamberlain as its leading official.

In Kokyo (The Emperor's Residence)

A dozen people in suits are rushing through the hallway, their footsteps echoing on the wooden floors. They pass several doors before finally stopping, breathless, in front of an ornate door adorned with diamond accents, a gold bottom panel, and a silver frame. One of them knocks, and a voice answers from within.

Voice: "Who is it?"
The voice carries a hint of sadness and loneliness. Some of the officials wipe sweat from their hands onto their pants, their anxiety palpable.

Officials: "It's us, Your Majesty."
Still catching their breath, they speak in soft tones, their voices trembling slightly.

Emperor: "Come in."
The Emperor's voice is heavy with sorrow, reflecting the weight of his responsibilities.

One of the officials grasps the doorknob, turning it to open the door. Inside, they see a study. At the center is a wooden desk, and behind it, the Emperor is seated, a bottle of alcohol on the desk and a glass in his hand. A large television is mounted on the wall to the side. The officials enter and close the door behind them, kneeling before the Emperor, who acknowledges them with a nod, his eyes weary. Noticing the drink in his hand, they rise in unison, a shared concern etched on their faces.

Emperor: "What brings you here?"
His voice is soft, his expression unreadable, though a deep sadness lingers in his eyes.

One of the officials, Akihito, steps forward, determination mixed with trepidation.

Akihito: "Your Majesty, the Imperial Household Agency has come upon something of great importance."
His voice carries the same sorrow, filled with urgency.

Emperor: "What is it, Akihito?"
The Emperor's face remains blank, though sadness is evident in his eyes, hinting at the burden he carries.

Akihito: "A package arrived in my office—a tape. When I played it... it was horrifying."
Akihito's voice falters, and he stammers slightly, his heart racing.

Five Minutes Earlier

A young woman holding a stack of envelopes knocks on the door labeled Grand Chamberlain's Office. The doorknob turns, and Akihito appears, a warm smile on his face that fades into concern upon seeing her.

Girl: "Good afternoon, sir. Here's today's mail."
Her voice is soft and polite as she hands him the envelopes. Akihito thanks her with a smile, though his eyes reflect the seriousness of the situation.

Akihito: "Thanks very much, ma'am."
He smiles as he waves and closes the door, a knot forming in his stomach.

He returns to his desk and sits, placing the envelopes in front of him. Opening one, he finds a tape inside. As he inspects it, he notices a message scrawled across the surface:

"I will cut this little girl."

He gasps, his breath quickening as panic sets in. Rising from his chair, he paces across the carpet, feeling the weight of dread settle over him. He puts the tape into the television and folds his arms, anxiety coursing through him as he watches the screen.

As the video begins to play, the footage shows Akemi, bound to a chair, with a man standing ominously beside her.

As the tape ends, Akihito stands motionless, devastated by what he's seen. Tears brim in his eyes as he turns away from the screen, feeling a sense of helplessness. After a moment, he hurries out of his office, slamming the door behind him. Running next door to the Imperial Household Agency, he bursts into a room where eleven others sit at their desks.

Akihito: "Everyone, we need to move quickly!"
The officials look up in alarm, surprise etched across their faces. Noticing one person dozing at his desk, Akihito rushes over and taps him on the neck.

Akihito: "Sleeping beauty, it's time to wake up. We have an emergency."
The man blinks, looking up tiredly, confusion in his expression as he processes the urgency.

Akihito: "Follow me."
Akihito exits, the others hurrying after him, their faces showing a mix of concern and determination.

Present

Emperor: "Play the tape."
His voice is weary, and he taps his foot on the floor, frustration mingling with sorrow.

Akihito: "I must warn you, Your Majesty. It's graphic."
He says this with a sad smile, a flicker of hope still lingering.

Akihito goes to the television and puts the tape in. Tension fills the room as they all wait, eyes glued to the screen. The video begins to play, and as the contents unfold, everyone gasps in shock, their faces pale with disbelief.

The Emperor looks closer, devastated. His jaw drops, his foot stopping its tapping as he blinks in disbelief, horror dawning upon him.

As the tape ends, leaving the room in heavy silence, the Emperor finally speaks, his voice breaking the tension.

Emperor: "Good lord."
His voice carries disbelief at the shocking news, a tremor evident in his tone.

All of them: "Good lord."
They echo his words in unison, their faces reflecting the weight of what they've just witnessed.

Emperor: "Five billion yen..."
His voice remains incredulous, his face devoid of expression, shock consuming him.

Akihito: "What should we do, Your Highness?"
His tone is urgent, a hint of desperation creeping in.

Emperor: "I love Akemi deeply, but we cannot negotiate. As much as it pains me, we must not let this go. We must fight... for Akemi."
His voice grows firm with resolve as he looks at them, determination shining in his eyes.

Akihito: "How, Your Majesty?"
He leans in slightly, eager for direction, his brow furrowed.

Emperor: "From the video, I saw a padded wall, children's drawings, broken glass. The only place I know with a padded wall is a mental hospital—likely an abandoned one."

Akihito: "A mental hospital?"
His tone is incredulous, uncertainty creeping in.

Emperor: "I'm certain."
His expression is resolute, unwavering.

Akihito: "What next, Your Highness?"
He looks at the Emperor, ready for orders, determination etched on his face.

Emperor: "Search every abandoned mental hospital in Japan."
His voice is steady, filled with a sense of urgency and purpose.