Psycho-Pass: Halcyon Days

Chapter 6

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"HQ received a signal from your holo device, but didn't receive a message. Running a scan of the area around your coordinates, the area stress level was completely normal so the MWPSB didn't dispatch any backup."

"Just like with my Dominator. It read their Crime Coefficients as within regulation value." I stared at Tsunemori with concerned eyes.

"During our investigation this morning at Nobuyoshi Pharmaceuticals, we discovered that the corporation's new Cerebral Repression Serum, or 'Curse' (CRS) as we've designated it, was stolen last night."

"You mean the new drug that's supposed to help rehabilitate individuals with clouding hues?" I asked, trying to process the information.

She nodded. "It was Special Inspector Halcyon who deduced that the malfunctioning of your holo device, the regulation value area stress level, and Curse were all connected. He bolted out of the door ahead of us and well, you know the rest." Her head tilted back as she stared up at the sky, taking advantage of her momentary relief from duty.

I turned to the man that had come to my rescue and stared in awe. He was able to piece together all of that information and respond accordingly without hesitation. Everything Ginoza had said about him had been confirmed as far as I was concerned.

"Inspector Tsunemori rose to her feet. "Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to thank him in the days to come," she said as she dusted off skirt. "You've both been assigned to a special unit along with myself and a few others."

"I doubt there's much that could surprise me anymore," I replied lightheartedly. As I spoke, the medical unit arrived and Ginoza was quickly placed into the med bay in the back of the vehicle.

"Make sure you get checked out, Inspector." Tsunemori's voice was stern, but caring.

"Yes, ma'am," I grinned, raising my fully extended fingers to my brow.

Tsunemori shot me another smile before walking towards the medical unit. Opening the rear door, she then disappeared into the med bay as the vehicle pulled out of the now-clear intersection and onto the main road.

I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the air that had been selflessly afforded to me. I tried to retreat into my own mind and forget about all of the pain that assaulted my tattered body. I wanted to forget about the sound of the murmuring crowd and the clanging of autonomous personnel. For just one moment, I wanted to feel the cool breeze caressing my cheeks, I wanted to feel the solid ground beneath my feet, and I wanted to relish in the fact that I was alive.

That was...exciting. The words were unexpected, but true as they formed in my head. This is what it means to be an MWPSB Inspector.

As I embraced the moment, my eyes slowly opened, becoming slits before the intense rays of the sun. A shadowy figure then approached, blocking all but the uppermost beams of light. Alabaster hair stood up above his forehead, dancing gently in the wind while several heavier strands fell onto his face. Only the slightest tint of blue in his irises made them distinguishable from the whites of his narrow eyes. Sharp, masculine features coalesced to form the stolid expression on his face.

Special Inspector Halcyon extended his large, calloused hand towards me and then spoke in a deep, emotionless tone.

"Can you stand?" He asked calmly.

"Yes, I think so. Thank you," I answered, taking his hand as he helped me to my feet. His hand was warm and completely swallowed mine in its grasp. Finding equilibrium on my own two feet, I glanced up at him. There must have been 30 centimeters from the top of my head to the top of his.

"It would be wise of you to see a doctor." His eyes scanned my many cuts and bruises. "The wound on your head seems particularly significant. Judging from your lack of balance and disoriented expression, I believe it's safe to conclude that you've sustained a mild to moderate concussion."

Reaching back to touch my head, I winced as my fingers traversed a large bump on the back of my head. Ow, I thought.

"Special Inspector Halcyon," I said through the pain. "I wanted to thank you for what you did. For saving Ginoza and I. I'd say it was reckless, confronting them on your own like that, but you handled yourself exceptionally well. I've honestly never seen anyone move like that. It was like something out of the movies." My head throbbed as I searched his eyes for any semblance of empathy.

"Your gratitude is misplaced. I was merely performing my duty. We're to be partners after all." His voice was smooth and it felt as though he were staring right through me.

"Partners?" I muttered without thinking.

His eyes narrowed further. "You are Inspector Rei-Lin Amari, are you not?"

After an awkward silence, it occurred to me that he had been referring to our new assignments. "Oh, of course. Right. Yes, partners." Even as I stumbled over my words he didn't react. He was simply silent and still. Only his alabaster hair dared to embrace the rhythm of the wind.

"You know, I think I will go get checked out," I said partially embarrassed.

"A keen judgment, to be sure."

Can you at least blink? Scratch an itch? Anything to make you appear human would suffice.

"If you'll excuse me, Inspector Amari. I need to prepare my report. Are you sure you can manage on your own?" The generosity of his words did not match the emptiness of his tone.

"I'll be all right. Thank you again, Inspector," I said with a bow.

With that, he turned to leave, leaving behind an earthy musk that flirted with hints of citrus.

"Inspector Halcyon, just a moment please." I lifted my hand slightly as I called out to him.

He stopped in his tracks a few meters in front of me and looked over his shoulder as he replied. "Yes, Inspector?"

"Earlier, you said 'beautiful.' What did you mean?" I wasn't quite sure why or how it had stuck with me all this time, but it was something that has piqued my curiosity ever since I heard him utter the word.

"Your hair," he said simply.

I was speechless for a moment. "My hair?" I asked, puzzled.

"Your hair is very pretty. Short hair becomes you."

At that moment, I remembered that unfortunate man's words. "Frankly, I'm a little disappointed. Bitches with short hair always turned me off." My eyes grew large and I felt a sudden flush at my cheeks.

"Once you've had time to properly convalesce, we'll speak more. Until then." The Inspector turned once more and walked away.

The sun finally moved from the center of the sky. It was hard to believe that so much had transpired in such a brief period of time. The crowds slowly started to dissipate as the deceased were carried away and the injured were driven off for processing. The pleasant breeze had steadily died down to an occasional gust. Inspector Shimotsuki questioned me briefly about the attack. She was particularly interested in Special Inspector Halcyon's involvement.

Back at HQ, I finally got around to making my way to the medical bay for a checkup. Halcyon's diagnosis had been confirmed. I had suffered a moderate concussion and was given a medical leave of absence until I showed significant improvement. I even spent the night in the infirmary. I remember dreaming of another clear day after a spring storm. I recall the the smell of freshly cleaned air, the damp earth, and a hint of citrus.

"Inspector Amari." A warm, feminine voice called out to me.

Rousing from sleep, my eyes rebelled as I tried to open them. When they finally complied, large brown eyes stared at me from the doorway.

Inspector Tsunemori.

"Inspector, I need to speak with you," she said in a soft tone.

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