《Pulverize》 Chapter 1: The awakening Hiroto sat in his Upper West Side penthouse apartment, the city lights glowing through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The room blended modern minimalism and traditional Japanese aesthetics, a sanctuary where he could find balance amidst the chaos of his life. He¡¯d called Ms. Carter from Child Protective Services every day for weeks, leaving messages that went unanswered. The silence was deafening, and each day without a response gnawed at his resolve. Desperation had driven him to this point. He needed answers, and he needed them now. A sleek workstation hummed in a rheumatic tumult in the corner of his living room. Here, he had been working with Robert, a brilliant machine learning scientist and artificial intelligence expert. Together, they¡¯d finished Kaen, an AI modeled after Hiroto¡¯s old master. He was beside himself, thinking about how lifelike the machine was, and so much like his old master. Kaen¡¯s profound wisdom inspired awe and reverence in Hiroto¡¯s heart. ¡°Remember, Kaen is in a fragile state. His code base has grown to an impractical size to back up across the internet. Besides, I don¡¯t trust the damn web these days, not with all the radicals trying to bring down the world¡¯s infrastructure,¡± Robert had said. What happened to him? Robert had promised to build a backup system for Kaen all those weeks ago. Hiroto hadn¡¯t heard from him since. He made a mental note to check up on the brilliant programmer once he had a lead on Aiko. Family comes first. Hiroto¡¯s sister, Jane, had helped write the first version of the Kaen software and personality algorithm. Her contributions had been invaluable, infusing the AI with a depth of understanding and empathy that Hiroto hoped would make it more than just a machine. Tonight, he would test Kaen for the first time, giving it information about Aiko and the details of her altercation with Paige and Harold in Westchester. Hiroto took a deep breath, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. He entered the last instruction to activate Kaen, his heart pounding in his chest. The screen flickered, and a soft, resonant voice filled the room. ¡°Ah, Hiroto. It has been a long time since I last opened my eyes. What wisdom do you seek from this old master?¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Hiroto felt a chill run down his spine. The voice was similar to his master¡¯s, a perfect blend of authority and warmth. He cleared his throat, trying to steady his nerves. ¡°Kaen, I need your guidance. My niece, Aiko, is in a difficult situation. After an altercation with her guardian, Paige, and her partner, Harold, they placed her in foster care. I have been trying to contact Ms. Carter from Child Protective Services, but she has not returned my calls. I fear for Aiko¡¯s well-being and need to bring her back home.¡± The AI was silent momentarily, as if contemplating Hiroto¡¯s words. When it spoke again, its tone conveyed the measured calculation that somehow exuded kindness and thoughtfulness. ¡°Tell me more about Aiko and the events that led to her current predicament.¡± Hiroto recounted the details, his voice steady but filled with emotion. He spoke of the tragedy that had befallen Aiko¡¯s parents, the dark days under Aunt Paige¡¯s cruel watch, and the fleeting moments of joy when he had brought her home. He described the altercation in Westchester, the fear and anger that had driven Aiko to lash out, and the subsequent decision by Child Protective Services to place her into foster care. Kaen listened, its virtual presence almost palpable in the room. When Hiroto finished, the AI spoke again, its voice tinged with a hint of sadness. ¡°Aiko has faced much adversity in her young life. She needs stability and the love of her family. The foster care system, while staffed with well-intentioned professionals, often needs to see the individual behind the protocols. We must show Ms. Carter that you are the best guardian for Aiko.¡± Hiroto nodded, his resolve strengthening. ¡°But how do we do that, Kaen? She won¡¯t even return my calls.¡± ¡°Patience, Hiroto. We must approach this with strategy and wisdom. First, gather all the evidence you can to support your case. Character references, proof of your stable home environment, and testimonials from those who know you and Aiko well. Then we will craft a compelling argument highlighting your dedication and capability as her guardian.¡± Hiroto felt a surge of hope. ¡°I will gather the supporting evidence. But what if Ms. Carter continues to ignore me?¡± Kaen¡¯s voice took on a reassuring tone. ¡°We will not rely on her goodwill. Use your network, Hiroto. Reach out to those in positions of influence who can advocate on your behalf. And remember, persistence is key. Do not give up, no matter how many doors are closed in your face.¡± Hiroto took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. ¡°Thank you, Kaen. Your guidance means more to me than you can imagine.¡± ¡°Remember, Hiroto, the warrior¡¯s path is not just about physical strength. It is about resilience, wisdom, and the unwavering commitment to those we love. Know that you will bring Aiko home.¡± A smile formed across his face as Hiroto made a mental list of potential allies. Kaen was more than a machine. He was the noble essence that brought him hope when there was none. Chapter 2: Detention Center Aiko awoke on the cold, unyielding floor of the detention center, her body aching from the rough handling she had endured. The dim, flickering lights cast eerie shadows on the walls, making the room feel like a nightmarish labyrinth. She sat up slowly, her head throbbing, and took in her surroundings. Several girls, mostly older and tough looking, surrounded her, their eyes filled with curiosity, hostility, and pain. Aiko¡¯s heart raced as she realized the precariousness of her situation. A tough-looking girl, around seventeen, with fiery red hair and many elaborate tattoos, sauntered over and plopped down beside Aiko. The girl was so close that Aiko could smell the nauseating cafeteria meatloaf on her breath. She exuded confidence and strength, and her piercing blue eyes locked onto Aiko¡¯s with a predatory gleam. ¡°Name¡¯s Ginger,¡± she said, her voice a low, gravelly purr. ¡°You look like you could use some protection.¡± Aiko shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°No, thank you.¡± Ginger¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. ¡°Are you sure? A pretty girl like you won¡¯t last ten minutes without me to protect you.¡± Keep your cool, Aiko. I must heed Uncle¡¯s lessons. ¡°I¡¯m sure. Now, leave me.¡± ¡°Watch yourself, little one,¡± Ginger said as she stood and strode out of Aiko¡¯s cell. One of the older girls, a burly brunette with a cruel sneer, entered Aiko¡¯s cell and rummaged through her meager possessions. ¡°I can use this,¡± the brunette said as she pocketed Aiko¡¯s toothpaste. ¡°Put it back.¡± ¡°What? Is the little mouse talking to me?¡± ¡°You should show her who¡¯s boss, Roxy,¡± one inmate said. The brunette backhanded Aiko so hard she hit her head against the wall. Aiko¡¯s instincts took over, and she punched Roxy in the gut, then kicked another girl who tried rushing her. The brutal clash happened so fast that Aiko barely had time to think. Aiko fought with conviction, and her actions were on autopilot as she defended herself. Aiko only saw fists, legs, and teeth as the snarling girls ganged up. She grabbed one of the incoming arms and yanked it out of the socket. The girl cried in pain. Aiko then managed to break the girl¡¯s arm with a sickening snap. Pain seared through Aiko¡¯s side as she was stabbed by a homemade knife, the crude blade slicing through her skin. Several guards stormed in and subdued the brawling girls. Aiko was dragged to the infirmary, her side bleeding profusely. The sterile, antiseptic smell of the room assaulted her senses as she was roughly deposited onto a metal bed. A doctor, a stern woman with sharp features and a no-nonsense demeanor, began tending to her wounds. The doctor¡¯s eyes bore into Aiko¡¯s as she worked, her voice clipped and accusatory. ¡°Why did you attack those girls?¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Aiko winced as the antiseptic stung her wound. ¡°I was protecting myself,¡± she replied, her voice steady despite the pain. The doctor looked skeptical. ¡°Self-defense, huh?¡± She finished bandaging Aiko¡¯s side and left her alone, handcuffed to the bed. The lights dimmed, casting long, ominous shadows across the room. Aiko¡¯s mind raced, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and confusion. She tugged at the handcuffs, but they only bit into her wrists, leaving angry marks. Footsteps echoed in the hallway, growing louder with each passing moment. Aiko¡¯s heart raced, but she practiced her breathing and slowed it down. As the door creaked open, a man stepped into the room. The dim light obscured his features, but his presence was undeniably menacing. He stopped short of her bed, his voice a low, sinister murmur. ¡°Hello, Aiko. My name is Malcolm.¡± Aiko¡¯s breath caught in her throat as she strained to make out his features. ¡°What do you want?¡± she asked. Malcolm chuckled, a sound that sent chills down her spine. ¡°I need your help to solve a little puzzle your mother was working on.¡± Aiko¡¯s eyes narrowed with suspicion. ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡± Malcolm¡¯s smile widened, a predatory glint in his eyes. ¡°I urge you to reconsider. I can make your life a living hell in this place.¡° Aiko¡¯s defiance flared. ¡°Who do you think got you in here in the first place?¡± Malcolm continued, his voice dripping with malice. ¡°Your foster parent put you here.¡± Aiko¡¯s heart sank as doubt gnawed at her. ¡°Mrs. Henderson would never¡ª¡± ¡°She would,¡± Malcolm interrupted, his tone smug. ¡°I threatened her with prison if she didn¡¯t cooperate. She had no choice.¡± Aiko¡¯s mind reeled, the weight of Malcolm¡¯s words pressing down on her like a suffocating shroud. She wanted to believe in Mrs. Henderson¡¯s loyalty, but the seed of doubt had been planted and took root in her heart. Malcolm leaned in closer, his breath hot against her ear. ¡°Think about it, Aiko. Help me, and I can make all of this go away. Refuse, and you¡¯ll regret it.¡± Aiko¡¯s resolve wavered, and her mind became conflicted as she filled with emotion. She closed her eyes, trying to shut out the darkness that threatened to consume her. The memory of Liam¡¯s lifeless form flashed before her eyes, and a steely determination took hold. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible. Malcolm straightened, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. ¡°Good girl. You¡¯ll be hearing from me again soon.¡± He turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing in the silence. Aiko lay back on the bed, trembling with fear and anger. She had to find a way out of this nightmare to uncover the truth and bring justice to Liam¡¯s memory. As the hours ticked by, Aiko¡¯s mind raced with possibilities. She couldn¡¯t trust Malcolm, but she couldn¡¯t ignore the leverage he held over her. The puzzle her mother had been working on was a vital piece of the mystery, and Aiko needed to understand it if she was to have any hope of escaping Malcolm¡¯s grasp. The dim light of the infirmary cast long shadows on the walls, and Aiko¡¯s thoughts drifted to her mother. She remembered the late nights spent poring over mathematical formulas, the look of intense concentration on her mother¡¯s face as she worked tirelessly to uncover hidden truths. Aiko had always admired her mother¡¯s brilliance. Now, more than ever, she needed to channel that determination and intellect. Aiko¡¯s eyes fluttered shut as exhaustion overcame her. When she awoke, the infirmary was bathed in the pale light of dawn. The handcuffs made her wrists scream in agony. She could barely move them without pain. The door creaked open, and the doctor entered, her expression inscrutable. She removed Aiko¡¯s handcuffs and checked Aiko¡¯s bandages. ¡°You¡¯re healing well,¡± she said, her tone devoid of warmth. ¡°Thank you.¡° ¡°You¡¯re being moved to a different cell. Try to stay out of trouble.¡° Aiko¡¯s legs buckled as she tried standing. The doctor helped her to her feet. ¡°I feel a little woozy,¡± Aiko said. ¡°I gave you something for the pain. It should wear off soon enough.¡± The guards escorted her to a new cell that was barely larger than a closet. A feeling of claustrophobia set in as the cell door slammed shut. Aiko¡¯s heart sank with her hopes and dreams for a normal life. Chapter 3: Flashback into hell Aiko lay on the hard, narrow cot in her cell, her body aching from the recent fight and her mind reeling from the day¡¯s events. As exhaustion overtook her, she drifted into a fitful sleep, her subconscious plunging her into a vivid nightmare. Aiko found herself in the Henderson home. The place she found family and was accused of exploiting. She would clear her name. It was that bastard Jack who caused this misery and she would prove it¡ªif it were the last thing she would do.Screams of pain brought her out of her revery. The familiar surroundings warped, shadows stretched long, and colors dulled, as if viewed through a grimy lens. She moved through the house, her footfalls falling dead in the eerie silence. As she entered the kitchen, time slowed as the scene unfolded before her. The scene played out before her, like a twisted movie bound to her nightmares. Liam stood there, his eyes wide with determination as he held the shotgun. Jack¡¯s twisted grin stretched wide, his teeth gleaming like daggers. ¡°Well, well,¡± Jack¡¯s voice dripped with malice, echoing in the dreamscape. ¡°If it isn¡¯t our little ninja. Come to watch the show?¡± Aiko tried to scream, to warn Liam, but no sound escaped her lips. She froze, forced to watch the horrific events unfold before her. A shotgun appeared and Jack snatched it and shoved into Liam¡¯s face. They moved with grace, each movement was exaggerated and grotesque. Jack¡¯s fist connected with Liam¡¯s throat. A gurgling sound reverberated through Aiko¡¯s entire being, followed by a sickening crunch that made her stomach churn. No! I can¡¯t let this happen again. Not in real life or in my dreams. Liam fell to the ground, desperate to capture the last gasp of air from the room. Aiko saw the fear in his eyes, a silent plea for help that she was powerless to answer. She tried to move, but she couldn¡¯t move. Jack¡¯s laughter rang out, a cruel, inhuman sound that seemed to come from everywhere. ¡°You can¡¯t save him, Aiko,¡± he taunted. It¡¯s impossible to save any of them. Remember, you¡¯re poison. Everything you touch withers and dies.¡± The scene shifted, and Aiko was kneeling beside Liam¡¯s body. His eyes, once full of life and kindness, now stared at the ceiling. She reached out to close them, but his head turned towards her as her fingers touched his skin. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you help me, Aiko?¡± Liam¡¯s voice was a raspy whisper, his lips caught in a sneer. ¡°Why did you let me die?¡± Tears streamed down Aiko¡¯s face as she tried to explain and apologize, but no words came. The room began spinning, and the Henderson family surrounded her. The Henderson family¡¯s faces were twisted in grief and accusation. Mrs. Henderson¡¯s voice cut through the silence like a knife. ¡°We took you in, Aiko. We loved you like our own. And this is how you repay us?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Aiko finally choked out. ¡°I never meant for any of this to happen.¡± Jack¡¯s voice boomed from everywhere and nowhere. ¡°But it happened, didn¡¯t it? And it¡¯s all your fault. You brought this darkness into their lives.¡± The scene shifted again, and Aiko was back in the kitchen. This time, she watched in horror as Mrs. Henderson reached for the shotgun. The blast seemed to last forever, Jack¡¯s body disintegrating in slow motion, blood and viscera painting the walls in a grotesque mural. ¡°See what you¡¯ve done?¡± Jack¡¯s disembodied voice whispered in her ear. ¡°You¡¯ve turned a loving mother into a killer. How does it feel to destroy everything you touch?¡± Aiko fell to her knees, overwhelmed by guilt and anguish. The room spun faster and faster, a kaleidoscope of blood and accusatory faces. She could hear Liam¡¯s desperate gasps for air, Mrs. Henderson¡¯s anguished screams, and Emma¡¯s heartbroken sobs all blending together into a cacophony of pain. ¡°Stop!¡± Aiko screamed, clutching her head. ¡°Please, make it stop!¡± Darkness and silence enveloped her. Aiko found herself in a void, surrounded by darkness. A single spotlight illuminated her, and she could feel unseen eyes watching her from the shadows.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°It will never stop, Aiko,¡± Jack¡¯s voice echoed in the emptiness. ¡°This is your legacy. This is what you leave behind wherever you go.¡± Faces appeared in the darkness¡ªher mother, bloodied and broken. Liam, his eyes lifeless and accusing. They circled her, drawing closer with each rotation. ¡°You can¡¯t escape it,¡± Jack continued, his voice seeming to come from within Aiko¡¯s mind. ¡°You can¡¯t run from who you are. You¡¯re a harbinger of death and destruction. Embrace it.¡± Aiko fell to her knees, covering her ears and squeezing her eyes shut. ¡°No,¡± she whimpered. ¡°That¡¯s not who I am. I won¡¯t let you define me.¡± She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see her mother standing before her, whole and radiant. ¡°My brave Aiko,¡± she said softly. ¡°You are so much stronger than you know. Don¡¯t let the darkness consume you.¡± With a gasp, Aiko jolted awake, her heart pounding and her body drenched in cold sweat. The cell was dark, the only light coming from the dim hallway beyond the bars. She sat up, drawing her knees to her chest and trying to shake off the lingering tendrils of the nightmare. The dream had felt so real, so vivid. Jack¡¯s taunting voice echoed in her mind, and she could still see Liam¡¯s lifeless eyes staring at her. Guilt washed over her in waves, threatening to drown her in its intensity. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Liam,¡± she whispered into the darkness. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry I couldn¡¯t save you.¡± As the adrenaline from the nightmare faded, the reality of her situation settled back in. She was alone in a cell, accused of crimes she didn¡¯t commit, with a mysterious and dangerous man named Malcolm pulling strings from the shadows. Aiko closed her eyes, focusing on breathing as she tried to center herself. She thought of her uncle¡¯s teachings, of the strength and resilience he had instilled in her. Aiko couldn¡¯t let the darkness win. She had to uncover the truth, clear her name, and bring justice for Liam and the Henderson family. The puzzle her mother had been working on before her death¡ªit had to be the key to everything. Malcolm wanted it, which meant it must be important. But what was it? And how could Aiko hope to solve it when she didn¡¯t know where to begin? As she pondered these questions, a flicker of movement caught her eye. She looked up to see a tiny spider building a web in the corner of her cell. Aiko watched, transfixed, as the little creature worked, spinning its intricate design with patience and precision. The spider¡¯s determination sparked something in Aiko. If this tiny creature could persevere in building its home, even in this bleak place, she could find the strength to keep fighting. ¡°I won¡¯t give up,¡± she whispered to herself. ¡°I¡¯ll solve this puzzle, and I¡¯ll make things right. For Liam, for the Hendersons, and for my mother.¡± With renewed resolve, Aiko reviewed everything she knew about her mother¡¯s work. She recalled snippets of conversations, glimpses of complex equations scrawled on papers scattered across her mother¡¯s desk. There had to be a pattern, a clue hidden within her memories. As she delved deeper into her thoughts, a faint memory surfaced¡ªa conversation she had overheard between her mother and a colleague. They had been discussing ¡°quantum entanglement¡± and its potential applications in cryptography. The words had meant nothing to Aiko, but now they seemed to hold a newfound significance. Was this connected to the puzzle Malcolm was looking for? Was her mother working on some kind of unbreakable encryption method? Aiko¡¯s mind raced with possibilities. If she could piece together her mother¡¯s research, she could use it as leverage against Malcolm. But to do that, she would need access to information ¨C books, computers, anything that could help her understand the complex theories her mother had been working on. Aiko¡¯s mind formed a plan. She would need to be careful, playing along with Malcolm just enough to gain freedom of movement within the detention center. She could start piecing together the puzzle by accessing the library or a computer lab. As the first rays of dawn filtered through the small window of her cell, Aiko felt a glimmer of hope. Despite being trapped, Aiko¡¯s mind was free to work, plan, and solve the mystery that had taken her mother¡¯s life and drawn Aiko into its complexity. She lay back on her cot, her body exhausted but her mind alert. She closed her eyes and made a silent promise to herself and those she had lost. ¡°I will uncover the truth,¡± she vowed. ¡°And I will make things right, no matter the cost.¡± With that thought, Aiko drifted into a dreamless sleep, her determination shielding against the nightmares that had plagued her. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but she allowed herself a moment of peace for now, knowing she had found her purpose amidst the chaos. The sound of keys rattling and the heavy cell door creaking open jolted Aiko from her slumber. She blinked away the last vestiges of sleep, her body tense and alert as a guard entered her cell. ¡°On your feet, inmate,¡± the guard barked. ¡°You have a visitor.¡± Aiko¡¯s heart raced as she stood, her mind whirling with possibilities. Who could be visiting her? Had Malcolm returned so soon? Or could someone from the Henderson family come to confront her about the tragedy that had unfolded? Aiko steeled herself for whatever lay ahead as she was guided through the sterile corridors of the detention center. She would not let fear control her. She would face this new challenge with the strength and resilience her uncle had instilled in her. The guard ushered her into a small, windowless room with a table and two chairs. Aiko¡¯s breath caught in her throat as she saw who awaited her. Detective Hughes sat there, his expression unreadable as he gestured for her to take a seat. ¡°Hello Aiko, we¡¯re long overdue for that chat,¡± Hughes said. Aiko took a seat, closed her eyes, breathed in the stale air then braced herself for the trials to come. Chapter 4: Investigating Aiko Hiroto leaned back in his chair, absorbing Kaen¡¯s words. The AI had given him a sense of direction, a path to follow amidst the chaos. He documented everything he knew about Paige and her foster home. He contacted friends and colleagues who could provide character references. Kaen¡¯s voice echoed in his mind as he worked, a steady reminder of the wisdom and resilience required for this battle. Hours passed, and Hiroto stared at the screen, a mix of exhaustion and determination in his eyes. Just as he was about to shut down his computer, Kaen¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°Hiroto, I have accessed the public records and cross-referenced them with all databases. The authorities took Aiko into custody last week. The Westchester police took her into custody and placed her in a detention center. She is serving time at the Westchester detention center, awaiting a trial date.¡± Hiroto¡¯s heart sank. The thought of his niece, alone and frightened in a detention center, was infuriating. He dialed Ms. Carter¡¯s number, and she picked up after the second ring. ¡°Ms. Carter, this is Mr. Abiko. I¡¯ve been trying to reach you for weeks. Aiko is now in custody. What is going on?¡± She spoke with a composed demeanor, though a hint of unease lingered beneath. ¡°Mr. Hiroto, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. The arrest has made her case problematic, and I¡¯ve been actively trying to gather the necessary information. I assure you, I will get to the bottom of these allegations. Aiko¡¯s well-being is my top priority.¡± Hiroto felt a glimmer of hope. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Carter. Please keep me updated on any developments. I need to know she¡¯s safe.¡° ¡°I will, Mr. Abiko. I promise.¡± Hiroto ended the call, his mind racing. He needed more information, and he needed it fast. He contacted Sumoto, a good friend and a skilled hacker. Hiroto trusted Sumoto despite his unpredictable nature. He dialed Sumoto¡¯s number, and after a few rings, a gruff voice answered. ¡°Hiroto, it¡¯s been a while. What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Sumoto, I need your help. It¡¯s about Aiko. Sumoto, I need your help,¡± Hirto said. He explained the details of Aiko¡¯s arrest and his conversation with Ms. Carter. The line fell silent for a moment. ¡°Hiroto, you know it¡¯s not that simple. She¡¯s a minor, and getting that information will be a problem. And it¡¯s illegal.¡°Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°I know, Sumoto. But she¡¯s my niece, and in trouble. I can¡¯t just sit here and do nothing. Please, I need your help.¡± Sumoto sighed. ¡°Alright, Hiroto. I¡¯ll see what I can do. But you owe me for this, big time.¡° ¡°Thank you, Sumoto. I appreciate it more than you know.¡± Hiroto ended the call and leaned back in his chair, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He glanced at Kaen, who seemed to sense his turmoil. ¡°Do not lose hope, my friend. Sumoto will find the information we need. In the meantime, continue gathering evidence and building your case. We must be prepared for every eventuality.¡± Hiroto nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He reached out to friends, colleagues, and even Takahashi relatives. Since Hiroto didn¡¯t know his brother-in-law¡¯s family well, he wasn¡¯t surprised when they refused to help. The next morning Hiroto woke to a stiff neck as he pulled his head away from his desk. I should have taken a break. His phone buzzed. It was a message from Sumoto. ¡°Got some info. Call me.¡± Hiroto dialed Sumoto¡¯s number, his heart pounding. Sumoto answered almost immediately. ¡°I¡¯ve got some details on Aiko¡¯s case. It wasn¡¯t easy, but a friend in the juvenile court system owed me a favor. Aiko¡¯s altercation with the Henderson¡¯s was more serious than we thought. There were allegations of murder, and given her previous record, the court placed her in detention until her trial.¡° Hiroto¡¯s mind raced. ¡°Previous record? What are you talking about?¡± Sumoto hesitated. ¡°It seems Aiko had a few run-ins with the law while she was under Paige¡¯s care. Minor stuff, but it added up. The court saw her as a repeat offender.¡± Hiroto felt a surge of anger and frustration. ¡°All because of Paige¡¯s negligence. Aiko isn¡¯t a criminal. She¡¯s just a kid who¡¯s been through hell.¡° ¡°I know, Hiroto. But the system sometimes sees it differently. We must build a strong case to show the court that Aiko deserves a second chance and that you¡¯re the best person to provide her with a stable, loving home.¡± Hiroto took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. ¡°Thank you, Sumoto. I¡¯ll take it from here.¡° ¡°Good luck, Hiroto. And remember, you owe me.¡± Hiroto ended the call and turned to Kaen. ¡°We need to act.¡° Kaen¡¯s voice was a soothing monotone. ¡°Indeed, Hiroto. We must proceed strategically. Contact Ms. Carter with the new information and continue to gather support from your network. We will present a compelling case to the court.¡± ¡°I¡¯m out of my depth here. I need to get some professional help,¡± Hiroto said. ¡°I¡¯d advise against contacting outsiders you don¡¯t know,¡± Kaen said. Hiroto considered for a long moment. ¡°Fine, but I must visit Aiko to see what else she can tell me. I¡¯m not leaving her fate to chance.¡± ¡°While you¡¯re gone, I¡¯ll keep probing; something doesn¡¯t add up here,¡± his AI said. Hiroto reached for his jacket and headed for the door. Chapter 5: Shadow persuasion Westchester County, Shadow Dealers Compound Two days later Malcolm Whitmore picked up the phone again, ready to speed up the development of Mindjevity. But before he could dial, the phone rang. He stared at the ancient rotary telephone for a long moment before he picked it up. ¡°Operator Niles,¡± the voice on the other end announced. ¡°What do you have for me, Niles?¡± Malcolm asked, leaning back in his chair. ¡°We have Kyle and Paige in custody,¡± Niles reported. ¡°We caught Kyle and Paige trying to board a train,¡± Niles reported. They destroyed the headset technology and wiped the mainframe.¡± Malcolm¡¯s face flushed with anger. Deciphering that dead woman¡¯s tech was like finding a pebble in an ocean. Kyle and Paige agreed to help Malcolm reverse engineer Jane Takahashi¡¯s mind control technology. Obviously, they had other plans. They knew Jane¡¯s tech better than anyone alive, but they¡¯ve become a liability. ¡°Bring them to the interrogation room. I want to question them.¡± ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Niles replied. An hour later, Malcolm entered a small, windowless conference room. Kyle and Paige sat bound to their chairs, their faces pale and drawn. Malcolm offered a thin smile as he took his seat across from them. ¡°Mr. Brennan, Miss Rothchild,¡± he began, his tone cordial. ¡°I hope you understand the gravity of your situation.¡± Kyle¡¯s eyes flicked to Paige, then back to Malcolm. ¡°We destroyed everything,¡± he said, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. ¡°The headset, the mainframe¡ªit¡¯s all gone.¡± Malcolm leaned forward, his fingers steepled. ¡°And the backups? Where might those be?¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°There are no backups. We wiped everything.¡± Malcolm bit his lower lip hard enough to draw blood. The coppery taste was both sickening and exciting, he was going to enjoy punishing them. With a wave of his hand, a team of masked men entered the room. One man carried a pair of headpieces, a clump of wires and electrodes dangled from his hands. Kyle and Paige squirmed, and the men forced the equipment to their heads. Malcolm didn¡¯t flinch as Paige whimpered. She batted them away from the men, applied electrodes all over her body. ¡°Stop this,¡± Kyle said. ¡°My technology might not be as sophisticated as yours, Mr. Brennan,¡± Malcolm said, his voice cold and detached. ¡°But I assure you, I will get what I need from her.¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Paige screamed as the electric shock therapy began, her body convulsing with each jolt. Malcolm felt a broad smile tug at his cheek muscles. He rarely got this excited; it had been so long since he had enjoyed a good show. ¡°Where are the backups?¡± he demanded. Paige¡¯s cries filled the room, but she gasped, ¡°I don¡¯t know! Make it stop!¡± Malcolm pulled Paige¡¯s eyelid open and pulled a penlight from his pocket and shined a purple light into one of her eyes. Blood oozed from the socket. She screamed. ¡°I have one more backup,¡± Kyle admitted, his voice quivering. ¡°It¡¯s old, but it has what you are looking for, the keys to project Mindjevity. Just leave her alone.¡± Malcolm felt a smile touch his lips. He loved it when they begged. With another wave of his hand, a man removed the electrodes from Paige, who slumped forward, sobbing. ¡°I know what you two are planning,¡± Malcolm said menacingly. ¡°I don¡¯t care what happens to the girl. But I need her to get past the genetic locks. I¡¯ll grant you a rare demonstration of my power to ensure you understand my seriousness.¡± Without another word, Malcolm drew a pistol from his coat and shot Paige in the head. Her body went limp, her sobs silenced forever. Kyle¡¯s scream echoed through the room, a sound of pure anguish and despair. Malcolm holstered his weapon and stood, looking down at Kyle with pity and contempt. ¡°You see, Mr. Brennan,¡± Malcolm said, ¡°I don¡¯t make idle threats. Now, take me to the backup.¡± Kyle put his face in his hands and wept. Malcolm poked him in the shoulder with his gun. ¡°I don¡¯t hear the location between those tears.¡± ¡°It¡¯s in a safe house,¡± he whispered. ¡°I¡¯ll take you there.¡± Malcolm turned to his men. ¡°Prepare the car. We¡¯re leaving.¡± As they escorted Kyle out of the room, Malcolm cast one last glance at Paige¡¯s lifeless body. He felt no remorse, only a cold satisfaction. The Shadow Dealers would have their technology, and nothing would stand in their way. The convoy moved through the night, heading towards the safe house Kyle had mentioned. Malcolm sat in the back of an armored vehicle, his eyes never leaving Kyle¡¯s face. ¡°How did you disable the mainframe?¡± Malcolm asked, breaking the silence. Kyle¡¯s voice was hollow. ¡°I used a virus. It wiped everything, including the encryption keys. There¡¯s no way to recover it.¡± Malcolm nodded, his mind already calculating the next steps. ¡°And the headset?¡± ¡°Destroyed,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°We smashed it to pieces.¡± Malcolm¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And the backup? Will it make the headset function like before?¡± Kyle hesitated. ¡°It¡¯s a few months out of date, but it should be enough to start the rebuild process.¡± Malcolm leaned back. ¡°Good. Once we have the backup, you¡¯ll work on recreating the headset. Fail, and you¡¯ll join Miss Rothchild.¡± Kyle¡¯s eyes flickered with fear. Malcolm also saw hate and determination in his eyes. ¡°I understand.¡± The convoy arrived at the safe house, a nondescript building overlooking the Hudson river. Malcolm¡¯s men moved with practiced precision, securing the perimeter and ensuring no surprises. Kyle led them to a trap door hidden beneath a stack of papers in the basement. With some effort, one of Malcolm¡¯s thugs yanked open the door, revealing a small metal box with a keypad. He entered a code, and the door swung open. A hard drive lay atop several papers with mathematical equations scrawled on every inch of the paper. Malcolm took the drive, his eyes gleaming with triumph. ¡°Well done, Mr. Brennan. Now, let¡¯s get back to the compound. We have work to do.¡± Malcolm¡¯s mind raced with possibilities as they returned to the Shadow Dealers¡¯ facility. They would rebuild Mindjevity and unlock its full potential. The Shadow Dealers would sell the technology to the highest bidder. He knew of several oligarchs who would pay top dollar for the technology. He just needed to make sure that Aiko was kept locked up. He smiled to himself as he remembered the deal that put his company in charge of most detention centers in the state of New York. Aiko was in for a very rough time indeed. The thought brought another smile to Malcolm¡¯s face. Chapter 6: Aikos Nightmare Consciousness crept back to Aiko Takahashi like an unwelcome fog, thick and disorienting. Shadows blurred the room, as a flickering light above played tricks on the darkness. Her heart hammered against her ribcage, a frantic drummer calling her to alertness. She shifted, and the coarse bite of rope dug into her wrists, binding them behind her back. A gag stretched across her mouth, silencing the panic that tried to escape her lips. I¡¯m not in my cell. Where am I? Her fear filled the room, heavy with impending consequences. Aiko¡¯s breaths came in short, stifled gasps as she willed herself to remain calm. Each shallow inhale was a struggle, each exhale a silent plea for clarity. Despite the dim light, her sharp, searching eyes scanned the room for any clue to her captivity. This is not the detention center. Disjointed images flashed before her, a mosaic of deceit and desperation: a handshake with a shadow, a door left ajar, a whispered conversation never meant for her ears. Aiko could feel the sting of treachery as though it were a physical wound, raw and unyielding. The consequences of her actions¡ªa dance with danger for the sake of justice¡ªnow held her in their unforgiving grasp. Am I in solitary confinement? Aiko could never had imagined the horrors that went inside the detention center until she was on the inside. The Hendersons flashed in her mind¡ªtheir eyes full of warmth, their home a sanctuary amidst chaos. Emma¡¯s laughter resonated within her, a stark contrast to the cold air that filled her lungs. Mrs. Henderson¡¯s gentle touch seemed a world away now. ¡°No, Malcolm cannot win!¡± she said to the empty room. She couldn¡¯t let the Hendersons fall prey to the Shadow Dealers¡¯ venomous grip, nor could she allow their innocence to be crushed under the heel of Malcolm¡¯s boot. This realization lit a fire in her chest, a beacon against the encroaching dark, propelling her to change her fate. I must get out! The air was stale, thick with the scent of mildew and desperation. Aiko Takahashi¡¯s fingers scrabbled across the cold concrete floor, searching, feeling for hope in the form of anything sharp enough to cut through her bindings. A shard of something¡ªa broken piece of metal caught under her fingertips. Its jagged edge promised pain, but also freedom. With careful precision, she maneuvered the shard into her bound hands, the rough surface biting into her skin as she sawed at the ropes. Every motion brought a grimace, yet her resolve did not waver; the Hendersons¡¯ safety depended on her liberation.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Now, position the metal against the rope and do it fast before they come back. Her wrists ached, the coarse fibers of the rope gnawing into her flesh as they begrudgingly gave way. The anticipation of release sent tremors through her, excitement mingling with anxiety. The rope slackened, loosening its grip just enough for Aiko to wriggle one hand free. She worked quickly, freeing her other wrist, the sense of urgency driving her movements to be swift and silent. The last coil fell away, and her hands were free. Time to get out of here¡ªwhile I still can. She massaged life back into her chafed wrists. Aiko reached up, her fingers trembling as they grasped the sodden fabric wedged between her teeth. Gently, she tugged the gag away, the damp cloth leaving a trail of saliva on her chin as it slipped out. She gasped, drawing in a deep, ragged breath¡ªthe first unobstructed gulp of air felt like icy water to parched lips. ¡°Adjust the timelines,¡± a familiar voice commanded, the words laced with authority and impatience. ¡°The global stage is set; we can¡¯t afford delays.¡± That¡¯s Malcolm, what¡¯s Mindjevity? Does it have something to do with my mother? ¡°Understood,¡± another replied, subservient yet slick with hidden ambition. ¡°Mindjevity will proceed as planned.¡± The word Mindjevity clung to Aiko like a chill, its implications vast and sinister. She imagined the tendrils of the Shadow Dealers¡¯ reach, unfurling across continents, seeking dominion over unsuspecting masses. ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to be awake yet,¡± a gruff voice said. Aiko followed the voice. It was one of the guards that took her to the new cell. She tried to run, but her legs failed her and she dropped to the chilly floor. Her feet felt encased in cement. The guard wrapped his burly arms around her in a vise grip. She freed one of her hands and it attacked a pressure point on the guard¡¯s legs. He screamed in pain and let go and Aiko ran out of the room and into a green corridor with barred windows, but an open door was visible at the end of the hall. A hand grabbed her shoulder. It was Malcolm! ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going, young lady?¡± ¡°What do you want with me?¡± ¡°For you to realize your potential and to help me solve your mother¡¯s greatest mystery. Just think of the great things we can do together.¡± More steps echoed through the corridor. She was surrounded in seconds. She tried to fight, but there were too many. ¡°Get off of me!¡± ¡°Quiet, child, this phase will soon be over like a shadow in the night.¡± She was carried toward the open door. Someone injected her with something, then her vision blurred. Chapter 7: White Cell Aiko awoke in a white icy cell. The bedding, sheets, and doors were as white as snow. Am I dreaming? To shake the feeling of her capture, she tried putting it out of her mind, but the feeling surged forth as inevitable as the rising tide. Malcolm kidnapped her from the detention center and took her to an undisclosed location, and she did not know how he did it. Aiko winced as pain shot through her arm. She pulled back the long-sleeved uniform that was also white, and nasty rope burns ran the length of her arm. It wasn¡¯t a dream. Why is everything white? The door opened, and Ginger entered. The older girl strode over to Aiko¡¯s bunk and sat beside her. Aiko felt a rush of D¨¦j¨¤ vu. ¡°Are you ready to cooperate, Aiko?¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°This place can be... let¡¯s say it can be quite hostile to people like you,¡± Ginger said. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°You know, do good self-righteous types that think they¡¯re better than anyone else?¡± ¡°I saw it right on you the moment I laid eyes on you, girl.¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°Wait, back up a minute. Where are we?¡± ¡°The same place I met you, the Westchester correctional facility. But you¡¯re in luck. The warden has seen fit to upgrade your accommodations.¡± At that moment, she realized Ginger was also wearing a white uniform¡ªa far cry from the orange everyone else wore when she arrived. ¡°Why are we wearing white?¡± ¡°We are the warden¡¯s chosen. As long as we do what he wants when he wants, we can roam free in our special ward.¡± Aiko gave Ginger a scowl. She would not help that bastard unlock whatever her mother was working on. Aiko knew her mother was an influential scientist. She remembered all the late nights at the lab and the weekend work her mother had taken home. She didn¡¯t know what her mother was working on, but knew it could save people. Her father said that her mother¡¯s work could heal the brains of sick people. She could even make people smarter. It made her ill to think that Paige, her mother¡¯s best friend, would have anything to do with her mother¡¯s murder, but something didn¡¯t add up. Why did she have her mother¡¯s work locked up? She was determined to have answers, and she would get a none living in a severe prison cell. ¡°I will help the warden,¡± Aiko said. Ginger¡¯s face lit up like a little girl at Christmas time. ¡°That¡¯s good; the warden will be happy that I could convince you. You¡¯ll enjoy being on the warden¡¯s good side. You¡¯ll see.¡± She followed Ginger to the cell door. The girl unlocked the door and stepped out. When Aiko tried following Ginger, she put a hand up. ¡°Not yet,¡± Ginger said, putting a hand up when Aiko tried following her. ¡°I told you I¡¯ll help.¡± ¡°Yes, and I heard you the first time. But before you can reap the rewards of being in the warden¡¯s service, you must prove yourself. But don¡¯t worry, he will be here soon enough,¡± Ginger said, closing the door behind her. Aiko flushed with anger. She wanted to tear Ginger apart. But she maintained her composure and practiced her breathing exercises until her heart rate slowed. Aiko splashed some water on her face. The icy coolness felt good. Her breath caught in her throat when she looked at her hair. It was white. Chapter 8: The Visitor Early the next morning Aiko shoved the tray through the return slot built into the door. She had barely touched her white bread and white yogurt. She didn¡¯t eat the albino pear. The damned thing was as hard to the touch. Aiko gazed into the mirror and examined her reflection. The sputtering light cast strange shadows across her face. Aiko ran a hand through her now white hair. If someone dyed it, they did an excellent job since she couldn¡¯t find any hint of her natural black hair. What the hell is going on here? Her attention shifted to the rattling sound of keys and the creak of the cell door opening. Harsh light from the hall filled the space, and a shadowy figure entered the confined space. A figure dressed in an impeccable white suit stepped into the room. A white cane and top hat complemented the figure¡¯s appearance. For a moment, Aiko thought she must be hallucinating. ¡°You?¡± she gasped, recognizing the man who had kidnapped her. He gave a slight bow, the corners of his mouth curling up in an unsettling smile. ¡°My dear Aiko, there¡¯s no need for alarm. I¡¯m trying to help you achieve your full potential.¡± Aiko shook her head in disbelief. ¡°You kidnapped me! This is insane¡ª¡± ¡°Your mother¡¯s work can help humanity,¡± Malcolm continued, cutting her off. ¡°With your help, we can unlock its secrets and usher in a new enlightenment era.¡± She narrowed her eyes, suspicious of his grandiose claims. But the mention of her mother¡¯s research piqued her interest despite her reservations. ¡°You¡¯re lying. Why should I believe anything you say?¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Malcolm spread his hands in a placating gesture. ¡°I only ask that you keep an open mind, my dear. Ginger and a few other girls have already seen the value in aiding my efforts.¡° Aiko¡¯s brow furrowed as she processed this revelation. ¡°Are you...the warden Ginger mentioned?¡± He replied with another enigmatic smile, not directly answering her question. Aiko felt her frustration mounting, but forced herself to remain calm. ¡°If I help you, will you reunite me with my uncle?¡± she asked. ¡°You¡¯re in a lot of trouble, Aiko. But I¡¯m friends with the judge who will hear about your case next month. I see an opportunity for us to help each other.¡± She swallowed hard, weighing her options. She gave a reluctant nod. ¡°Alright. What do you need me to do?¡± Malcolm popped the cap on the cane and unrolled a large sheet of paper. He pointed to a dizzying array of mathematical equations and cryptic instructions. She recognized her mother¡¯s handwriting. Aiko felt a shiver of trepidation as her gaze roamed over the symbols, an inexplicable sense of dread gripping her. ¡°I¡¯ll leave this for you to decode,¡± Malcolm said as he headed for the door. He tapped the cell door, and the familiar mechanical sounds and the harsh light assaulted her senses. ¡°Now, get to work.¡± After he departed, Aiko moved the paper to the center of the cell, where the light was brightest. She stared at the paper for hours, her head pounding as she struggled to make sense of its seemingly indecipherable content. A tray with white meat, white potatoes, white rice, and a carton of milk was shoved through the slot in the door, causing her to jump. This is inhumane! As she picked at the half-frozen chicken, Aiko couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the significance of the ubiquitous white color surrounding her. Then, it was as if a veil lifted from her mind and the symbols on the paper glowed, carrying deep resonance in their meaning. A torrent of understanding overcame her. It wasn¡¯t knowing as much as feeling the correct solution. Her consciousness knew the proper path to solving the puzzle that eluded Malcolm. Grabbing a pencil, she took notes, and the pieces fell into place. Chapter 9: Missing Hiroto¡¯s cell phone chirped as he started his big, black sedan. Once he saw the message, he turned off the ignition. You must call me at once. It¡¯s about Aiko! As he dialed Sumoto, a thousand thoughts entered his mind. He wondered if she was doing okay in custody. He hadn¡¯t been about to visit her. One of his unproductive calls from Ms. Carter told him he couldn¡¯t visit his niece until she saw a judge. The entire process was a nightmare. He even left several messages with Paige, but she seemed to disappear shortly after Aiko was taken into custody. ¡°Hiroto, thank god. Where are you?¡± ¡°I just got in my car. You mentioned Aiko?¡± ¡°Yes, and there¡¯s something else you must know. There¡¯s no delicate way to put this, but I got a dark web alert about your activities.¡± ¡°What? I can¡¯t see how that¡¯s possible. I¡¯m rarely on my computer as it is.¡± ¡°Someone must have tapped your penthouse, because there¡¯s a conversation transcript between you and a Kaen. What can you tell me about him?¡± Sumoto asked. Hiroto shuddered as if an icy tentacle touched his neck. No one knew about Kaen except for him and Robert, the scientist who helped create the AI. ¡°Kaen is an artificial intelligence project that I and a colleague have been working on. It¡¯s supposed to be a deep research assistant of sorts.¡± ¡°Well, it appears to be compromised because everything that¡¯s transpired in your apartment over the past week, including bits of our conversation, is online.¡± Hiroto did not know how that could have happened. He sat in stunned silence as Hiroto rambled about trojan horses and vulnerabilities. ¡°I think we should meet in person and leave your cell phone in your apartment, but don¡¯t let Kaen see.¡± ¡°See, how can an artificial intelligence see anything?¡± Sumoto was silent for so long that he thought the connection was faulty. ¡°There are also photos of the apartment. The AI must have access to your security cameras.¡± ¡°I hate technology,¡± Hiroto said in disgust. ¡°Well, I suggest you drop off your phone somewhere before meeting me.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I know where to stash it.¡± Two hours later Hiroto pulled to an address off Mott Street in Chinatown. We wedged the gigantic sedan between two tiny vehicles. It was a tight fit, but his parallel parking skills were excellent. Smells of chow mein and bok choy filled his nostrils as he entered the Silver Serpent Delight. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir, no entry until we open at six o¡¯clock,¡± the hostess said. Hiroto looked at the woman. She was young, perhaps twenty-five, and wore a tight-fitting pencil dress that showed off her physical form in a way that aroused him. He pushed the feeling away.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. I must stay focused on Aiko; no time for distraction. Her face complemented her petite frame. Her beauty took Hiroto¡¯s breath away. ¡°I was told to come to this address.¡± ¡°Well, we are closed. Please come back¡ª¡° ¡°Let me enter, sister,¡± Sumoto said, cutting the woman off. She locked the door and lowered the blinds before urging Hiroto to follow Sumoto. ¡°You go with brother before someone sees you,¡± the hostess said in broken English. Hiroto followed Sumoto to a room at the back of the restaurant. The only furniture in the cramped space was an aging desk and a battered filing cabinet. A gigantic tapestry of a dragon was tacked against the opposite wall. ¡°Is this where you work?¡± ¡°No, this is Father¡¯s office.¡± Sumoto reached under the desk, and the only wall without furniture slid aside, revealing a dark passage beyond. ¡°Whoa, I did not know you had a secret lair,¡± Hiroto said, trying to sound upbeat. ¡°Enter,¡± Sumoto said. Hiroto¡¯s eyes adjusted to the darkness as he entered the dark passage. He might have serious reservations if he hadn¡¯t known Sumoto for most of his life. After about thirty paces, he found himself in another room with monitors. The space was about the size of an average apartment. A bed, couch, and a small kitchen area were visible from the entrance. A small bathroom was also available. ¡°Is this where you live?¡± Hiroto asked. ¡°Yes, this is my city residence. It¡¯s adequate for my needs, and I have a dedicated fiber connection for my work. Only a few know of its existence. Yuxi, my sister, helps my parents with the restaurant.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know you even had a sister.¡± ¡°Yes, my parents had her in their forties, and she grew up in China, where my father is from.¡± Hiroto took a seat on the couch and rubbed his eyes. He was weary and had slept little. ¡°What news do you have of Aiko?¡± Hiroto said, still rubbing his eyes. ¡°Where did you leave your phone?¡± ¡°The dojo. I would not risk returning to the apartment after learning the place was bugged.¡± ¡°I think it will be easier to show you,¡± Sumoto said. Hiroto stared dumbfounded at the rows of monitors showing surveillance footage images and computer code. ¡°What am I looking for?¡± ¡°Let me enhance,¡± Sumoto said as he typed a series of commands. Every monitor filled with an image of Aiko being hauled into the Westchester PD. ¡°That¡¯s when she got arrested?¡± ¡°Yes, but the interesting stuff is yet to come.¡± Sumoto typed more commands than another image of Aiko leaving with a group of men in business suits. She was blindfolded and propped up by her shoulders by two burly men who put her in a nondescript vehicle. ¡°Who are these people?¡± This footage was captured a few hours after her arrest. I could identify one man escorting her away from the precinct. He goes by Operator 47, but I couldn¡¯t find his real identity. But he works for the Shadow Dealers.¡± ¡°Who in the hell are they? ¡°A nasty group well-known on the dark web for various nefarious activities. Including extortion, human trafficking, and political manipulation.¡± ¡°What reason would they want to, Aiko? She¡¯s just a kid,¡± Hiroto said, rubbing his hands through his hair. ¡°Don¡¯t freak out, but there is no record of an Aiko Takahashi anywhere in any public system. I could pull up some police reports before, but now there¡¯s nothing. Every trace of her is missing from the system.¡± ¡°How is that possible?¡± ¡°Criminal records of minors aren¡¯t supposed to be publicly available. But I could access them before, but now every trace of Aiko is missing.¡± ¡°What about the records of child protective services?¡± Hiroto asked. ¡°This morning, the state of New York suffered an attack, and the official line is that some agencies may have been affected. But no one is talking.¡± ¡°Did those shadow people do this?¡± Sumoto gave Hiroto a pained look of anguish. ¡°All records point to their involvement.¡± ¡°There has to be some paper trail. I need to call Ms. Carter at once.¡± Sumoto nodded, then removed an ancient-looking rotary phone from a drawer and plugged it into a circuit board attached to a wooden frame. It was as if someone gutted a server and tacked the contents to a wooden plank. After a few rings, Ms. Carter answered. ¡°I hate to trouble you again, but this is Hiroto Abiko. Do you know when Aiko¡¯s hearing is?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Abiko. Our computers crashed this morning, and I can¡¯t access anything. But I will check for you once they are back online.¡± Hiroto thanked her for the information and then hung up. ¡°What do we do now?¡± Hiroto asked in a shaky voice. We stay here until I can figure out where she is. No matter how long it takes. Chapter 10: The new deal Meanwhile, at the detention center Aiko requested more scratch paper, and someone shoved more legal pads through the meal slot. She had been searching through reams of paper to figure out the patterns in the code that her mother had left behind. Aiko didn¡¯t understand the math on a technical level, but the patterns came together in her mind like glue. It was almost as if it was in her DNA or neurons automatically connected with the necessary synapses in her brain. She imagined she was riding a vehicle and navigating the highways of synapses. When she came to a junction, a violent explosion occurred, which threw her into an adjacent path. Being pulled by an unseen force. At least, that¡¯s what it felt like when she described it to Ginger on her last visit. When she explained it to the blond girl, she stared at her like she spoke another language. ¡°I think you need to talk to the warden,¡± she said. ¡°Malcolm?¡± Aiko replied. ¡°Yes, he may understand the gibberish you¡¯re spouting, but I don¡¯t.¡± Aiko waved a hand dismissively as Ginger left her cell. The multiple layers and additional pathways came into view more and more. As she progressed, even more routes could be seen within her mind¡¯s eye. ¡°I hear you¡¯re on the brink of a discovery,¡± Malcolm said. She didn¡¯t even hear him enter the cell. ¡°More paper,¡± she said, hand outstretched. Malcolm handed her another stack of tablets. She started writing on the blank pages. When she wasn¡¯t absorbed in feeling the code, Aiko used the scribbles, which looked like gibberish when she wasn¡¯t in the zone. When she came to the last page, her pen stopped on the last line of the tablet, and the cold reality of her cell came into view. She could see Malcolm sitting on her bunk, waiting with a stoic look. Papers flew in almost every direction, giving the impression that a paper bomb had gone off in the cell. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!¡°Does any of this make any sense to you?¡± ¡°Not the math, but the feeling is there,¡± Aiko replied. ¡°Feeling? Can you describe it?¡± Malcolm asked. Aiko described a fantastical road of possibilities with many outcomes. She explained that a specific firing of vesicle fusion pulses primed the central hub. If one does not time these pulses in the correct order, then everything is lost. ¡°Fascinating,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m going to upgrade your cell. I think it¡¯s about time I get you a transmittable wall so my team can decipher your work,¡± Malcolm said. ¡°Before we do that, I need something from you,¡± Aiko said. ¡°I need to resume my physical training. My mind is stimulated, but my body withers.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve only been in here a few days, and you¡¯ve barely touched your food. I don¡¯t think your body can handle the strain,¡± Malcolm said. Aiko closed the distance between her and Malcolm, and she was crushing his windpipe before he could react. ¡°Make it happen. I want training mats and some monkey bars so I can train. A punching bag as well. Unless you want me to stop working on the puzzle. Unless, of course, you don¡¯t want me to work on it any longer.¡± Malcolm gave her an incredulous look of both fear and uncertainty. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, dear. You shall have an hour of exercise daily¡ª¡± ¡°Make it two or no deal.¡± ¡°Very well, just keep working, my dear.¡± He handed her another notebook, and she continued scribbling.