7. Okutama

Haruka and Kazuki found no more spectres and relaxed when the brume faded: revealing a lush forest, a well kept road and a humid breeze. They proceeded riding besides a greenish river and enjoyed the trickles of the water stream. It took a while before they reached the town set in Okutama, featuring traditional Japanese houses, with white walls supported by wooden pillars and featuring slopped grey rooftops. Between the houses, roads and nature, all they feel was the rustling of the tress and a cosy, bucolic atmosphere.

They stopped, removed their helmets and sat on a bench by the river side to take some rest before proceeding. While Haruka observed the landscape, Kazuki's eyes were on Haruka. His heart subtly raced as he remembered what they went through. His eyes also caught her helmet, which prompted him to say:
- "Raikubo-san, your helmet is such a canvas isn't it?" - Haruka turned to him to reply:
- "Why do you say that?"
- "Well..."
- "Do you think it's messy?"
- "Hm, it's just that it's just a bunch of stickers and the white is already getting old and..." - Kazuki was not looking directly at her any more.
- "Do you think it's messy?" - she got close and gazed at him.
- "Maybe it could use some paint."
- "Do you think it's messy?" - she was really close.
- "Yes I do!" - he moved away and started gesticulating - "It's completely messy, chaotic, disorganized! It's almost a visual insult! Why don't you take better care of it?" - Kazuki stopped to breathe. Haruka however burst into laughing:
- "Yeah, it's messy, I am not good with painting and drawing and all this sort of stuff you are good at!"
- "That's no excuse!"
- "Well, there is a better reason!" - she pointed her finger up - "I like messing with you, Kaa-chan, and watching you crash out at the most silly stuff!" - she burst into laughing again. Captivated, Kazuki couldn't contain himself and also laughed. Together they wound down.

Later, they had lunch and started the search for the deviant.
- "Operator-san, we have arrived at Okutama and started our mission. Please keep and eye on everything" - said Kazuki.
- "Sure, Kazuki-kun. NCID and NORSE are fully operational, despite the brumes."
- "Great to hear, we will keep in touch."
- "Over and out" - Together, Haruka and Kazuki walked around town searching for signs of the deviant and asking around. The place was so peaceful, it was hard to believe a monster such as a deviant was loose there. Between the traditional houses, the lush trees, the river intertwined in town and the quiet town center, all seemed peaceful, including the people. Very few saw something strange, and mostly, just a glimpse.
- "Not a lot to go on, so far." - said Kazuki.
- "Honestly, this place is so soothing" - Haruka moved around, releasing her tension - "that I kind of wish I lived here" - she looked at Kazuki - "have you ever thought of abandoning this agent thing and retiring to a peaceful place like this?"
- "Well" - he touched his chin - "cannot say I never thought of this, but I kind of like what we do. Mostly, I like helping people, I feel they need this and we are one of the few who can protect them."
- "Yes you are right. Maybe when I'm older" - she also touched her chin - "but maybe I would prefer a beach, I'm not sure..."
- "Haruka-chan, Kazuki-kun" - the operator interrupted them - "I've caught readings of magical energy close by. It may be the deviant." - the agents sprung ready to get in action.
- "Where are you getting the readings from?"
- "North!" - the Shocking Blue duo started running. They went straight in the direction of a large white house featuring a front colorful garden, set on the foot of a hill. It seemed to have a large area behind it, surrounded by stone fences. Kazuki opted to knock on the door first. They were greeted by a man who said:
- "Hello, do you need anything?" - the man was in his fifties, had a goatee and glasses. His breathing was heavy and his eyes were jumping around. He opened just a bit of the door.
- "Well, we are Nouveau Nippon agents and are investigating sightings of a strange creature" - Kazuki replied, showing his badge - "have you seen anything strange lately?"
- "No."
- "Can we go inside and ask more?" - said Haruka.
- "No, please. I saw nothing and I follow the law, please leave." - the man closed the door on their faces. They took a few steps back and Haruka said:
- "He is a hostage, isn't he?"
- "Yeah, for sure. I saw his nervousness and caught a glimpse of a weapon behind him."- Haruka asked:
- "Operator, do the readings come from here?"
- "Yes the NORSE tells me you are very close to the magic source, it must be coming from behind the house."
- "Thank you op-san! Can you read anything more?"
- "Actually yes, just a second" - the operator worked fiercely on her computer - "there are two people inside the house, close together and five on the backyard. Also, I've confirmed the magic readings do come from the backyard."
- "Thank you operator-san" - said Kazuki - "I have an hypothesis about what is happening, but let's focus on the mission first."
- "Straight to the point, this is how I like it." - replied Haruka. Before she could continue, they heard gunshots. They prepared for a fight and her eyes stared at him - "we need to make haste! What is the plan, Kaa-chan?"
- "Well, I will distract the men on the house while you can use the window to act." - he looked down - "Then, about the backyard, I am unsure... we will have to see when we get there."
- "No time to loose then!"