1 Chapter 1 - Disappearence

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The police vehicle raced through the darkening streets of Tokyo, its siren screaming.

It has been two weeks since the neighbor of the victim has contacted the police and yet, no new information has been gathered regarding the victim.

The car finally arrived at its destination and a middle-aged man in a suit stepped out.

The man took the lift and arrived at the office entrance of the one he was looking for.

Opening the glass door, he was greeted by a young man, with white ashen hair, a clean cut face and sporting a neutral attire; ensconced on the sofa.

"How can I help you this time, Detective Yamato?"

As Detective Yamato sat across the young man, he brought out a file under his arms and handed it over.

"Takashi, the case this time is very mysterious. Two weeks ago, we received a call from a woman regarding the disappearance of her neighbor."

The young man stroked his chin and a frown gathered on his face.

"Isn't that a very common case? People going missing? Why do you have to bother a Psychiatrist for such a thing?"

"You have helped us to solve many cases before...., but this time, it's different." Detective Yamato contoured his face into a grimace as he thought about the incident.

"OK, you have piqued my Interest. Tell me."

Detective Yamato softened his expression and continued, "As I said earlier, two weeks ago, we received a call from a woman claiming her elderly neighbor has disappeared. He is a part time cleaner. Apparently, he was called in to help clean an abandoned building....Building '13'."

Takashi propped his shoulders against the glass table.

"Building '13'? What's that?"

"This building has exactly 13 levels, hence its name. This building has a long history....it has been reconstructed many times over. Many people have claimed that the building is 'haunted' so it was quickly abandoned. That is why the building has not been demolished since recent times."

"Have you guys searched the building for the man?"

"Of course we did. We searched all 13 floors of the building but found no evidence of the victim. People have claimed that the lift of the building is the gateway to another dimension but when we took it previously....nothing happened."

"That's strange. How is this elderly cleaner even related to this building? Is there any connection between the man and this building?"

"That's the problem. We can't find anything related whatsoever that links the two together. That is where you come in! You have a knack for solving such cases right?"

"Tch, always asking me for help. I expect to be paid, OK?! I am not doing this for free. If you can, bring me every piece of information you can find about the victim." Takashi crossed his arms as he glared at Detective Yamato.

"Of course! Well, I am leaving this case to you." Detective Yamato cupped his hand towards Takashi before leaving the office.

As Takashi scanned through the file in his hand, the gears of his brain started revolving.

"An elderly man....disappeared while cleaning an abandoned building after being called in to. This building....appears to be abandoned for quite a while. Who would even want to clean up the building?" As Takashi was pondering over the case, the doors of his office swung open.

A young girl, most likely a student, with red flowing hair, big rounds eyes, wearing a standard Tokyo female uniform, burst into his office.

"Hi...I am looking for Doctor Takashi."

"You are looking at him." Takashi surveyed the girl and continued, "Who are you, may I ask?"

The girl turned her head to Takashi and obvious shock coursed through her face in a wave like ripple.

"Oh so sorry...I never expected a Psychiatrist to be so young. I am Kirika Akane, the daughter of the man you guys are looking for currently. I am here to help you find my father."

Takashi widened his eyes.

"You are his daughter? I heard that the victim was an elderly man. To think his daughter is so young...."

Upon hearing that remark, the girl started explaining, "I get that every time. My father married my mother at a late age. I moved away with my mother when I was very young and I have hardly seen my father since then."

"How do you know of me? And how do you know I am currently researching on your father's case? Shouldn't you have gone to the police instead?" Takashi questioned the girl.

"I did. A Detective Yamato told me to come visit you as he has handed the case over to you."

Tch, that old man. Always doing unnecessary stuff.

"In that case, can you tell me everything you know about your father?"

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