Log:Death of Laura Garrity part IV

he twins are ready, having finally done their shopping, and are now quite broke until next month's allowence turns up.

Valencia nods to Yutaka somberly. She's hardly dressed for the occasion. "Ok."

After breakfast and shopping, Yu and the crew return to the Kyoto Prince Hotel. It is 9;30am and a Hoverlimo waits at the porte cochere for the Yamaoka party.

Yutaka looks at the team, "Ok..um, Time to go folks, this is the moment we've been waiting for." and sees the twins are ready..

Random Factor makes a show of "checking his watch." "Well, can't say they're not prompt..."

Valencia nods to Random. "I don't even know if that's good or not. I've got butterflies."

Yutaka listens to this as the driver comes out and opens the back door, "Mr. Yamaoka? Please.."

Yutaka stands aside, "Go ahead folks.."

Random Factor says, "Try to stay calm. We've "caught them with their pants down", if you'll pardon the expression. I think they're at least as nervous about us."

Jennifer grins, "Okay, Boss. I won't hit anyone unless they deserve it."

Spider..with boundless energy and a righteous grin like she's about to do something she's been waiting for jumps on the Limo (SPOOF)

Valencia gets into the Limo too, squeezing if it's necessary to fit everyone.

Yutaka sighs.."Fire was called back to CB, A forest fire on the outskirts." he says as he enters the Limo next to Val. There seems to be more than enough room in the Limo for 5 and one on the roof.

Random Factor leans into Yu cospiratorially. "I can fly recon if you'd feel better."

The driver closes the door behind Yu, enters the front and starts the Limo up.

Yu looks at Random.."That might not be a bad idea."

Valencia nods to Random. "Still, it seems like we should at least try to make this a good faith effort."

Random Factor says, "I suppose he might take it as a slight to his honor." He looks at Yu. "You're the expert.""

Yutaka nods "Yeah..Val's got a point."

Valencia nods slowly. "Let's just get this over with."

While Silver seems to be having a good time on top of the limo, its only a 12 minute drive out of Kyoto to reach the Soma House hold. Out the windows are japanese gardens, white sand manicured trees, large stones, beautiful controlled elegance.

The limo comes to a slow halt, the driver opens the back door, "Mr. Yamaoka..follow me please."

Yu gets out of the Limo and stands to teh side again, to allow everyone out.

Valencia gets out after Yutaka, looking around the idyllic setting a little nervously before she steps to the side.

Random Factor steps out and looks around the area himself, but where Val sees grace and elegance, he sees potential threats and escape routes.

Yutaka nods to the Driver, "As soon as everyone is ready." his face is grim.

The twins step out, glancing around as they quietly and inobviously plot routes out of the estate, evaluate potential fire lanes, and generally do the usual things they do on entering any new venue.

Valencia nods to Yutaka. "Ready."

Yutaka nods as Spider jumps off the roof landing casually next to RF. "Ok.." he pauses..looks at the rest of you, nods and says, "Lets do this."

The Driver bows and turns heading into the open inner gates of the compound..it is large, very large, the interior opens into another court yard, there are many people living here it seems, it is a busy household. Notably everyone is wearing traditional outfits, Kimono and such.

Random Factor nods, then leans into Spider and whispers "Be nice!".

SPOOF Silver winks an eyeslit, "You know me Ran.."

Valencia looks aroun. "Good thing I didn't wear the kimono."

Yutaka listens to the idle banter as he walks in..

Jennifer nods on overhearing Random's comment. "Yeah. If we have to hit anyone try not to get blood on the Kimono's. The one I brough for Matt isn't as good as these. I could do an upgrade." She grins to show is isn't serious, well not -that- serious.

Soma Keicho stands in the middle of the courtyard garden, turning he says, "Welcome Back Yutaka-kun, and Welcome all to the Soma Home."

Random Factor inclines his head briefly, as a sign of respect, his face stonelike.

Valencia glances at Yutaka and then Keicho. She doesn't move.

Soma bows to the group.."Come..we have prepared.." he pauses, "Please do not be frightened by what you see.."

Yutaka bows in return, catching Val's glance. He nods at Val.

Soma turns and begins to walk, "She is in our care..we have the best medical technicians working on her.

Random Factor says, "That depends on what you show us. As long as it's not snakes. I hate snakes."

Valencia nods slowly to Soma and follows after him, slipping her hands into her sweater.

Yutaka begins to follow.

Soma cocks his head, "You Americans, ..Humor at such odd moments. I have never understood this."

Jessica says, "Snakes aren't too bad, Boss. A bit chewy is all."

SPOOF Spider is unusually silent..

Random Factor restrains himself from making some antagonizing remark about WWII and just mutters about never having a salt shaker when you need one.

A few turns on the cherry wood floors down a couple of halls, and suddenly Soma Stops..infront of a small room.

"She's in there?" Valencia blurts out, her nervousness apparent.

Soma turns slowly his back to the two sliding doors, "Remember..do not be frightened, do not be..alarmed. She is not well, she is dying."

Random Factor says, "Is this her vessel, or essence?"

Yutaka nods, "I understand Soma..open the doors."

Soma looks at RF, "This is the true Laura Garrity..her essence is within her, her soul is in this body. Her mind..was tranplanted to the body that was killed in Korea."

Random Factor frowns, looking a little confused, but says no more.

"Oh no." Valencia whispers.

Soma looks at Yu after saying what he has to say..and he opens the door. Behind the door is a bed, there are machines working in silence next to the bed,...

Silver Spider steps into the room and examines the setup, her eyes flicking about behind those slits, blinking as she studies the technology. o O (Nice lab. The best that money can buy) She flicks her eyes about the room and looks at the bed's likely single occupant. "I really hope that my theory is right, or these guys are gonna cut my head off." She mutters under her breath.

[To Silver Spider] Random Factor says, "Didn't you say all she needed was a transfusion? At least, as a "cure". Can you do that here?"

There is a body on the bed, she..Laura is misshapen, her features are cruelly misfigured, skin..normal skin is mottled blue and black, her features seem foxen, but in her mouth are fangs, her eyes, open are gray and dead, she stares vacantly at the ceilng.

The room is set up for a transfusion, all necessary medical equiptment is in here, as well as 2 technicians that stand in the corner, inobtrusively.

Valencia turns around almost as soon as she catches even a glimpse of Laura.

The twins stand seemingly impassive in the room, their thoughts concealed after a brief look at Laura and a momentarily flash of anger.

Silver Spider turns to Yutaka for a moment. "This is your ball..." She says. "I'm not a trained doctor, I'm just a scientist. If anyone has some real medical skills, I suggest you step up to bat."

Yutaka stops..he puts a hand over his mouth..barely holding himself together, he struggles to remain standing as his world begins to spin..

The two technicians step forward, "Hai.."

Silver Spider turns to Yutaka. "Yutaka, you need to tell them that you are consenting to the operation. Otherwise, they won't do anything. It's a rule of medicine across the world."

Silver Spider turns back to Random Factor. "See? I'm just a scientist. No medical degree here."

Random Factor stands mutely, one would think impassively, unless they noticed that his left glove has disappeared and he is picking at the thumbnail of that hand with the index finger of the same hand. Finally, he speaks. "No, I'm no good here. But, by God, soon..."

Yutaka falls to one knee..silent.

Silver Spider sighs and reaches out a hand, patting Random Factor on the shoulder. "Come on..." She says as she turns and gets down on one knee. "Yutaka, I know you're afraid. But she can't be any worse off if we try than if we don't. We have empirical proof that this will work. If you love her, and I think you do, you have to tell them that you're going to lie down on the second bed and do the transfusion."

Yutaka nods mutely.."I..I agree to this transfusion.." he says standing on weak knees.."I willingly give my blood."

Silver Spider looks over at the twins. She has a "help me." shrug on her shoulders. "Is there anything I can do to assist you gentlemen?"

The Medics nod and unfold a table, "Netekudasaimase." they say, and Yutaka nods..Lying down on the bed. They begin to hook monitors and prep him for the transfusion..

The Medics look at Silver Spider like she has 3 heads..

Valencia doesn't seem to be capable of watching. She still has her back turned on the bed.

Yutaka keeps horrified eyes on Laura..

Jessica steps up to Mr Y and offers her arm to help him to his feet and over to the bed. Jennifer approaches Silver Spider and whispers quietly, "If a transfusion from Mr Y doesn't do the job you might try one from me. I was designed to be a universal doner with undifferentiated stem cells in my blood so any of us could supply blood to any others of our kind."

Silver Spider turns to the medics and says in Japanese. "I do speak Japanese, gentlemen. If you have any questions about the unique nature of the transfusion, please ask me."

The technicians continue their work and finally get everything preped, "Hai Jyunbi ga dekimashita." They say. (the preparations are complete)

Yu looks momentarily to the twins as Jess helps him nods and with teary eyes tries to smile his thanks, words are impossible for him right now.

The Techinician jump when Spider speaks to them, they ask then, "What proof do you have that this will succeed?"

Silver Spider turns to the technician. "Well, it worked on Kai Soma's clone, so it's essentially the same genetic material. It should work exactly the same, only the clone had no mind, so there was no reaction or response."

Soma Keicho tells the technicians what Jennifer said, and they ask Silver, "Have you tested her blood as well?"

Silver Spider turns to Soma Keicho. "I've tested samples from the real Laura. I believe that this is possible. Only genetic markings on the clone reveal the difference."

Soma Keicho nods slowly.."If the Heir is to survive, this is the chance we must take, We have come to a loss with all other trials.."

Valencia looks over her shoulder, trying to get used to seeing Laura.

Silver Spider looks at Soma Keicho. "The other problem is, in her current state, I can't take the risk of taking a sample. We have to go through with it."

"Yare!" he says to the technicians, They reply, "Hai!" and begin to bring machines to life that will transfuse blood from Yu to Laura.

Yutaka turns from Laura, and closes his eyes..he begins to focus his chi, adding his life force to the blood that through a clear tube begins to move from his arm to a machine that then begins to filter it to her body.

Silver Spider steps back and watches, her breath shallow, hopeful in the anticipation of life.

Random Factor steps aside, near to the Soma Keicho, and asks quietly "Should it become... necessary, are there.... others?"

Yu's body begins to glow a low blue, he continues to focus his chi, his mind on the healing nature the lessons taught to him by Fist, the effect his blood had on David that one time..his mind focused on only one thing at this one time.

Soma looks at Random with a questioning eye.."Others?"

Random Factor looks at the old man and nods silently.

Silver Spider turns to Random Factor. "I don't think that he authorized Kai Soma's use of cloning technology, Random. And I'm pretty sure "Mind Transfer Helmet" isn't on his company's list of research items."

Soma shakes his head to Random and then says to Silver.."I have no excuse except to save her life, I moved her mind to the clone. I was aware of the simplicity of this plan, and I was a fool." he paused, "In her short time with me here, I found in her the spirit, of the heir, and of the lost grandchild that I longed to find..I did not want to see her die, as her conditioned worsened, I could not bear this.." he says as he looks upon her. "I would not see her perish.."

Jennifer watches the transfer. Jessica keeps her eyes moving around to cover everything else.

Random Factor crosses over to Spider and whispers, not wanting to distract or distress the others. "He transfered her "essence" into this body somehow, and even if he didn't ok the cloning, that doesn't mean there aren't others. And it's not lost on me that he said this was she, and was transferred into this body, but he did not SAY this was the original."

Valencia finally turns around, leaning against the back wall as she watches the transfer.

Silver Spider turns to Random factor. "I hope it's the original. Because I really don't want to start a fight in a hospital."

Yu's complexion begins to pale as more and more blood is taken from him.

Soma turns and says softly, "This is Laura Garrity, this is the Heir."

Silver Spider turns to Soma Keicho. "Forgive my asking, but if Yutaka could have some orange juice.'

Soma nods, "Of Course..Whatever he wishes.."

The Technicians offer Yu some Juice but he refuses, continuing to focus..

Jessica nods and settles back to her prior position, having started to move over to draw Silver Spider's attention to Mr Y's condition.

Silver Spider turns to Jessica. "I'm worried that even with his healing power, if he doesn't get some liquids into him, he might die."

Finally the transfusion is over, about 6 pints were taken from Yu, it is only at this point that he opens his eyes and his blue glow fades..his eyes seem to come in and out of focus, and the technicians bring out blood bags and begin to infuse Yu with donor blood.

Silver Spider takes a deep breath, and turns to look at Laura. She keeps her fingers crossed and stares, settling back against the wall. She looks over to Random Factor and says "This is it. Now we wait."

Valencia nods slowly. "We've been waiting since day one."

Jessica says quietly to Silver Spider, "Just tell me when to stop the procedure, and it will stop."

The process takes a long time, an hour passes and Yu's color begins to return..

Silver Spider turns to Jessica. "Thankfully, it doesn't look like it's going to come to that..." She says to Valencia. "Good things come to those who wait.' She says seriously. "Oh, and Soma Keicho, do you require the apprehension of David? Normally, I wouldn't extradite an American Citizen forcibly, but I know as far as you're concerned, he has a lot to answer for."

Soma looks at Silver, "Silver Spider, I appreciate your concern." he pauses watching Laura and Yu, "But, I know David, I have met David, and I understand that he did not mean for this to pass. It was an unfortunate accident. I believe he has suffered..and continues to suffer for this. There is nothing I can do to him that will inflict greater chastisement than he has already done to himself."

For those of you who just made it, you're not sure, but Laura looks somewhat different, you can't quite put your finger on it, but you know its noticable.

Silver Spider nods once. Her fist clenches. o O (Not for me. One day, you !@#$$!ing murdering bloodsucking freak, you'll screw up, and I'll get you dead to rights.)

Random Factor mutter under his breath "Maybe YOU can't."

The twins can only hope, they're grunts not techies.

Valencia nods slowly to Soma. "Yeah." Otherwise she stays silent, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall.

Yutaka seems exhausted as he lies quietly on his bed, the blood giving him more and more color and energy eventually. His clothes melt off of him, as his nanites swim and disappear, reabsorbed by his body, leaving him in his boxer briefs and socks. The techs seem non-plussed by this, working for Kitsune, they've seen a lot of wierd things. They bring a warm blanket and place it on top of Yu.

Silver Spider blinks. "You mean he only has one set of clothes? Ever? Ewww..."

Valencia glances at SS. "You didn't know?"

Random Factor glances at Laura, blinks, then leans near her and blinks again. "SOMETHING is happening. I think it's working. What do all these machines say?"

Silver Spider turns to Valencia. "Uhh, I didn't exactly compliment him on his fashion sense or anything, so no, I just didn't realize. How does the laundering process work?"

Valencia shrugs at SS. "No laundry. You'd have to ask Z, though.

Silver Spider thinks. o O (You know, I think that would actually be depressing if Laura got stuck with that too.)

Silver Spider turns to Random Factor. "Well..." She says. "What makes you think it's working?" She turns her masked gaze to Laura and peers at her more closely.

The technicians look at the monitors, "Situation Stable, we will need at least 24 hours of observation before we will make any determination.

Silver Spider thinks. o O (I don't think it's gonna take 24 hours.)

Random Factor says, "Look at the bruises. They're receding."

Valencia blinks at RF. She steps forward. "Is she...getting better?"

Silver Spider's hand pumps into the air and comes back down. "Yo! DAMN! IT WORKED!" She leaps up into the air, in a triple acrobatic flip, sticks to the ceiling, spreads her arms wide, and does a little dance on the ceiling. "YATTTTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Now to Spider, she can see this seems to be true, the size of the bruising seems to be slightly smaller, the blue markings now lighter, the black markings more a dark blue/purple.

Silver Spider thinks. o O (Oops. That may have been too jubilant.)

Yu wakes from his semi=stupor/sleep eyes wide fearful.."..W..what is it?"

Valencia stares at SS.

Jessica grins up at the ceiling dancing Silver Spider, "I can see this you're pleased." She chuckles humorously, "You weren't quite as confident going in as you seemed, were you?"

Random Factor puts a hand on Yu's shoulder, smiling. "Everything's fine. It's working."

Silver Spider turns to Jessica. "Well...I did have a little seed of doubt. Just a little..." She says, pinching her thumb and forefinger together.

Soma Keicho walks over and looks at Laura closely.."It does seem to be working." he turns to Yu, "It seems to be working Yamaoka-kun. Some of the bruising seems to be going away."

Yutaka looks around a bit wildly until RF puts a hand on his shoulder and he hears what both RF and Soma say. "I..I am glad..she is awake?"

Random Factor says, "Not yet. Rest, my friend. It may yet be a while."

Yutaka nods.."Ok.." he turns his head..but seems a bit disappointed..

Silver Spider turns to Yutaka. "Well, I'm going to stand here and look at her.' She says seriously. "Do you know something? I've never actually...seen what she's really supposed to look like except in pictures. It's not the same with a clone." She says, and drops down, leaning against the wall.

Suddenly Laura Garrity is there..standing where Soma Keicho was, and in her exact voice, she says, "This is what Laura Garrity looked like prior to this..incident.

Valencia blinks at Soma. "Oh."

Silver Spider blinks for a moment and nearly jumps ceilingward again. "Uh...Uhm...GAH!" She manages. "Don't do that...you scared me..."

Yutaka blinks at Soma..he knew they were shapechangers, but did not expect this, he looks at Soma then to Laura and closes his eyes. A tear squeezes out from his right eye running along his cheek and landing on the pillow.

Soma returns to his natural form.."I am sorry. I did not mean to surprise anyone."

Silver Spider laughs. "Apology accepted." She says seriously, and turns back to watching the real Laura. o O (Come on. Be okay.)

Jennifer silently hands Mr Y a hanky and moral support.

Chairs are brought in for people to sit, its entering hour three, and there are only a few bruises left, her contorted features are almost normal, even her enlarged and unnatural canines are beginning to recede slowly. Yu is up, and pacing now, fully clothed again, now in a suit, his nanites reformed around him earlier.

Random Factor says, "It wasn't me." He squints at Soma/Laura. "I see.""

Yutaka takes the handkerchief and nods to Jennifer he doesn't wipe his tears, but he does smile weakly at Jen.

Valencia takes a chair sits, watching Laura's progress with a worried expression.

Silver Spider remains stuck to the wall. "Anyone want some coffee?" She says, not realizing that most coffee in Japan is essentially sadistic battery acid.

Soma seems embarassed, "Forgive me..of course." he says something really quick in Japanese, to one of the techs who immediately goes outside and returns within seconds. The other Tech says, "Vital signs are very strong."

Yutaka continues to pace..refreshments are brought in, from teas to sodas to milk and juices as well as fresh fruit and cheeses.

Valencia doesn't touch any of it. She just keeps watching Laura.

Silver Spider blinks from her position on the wall and rolls her mask up a little bit. She extends a webline and snags an asian pear and munches happily on the wall.

Silver Spider thinks. o O (Nothing on the flight. Nothing before that. I'm starving.)

Random Factor takes a bottle of juice, but is too distracted to drink.

Yutaka doesn't answer Silver as the last of the visible bruises fade, and disappear. Her face seems at peace and the jagged fangs have receded back to normalcy. She still has the foxen look, but even her hair begins to repair itself, the color deepening. One thing has not changed..her eyes..normally brown and vibrant, remain grey..dead.

Valencia turns towards Soma. "Something has been bugging me...You said you transferred her mind to the clone in Korea...That clone is dead...What happened to her mind?"

Silver Spider blinks. "How is that possible?" She says. "This...this can't be. Wait a minute..." She says to Valencia. "Someone get the clone in here. Now..."

Soma says to Val, "...I took her body..the body of the clone..I transferred what little was left back into this body..but there was not much." he pause, "There was not much left to return...I am not certain what was salvaged."

Valencia blinks at Soma. "So she's braindead."

Yutaka looks at Soma..an eyebrow arched, anger starting to build.

Silver Spider turns to Valencia. "This can't be right. There has to be a way..." She says as she looks down at Laura. "This is a chi thing, right? So she needs something to anchor her here."

Soma shakes his head.."No..No..I..I do not know." he says finally.."I simply do not know." he walks over to Laura's body as does Yu..

You say, "Soma Keicho..let me try something please..."

Silver Spider muses and goes over to speak to the technicians. "Let's review the data. Maybe there's something I missed." She says, picking up the huge six hour heap of printouts and beginning to go over them. o O (This is gonna take a while.)

Soma nods to Yu.."Go ahead."

Yutaka breathes in slowly standing next to Laura, he places his hand on her stomach, and then he exhales, he continues this a few times and then begins to glow a deep blue.."...I feel you.." he says softly to himself, "Her Chi is strong.." but still Laura's eyes remain dead.

Valencia shakes her head at Spider. "It wouldn't have anything to do with a sickness...It would have to do with the fact that she died."

Silver Spider turns to Valencia for a moment. "I don't think so. We can't lose hope just yet. Someone get the clone in here. And Soma Keicho, if you could call Laura's parents, I think that might help."

Soma nods, "Yes Yutaka, you have healed her body and strenthened her chi..I shall do my part now.." he closes her eyes with one hand keeping that hand on her eyes, he shakes his head to Spider, "No..I need to concentrate..please"

Valencia watches silently, still looking worried.

Silver Spider nods and remains silent. "As you wish, sir.' She says. She snags a piece of cheese and another asian pear. It's a little obvious at this point that her diet has been limited for a while.

Soma breathes in as well, he also begins to radiate power..not glowing power like Yu's but a presence, a will, and when it begins to become overwhelming, he says "Wake My Granddaughter..Wake now."

Laura's eyes open..they are brown..and frightened, they look around unfocused..

Random Factor frowns, but is not surprised that there is yet more than meets the eye to this Keicho.

"No way..." Valencia breathes as she watches Laura.

Yutaka looks at Laura, a ray of hope beams across his face and he grabs her hands and smiles, one of the first smiles anyone has seen from Yu in a while...when Laura says to him..."Who are you?..where am I?"

Silver Spider blinks quietly as she looks down at Laura Garrity, and quickly gulps down the last of her cheese and fruit. She yanks the mask down before Laura can see the lower half of her jaw. "Aw...no..." She says, her jaw hanging open.

Random Factor snaps "Bring her some clothes! Quick!

Yutaka blinks and says.."Its me Lau..It's me..Yutaka.."

Laura looks around confused, frightened.."..Who..who are you?" her look does not change, there is no recognition in her eyes, infact she seems frightend of Yu..

Yu lets go of her hands and stumbles backwards.

Silver Spider turns to Yutaka. "I...ohh...boy..." She hangs her head. o O (I blew it. Great. They'll never speak to me again. Any of them.)

"Laura?" Valencia asks, leaning forward some to see if she gets recognition.

One of the Techs brings a kimono from the next room and waits for Soma Keicho's ok..

Laura looks at Val..a look of non-recognition on her face as well.."Where am I..Who..who am I?"

Silver Spider thinks. o O (Temporary Amnesia? I sure hope so.)

Valencia sits back. "I knew it was too good to be true." She whispers quietly.

Soma places his hand on her forehead once more, and says, "Sleep my sweet granddaughter.." and her eyes close and she lays back down, a looks of peace on her face.

Random Factor says one quiet word, through gritted teeth. "David."

Silver Spider turns to Random Factor. "You heard what he said. We don't go after him for it. For god's sake, Random. Soma Keicho is an old man. Listen to what he asked for."

Soma walks to Yu who's leaning against the Wall he puts a hand on his shoulder, "Yutaka-kun..do not give up hope. You have come this far,..she is well, and it seems healthy..things could be much worse."

Yutaka's face belies Soma's hopeful words his face ashen, his whole body language screaming confusion, disappointment, and sadness.

Valencia looks similarly glum, but nowhere near to the same degree as Yutaka.

Random Factor says, "No, you don't understand..." Trys to think of a way to put it gently. "David was feeding off Laura since BEFORE she met... any of us. If his... "condition"... obfuscated her free will..."

Silver Spider turns to Yutaka. "Rule one of this business is never quit..." She says. "Hopefully, the amnesia is only temporary. And if it's not...well...if you really love her, and I think that you do...you'll go through all of it a second time." She says. "There's nothing to do now but get some rest. I've been up for hours. Hopefully, in the morning, there will be some change."

TO BE CONCLUDED