Chapter Text
Not every parent deserves a kid, but every kid deserves a parent. Let Ogai Mori and poor Osamu Dazai be an example of this.
Mori is the king of Vita, a land full of mages, wizards, and witches. Vita is filled with citizens with a variety of many abilities. Every one has their own unique powers, but some are stronger than others. Nevertheless, one can strengthen themselves with hard work and dedication. They boast and show-off to eachother with great pride.
Mori takes great pride in his people, thinking they are all great and unique. That is until his son, Osamu Dazai, enters magic school.
“Your majesty, may I speak to you?” teacher asks. “Alone.”
“Oh, of course, Kouyou-sensei.” Mori clears his throat and shuffles Dazai out of the room. “What seems to be the problem? Is Dazai sparking up trouble already?”
Kouyou’s eyes dart to the floor, “No” she pauses. ”It seems that Dazai is lacking in magic. The rest of the teachers and I have decided that it’s best to remove him from magic school, due to not having any.”
Mori’s face went from concern about his son to utter shock and anger. Needing to mask his feelings, a grim smile creeped on his face.
“He ..what?” He asks, tilting his head slightly unsure if he was hearing her right.
“Like I said sir, he doesn’t have any magical abilities.” She says. “However, he seems do be doing well academically.” She tries to change the subject, but it doesn’t work.
Mori stands up and walks to the door. “Unenroll him, now.” He forcefully grabs the door handle, like it’s his only support. “I guess there’s no use keeping him in magic school if he doesn’t have any magic.”
Moments later, Dazai runs up to him, completely unaware of what was just decided. He grabs the hem of Mori’s coat and tugs excitedly.
“Did she say that i did amazing in maths today?” He asks, excitement and pride lacing his young voice.
“No, but i’m proud to hear that.” He says, looking down at his magic-less son. “At least I know you aren’t a total failure.” He adds the last part under his breath.
That night, Mori sat alone in his study, papers scattered across his desk. His thoughts were racing, circling a single, unacceptable truth.
A powerless heir.
A child with no magic could not rule Vita. Could not lead its people. Could not even belong here.
Mori reached for a fresh sheet of paper and began to write.
Dear Fukuzawa,
I know we are not on the best of terms right now, but I ask that you do an old friend a favor. You remember my son, Osamu? Unfortunately, like the rest of your kingdom, he lacks any supernatural ability.
I can hardly fathom calling the boy my son anymore. You know how deeply I value magic in my community. How could a powerless child ever rule Vita?
Would you be willing to do mankind’s greatest favor and take him in—for good—and never tell him or anyone else the truth? He is only five years old. He should forget this place entirely. If he doesn’t, I know people who can erase his memories if necessary.
You have three days to respond. If you fail to do so, I will send him to you regardless.
—Ogai Mori
He folded up the letter and gave it to a castle worker to send it off to Fukuzawa Yukichi, the king of Mortem.
Mori got up from his desk and walked over to his son’s room. He pounded on the door until Dazai, wrapped in a blanket, opened the door cautiously.
“Daddy?” Dazai asks, noticing his father’s stern expression. “What’s wrong?”
Mori grabbed Dazai by the arm and yanked him into the hallway. “Grab a few things, you are going to stay with Oda for a bit. Daddy has some… work he needs to finish.”
“Okay!” Dazai runs into his room and grabs his favorite stuffed toy, a crab. Holding it tight against his body, he grabs his journal and stuffs secret snacks in his pockets. When he returns, Mori leads him away from his room and out of the castle without another word.
“Oda, I’ll be back to get Dazai later tomorrow.” Mori says, shoving Dazai over to Oda and practically running off.
“Huh? Mori wait-“ Oda stammers, but it’s already too late.
He turns his attention to Dazai, “Hey buddy, what’s up?”
Dazai, still in his pajamas, only stares at him sleepily before slumping against his side. Oda sighs and lifts him up, carrying him inside so the cold night air won’t reach him.
“Do you know why your father dropped you off here, Dazai?” He asks, placing him down on the couch. Ango, who is half asleep, perks up realizing that Dazai is there.
Dazai shakes his head and wraps himself in his blanket. He leans against Ango’s body and begins to fall asleep.
“Oda,” Ango whispers, glancing at the clock. “Why is the prince here? And why is Mori dropping him off at—” he squints, “2:36 in the morning?”
“What makes you think I know?” Oda replies quietly. “Mori shoved him at me and ran off. The poor kid doesn’t even know what’s happening.”
By the time morning arrives, Dazai is sitting up on the couch, drawing in his journal.
Oda walks by, cracking open his first beer of the morning, when he stops to talk to Dazai.
“What are you doing?” He asks, looking down at the prince, who seems to be in his own world. He raises his head to look at Oda.
“Drawing.” He says bluntly, looking back down to continue.
“No shit. What are you drawing.” Oda deadpans, taking a swig of his beer.
“My crab stuffie.” He shows Oda his crab. “Also, that’s a naughty word, you can’t say that.”
Ango walks out from the bathroom, yawning as he walks over to the kitchen.
“So, what do you want for breakfast. We should probably feed you so Mori doesn’t get mad.” He glances over to Oda and notices his beer. “Sakunosuke Oda. Why are you drinking beer right now.”
Oda rolls his eyes at Ango and extends the bottle out to Dazai.
“You want a beer?”
“HE’S FIVE? HE CAN’T DRINK BEER.” Ango yells from the kitchen.
“Ango-san, can I have eggs?” Dazai’s young voice asks in a quiet voice.
“Of course.” He says, reaching in the fridge to create breakfast.
A neatly-wrapped letter appears on Mori’s desk the following day.
Dear Mori,
After great consideration, i have decided to agree to your terms. I will take full legal ownership and responsibility to your son, Osamu Dazai.
I will be sure to give him the life you never would have given him, and give him citizenship to Mortem, instead of Vita. Just so you know, you will not be able to see him, and Osamu will be next in line for the Mortem throne.
I will send a carriage out to pick him up by five sharp. He is not required to bring anything, but if he feels like it’s necessary, he can.
— Fukuzawa Yukichi